It’s easy to get carried away when planning your vacation, from luxurious resorts and five-star restaurants to once-in-a-lifetime tours in places you’ve only dreamed of. If you’ve ever wondered where you should splurge and where you should save, this is for you. Invest wisely in travel when planning your next big adventure.
Upgrading to Business / First Class
Maybe you’ve always wanted to be on the other side of the curtain aboard your plane, and you think now is your chance. While it is tempting, paying thousands more for a business class seat can drastically eat into your overall travel budget. An option that straddles the line between splurging and saving (although leans heavily towards a splurge) is checking last minute at the gate if there are any seats available in business class at the time of departure. If there are empty seats, some airlines will sell them off for less than what they sell them for online – although it can still end up being a hefty sum. Instead of stretching your budget to reserve business class, consider asking your travel advisor to book you bulkhead seats with extra legroom, or in the premium economy section.
Verdict: Save
Direct Flights
Unless you enjoy layovers and transfers and sitting on tarmacs for any length of time, splurge for the direct flights. A splurge can almost always be seen as worth it if it significantly reduces your hassle while traveling, or if it gives you back your time.
Verdict: Splurge
Travel Insurance
Since COVID19, we’ve all heard horror stories of non-refundable trips gone wrong. Never before has travel insurance been so important, with rules and regulations changing rapidly from country to country.
Verdict: Splurge
High-End (read: overpriced) Souvenirs
It can be tempting to want to pick up beautiful ceramics, local pieces of art, or even tasty treats from your favorite destinations. But think again. The run-of-the-mill tourist shops that feature these goods get them in bulk from a fraction of what they’re selling them to you for, without any real story behind them. Visit a local market for artisan-made goods, and snag local delicacies at-where else? The local grocery store! While the treats won’t be as delicately packaged, they’ll be extra authentic, after all – they’re what the locals eat!
Verdict: Save
Hotel
This is a tough one to call, and ultimately really comes down to your travel style. For some, a vacation includes 1,000 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets and prompt room service, while others simply want a place to rest their head after a day of explorations and adventure. Ultimately what matters most is location, location, location. Wherever you choose, make sure it’s accessible to attractions you’d like to visit and activities you’d like to partake in.
Verdict: It’s a Tie
Bucket-List Experiences
I’m talking about the stuff travel dreams are made of. A hot air balloon ride at sunset in Cappadocia, a private driver on the Amalfi Coast, and a private safari experience in Kenya. Whatever is on your dream list, if your budget can allow it – definitely make it happen. Life is short, you’ll never regret a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.
Verdict: Splurge.
Whether you’re splurging or saving, I’d love to help make your travel dreams come true, and help you invest wisely in travel! Get in touch with me here.
Travel Advisors Cost More Money… And Other Lies – Debunked Below
Some people still sadly associate using a travel advisor with paying more money, when in actual fact – it’s quite the opposite. From getting you the best seats on the plane to working behind the scenes to ensure your vacation goes off without a hitch – after using a great travel advisor once I personally guarantee you’ll be hooked! Read on to see how a travel advisor can save you money.
Time & Money
Ask yourself, how much is your time worth? Expedia’s research indicates the average American spends 22.95 hours booking a trip in the 6 weeks before departure. That’s one hour a night for nearly three weeks or nearly three entire workdays. Is this time you can afford to lose?
Travel advisors often have access to wholesale rates and exclusive deals that the general public does not. As such, they can pass these savings on to you – their client. Travel advisors may charge a fee for the trip planning process – remember those 22.95 hours I referenced in the paragraph above? They’re working, researching, and customizing the perfect journey for you, and some charge fees for this type of work.
Planning travel has never been more complicated than in 2021 and beyond. From quarantine restrictions to PCR testing, an expert agent will save you countless hours in research and logistics alone – that’s worth its weight in gold.
Hassles
Booking with a third-party site may feel like the obvious choice, but websites like Expedia can’t connect the dots. Sure, you could book a few nights at a hotel, but can you arrange the car service, the late-night check-in, and the adjoining rooms next door to each other? Travel advisors take the hassle out of the trip planning process and can make it fun again.
By now we’ve probably all heard horror stories of trips booked immediately before Covid, and cancellations or refunds that went awry. When you book with a travel advisor and (for whatever reason) you’re unable to go on your trip – you don’t have to lift a finger. It won’t be you waiting on hold with the airline, or trying to argue about a credit vs a refund. Your travel advisor has your back and is looking out for your best interests every step of the way. That includes when things go sideways.
Check into your hotel and your room is not to your liking? Your travel advisor often has special relationships with hotels. They can (hopefully) rectify the situation seamlessly, without you having to get on the phone and ask for the manager. Look for a travel advisor that has relevant industry certifications so your experience will be smooth.
Upgrades & Connections
Everyone loves a good upgrade. From complimentary breakfast to room upgrades, most travel advisors can score their clients great perks when they book with them. In addition, travel advisors are well connected. A travel advisor’s job is to be the expert. This means traveling to countless destinations, and building relationships with hoteliers, tour operators, and even restauranteurs. Don’t discount their ability to score you that hard-to-book seat at a new restaurant. Surprise you with an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience while on a tour.
Whether you’ve hit the jackpot, have spent years saving for the trip of a lifetime, or simply have a generous annual travel budget, you won’t want to miss these luxury vacations to add to your bucket list for a trip you’ll never forget.
Planning luxury vacations often involves exploring stunning destinations and lavish accommodations. One exciting option to consider is investing in Canada real estate. With its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and upscale properties, owning a piece of Canada real estate not only provides a beautiful retreat but also serves as a wise investment. Canada’s real estate market is as diverse as its vast landscapes, offering a range of properties to suit various preferences and lifestyles. If you’re planning to invest in Canada’s real estate properties, contact a conveyancing solicitor to help you make a decision. Among the sought-after locations, waterfront cottages for sale in Beaverton, Ontario, stand out for their serene settings and picturesque views. Nestled along the shores of Lake Simcoe, Beaverton’s cottages provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, attracting both vacationers and those looking for a permanent retreat. The local real estate market in Beaverton reflects a growing interest in these waterfront properties, as buyers seek the tranquility and recreational opportunities that come with lakeside living. With a mix of charming, rustic cottages and modern, luxurious homes, there’s something for everyone in this idyllic Ontario community. For those interested in investing in real estate property, contact an estate agents in Docklands for assistance. You may also check out oceanfront condos for sale Myrtle Beach SC here if you’re looking for some real estate properties.
Yachting in the Med
One of the best ways to explore Europe is by boat, but if you’d rather have your own captain and crew instead of sharing staff (and amenities) on a large vessel – then a Mediterranean yacht charter could be for you.
These luxurious floating hotels offer five-star service paired with jaw-dropping scenic views. Drop anchor along scenic coastlines and go for a dip, enjoy a gourmet picnic set among a crumbling fortress, or relax on your sundeck with a drink in hand. While each boat differs, most come equipped with gyms, hot tubs, dining rooms, and beautiful master suites. Water-sport enthusiasts will rejoice over the ample options for frolicking in the Med, from enormous waterslides to jet skis and overwater trampolines.
Mediterranean yacht charters generally run from April to October, and one of the best times to visit the Med is in September when the crowds die down, the kids go back to school, and the weather is still warm (sometimes hot, depending on where you are).
Renting a Private Island
It doesn’t get much more luxurious than a private island, and if you’re looking for the ultimate in privacy, luxury, and discretion – a private island is for you. Options abound, from thatched-roof cottages set amongst the trees in Canada’s Pacific Northwest to luxurious and sprawling villas in tropical climates.
One of the best destinations for private island rentals in the Caribbean, home to the famous Necker Island (owned by Virgin founder and business mogul Richard Branson). Located in the British Virgin Islands, this 74-acre paradise can accommodate up to 54 guests comfortably. With multiple properties scattered throughout the island, guests can opt to rent a room, villa, or the entire island.
Another Caribbean island available for rent is Musha Cay, located in the southern Bahamas Exuma Chain. Available for one party at a time, visitors have exclusive access to Musha Cay and its wealth of amenities for the duration of their stay. 150 acres of powder-soft beaches. With a fleet of outdoor water toys and elegant accommodations, visitors to Musha Cay receive the finest five-star treatment. With 30 staff members to a maximum of 24 guests, vacationers here will want for nothing. If you like it well enough, you may even start to look into Buying A House In The Bahamas. There are plenty of options, and living in a lovely place makes everyday enjoyable.
A Cozy Winter Villa
Imagine curling up in front of a roaring fire. Getting snug under a blanket as the snow silently falls outside. Warm-up in an outdoor jacuzzi as you’re delivered a flute of champagne. These are part and parcel when renting a mountain villa or luxury chalet.
While not all come fully staffed, it’s an easy adjustment to include a chef, butler, daily housekeeper, and even a yoga instructor!
If you’re a ski or snowboard buff, staying at a villa in Whistler, British Columbia is an easy decision. The Belmont Estate in Whistler’s exclusive Stonebridge enclave rests on 7 acres of wilderness and can accommodate groups of up to 14. The helipad allows for a discreet arrival and departure. Your private driver is available to whisk you away to the lifts each day.
An Alaskan Wilderness Lodge
Have you always wanted to explore the Last Frontier, but in style? No two Alaskan wilderness lodges are alike. There are a select few that provide elegant luxury in rugged Alaskan surroundings. The crème de la crème, Sheldon Chalet, combines jaw-dropping views with gourmet dining, and fly-in-only access. It doesn’t get more luxurious (or remote) than this!
Sheldon Chalet is a five-star lodge resting on a nunatak in the Don Sheldon Amphitheater of Denali’s magnificent Ruth Glacier. Days spent at the chalet are yours to explore, and activities include snow cavern spelunking, sledding, rappelling, or crevasse exploration. Nights usher in magnificent light shows, as you watch the Aurora Borealis dance across the sky. Dining at Sheldon Chalet is top-notch. Complete with a celebrity chef who has been selected to cook for the likes of Barak Obama and Neil Young.
An African Safari
With countless luxury resorts and safari experiences to choose from across Africa, it may seem impossible to narrow it down! If you must pick just one, venture deep into the heart of Kenya.
Nestled on the edge of the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is Angama Mara, overlooking the Great Rift Valley. This owner-run safari lodge offers two intimate camps with only fifteen luxurious tented suites each. Set as the location for the Oscar-award-winning movie Out of Africa, the romance of this resort and the region itself is undeniable. Complemented by the lodge, is the Angama Safari Camp. An exclusive-use mobile tented campsite located deep in the Mara triangle. Here you can spot lions, cheetahs, leopards, large elephant herds, and buffalo. Therefore, perfectly positioned for a front-row seat to the annual migration.
While I’ve only mentioned five luxury vacations to add to your bucket list, others across the globe are not to be missed! If you’d like support in planning your next luxurious getaway, don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
