Most people will agree that when it comes to vacation, it seems like time to splurge. You are finally away from the office, you’re in a strange land and everything seems to be worth it. From the luxury villas to the private helicopter tours, you think you should have it all. But is it worth it? And can you afford it? A momentary splurge on a vacation might come back to bite you down the line, so its best to think it through carefully.
Those luxury villas sure seem great on paper – you can find places that have their own butlers, drivers, swimming pools and chefs. Even in the poorest parts of the world, these places can still seem really out of your price range. However, if you plan it right, even a luxury abode can be affordable. Try to be flexible and negotiate to see if you can get the top of the line for a mid-price cost.
Traveling with a group is the best way to get the money necessary to stay in luxury villas. A villa can sometimes accommodate a very large group, thus bringing down the price for everyone. Start poking around the Internet for these grand lodgings and start to analyze what the cost per person would be for a weeks vacation. This, of course, means you will have to stay with these people for your vacation, so make sure you get along!
You might find that staying in a villa is just as affordable as staying in a hotel or resort. If the place comes with a chef, those restaurant costs are just one thing that you will not have to pay. There might be hidden costs, but the price might be inclusive and have perks like free drivers, minimizing your travel expenses while in country.
Ask the villas about off-season pricing, and if they have any last-minute cancellations that they will fill at a discount. This is another way to save some money, but it does require some flexibility or willingness to vacation outside of the prime weather times. As a bonus, you will probably save money on the plane tickets as well if you travel outside of the prime season. Sometimes a villa will have an opening for just a few days, between guests. Ask if there are any short-term openings. You might be able to enjoy the villa for just a day or two at a fraction of the cost – perfect for feeling like a million bucks but spending way less.