By: Sally Norton
This pandemic taught us two important things - life's too short, and self-care is crucial. As a result, people started to seek more luxury in everything they do, especially when it comes to traveling. As global wealth expands, people are splurging on exotic destinations and all-inclusive resorts. And who could blame them! We all deserve a little bit of pampering and serenity after these tough few years we've experienced. However, if you want to balance out your expectations with the amount of money you'll spend, you need to plan this vacation properly. Especially if you've never splurged before on a trip. Therefore, we're here today to give you essential tips for your first luxury vacation. Shall we?
Set your intentions
The first question to ask yourself here is not, "Where do I want to go?" but "What do I want to get out of this vacation?"
Do you want a serene vacation and to return relaxed? Perhaps a beach or rural setting would be ideal. Or are you looking for adventure and activities that you can't experience in your daily life? That calls for mountains, jungle, or a bustling metropolis.
Setting your goals clearly and concisely is the greatest approach to ensure that the cost-value balance of luxury travel is in line with your values. As a plus, it will prevent disappointment if you do not perceive value in your "investment" with the larger outlay of cash.
One of the essential tips for your first luxury vacation is understanding that luxury isn't so much the price point but the feeling you'll have on this vacation. Once you realize that, you'll be able to set your intentions clearly and decide where you want to go.
Before deciding on a destination, you need to think about the purpose of your vacation.
Pick the best time to visit the destination
To enjoy the perfect luxury vacation, you must choose the best time to visit a particular destination. If you pick the improper month, your vacation may not be what you imagined due to a variety of circumstances such as climatic variations. Therefore, before booking a luxury vacation, make sure to do your research about the weather conditions at the destination you want to visit.
This is especially important if you plan to visit a tropical island. So, if you want to go to Hawaii, for example, make sure to follow the news and ask around the best time to visit it. Otherwise, you might end up spending all your time in a hotel room and miss out on all the outdoor fun you were looking forward to.
Furthermore, the best time to visit a certain destination is not just revolved around weather conditions. You should also consider the seasonability. Is the peak season really the best time to go on a vacation? While this time certainly offers more amenities, it's also when there's so much crowd everywhere. This is not something you want to experience on your tranquil and serene luxury vacation. So, why not consider traveling during the shoulder season? Believe it or not, the off-season can provide you with a lot of hidden high-end amenities!
Look for all-inclusive offers
A luxury vacation allows you to completely relax and enjoy yourself without worrying about the technicalities. Therefore, if you want to maximize this luxury experience, we suggest looking for all-inclusive packages. This type of offer includes everything from transportation and accommodation to fancy meals, unlimited drinks, and planned activities. So, this implies that all you have to worry about is having a good time at an exotic destination. Everything is taken care of for you!
Another thing many people don't realize is that all-inclusive packages can often save you some money. How is that possible? Well, actually, it makes sense. You won't be paying for each of the aforementioned things separately, but everything will be included in one price. Also, you won't be spending a lot of money on fancy restaurants because you'll have fancy restaurants at your resort. And so on. So, as shocking as it sounds, all-inclusive doesn't necessarily mean more money.
Befriend hotel concierge on your first luxury vacation
One of the essential tips for your first luxury vacation we can give you is to befriend a hotel concierge. This persona is what sets apart regular vacation from the luxury one. Concierges at luxury hotels are the ultimate insiders with a vast network of contacts.
Do you want last-minute tickets to a sold-out performance, a table at an apparently full restaurant, or assistance with a passport replacement? The greatest concierges can frequently make it happen or, at the very least, give a suitable alternative.
While their services are free, don't forget to tip, especially if someone has gone out of their way to help you. Better yet, tip right away at your initial introduction, and who knows what they will do to make your stay unforgettable. After all, what they can achieve might be the highlight of your luxury vacation.
Splurge on a private guide
The opportunity to do things privately and on your own timetable distinguishes a luxury trip from a typical one. No squeezing onto a tour bus with 50 other people!
An excellent private guide, for example, may take you through the marketplaces of Marrakesh with a local shopping expert or organize a Da Vinci Code scavenger hunt in Rome. The private guide component is clearly an additional cost, but it certainly raises the level of your luxury vacation. You truly get to know the culture and explore some off-the-beaten-path places you wouldn't find by yourself.
As a plus, you won't have to wait in long lines to see one attraction. They will get you past these lines with pre-purchased tickets and special treatment.
Falling in love with your luxury vacation destination and moving there
Believe it or not, it's pretty common for people to decide to buy a home and move to an exotic destination they visited. They simply fall in love with the area, culture, people, and the feeling they have when they're there. So, they decide to turn this into their everyday life. Well, if you find your dream place and decide to relocate there, we absolutely support you! Now, you have to start planning the moving process and make a comprehensive moving checklist. This type of move is no joke; you need to remember that!
Are you ready to introduce a little luxury into your life?
Deciding to splurge on a luxury vacation after a rough few years is something we all deserve. And with these essential tips for your first luxury vacation, you'll definitely have the time of your life. We all need to relax and rejuvenate somewhere far away from home and everyday life. So, all you have to do is pick a destination and choose an all-inclusive package for the ultimate luxury experience. So, what are you waiting for? It's time to enjoy your life a little!