While Gen Z travellers want adventure, millennials on the other hand would rather comfort and luxury, with 83% of millennials saying they prefer all-inclusive and other worry-free vacations. Additionally, 70% confirmed that they stayed in a hotel on their last trip.
Many think that luxury travel is unattainable and only for the rich, but this is not necessarily true. Go2Africa experts reveal their 6 hacks for people on a budget who still wish to indulge in some luxury travel.
Being able to afford luxury travel and experiences may in fact be down to what, where and how you choose to spend your money. Go2Africa travel experts suggest ways in which you can make your money stretch further – from travelling off-season, alternating accommodations, selecting the right destinations, and travelling as a group.
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Travel in off season
If you can be flexible, travelling in off season can be a great way to get more for your money and indulge in a little luxury. Europe for example can reach high temperatures during summer, and many people will choose this time to escape on their summer holidays, making luxury travel extortionately expensive. However, if you wait until peak season is over, Europe can be beautiful around the months of September, October, and November, with the added bonus of more relaxed temperatures and less crowds of tourists. Therefore, jetting off around Europe after prime summer time can be the perfect opportunity for some luxury travel – from cheaper flights, hotels and restaurants!
However, if you are hoping for a warmer destination, off-season travel can also work. While Europe is in full holiday swing during our summer months of July and August, places like the Caribbean, where it isn’t summer, still have pleasant temperatures and prices that are shockingly low. For example, an all-inclusive package in say, the Dominican Republic in July, can be cheaper than renting a lakeside cottage near your home, even with airfare involved.
Plan a variety of accommodation (Mix & Match)
If you are travelling on a budget and still want to experience some luxury, a great tip is to mix and match your accommodation. Instead of spending ten days in a 5-star hotel with less to spend on activities, try 2-3 nights in a hotel and perhaps allocate the remaining days for something more affordable, like a vacation rental. The difference could seriously help stretch your travel budget, with most vacation rentals averaging much cheaper prices per night than luxury hotels.
Another option to vary your accommodation is to rent a villa. These can be significantly cheaper if you choose a villa slightly outside of the urban setting. Additionally, in some luxury villa’s, it’s worth bearing in mind that some are divided into apartments, allowing you to still indulge in the luxury without paying for the whole property. Yes, you may have to share the pool, but it’s a small price to pay if it permits you to experience some luxury travel.
Choose countries where your currency buys a lot
A smart way to experience luxury travel is to choose a country where your money stretches. Go2Africa travel experts recommend travelling to destinations where your currency buys a lot, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, and South Africa. While you may have to compromise on luxury for your long-haul flights which tend to be pricy, once you touch down you are able to compensate with total luxury. From spa experiences, to stunning hotels with infinity pools, amazing beach clubs, and eating out three times a day, those long haul flights are totally worth it.
If you are aiming for Europe on the other hand, you tend to get more for your money in eastern Europe than western Europe. Think Prague instead of Paris, Budapest instead of Berlin.
Choose less popular destinations
It may sound like stating the obvious, but something as simple as selecting destinations that aren’t as popular or touristy will make your money stretch further. These less well-known destinations will be the places that offer cheaper 5-star hotels than say, booking a luxury hotel in a capital city in Europe for example. Additionally, flights to these less sought after destinations will mean cheaper flights as well. So, make sure to do your research and seek out the hidden gems that most people don’t know about in order to upgrade your holiday from budget to luxury focused.
This can also work vice versa. Sometimes, you may want to opt for a 5-star destination over a 5-star hotel. It’s all about prioritizing which areas of your holiday you want to make luxurious.
Reduce the duration, not the quality
If you’re on a budget but still want to get a taste of that luxury lifestyle then a long weekend getaway may be the way to achieve this. Go2Africa affirm that the length of your stay, is nowhere near as important as the quality of your stay. Take a few days where you can indulge in the finer things in life, rather than having a low-quality experience for longer. Urban areas are great for these types of mini vacations, with a large range of 5-star hotels and experiences to choose from.
Travel in a group!
If you have the option to travel with a group, it can be a great way to save money whilst not having to compromise as much on luxury experiences. Everything from activities, transport and accommodation can be split between the group members. For example, a group of 6 friends could rent out a large, beautiful villa with a pool in a stunningly beautiful area in the south of France that a solo traveller would never be able to afford on their own. It gives you a greater selection of destinations as well as accommodations due to the total cost of the groups budget being much higher than that of one individual.
In contrast, if you choose to holiday in an urban area, a taxi to get from place to place is an affordable option due to splitting the fare between the group rather than having to travel around using public transport. Travelling as a group can provide you with a greater level of comfort on your holiday, a key component of what makes up luxury travel. Plus, the added bonus of making the memories with your friends is the icing on the cake!
