When it comes time to enjoy your yearly holiday abroad, you want to go all-out and live in the lap of luxury. For many, the USA provides the perfect escape – with diverse landscapes like dramatic, uninhabited national parks to bustling cities of spectacular skyscrapers, there’s no one way to experience luxury here.
Of course, when you have a budget, planning the perfect itinerary gets a little bit trickier. But there’s no reason you shouldn’t have all the once-in-a-lifetime experiences you want – you just have to be smart with your money. Here’s how.
Allocate funds early on
Not having a plan for how you’re going to spend your money while you’re abroad is a recipe for disaster and is sure to leave you with unplanned expenses. You may think you have enough money to cover your trip – and you very well may do – but you don’t want to find yourself spending too much in any one area simply because you don’t have your budget straightened out, and then missing out on other must-have experiences.
Make a list of all the luxury experiences you’d like to have in the U.S., and then calculate how much money you’ll need to put aside for each of them, to ensure you’re able to enjoy your holiday to the fullest. You may find it helpful to bring just enough cash on your trip to cover your expenses, so that you can better manage your limits. If you have any money left over towards the end of your trip, consider transferring it back home to avoid splashing the cash on your final big night out abroad.
Consider off-peak
To experience all the same luxury sights and attractions for potentially a fraction of the price, consider travelling to the U.S. during the shoulder seasons of spring or autumn. In addition to excellent savings, you’ll find unspoiled landscapes with fewer crowds, as well as pleasant weather conditions that aren’t too hot or too cold – exactly what you’d expect from a luxury escape.
This is also an excellent time to take part in tours, as you’ll likely find fewer tourists in your group and will benefit from a greater level of interaction with your tour guides – it’s a one-on-one, tailored experience for the same (or even a cheaper) price.
Redefine luxury
Think about what luxury means to you. Is it about sampling all the best Michelin-starred restaurants and staying in an opulent hotel, or is it about enjoying sprawling views of stunning natural wonders, and spending quality time with the people you love? Many of us may not be able to afford to enjoy many high-end experiences – but we can still enjoy the luxury of memories that’ll last forever.
While planning your trip, consider which part of the U.S. best suits your vision for a luxury getaway. Remember that some states may be more affordable than others, and some experiences may be more worth it to you than others are – it’s all a matter of perspective, so plan your holiday budget around what luxury looks like to you.
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