Poll: What will you splurge on when you travel?

[anethum]

There have been a few recent travel threads about air travel upgrades, so I thought I'd make a poll about travel splurges in general. You can pick as many options as apply to you.

As for me, the only thing I'll routinely splurge on is food. I've eaten in a couple of Michelin 3 star restaurants, but I'm also very willing to eat street food, especially in countries like Thailand. BTW, I've never gotten sick from street food. I have gotten sick from restaurants a couple of times, however. I'll eat in relatively expensive restaurants in developing countries, too. But there are some yummy items in countries such as Mexico which are generally available mainly from street vendors (e.g. tamales). There have been several times during my travels when I've paid more for my dinner than for my room.

As for lodging, I mainly want a place that's quiet, clean, & well-located. Resorts and all-inclusive places have no interest for me.

Regarding air travel, I haven't seen upgrade prices recently that I consider reasonable on flights I've been on in the past couple of years. On my last air trip, nonstop flights between Washington & Paris, a Business class tickets would have cost more than $4,000 more roundtrip than an Economy ticket. Economy Plus would have cost about $1,000 more than regular Economy. I will pay to select my Economy seat, however, because I want an aisle seat. I won't buy "Basic Economy" tickets or fly on airlines like Spirit. I should add that I'm not a big person. I had an empty seat next to me on my flight home from Paris this year, and I'd rather have that than someone sitting next to me in an Economy Plus row. I got free upgrades twice on overnight transatlantic flights. Yeah, it was nice, but to me it wasn't worth the additional cost those seats now command on routes I've been flying lately.

I might be willing to splurge on a high end organized tour, but I haven't been anywhere yet that I haven't been able to organize everything myself. I speak a few foreign languages, so that helps on the ground. If I decide to visit Antarctica, I'll have to BTD.

 

[pacergal]

When we travel, it is first class (due to DH back issues) and resorts. On a cruise, we now get a suite instead of balcony room.
Occ VRBO or AirBNB, but some of the added fees and charges are making that just as spendy!

However, we will eat in local good restaurants, and often ask workers some of their favorites away from where we stay. One of our best finds was a little hole in the wall mom and pop next too a laundromat several years ago when we were doing laundry on vacation.

We don't do a lot of travel, so feel comfortable with increased spending.

 

[OldShooter]

Our splurge is private travel. Just us and a guide or guide/driver. We avoid most group travel, though we like and sometimes buy Road Scholar's educational content. We are not cruise or beach people. We actively avoid luxury accommodations in favor of small and smaller hotels. One of our best experiences was a custom trip in Panama at an 8 room property where the owner and his dog greeted us at the door.

 

[rodi]

I shop like crazy for deals on upgraded air tickets. I selected that. My minimum for overseas is premium economy.

I did not select luxury accommodations - because we tend to Airbnb or Vrbo... and we get more room, a kitchen, usually in a nice 'luxury' apartment for less than a 3* hotel.

I did not select food - but we are somewhat foodies. We don't focus on atmosphere and fanciness - just good food. We try to go were the locals are eating.

We don't like organized tours.

We'll do experiences...

 

[marko]

First Class seats. A two or three room suite at higher end hotels. Higher end restaurants.

When we travel with BIL and SIL, they lean toward Airbnb. Not really my thing, but I lobby for having someone who does the shopping before we arrive and hopefully someone who comes in to cook a few dinners.

After a long day of travel, I can't think of anything worse than spending another hour or two doing grocery and liquor store shopping.

 

[rodi]

First Class seats. A two or three room suite at higher end hotels. Higher end restaurants.

When we travel with BIL and SIL, they lean toward Airbnb, but I lobby for having someone who does the shopping before we arrive and hopefully someone who comes in to cook a few dinners.

After a long day of travel, I can't think of anything worse than spending another hour or two doing grocery and liquor store shopping.

It doesn't take hours to shop - usually a run into a store on the way home from sight seeing. And nothing prevents eating out even though you have a kitchen.

BUT - there is luxury in being able to enjoy coffee and eggs (that, yes, you cooked) in your jammies as you ease into the day. I hate the idea of having to get dressed to go out and get coffee and breakfast.

As an introvert I prefer to have a cocktail or glass of wine in the evening on a balcony of my airbnb rather than paying more to sit in a hotel bar.

But those are preference things.

 

[marko]

BUT - there is luxury in being able to enjoy coffee and eggs (that, yes, you cooked) in your jammies as you ease into the day. I hate the idea of having to get dressed to go out and get coffee and breakfast.

But those are preference things.

Agree. That's why we prefer a hotel suite: room service!

And by the time you're out of the shower and back in your hotel robe, someone has come to remove the breakfast dishes and left you another fresh pot of coffee. And the view from the 41st floor is almost as nice as having a balcony.

 

[audreyh1]

The older we get the more willing we are to pay up for comfort and convenience as well as excellence.

 

[marko]

The older we get the more willing we are to pay up for comfort and convenience as well as excellence.

It's the "D.I.D". Money as a tool that insulates you from discomfort, inconvenience and danger.

 

[Ronstar]

Hotels, food, and experiences. I wouldn't splurge on airfare - I usually sleep through most of the flight anyway.

 

[6miths]

Not much of a splurger!

 

[Midpack]

We’ve always splurged on restaurants, starting in our 20’s, what’s the point of pinching pennies on vacation? We used to confine ourselves to budget hotels but we splurge on them now too, spending 2-3X/night what we used to. We’re willing to spend to enjoy ourselves, but that doesn’t mean wasting money. Again, why go on vacation and limit yourself if you don’t have to?

 

[disneysteve]

I voted restaurants and experiences. The one thing not on the list is location. We don't necessarily go for luxury accommodations but we are more likely to splurge on a better location than we did in the past. Years ago, we'd stay on the edge of town to save money on the hotel and then drive everywhere we wanted to go. Now we are more apt to choose a hotel right in the center of town where there are shops and restaurants and attractions within walking distance. We were in Annapolis, MD recently and didn't touch our car for 3 days. A few weeks later we spent a few days in Old Town Alexandria, VA and did the same. We love being able to step out of our hotel and grab breakfast at a local cafe, walk to some of the tourist attractions we came to see, maybe take a mid-day break in our room, and then wander out again for dinner nearby. If we decide to have a couple of margaritas with dinner or check out a local whiskey bar, no worries about driving back to the hotel.

 

[CO-guy]

I voted for restaurants and experiences, as well as luxury accommodations. Really it just depends though. We have a few upcoming trips and splurged on accommodations, but often somewhere clean, comfortable, and convenient (and accepts pets) is what we prefer. We will dine at Michelin starred restaurants as an experience, but can easily go out for kebab in any city in Europe. With experiences, we either self-cater or hire a private guide/driver to get the most out of our time.

 

[brett]

It very much depends on where we are travelling.

We have no issue upgrading to lie down seats on an SFO-SIN 17.5 hour flight. We have no issue upgrading to 5 and 5 star accommodation in place like Thailand and Malaysia.

In November/December a fast 4.5 hour economy seat flight to Puerto Vallarta and 5 star upgraded accommodation.

There are many places where we prefer family run accommodation to five star hotels. Greece, Thailand, Southern Europe, etc.

 

[SecondAttempt]

Because of a lot of business travel about 20 years ago I have lifetime platinum status with Marriott. This makes me loyal to them because they tend to throw in a lot of perks and upgrades although I don't rule out other properties. I usually shop around but if a Marriott property is within $50 of alternatives and of similar convenience they will get my money. This is largely because I know I will not get jerked around with extra fees or subpar room.

I don't care that much about flying first class. I'll take it when I get it especially on long haul flights. But I'm not a big guy so I don't really suffer from folding myself into a coach seat. That said, I have status on United so coach usually means economy plus.

Where I will spend is on genuinely unique experiences.

 

[Surewhitey]

Some of my favorite memories of unique experiences are the least expensive ones.

Getting to Corozol to find the boat ferry is only running 1/day instead of 2. We parked in someone's backyard and he drove us around the corner to catch a puddle jumper to Abergris. Then returned to Belize city to catch a bus back to Corozol... People bringing their children & chickens.

Walking around Palenque to find the most perfect tacos we've ever had. And an amazing pizza in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Who knew.

Meeting a beach owner 15 miles south of Mahahual who invited us to camp on his beach and spearfishing for our food. Did this a half dozen times while living in Mexico. He introduced us to eating anything edible like grouper lung, liver & caviar.

Getting a little lost in Athens by doing our own cruise tour.

Food is another thing I get adventurous with. Traveling opens up so much to try. We don't look for expensive, but we don't shy away if it is.

 

[DrRoy]

We now fly first class when it's an overnight flight, definitely go for experiences, and spend more on lodging than we used to, nicer rooms and sometimes a whole log cabin.

 

[rodi]

I voted restaurants and experiences. The one thing not on the list is location. We don't necessarily go for luxury accommodations but we are more likely to splurge on a better location than we did in the past. Years ago, we'd stay on the edge of town to save money on the hotel and then drive everywhere we wanted to go. Now we are more apt to choose a hotel right in the center of town where there are shops and restaurants and attractions within walking distance. We were in Annapolis, MD recently and didn't touch our car for 3 days. A few weeks later we spent a few days in Old Town Alexandria, VA and did the same. We love being able to step out of our hotel and grab breakfast at a local cafe, walk to some of the tourist attractions we came to see, maybe take a mid-day break in our room, and then wander out again for dinner nearby. If we decide to have a couple of margaritas with dinner or check out a local whiskey bar, no worries about driving back to the hotel.

Totally agree with this. Especially in national parks. Why spend an hour or more each day getting into the park.

But definitely when visiting cities - stay in the center closer to the stuff you want to see. Worth the extra money.

 

[DrRoy]

Totally agree with this. Especially in national parks. Why spend an hour or more each day getting into the park.

But definitely when visiting cities - stay in the center closer to the stuff you want to see. Worth the extra money.

We have been doing this too for longer than our other splurges. The national park lodges are not always the best accommodation, but they are absolutely in the best locations. I have walked from my room a few steps up the the edge of Crater Lake, the rim of Bryce Canyon, and Old Faithful, just to name a few.
.

 

[Milkman]

We travel by motorhome in the States and very seldom splurge. On the other hand when going overseas we have made some ridiculous purchases (for us) for which there was no category listed. Waterford crystal and woolens in Ireland, Murano glass in Italy, hand spun silk carpet in Turkey, icons in Greece. But the most over the top purchase was a hand carved in olive wood nativity while in Bethlehem. Thank goodness they were all shipped while insured and we didn't try to stuff anything in our suitcases.

 

[athena53]

I found as DH got older that we spent more on "comfort"- not only Business Class on long hauls to accommodate his height and his creaky back, but hotels closer to the center of things, with a room large enough for him to feel comfortable hanging out and resting while I explored more, and a good selection of TV channels in English. We also started using more private transportation to and from airports. I still remember one of our last trips when we were using the London Underground. He was shaky on steps and I'd drag all the luggage up the steps then go down and help him. Bad way to save money.

I still do a lot of the "comfort" things even though I don't have his mobility issues.

And, like Milkman, I like to support the local economy by buying a few things- mostly small pieces of artwork and jewelry. I've scaled down the jewelry, though- I have a ton of it. I mostly buy sterling silver now but the $200 I spent on a pair of Georg Jensen earrings in Copenhagen was a bit of BTD.

 

[MarieIG]

I would have to say it depends. My travel is somewhat limited now due to care of an elderly dog with congestive heart failure, family obligations and a dislike of strangers as well as pain issues.

That said, travel plans have to include measures to mitigate back and hip pain so we will be looking accommodations which include a recliner...

High end restaurants are not a thing for me. While I enjoy good food I have to be careful to avoid ingredients that cause an autoimmune flare.

If I were traveling solo I would avail myself of an organized tour at this point in my life such as Road Scholar but DH handles the travel arrangements (with my input of course).

 

[athena53]

If I were traveling solo I would avail myself of an organized tour at this point in my life such as Road Scholar but DH handles the travel arrangements (with my input of course).

I find I'm doing more of that- it's a relief when the actual tour starts and I figure someone else is in charge if things go wrong! (I make my own flight arrangements and typically send nights in London in either direction on European trips and arrive for the tour a day early- so plenty of chances where I need to fend for myself if things go wrong.) Overseas Adventure Travel has been great but yeah, it's a splurge.

 

[audreyh1]

I found as DH got older that we spent more on "comfort"- not only Business Class on long hauls to accommodate his height and his creaky back, but hotels closer to the center of things, with a room large enough for him to feel comfortable hanging out and resting while I explored more, and a good selection of TV channels in English. We also started using more private transportation to and from airports. I still remember one of our last trips when we were using the London Underground. He was shaky on steps and I'd drag all the luggage up the steps then go down and help him. Bad way to save money.

I still do a lot of the "comfort" things even though I don't have his mobility issues.

And, like Milkman, I like to support the local economy by buying a few things- mostly small pieces of artwork and jewelry. I've scaled down the jewelry, though- I have a ton of it. I mostly buy sterling silver now but the $200 I spent on a pair of Georg Jensen earrings in Copenhagen was a bit of BTD.

My souvenir splurges in Europe tend to be silk scarves. I wear them there, but not in the US. Museums tend to have beautiful silk scarves. We had one pretty cold day in Vienna, and fortunately the Secession Building had an amazing heavy silk scarf taken from the Beethoven Frieze (Gustaf Klimt mural).