How to travel in style - on a budget

 

If you love your holidays and don’t want to give them up, but you’re finding yourself a little short on cash, you can still travel in style. Of course, this all depends on the COVID-19 pandemic - but logistics aside, the possibility of luxury travel still exists, despite having to tighten your purse strings. You might have missed your holiday that you planned in 2020 due to the coronavirus crisis - but never fear, your next luxury holiday will be more beautiful and special than ever with these helpful tips. In this blog you will find advice and expert experience on how to travel luxury without busting your bank account!

So without further ado, here is how to travel in style on a budget!

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Research, Research, Research

When it comes to taking a trip, everyone loves to be spontaneous. What could be more fun than hopping on a plane spontaneously for a few days away in the sun? While this lifestyle looks good on Instagram and is popular with influencers, the chances are, your budget will not thank you for it. When you are preparing for a luxury trip, planning and research is essential. This is because the more you know about your destination, the hotels, flights and activities available there, the better chance you have of maximising your budget. 

For reviews, deals and information on thousands of destinations around the world, try TripAdvisor as the ultimate holiday research tool!

Package Deals

If you have always turned up  your nose at package holidays for being too “basic”, think again. Package holidays don’t always have to be a resort full of Brits in the south of Spain with all-you-can-eat buffets and loud music 24/7 - although if that’s your thing, there’s plenty of choice out there! Package holidays are unbelievable money-savers and are now available for all different types of holiday in destinations all over the world. 

If you are searching for a luxury holiday on which you will do a particular sport or go on a guided adventure, package holidays will save you a tonne of money. You can get package deals for scuba diving courses in Thailand, horse riding treks in Mongolia, hiking in Australia or Disneyland in Orlando. Whatever vibe, research package deals to save money on your next holiday. 

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Off Season 

Depending on where in the world you want to go, the high season for tourists will occur at different times of year. For example, Bali’s high season is April to September due to better surfing and weather options, while the off-season there is between October and March. Similarly, travelling to European city destinations like Prague around Christmas or in the height of summer will cost far more than in the off-seasons of January-March or October and November. Plus, when you travel in the off-season, you will encounter fewer tourists and are more likely to have the pick of activities when you arrive!

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Hidden gems

There are certain holiday destinations around the world which have become notorious - a must-go trip. These places have become popular largely due to social media, influencers and amazing reviews and photographs online. Bali, Thailand, the east coast of Australia and the Caribbean are such places. There’s nothing wrong with visiting these places - they are popular for a reason, because they’re absolutely stunning - but there are plenty of hidden gems on this Earth that are still under-explored, and therefore less pricey. Here are a couple of beautiful countries which still have luxury options, but are not as highly Instagrammed as the more famous spots. 

• Laos. Located between Thailand and Vietnam, Laos is a small country with absolutely stunning locations. It is described as being ‘Like Thailand was 20 years ago’ in The Telegraph - meaning it is full of rich, natural beauty, without so many tourists. You can eat beautiful street food, watch monks pray in jungle temples, and hike in stunning caves. You will pay far less for your holiday in Laos than in Thailand or Indonesia, but will still experience an incredible country with the most amazing natural habitats. 

• Estonia. There are many popular city destinations in Europe, but what about the ones that go unnoticed? Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia, is a beautiful, quaint city with a gorgeous cobble-stoned square, local traditions and cuisines, and is situated near to the coast, so you can hit the Baltic beaches too. For only around £100 per night in the highest of luxury hotels, discover Estonia’s rich history, beautiful food and amazing architecture for a fraction of the price of Prague or Paris.

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Fewer trips, more luxury

If you love luxury trips but can’t find a way to budget for them, the solution can be as simple as taking fewer trips. Our social media culture has led us to believe that it’s normal and sustainable to take five or six holidays per year, all at five star resorts with a brand new bikini set each time. This simply isn’t true. If you would rather prioritise luxury over frequency, plan one luxury holiday per year at which you can splash at, live out your wealthy dreams, stay in a five star hotel and eat delicious meals every day. This will help you stay within budget while having an amazing time and spending your money guilt-free. You will appreciate what you have so much more, and put more effort into the planning of this luxury trip.

Conclusion

                      You don’t have to put yourself in debt to travel in style. Debt can cause anxiety and credit issues down the line. If you are struggling with money, visit Buddy Loans for more information. Your next holiday will be more fabulous than ever with these great expert tips on how to travel in style on a budget! You can have it both ways by using this blog to help you save your pennies next time you decide to jet off to somewhere sunny. Enjoy your next trip guilt-free, and appreciate your time away from home even more by replacing quantity with quality. 

I hope you find this post helpful for when you next plan a trip!

Stay safe,