You don't have to spend a fortune to have a "luxury" vacation. The simplest trick is to know how to combine "expensive" amenities with budget prices, while adopting the mentality that luxury doesn't have to be expensive. With the following tips, you'll be able to organize a luxury trip that will cost less than you thought.

Choosing the right destination

The easiest way to dramatically reduce almost all of your travel expenses, without compromising comfort and luxury, is to choose a place where the cost of living is low and the exchange rate is favorable.

For example, why not choose some of the Greek islands, which offer everything, instead of the Côte d'Azur or Corsica, which are considered among the most expensive destinations in the world? Especially if you choose to spend your vacation during the “off-season” period, then the gains for your wallet will be manifold.

Travel budget

One of the reasons people love all-inclusive resorts is the “I don’t carry a wallet with me” mentality. Try something similar by budgeting all your expenses before you go. This way you’ll know how much, where, why and how you’ll spend in every detail, which will put you at ease and save you money that “runs away” without you even realizing it.

Invest in a “guest card”

There’s only one way to get from attraction to attraction without having to worry about ticket prices: Invest in a “visitor’s card” early. In major cities around the world, these cards are available that grant you entry to attractions, transportation, and discounts at select locations, while also allowing you to skip the lines at the ticket counters. They’re usually issued online, so you can have them in your luggage before you leave for your trip.

Choose what suits you.

Luxury and “extravagance” are subjective. What for one person means a spa and a jacuzzi, for another is diving or mountaineering or skiing… So before you start organizing a trip, think and decide what “luxury” means to you. Ultimately, what matters is that your money gets the best value.

Apply for an upgrade

What does this mean? Quite simply, many airlines put up “auctions” of various kinds of offers. Check to see if the company offers auctions for first class, for a very small fee, and then you will understand what it means to “travel in luxury”!

Take advantage of your credit card privileges

Airport lounge access, free museum admission, a whole bunch of other credit card perks that most of us never even look at. And yet, use your card when traveling, save money, and feel privileged.

Focus on more affordable “luxuries”

Activities and products that give a sense of luxury don’t always have to be expensive. The trick here is to focus on the low- or no-cost things that will make you feel completely rich and special. It’s the little things that add up to a lifestyle: Buy fresh flowers from the local market, use hotel products and samples, buy a nice bottle of wine, and spend an afternoon sipping cappuccino at a trendy café. Decide what your version of “the good life” is and follow it…