7 Luxurious Getaways You Can’t Afford to Miss, According to Travel Gurus

The phrase “travel agent” brings to mind a bygone era. An era, perhaps, when individuals still lit up in airplanes. A time when, for better or worse, we were not dependent on the TikTok crowd to inform us about essential “must-see” locations at our various vacation spots.

However, the travel advisory profession has experienced a revival in recent years. As travel guidelines and limitations shifted during the height of the COVID-19 crisis, individuals sought assistance from travel agents to aid them in navigate their new normal. Travelers are also approaching the professionals for assistance in sorting through the chaos on social platforms to discover the meals worth indulging in, activities worth partaking in, and experiences worth pursuing. Although we might be skilled at scrolling, there are numerous concerns that are best left to the specialists, particularly regarding those significant, potentially once-in-a-lifetime excursions.

Thus, whether you are arranging a fantasy getaway or simply imagining it, you might consider saving the following indulgences that travel specialists advocate:

For families, this element is a crucial expense worth the investment, as noted by Henley Vazquez, CEO of Fora, which presents itself as “the contemporary travel agency.”

“Individuals might skimp on staying at a high-priced hotel, only to end up spending significantly on a children’s club,” she expressed to HuffPost. “Numerous hotels with kids’ clubs provide child care for all age groups and will keep your kids engaged throughout the day, free of charge, during your stay. It’s an additional cost, yet for families, this could ultimately save you money in the end.”

For certain individuals, the greatest indulgence lies in selecting the destination itself. Mary Cropper, a Travel Expert at Black Tomato, describes off-the-beaten-path trips as “truly worth the luxury.”

“A cruise across the Arctic, a chartered yacht in Indonesian Borneo, or a private flight to Pamalican Island for a getaway at Amanjiwo — all of these experiences carry a high price tag, but they provide unparalleled, unforgettable vacations,” she informed HuffPost. “The travel to these secluded locations can come at a premium, and once you arrive, it is worthwhile to stay longer to fully appreciate and enjoy what you have chosen. Dedicating resources towards these extraordinary adventures guarantees a trip that is distinctive and fosters lasting memories.”

Cropper described her experiences in Cambodia as her most opulent travel memory. “From zip-lining to drifting off to the calming sounds of a waterfall right outside my tent, every experience was remarkable,” she reminisced.

Conversely, Cropper mentioned that regarding trips to major urban centers, she actually suggests economizing on lodging. “This allows you to discover unique, boutique establishments that offer exceptional experiences without emptying your wallet,” she asserted.

Lindsay Silberman is well-versed in the art of traveling. She has crafted a career around it, including the launch of her candle brand Hotel Lobby Candle, inspired by luxury hotels around the globe.

While she doesn’t indulge in every area (she

recommends bypassing room service dining, for instance), she does hold at least one unwavering standard: “Traveling in business or first class on journeys exceeding four hours,” she expressed. “I nearly always attempt to achieve this through miles and points, and seldom pay for cash tickets.”

Recently, travel expert Samantha Brown shared a TikTok regarding a trick she employs while traveling abroad. She reserves her hotel for the night prior to her arrival, enabling her to check into her room immediately rather than waiting until later in the afternoon when it is usually ready. She described this approach as “frugal first class.”

Vazquez agrees that the tip is worth the additional cost for the hotel night, but advised HuffPost it’s beneficial to explore hotels that provide those advantages (and more) without having to pay for an entire extra night.

“Some hotels guarantee early check-in,” she noted. “Furthermore, they often provide expedited airport service. You arrive, they receive you, guide you through immigration and customs, get you into a luxury vehicle and transport you to the hotel so you can check in and take a nap right away. It’s a wonderful splurge.”

The specialists we consulted are divided on the all-inclusive concept. Some are more inclined to sample local dishes away from the resort during their visit, while others, like Vazquez, assert that opting for a high-end all-inclusive can enhance the overall value of your trip while providing a genuinely enchanting experience.

“It’s costly, of course, but once you’re there, you’re not preoccupied with spending money or deciding where to go,” Vazquez remarked.

At times, you might wish to experience a luxurious hotel, but the pricing is beyond your means. That’s when Silberman executes a sort of mini indulgence.

“If you’re eager to stay at an upscale hotel but find the nightly rate unaffordable, drop by the lobby bar for a drink instead,” she suggested. “There’s something truly enchanting about settling at the bar, ordering a martini, and observing the crowd. Often, I compile a list of all the hotels I want to explore, and each evening I visit a different one for pre-dinner drinks. I refer to it as ‘hotel hopping.’”

Private tours and group activities are not suited for every traveler, Vazquez informed HuffPost. However, even for the most self-sufficient adventurers, discovering a reputable tour customized to your preferences is well worth the expense.

“Even if you’re not engaging in a journey full of guided excursions, finding something exceptionally memorable merits the splurge,” she explained. “In London, there’s an opportunity to book a tour through the Churchill War Rooms with the museum’s curator who is rich in stories, granting you close and personal access to the rooms, allowing you to be part of history. It’s astonishing.”

Even if you consider yourself a more independent traveler, Vazquez suggests that explorers seek one or two experiences like this to “breathe life into a trip beyond what could be achieved by just wandering alone. These are the tales you cherish long after returning home,” she stated.

Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have some points to redeem.