How to travel to luxury destinations on a budget

This post if for those who keep saving posts to their vision board, but the price of visiting certain locations just sounds way too scary financially. As someone who loves manifestation, I think and believe that you have to immerse yourself in experiences that are close to your dreams, so that they feel more realistic. Yes, you may need to compromise and not be able to sip champagne from a balcony when travelling on a budget, but you may be surrounded by people who do that, and you brain needs proof that it's possible. So, next time when you return you might end up being that chic lady who sips expensive wine and orders caviar.

So, to get yourself more familiar with luxury travel, I have collected some of my favourite locations that I visited on a budget and I accompanied them with key takeaways and tips. The point is to think outside of the box.

1. Singapore

When it comes to budget, Singapore is definitely on the more premium side of the spectrum. A lot of backpackers skip this location in South East Asia due to its costs. BUT. What they don't realise is that Singapore is a very doable layover stop, which would enable them to experience the magic of it, without most of the associated costs. If this location has been on your bucket list for some time have a look at my other post where I detailed how to spend 6,12 or 24hrs in Singapore.

A layover in Singapore is always a good idea, you get to experience the essence of this city-state

2. Monaco

Another destination that is likely to land on many people's travel vision board. But the thing is, you can sense the atmosphere and experience of what it's like even in a day trip. If the prices of accommodation in Monaco aren't within your budget, try booking something in North West Italy, San Remo is my personal favourite. You can easily take a train to and from Monaco, and you will also be able to indulge in yummy Italian food (which will also be more budget friendly).

If you travel smart, Monaco might just be a train journey away

3. Santorini, Greece

I actually have more than one tip on how to visit this location on a budget, and some of these tips can be applied worldwide. My first suggestion would be to visit this island off-season. It won't even only be about more budget friendlier options, but also about the quality of your trip. With less tourists around locals will have more time and patience, and you will have a better experience and impression of the place. You will also be able to take photos without a hundred extra people in them, which is always a plus. Secondly, don't think that you can only book accommodation in the IG worthy spots like Fira or Oia. You can visit these locations during the day, some hotels even let you use the infinity pools with a day pass (you just have to ask around). When I first visited the island and was on a budget I stayed further out, in a less touristy area for the friction of the price I would have paid elsewhere. I rented an electric bike for a day and took the bus on others, and had the best experience. And lastly, if you are travelling to Athens (which is a way budget friendlier destination), Santorini is within reach for a day trip. There are lots of flights leaving early in the morning and going back late in the evening. And especially off-season, these prices are pretty amazing!

Managed to secure the perfect photoshoot location, something that would be quite tricky high season

4. Positano, Italy

Definitely a place that was on my vision board ever since I was a child, and I was lucky enough to visit it during my university years. Needless to say, these trips were never the high-end, luxury trips but I still managed to visit lots of wonderful places. A lot of people don't know but this is another location that you can fit into a day trip. The one I took was from Rome, which again off-season, can be within budget to reach. Of course, who would not want to spend days or even weeks in Positano, but as a taster session it was fabulous, and a location I may return to with a now higher budget.

Positano was one of my favourite day trips, and since it was off-season we got to enjoy this beautiful balcony alone, away from the crowds (yes this was one of my girls tips)

5. Dubai, UAE

Similarly to Singapore, this is another location that is the perfect layover destination. You can experience shopping and walking around the Burj Khalifa if you have a longer layover while travelling. You may need to pay a luggage storage fee, but if you want to see what Dubai is like without having to pay for a premium priced accommodation, this is your chance.

6. Maldives

I admit, I am sharing this only half based on my own experience. When I was travelling to Sri Lanka, which is a very budget and solo travel friendly location (more about it in this post), visiting the Maldives on a budget was just within reach. I did not have the time to go, but I had friends who did book a short trip and enjoyed it thoroughly.

As you can see luxury places can definitely be visited even on a smaller budget, if you are flexible and ready to compromise. I think many people think that travelling is expensive because they always think of high-end, all inclusive experiences, when they don't have to lift a finger. Those trips are nice too, but sometimes when you rather see the world than to worry about the circumstances, a little compromise goes a long way. Literally. And just going back to manifestation. Some days I laugh because when I started travelling I was on such small budget that it was only a few years ago that I started eating at restaurants. Before that I never had the money for it, it was all packed sandwiches and bakery products for the most part. But my mind started getting used to what is possible. And that had a snowball affect on my mindset. I started manifesting trips and opportunities to travel, left right and centre. So, before you write off more luxury places, maybe have a little look around and see how you could make it happen within your budget.

And while luxury destinations may bring the sparkles, but real travel joy comes from how you show up when you get there—calm, confident, and genuinely present. Whether you're wandering through Santorini in the pink glow of sunset or sipping coffee in a tucked-away Paris café, it's your energy and mindset that elevate the experience.That’s why I created the Travel Wellness Routine Builder, designed to help you stay grounded, energised, and glowing no matter how fancy (or budget-conscious) your trip gets:

• Practical morning & evening rituals for resetting your rhythm

• Emotional self-care prompts to stay connected to your inner world

• Grounding practices for unfamiliar places

• A printable worksheet to tailor your own wellness routine on the go

It’s not about adding more to your travel checklist—it’s about creating space for YOU in the middle of it all. Want to feel balanced and radiant while globetrotting (whether you're balling out or budgeting hard)?

Grab your free Travel Wellness Routine Builder below and start traveling like the badass, centred woman you are:

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