Dreaming of a holiday as luxe as your Insta feed? It’s not an impossible feat. Whether you’re planning a classic Euro summer vacay, a sun-kissed tropical escape (complete with a private pool and floating brekky), or a snowboarding trip with the squad, these tips will help you save big on things like flights and accommodation, so you can splurge on what’s important.
Be it bucket-list day trips, bougie dinners, or dreamy spa treatments, if you're ready to travel in style these six hacks will help you live the high life, for less.
Travel Savvy With VIP Travel Memberships
Participation in travel membership programs is an age-old hack, and for good reason. One of the most exciting VIP travel programs to hit the market is Luxury Escapes’ LuxPlus+, which promises to save its members hundreds every year.
LuxPlus+ members also receive exclusive offers, bonus inclusions (say hello to room upgrades and hotel credit) and early access to Luxury Escapes' bestselling holidays. It’s one of the best ways to squeeze a little more luxury out of your next holiday.
Plan Your Travel Off-Peak
Travelling off-peak may be the most underrated travel tip of all time. This means avoiding Europe from June to August, not flying the week before (or after) Christmas and steering clear of family-friendly destinations during school holidays.
Not only does low season mean fewer crowds (a win in itself), you can also expect to pay less for hotels, attractions and even dining. While some venues will close during quieter months, most of the world’s most luxe hotels and restaurants are open year round. This is your chance to experience a stay at the likes of Mulia Villas Bali or Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island, without the lofty price tag.
Get Clever With Booking Flights
If you’re savvy, you can save big on flights—whether you’re heading to the Gold Coast for a weekend break or attempting your first long-haul with the family. Avoid booking flights that depart on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays as these are generally more expensive. This extends to school holiday periods (though you can find cheap fares if you’re willing to travel on major holidays like Christmas Day).
For international flights, experts recommend booking at least nine months in advance, while six months is best for domestic trips. If possible, bundle flights with your hotel to save even more, freeing up your budget for more luxury experiences while you’re away.
Book Ultra-Luxurious Experiences Ahead
Image credit: Luxury Escapes COMO Shambhala Estate | Website
By saving on flights and accommodation, you’ll have dollars left over for big-ticket travel experiences (aka, the things you’ll remember long after you get home). You might choose to arrive at your hotel via an exclusive helicopter transfer—perhaps to the exquisite Six Senses Fiji—or reserve a table at your dream Michelin-starred restaurant.
If your trip is all about R&R, why not treat yourself to an ultra-luxurious pampering session at a five-star spa? Hotels like celeb-favourite COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali, Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris and the prestigious Grand Hotel Tremezzo on Lake Como offer some of the world’s finest spa treatments.
Request Airport Lounge Access As A Gift
Maximise every second of your holiday with airport lounge access. Whether you want to elevate your stopover in Dubai International Airport or kick-start the trip before you depart Melbourne, Sydney or Perth, lounge access adds a little luxury and sets the tone for your holiday. It can also soften the blow of returning to reality on the way home.
Enjoy gourmet dining, barista-made coffee and even showers to help you refresh and relax ahead of your flight. Best of all? You can request this travel perk for your next birthday, Christmas or even as a wedding gift.
Book A Huge Villa And Split The Cost
Image credit: Luxury Escapes Spicers Guesthouse | Website
Stretch your travel budget even further by staying together with family or friends. Whether you’re planning a tropical island escape or a rural retreat, splitting the cost of an epic villa will help you save dollars and spend time with your loved ones.
Stay sky-high at Melbourne City Apartments or sip and stay in the heart of wine country with up to seven mates at Spicers Guesthouse in the Hunter Valley, NSW. Further afield, Bali’s The Santai by LifestyleRetreats and Samujana Villas in Koh Samui offer a sunkissed stay for the whole family.
Want to tour Europe in style? The charming Florence Villa 1011 in Tuscany can sleep up to 14, or opt for Parisian luxury at the three-bedroom Boulevard Saint-Germain. With the villa options covered, all you have to do is agree on a destination.
Image credit: Luxury Escapes Jumeirah Maldives | Website
Editor's note: Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, and if you purchase something through the links in this article, we will earn a commission from those partners. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.