How I afford to travel luxuriously (While not being rich)

My top strategies for experiencing luxury without paying luxury prices.

I often get asked how I can afford to travel luxuriously, several times a year. Truth is, until few months ago I had a full-time job and a regular income which could easily fund my travels. However, I’ve also learned a few travel-savvy tricks over the years that let me indulge in beautiful places and elevated experiences without draining my bank account.

Whether you're planning a honeymoon, a solo reset trip, or just want to get more value out of your adventures—here are my top strategies for experiencing luxury without paying luxury prices.

I’ve done my share of backpacking, sleeping in shared accommodation and taking the night bus to save on costs but there comes a time in everyone’s journey where they start to prioritise quality over price. I’m at that stage where I appreciate the finer things in life and my back aches too much to sleep on a semi broken bed in a hostel.

But luxury travel is more than just a 5-star hotel or a fancy car hire. It’s a lifestyle for those who seek to elevate their travel experiences and create unforgettable memories.

What is travel hacking?

Travel hacking involves using strategies and resources to maximise travel rewards, minimise expenses and unlock exclusive experiences such as airfare deals, hotel upgrades and VIP experiences.

Research and pick your destination carefully

If you want to experience luxury at a low cost, you need to look beyond the popular destinations. These may offer glamour and excitement but they come with a hefty price tag. The world is brimming with possibilities and hidden gems that offer intimacy and authenticity. Instead of Maldives, Dubai or Hawaii, try Cape Verde, Costa Rica or Sri Lanka. These are relatively unspoiled destinations with many options where you can experience luxury at a fraction of the price you would pay at the more expensive destinations.

Consider seasonality

Timing is key if you want to experience luxury travel and save money. By traveling during shoulder seasons or off-peak times, you can enjoy much lower rates, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

My favourite strategies for travel hacking

How to get flights upgrades

Use Points and Miles

One of the most powerful tools you can leverage is the use of points and miles. By strategically earning and redeeming rewards through credit cards, loyalty programs, and airline alliances, you can unlock a world of luxury without breaking the bank. Perks often include flight upgrades, complimentary business lounge access and free nights at five-star hotels.

Set price alerts for flights

Google Flights are a great way to grab bargains on flights, including business class flights. You can customise your search based on preferred airports or flight times (e.g., morning/afternoon/evening) so that you don’t end up spending more than necessary on tickets! Additionally, Google Flights also features price alerts which allow you to track prices for specific dates and be notified of changes as soon as they occur.

Volunteer to take a later flight

Airlines oversell tickets sometimes, which can result in more passengers than available seats. In these situations, the airline must find volunteers to take a later flight. If they are unable to find volunteers, gate agents are required to randomly select passengers for bumping. If your travel schedule is flexible, you may be able to take advantage of this program and request a premium seat on the next flight. Bear in mind that this only works if there is a premium seat available.

Bid on upgrades

Almost all major airlines offer bidding programs, whereby economy ticket holders can bid on upgrades and bag heavily discounted business class seats. The airline would usually send you an email few days before your departure date but you can also check availability via the “Manage My Booking” section on the website. Alternatively, you can inquire at the airport during check-in to see if any inexpensive upgrades are available.

Don’t bother asking for a free upgrade at the desk. These are almost never given and are often against company policy.

How to stay at luxury accommodations

Use coupons and cashback websites

Cashback and coupons websites offer generous discounts on some of the top hotel chains. You can use your cashback money to purchase a gift card which you can use to stay at your favourite hotel.

Websites such are Groupon, Voyage Prive and Expedia offer huge discounts on selected hotels especially in the shoulder season.

Hotwire.com allows you to save up to 60% on accommodation and flights. The only drawback to Hotwire is that the details of the travel deal such as the hotel’s name and address are sometimes kept anonymous until you make the payment, however, these details can often be found in the reviews. Hotwire is owned by Expedia so the hotels it partners with are for the majority the same ones used by Expedia so chances are you will get a hotel brand you are familiar with.

Ask directly at the hotel

Hotel staff tend to be more flexible than airline personnel and can often offer upgrades upon arrival. A friendly and approachable demeanour can make a big difference—I’ve found that simply engaging with the reception staff can lead to complimentary room upgrades. Hotel chains like Marriott Bonvoy, known for their exceptional customer service, are particularly committed to going the extra mile to ensure guests have a memorable stay.

Booking directly with the hotel can also save you a ton as opposed to using a third-party website. Hotels often have last minute and seasonal offers which are not offered by third-party websites so always check the hotel website or call them before you book.

House Sitting

House sitting is when someone looks after someone else’s residence while they are away. Depending on the destination, some of these houses can be villas or condos in incredibly exotic locations. As a house sitter, you will be expected to complete basic chores such as maintaining the garden and collecting the mail. You may also be asked to feed pets or water plants. In exchange for your services, your host will provide free accommodation (and in some cases transportation) for the duration of their trip!

How to eat in fancy restaurants and save money

Online deals

Similar to hotels, coupons and online vouchers from Groupon, Yelp, or OpenTable often offer discounts or promotional deals for fancy restaurants.

Dining apps such as Zomato and Dineout offer exclusive discounts and can save you up to 50% of the bill.

Take advantage of lunch specials

Many fancy restaurants offer discounted lunch menus with smaller portions or limited selections compared to their dinner menu. Opting for a lunch reservation can often save you money while still allowing you to experience the restaurant’s ambiance and cuisine.

Early bird specials

Some upscale restaurants offer early dining specials or Prix-Fixe menus for diners who eat during off-peak hours. By dining earlier in the evening, you can take advantage of these discounted offerings without compromising on quality.

Bar seating

Opting to sit at the bar instead of a table in the dining room can sometimes result in lower prices for food and drinks. Many upscale restaurants offer a bar menu with smaller, more affordable dishes that still showcase the chef’s talents.

Lunchtime tasting menus

Some upscale restaurants offer tasting menus during lunch service at a fraction of the cost of their dinner counterparts. Tasting menus allow you to experience a curated selection of the restaurant’s signature dishes at a more affordable price point.

These are just some of the tools I use to make my travel experiences more enjoyable, comfortable, and memorable, without overspending.

And if you're curious about how to do this yourself, I’ll be sharing more about my exact travel strategy in my newsletter over the coming weeks- the mindset, the booking tricks, and how I make luxury feel effortless (and affordable).