LUXURY TRAVEL VS BUDGET TRAVEL - WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Traveling is an escape. An escape from reality. An escape from daily responsibilities. Traveling is an adventure. Traveling is exciting because every day is a new experience compared to the regular daily routine at home. Traveling can be the perfect way to gain a complete mental reset and return back to daily life with a refreshed mindset and energy.
When planning a trip, there are so many options. Camping in local forests disconnected from Wi-Fi, running water, and any civilization, private sailing charters in remote parts of the world, 5-star resorts, and luxurious spa retreats. If money or time isn’t making the decision for you, how do you choose? How do you know which type of travel is right for you?
I have had the opportunity to experience camping trips along the beautiful Big Sur northern California coast; I have sailed on a private 50 ft sailboat through the British Virgin Islands, and I have experienced some of the most luxurious hotels and spas in Marrakech, Morocco and dined in some of the best restaurants in the South of France.
I have so many memories from each trip but when faced with the decision of where to take the next trip, I think about things in the following way:
CAMPING & HIKING-These adventure trips are all about peace and tranquility. Being one with nature can be a fantastic way to clear your mind and slow down to appreciate everything beautiful mother nature has to offer.
PROS: Natural Beauty, No Cell Phone or Internet, Connecting with People, budget-friendly
CONS: Insect bites, dirty clothes/hands, unpredictable weather changes, preparation/set up time.
RECOMMEND: Julia Pfeiffer State Park, Big Sur California, REI Camping Products
ON A BUDGET: Drive 2 hours from your hometown to the nearest state park where you can celebrate natural beauty without the distractions of daily life!
PRIVATE SAILING or SMALL REMOTE ISLAND TRAVEL (exposed to less than 50 people for a full week)-There is nothing like smelling the ocean air and taking a daily dip in the Caribbean Sea. Sailing island to island without a care in the world other than what fruity cocktail you will order at the next tiny sand bar tiki restaurant. Chartering a private sailboat and dropping anchor in some of the most beautiful islands on earth can be an amazing experience for those of us who are water babies!
PROS: Natural beauty, swimming/snorkeling/diving, fresh fish, easy packing, seclusion, and privacy from society.
CONS: Constant motion of the water, unpredictable weather, close proximity to other people you are traveling without much privacy on board, budget can be high in peak season with a captain on board.
RECOMMEND: Moorings Yacht Charter, Ralph Lauren Swim Suits, Beach Cover Ups, La Roche Posay Anthelios Waterproof Sunscreen, Tumi Soft Duffle Bag that is easy to store
ON A BUDGET: Head to the largest body of water near you and sign up for a sailing lesson or afternoon cruise and feel the healing energy of the water!
LUXURIOUS SPA RETREATS- Who doesn’t love being pampered from the time you wake up until the time you go to sleep. Personal photos are placed around the suite by the concierge as a surprise, chocolates on the pillows, favorite wine stocked in the fridge, and a personal butler is available to arrange transportation, spa services, shopping, meals, or anything else you may desire. These types of trips are indulgent and can make you feel like a king and queen for your entire trip.
PROS: A retreat for the senses (aromas, music, lighting, etc), little advanced planning needed, premium comforts (linens, towels, bath products, etc).
CONS: Budget can be high, limited natural beauty depending on location
RECOMMEND: The Oberoi Marrakech, Four Seasons Westlake Village California, Hotel Barriere La Majestic Cannes France, JW Marriott Venice Italy, Tumi hard suitcase, Louis Vuitton Cross Body Purse
ON A BUDGET: Look for 5-star resorts within a 2-3 hour drive of your home and inquire about special discounts or packages for people who live locally and book a luxurious long weekend getaway within driving distance!
PRIVATE VILLA/CONDO- If you want to live like a local in a different culture then there is nothing better than renting a condo or house and a car and navigating the local community on your own! Make sure to learn basic phrases in the local language and have Google Translate loaded on your phone and ready at all times. This kind of trip requires some research ahead of time to make sure you pick a location that is safe, walkable, easy parking, has an elevator and A/C, and fast wifi.
PROS: easy to work remotely, cultural experience, wide budget ranges, good for groups
CONS: Advanced research required, language barriers, driving in foreign country can be stressful
RECOMMEND: Sixt Rental Car, Airbnb, VRBO, Home Away, WIMCO Villas, Tumi Continental, Bose Travel Speaker, Power adapters
INSIDER TIP: To get substantially better rates, try to google the name of the house or condo and the location and try to contact the owner or manager outside of the search websites. Rates are negotiable in most circumstances.
ON A BUDGET: In some instances, you can rent a single room or you can share a house with a group of friends making the cost per person very low. Look for destinations in the USA that have an international flare and foreign influence with different foods, languages, and different cultural experiences than your hometown. There are many cities and towns in the USA that have influence of Italy, France, French-speaking Canada, Dutch, South American countries, Mexico, Cuba, Native American Culture, and more!
No matter what your travel preference, or budget, the most important is that you find the best escape for YOU! And that you make it a priority for your mind and body to take regular breaks from the daily grind to feel the freedom of travel and recharge yourself! Make a point to learn a new language or skill and who knows, you might meet some amazing people along your journey!
