There's no better time than the present to start planning your next getaway. No matter what time of year it is, if you don't have a trip on your calendar to look forward to, you're probably feeling a little gray. And one of the reasons for that may be because of the costs. And going on a vacation you can't afford kind of defeats the purpose. Who can chill out and relax knowing you're going to be eating ramen for the next three months while you pay it off?
Then again, you want — no, deserve — a fine and fancy trip, and there are multiple ways to make it happen. So, we've uncovered some expert hacks to score a luxe, lovely holiday at a price you can actually afford. Don't believe us? Read on and start dusting off that passport!
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Keeping costs under control is a lot easier when you have an overall vibe you're going for. Declare that your getaway is focused on unplugging, and you'll have an excuse to skip those pricey, just-for-the-Instagram activities like zip-lining or dolphin encounters. Or focus on fitness: you'll be less likely to belly up to the bar (and massive tab!) and eat at high-calorie hot spots. And happily, it's an idea that destinations are already embracing.
"A wellness-themed vacation is great, and so many resorts are already on board with it, so you won't feel left out of the fun," Cessie Cerrato, senior director of publicity for Palace Resorts, tells POPSUGAR. "Our Moon Palace Cancun location even offers suites that come with workout equipment and juice in the minibar!"
If it's a honeymoon or birthday and you may be, ahem, spending a lot of time in your room, experts say that booking with the hotel directly will offer the most perks and upgrades.
Christopher Galea, corporate revenue manager for the newly opened Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, recommends booking directly with a hotel for perks that outside sites won't offer. "Making a reservation through the resort site directly means you'll be the first to be upgraded if lower room types are overbooked, plus you get direct offers and social promotions when available," he says.
Plus, unlike the aggregate deal sites, there's no right day of the week to book.
"Pricing currently works by date ranges rather than specific days of the week," he explains. "And now in the Caribbean the high season is tapering off and we're entering shoulder season, so you can find a lot of great deals!"
Agnostic when it comes to your hotel chain? Deal sites should be your go-to, and bundling hotel, flights, and cars will save you big. "On Priceline, the average traveler saves $240 per transaction when booking a bundle," shares Devon Nagle, head of communications for the bargain travel site. "Then you can use the money you save toward nice restaurants, day trips, and other attractions that elevate that luxury experience."
Once upon a time, Tulum was a sleepy (and cheap) little Mexican town, but now it's hit the big time and is unaffordable for many travelers. Nagle advises reverse engineering your trip by listing the amenities you want then picking a destination. "Establish the criteria that matter most — like gorgeous beaches — then research destinations that are on the rise," he says. "Up-and-coming locations are always cheaper than popular destinations, and the feeling of being in the know (and avoiding crowds) is its own luxury!"
According to booking data from Airbnb, Monterrey, Mexico; Santos, Brazil; Dapa, Philippines; and the US Virgin Islands are surging, so branch out beyond the usual hot spots.
If you're not a big drinker and a bit more finicky about food, an all-inclusive may not be worth it. Instead, try a rental house — especially in locations that may be heavy on resorts, like the Caribbean. "Travelers, namely millennials, want to fully immerse in the culture when they vacation, and a rental house offers just that," says Ali Killam, Airbnb's consumer trends expert. She adds that island destinations like Puerto Rico, Guadeloupe, Bonaire, and the Dominican Republic are seeing a surge in rentals, and that the experiences booked through Airbnb's site are often more diverse than the ones you'd find at your standard resort: think private lagoon tours, kiteboarding lessons, and karaoke at a Spanish fort!
While the word "timeshare" can conjure visions of agonizing presentations and, like, 364 blackout days a year, they're making a comeback thanks to more flexible days and thousands of affiliate properties to choose from. In fact, 60 percent of new timeshare owners are Millennials and Gen X'ers, says Bree Sposato, travel trend expert for Wyndham Destinations, which just added locations in St. Thomas and Puerto Rico to their portfolio of 220 destinations.
"Timeshares are the original Airbnb, but with more amenities and trustworthy service from hospitality brands that manage the resorts," notes Sposato, adding that they're a great options for families or large groups. "Units often have multiple rooms and many of the comforts of home, like washer/dryers and kitchens."
And the best part? You don't have to be an owner to stay there; many brands let you book a "try on" vacation without investing. But Sposato does offer a pretty good argument for investing, saying, "Nearly a third of Americans said that lack of privacy for 'sexy time' makes their vacation less enjoyable. But according to the American Resort Development Association, 71 percent of timeshare owners claim to have more sex with their partner while on vacation!"
Cooking is usually the absolute last thing anyone wants to do on vacation, but eating out three meals a day can add up. So, look into hiring a local chef to cook for you right at your rental pad. You'll get to experience authentic cuisine, plus they can tailor meals to everyone's dietary needs.
"Visitors to the Islands want to feel more connected to the destination," said Chef Maureen Cubbon, director of Bestlife Wellness & Culinary in the Cayman Islands. "And if you're traveling with little ones or a big group, hiring a chef to whip up grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks saves time and money."
Plus, she adds, an on-site cook will have the inside scoop on out-of-the-way local eateries that are almost always cheaper than buzzy resort hotspots. "Always ask locals" says Cubbon. "From food trucks to hidden gems, we have our top favorites and we love to share our favorite food destinations with anyone would will listen."
