Part 1 of this series explained the importance of balancing luxury with cost. You want to be able to kick back and enjoy a wonderful vacation while not having to worry about your bank account. Part 2 (this post) will provide you with some concrete suggestions of pulling that off.

 

Flexible Dates, Off Peak Times and Definitely Not Holidays

Flight cost will fluctuate. But one thing that is guaranteed is peak times and holidays are a fortune. I am not suggesting you need to visit Alaska in February, but I guarantee you September is much cheaper than July. Europe is always packed and expensive in the summer, so we like to go the week of labor day, less kids too and still warm!

Flights are More Important than the Destination.

Matt and I are already brainstorming big vacation ideas for our 10^th wedding anniversary July 2024. Thailand, Vietnam, Santorini, Maldives, Bora Bora, etc. have all come up. However the reality is we will likely decide based on flight cost as we will not be sitting in Economy. I am sure the water in Santorini is nice, I am sure the sea off of Thailand is lovely, I am sure the ocean off Bora Bora is stunning. You know what is tragic though? Traveling to any of those places in Economy (extra tragic if there is a baby nearby!). We will see what the costs are and decide on the destination off of flight cost. Besides, saving money on flights pays for a nicer hotel in one of those places 😊.

DIY Activities

You do not need to go on a Globus tour to see Italy, France or truthfully most places. You are spending so much additional money on activities and mediocre meals for no reason. Pick a country, do some googling and find activities and much better restaurants yourself. You do not need a tour guide telling you everything about everything, do you really care? Take a picture of the name of the building and google it.

Hurricane Season is Your Friend

Pay a little more for refundable tickets or book an airline you would fly again (so a travel credit is fine) and check out Cancun, the Caribbean or South Florida in the fall. Prices are dramatically cheaper and less people (including children)!

You Can Fly into a Different City

I live in Southern Maine which means I have about 4-5 airports within two hours of me. If it is dramatically cheaper to drive a little (and use the savings to fly business), why not?

Instead of X Go To Y

Paris/London/San Francisco/Singapore are all very expensive. Barcelona/Lisbon/Portland, OR/Bangkok are quite cheaper alternatives. But Paris has the Louvre! Yes, and can you name one other painting or work of art at the Louvre besides Lisa? Do you frequent museums in your lackluster suburban hometown? Did you know every city has museums? Be open minded and save some money while seeing something wonderful.

Quality over Quantity

Prior to Covid, Matt and I traveled pretty frequently. Since then, we have had a much harder time leaving the babies. We also love Maine and don’t need to leave as often as Houston or Garbage (Florida). By limiting ourselves to 1-2 vacations a year, we can increase the budget instead of 3-4 medium trips.

4 Star Hotels Are Your Friends

While I do love a 5 star, did you know not all 5 star hotels are created equal? Some are fine and check the boxes, but are missing that extra oomph. There are many examples of 4 star hotels being nicer (with better service) than 5. A lot of times it is because the 4 star is a boutique hotel with less services (so it can’t be a 5, remember star ratings are largely about amenities offered) but usually fantastic service. A prime example of this is in Rio. We almost stayed at the 5 star JW Marriott last time, but I compared the price there with the Porto Bay two doors down and the Porto Bay offered free breakfast, wine at check in, and every room includes a balcony offering Copacabana views. JW does not offer breakfast or free wine (unless you have Marriott status) and none of the rooms have a balcony. But they have a spa! Yes, and you should stay at the Porto Bay and have free wine with views and walk over (2 doors down) and get a spa treatment at the JW!

Recap

These are just some of the tips we try to follow to book a beautiful vacation without going bankrupt. Remember we aren’t aiming for a cheap vacation either as we do love our luxuries, but we want to be conscious and have plenty of spending money while we are away. I don’t want to have to worry about anything on vacation so I need something nice and business class, but I also don’t want to return home financially stressed and have regrets over traveling. Do you have any additional tips?

 

Bon Voyage,

Andrew