How to Travel Luxuriously Without Overspending
Defining Your Idea of Luxury While Traveling
Luxury travel doesn’t always mean private jets or champagne at every turn. At Solstice Travel, we like to think of luxury as intentional indulgence — choosing where to splurge so it feels meaningful, and saving smartly where it won’t diminish your experience.
The key is to define what you find luxurious, then build your trip around those priorities. Here’s how we help clients create that balance — and how I plan my own trips, too.
Decide Where Splurges Make the Biggest Impact
Some investments genuinely transform a trip from good to unforgettable.
Accommodations: I often tell clients that where you wake up shapes how you feel about the whole day. A beautiful boutique hotel or a resort with exceptional service can turn downtime into an experience itself.
Once-in-a-lifetime experiences: Think private guides at the Louvre, hot air balloon rides over Cappadocia, or a chef’s tasting menu in Tuscany. These moments become the highlight of the trip — and are worth allocating extra for.
I personally like to pick one splurge per trip, whether it’s a luxurious hotel stay or a signature experience, and build everything else around it.
Identify Where Smart Savings Won’t Cut the Joy
Not every part of your trip has to be top-shelf to feel luxurious.
Meals: Mix elegant dinners with charming casual cafés, food markets, or picnics with local finds. (Some of my favorite travel meals have come from street stalls or bakeries.)
Transportation: Opt for trains or rideshares over private transfers when the scenery is part of the fun.
Souvenirs: Skip pricey gift shops and look for meaningful keepsakes, like a recipe book or local artisan craft.
These small shifts can free up hundreds of dollars without taking away from the overall experience — and often make travel feel more authentic.
Let Your Personal Definition Guide You
Everyone’s version of luxury is different. For one traveler, it might be a marble bath and daily spa treatments. For another, it’s unplugging in nature with no agenda. I always encourage clients to ask:
What will make me feel cared for?
What memories will I treasure most a year from now?
What comforts do I need to fully relax?
When you design a trip around those answers, even a modest budget can feel indulgent.
✨ Ready to Plan Your Version of Luxury?
Whether your dream of luxury is a five-star suite or simply slow mornings in a beautiful setting, we’ll help you plan a trip that balances splurges and savings perfectly.
