According to the World Bank, there are more people traveling internationally now than ever before in human history. And the more cultures intersect, the higher the expectations get for service and standards.

But just because you long for a luxury experience, does not mean that you have to shell out every dollar in your bank account. There are many ways to plan a trip that inspires and astounds. Read on for tips to get started and to learn how to make the most of your cheap luxury vacation.

Book Through a Luxury Travel Provider

While there are many businesses out there that claim they can take your vacation to the next level, booking through a luxury travel provider like Finelli & Shaw is the only way to ensure your luxury vacation is everything you’re imagining.

By booking with an actual travel agency, you will have a point of contact if anything goes wrong when you arrive at your accommodations. You will also have someone to talk to before your trip so that you can discuss any special needs you have and how that will impact your trip.

Whether you are proposing or just having a casual lunch, a luxury travel provider will also help you choose destinations for eating and entertainment on your excursions so that you can make the most of every moment. And if you are especially careful about the travel agency you choose to work with, you may be able to receive insider deals and discounts.

Make Sure You’re Spending Where You Want To

In 2018, advertising for travel has changed. Instead of advertising vacation packages with paid models, many businesses are choosing to entertain social media influencers instead.

Along with their stay, these influencers are given the opportunity to sample spa packages, check out the entertainment in the area, and give their opinion on everything from the local cuisine to the intensity of the sunset.

But just because some social media influencers says something is the right thing to do, doesn’t mean that it’s what you will enjoy most. The beautiful thing about being human is that we all have unique interests and trying to follow someone else’s lead to have fun will always lead you towards spending more money.

Instead of participating in activities as advertised, take time to think about where you want your money to go. If you truly love food and beverages, then indulge in those moments without worrying about whether someone else felt the cuisine was worth what they paid for it.

Bring Along Beverages

While it might seem counter to a luxury experience, bringing along comfort items for yourself can save you a lot of money on an excursion. 

If you plan on picnicking somewhere or visiting a restaurant with a BYOB policy, then consider taking advantage. While it may seem like a hassle to have to find a cooler for your beverages and to haul them all the way out to your destination, the money you save could allow you to eat a more luxurious dinner or attend a show that you would have otherwise missed.

Book Your Hotel Cheap

Spending on luxury accommodations makes sense in some locations where you will be spending a lot of time indoors. But for most vacations, your hotel is just a place to rest your head at night.

Instead of investing a large portion of your vacation budget into your hotel stay, consider finding a cheaper option. While you may not have the same high-quality sheets and soaps, the money you save could be the difference between you spending another day or two in town or you having to pack up and leave.

If it is really important to you to have luxury accommodations, consider splitting your trip between two hotels to offset the cost. That way, while you are checked into the cheaper hotel you can spend the majority of your time exploring. While when you are checked into the more expensive hotel, you can take the time to relax and enjoy the amenities.

Check Out Last Minute Luxury Travel Deals

While booking through a luxury travel company is nice, if you are trying to save money and are trying to travel soon, then you should search the internet for other deals. 

Consider looking for savings opportunities through your company or credit card company. They often have discounts coordinated with travel providers. 

Splurge On Experiences

Many people try to buy nice things so that they can show them off to one another. But others choose to spend their money on experiences instead. 

Experiences are what life is made of and your luxury vacation should be one for the record books. Instead of splurging to wear a perfectly coordinated ski suit the next time you are on the mountain, consider adding another day or two of lift tickets to your package instead.

While you may not have the same Instagram-worthy photographs as you would have if you were wearing designer gear if you truly want to enjoy your vacation than the exchange will be worth every penny.

Stay Away From Mainstream Tourism

When you visit a place there are two ways to do it – like a local and like a tourist. If you are trying to enjoy your luxury vacation without spending every penny in your pocketbook, then you need to avoid any tourist traps and hunt for the experiences that have true value.

Try to explore the countryside and talk to the locals about the best things to do and see. If everyone still directs you towards the tourist traps, then you know they are worth the hassle and expense. But if you tell a local you are looking for an experience and they point you somewhere off the map, then that’s the first place you should have.

After all, are you paying to have a vacation, or are you paying to have the same vacation as everyone else’?

Plan Far in Advance for Cheap Luxury

While it’s nice to be able to book a luxury vacation next week. if you are trying to save money, then it’s super important for you to book things in advance.

For the most savings, try to plan your entire vacation as much as a year in advance. That way you will be able to consider what dates are in season and when things are less expensive and plan accordingly.

Travel in the Off Season

Most people travel all at the same time. They want to get out of town for Spring or Winter break. That causes all of the expenses for traveling during those weeks to be much higher. 

But if you can travel when everyone else will be home, then you will be able to stay at the same hotels for around half of the cost. Traveling in the offseason also gives you the opportunity to explore and see an area in a different way.

For example, many people travel to Colorado in the winter to go skiing. But Veil and the resorts in the surrounding area actually have some of the best summertime weather and activities in the country. 

Instead of flocking to Veil at the same time of year as every other family. visit with your family in the offseason and make the most of your experience.

Consider an Air BnB

Air BnB is growing every year as more people realize they can make a little bit of spare cash from renting out one of the bedrooms in their home that they aren’t using. But no matter how much Air Bnb spreads, many people are still hesitant to take advantage of a rental.

If you are looking for a way to travel luxuriously without draining your bank account than an Air Bnb can be a great option for you. Air Bnbs are in all of the same great vacation locations as private condos. The only difference is that they are available at a much lower rate and are easier to find.

If you decide to check out an Air Bnb, just make sure that you book it in advance and do some research on your host. Staying in someone’s home takes a little bit of adjustment and you won’t have all of the same amenities as a hotel. But if you’re prepared, then it can be a great experience.

More Ways to Make Your Dreams a Reality

Now that you have learned how to make your cheap luxury dreams a reality, it’s time to book the vacation of a lifetime.

For more helpful articles and to make the most of all of your celebrations and parties, check out our other guides today.