Nov 10, 2024
When the pandemic took hold and people all over the world had to cancel travel plans, it was a huge letdown, to put things lightly. Since then, travel has roared back with a vengeance.
In 2023, nearly half of Americans budgeted $4,000 or more toward travel, according to a Forbes survey. And data from Thrillist and Vox Media finds that travel is a priority among 89% of Gen Zers and 87% millennials.
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In fact, younger Americans prioritize travel so much that even debt isn't stopping them from taking trips. In a 2024 Credit Karma survey, nearly 40% of Gen Z (38%) and Millennials (39%) said that “regardless of where their finances stand, they’ll always prioritize summer travel.”
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Of course, it’s one thing to carve out room in your budget for a trip, but it’s another thing to travel in style. The latter is something the wealthy can clearly pull off, and that might make you just a bit jealous. But if you play your cards right, you can vacation like the wealthy even with limited funds. Here’s how.
1. Score upgrades so you can fly in comfort
Have you ever arrived at your destination cramped and jet-lagged because you were stuck in economy class with barely any room to move? The rich don’t have to deal with that. Even those who aren’t wealthy enough to afford a private jet can upgrade their experience with a business class ticket.
Technically, so can you. But there’s the cost. In some cases, you could be looking at thousands of dollars more to fly business class over economy, which may be beyond your budget. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have options for the future.
You may be able to use credit card points or miles to upgrade to a business class flight without spending thousands of dollars just to get to your destination. In fact, one thing you may want to do is shop around for a great travel rewards credit card. Some cards allow you to rack up as much as 5 times the points on airline tickets, which could make it easier to snag upgraded flights for free.
Also, be on the lookout for credit card sign-up bonus offers that could put a pile of cash back or points in your pocket. You often can redeem those rewards for business class flights.
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2. Focus on less traveled destinations
The wealthy often prefer to vacation in exclusive spots that aren't overrun with tourists. If you want a similarly peaceful experience, focus on destinations that aren’t particularly popular or well-known. Thrillist and Vox Media found that 84% of young Americans prefer travel destinations off the beaten path anyway.
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Or, if you have your heart set on a more popular destination, aim to visit at an off-peak time.
Alaska, for example, tends to see an uptick in tourism during the summer months. But if you go in May or September instead of during the peak period of June through August, you may find that you're able to enjoy the experience even more.
Just make sure you pack an extra coat and plenty of layers.
3. Prioritize certain conveniences in your travels
People who are wealthy tend to spend money to buy back time — both in the context of everyday life as well as travel. For a similar experience on your next vacation, prioritize convenience in your trip budget.
You may, for example, have the option to take a bus or train between cities on your itinerary. But if that subjects you to a rigid timeline or has you spending extra hours on the road, you may consider spending the money on a private car or transportation service that can get you where you need to go faster and with less hassle.
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Maurie Backman has been writing professionally for well over a decade. Since becoming a full-time writer, she's produced thousands of articles on topics ranging from Social Security to investing to real estate.
