6 Vacation Splurges You’ll Never Regret
Written by
Madeline Duley
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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For most Americans, vacations are a major investment, often requiring months of careful saving and budgeting. With essentials like flights, accommodations and meals already consuming a sizable portion of your funds, adding extra costs for indulgences might feel extravagant.
However, certain splurges can elevate your trip, creating unforgettable memories that last long after you return home.
While not every extra expense is worth it, these six expert-approved splurges are well worth the investment to make your next vacation truly extraordinary.
Room With a View
- Price: $300 to $1200
It’s easy to pass on the cost of a room upgrade, but few things can dampen your vacation like staring at a concrete wall when you could be enjoying breathtaking views of your dream destination.
“Room with a view? Get it!” said Devaki Das, award-winning travel expert and the founder of Weave a Thousand Journeys. “Too many clients will often say, ‘but we will hardly be in the room’ — it’s the power of iconic imagery that also makes memories memorable. Your brain will NEVER forget the view of the Eiffel Tower or Mt. Vesuvius from your hotel room.”
Depending on the destination, upgrading to a room with a view may cost $300 to $1,200 — but unparalleled experience is often worth the splurge.
Private Photographer
- Price: Over $400
Skip the awkward selfies and let a professional photographer capture the magic of your vacation. While a week-long trip is fleeting, professionally shot photos will keep these memories alive for a lifetime.
“Private photographer especially on multi-generational vacations,” Das said. “An expert knows how to frame a shot and how to make everyone in it look good. When it comes to spending time with grandparents and aging parents, capturing these memories is priceless.”
Expect to pay $400 or more, depending on your destination and the length of the session. Use the photos to create beautiful canvases or photo books, preserving the essence of your trip for years to come.
Spa Time
- Price: Over $200 per person
After months of budgeting, booking and planning, it’s time to unwind. Vacations are meant for relaxation, but sightseeing and travel can be exhausting.
Treating yourself to a spa day can make all the difference, leaving you pampered, refreshed and ready to enjoy the rest of the trip.
“If your destination has an amazing spa or nature spa, go for it!” Das said. “If you are the type of person who loves a bit of pampering and self-care, you’ll especially appreciate spa days during vacations.
“They just feel super luxurious, especially when they are jaw-dropping beautiful locales like La Cheneaudiere near Strasbourg, and Hotel de Cep in Beaune, France. Experiences typically begin at $200 per person.”
Fine Dining Experiences
- Price: Over $200 per person
Treat your taste buds to an unforgettable culinary experience by indulging in fine dining during your trip.
“I always recommend that if a city has an amazing and well-known fine dining or Michelin restaurant, especially a destination like San Sabastian that is world-renowned for its gastronomy, it is worth the splurge,” Das said.
“I always recommend one Michelin restaurant if you are not as adventurous when it comes to food, and three Michelin restaurants when you are!”
To avoid sticker shock, research menus and pricing in advance.
“Tasting menus are often listed on the websites, as well as pricing with or without wine pairings. A meal can begin at $200 per person, with wine pairings costing extra,” Das noted.
Whether it’s an elegant Michelin-starred dinner or an authentic cultural dining experience, splurging on an unforgettable meal is a treat for your palate — and your memories.
A Travel Advisor
- Price: Over $250
Skip the hassle of planning every detail of your trip by investing in a travel advisor. This splurge gives you back your time while ensuring a seamless and unforgettable trip.
“Planning all the details of a vacation — what to do and see, and where to eat and overnight — takes people an average of 30-plus hours of research,” said Kristi Valentini, founder of ReadymadeTravelPlans.com. “But having a travel expert’s recommendations helps you cut through the fluff and junk and quickly plan an incredible trip.”
Starting at $250, a travel advisor can create a personalized itinerary, secure hard-to-find bookings and connect you with unique experiences that you probably didn’t know existed, maximizing your vacation for you stress-free.
Day Tours
- Price: $75 to $400 per person
Guided day tours are more than just skipping the lines — they’re an opportunity to gain unique insights from a local expert.
“Guided day tours are pricy, especially for a family of four or more, but so worth it if you go on the right one,” Valentini said. “Choose highly-rated, unforgettable experiences that you would never get to do on your own or that offer local or historical insight that you as a tourist wouldn’t have otherwise.”
These tours are especially valuable in destinations with challenging weather or large crowds. Instead of navigating the chaos yourself, you can relax and focus on enjoying the moment while an expert takes the reins.
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