I’m a Self-Made Millionaire: 5 Things I Always Splurge On During Vacations
Written by
Heather Taylor
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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While there are certainly some purchases self-made millionaires will think twice about making on vacation, like novelty souvenirs that aren’t exactly ROI-positive, it is the price tags tied to experiences and explorations that tend to be money well spent. Ask yourself: What kind of opportunity can money buy during this trip you won’t find anywhere else?
GOBankingRates spoke to self-made millionaire Dr. Ann Kaplan, who travels extensively and is always looking for adventure and new experiences. Here’s what this self-made millionaire splurges on during her vacations.
Hiring Private Guides
If you’re visiting a region where it’s possible to have a private guide take you on an experience, Kaplan recommended hiring a private guide.
Private guides may be available for a wide range of adventures, such as zip lining in Costa Rica, going on a safari or paddle boarding in Brazil.
Dining at a Unique Restaurant
You can make your vacation splurge one where you dine out for every meal or visit a Michelin star restaurant — or you can kick it up a notch even further.
Kaplan’s recommendation is to dine at a location that provides a unique experience that takes eating there to the next level.
For example, you might find there’s an opportunity to eat at a restaurant that offers guests a private luau on a Hawaiian beach or the “sky dining” concept, in which you can enjoy a hot air balloon ride and gourmet dishes at the same time.
Booking a Yacht
“If you are on coastal waters, like Carpi, Amalfi Coast, Alaska or the Hawaiian Islands, book a yacht to take you from port to port,” Kaplan recommended.
“Not only will you not have to pack a bag every night — you can wake up to a new experience each day.”
Seeking Out Private and Remote Locations
While you can certainly stay at a hotel in a bustling metro, it’s not a bad idea (money permitting) to splurge on staying in a private or remote location.
Kaplan said The Brando, a private island resort in French Polynesia, is one of her favorites to visit. Guests can splurge on dinner in the French restaurant or book a private boat to the healing waters of the Queen’s Bath.
GOBankingRates visited The Brando’s website to see what other exclusive incentives are available to guests and was pleasantly surprised at what we found. Currently, there’s an exclusive Fly Free Offer for guests who stay a minimum of two nights, which allows for flying for free to the enchanting atoll of Tetiaroa in French Polynesia.
Booking a Private Plane
If you’re heading to another location that isn’t too far away, you can take the ferry — or splurge on booking a helicopter or private plane to get there.
“The way you travel between ports or cities can be part of the experience,” Kaplan said, adding, as an example, taking a helicopter from Antigua to Barbuda for lunch at Nobu.
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