Live in Luxury in Uncommon Destinations

Sometimes planning alone for an economical vacation makes us anxious. It isn't easy to decide, especially if you do not have any ideas in mind yet. With smart planning, travel awareness and a keen eye for spotting good deals, one can enjoy luxury travel without burning a hole in the pocket. Exploring new places in a lesser-known destination is one key to experience luxury on a budget.

Today, with the internet and social media at one’s fingertips, all places around the globe seem nearer. Tap these resources smartly. Here, the key is planning and research. Begin the search literally at your fingertips; your inbox. Register with budget travel sites and subscribe to travel blogs to glean some useful information from experienced travellers.

Also, it’s time to brush up on your geography. Study the place you want to visit and then find out places of interest, maybe historical or architectural importance, not on the usual tourist itinerary. For instance, if Europe is your destination, why not explore East Europe rather than the ‘done to death’ West Europe. Places like Budapest, Hungary, Prague and Krakow are still waiting to be explored by the masses. Not only will there be a novelty in discovering new things about these places, but they are much cheaper. For the price of moderate accommodation in the popular circuit, you can enjoy five-star luxury there.

Poland is one of the best places offering value for money but without compromising on luxury amenities. While Warsaw is also a great travel destination, Krakow has deep cultural roots and amazing food. The architecture, well-maintained parks and spectacular views are a sight to behold. A great way to discover Krakow’s rich history is to take a bike tour. Led by local guides, you can cycle your way past the scenic streets of Krakow and pedal past its attractions like the Jagiellonian University and Wawel Castle. A traditional Polish lunch is also part of this bike tour. This is a great way to bond together with other tourists, get some exercise and take in the sights, without spending much!

Krakow

Another adventurous way to experience the natural beauty and charm of Krakow's mountain region is to take the Dunajec Rafting tour. The tour cost includes the rafting fees, transportation from hotel and back, besides the services of an English speaking guide. Another luxurious but affordable route around Krakow is the cruise down the Wisla river. The cruise fee includes an open bar, an onboard magician, and welcome shots at two of Krakow’s famous clubs.

Be treated like royalty by staying at luxury hotels like the Bonerowski Palace, that too at a fraction of the cost of what it would cost you in France, or even the next-door neighbour, Germany. Another good accommodation is the 4 star Grand Ascot Hotel- located in the main market square; it is within walking distance from tourist attractions in the Krakow Old Town.

Like Poland, the Czech Republic also is an affordable luxury travel destination. Once overshadowed by its flashier western neighbours, Prague is now a haven for travellers seeking affordable luxury. It is a melting pot of ex-pats that pour in from all over the globe and make it vibrant and lively. The music and entertainment one can experience here is varied and vivid and has an international vibe. Prague, too has stunning architecture and some global gastronomical delights for tourists to feast on. Prague has also been declared as one of the safest cities in the world. Many of Prague’s tourist attractions, like the famous Charles Bridge and the historic Prague castle, offer free admissions.

One can book a luxury five-star hotel at a fraction of its other European neighbours. Most hotels offer a great complimentary breakfast. One can consider the Aria Hotel Prague for its convenient accommodations and also for the private entrance this hotel provides to the adjacent UNESCO heritage garden. Iconic attractions like St. Nicholas Church and Prague Castle are within walking distance from this hotel. If you are a fitness freak, try out The Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa. Guests here get complimentary passes to the health club’s fitness centre, sauna and swimming pool.

Tbilisi, Georgia, is another as yet undiscovered gem of East Europe. Having been under Russian and Persian rule earlier, this city offers a unique mix of European and Middle Eastern influence. It is a haven for Western travellers as dollars, pounds, and euros are worth a lot in Tbilisi. This Georgian capital is a great place for live music, jazz clubs and wine bars. It is on its way to soon become the Techno Capital of East Europe. Tbilisi also offers gastronomy tours where one can visit wineries, do some food sampling and, of course, taste wine. Tastings are very generous and not just a sip! There are also free walking tours around the city. It is a good way to get around without spending a dime. Browse through the underground Meidan bazaar and the street markets of Rustaveli Avenue to pick some interesting souvenirs. Here, the luxury hotels and boutique hotels are all affordable, but the demand rises in summer as tourists flock here.

Wellness tourism with spas and thermal baths is another spectrum of luxury travel. East Europe still has many traditional spa resorts which offer a plethora of natural solutions to weary travellers seeking rest and rejuvenation. The Baltic Sea Coast has many high-class spas which offer excellent value for money. The mountainous regions of the Czech Republic and Slovakia are well known for thermal treatments such as radon baths and therapeutic masks and peels. Not only are these spas a much-needed respite from fatigue and pain, but they also are easy on the pocket and, as a bonus, are situated in pristine and picturesque locations. Karlovy Vary is an iconic spa town in the Czech Republic. Boasting twelve natural mineral springs, this region is also well known for its skin softening sulphur mud baths. The surrounding regions of Jachymov and Frantiskovy Lazne are the best destinations for radon healing therapy.

The Spa Hotel Thermal is centrally located in the spa district of Karlovy Vary and is also the setting for the International Film Festival held every year in early July. The Luxury Spa and Wellness Hotel Prezident is also a renowned spa resort and has many healing springs and sights close by.

If you are searching for rich history, sumptuous cuisine, museums, shopping and pleasant surroundings, then Budapest is where you should head. Prices here are so fair that you need not choose – you can indulge in all of these! One of the must-visit sights is the Fisherman’s Bastion, named after the medieval guild of fishermen who protected Budapest from invasion. This structure provides a panoramic view of the city and creates the perfect backdrop for breathtaking pictures. The upper-level terraces and turrets have an entrance fee, but entry to the lower level is free. Another must-do on your trip to Budapest is checking out the Danube River, either by foot or sightseeing cruise. If you decide to walk, go along the Danube Promenade, which offers breathtaking views. Boat excursions generally last for an hour and include a cocktail or beverage, and most of them allow children for free.

You can consider staying at the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace for its unbeatable location, top-class services and amenities. It is close to Chain Bridge, providing easy access to many of Budapest’s attractions. Within walking distance is Hungary’s famed Parliament Building and Hungarian State Opera House. If you are a business traveller, then the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest is a good choice. It offers excellent conference facilities, a staffed business centre, valet parking and chauffeur services.

Those who like to follow the road less trodden should head straight to the Mergui Archipelago off the east coast of southern Myanmar and Thailand. It is a recently opened luxury travel destination with about 800 largely uninhabited islands scattered across the Andaman Sea. It was once a recreational retreat for Burma’s British colonial holidaymakers, but most of the last few decades, it has been off-limits to all. Having recently opened up, the settings are more natural and raw but very pristine. The Mergui Archipelago has island resorts that cater to those who want to laze and soak in the surroundings between spa treatments and adrenaline-pumping activities like snorkelling, paddle –boarding and kayaking for those who swear by thrills.

These resorts are ideal for a digital detox as there is no mobile coverage here, but they do have satellite WiFi. There is a lot of emphasis on clean and green eco-friendly amenities, and there are green technologies like solar panels, biodegradable soaps, reef-friendly sunscreens and reusable water bottles.

One of the most beautiful islands in this archipelago is the 115 island group. This is best visited abroad the Sea Gypsy; a cargo boat converted into a passenger's vessel. The slow journey takes guests around the islands, fishing villages, and isolated bays to do beachcombing, snorkelling or swimming. Guests abroad sleep in wood-panelled gazebos at night and can laze around the sun deck and lounge areas during the daytime.

Another gem within this archipelago is the Wa Ale Island Resort. It is the ultimate in barefoot luxury. Wa Ale Resort is a conservation-led project and allows guests to immerse themselves in the tropical ambience in tented villas near the sea turtle sanctuary and nesting site. There are jungle treehouses from where one can see the blue Andaman Sea and enjoy the healthy cuisine prepared from its organic garden's produce.

One of the best snorkelling islands is Nyaung Oo Phee. Victoria Cliff Resort has facilities for day-trippers and overnighters on this island. This resort provides the ideal base for nearby snorkelling sites. The clear waters support soft and hard corals, and visitors can see a variety of marine life like clownfish and anemones. Overnight guests are treated to a Myanmar dance performance and amazing fire show.

For those seeking more creature comforts, the Grand Andaman is the answer. It is a family-friendly casino hotel with not just gaming tables and slot machines operating 24/7 but dining facilities and duty-free shops too. Foreigners can visit here without a visa.

Newly opened up travel destinations and luxury hotels therein can also be a fantastic way to stay ahead of the brat pack of spoilt travellers. Armenia is one such new hotspot. Marriott has recently opened up a luxury hotel in the capital city of Yerevan, and what is to stop you from being one of the earliest guests to sample its offerings and make it your base camp to explore the beautiful countryside landscape.

Sometimes, just a few kilometres away from the city centre, you can land great hotel deals in your lap, not to mention the interesting neighbourhoods you may come across. Sometimes, speaking directly to the hotel, and being persistent, may give you a better rate or maybe an upgrade.  If you are a music freak, you cannot miss Coachella Music Festival held in Indio, California.  Considered the hottest music festival in the world, most hotel bookings are made way in advance. A better option would be to stay in Rancho Mirage, where luxury hotels like The Ritz Carlton offer body scrubs, massages and lush outdoor gardens, all within your budget and just 30 minutes away from Coachella.

By doing some smart research and planning, you can have a great luxury holiday. Here are some of the tips gleaned from frequent travellers who have honed their skills of squeezing every drop out of their travel budget and stretching their money to the maximum.

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1:- Your luxury travel experience can begin even before take-off. Find out how you can access the lounge services of the airline. Here, you can avail of hot showers, comfortable seating and also snacks and drinks. All this at no extra cost!

2:- Choose the destination that has cheaper flights. Look for a large immigrant population near your airport, and you will discover the destination of the cheaper flights. For instance, Melbourne has one of the largest Greek populations outside of Athens. So, air travel from Melbourne to Athens is relatively cheaper.

3:- Once you have zeroed in on the places of visit, use early bird schemes for air travel and hotel bookings. Combine your accumulated travel or hotel points and get that extra discount.

4:- Travelling in the offseason not only saves money but is a great way to avoid crowds. The locals are also more relaxed and approachable during the offseason. Rainy season at beach locations or winters at mountain tops are a good way to beat the crowd.

5:- Choose a cheap 5-star destination. If you want affordable luxury, then find a country where your currency can buy you a lot. Then find the luxury experience within it. In this way, your money can stretch out and give you much more than what you get for it in your home country.

6:- Either book very early or risk it at the last minute to catch good deals for airfares and hotel bookings. At the last minute, you can get discounts on bookings that have been cancelled or empty seats on tours.

7:- Visit museums and galleries late in the day. Many times, they sell discounted entry tickets as the closing time is nearing.

8:- Plan a mix of accommodation. By staying for a few days at budget accommodations, you can save money later splurge on luxury stays during the trip.

9:- Try Glamping or glamorous camping! This is another dimension of luxury but at a much lesser cost than a traditional 5 star stay.

10:- Another adventurous tip is to try the Home Exchange scheme. You can give up your home for the duration of your trip and swap your home for another in your travel destination. Using the Home Exchange website will help you plan this more meticulously and safely.

Better still, talk to us at Metanoia to plan out a boutique trip at the cost of a bouquet.

We will ensure that your aspirations are not compromised as we plan out a bespoke itinerary for you and your families or friends. Soak in the ample arms of luxury at a budgeted cost. Our Travel Planners at Metanoia are not merely tour guides. The team is articulate with well-travelled professionals who bring in intricacies of luxury, making travelling with us an enriching experience.

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