Who says luxury travel has to break the wallet? In this article, I share my secret tips and hacks that top clients have shared with me over the years. These tips will help you travel in the style you love without spending the usual small fortune. From airport lounge hacks and lounge card opportunities to scoring free air travel upgrades, navigating your destination in luxury, and even enjoying lavish accommodations for less. Prepare for a sophisticated journey where luxury and affordability coexist seamlessly.
1. Airport lounge hacks around the world
As we all know, airport lounges provide a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of busy terminals, where food and drink are often free. Here are some ideas to maximize your access to this luxury:
Priority pass
Consider investing in a Priority Pass membership, which gives you access to a network of more than 1,300 lounges worldwide. Explore their different membership plans and choose the one that suits your travel needs and frequency. My own Priority Pass came as a free “perk” with my American Express card, which brings me to my second top tip.
Access to the credit card lounge
Many premium credit cards offer free access to the lounge as an added bonus. Research and apply for credit cards associated with respected lounge programs to enjoy these privileges at no additional cost. One thing to consider when making your choice is whether you normally fly alone or with your family. You must ensure that the program is also suitable for your company.
The day passes
If you’re not a frequent traveler, don’t worry, there’s access for you too. Purchasing airport lounge day passes can provide you with a haven of comfort during long layovers or before your flight.
2. Lounge Card Offers and Discounts
To further enhance your airport lounge experience, several programs and promotions can help you access lounges at discounted rates:
Lounge Buddy
This innovative app allows you to search for airport lounges worldwide and get information on prices, amenities and user reviews. Look for exclusive discounts, special promotions and even free access, which are occasionally available through the app. You can download the app for free and I use the app in combination with my Priority Pass card.
Airline Loyalty Programs
Frequent flyers can use their airline loyalty status to access lounges. As you accumulate miles or level up your loyalty level, gaining elite status often grants you free access to the lounge.
Lounge Memberships
Consider annual memberships offered directly by reputable airport lounge brands such as American Express Centurion Lounge, Delta Sky Club, or United Club. These memberships often offer significant discounts, free visits and access to partner lounges. A super hack is to not bother reading piles of promotional information, but simply call up the credit card and ask specifically what offers they have for lounge access. You will be quickly directed to the correct card type and offer.
3. Free air travel upgrade options
Indeed, it is possible to upgrade your air travel experience without paying full price. Here are some strategies to secure those coveted upgrades:
Travel during off-peak hours
The likelihood of an upgrade increases during off-peak hours when airlines have more seats available in premium cabins. Plan your trips accordingly to increase your chances by avoiding public holidays, school holidays, national holidays, etc. Just Google the country you’re going to along with the phrase “school and national holidays.” Keep in mind that it’s not just about considering where you’re flying from, as your destination may have holiday periods that you haven’t thought of yet.
Join Frequent Flyer Programs
Loyalty pays off! Sign up for frequent flyer programs offered by airlines and fly with them consistently to accumulate points or miles. Higher status levels often increase your chances of getting free upgrades. During these programs, keep an eye out for other offers to double your points, which are often offered as incentives for specific offers.
Dress for success
While not guaranteed, elegant attire can sometimes catch the eye of airline staff, potentially increasing your chances of an upgrade. If you’re on that subject, if you have a specific title or honor, make sure you find ways (normally at the booking stage) to let staff know about your status. For example, if you have a PhD, choose Dr and not Ms., Mrs. or Mr.
Offer for an upgrade
Some airlines offer the option to bid on an upgrade through programs such as ‘Chance-Up’ or ‘Offer Pass’. Pay attention to this or call the airline to ask if this is a possibility. Simply make an offer for an upgrade on specific flights and if accepted, you can enjoy a high-quality experience at a fraction of the cost.
4. Navigate to your destination in luxury
Once you reach your destination, there are several ways to get around and experience luxury without spending a lot of money:
High quality car rental deals
Look for discount codes, memberships or credit card benefits that offer discounted rates or upgrades on luxury car rentals. Companies like Hertz, Avis or Sixt often have promotional offers that allow you to cruise in style. The other point to consider with rental companies is the memberships that allow you to get to the front of the queue, as priority access lines are often available. Do your research with your rental car company and see what they have to offer.
Public transport, upgraded
Some cities offer first-class transportation options, such as first-class rail cars, luxury coach services, or private transfers, allowing you to experience comfort and elegance as you explore the city. Google should help you with your research here.
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Book experiences in advance
By researching and booking activities, excursions or tours in advance, you can often secure exclusive perks such as access to VIP areas, private guides or front-row seats, increasing the luxury quotient of your trip. For example, I recently visited the Colosseum and bought tickets well in advance for 16 euros and had a good choice of visiting times. Those same tickets were sold at the last minute on unofficial ticket sites for up to 80 euros, so it definitely pays to book in advance, but do it well in advance. I always advise my clients to plan their holidays well in advance and book early to get the best choice and price.
5. Living in luxury villas for less money
If you desire a lavish villa experience without the astronomical price tag, consider the following strategies:
Travel outside rush hours
As with air travel, booking villa stays out of peak season can yield significant savings. In addition, mid-season destinations often offer cheaper fares while maintaining favorable weather conditions. Again, the off-peak hours from your home country may very well be a peak period in your destination country (e.g. July 4th in America or Thanksgiving).
Last minute offers
Keep an eye out for last minute villa rental offers. Many property management companies and vacation rental platforms offer significant discounts to fill remaining availability closer to the desired dates.
Share villa
Are you traveling with friends or family? Consider sharing the costs by renting a larger, more luxurious villa together. Splitting the cost can open doors to more luxurious properties while staying within your budget.
Alternative accommodations
Explore villa rental websites, vacation rental platforms and even luxury home exchange networks. These options often provide access to beautiful, well-appointed villas at significantly lower rates compared to traditional luxury hotels.
Traveling in luxury does not have to be unfeasible or unaffordable. By implementing the lesser-known tips and hacks from this blog, you can take your travel experience to the next level while keeping costs under control. From enjoying the comforts of the airport lounge to securing free upgrades, moving in style at your destination and staying in lavish villas for less, reimagine luxury travel as an accessible and affordable endeavor. However, what I’ve found is that all of these ideas are all about research and preparation well in advance, so have fun searching and happy travelling!
Kerrie Potts is CEO of Exclusive Private Villas Limited. Exclusive Private Villas offers exquisite, carefully selected luxury villas around the world.
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