TravelbuddiesLifestyleDo you ever feel like your holidays fall short of the luxurious, stress-free getaways you see on social media? You’re not alone.
Many travellers have to deal with long waiting lines (particularly at airports), crowded places, and tourist traps, and even fear of missing out on the best experiences their destination has to offer.
With diligent planning and using the right travel partners (visit our list of recommended partners, you, too, can elevate your travel experiences without breaking the bank.
In this travel guide, we explore practical tips and hacks for planning, booking, and enjoying your next adventure like a true VIP.
How to plan like a pro with travel tips and hacks
Using travel tips and hacks to get the best deals on accommodation
Effective planning is the foundation of any VIP-worthy trip. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:
- Choose your destination wisely: Consult travel blogs (like Travel Buddies Lifestyle) to read reviews of your planned destination. Consider travelling during shoulder season – the sweet spot between peak and off-season. This way you can enjoy good weather and fewer crowds.
- Research thoroughly: Delve into travel blogs, forums, and social media to uncover hidden gems and current local favourites. Travel Buddies Lifestyle has more than 220 valuable articles to choose from.
- Book smartly: Explore air charter that compares flight options across different airlines. These tools can sometimes uncover business-class deals that rival economy prices on other airlines.
- Seek unique experiences: Look for exclusive tours or events that align with your interests. Many museums offer after-hours tours, and some attractions have VIP skip-the-line options that are worth the extra cost. Table Mountain Cable Cars offer great VIP deals to skip the queue.
- Create a flexible itinerary: Plan your must-see attractions, but leave room for being spontaneous. Some of the best VIP experiences are those you stumble upon unexpectedly.
Where you stay can make or break your trip. Here’s how to secure the best accommodations:
- Compare hotels and vacation rentals: Sometimes, a high-end apartment can offer more space and amenities than a hotel room at the same price. Weigh your options based on location, facilities, and value. Remember, “you get what you pay for”. Do not expect to a luxury stay for a cheap price.
- Leverage loyalty programs: Sign up for hotel loyalty programs, even if it’s your first stay. Members often get perks like free Wi-Fi, late check-out, or room upgrades.
- Master the art of the upgrade: When checking in, politely ask if any complimentary upgrades are available. Mentioning a special occasion can help. Flexi-tickets flights are more likely to be upgraded. This tip is from the ‘horse’s mouth’.
- Maximize hotel amenities: Take full advantage of what’s offered. Use the concierge for local recommendations, enjoy the gym or spa, and don’t shy away from room service if the prices are reasonable. Also, do not book a hotel with exceptional amenities if you are only planning to use the hotel to sleep at.
- Build relationships: Be friendly with the locals and hotel employees. A positive attitude can lead to insider tips and special treatment.
More travel tips and hacks to get the best flight deals
Smooth, comfortable transportation is a hallmark of VIP travel. Here’s how to make the most of your flight experience:
- Consider airport lounges: If you have a long layover, an airport lounge day pass can be worth the cost. You’ll get comfortable seating, food, drinks, and often showers and quiet workspaces. We use our PriorityPass card (issued free of charge with an American Express Credit Card) for access to many airport lounges.
- Choose your seat wisely: Use sites like SeatGuru to find the best seats on your flight. Whether you want exit rows for legroom, bulkheads for easy access, or windows for views, know what matters most to you. Do you know that rows 13 and 17 are often missing on airlines? This is because many travellers have superstitions about these numbers and thus prefer not to book in these rows. We always pick the emergency exit seats as they have better leg room (with a supplementary charge).
How to find the best rental car deals?
- Look for car rental upgrades: Sometimes, a small fee can get you a much better vehicle. Always ask about available upgrades at the counter. It is also a great idea to join loyalty programmes as they often offer free upgrades. We always use Discovercars.
- Use local transportation apps: Many cities have apps for easy booking of taxis or public transport. These can save you time and often money compared to tourist-oriented options.
How to book the best dining experiences and events
Exceptional food and unique experiences are key to a VIP-worthy experiences. Here’s how to elevate your dining and entertainment:
- Research restaurants in advance. To avoid disappointment, make reservations after reading a few reviews. Use apps like OpenTable (international) or Dineplan (in South Africa) to book your table.
- Seek out local favourites: Some of the best dining experiences are at places loved by residents but overlooked by tourists. Ask locals for recommendations, read regional food blogs, or explore areas away from main tourist zones.
- Look for special food experiences. For a more immersive culinary experience, consider chef’s table experiences, cooking classes with local ingredients, or food tours.
- Check for events: Research festivals, concerts, or unique exhibits happening during your visit. Tickets to local events can offer unique insights into a country’s culture. Our blog often highlight must-visit festivals at destinations.
- Balance planning and spontaneity: While it’s good to have some plans, leave room for unexpected discoveries. Sometimes, the most memorable experiences are unplanned.
- Consider VIP packages: For major attractions or events, VIP packages can offer skip-the-line access, behind-the-scenes tours, or premium seating. Weigh the costs against the benefits of your must-see attractions. Check out Table Mountain Cable Car’s VIP tickets to avoid the queues.
Five ways to create lasting memories
Capturing and preserving your travel memories helps extend the experience long after you’ve returned home. Here are some strategies to (forever) capture special moments:
- Improve your photography skills: Whether you’re using a smartphone or DSLR camera, learn some basic photography skills to capture better images. Focus on candid moments and details that capture the essence of your experience, not just landmarks. Photos not posed are often more authentic. All the camera equipment that we make use of on our travel trips is available from Camera Stuff.
- Journal your adventures: Keep a travel journal to record your emotions, experiences and thoughts. This doesn’t have to be elaborate – even short daily notes can become precious memories.
- Collect meaningful souvenirs: Instead of collecting generic trinkets, look for items that tell a story or represent a specific experience during your trip. This could be local art, a cookbook of regional recipes, or even something as simple as a ticket from a memorable journey. I (Bernie) always buys a very small souvenir for her display cabinet at home.
- Create a custom photo book: After your trip, consider using a service like Mixbook to create a stylish album which features your precious moments. Custom-created photo albums make great coffee table books and can also make thoughtful gifts.
Share your experiences on Instagram: Whether through social media, a blog, or sharing your stories with friends and family. Talking about your travels helps engrave the memories and may inspire others to travel.
How to pack like a pro
Packing like a pro means being prepared but not over-the-top. Here are some of our best tips:
- Pack light: Aim for a carry-on (also called onboard luggage) when possible. This saves time at airports and gives you more flexibility.
- Choose versatile clothing: Pack items that can be mixed and matched, and can transition from day to night with a simple change of accessories.
- Invest in quality luggage: A durable, easy maneuverable suitcase or backpack can make your travels much smoother. Mark your suitcase with a tag or bright bow to make it easier to identify on the carousel.
- Don’t forget essentials: A portable charger, noise-canceling headphones, and a universal adapter can significantly improve your travel experience.
- Consider packing cubes: These can help keep your luggage organised particularly for longer trips. This handy packing method makes it easier to find what you need without unpacking everything.
Conclusion
Traveling like a pro is about making informed choices that enhance your travel experience and create lasting memories. By planning strategically, choosing accommodations wisely, navigating transportation efficiently, seeking out unique experiences, and preserving your memories, you can create an unforgettable trip. With our planning trips and hacks you can turn any journey into a VIP experience.
Remember planning is part of the journey. Save travels!
Your travel buddies,
Bernie and Petra
