Editor's note: This article is reprinted from the New York Times Chinese website with permission.
Luxury travel can be experienced in two ways: paying a high price or paying less. If you had the choice, wouldn't you choose the latter?
Of course, different people may have different understandings of what luxury travel is. For some, it means hotels with butlers, premium linens, and first-class flights; for others, it means three-star Michelin restaurants, temporary personal tour guides, and chauffeured cars.
Ultimately, it’s not how you define high-end travel that matters. Importantly, you don’t have to pay a hefty price for it.
Here are some high-end travel destinations that can help you save money without sacrificing luxury.
Barcelona
Want to enjoy a luxurious holiday in Barcelona but don’t want to spend too much money? No problem, says Virginia Irurita, founder of Made for Spain and Portugal, a high-end travel company in Madrid. “Barcelona has become increasingly affordable for travelers over the past year and a high-end trip on a budget is within reach,” she said.
Irurita's advice:
When to go: Hotels in Barcelona are most expensive between April and October each year. From November to March, prices will drop by at least 25%. Many five-star hotels also offer attractive packages during this off-season period.
Where to stay: Accommodation in residential areas is more cost-effective than in scenic areas. For example, there are some high-end properties run by locals in the Les Tres Torres community, and the Primero Primera Hotel is on a quiet tree-lined road.
Indulge in Lunch: Locals make lunch the most important meal of their day, and tourists should do the same so they can take advantage of the great deals offered by top restaurants. For example, a starter, main course, dessert, wine and coffee cost about 20 euros at lunch and 50 euros for dinner. Irurita recommends having lunch at the Michelin -star restaurant Caelis, where a three-course lunch with red wine costs 42 euros.
Don’t rent a car and hire a driver: Renting a car with a driver is an unnecessary expense in Barcelona. Taxis are widely available and affordable, the subway is clean and efficient, and the entire city is very walkable.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong can be an expensive travel destination, according to Brooke Lavery, a Southeast Asia expert and owner of New York-based luxury travel company Local Foreigner. "Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities in the world, but it also offers a balance of high and low options, which can be taken advantage of," she said.
Livery's advice:
When to go: Hotel prices in Hong Kong are relatively stable throughout the year, except for June, July and August; these months are the hottest and humidest periods in Hong Kong, and hotel prices will drop. But that's not an ideal time to visit, Livery said, unless you don't mind foggy, wet weather.
Stay in lesser-known hotels: Hong Kong has many high-end independent hotels as well as smaller chain properties that are a fraction of the price of well-known luxury brand hotels. For example, The Pottinger in Central on Stone Street and East HK in Taikoo Shing.
Save on food, splurge on cocktails: Lively recommends experiencing fine Cantonese cuisine at lunch, such as Seventh Son in Wan Chai, because lunch prices are lower than dinner. For dinner, choose a cheap shop selling noodles or curry fish balls, and then go to the bar for a cocktail after dinner. "Drinks may be expensive, but you'll pay a lot less than you would for a fancy dinner," Livery said.
Buy custom-made clothes: Hong Kong is famous for its tailors with excellent craftsmanship, and a custom-made dress is an excellent souvenir; most tailors can make a dress within 48 hours. Customized shirts usually cost HK$300, and suits may be priced at HK$4,000. There are many talented tailor shops in Central, such as Jantzen Tailor.
On foot or by boat: The ideal way to explore the city is to wander through its lanes and get lost in them. Or book a walking tour, such as one offered by Little Adventures in Hong Kong for up to five people, led by local journalists and chefs, for $115.
Taking a traditional Chinese boat ride on Victoria Harbor is a quintessential Hong Kong experience. Instead of booking an expensive private cruise, opt for a small, affordable excursion, and Aqualuna offers many of them.
London
A luxury trip to London is not difficult to achieve on a limited budget, says Nicola Butler, owner of NoteWorthy, a London travel company specializing in high-end British holidays. “The favorable exchange rate between the dollar and the pound makes the city an affordable holiday option,” she said.
Butler's advice:
When to go: Hotel prices in London increase dramatically from May to July each year. However, prices drop slightly from early September to the end of February. If you’re not afraid of the cold, January is the cheapest time to travel. “Hotel rates are at rock-bottom, and restaurants, theaters and museums offer deals to promote during the off-season,” Butler said.
Spend more on tea, save on lunches and dinners: The famous British afternoon tea at a luxury hotel like Claridge's in Mayburn is cheaper than dinner at an expensive restaurant 50%, but you can have the same luxurious experience.
Cultural consumption is cheap: many museums in London, including the Tate Modern, are free. Galleries are also free, while some popular attractions such as St. Paul’s Cathedral charge low-cost admission, and some theaters sell discounted tickets for same-day performances.
Don't hire a car or take a taxi: Chauffeured car hire and taxis can cost hundreds of pounds a day in London. Save money, learn more about the city, and get some exercise, all at once by making walking your main mode of transportation. When going to distant places, you can rely on the subway.
Milan
If you have a limited budget but want to enjoy high-end travel, Italy's fashion and business capital Milan may not be an ideal destination. Luca Finardi, general manager of the Mandarin Oriental Milan, said the city's five-star hotels, brand-name stores and famous restaurants are expensive.
But he also said that there are still some ways to save money.
Fernadi's advice:
When to go: Hotel prices are up to 30% lower in November and December compared to other times of the year. These two months are also the time Fernadi prefers to stay in the city. “The temperatures are mild, the holiday decorations are up and the atmosphere is lively,” he said.
Eat wisely: Whether it is a Michelin-starred restaurant or other high-end restaurant, it is very common in Milan. Visitors who want to try these restaurants should go during lunch, as lunch prices are much lower than dinner. For example, at the two-Michelin-star restaurant Seta, a three-course lunch with appetizers and desserts costs 70 euros, while a similar meal in the evening costs 150 euros.
At the same time, don’t miss Milan’s traditional pre-dinner aperitif time, which usually starts at 6:30 pm and ends at 8:30 pm. Usually free food is provided after ordering drinks.
Shop local brands and discounts: Visitors can find fashionable items at reasonable prices in the many boutiques near Isola and Brera. If you want to buy many of Italy's internationally renowned luxury brands, come in January or February and there will be discounts.
Walk, bike and use public transportation: Milan's city center is small and walkable, and the public transportation system, such as the metro, buses and trams, is efficient and clean, Fernadi said. If you want to go further afield, such as the beautiful Parco Sempione, you can consider using shared bicycles BikeMi. The daily rental price starts at 4.5 euros.
Mumbai
On a limited budget, it is not difficult to start a luxury trip to Mumbai, India's largest city, Fiona Caulfield, founder of the Indian travel book series "Love Travel Guides" (Fiona Caulfield) said this, she lives in India. "If you know some basic tips, you can save a lot of money," she said.
Her advice:
When to go: Hotels in Mumbai are most expensive from October to mid-April. After that, the price will drop by at least 30% until the end of September. But Caulfield said May and June were too hot, and July and August were the monsoon season. "Late April and September are the most price-friendly and ideal times to travel," she said. In addition, many accommodations offer discounts of 10% to 15% when staying for three consecutive nights or more.
Avoid eating in high-end hotels: Many five-star hotels in Mumbai have many high-end restaurants, but they are usually not worth the price. Caulfield said visitors could have a lot of money left over by choosing independent restaurants. Her favorite restaurant is The Bombay Canteen, which serves local modern Indian cuisine. Time Out Mumbai offers many options.
Shopping in bazaars and markets: Mumbai's bazaars and markets offer high-quality and unique goods, where you can bargain. There are several street shops selling fashionable handmade leather sandals in Colaba Causeway, and there are many antiques in the Chor Bazaar.
Hire a private tour guide: Compared to other big cities, a private tour guide is an affordable expense in Mumbai. No Foot Prints and Bombaywalla are both popular local tour companies.
Travel like a local: don’t take expensive hotel cars. Taxis are safe, cheap and easy to get, and Uber is widely available and affordable.
New York
Taking a luxury trip to New York City on a budget is doable, says Eric J., owner of Beyond Times Square, a company dedicated to planning high-end travel in New York. Gordon .Gorden) said. “New York is expensive, but there are ways to have a high-end trip without having to spend a fortune,” he said.
Gordon's Tips:
When to Go: New York hotel rates are most expensive from September to the first week of November each year, and from Thanksgiving to New Year's. Home prices are also high in spring and summer. However, in early November and from January to early March, house prices will drop by about 20%. New York City's hotel industry is driven by business travelers, so a nightly room rate in a high-end hotel on a weekday is $150 more than a nightly rate on the weekend.
Dine strategically: If upscale restaurants are your top priority, Gordon recommends heading there during Restaurant Week—usually in late January to early February—when some of New York’s top restaurants For dining, a three-course lunch is only $29 and dinner is only $42. Additionally, many upscale restaurants like Estiatorio Milos offer relatively cheap fixed-price lunch and dinner sets at any time of the year, usually during certain set times.
Culture is cheap: some of New York's best tourist attractions are inexpensive. The $25 ticket to The Metropolitan Museum of Art can also be used on the same day to visit the Met Cloisters in Uptown Manhattan, as well as the Met Breuer branch, a ten-minute walk away. Breuer). There are also some free festivals and street fairs throughout the year in New York City. At the same time, many free festivals are held in Central Park, Hudson River Park and Battery Park. concert.
Don’t use a car: Relying on taxis or rental car services will increase your daily expenses by at least $100. Take the subway or walk instead. Gordon also recommends taking the New York City Ferry: one-way fare is $2.75.
Paris
A luxury vacation to Paris can be an expensive proposition, says Baekley Hickox, a Paris expert and owner of the New York travel consultancy Local Foreigner .But she also said there are still many ways to help you save money and enjoy a high-end vacation.
Her advice:
When to go: The best hotel prices can be found in Paris between November and April, when prices are lowest. Some high-end hotels offer even greater discounts if you book months in advance.
Choose the right accommodation: A family trip to Paris should consider booking a luxury apartment through a company like OneFineStay or Paris Perfect. It's much cheaper than booking a few rooms in a fancy hotel, and having a kitchen to cook in reduces dining expenses. Paris also has some cheap but upscale boutique hotels, such as the Maison 1400, located in an old building in the Marais neighborhood, and the Le Roch Hotel and Spa in a 19th-century house in the city center. ).
Eat smart: Lunch at a famous Parisian restaurant is much cheaper than dinner. Some popular restaurants offer cheap set menus for lunch. For dinner, Hickox recommends dining in restaurants located in residential areas such as South Pigalle, Haut Marais and Montmartre. A dinner with red wine costs between 35 and 50 euros per person. When the weather is warmer, bring baguettes, cheese, pastries and red wine to the Luxembourg Gardens or other parks for an indulgent but cheap picnic.
Avoid taking taxis and renting a car: Hickox’s favorite way to explore Paris is on foot. “You can fully appreciate the beauty of the city by walking, and it’s really designed for walkers because the city is full of walking trails and sidewalks,” she said.
As for long-distance transportation, she recommends using Paris’ Vélib’ Métropole, Paris’ shared bike system, or using the metro.
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is not an expensive travel destination, and travelers looking for a high-end trip within the city can do so without much effort. Located in Viza, Minnesota Jennifer Gillmore, an Argentina expert at Travel Beyond, a travel company in Tasmania, said this. “From my personal experience, you can live luxuriously in Buenos Aires without spending a fortune,” she said.
Her advice:
When to go: The peak travel season in Buenos Aires is from November to March each year, which is the summer in Argentina, but Gilmore prefers to visit from May to September each year. Visit during the month of March, when hotel prices drop 15% or more (and temperatures are mild). Luxury hotels such as the Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt often run promotions during these months, such as paying two nights to stay for three nights. Breakfast is also generally included in the room rate.
Cultural consumption is cheap: Buenos Aires is part of the micro-theater movement, where small venues stage a series of short plays in the evenings. Tickets are usually $10 per person or less. Instead of paying to go to the touristy and expensive tango shows, visit a milonga or a tango hall, where you can watch the locals dance for 137 to 219 pesos, or 5 to 8 Dollar prices are involved.
Indulge in good food: A quality meal in Buenos Aires does not have to be expensive. For example, Parrillas Restaurant offers hearty and reasonably priced steaks, and a dinner with red wine at many popular restaurants may cost less than $25 per person.
Take a taxi or walk: Taxis are a safe and economical way to get around; Gilmore recommends travelers use their hotel or restaurant to call a taxi, where all drivers are registered. Her favorite way to explore the city is on foot. “The architecture, streets and people are what make Buenos Aires special, and the best way to see it is on foot,” she said.
Chicago
For tourists who want to take a high-end trip to Chicago, there is good news: Shawna Owen, president of Huffman Travel, a Chicago travel consulting company, said , this Midwestern metropolis is relatively much cheaper than other big cities.
"Your money will last you a long time here, but there are ways to spend it more wisely," she said.
Here are Irving's tips:
When to go: Chicago's high-end hotels offer great deals and rock-bottom prices during the first quarter of each year. For example, in 2018, Peninsula Chicago launched a promotion where guests who paid to stay for two nights would get the third night for free. Nightly rates during these months start at $399, a savings of more than 50% compared to peak season rates. Hotels also tend to have promotions in August, Owen said.
Eat cheap: Irving says eating out at some of Chicago's trendy restaurants doesn't have to cost a fortune. Moreover, because each portion of the dish in the restaurant is large, it may be shared by several people, thus saving more money. Some of her highest-rated affordable restaurants include Lou Malnati’s for thick pizza, Small Cheval for burgers, and Publican Anker, a lively gastropub with creative dishes.
Soak in the culture: Chicago has a pretty good and affordable cultural scene, Irving said. Admission is only $15 to the Museum of Contemporary Art, which features groundbreaking exhibitions by artists from around the world, and some theaters sell discounted tickets for same-day performances. For example, the Steppenwolf Theater reserves 20 $20 tickets for certain performances.
Walking or taking the subway: No matter what time of year it is, Chicagoans love walking, and Hoffman recommends visitors do the same. An alternative to walking is the Chicago Rapid Transit system called the L, which is an efficient and cheap mode of transportation.
Mexico City
There’s never been a better time to take a luxury trip to Mexico City on a budget, said Lillian Aviles, director of business development for Journey Mexico, a Mexican travel company. The company specializes in selling high-end travel. Aviles, who lives in Mexico City, said the peso's exchange rate is low against the dollar and prices in Mexico City are generally low. "You can get a lot without spending a lot of money," she said.
Her advice:
When to go: The company dominates the Mexico City tourism market, so weekends are the best time to go, and hotel prices on weekdays can be twice as much as on weekends. Prices also drop between May and September when the weather is hot, but given the heat, the savings may not be worth it.
Eat like a king: Compared to other big cities, high-end restaurants in Mexico are cheap. Aviles’ most recommended restaurant is Limosneros, which uses pre-Hispanic ingredients, such as leafy greens called crete in a modern recipe (a dinner without wine costs MXN 466 per person) , about $25). Also recommended by Avilas is Los Danzantes, which offers upscale Oaxacan cuisine (the price per person for dinner, excluding wine, is about 466 Mexican pesos).
Eating at a taco restaurant is also an option: two or three tacos plus wine will run about $5 to $10 per person.
Buying things at the markets: If you want to buy a lot of things at the lowest prices, go to the various markets in Mexico City. For example, the San Angel neighborhood has a market every Saturday, where local designers sell everything from ceramics to jewelry, and Mexican painters sell their paintings. La Ciudadella Artisan Market is open every day and features handmade products from all over the country.
Taking an Uber: "Uber is affordable and easy to use," Aviles said.
Shivani Vora is a contributor to The Times' travel section.
translation: New York Times Chinese website
