This post is brought to you in partnership with Ford who specialise in small cars in Australia.
The finer things in life are often the best and this rings true when it comes to luxury travel. While many of us indulge in unforgettable travel experiences, it’s also sometimes nice to treat ourselves to a little luxury while on the road or when planning for the next holiday. Luxury travel was traditionally reserved for the world’s elite. Now, travel is as popular as ever and there’s a never-ending list of companies all vying for your patronage. Luxury travel is now becoming affordable and attainable for many travellers on any budget, and it’s easy to secure your own slice of luxury travel with a few hints and know-how.
Travel to a destination that’s a bit cheaper
It’s always a great thing to explore your own country before jetting off overseas. Though, local luxury prices compared to overseas can sometimes prove to be expensive or even out of your range. If you’re looking for a week of luxury, complete with mod cons and cheap extras, then why not choose a destination that’s not as expensive as your own country? Australians travel to luxury destinations such as Bali, Phuket, Samoa and Fiji for this reason, and a high-end villa costs a mere fraction of what it can cost back home. This is also means local restaurants, spa treatments and private drivers are going to be cheaper too. With a little bit of research, you’ll be lapping up the sunshine in the luxury of your own private beach or courtyard in no time.
Do your research and keep connected with reputable travel companies
Luxury travel is no longer reserved for the elite and luxury holiday deals aren’t as far and few between as they used to be. It’s easy to bag a great luxury travel bargain, whether it’s luxury accommodation with an extra night thrown in or a luxury spa treatment as part of the accommodation deal, and you don’t have to search far on the web to find the best deals. Travel sites are bursting with deals regularly and they leverage their social networking to get their deals out there. Sign up to the e-newsletters of your favourite travel sites and like their pages on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and more. If you know exactly where you want to travel to, then keep your eyes peeled for destination-specific deals as they’re announced. Many deals have a period of time during which they’re to be used so there’s usually some flexibility for redemption here. Just read the fine print on any deal, ensure no hidden charges are going to sting you at a later time and you’re clear on all inclusions or exclusions.
Take advantage of a luxury “mystery deal”
If you’re looking for some luxurious intrigue and excitement, then some travel sites offer mystery deals whereby a “mystery” luxury hotel room is offered at a fabulously cheap rack rate. Usually, you don’t find out the name of the hotel until after you’ve booked the deal. Though, the description can sometimes lend you clues about the hotel and you may just be able to work out the location with a little, simple detective work using maps and a search engine. You’ll definitely be told the star rating before you book, so it’s a fun way to book a five-star room at a three star price, for example. Such a perfect way to book in a little luxury for a special occasion like an anniversary or milestone birthday. A little mysterious luxury will surely spice things up for the occasion!
Try to avoid peak times and ask for a free upgrade
Peak times usually mean peak prices. If you want to bag a great price for a luxury stay, then aim to travel during the quieter times if you can. This may mean avoiding school holidays and public holidays, though your stay will definitely be a bit quieter and serene, and your holiday will be a bit more relaxing. During these times, be brave and ask your travel provider, agent, airline or hotel if a free upgrade is possible. Quieter times mean some rooms may be empty or premium seats on flights may be available, so you could just score a little more luxury for free by simply asking. Quieter times could also mean a great deal on car hire. Try booking in advance with an early bird deal or a cheaper deal that includes free hire days and pick-ups on low-peak days. If you’re not in-the-know when it comes to which car to choose, then look into what type of car you’d like to hire beforehand via a manufacturer’s website. For example, you can click here to view Ford’s range of small cars. You have nothing to lose by asking for a discount or a freebie.
Start a luxury travel fund by saving your coins
If you think luxury travel is too expensive, then why not save your coins? Buy a big container to save your coins in (one that you can’t open without breaking it, of course!) and save all your coins from your pockets and wallet over a period of time. You’d be amazed by the amount of money you can save if you siphon all your coins into your luxury travel fund. Within six months to a year, all that change will amount to enough money to spend on a luxurious travel experience such as a stay at a swanky hotel. And, you may not even notice these coins disappearing from your weekly budget. It’s a very effective way to save the cash without feeling burdened by what might feel to be an impossible savings target.
