Luxury Travel Tips

Dreaming of a family luxury vacation? For many of us, the kind of luxury we envision probably isn’t within our reach. Very few of us can afford a private jet that is fully stocked with champagne and caviar, but that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to stay in a Holiday Inn.

There are many different kinds of family luxury vacations, and different levels of luxury, some of which are affordable if you know where to look. Here are some luxury family travel tips that will help you enjoy your vacation and still stay on a budget:

Have Someone Else Deal With Your Bags

Some of the simplest luxuries are the best. If you want to feel a little of what the other half feels when they travel, have someone else deal with your bags.

Many hotels will help you with your luggage. You just have to ask. Stop at the front desk when you check in and ask if someone is available to help you carry your bags up to your room. You’ll get a little extra special treatment from the moment you arrive.

Unfortunately, dealing with your luggage isn’t always so convenient. If you land early or take off late, you can still find someone else to take care of your bags. In New York City and some other large cities around the world, you can find places that will hold your bags for just a few dollars a day. That way, you don’t feel like the quintessential vacationer dragging your bags down the street.

Find the Lowest Price for Your Hotel Room

Next to shopping for cheap airfare, you’ll end up paying the most for your hotel room. If you book a stay at a luxury hotel, you’ll pay even more.

If you have your heart set on a family luxury resort, know that it doesn’t have to be out of your reach. You just have to do a little digging online to find the best price.

A few ways to find the cheapest booking for your hotel include:

• Compare prices on multiple websites.
• Call the hotel directly and negotiate a better rate.
• Book your room at the last minute.
• Consider Airbnb or HomeAway for an affordable alternative to a hotel room.
• Take advantage of affiliations like AAA and AARP for discounts.
• Hire a travel agent.

Stay in a Luxury Hotel That Just Opened or was recently renovated

Shopping around can help you find a luxury hotel that’s more affordable, but that doesn’t mean it’s affordable enough to squeeze into your family budget. Some luxury hotels are out of reach when they’re established, but what about when they’re new?

Brand-new or recently renovated hotels are usually willing to list rooms at deeply discounted prices. Some may even allow you to negotiate your own prices. It’s the best way to get a truly luxurious experience without the luxury price tag.

Related: The Chattanoogan Hotel – Luxury Hotel With Spectacular Views and Convenient to Downtown

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Hotel Upgrades

Hotel upgrades can have a huge impact on how much you enjoy your stay. From extra pillows to complimentary meals in the hotel restaurant, it feels good to be treated like the valuable customer you are.

There are many ways to get an upgrade at a hotel. A few tips that will enable you to get some freebies here and there include things like:

• Check in early and ask if any room upgrades are available.
• Join the hotel’s loyalty program before checking in.
• Mention you write reviews to get some special treatment.
• Ask if there are any upgrades or current specials you can take advantage of.

Travel off the Beaten Path

The only thing more expensive than a luxury hotel is a luxury hotel at a popular destination. Booking a luxury hotel in Rome or Paris is likely to leave your savings in the red. Instead of traveling to popular destinations where hotels can take advantage of the traffic, choose an up-and-coming travel destination instead.

For example, you should skip Barcelona or Madrid and instead try Bilbao, Spain. Avoid emptying your bank account on Fiji or Capri and instead try Vanuatu, which is not far from Australia. 

When you choose a destination that doesn’t have a steady stream of visitors, you’re more likely to find hefty deals on even the most luxurious accommodations.

Just because you don’t have unlimited funds doesn’t mean you can’t have the kind of luxurious vacation you’ve always dreamed of. It may take a little extra time and a little extra attention, but with these tips, you can enjoy the high life while you’re away from home.

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