To travel like the wealthy and renowned is simpler than you would imagine.
Life could be challenging if you’re not in the top 1%. Even routine travel may be challenging to satisfy your desire with gas stations gouging you and secret resort fees. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to live for a day like you were in a Life of Kylie or The Crown episode? (It means to indulge in luxury.) We’ll tell you a little secret: even if your last name doesn’t begin with Buffet or Gates, you can still.
These ten incredibly clever techniques enable even the most modest tourists to live the life of the rich and famous. All of these treasures will provide you the once-in-a-lifetime experience that any Tinder Swindler would long for, whether you spend a little money on some or as little as a DVD bundle on others.
Fly on a Semi-Private Plane
Is all that room really required? Even basic economy on Delta may seem like a luxury if you’re used to traveling with Spirit (*shudder*) (OMG, complimentary pretzels and sanitizing wipes).
You can get the perfect selfie and five-star service on JSX. The airline takes great pride in providing a private jet-like experience at a commercial price. For instance, a single flight from Burbank to Concord/Napa costs $189 one way, while a ticket from Dallas to Austin only costs $169. You’ll enter a private terminal 20 minutes prior to takeoff, board the aircraft directly, and ride in a luxurious cabin with no more than 30 other passengers—all of whom you can easily envision being your personal entourage. You’re all set to depart after you exit the aircraft and take your luggage out from directly below it.
In a Boutique Hotel, rock the Penthouse Suite
If you don’t mind sharing with a few pals, you may get Hotel Theodore’s “Residence in Seattle” suite for about $1,200 during low season, whereas the Empathy Suite at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas costs $100,000 per night. The 2,000 square-foot penthouse, which boasts 360-degree floor-to-ceiling windows, its own theater, a balcony with a hot tub, and a private art gallery with works by Northwest artist Fay Jones and Roy Lichtenstein, is accessible only via private key-access elevator. As if that weren’t enough, the suite also has a cozy fireplace-equipped wraparound terrace. The ultimate ultra-secret retreat is here.
Obtain a Designer Wardrobe
Do you purchase an outfit for the holidays just to never wear it again? Then you could just use your closet as a loaner. Over the years, Rent the Runway has become more and more well-liked, lending customers items from over 750 designers for a set monthly price or a buy-per-rental. For $69, you can test four products—a much better deal than buying to own (and less wasteful) option. High-end clothing retailers are joining the fray in the meantime. For three items, Scotch and Soda charge $99 per month.
Engage the Services of a Professional Photographer
It should come as no surprise that Anna Delvey enlisted all of that artistic assistance to travel with her to Morocco because we all prefer to look our best in front of famous landmarks when we’re on vacation. The amazing AAPI female-owned company Shoott finds out the best local independent photographers and provides their services at a fair price. They cover more than 60 American cities, so you can be sure to find something your Instagram husband frequently overlooks, whether you’re looking for the ideal summer picnic photograph in Central Park or a snowshoeing action shot in Colorado. Simply arrange a free 30-minute session at your desired location, then just pay for the photos you want to keep—prices start at $30 per. I really recommend it.
Chauffeur Service…At the Airport
Although having a chauffeur in a suit at your beck and call is the ultimate luxury, it is also quite expensive (rideshares are more than sufficient to get you from bar to hotel). To experience being a VIP on wheels, reserve a Blacklane. The wonderful meet-and-greet service and luggage assistance are included in their airport pickups, and their committed team follows the planes to adjust the pickup times so you don’t have to worry when you get there. After a long journey, nothing matches a smooth tarmac-to-hotel transition. The service is offered in more than 50 countries. At the time of booking, rates are all-inclusive (taxes, tolls, and fees included) and vary depending on distance.
Join Airline Clubs to gain access to First-Class Lounges
Did you know that a first-class experience on the ground may be had without flying first-class? There are many airlines with top-notch rewards programs, like Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club. Their points can be redeemed for upgrades, travel, and, most of all, 1,000 tier points will grant you admission to the Clubhouse regardless of cabin, Upper-Class check-in, and greater baggage allowance.
Recognize how important this is: Clubhouse is the Disney World of airport lounges. There are sleeping pods, thermal spas, fine eating establishments, Peloton exercise facilities, and cocktail bars available. Most likely, you’ll enjoy yourself here more than on your vacation.
Pass Airport Security Like a VIP
Given how affordable and useful Global Entry is, we’re shocked that most travelers haven’t signed up for it. Since you’ll get at the departure gate before they even take off their shoes, their loss is really your gain (suckers). It includes TSA Pre-Check and costs $100 a year. Simply get a face scan while returning from an international trip, and you’ll (typically) breeze through immigration like you’re Oprah in a matter of minutes. Additionally, TSA agents are much friendlier; you might even get a smile. $20 a year is well spent, in my opinion. Unable to schedule a Global Entry interview? Get the free Mobile Passport app to completely avoid customs.