Traveling is a tricky business. After months of saving up for your dream vacay, it may seem that you can throw caution to the wind and every travel expense will be covered. Or on the other hand, perhaps you’re the extra cautious type and you want to scrimp and save on every last detail of your trip—but find yourself thinking, “I wish we were staying there,” or “I wish we were eating that” in the middle of your getaway.
The fact of the matter is, travel is all about balance. It’s not necessary to pay top dollar for every detail of your travel plans, BUT, there are some things that are definitely worth the splurge. Ready to know what they are? We’re breaking it down for you below! But keep in mind, it may be smart to save on a few things so you can really enjoy indulging yourself at your destination. So… book that flight in coach if you need to, nail down the areas where you can save a buck or two before your trip, then bookmark these five things that are worth the splurge when you arrive at your destination…
1. Eat at the best restaurant in town.
If you’re going to make the effort to travel to a new destination, why stick to familiar or mediocre food? This is the perfect time to branch out (and shell out) for a meal you’ll remember long after the trip is over. Don’t get us wrong, you can eat at food trucks and farmers markets the majority of your trip, but make plans to spend at least one night dining at the best restaurant in town. For bonus points, ask the locals or your waiter for the must-order dish on the menu.
2. Stay at your dream resort or a historic hotel.
We get it—high-end resorts can cost a pretty penny (to say the least), but if you ask us, a memorable hotel that is different than your day-to-day life is worth the splurge. So instead of searching for the closest Marriott, scout out the resorts and hotels where you’re staying, and pick the one that speaks to you. Or, book a room at that one hotel with a rich history that everyone has been talking about for centuries. And at the very least, book a room with a view! Instead of just acting as a place to sleep, your hotel will become a memorable part of your getaway experience that you’ll be dreaming about just as much as the rest of your trip.
3. Check off your bucket list moment.
If there is one thing to avoid going the “budget” route on, it’s this. If there is something on your bucket list that you’ve been dreaming about for years (whether that means going on a private excursion in Aruba or buying a Prada bag from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan), make it happen. There will always be ways to save on other parts of your trip, and you’ll truly keep that once-in-a-lifetime experience with you forever.
4. Save up for that one must-have souvenir.
Generally, souvenir shopping abroad means lots of cheap mementos bought from tourist traps and local markets. (Which we love!) But don’t let that be the only reminder of your trip. Instead, try to pare down on the cheap souvenirs, and set aside some cash for one really amazing treasure you can’t live without. If it breaks your heart a little bit to walk away from it, then chances are you won’t regret buying it and taking it home with you. Whether it’s a piece of beautiful home décor, fine jewelry, leather goods, or something else, it will be a reminder of your travels that you can cherish for a lifetime.
5. Stick around for an extra night.
While it’s common to keep the length of your vacay on the shorter side to avoid excessive hotel fees, trust us on this one and add just one more night to your stay. It will be the perfect way to unwind before facing the journey home, and if your travel plans involve many hours of air travel, you’ll be especially glad you extended your vacation a day or two to make the effort worth it. After all, no one can say no to a longer vacation, right?
What “splurges” would you add to this list?
We hope these tips make for the most luxurious and memorable getaway yet. To get inspired for your next destination, take a peek at our travel guides from Byron Bay to Nantucket HERE.
So… where to next?
Xx Team GM
Photos: GrayMalin.com