Luxury travel: on the cards for you? Or more of a wanderlust dream you’ll never quite reach? No matter what way you think about it, luxury trips do tend to earn their spots on the average bucket list pretty easily.
People love the idea of traveling in pure comfort and style, and getting to experience a taste of the ‘high life’ they can’t find anywhere else. Renting out a helicopter, riding camels though the desert, being waited on hand and foot in a 5 star resort, let’s just say there’s a lot going for the luxury travel lifestyle.
But what about you and your budget? If you want to try out a luxury trip, but you’re not sure where the money is going to come from, you’re clearly just going to have to spend a long time saving up for the privilege.
Or do you?
Because luxury travel doesn’t necessarily mean luxury prices. There’s a lot going on in this world, from amazing natural scenes just down the road to 5 star food being sold out of a street-side van. All you have to do is be in the right place to find these things!
And that’s what we’re here to help with. Some luxury travel destinations are more affordable than you might believe; here’s a few to think about popping on your travel plans for this year.
What Does Luxury Mean to You?
This is the first thing we need to get out of the way. If you want to go on a luxury trip, the first thing to define is the word ‘luxury’.
So, what does it mean to you? Without knowing how you experience luxury, you won’t be able to pick a destination at all, let alone one that’ll be budget friendly!
Think about factors like hotel rankings, activities you can try out, the kind of natural views you’ll find, and whether or not you need to just sit back and relax without being disturbed.
Once you’ve worked that out, you can check out our recommendations for budget-friendly luxury destinations just below 🙂
Prague
Prague is an incredibly gorgeous city. If you’re looking for a one-stop destination for a pretty luxurious place to go (just without the associated price tag), we would recommend it as your number one urban pick
.Prague has got a lot of history and charm to uncover, with plenty of stand-out Gothic architecture all around. You can make your would-be luxury budget go far if you try your best to stay away from the main tourist areas. And thankfully, Prague is home to an incredibly welcoming local scene, so make sure you check it out!
For example, if you want to eat well, spend time looking over some amazing views, and pick up as many souvenirs as you like, make sure you stick to spots like Letna and Vinohrady.
Bangkok
Thailand is the kind of country that looks luxurious all over. Even if it has more of a reputation for being a place for night life and parties, usually within the 18 to 30 crowd, it has so much more to offer. And in this case, that’s very good news for you!
You can easily start with Bangkok, its capital city. The average cost of a hotel here is about $80-$150 – and that’s for 3 stars and above. If you don’t mind 1 to 2 stars, you could even get a room for only $50 per night.
You can then move around the country, staying at luxury hotels in places like Chiang Mai. It’s a beautiful city to explore, and nightly rates are often only around $30 to $60 per night.
The French Riviera
Home to hot-spots like Saint Tropez, Monaco, and Cannes, the French Riviera doesn’t sound like the kind of place to go if you’re on a budget. However, we couldn’t disagree more.
Because the French Riviera is also home to towns like Arles and Antibes, as well as many other cute and cozy coastal spots that are more than budget friendly. And even in the list above, Cannes has a whole host of budget hotels and restaurants that are more than nice!
Pick one of these smaller, more niche areas and stay there for a few days. While you’re in town, you can explore the Cote d’Azur at your leisure.
And if you’ve saved money on the accommodation, you’ll have easy access to some more luxurious ways to get around. Indeed, if you want to hire a boat for the day and bob about on the Mediterranean, charterers like Reborn Yachts are right there for you to make use of.
Mallorca
A bit more of a touristy destination than we’re used to recommending, but it’s earned its spot on this list for a reason. Namely, the fact that Mallorca is incredibly accessible to travelers from all over the world – but that hasn’t stopped it from being a luxurious place to find yourself in.
And if you’re a nightlife lover, Mallorca is the destination for you and your luxury night out dreams. There’s a whole range of incredible bars and clubs to be found, with quite a few of the most lively found in Palma.
You’re likely to find a good collection of both low and high end nightlife options while you’re in the area, so you won’t have to go too far to find something that feels a bit classier for your needs.
The Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is often seen as one of Europe’s most expensive destinations, with dramatic cliffs, pastel-colored villages, and views that feel straight out of a movie. At first glance, it doesn’t exactly scream “budget-friendly” — but timing makes all the difference.
If you travel during the low season, typically late autumn or early spring, prices drop significantly. Hotels become far more affordable, restaurants are less crowded, and you can enjoy the coastline without the peak summer rush.
Staying in quieter towns slightly away from the main hot spots also helps stretch your budget further, while still giving you access to the same stunning scenery, coastal walks, and unforgettable Mediterranean atmosphere.
Lisbon
Lisbon is the kind of city that feels effortlessly stylish. It’s got boutique hotels, rooftop bars, and plenty of beautiful viewpoints where you can soak up the atmosphere without spending a fortune.
If you want that luxury feel on a budget, focus on neighborhoods like Principe Real and Chiado, where you can find chic spots for coffee, shopping, and dinner, all within easy walking distance.
And if you’re looking for a little extra comfort, you can always book a sunset cruise along the Tagus River – a simple way to make the whole trip feel far more high-end than the price tag suggests.
Marrakesh
Marrakesh is not normally what you would consider a luxury-destination, but it cand be.
If you want your luxury travel dreams to come with a sense of adventure, Marrakesh is a fantastic pick. It’s famous for its riads, which can feel like private, peaceful retreats right in the middle of the city.
You can spend your days wandering the souks, relaxing in a hammam, and enjoying incredible food that feels like fine dining without the same kind of bill you’d expect back home.
And if you want to take the luxury up a notch, you can always plan a day trip into the desert or the Atlas Mountains, where the scenery alone makes the experience feel five-star.
Bali
Bali has a well-earned reputation for being one of the best places to experience luxury for less. From infinity pools to spa days and private villas, it’s a destination where comfort and style are surprisingly accessible.
If you want to keep costs down while still feeling like you’re living the high life, stay a little outside the busiest areas and look for villas and resorts that offer packages or included extras.
It’s also an amazing place for slow, relaxing travel – which means you’ll get more value from every day you spend there, without needing to fill your itinerary with expensive activities.
Find a Bit of Luxury the Next Time You Travel
If you want to travel to a luxurious place, stay at a luxury-feeling hotel, and spend without having to worry about the budget, these destinations should be on your list: Cannes, Mallorca, Prague, and Bangkok.
You’ll be able to spread your wings and have a taste of the high life while you’re in town – and you’ll still have all your savings in place when you come back home again!
