ABTA’s latest travel report shows that almost two-thirds of us view holidays as opportunities to escape the stresses of everyday life. If that sounds like you right now, you’d probably rather not settle for uncomfortable transport, sketchy accommodation or skimping on food and activities. But if you want to enjoy some extra luxury, you’ll need to find ways to pay for it.
What’s more, a recent Which? investigation found that the costs of flights, hotels and package holidays in popular destinations have soared since 2022. But thankfully there are still lots of ways that you can make savings while enjoying the kind of holiday you really want.
Below, read practical tips on how to plan and save for the luxury getaway you’re craving!
Build a travel budget
Firstly, assess your current financial situation and where you need to get to. Make a list of all your likely travel expenses including transport, accommodation, food, activities, insurance and clothes, then tot up realistic sums for each category.
Comparing this total to your savings, income and outgoings will help you understand the gap you need to make up. Be prepared to get strict about things like meals out, shopping and events in the meantime if you want to experience true luxury!
Start saving in advance
With your budget in mind, it’s time to make the savings process as easy as possible.
If you don’t have one already, opening a dedicated savings account online will help you keep your travel funds separate while accumulating interest. Compare your options and choose an account that suits the level of access you need.
With a savings account opened, setting up automatic transfers from your everyday account will stop you from forgetting or failing to save. Let technology do the work for you!
Choose the right destination
If you’ve already visited lots of places, you’ll know it’s much more affordable to enjoy luxury in some destinations than others. But there are plenty of cheaper locations that still offer spectacular experiences, such as Portugal, Mexico and Thailand.
Researching the cost of living in different places can help you get a better feel for things. If the destination you’re interested in is a bit more expensive than most, you could always travel there outside of peak periods.
Save on your bookings
Booking travel can be the most stressful part of holiday planning, especially with fluctuating prices and unexpected add-ons. But there are still several ways to save on them while enjoying a superior experience.
Business-class flights provide a decent level of comfort without the price tag of first class. Plush self-catered apartments are usually cheaper than hotels if you’re in a group, while activities usually cost less when you book in advance.
Being flexible with dates, however, can often lead to more savings than anything else – especially if you can avoid weekends or major bank holidays!
Could any of these tips bring your dream luxury holiday closer within reach?
