When it comes to travel, many of us dream of indulging in luxurious experiences but are held back by the high price tags. However, there are ways to enjoy the best of both worlds – affordable luxury travel. In this blog, we will share our top recommendations for experiencing luxury without breaking the bank.
Stay in Chic Boutique Hotels
Boutique hotels offer a unique and personalized experience that larger chain hotels cannot match. They are often located in prime locations, are designed with attention to detail, and provide excellent service. However, boutique hotels can be expensive. One way to save money is to book during the off-season or look for promotional deals. Our top picks for affordable boutique hotels are:
- The Hoxton, Amsterdam: Located in the trendy neighborhood of Herengracht, this hotel offers stylish rooms with quirky design and excellent service. Prices start at $130 per night.
- The Line, Los Angeles: Situated in a former 1960s hotel, The Line offers retro-inspired rooms with stunning city views. Prices start at $180 per night.
- The Pod 51 Hotel, New York: This hotel offers affordable rooms in the heart of Manhattan. It has a sleek design and amenities such as a rooftop lounge. Prices start at $85 per night.
Fly Business Class for Less
Flying business class is a luxurious experience that many of us can only dream of. However, there are ways to fly business class for less. One option is to use airline reward points, which can be accumulated through credit card spending or frequent flyer programs. Another option is to book flights during off-peak periods or look for promotional deals. Our top picks for affordable business class flights are:
- Qatar Airways: Voted as the world’s best airline, Qatar Airways offers affordable business class fares, especially during promotional periods. Prices start at $1,500 for a round-trip from New York to Doha.
- Turkish Airlines: With its excellent service and gourmet cuisine, Turkish Airlines is a great option for those looking for an affordable business class experience. Prices start at $1,600 for a round-trip from New York to Istanbul.
- Air France: Air France offers affordable business class fares to Europe, especially during the low season. Prices start at $1,800 for a round-trip from New York to Paris.
Dine at Michelin-Starred Restaurants
Dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant is a bucket-list experience for many foodies. However, it can come with a hefty price tag. One way to save money is to opt for lunch instead of dinner, as many restaurants offer a more affordable prix-fixe menu during lunchtime. Another option is to visit the restaurant during the off-season or on weekdays when prices are lower. Our top picks for affordable Michelin-starred restaurants are:
- L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Paris: This restaurant offers innovative French cuisine with a Japanese twist. The lunch menu starts at $65 per person.
- Tim Ho Wan, Hong Kong: Tim Ho Wan is the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant, offering dim sum at affordable prices. Prices start at $3 per dish.
- Hawker Chan, Singapore: Hawker Chan is another affordable Michelin-starred restaurant, offering delicious Cantonese cuisine at street food prices. Prices start at $2 per dish.
Book Affordable Luxury Tours
Luxury tours offer a comfortable and hassle-free way to explore a new destination. However, they can be expensive. One way to save money is to book through a travel agent who can offer package deals or discounts. Another option is to book during the off-season or look for last-minute deals. Our top picks for affordable luxury tours are:
- Exodus Travels: This tour company offers affordable luxury tours to destinations such as Morocco, India, and Peru. Prices start at $1,500 per person.
- Intrepid Travel: Intrepid Travel offers small-group tours with a focus on sustainable and responsible travel. Prices start at $1,500 per person.
- G Adventures: G Adventures offers affordable luxury tours to destinations such as Thailand, Costa Rica, and South Africa. Prices start at $1,500 per person.
In conclusion, affordable luxury travel is possible with some planning and research. By staying in boutique hotels, flying business class for less, dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, and booking affordable luxury tours, you can experience the best of both worlds. Happy travels!
