Imagine yourself lounging by the pool of a chic hotel, a delicious cocktail in hand, feeling the sun’s gentle warmth as palm trees sway around you. We all dream of that glamorous vacation vibe … but not the price tag.
With a little creativity and smart planning, it’s possible to splurge on style without overspending. Welcome to what I call living bougie on a budget — enjoying life’s luxuries while saving some cash for your next big adventure.
Lodging
Accommodations are often the biggest travel expense. Websites like Kayak and HotelTonight are gold mines for last-minute deals, especially if you set price alerts. Rates can drop based on demand, so being flexible pays off!
Look into boutique hotels or Airbnb rentals for a unique stay and more personal experience.
Transportation
Experts suggest booking domestic flights one to three months before departure and international flights two to eight months ahead — your best bet for sweet deals.
Dominique Allen, the savvy local travel influencer behind @WellTraveledChild, shares her advice: “To start, book flights midweek and use Google Flights to set price alerts. Also, traveling during off-peak or shoulder seasons can help you land lower prices.”
Outside of flying, look into luxury bus services or trains that offer comfy seats at reasonable rates.
Dining
Eating on the go can quickly drain your wallet. Pro tip: Treat yourself to a lavish meal at lunchtime. The price tag is usually much friendlier compared with dinner, but the quality and service remain top-notch.
Dominique also recommends looking for hotels or Airbnbs with kitchens to save on food costs.
Amenities
Many hotel and resort amenities are open to guest use before check-in and after checkout on travel days. Use them! Always make it a point to call places you’re planning to visit ahead of time to see what perks you can take advantage of. Some hotels even offer day passes that let you use their pool or spa without having to book a room for the night.
Also, when planning your to-do list, take full advantage of what’s out there for zero dollars — like museums, art galleries, and cool historical sites.
Maximize your space with accessories like collapsible water bottles and a phone case wallet.
Essential Gear
Packing for a trip can feel like solving a puzzle: Fit everything you need without going over your space or weight allowance and ending up paying hefty baggage fees. Packing light is the way to go! One of my go-to pieces is the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack — a convenient backpack–meets–carry-on that fits perfectly in overhead compartments. I have managed to pack a full week’s worth of stuff in it!
If you ever need to check your luggage, a luggage protector is your bag’s best friend. They’re washable, so it’s no biggie if they get dirty.
Look for compact tools like this palm-sized travel iron.
Packing cubes and vacuum bags are lifesavers! Throw your stuff in the vacuum bags, suck the air out with a handy little pump, and toss them into packing cubes. You’ll be amazed how much you can fit, and it will all stay organized!
A foldable water bottle will also save space and is way lighter to carry around than a metal bottle. Lastly, protect your hats with hat molds so they don’t get squished in your bag. You can easily pack in and around the mold to maximize packing space.
And yes, the fanny pack is still a thing! It’s perfect for keeping your travel documents, phone, and ID close. Currently, neutral tones are all the rage if you want to stay trendy. Consider picking up a multifunctional phone case that also serves as a wallet and a stand for selfies. And you’ll definitely need a portable charger. Phones drain fast while traveling! Heads up from cybersecurity expert Ryan Montgomery: Avoid unknown chargers at public stations to protect your data from “juice jacking,” aka stealing your information.
So who is ready to be a bougie traveler on a budget with me? Share your next adventure @EricaDeLong.
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