We all deserve a bit of luxury now and again. And, what better what to enjoy some luxury than when you are on vacation? This does not mean that you need to spend a fortune on your next vacation. However, it does mean you need to indulge in a bit of VIP treatment and get the relaxation that you deserve. With that being said, read on to discover some useful tips on planning a luxury trip that you will remember for a lifetime.
It’s all about the accommodation – There is only one place to begin, and this is with where you lay your head at night. Your accommodation makes a massive difference when you are planning a luxury holiday. You need somewhere that makes you feel pampered and has a luxurious vibe. Do not only consider hotels but look for an apartment for rent too. Hotels are good on one hand because of all of the extra services. However, they can also be a bit frustrating because they are crowded and there is not much privacy. This is where a villa or apartment really shows its worth. Not only this, but you can get private apartments and villas in some of the most lavish and secluded locations, so make sure you consider all of your accommodation options carefully.
Create a budget – Putting together a budget does not sound very luxurious, does it? After all, there is nothing extravagant about giving yourself a price limit. However, nothing will ruin your holiday quicker than running out of money. If you establish a budget from the offset, it will help you to dictate what destinations you can choose from and how long you can afford to go on holiday for.
Think about luxurious extras – When it comes to five-star breaks, it is all about the little extras that make you feel like a VIP guest. What would make your holiday that little bit extra special? Of course, different people are going to answer this question in different ways. For some people, travelling in style would be the icing on the cake. Why not book yourself into business class on the plane and rent a luxe sports car for your vacation? For others, being pampered would make them feel like a VIP. So, why not book out one of the luxury sun beds for a week and organise a few spa treatments in the sun? Think of a few little touches that are really going to make your holiday feel that little bit extra special.
Research destination options – There are so many incredible destinations all over the world for you to choose from. Almost every country has its own little slice of luxury to provide you with. Of course, you could go for destinations that scream luxury, like Saint Tropez and the Maldives. But if your budget does not stretch this far, don’t worry. Beauty and serenity can be found in so many different places. Someone may find glamour and opulence in a five-star hotel in Paris, but for you, luxury may mean relaxing on a secluded beach with luscious rainforests in the background. The only way you will find something that ticks all of your boxes is by doing plenty of research. Luckily, there are lots of travel guide websites to assist you with this, and you can read reviews on the likes of TripAdvisor too.
Consider tailor-made holidays – One of the best ways to make sure that you get to experience the holiday of your dreams is to book a tailor-made package. This means that you can build a holiday that is perfect for you combining many different options. However, because you do this all under one roof – or travel company should we say – it is a lot easier than having to manage the whole thing yourself.
Make the journey special – If there is one thing that most people hate about going on vacation, it is the journey itself. They hate waiting in airports, they hate the flight, and they hate the transport to and from the airport. Who can blame them? You just want to get there and have fun! Well, why not set the tone for your vacation by upgrading your journey? Of course, there is the option of business class. However, you can also make your day better by checking into an airport lounge in departure.
Leave some flexibility and room for spontaneity – One of the biggest mistakes people make when going on holiday is planning virtually every minute of it. While you may want to book different excursions and activities in advance, make sure you leave some time for spontaneous activities. After all, once you arrive you are bound to discover different things you want to see and do. Not only this, but a luxe holiday is one that gives you a bit of time for relaxation too. You want to come back home feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, but you won’t feel this way if your holiday has been planned to the second.
Choose your dates carefully – When you travel really does matter if you want to enjoy a tranquil stay and get the five-star treatment that you deserve. For most places around Europe, visiting during the summer months, especially July and August, can be hectic. This is because children are off school and the hottest weather is on offer. This can cause tourist spots to become incredibly hectic, so you should really think about whether this is what you want or if you would prefer to go a month early or later so you can enjoy the weather without all of the mayhem.
Take the time to read reviews that have been left by other travelers – Last but not least, it is important to take the time to read reviews that have been left by other travellers. You want to make sure that the accommodation and the destination you are considering are going to live up to expectations. Of course, any travel company or hotel is going to give you their best marketing pitch to encourage you to spend your money with them. Reading genuine reviews is the only way to make sure that they live up to the hype. Thankfully, this is a lot easier thanks to the Internet. TripAdvisor and other independent review websites can help you to build an accurate picture regarding what to expect. Remember, though, to consider the reviews as a whole. Do not let one bad comment cloud your judgement.
As you can see, there are many different ways that you can make sure you have a luxury holiday to remember. No matter what destination you decide on, if you consider the tips that have been provided above, you can enjoy a holiday with the five-star trimmings. After all, life is lived at such a fast pace, and there are so many stresses and strains along the way, so we all deserve a bit of pampering and serenity.
Written by Jacqueline Chambers
Jacqueline Chambers is the founder of TGIFguide. She uses her innate skills as a natural “connector” to serve businesses, brands and individuals in the LA area and beyond.
