Luxury travel often feels like something reserved for special occasions, but over the years, I’ve learned that experiencing beautiful hotels and bucket-list destinations doesn’t always require spending beyond your means. A lot of it comes down to planning, timing, and flexibility. The older I get, the more I realize that some experiences truly are worth saving for (and splurging on). Not because they’re flashy or popular, but because of how they make you feel long after you return home.
From splitting hotel costs with friends to choosing places where your money stretches further, there are so many tips and tricks that can make luxury travel more affordable. Here, I’m sharing some strategies that have allowed me to stay at places I would’ve previously thought were out of reach. Plus, I’m highlighting a handful of destinations that I’ve felt were worth every penny—some of these might inspire your own travels!
Read on for my best tips on how to make luxury travel more affordable, so you can have the trip of your dreams without the financial hangover.
How to make luxury travel more affordable
Travel during shoulder season
One of the biggest ways you can make luxury trips more attainable? Travel during shoulder season, the period right before or after peak travel months. I’ve seen this strategy pay off with lower flight prices and hotel rates while still offering amazing weather and fewer crowds (depending on the destination).
I’ve also found that visiting popular places during a quieter time of year can provide a more unique experience. For example, lots of travelers flock to Europe in the summer, but a late fall or winter getaway is less common, meaning you can enjoy a less touristy, more local-feeling trip. You’ll often get a more relaxed experience too, which can honestly make a destination feel more luxurious on its own.
I personally leveraged this tip on a recent trip to Hawaii. While Maui can feel impossibly expensive during peak periods, traveling during a quieter stretch made a huge difference in the price. The same goes for other popular places like Nantucket, California wine country, and the Cotswolds, where rates tend to soften outside of the busy summer months.
Split the cost whenever possible
This one might seem obvious, but I personally feel it’s an underutilized tactic for making luxury travel accessible on smaller budgets. Keep in mind that you might be able to pick a fancier hotel or glitzier destination if you’re splitting costs with a friend, sibling, or partner. Sharing accommodations changes the math entirely (and I’m not doing girl math here).
When my boyfriend and I traveled to Maui last summer, we split our hotel costs, which immediately made our week-long trip feel more attainable. The same applied to a girls’ trip I took to Greece, which I previously thought was a destination only doable for special occasions like a honeymoon or milestone birthday. Because my friend and I shared a room, we were able to stay somewhere beautiful without spending nearly as much as I expected.
Mix splurge stays with more affordable hotels
If the savings on splitting a hotel room aren’t enough to justify a splurge trip, this strategy is for you. Consider splitting your trip between two hotels at different price points. You’ll still get the elevated experience, but you won’t be on the hook for paying luxury rates for an entire week.
My trip to Maui is another great example of this. My boyfriend and I stayed at Wailea Beach Resort for the first half of our trip before moving to the Four Seasons Wailea for the second half. It ended up being the perfect balance. We still got the experience of staying at an iconic hotel—yes, the same one featured in The White Lotus—without making the entire trip revolve around one huge hotel bill. Both hotels were lovely and offered unique perks, too.
As an added bonus, this strategy makes the splurge portion of the trip feel even more special. Plus, you leave with a better understanding of whether or not that specific hotel is worth the higher bill (if the answer is yes, you can always go back—maybe even for a longer stay next time).
Book smaller rooms
When you picture a five-star hotel room, you likely think of a spacious bedroom with a killer view, perhaps with a separate living and sleeping space. I think this is where a lot of travelers get it wrong. A smaller room can feel equally luxurious when you take full advantage of the hotel’s other amenities. Even at the nicest resorts I’ve stayed at, I’ve spent very little time hanging out in the actual hotel room. Instead, I make use of the amenities like the pool, gym, spa, or lobby bar, which make the property feel more exclusive in the first place.
For that reason, don’t feel pressured to book the most luxurious room at a hotel you’re drawn to. The lowest-priced suites often still have the same level of attention given to them (albeit on a smaller scale), and you’ll still get access to the same luxuries and receive the same top-notch service as the guests who are paying for the most expensive room.
Take advantage of hotel deals
Booking directly through a hotel’s website definitely has its perks, especially when it comes to luxury properties. I’ve found that many hotels run limited-time promotions that offer special rates or added value when you book within a certain window. You can also often find packages that include extras like complimentary breakfast or discounted nightly rates when you extend your stay.
To make the most of these offers, I’d recommend signing up for newsletters from the hotels you’re dreaming about visiting. Many properties share exclusive deals with their email subscribers first. Following them on social media can also help you stay up to date on seasonal packages and special promotions.
Look for last-minute flight deals
There’s no denying that flexible travelers often have an advantage when it comes to finding surprisingly good flight deals. We actually planned our trip to Maui on a whim after noticing how affordable the flights were. In the end, it was cheaper for us to fly from Denver to Los Angeles and then book first-class tickets from Los Angeles to Maui than it would have been to purchase a direct economy flight from Denver to Maui. The perk of flying first-class made the trip even more special.
I’ve also learned that travel agents sometimes reserve blocks of airline seats for group trips. If those seats don’t end up getting filled, they can occasionally be released back onto the market at lower prices closer to departure. Because of that, booking around three to six weeks before your trip can sometimes work in your favor.
Consider destinations that are more affordable once you get there
While some destinations are pricey to get to, many offer more value once you arrive. Greece completely surprised me in this way. Getting there was the most expensive part, but accommodations, meals, and transportation felt much more affordable than I anticipated.
My friend and I spent just over $500 each for four nights in Paros, and roughly the same for three nights in Milos. Plus, we filled the bulk of our time with beach days, which didn’t cost a penny to enjoy. All this is to say that even if a bucket-list destination is pricey in terms of air travel, it might not be as expensive upon arrival. Thorough research is key to figuring out if a spot you’re interested in is in the cards.
The luxury travel destinations I thought were worth every penny
Carmel Valley, California
Where I stayed: Carmel Valley Ranch and Bernardus Lodge & Spa
Carmel Valley is the latest destination I checked off my bucket list. I visited with my sister and think it’s an idyllic spot for a girls’ trip or even a couple’s getaway. We split our time between Carmel Valley Ranch—which boasts a brand-new lobby, 500 acres of rolling hills and vineyards, and two pools—and Bernardus, which is more quaint and intimate. One added perk at Bernardus is that they have a fleet of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, which hotel guests can utilize free of charge to explore the town (which helps you save on rental car costs!). This is the perfect example of a luxury destination that can still work within a realistic budget.
The Cotswolds, England
Where I stayed: The Fish Hotel & Retreat
I took a solo trip to the Cotswolds in search of my very own The Holiday experience and achieved the type of relaxation you can only find in the English countryside. For my accommodations, I booked a shepherd’s hut at The Fish Hotel and had a small fireplace, the coziest bed, and a personal hot tub outside my door. The property was incredibly peaceful and is exactly the kind of place where you can fully unplug for a few days.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Where I stayed: The Cottages at Cabot Cove
Visiting Kennebunkport felt like stepping into a Nancy Meyers movie, which should be convincing enough on its own for you to plan a visit. My mom and I stayed in a cozy cottage at The Cottages at Cabot Cove during our trip and loved how charming it felt. It’s one of those places that suits a relaxed pace, whether you enjoy slow mornings with coffee on the porch, afternoons shopping in town, or strolls along the waterfront.
London, England
Where I stayed: The Kensington
After visiting London a couple of times, I quickly learned that it’s an expensive city. But when I’m traveling out of the country, I’m even more particular about where I stay, meaning hotels aren’t an area I’m interested in skimping on. The Kensington was a treat the first time I booked it, as I reserved a larger room and shared the cost with a friend. When I went back for a second time, I opted for the smallest suite and had just as lovely an experience as I did the first time around. Think gorgeous shared spaces with fireplaces and bookcases, classic breakfast and tea experiences, and a glamorous hotel bar with ultra-friendly staff.
Maui, Hawaii
Where I stayed: Wailea Beach Resort and Four Seasons Wailea
Out of all the places I’ve traveled, my trip to Maui was truly the best money I’ve ever spent. My boyfriend and I split our time between these two hotels to not only save money but also to get two totally different experiences. Maui Wailea Beach Resort was the perfect place to sit by the pool and enjoy spa treatments. Plus, they offer rates as low as the $500/night range, which, for Maui, is decent (especially if you’re splitting the cost).
Four Seasons Wailea was a major treat but will go down as one of my favorite travel experiences. No detail went unnoticed, the service was top-tier, and the free cabana and beach access made the splurge feel fully worth it.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Where I stayed: 21 Broad Hotel and 76 Main Ink Press Hotel
Nantucket seems to gain more popularity with every passing summer. I’ve been a handful of times, and I always recommend it to travelers who are looking for a U.S.-based getaway that feels much farther away. During peak season, hotels can get very pricey, but in my experience, both 21 Broad Hotel and 76 Main Ink Press Hotel were well worth their room rates. Both are fitting for a trip with a girlfriend, with adorable decor and several room sizes to choose from. They’re also perfectly situated in the heart of town, making it easy to walk to local restaurants, shops, and attractions.
Sonoma County, California
Where I stayed: Farmhouse Inn and Hotel Healdsburg
Farmhouse Inn is one of the few hotels I’ve stayed at that genuinely exceeded my expectations. The entire property has a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels very Ina Garten-meets-Diane Keaton. Wine country can actually offer a surprising amount of value if you plan your trip strategically, and Sonoma County is a bit more approachable than some other luxury destinations. Another favorite in the area is Hotel Healdsburg, which has a downtown feel while still putting you close enough to several vineyards and tasting rooms.
Kara Thompson, Contributing Home Writer
Kara Thompson is a Denver-based journalist with a bachelor’s in journalism from the University of Oregon. In 2022, she left her full-time job as an editor and started her own writing, editing, and social media firm, Kara Thompson and Co. She has over five years of experience writing lifestyle content for publications including townandcountrymag.com, elledecor.com, goodhousekeeping.com, and Parents, where she covered all things home, food, health, travel, fashion, and holidays.
