Is it possible to do luxury on a budget?

Mark Pickering

Is it possible to do luxury on a budget? I mean I know you can do it on a 'budget'! But can you really do first class travel and accommodation without breaking the bank?
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paul · Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 9:23 am Post subject:

Yes... there are ways and means. Cool

Many luxury hotels run all kinds of offers. It'll depend a lot on when and where you want to travel of course but there are often bargains to be had. I know some large resorts in Greece that are at the moment enormously under-occupied. I'm sure you could get heavy discounts at places like that.
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Samantha Minogue · Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 11:36 am Post subject:

I agree with Paul. Hotels are always running specials. When you're booking online, always check out the special offers tab or when you phone a hotel to make a reservation, try to negotiate a package deal. Very often a hotel would rather include certain items like late check, breakfast etc than lose a booking.

Also try and find our when certain hotels experience "low season" you can often get some fantastic deals.

When travelling to luxury hotels, they often include certain amenities which can ultimately save you costs, find out things like car transfers, tours, meal inclusions.

I'm not sure about travelling luxuriously on airlines but personally I wouldn't want as this only racks up your carbon footprint by decreasing the fuel consumption per passenger. You can certainly receive all the luxuries you need in economy with low cost flights, either through inclusions or by paying for them.

Happy travelling!

sprthompson · Baggage Handler Joined: 24 Jun 2010 Posts: 12 17 ants

If you book in advance you can get a good discount on Flight, for instance booking 9 months or so in advance will mean you can upgrade a class without paying as much. (also you get to spread the cost over 9 months! - get a 0% credit card or something)
Depending on your idea of luxury you could get some good offers booking in advance with luxury hotels or look for 3 nights for the price of 2. Also worth ringing up and saying you're there for a special trip (wedding/birthday) and maybe getting some kind of upgrade.
If you're after space and opulence rather than service, a holiday home is a good one - you get more space and luxury for your money (e.g a spa bath and private pool...) at the cost of having no service.
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briggl · Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 12:53 pm Post subject:

Samantha Minogue · Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 1:09 pm Post subject:

@briggl

Pardon my misspelling/wording.

You are absolutely right. Flying is not a great way to save the environment. There are certainly more sustainable options when choosing you choice of travel.

What I was trying to say is that it is even worse flying business or first class because of the space you use with your extra large comfy seat. The airplane then fits less people on board and the fuel consumption per passenger is substantially more.

If you have to fly then travel economy preferably with a low cost airline. Check out my website for more info: The Low Cost Travel Mag
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briggl · Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 1:29 pm Post subject:

OK, but that big comfy seat is still going to be there whether I am sitting in it or if I am sitting in coach. If I could get that seat cheaply enough, I would go for it and it would not change the amount of fuel that was being used.
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Samantha Minogue · Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 1:32 pm Post subject:

Fair enough. But then I wouldn't choose to fly with full service carriers that offer first class seats.

Its all about your stance on travel and personal choice.

Happy flying.
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briggl · Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 1:41 pm Post subject:

I understand what you are saying and it makes sense.

But what we are talking about here is luxury travel, and trying to do it for less money.
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Rhinocarhire · Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 2:02 pm Post subject:

Its a supply and demand issue. If there is demand for first class carriers will supply it. If there is no demand and they can get an extra 10% standard seats they will remove first class. Generally short haul flights / carriers do not have first class anyway as its not seen as commercially viable fro such short journeys.

Back on topic however, I guess it depends on where you draw the line as to 'Luxury' and for what budget you have in mind, its all down to perception I guess. You will not a get a night at the Ritz for the price of the Ibis, simple as that. But for many, a nice B&B say tucked away in Northern Italy with a lake view is their interpretation of luxury and sure you can get that on a small budget (20-50Euro per night).

Its a bit of an open ended question, but i have certianly stayed in some fantastic accommodation and locations for what i would call 'budget' but I am sure a movie star would think otherwise. Mainstream hotels etc all come with a price and generally you get what you pay for.

As with most things I guess.
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savana123 · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 7:20 am Post subject:

I am new to this forum and, I have seen many thoughts here, about luxury living but, in budget and I am completely agree with Paul and Samantha, due to the facts that they had posted like, the offers they run through out season and their packages on which we can negotiate. Low season packages are also good to find out some good deals that can be affordable for us.
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ZXT · Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2010 2:42 am Post subject:

First Class seats - I think you can negotiate for this especially if the first class seats are empty. They would rather have that occupied for half the price than having it empty especially if the regular seats are full already.

Hotels - Booking in advance will get you some extras as this is a sure sale for them. Off peak season will give you the same thing as hotels are probably half full so they will give discounts or upgrade your room for free.

Tour Packages - Off season will give you discounts too.

shermanshawn

Travel Budget depends on yourself. There may be a little bit compromise with luxury. If you travel in off season, you will definitely get the hotels and other things at reasonable prices.

If you visit at a place, that is only favorable in a particular season. then best idea to stay in rental villas, rather than in hotels. They offers you luxury, comfort and facilities as that of hotels.

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Looking for rental villas

location majorque

villa majorque

location mallorca

brandconsultantasia · Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 8:19 am Post subject: luxury tourism

Hi I'm new here.

It is not possible to do luxury on a budget. Luxury travel is well luxury travela dn budget travel is, you've guessed it, budget travel

10TRUFUS · Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 8:53 am Post subject:

Hi brandconsultantasia

I worked in the travel industry for 12 years and that is the best way to do luxury on a budget...as you can take advantage of the agents rates and fares at hotels and airlines. It is of course why anyone who loves to travel works in the industry!

Happy travels Very Happy