5 Ways to
Travel Like a Jet Setter without
Breaking the Bank
The next best thing to being rich
is traveling as though you were.-Stephen Birnbaum
Travel is my favorite pastime. If I
had my way, I'd travel to a different country each month for the rest of my
life. But, I have yet to make my millions and I'm not willing to live out of a
backpack. Not to worry though. As the old adage goes: Where there's a will,
there's a way. In the past few years, I have found a few ways to travel in
style without spending the bulk of my remaining disposable income.
1. Choose your destinations and
travel time wisely. The weakened dollar should definitely encourage you to
consider locations where your money goes farther. There are plenty of excellent
and less expensive resort towns and amazing things to see and do in places like
Seychelles, Ukraine, Argentina, Iceland, Morocco, Australia and Zambia. Also,
if possible, travel during the shoulder season (between high and low season)
for cheaper airfare and hotel rates.
2. Compare fares and seek out
reasonably-priced amenities. for a side-by-side comparison of airfare and
hotel rates. Use mileage to upgrade your flight class; if you don't have enough
miles accrued, you can buy a few hundred miles to make it happen. Once you've
flown business or first class (or privately!), it can be painful to move back
to coach. To make long waits in the airport more enjoyable, purchase a day pass
to an airport club lounge (average $25 to $50). Annual memberships are
available but if you're not a frequent traveler, this may not be
cost-effective. Check online for lounge club reviews before buying a pass.
Finally, look for stylish boutique hotels that offer the same kinds of
amenities as the big chains without the hefty rates.
3. Dress strategically and
accessorize wisely. Choose a color scheme of two or three colors to easily
mix-and-match your outfits and to keep luggage to a minimum. Limit yourself to
no more than three pairs of shoes: walking shoes, dress shoes and sandals.
Always bring at least one dressy outfit for a night out on the town. Pack items
made of jersey, which are easy to dress up or down and don't wrinkle. Ladies
should remember to pack or purchase a nice scarf, which can easily dress up any
outfit, whether it's jeans or a sexy black dress.
4. Make the most of your social
and professional network. Ask your social media "friends" and
"followers" for recommended activities as well as contacts in your
destination city. It always helps to find the best (and less expensive) events
and entertainment when you know someone who knows the place well, especially if
you're flying solo. The hotel concierge is also an excellent resource for
verifying information and for seeking activities within your budget. He or she
may also be aware of discounts for some activities.
5. Go off the beaten path.
Often the best part of travel is enjoying unique and authentic experiences. Do
enjoy local parties, nightclubs, art galleries, museums, shopping, fine
restaurants and other points of interests; just remember to talk to the locals
and expats to find interesting and inexpensive opportunities such as having a
traditional meal with a local family; cooking, language or dance lessons;
hiking trails or other recreational activities, and artist hangouts to meet new
people and find low-priced artwork and souvenirs.
What's most important is to remember
that being a jet-setter is not about wearing designer clothing and
overindulging. You can definitely define
Your jet set adventure to suit almost
any budget. Whatever you do and wherever you go, be courteous, confident and
stylish!
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