What’s a student traveller to do when she or he is living on a very thin budget? Travel leans towards the posh? True luxury trip can be hard to achieve when you’re on a budget, especially as a student, right? This does not have to be the case! It’s possible, even easy – to take a standard trip and make it look and feel luxurious, even if your budget is very small. Here are some easy ways to make your next trip seem more lavish.
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Plan Ahead and Look for Deals
Besides, luxury need not be expensive. The best way to reduce the cost of indulging yourself is probably to plan ahead, as many high-end hotels, airlines and experiences offer massive reductions if you book early. This goes for treatments such as spa treatments or meals in five-star restaurants as much as it does for flights or rooms.
Check luxury travel deal sites and apps for flash sales, which are a great way to book premium services at deep discounts.
Upgrade Your Accommodation with Minimal Effort
One of the fundamental elements in creating a luxury trip is certainly the accommodation, and at times lately I’ve come across some unbelievably high prices. Yet there are four very good hacks for a luxury upgrade at less than a daily rate.
The first is to get travel credit cards that offer an upgrade or free breakfast at properties in the alliance, or access to the hotel lounges. A number of hotels offer upgrades to repeat customers or to guests celebrating a special occasion. Ask politely when checking in if there is any possibility of an upgrade – you might just be lucky. Students who are focused on schoolwork while planning trips may also find online literature review writing services helpful for keeping their assignments on track.
An alternative is to book a boutique hotel, resort hotel or an Airbnb Luxe (the high-end version of Airbnb) – places that usually have an intimate feel compared with big hotels, and where the service is a more personal, ‘handmade’ experience. Sometimes, you can get a good deal.
Fly First Class Without the Price Tag
Not all students can fly first class but they can travel in style for free by avoiding full-price tickets. Here are some tips on how to enjoy a flight in premium seats.
Research shows that you can save up to 60 per cent by upgrading at the last minute. Airlines often discount unsold premium seats at check-in time – especially international flights.
Secondly, the rise of frequent flyer miles has also become a fantastic way to secure luxury seats at a fraction of their original cost. Join airline loyalty programmes, and accrue points with student credit cards, or even just use your daily purchases. Subsequently, exchange your miles to upgrade from economy to first class, without breaking the bank.
Dress the Part for a VIP Experience
It can be a good idea to dress well when indulging in luxury travel to try to get upgrades, better treatment and a more polished experience. You might be a student, but looking fabulous while travelling during a luxury trip ensures you’ll feel great too.
Here’s a simple table to guide you:
| Occasion | What to Wear | Impact |
| Airport | Smart casual (no sweats) | More likely to receive upgrades or perks |
| Fine dining or fancy outing | Semi-formal (blazers, dresses, etc.) | Enhances experience, may result in better service |
| Exploring luxury locations | Stylish but comfortable outfits | Boosts confidence, fits the environment |
Wearing the right clothes indicates that you respect the environment in which you’re located. It won’t necessarily get you an upgrade or better treatment, but it can make a ride feel more luxurious or a job more professional.
Choose Luxurious Destinations That Are Budget-Friendly
There are many luxurious destinations that will not empty your pocket. Countries with low cost of living will let you enjoy a lavish life at low cost.
For instance, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and parts of South America can offer luxury trip on a student budget – staying at five-star hotels, eating at gourmet restaurants, or booking special tours for little money. Do a bit of research on what your preferred destination has to offer in terms of luxury service at college-friendly prices and plan your trip accordingly.
Focus on the Experience, Not Just the Price
Sometimes it has less to do with the cost, but simply the ‘experience’; it’s not about spending a lot of money to make a moment feel exclusive and indulged. Try booking a private tour or small-group experience rather than a large tourist trap.
Perhaps a private boat ride or a cooking class with a local chef, or the opportunity to sample a local vintage at an out-of-the way vineyard – any experience that elevates the trip out of the realm of the mass-marketed is going to help your traveller see her journey with you as a special and privileged experience.
At the same time, give more attention to the smaller features. The difference a cup of gourmet coffee in a café with a view can make to your subjective experience of the trip is immeasurable. Consider buying yourself a massage at a local spa, too — little touches like these can really help to ensure your trip is as lavish as possible, without increasing the cost significantly.
Be Smart with Food and Drink Choices
Though luxury travel is often associated with fine dining, the best food doesn’t have to be costly. Here are a few tips to keep the expense under control.
Instead of eating out for every meal during your vacation, eat dinner out and make lunch your cheaper food find: many restaurants offer a significantly cheaper lunch menu that’s just as good as what they offer at dinner. Of course, if you are travelling somewhere that has great street food (eg. Mexico City, Bangkok, Paris) then grab some of that, which is often gourmet level at street level prices.
Another tip: Wine is a cheap indulgence in most places, and local cocktails or special drinks are often glamorous and less expensive than their pricier equivalents in the international markets from which they hail.
Conclusion
A luxury trip on a student budget. Sounds like an oxymoron. Before you say ‘it can’t be done’, just know that with forward planning and some forethought, it can be done. Dress the part, book ahead and upgrade your accommodation if you can. If you’re flying first class, make the most of it, if you’re eating gourmet food, make a foodie experience of it. Sometimes, the secret to enjoying a luxury trip is to stop thinking about the money and start getting creative.
