Vacation in Millionaire fashion while keeping under budget
The lifestyle of the rich and the famous is not as exclusive as we are led to believe. For sure they can purchase items that ordinary people can only dream of. But when it comes to vacationing and enjoying certain high-end perks and pleasures it is possible for people on a budget to indulge in them.
You may be on a beer-and-chips budget, but you can still vacation like a champagne-and-caviar couple. With a little diligence and research you can experience a high quality luxury vacation. Here are a few tips that can help you make it happen:
1. Forgo the hotel
This is where many people go wrong in vacationing. Staying in a hotel can consume more than half your vacation budget. They tend to be terribly expensive and wholly unnecessary. You should instead book a luxury rental property.
Cities and towns throughout Europe contain a number of beautiful houses that the owners rent out for the summer season. You can often stay for weeks on end and pay a fraction per person what hotels cost. In exchange, you will have the run of the house. This is a great way to enjoy a bit of privacy and coziness as you explore the surrounding area.
2. Book a private plane
Private planes are associated with wealth and privilege. But this is simply not the reality anymore. Independent charter aircraft companies offer their services to anyone who can come up with the dough. And prices are much lower than they used to be even 10 years ago. Competition—the springing up of large numbers of these companies—has made booking a private plane doable for most couples.
In most cases, you will have to share with 5 other people. But three couples enjoying a comfortable and well catered flight to a
holiday destination is much better than being stuffed into a small cabin with dozens of individuals. In fact, last-minute bookings for a private plane compare favourably with a coach ticket. You will end up paying less than 200 dollars more to enjoy the pleasures and convenience of a privately chartered flight.
3. Visit countries where your dollar is worth more
Countries in South Asia, Africa, and South America offer very favourable exchange rates. India, Thailand, and Malaysia are just a few of the many countries that have been building up a luxury tourist industry for years. You will be able to explore a completely different culture. At the same time, you will have all your needs catered for in the most efficient and exquisite way.
4. Plan ahead when dining
Do your research on the various restaurants in the city you plan to visit. There is nothing worse than paying a large sum of money for a meal that is truly awful. If a particular restaurant looks interesting to you, read the reviews it has received. See if it has won any awards.
Get into the habit of saving money by doing little things. For example, always order by the bottle. The markup is much higher by the pour than by the bottle
