Traveling like the wealthy and well-known is not as difficult as you may imagine.
If you’re not in the top 1%, you may have challenging circumstances. It could be hard to satisfy your wanderlust on even regular trips, with gas stations gouging you and hidden resort costs. If you could live for a day like in an episode of Life of Kylie or The Crown, wouldn’t it be amazing? (That is, savor the good life.) If your last name doesn’t begin with Buffet or Gates, we’ll let you in on a little secret: you can.
These ten really clever tips allow even the most modest travelers to live like the rich and famous. Some of these gems cost little, while others are as inexpensive as a package of DVDs, but each one will give you an experience of a lifetime that any Tinder scammer would be envious of.
Take Off in a Semi-Private Jet
Is all that room truly needed? 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 receive five-star service and the best selfie on JSX. The airline is pleased to provide a private jet experience at a price comparable to a commercial flight. For example, a one-way travel from Burbank to Concord/Napa costs $189, while a one-way trip from Dallas to Austin only costs $169. Twenty minutes prior to takeoff, you will enter a private terminal, board the aircraft directly, and travel in a premium cabin with no more than thirty other people—people you may consider to be your own personal entourage. You can leave the aircraft by hopping off and getting your bag from just underneath it.
Slay in the Penthouse Suite at a Boutique Hotel
If you don’t mind sharing with a few pals, you can get Hotel Theodore’s “Residence in Seattle” suite for about $1,200 during low season, which is less than the $100,000 per night that the Empathy Suite at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas costs. The 2,000-square-foot penthouse, which boasts 360-degree floor to ceiling windows, a private art museum with works by Northwest artist Fay Jones and Roy Lichtenstein, and a private cinema are all directly accessible via a private key-access elevator. The suite also has a soothing wrap-around terrace with a fireplace, as if that weren’t enough. The ultimate, ultra-secret stay is this one.
Acquire an upscale wardrobe
Are you someone who buys a holiday outfit and then never wears it again? Then you could just borrow your wardrobe. Rent the Runway has grown in popularity over the years, lending consumers products from over 750 designers for a set monthly fee or a buy per rental. You may try four goods for $69, which is far less than buying-to-own (and therefore less wasteful). Meanwhile, high-end clothes retailers are getting in on the game. Scotch and Soda charges $99 per month for a three-item subscription.
Engage the Services of a Professional Photographer
When on vacation, we all like to pose for pictures in front of famous sites, so it’s hardly surprising that Anna Delvey enlisted all that imaginative assistance to travel with her to Morocco. Shoott is an amazing AAPI woman-owned company that hires the best independent photographers in the area and charges fair prices for their services. They cover more than 60 US cities, so you can be sure to find something your Instagram husband frequently overlooks, whether you’re searching for the ideal summer picnic picture in Central Park or an action shot of snowshoeing in Colorado. All you have to do is book a complimentary half-hour session at the location of your choice, and pay only for the pictures you select (with prices beginning at $30 per). It was a wise investment.
At the airport, a chauffeur service
Although most luxurious to have a chauffeur at your disposal, ridesharing services are more than sufficient to get you from bar to lodging. To enjoy a taste of the VIP experience on wheels, reserve a Blacklane. Their great meet-and-greet experiences and luggage assistance are included in their airport pickups. Your committed crew follows planes to modify pickup plans so you don’t have to worry when you arrive. After a long journey, nothing beats a seamless tarmac to hotel travel—the service is offered in more than 50 countries. The rates are all-inclusive (taxes, tolls, and fees included) at the time of booking and vary based on distance.
To enter first-class lounges, join airline clubs.
It’s true that you can enjoy first-class experiences on the ground even if you’re not flying first class. Many airlines have top-notch incentive schemes, like Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club. The best part is that 1,000 tier points can be redeemed for Upper-Class check-in, a larger baggage allowance, and Clubhouse access, regardless of cabin type. Their points can also be used for flights and upgrades.
Understand how significant this is: The Disney World of airline lounges is Clubhouse. Sleeping pods, thermal baths, gourmet dining restaurants, Peloton workout rooms, and cocktail bars are all on the menu. You’ll most likely have more fun here than on your vacation.
Pass Airport Security Like a VIP
We find it surprising that despite Global Entry’s benefits and low cost, the majority of passengers haven’t enrolled. Since you’ll get at the departure gate before they’ve had a chance to take off their shoes, their loss is your gain (suckers). It includes a TSA pre-check and costs $100 a year. Get a face scan when you return from an international trip, and most of the time you’ll be through immigration like Oprah in a matter of minutes. Additionally, TSA employees are much friendlier; you might even get a smile. That’s a wise use of $20 annually. Unable to secure a Global Entry interview? Use the Mobile Passport app to avoid customs entirely. It is free.