Budget Travel: How To Plan A Luxury Vacation On A Shoestring Budget

Jan 12, 2024

Last Updated on: Sep 1, 2025

Travel Blog

Visions of crystal clear water lapping at pristine white sandy beaches, a glass of vintage wine on an exclusive rooftop bar overlooking a breathtaking cityscape, or perhaps a relaxing day at a world-class spa in an exotic location – luxury travel often evokes such dreamy thoughts. But alas, are such extravagant getaways limited only to the affluent? Not necessarily.

Traveling in style doesn’t always have to break the bank. With the right planning, smarts, and a bit of innovation, you, too, can orchestrate a memorable and luxurious vacation, without burning a hole in your pocket. One key to success in this endeavor is leveraging modern technology, like a Travel Planning Virtual Assistant.

Budget Your Journey Well

The first step towards carving out your dream luxury vacation on a budget is to plan thoroughly. Define your budget and stick to it. This is where a Travel Planning Virtual Assistant can be your most valuable tool. Today’s AI-based virtual assistants offer comprehensive services: finding budget-friendly flights, choosing cost-effective accommodations, searching best deals on activities, and even helping you stick to your budget during the trip.

Choose Your Destination Wisely

Sometimes luxury is less about the world’s popular tourist spots and more about untouched, serene spots. The path less traveled can provide tranquility and exclusivity that even money can’t buy. Choose destinations that aren’t on everyone’s bucket list, but offer immense beauty and unique experiences.

Countries in Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, or South America can render a luxury experience at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional luxury destinations like Paris, Dubai, or New York.

Leverage Off-Season and Mid-Week Travel

Contrary to popular belief, the off-season can be a perfect time for budget luxury travel. During these times, you can snag the best hotel rooms, flights, and experiences at heavily discounted prices, without the chaotic crowds. Mid-week travel also often has cheaper airfares and accommodations.

Your Travel Planning Virtual Assistant can assist in comparing offseason rates for various destinations, and set price alerts for mid-week flights.

Book Well In Advance or Very Last Minute

Booking flights

Booking flights and hotels well in advance ensures you secure the best prices. Alternatively, a last-minute booking can also land you killer deals as airlines and hotels endeavor to fill empty spaces. Try both strategies and see what works best for your travel plans.

Choose Accommodation Wisely

Luxe doesn’t necessarily mean a 5-star hotel. Consider boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts, or vacation rentals, which often offer personalized services that rival or even exceed those of bigger chains. Many of these alternatives provide a unique experience, let you live like a local, and save money in the process.

Eat Like a Local

One of the most significant expenses on vacation is food. Instead of dining at expensive tourist traps, explore local markets and eat like a local. Not only can you save a ton but you also experience the authentic taste of your destination’s cuisine.

Take Advantage of Free Activities

Every destination has activities that don’t cost a cent but offer priceless experiences. Be it wandering through charming local neighborhoods, visiting free museums, exploring nature trails, or enjoying a sunset on a secluded beach. These experiences will not tax your wallet but will enrich your memory bank.

Use Points and Miles

If you’re an avid credit card user, make sure to leverage rewards points for flights, hotels, and even dining. It could, quite literally, earn you free travel.

In conclusion, luxury travel, contrary to popular belief, is not just the exclusive domain of the ultra-rich. With careful planning, making thoughtful choices, and using technology like Travel Planning Virtual Assistants to our advantage, we can all have luxury vacations while staying within our budget.

Remember, luxury doesn’t always come with a giant price tag. Sometimes, it is hidden in the heart of a priceless experience. So, pack your bags, plan wisely, and embark upon your dream luxury vacation without squandering your life savings.

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Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

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READ MORE grutas de tolantongo

Grutas De Tolantongo – Location, Price And Ambience | Ultimate Guide

BY  Nabamita Jan 5, 2023

If you are planning an upcoming vacation to Mexico, then you must visit Tolantoongo, which is a box canyon, which is in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. The canyon is 1.5 hours of northwest, Pachuca, and about 198 km which is about four hours from Mexico City.  So if you wanna know more about this exceptional natural escape with beautiful hot water springs and natural pools and rivers with caves. To know more details about the Grutas de Tolantongo, then keep on scrolling down.  How Will You Reach The Las Grutas De Tolantongo? With diverse natural resources, Mexico is a haven for visitors and travelers. The Las Grutas de Tolantongo is a natural system of grottoes and caves. The beautiful water flows from the Grottos to the river of Tolantongo, which flows through the hot springs, which act like swimming pools like natural pools.  If you don’t know what a grotto is, then it is a type of cave that is naturally made underground and flows through for thousands of years. Rainwater could easily seep down piercing calcareous rocks, which dissolved them.  Then the result that formed was a mesmerizing aquatic heaven with rivers, waterfalls, and even hot springs, that became Tolantongo.  How To Reach Las Grutas De Tolantongo? Now that you know where this aquatic heaven is, you should be able to reach the place easily, as there are many options you can avail to reach the place. Here are the options you can select from.  1. Renting A Car Service One of the most popular choices of transportation from Mexico City to la Grutas de Tolantongo. Although a car service can be expensive, it is still one of the expensive options. So if you have a hefty budget, then you can easily avail of a car service. Well if you love a long stretch of road, then you will love the surrounding atmosphere while traveling.  2. Take The Bus One of the cheapest forms of transportation is the bus service. The bus is public transportation that any tourist can avail of. The easiest way for you to get a bus service is through Mexico Terminal TAPO.  From the ADO bus service, you can reach Pachuca. The journey is a 2 hours journey by bus, although the buses run every 3 hours, then plan your timing accordingly.  You would have to take a bus again till Ixmiquilpan, the bus is about 2 hours journey which runs about five times a day. Then from Ixmiquipan, it is about a 14 minutes walk, from where you can get a bus to Tolantongo.  The bus journey is very jarring and tiring and it might take you 6 hours to complete the whole journey. And it will cost you about $12 to about $22. Since this method is so tiring and long, it is not recommended for tourists, as it would take them a whole day.  3. Join A Tour Group Another possible transportation you can get to Las Grutas de Tolantongo is by organizing to join a tour group. If you are staying in Mexico City, for a few days, then the easiest way of traveling to Grutas de Tolantonga is with a tour group.  What Are The Things To Do In Las Grutas De Tolantongo? Upon reaching Grutas de tolantongo, there are a lot of places you can do there, and a few of these things that you can do. The area is divided between two areas, which are La Gruta Zone and El Paraiso Escondido.  1. Tolantongo Hot Springs (El Paraiso Zone) The hot springs of Tolantongo in the El Paraiso Zone are known as a stunning sight to see. There is a variety of hot springs, present here are mostly infinite pools, built on the side of grottos, cliffs, and swimming pools.  The temperature is somewhere around 96F and 100F. The hot springs were very relaxing and very popular, which have people flock there for this relaxing activity, so having a swimsuit with yourself is a must if you wanna go to the hot springs. Read More: Top 10 Hot Springs Near Denver You Can Visit In Winter 2. Tolantongo Cave & Tunnel (La Gruta) There are beautiful dark and wet caves and tunnels that you can visit and explore by yourself. Since the walls of the caves and tunnels are wet, you should carry water shoes, to avoid slipping. You can also go swimming in the pools in the caves, where you will find beautiful waterfalls.  3. Tolantongo River (La Gruta) All of you who want to stay overnight at Tolantongo would mostly camp out near the Tolantongo river. The blue and warm Tolantongo river is a beautiful place to camp. There is more open space for people to gather and enjoy themselves.  Read More: 7 Best Places For Free Camping Near Me In Las Vegas 4. Suspension Bridge (El Paraiso) One of the famous places of Tolantongo is the swing bridge which allows visitors a beautiful and luscious green environment.  The suspension bridge is an attractive tourist destination when you are visiting Grutas de Tolantongo. You should remember to wear comfortable shoes since you will be walking for a while.  5. Zipline (El Paraiso) If you are an adrenaline junky and love adventure sports, then you are going to love Ziplining through the greenery of Tolantongo. Although it is not free, the price for ziplining is not as much, only about $10.  Wrapping Up! Now that you know that Grutas de Tolantongo is a beautiful place state in Mexico. Then if you are visiting there you will find a comfortable grutas de tolantongo hotel. Or if you are staying there only for a night, then camping is the best option.  So if you think this article helped you in knowing more about grutas de tolantongo, then give your own article a like and comment down below. Read Also: Explore These 5 Excellent Yacht Charter Destinations! 7 Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas To Use In Jungle Adventures Top 10 Scenic Snowflake Cities In The U.S. To Travel To This Winter

READ MORE adventurous date

15 Best Places For Adventure Dates With Your Loved One

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 22, 2021

It's a blessing to find someone in life who would love you unconditionally. Promise to stay in better or worse, in sickness or in health, and never leave your side till death do you apart.  Being in a relationship can be a bumpy ride sometimes, but instead of leaving it alone, you should come forward to make it right. From both ends, it is your love that will keep you together.  Doing everything together is a way of making the bond between you and your partner stronger. If you are going through some changes I suggest you take a step forward and go outdoors to do something adventurous together.  While doing things that you haven't for a long time will make you realize the things you love most about each other.  So without any further ado, let's find adventurous date ideas, and places that can give you love birds a fresh start. 1. Starry Night Pack your bags and get ready to leave the city behind for an adventurous date. The city sky is too dull and the car honking will not let you feel calm. Drive a few miles out of town, pick a place that has nobody in it. Spread a blanket on the ground and lie down together, light some candles beside you. Now enjoy the beautiful clear sky with stars sparkling everywhere. Find out the constellations. Talk about each other. Have an adventurous date. Don’t forget to say ‘I love you. 2. You Found Me Get your head out of your busy schedule, plan a vacation with your lovey-dovey partner. Once you reach your destination, split up and try to find each other. This is going to be best for an adventurous date. Does the question arise who will find each other? Well, you know-how, look for the shops your partner may be in or any activities that your mate could probably be doing.  Think, common on. When you will finally find your partner, hug tight and utter the three magical words ‘I love you 3. Sippin Wine  If you guys are in any mountain region, then don’t just let the opportunity slip through your hand.  Find a spot in the mountains and hike up there. Open a bottle of wine and get ready to be up all night.  Talk about your future with each other, tell the funniest things about each other. Laugh carelessly and loudly.  Come back home in the morning, get fresh, and be in bed saying ‘I love you to each other.  4. Thrill Junkies  If you are one of those couples who love taking risks in life then don’t think about the consequences just go and do something thrilling.  Do bungee jumping or skydiving or scuba diving or anything that will bring excitement into your eyes. Let the adventurous date begin. Let your other half surprise you with the same energy you once saw and immediately fall in love.  So, ask the bungee jumping guide to tie you both together, and while you take the leap of love whisper ‘I love you. 5. Try The Non-Traditional Way To make a normal traditional holiday a better one in a non-traditional way, do something unique on that day, so it becomes unforgettable. Ideas vary from person to person, this idea should be absolutely the person who is reading this. Make sure you spend your holiday with fun and laughter. At the end of the day leave a note or a text saying ‘ I love you. 6. Sunrise and Pancakes  Drive somewhere away from home at night, with a plan of seeing the sunrise from your favourite spot.  Both night and the morning will be in your favour as you will have a late-night long drive as well as look at the sunrise from above the horizon. Close your eyes for a bit and hear the birds chirping, letting you know that the sun is about to rise. This is going to be the satisfying adventurous date ever.  Start having a quick morning breakfast cum picnic with your pumpkin. Take out the finger-licking good pancakes with maple syrup that is about to be poured on top. Start your day with ‘I love you. 7. Take Time  Get out of town, be at your destination as fast as you can.  Take the fastest transport if possible.  Once you get there, enjoy being with each other all the time.  Lay down in bed as much as you can, go out if that's what you want.  But the way back home has to be slow, really slow. Choose the slowest transportation available.  Turn the several-hour flight into a several-day road trip. Stop at random spots and cherish their beauty.  Have the most of the time for each other. While driving the car, take a moment to look at your loved one and express your love with ‘I love you. 8. Surprise Surprise If it's your partner's birthday coming up next week, then go hurry up, you have lots to do.  Surprise your soulmate with a surprise trip. Hide everything, before the birthday arrives.  Plan the place and travel route, the activities, and the art museums that you both want to perform and visit.  Make the birthday special for your loved one. Make your partner feel that this is the best birthday ever!. Bake a cake with an ‘I love you’ tag on it.  9. Pick A Place Obviously, wherever you go, you will have to pick a place for it. But this time you have to pick it randomly, to make your adventurous date successful.  Paste the country map on the wall, use a dart to throw at it.  The dart will choose the place for you. A place never heard of can turn out to be very interesting. Visit the place and enjoy the food.  If there is anything that is famous, surely try it. Don’t sit idle and behave like you are new to this place. Pretend like you know way too much. Take long walks nearby and often utter ‘I love you to each other. 10. Adopt A Four-Legged Furry Friend Everybody needs someone in their life especially helping in calling a truce after a fight between lovers. Visit a shelter near your location or maybe a bit far, doesn't matter. Get a mutual friend who will never be mad at you. Rather will help out when one of you will be not here to support the other mentally. You will officially become MOM and DAD.  What could be more beautiful than that?.  You guys even decide on a perfect name for your angel. Together, say ‘I love you to him.  11. Hike Your Problems Away Whenever in doubt or too much stress to handle, go out on a hike, trust me it helps miraculously. Break free from your ego and after a fight offer your partner a hike. The time you will spend walking and talking will be the most productive of all.  Sort out your problems, family problems, financial problems.  Just talk because communication is the key. All problems vanish away once you share views.  Hiking is the best thing to do.  As no one will disturb your conversations and once all done end your conversation with an ‘I love you in the end. 12. Say Yes To Matching Tattoos If it's the first time both of you are about to have a tattoo, make sure they complement each other. It is not necessary that you get the same tattoo but very much important to understand that the other part of the tattoo is with your loved one.  Experience the pain together, then laugh about it later while sipping coffee at a cafe. Whenever you are alone and miss your other half, you know what to do.  Yes, look at the tattoo and show your love by saying ‘I love you. 13. Karaoke Night Your partner knows how bad you are at singing, but still laughing at your own flaws is always appreciated.  The person who loves you the most will never make you feel alone. So drive to a bar and sing karaoke with each other. Swap the lyrics among each other.  Sing your heart out, make the most of the night. Have dinner nearby and appreciate for being so open to each other by using the words you have trying to say ‘I love you 14. Ride Or Die Learn from your partner to ride a motorcycle. Whoever in the relationship knows about bikes will teach the other.  Just imagine both of you can ride bikes, then you can also imagine that you don’t anymore have any transport issue.  Whenever you feel like going out together, just get the engine running. Say yes to the adventurous date. Don't forget to say ‘I love you’ before and after the ride. It shows you were connected even though riding individually.  15. Mystery Dining Pick a detective movie of both of your choice. Bad if none of you likes mystery movies. Don’t watch the whole movie. Leave it from the interval. Now, book a  reservation. While you eat your favourite cuisine, bring up the movie plot, try to crack who could be the murderer.  Challenge each other's detective skills.  Come back home, sit with some beer and finish the movie. I know one of you has to win, whoever it is, say ‘this is why I love you.  Conclusion  Spending time with your loved ones is just way beyond describing, as there are no words. To maintain the bond as well as grow it stronger you will have to be always close to each other. Surprising each other keeps the spark alive in a relationship. People tend to be more attracted to things they have never seen before. A relationship is as pure as an innocent’s mind. Pouring love and protecting it is our duty. Therefore these 15 adventurous places that can be visited with your loved ones are absolutely expert suggestions.  Leave a comment below and share your experience with us. Love deep, love often. Read More: Top 5 Romantic European City Breaks What Is The Best Time To Visit Morocco? Make Your Honeymoon a Truly Memorable Af Traveling Taught Me To Love Myself & Look At Life, Differently fair: Here's How

READ MORE best places to travel solo female in US

Living Your Solo Travel Dreams: 8+ Best Places To Travel Solo Female In US

BY  Sibashree Nov 11, 2024

The USA is a safe country for female solo travelers. It has secured the 37th position in the “Women Peace and Security Index” among 177 nations in 2023.  Further, the 2023 report of the TrustedHousesitters says that there is a massive increase in the number of female travelers booking solo trips. Specifically, the report registers a 193% growth in the number of solo female travelers in 2022. Now, women often find themselves solo.  It can be a breakup, a change of job, a need for some space and me-time amidst so many responsibilities…or just the much-awaited introspection time! It’s great that the best places to travel solo female in the US await you with eclectic experiences.  While Savannah in Georgia spills history and wins hearts with its architecture, Miami emerges as a stunner for its coastal fun and vibrant nightlife.  So, let’s discover the best places to travel solo female in US.  Best Places To Travel Solo Female In US: 8+ Destinations You Will Fall In Love With  “Take a break, girl!” Has this been on your mind for the longest time? It’s time to enjoy your own company and explore new places at your own pace. Solo traveling is cool in many places in the USA. However, to begin with, you can check out the following places.  I have enlisted the places based on our in-house “Solo Travel Safety Meter” scores out of 5. Further, our “Solo Travel Safety Meter” has assessed the availability of basic amenities, safety provisions, and things to do at those places.  Moreover, we have done research on online reviews to pick the best places to travel solo female in US. 1. Miami, Florida Tour and Travel Safety Meter Rating: 4.4 Best Time to Visit Miami: December to February and March to May  Miami is for the social butterflies and mermaids! You can spend the day by the famous beaches of Miami and enjoy the best nightlife at the nightclubs. Further, you will love the Latin cuisine in Miami.  Have a look at the best beaches in Miami. South Beach Haulover Naturist Beach, North Beach Haulover Dog Beach Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Moreover, if you want to chill at nightclubs, consider exploring places like El Patio Wynwood, Tipsy Flamingo, Club Space, etc.  2. Savannah, Georgia Tour and Travel Safety Meter Rating: 4.3 Best Time to Visit: March to July If you visit Savannah between March and July, you will cherish the warm weather and flowers in full bloom. Further, Savannah is home to the Wormsloe Historic Site, William Scarbrough House, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and many other ancient and prominent architecture. So, you can call Savannah the historical hub of the country. Savannah is also known for its warm hospitality.  3. Seattle, Washington Tour and Travel Safety Meter Rating: 4.1 Best Time to Visit: July to September Seattle or the Emerald City will offer you the best of urban and rural lives. Space Needle and Pike Place Market are some prominent places to explore when you are in Seattle.  From the Space Needle, you will enjoy a 360-degree view of Mount Rainier, the Olympic mountain ranges, Cascades, and downtown.  Moreover, in Seattle, you will enjoy a ferry ride to islands nearby and the coffee plantations of the city will mesmerize you.  4. Charleston, South Carolina Tour and Travel Safety Meter Rating: 4 Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November If you are looking for a relaxing solo traveling experience, Charleston will be your go-to destination. Further, if you are a dark academia fan, you will love taking a stroll along the cobblestone streets of the historic district. You will also come across scenic plantations in Charleston. Moreover, for the most peaceful experience, you can enjoy a short walk in Battery. You will enjoy the most beautiful view of the harbor from here.  5. Asheville, North Carolina Tour and Travel Safety Meter Rating: 3.9 Best Time to Visit: September to November The beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains graces Asheville in North Carolina. Along with being a place of great scenic beauty, it is also known as a hub of art and culture.  Further, when in Asheville, you can explore the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Pisgah National Forest.  Moreover, Asheville offers you the best farm-to-table dining experiences. HomeGrown, Chestnut, Vivian, and Corner Kitchen are some of the best locations for farm-to-table dining indulgence in Asheville.  6. Austin, Texas Tour and Travel Safety Meter Rating: 3.8 Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November Austin will win you over with its vibrant culture. It is the biggest draw for the music and gastronomic enthusiasts. Austin houses some of the best BBQ joints in the country. You can visit any of the following places to cherish the taste of Texas-style BBQ. Smokin' Brew-B-Q Terry Black's Barbecue The Salt Lick BBQ Did You Know?You will get the South Texas barbecue style in the eateries of Austin. Here, the smoked meat is served with molasses-based barbecue sauce. This sauce preserves the moisture of the meat. So, you enjoy a moist and flavorful delicacy. Moreover, Austin has the Colorado River. If you are an adventurous soul, you can take part in multiple outdoor activities along that river.  7. Hot Springs, Arkansas Tour and Travel Safety Meter Rating: 3.6 Best Time to Visit: April to May and September to October Are you looking for a relaxing getaway? Hot Springs, Arkansas, will be the ideal destination for you. Named “the Valley of the Vapors” by native Americans, Hot Springs has natural hot springs producing water with a temperature of “143 degrees Fahrenheit.”  Bathhouse Row and Quapaw Baths & Spa are some of the best places to indulge in the natural spa experience.  8. Alamogordo, New Mexico Tour and Travel Safety Meter Rating: 3.5 Best Time to Visit: May to October Alamogordo is home to the White Sands National Park. You will love the long stretches of gypsum sand dunes here. In fact, it is the largest gypsum dune field in the world.  However, the fossilized footprints of humans and animals are the most fascinating things in the park. These footprints are from the Ice Age.  Despite being one of the best places to travel solo female in US, Alamogordo is underrated. You will love its wine and have it with some pistachios for the best experience.  9. Anchorage, Alaska Tour and Travel Safety Meter Rating: 3.3 Best Time to Visit: March to November One of the best places to travel solo female in US, Anchorage is great for cruise trips. The cruise trips in Anchorage are great as you enjoy the bliss of solo travel and enjoy the company of a group with similar interests. The exchange of knowledge and experience always works when you are traveling to a new place.  The cruise trip in Alaska will make you meet the big five of the state: caribou, bear, Dall sheep, moose, and wolf. Further, as a solo female traveler, you will enjoy the following activities here. Dog sledding Watching the Northern Lights Visiting the Glaciers Moreover, you can stargaze and enjoy a midnight stroll in Anchorage without safety concerns. Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.