Travel is life. At least it is for me.
We travel a few times a year and are pretty restless if we don’t get out, even if just for a long weekend. We save a lot through using tips like these. Since we always bring the kids (still waiting for that first adults only trip!), we have to consider airfare for at least 4 people and larger accommodations.
Our kids have experienced a mix of boutique hotels, private homes, and luxury hotels. We want to be comfortable, but don’t want to spoil them too much when we travel. I shared how to get business class upgrades here. But once in a while I also want to stay in some amazing places. Sometimes it really is nice to come back to a beautiful, spacious, and comfortable space when you’re traveling. I wanted to share some of my tips for how to take a luxury vacation without spending a fortune.
How to take a luxury vacation without spending a fortune
1. Use luxury travel websites
Is there somewhere you always wanted to visit? Do your research in the area and narrow down some hotels where you’d like to stay. I like looking at limited time deal sites and travel inspiration to get an idea of the types of properties out there and on sale. You can also check out agencies that specialize in luxury travel. Luxury Escapes has a great mix of hotels, many complete with breakfast and perhaps a spa treatment or other activity. Higher end credit cards have exclusive travel deals for members. Check out American Express Travel or Ultimate Rewards for Chase.
2. Directly ask for upgrades
If you’re staying at a chain hotel, always try to get an upgrade. There are high chances that you’ll receive a better room if you have elite status with the hotel chain. But I’ve even gotten a two category upgrade at a hotel where I didn’t have any status by emailing the hotel management and informing them of a birthday in our group. Just ask, the worst they could say is no right? If you travel during a special occasion, a hotel will almost always at least send you a treat.
3. Tag along for upgrades or room certificates
Sometimes the best way to get a really great room is to buy a basic room and upgrade it. Hotel chains will usually guarantee some type of upgrade to elite members. Do you know any? If so, travel with that buddy and add yourself as an additional guest; the room will get upgraded regardless. Some hotel chains also give out room certificate upgrades – find these on websites like Dan’s deals or Flyer talk.
4. Save up those points
My favorite way to get amazing accommodations is to save up points towards them. I may use a general points program, like the Ultimate Rewards points from Chase. Then I will search their site and redeem for some great hotels (we did this in Vietnam and asked the hotel for a free upgrade!)
Or I will accumulate points directly with a hotel chain. E.g. I stayed at many hotels in the Hilton family while traveling for a previous job. Then I got a Hilton American Express Aspire card which has a 150,000 point account opening bonus (enough for a free night in a premium property), free weekend night, and $250 resort credit among other benefits. While the card is expensive at $450, it pays for itself easily with any 2 of the 3 benefits I just listed. I am planning a luxurious vacation in the Maldives mostly paid for with points. The Hilton American Express Aspire card came with diamond status – the highest tier elite status which allows me to get the 5th night free for a 5 night stay. So I’m getting the following benefits:
- $250 resort credit
- 5th night free (with 5 night stays) – 120,000 point value or ~$600
- upgrade to a higher category villa (easily >$1,200 value)
The value of the vacation is >$9,000 and I’ll only be paying for meals and activities (after the $250 resort credit!)
In other cases, some properties in a hotel group are really good values for the points required to redeem a stay. E.g. Alila hotels is a group of boutique luxury hotels that can be redeemed with Hyatt points. They are high end and definitely a good use of points. I compare the points value (google the value for specific chains) to a paid stay and then decide.
5. Be flexible and follow low season
If you’re flexible with your timing, you can definitely get amazing deals at amazing properties. I’m planning on visiting that luxury resort I mentioned above during the end of low season. Hunt for various times throughout the year for the “saver” or “standard” reward if you’re redeeming points.
This will almost certainly guarantee me fewer crowds and an upgrade. I’ve also adjusted my dates so that I could catch lower airfare or a better redemption rate for points. You will definitely save money if you can afford to wait.
wow this place looks beautiful!!
Jadieegosh
These are such great tips! We always mention that it’s our anniversary when staying at hotels, and while we haven’t gotten free upgrades yet, we often get rooms with nice views and/or champagne and dessert!
☆ Geeky Posh
Oh yes, even getting champagne and dessert is a nice touch right?
Thanks for sharing these tips. We’ve been meaning to switch to a credit crad that offers travel rewards so that we can earn points but the rewards on our current card have been pretty good so that has held us back form doing so. American Express Travel is a great resource. I have used it before and scored some good deals.
Yes I’m happy with the Chase Sapphire and American Express Aspire so I don’t know many other cards!
these are brilliant pictures and tips!! love travelling too 🙂
love travelling, these pictures are gorgeous!! great tips x