6 Ways To Plan Your Dream Landmark Trip Without Dipping Into Retirement Savings

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Achieving travel dreams of visiting world-famous landmarks doesn’t have to drain long-term retirement savings.

With smart planning and strategic spending, dream destinations can become reality without having to touch retirement funds.

Top Most Googled Landmarks

According to an analysis by Abu Dhabi Tours from Dubai, these are the top 10 most popular landmarks across the world, based on global monthly search volume:

1. Burj Khalifa: 1,120,000 
2. Machu Picchu: 961,000
3. Taj Mahal: 905,000 
4. Eiffel Tower: 865,000
5. Grand Canyon: 752,000 
6. Statue of Liberty: 653,000 
7. Mount Everest: 637,000 
8. Stonehenge: 616,000 
9. Big Ben: 583,000 
10. Buckingham Palace: 577,000 

For travelers looking to visit any of these places, particularly those far from the U.S., dipping into their retirement savings might seem the only option, but there are ways and means to avoid that.

Here are some of the options that allow people enjoy trips to these iconic landmarks while protecting their nest egg.

Timing Is Everything

Peak season comes with premium prices. Checking when quiet season is for different destinations means cheaper flights, lower hotel rates and fewer crowds. Landmarks like the Grand Canyon still deliver the same breathtaking experience without the peak-season price tag.

Loyalty Pays Off

Frequent flyer miles, hotel points and travel rewards credit cards can slash costs. Accumulating points through everyday spending means free flights, discounted stays and even access to airport lounges, stretching travel budgets further.

For example, Air France’s loyalty program, Flying Blue, ranks top of the Point.me list of best airline rewards programs, with extensive benefits to passengers flying from the U.S. to any of its destinations such as Paris for the Eiffel Tower or Dubai for the Burj Khalifa.

Local Transport Over Taxis

Public transport is a great way of keeping vacation spending down. Instead of pricey taxis in capital cities like London or Paris, day passes for metro systems make it easy to explore without overspending. Some landmarks, like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, are within walking distance of each other, so no transit needed.

Alternative Accommodations

Five-star hotels near popular landmarks come at a premium. Looking instead for vacation rentals and hostels that aren’t necessarily as close to the landmark in question can cut costs dramatically. Accommodation near Machu Picchu, for example, ranges from $7 per night hostels right up to the $1,000 per night Sanctuary Lodge — the only hotel located right next to the Inca ruin.

Bundle Deals and City Passes

Many landmarks offer bundled tickets or city passes. In destinations with multiple attractions, like New York or London, these deals can provide major savings. Plus, they give visitors the chance to explore more must-see spots, often including lesser-known gems alongside iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty or Stonehenge.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Alternatives

Landmarks command premium prices, but nearby alternatives often provide a similar experience for less. Opting for the Arizona desert over the Grand Canyon or a lesser-known chateau over Versailles offers incredible sights without tourist markups.

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