It’s easy to get carried away when planning a vacation. Maybe you want to stay at a luxurious resort and eat at Michelin-star restaurants. Or visit places you’ve only dreamed about. Maybe, this is a bucket list trip you’ve been planning for years. We know travel budgets will vary depending on multiple factors so let us help you decide whether you should splurge or save.

Upgrading to Business / First Class on Flights

Maybe you’ve always wanted to sit in the forward part of the airplane, either in business or first class. After all, seating is more spacious and comfortable. There is more legroom and better reclining capabilities. This is especially nice if you are traveling internationally and have access to lie-flat seats. Service in business or first class is more personalized than that in economy class, with better quality food and drinks, personalized attention from flight attendants, and amenities like noise-canceling headphones, blankets, and pillows.

If you are on short flights (less than 3 hours), the benefits of upgraded seating and service are definitely not worth the additional cost. And, the longer flights?

What We Recommend

We recommend not upgrading unless you have the cash or can use miles or points instead of cash. Instead, explore prices for booking in the premium economy section. This is a small section of the plane between business and economy. Premium economy has wider seats that recline farther, and leg rests to support your feet and legs. This section also serves better food and wine.

Generally, the premium economy section has about 24 seats. Right now, these seats tend to be priced significantly less than business, but more than economy. Be sure to explore all the pricing options between the classes before booking. In the past, I’ve found business class fares costing only a few hundred dollars more than premium economy, and in a couple of cases, less than premium economy! If you find these kinds of deals…book immediately! We also recommend signing up for business-class fare alerts. If your travel schedule is flexible you may just be able to find a business-class fare you can afford!

Are these amenities nice? Absolutely. But are they worth eating into at least half your travel budget? We think the extra cost may not be worth it for everyone.

If a premium economy seat is not an option, try to book bulkhead seats that provide extra legroom. Book these seats early so you can select seats on either side of the plane where there are generally two seats per row. Avoid the middle seats when at all possible. If you are flying with someone and don’t want to sit in a middle seat, try to book two aisle seats across from each other.

The decision to upgrade to business or first-class flights should be based on individual circumstances, including budget, travel purpose, and personal preferences. While the benefits of upgraded seating and service can be tempting, the extra cost may not be justifiable in all cases.

So, splurge or save on upgrading to business or first-class travel? Verdict: Save

Direct Flights

Unless you enjoy layovers and transfers and sitting on tarmacs for any length of time, splurge for the direct flights. A splurge can almost always be seen as worth it if it significantly reduces your hassle while traveling, or if it gives you back your time.

Take Less Time

Common sense tells you that direct flights take less time to reach your destination than connecting flights. Connecting flights require you to transfer from one flight to another, and can add a significant amount of time when a layover is involved. Sometimes you will pay more for a direct flight, but save yourself valuable time and arrive at your destination more quickly and with less stress. We’ve also found that if you can drive to a large airport in a decent amount of time, you may pay less for airfare. We live in Oklahoma City and frequently drive to Dallas to catch a direct flight.

Give You More Control

When flying direct, you have more control over your travel experience, which can make all the difference when you want to arrive somewhere quickly and efficiently. Direct flights are more convenient than connecting flights, as they allow you to bypass the inconvenience and hassle of navigating through airports, waiting in long lines, and dealing with potential flight delays or cancellations.

More Comfortable Experience

Direct flights offer a more comfortable travel experience than connecting flights. With a direct flight, you can settle in and relax without the stress of worrying about your connecting flight or rushing to catch it. You’ll also avoid the discomfort of squeezing into smaller regional planes that are often used for connecting flights.

Avoid the Risk of Lost Luggage

Additionally, you’ll avoid the risk of lost luggage or other issues that can arise when transferring from one flight to another! It can be worth taking a direct flight for this benefit alone!

In conclusion, paying more for direct flights can be a smart choice that provides many benefits, including time savings, convenience, comfort, safety, and overall cost savings. While it may be tempting to save money on connecting flights, the added stress and inconvenience often outweigh any potential savings.

What We Recommend

Book direct flights when possible. Flying is stressful enough, and in our opinion anything you can do to decrease stress the sooner you can begin to enjoy your vacation! If there are no direct flights to your destination, we recommend trying to keep your flights to one-stop, with enough time to leisurely get to your connecting flight. We realize this is not always possible because of flight delays and cancellations, but giving yourself extra time between flights will help.

So, splurge or save on direct travel flights? Verdict: Splurge

Travel Insurance

Since COVID-19, we’ve all heard horror stories of non-refundable trips gone wrong. And, there is data to support that more travelers are now buying travel insurance likely because of these stories. We also think travel insurance can make good sense. It will provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of unexpected events such as those discussed below.

Trip Interruption

Travel insurance can protect you financially if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, injury, or death of a family member. This can help you recoup the cost of non-refundable expenses such as flights, hotels, and activities. We always hope these unforeseen events never happen to us, and most of the time, they won’t. But, it is good to be prepared, especially when your travels are taking you internationally or you will be gone for an extended period of time. We have often purchased travel insurance when a close family member is elderly, just because you never know about life and death events.

Medical Emergency

In the unfortunate event, you or your travel companion get sick or injured while traveling, travel insurance can cover medical expenses, including emergency medical transportation back to your home country. This is particularly important if you are traveling to a country with high medical costs or limited healthcare facilities.

Lost Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, helping you recoup the cost of replacing essential items such as clothing, toiletries, and electronics. Lost luggage happens more often than we’d like to think. Generally, the luggage arrives or is eventually returned but it may be a little too late. There is nothing like arriving for a ten-day sailboat trip in the Caribbean with no luggage. I just used it as an opportunity to buy a new swimsuit!

Delays or Cancellations

If your flight is delayed or canceled, travel insurance can also help cover additional expenses such as meals, accommodations, and transportation.

What We Recommend

If you are traveling domestically or to a low-risk destination, such as a resort or cruise, the likelihood of needing travel insurance is lower. Travel insurance can be expensive, and the cost may not always be worth the potential benefits. Carefully consider the cost of the insurance policy relative to the cost of your trip and the likelihood of needing to use it.

Review your existing health insurance and credit cards. These may already provide some coverage for travel-related expenses and you want to avoid paying for duplicate coverage.

Travel insurance policies can have a range of restrictions and limitations, such as exclusions for pre-existing medical conditions or restrictions on coverage for certain activities or destinations. Carefully review the policy before purchasing to ensure that it meets your needs and covers any potential risks.

In conclusion, the decision to purchase travel insurance depends on your individual circumstances and travel plans. It can absolutely provide valuable protection in case of unexpected events. If you don’t have access through existing health insurance or credit cards, and you are traveling internationally, we recommend purchasing travel insurance. Just be sure to carefully weigh the potential benefits and costs before making a decision.

So, splurge or save on purchasing travel insurance? Verdict: Splurge

Souvenirs

While souvenirs can serve as a meaningful reminder of a vacation, they can also be a waste of money and contribute to unnecessary clutter. Our experience is that many souvenir shops sell run-of-the-mill tourist items. These items are likely bought in bulk and aren’t even made in the country you are visiting.

We have bought some of these items, certainly. T-shirts for the kids and now grandkids and other nicknacks here and there. But, we have also bought items, especially food items, which seem exciting at the time, but lose their excitement once we return home. For example, last year we bought the “highly sought after saffron” that we couldn’t buy in the U.S. because it came from Iran. Unfortunately, the spice is still sitting in its packet unused. We also bought a box of Turkish candies that we eventually threw away because we never ate them and they dried out.

Purchasing run-of-the-mill souvenirs can also have a negative impact on the environment. Many souvenirs are made from materials that are not sustainable or biodegradable, and the production and transportation of these items can contribute to carbon emissions and other environmental issues.

What We Recommend

Instead, select one or two items that you know are locally made. For example, I will often buy a piece of jewelry made by a local artist. Every time I wear the jewelry I fondly remember wherever we were in the world. Once I bought a yard of fabric made in Mexico City. Now I’m now having it made into a lampshade that will sit in our living room.

Visit a local market for artisan-made goods, and snag delicacies at the local grocery store! While the treats won’t be as delicately packaged, they’ll be extra authentic, and probably less expensive. Our best example of this is Blue Mountain Coffee from Jamaica. Tourist and hotel shops are twice the price of the local grocery store. The packaging looks different, but the coffee? It wonderfully tastes the same.

So, splurge or save on purchasing travel souvenirs? Verdict: Save

Hotels

This is a tough call to make. And, ultimately, the decision really comes down to your travel style. For some, a vacation includes 1,000 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets and prompt room service. Others simply want a place to rest their head after a day of exploration and adventure. We think that what matters most, most of the time, is location, location, location.

If you feel this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it may be worth splurging for a luxury hotel room. You will have plush bedding, high-end toiletries, gourmet dining, and spa treatments available. Additionally, luxury hotels are often in prime locations in desirable destinations, providing easy access to popular tourist attractions, stunning views, and cultural landmarks. They may also offer exclusive experiences, such as private tours or access to unique events, that can make a trip truly unforgettable. In short, these hotels often cater to your every whim.

But, the price tag for this kind of experience may cost a small fortune. And while it’s tempting, it can be a lovely, but unnecessary expense. If you want luxury toiletries, for example, consider bringing your own in travel-size bottles and staying at lower-cost accommodations.

What We Recommend

What you decide to spend on a hotel room ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities. Be clear with yourself and your traveling partner about what’s a priority. Personally, we have a mental dollar limit that we are willing to spend per night. If we are going to Italy, for example, we are willing to spend more than if we are on a road trip and have to spend a night along the interstate. Sure, we like to stay in hotel rooms that cost $1,500 per night, but we aren’t willing to pay that out of pocket. Instead, we earn points on travel credit cards that we then use the points to pay for nights at a luxury hotel.

Another option? Consider booking a room through VRBO. There are homes all over the world that offer an authentic experience of the destination often at prices significantly less than hotels. By staying in these homes, you will have opportunities to interact with the locals and experience the true essence of the destination.

The key is to choose a location that is accessible to attractions you want to visit and activities you would like to do.

Whether you choose to splurge or save on hotels during your travel depends on your preferences. Our verdict? It’s a Tie.

Bucket-List Experiences

We are talking about the stuff travel dreams are made of. A hot air balloon ride at sunset in Cappadocia, a private driver on the Amalfi Coast, or a private safari experience in Kenya. A bucket list trip is often a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience something truly extraordinary.

It’s possible that the cost of the trip may even be offset by the value of the experience. The opportunity to achieve a personal goal can be priceless. In this way, splurging on a bucket list trip can be an investment in yourself and your personal growth.

On the other hand, splurging on this type of trip can be financially irresponsible. If the cost of the trip exceeds your budget, it is likely to create financial stress and even debt.

Furthermore, the experience of a bucket list trip may not live up to your expectations. The trip may be impacted by factors such as weather, local political or economic conditions, or other unexpected events that detract from the overall experience. In this way, the cost of the trip may not be commensurate with the actual value of the experience. If this is the case, you may feel your money was wasted.

What We Recommend

I won’t lie. We have had our share of bucket list experiences over the years. When the stock market fell in 2008 we were glad some of our money had been spent on experiences instead of invested in stock. Our experiences were something no one, not even the stock market, could take away from us. We had invested in us.

When I’m trying to decide whether or not we should splurge on a bucket list item, I ask myself, “If I died today, would I be disappointed not to have experienced X?” If the answer is no, I am likely to wait on the bucket list item. If it’s yes, then I have to figure out how I’m going to pay for it!

Really, the decision to splurge or not splurge on a bucket list trip depends on your priorities and values. While it can provide a unique and unforgettable experience, it can also be financially irresponsible.

Weigh the benefits and drawbacks and make an informed decision based on your circumstances and goals.

So, splurge or save on bucket list travel? Verdict: Splurge

Conclusion

As you can see, the decision to splurge or save will vary from one traveler to the next, and maybe from one travel destination to the next. You have to decide what is best for you and your family.

In any case, whether you splurge or save, I’d love to help make your travel dreams a reality! If you need a travel consultation, a personalized travel itinerary, or just want to find out if we are real, get in touch here.