Here’s some rare good news for average Joes: You don’t have to have a Wall Street-sized income to set up like you work on Wall Street.
Many resorts, airlines, cruises, and Michelin star restaurants are introducing new categories of travel and à la carte options designed to appeal to the middle class.
They call it “accessible luxury,” we call it smart travel. Below are our favorite hacks for living big with a mean paycheck.
Save on safari
Africa’s Big Five do not sleep, so there is no off season – just the shoulder season when prices drop by up to 50%. Some camps like Namibia’s Etosha Mountain Lodge – from $700 per person, per night during high season – even waive the single traveler supplements that are charged more during these months.
Etosha is also very economical because it offers a “dinner, bed and breakfast rate” (from $262 per person, per night). Most luxury camps only offer all-inclusive rates that include two game drives and three meals. Try to avoid charter flights, too.
Open to non-traditional safaris – the explosive category – again. Land Cruisers are cool, but if you have quads, consider a bike safari. In June, I’m spending $1,500 for four nights of biking and backpacking in the jungles of Botswana with Natural Selection lodging for about $4,000 per person, per night. Small group five-star safaris will also save you around 30%.
Last year, I did Kenya and Tanzania with Micato, which has over 400 group days a year. I got my own accommodation at each camp and only had to share a car with a lovely retired couple whom I consider friends.
Sail smart
Boatsetter and Getmyboat merged in December, creating an even bigger AirBnB for boats. The rental demand for yacht owners cuts off many middle-class travelers who don’t need it: yacht brokers. Also, don’t use the quick book option. DM the owner and negotiate the price. If you can mix your own cocktails and feel confident on a paddle board, you don’t need a full crew.
Personally, I prefer shared yacht charters, a relatively new phenomenon. Cruise Croatia’s seven-night cruise on its 157-foot yacht-style ship (36 guests maximum) plying the Adriatic costs $370 per person, per night. I also once went on a boat with complete strangers – four girls, to be exact – around the Turkish Riviera with Sun Fun You: Mediterranean Voyages. A cabin on their wooden gullet yacht starts at $437 per person, per night. A chef, fitness trainer and concierge/tour guide were at our disposal almost 24/7.
Book a lounge
There is no shame in sleeping in a three-star hotel, while playing in a five-star venue. Before reopening in October, the Waldorf Astoria New York spa was for overnight guests only (rates from $1,400 per night). Now, the world’s largest Guerlain Spa is open to the public for just $150 a day.
You don’t even need to book a treatment to enjoy the facilities: arctic cave, steam room and sauna. Many five-star hotels operate a day-pass business model.
My husband and I recently posted poolside at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa.
“Day guests can enjoy our multi-level pool, lazy river culture and amenities like our nightly Tequila Toast,” said Sean Mehringer, director of affiliate revenue for the property.
Next week, I’m going to the Lake Austin Spa Resort (from $1,100 a night). Their $150 day pass gets you unlimited snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as full access to the resort’s pools, whirlpool, steam room and sauna.
Resort Pass has 2,000 hotel partners – many of which do not advertise day passes or day rooms. That said, booking directly through the property can cost up to 15% less.
A Michelin star at the bar
The best budget-friendly Michelin star restaurants are all located in Europe, where lunch is often more popular (and cheaper) than dinner. One-star Baeita in Paris offers a multi-course lunch for just $70. You’ll find better deals in second or third tier cities. A dinner with wine at a two-star restaurant in New York or Chicago will set you back about $500. It’s just $290 at La Fleur in Frankfurt.
Stateside, select Michelin-rated restaurants with bar menus such as Jeune et Jolie in Carlsbad, Calif. You won’t be limited to three-character tasting menus. Nuts are usually in the house, too.
Learn how to fix flies
Private jets for everyone – sorta. Due to the demand during the pandemic, private jet charters are now a thing. For $3,200 you can fly round trip from New York to Palm Beach with Slate Aviation. Its jets have 12 to 18 business class seats, but unlike commercial business class, you don’t have to deal with TSA lines. You will also have access to private lounges and check-in. Also, the built-in Wi-Fi really works.
Commercial airlines, on the other hand, are promoting economy on domestic flights. American added premium economy service to its JFK to LAX flights in October. Think wider seats, more lounging space, a personal comfort kit, hot meals served on chinaware, a crepe weave blanket and a lumbar Ostrichpillow. From the right angle, a premium selfie can pass as first class.
Later this year, Delta and United join Air France, KLM, Qatar and Emirates in the divestment business. Pay for the benefits you want – flat seats – and skip the ones you don’t need: lounge access during layovers or two checked bags.
