10 Tips to Enjoy Luxury Travel Without Breaking the Bank

I know many of you feel like traveling is expensive. Yes, travel can be pricey, but you can enjoy it for less when you know the right tips to get the best prices. I also know that the cost is one reason a lot of people shy away from traveling. You don’t have to be someone who travels every month, but with the right strategies, you can travel a few times a year and make it an incredible experience, all without breaking the bank.

1. Travel During Shoulder Season

Avoid peak travel times like summer. Instead, opt for shoulder seasons—those in-between periods right before or after high seasons. During this time, you'll find that prices are significantly lower for flights, hotels, and activities. Plus, you get to experience popular destinations without the overwhelming crowds, making your trip even more enjoyable.

I love to travel in shoulder months. For me, it's perfect when there are fewer crowds, and prices are fair. As a travel content creator, it also makes it easier to shoot content without the hassle of too many people in your videos and pictures!

2. Book Flights Early (But Not Too Early)

For the best prices, start looking for flights 3 to 4 months before your trip. Once you know the dates you want to travel, you can set up flight alerts on platforms like Google Flights or Skyscanner. This way, you’ll receive notifications whenever prices rise or drop, allowing you to book at the right moment. I love flight alerts because they notify me via email every time there’s a price change. This has helped me get some great deals and avoid last-minute price spikes.

3. Start Hotel Hunting Early

Once your flights are locked in, begin searching for your ideal hotel. The earlier you start, the better the deals you’ll find. Platforms like Booking.com often offer free cancellation, so you can reserve a room without immediate payment. This gives you flexibility and peace of mind while securing a great rate.

I think once you know the date you want to travel, you can start searching for hotels with free cancellation and book one early. If not, once you’ve booked your flight ahead of time, then you can begin your hotel search.

I remember one time when I decided to book my hotel and flight late. I ended up paying more for my flight, and then the hotels I wanted weren’t available. Instead of booking them with free cancellation, I saved them, thinking they’d wait for me, but they didn’t. I ended up paying more for a different hotel I didn’t like, and that really broke my heart 😀.

4. Consider Alternative Luxury Stays

Luxury doesn’t always mean 5-star hotels. Look for boutique hotels, luxury B&Bs, or even high-end vacation rentals. These often provide unique experiences, personalised services, and, in many cases, more privacy than larger hotels.

Also, being a loyalty member with certain hotel chains like Melia can get you great prices. One time, I wanted to book a Melia hotel on Booking.com at the regular price, but when I went directly to their website and booked with my loyalty rewards, the price dropped by almost 100€. Booking directly through hotel websites can sometimes be cheaper, especially when it includes free cancellation.

5. Leverage Airline Miles and Travel Platforms

If you don’t have access to credit card points, don’t worry. You can still rack up rewards by flying with airlines that offer frequent flyer programs. I realised how easy it was to transfer my points from Revolut to my Iberia points account. Additionally, using Revolut during my travels helps me accumulate points and turn them into Avios points. Airlines like Iberia, Lufthansa, and Air France allow you to save up miles with each trip. Over time, these miles can lead to free flights, upgrades, or exclusive offers.

6. Look for Last-Minute Luxury Deals

While early booking is important, sometimes waiting for last-minute deals can pay off. Luxury hotels or resorts sometimes drop their prices last minute to fill up remaining rooms. Sign up for newsletters from luxury travel deal sites or use apps like HotelTonight for discounted same-day bookings.

7. Bundle Your Trip for Discounts

Consider bundling your flight, hotel, and car rental together through travel agencies like Expedia or Kayak. This can often lead to substantial discounts compared to booking everything separately. You’ll also simplify the planning process by handling multiple bookings at once.

8. Plan Experiences in Advance

For those looking for a truly luxurious experience, planning your activities in advance can make a big difference. Pre-booking things like spa treatments, private tours, or dining at Michelin-starred restaurants ensures you have a spot, and you may even get early bird discounts. One time, I decided to leave a travel experience for the last minute but ended up missing it because it was fully booked. The only available date was the day I was leaving the city, and I couldn’t fit it in. That experience taught me that while some things can be left for last minute, others can’t.

9. Pack Smart and Light

If you want to enjoy luxury without additional costs, try to pack light. Many airlines charge for checked luggage, and traveling with just a carry-on can save both time and money. With fewer items, you’ll also find it easier to move around, leaving room to bring back souvenirs from your trip.

When traveling solo, I love to travel light, but when I travel with the kids, I carry more luggage. I don’t like waiting at the luggage belt; I prefer to come out of the plane and head straight out. For shorter trips, like a 2-night stay, I just opt for a backpack. For longer stays, I carry a backpack and a 10kg suitcase. Depending on the airline, if I’m going for 2 nights during spring or autumn when I don’t need to pack much, and the airline doesn’t offer free 8 or 10kg bags, I just use my backpack. If I’m going for a longer stay, I take my backpack and 10kg suitcase. Sometimes, you’ll find that the airline allows you to take both a backpack and a 10kg suitcase as part of your free luggage allowance. Some airlines offer free 10kg luggage, but airlines like Ryanair require you to pay for it.

10. Be Flexible with Your Destination

Most times when I travel, I always have a destination in mind. I usually have a few destinations I want to visit, but sometimes being flexible and switching up those destinations can save me a lot. With Google, you can use the “Explore Destinations” feature, which shows you great deals. I check it all the time, and once I find a destination from my bucket list at a good price, I go for it. Even better, Google shows you flight deals up to six months ahead, so you can plan your trip with ease.

Luxury travel doesn’t have to be out of reach. With a little planning, flexibility, and resourcefulness, you can enjoy a premium experience at a fraction of the cost. Be sure to check out my posts on [how to plan a budget-friendly vacation] and [top destinations to visit during shoulder season] to help you plan your next affordable luxury getaway!

You can also check out my post on [Things I Look Out for Before Booking a Hotel] to make sure your next stay checks all the boxes for comfort, style, and convenience.

FAQ Section

Q: How far in advance should I book for the best hotel deals?

A: Ideally, you should start looking 3 to 4 months ahead to secure the best rates, especially for luxury hotels.

Q: Can I really find last-minute luxury deals?

A: Yes, some luxury hotels drop their prices last minute to fill remaining rooms. Apps like HotelTonight can help you snag a great deal.

Q: What’s the best time to travel during shoulder season?

A: Shoulder seasons are usually just before or after peak travel times, like late spring or early fall. You’ll get lower prices and fewer crowds.

Ready to start planning your next luxurious yet affordable vacation? Bookmark this post and subscribe to my newsletter for more travel tips and exclusive deals!

Top Travel Resources for Europe

• Trip.com: Find your ideal accommodation, from budget-friendly stays to luxury hotels, with great deals and flexible booking options.

• Viator: Discover Europe’s top attractions and curated experiences, perfect for history buffs, adventurers, and culture enthusiasts.

• GetYourGuide: Book unique tours and activities, skip lines at major sights, and explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.

• GetRentCars.com: Rent reliable cars and explore Europe at your own pace, discovering hidden gems and scenic routes.

• GetTransfer.com: Book convenient transfers and long-distance rides, ensuring smooth transportation throughout your journey.