I used to be a budget traveler. I would scour flight deals, stay in hostels, and survive on street food just to make my trips last longer. And while those experiences gave me unforgettable memories, I slowly started to realize something: some travel splurges are worth every penny.
There are certain experiences—those once-in-a-lifetime moments, the ones that make your heart race and your soul sigh—that stay with you forever. Over time, I’ve learned that spending a little extra on the right things doesn’t just enhance your trip—it transforms it. Here are the travel splurges I would spend money on again in a heartbeat.
1. A First-Class or Business-Class Flight (At Least Once!)
I’ll never forget the first time I flew business class. It was a last-minute upgrade I splurged on after a stressful week, and when I stepped onto the plane, everything felt different. The spacious seat, the fluffy blanket, the actual glassware for my champagne—I felt like I had entered another world. But what really made it worth it? Stepping off the plane feeling refreshed and ready to explore, instead of exhausted and aching from a cramped seat.
If you’re on the fence about it, here’s my advice: try it once, even if it’s just for a long-haul overnight flight. Use points, look for last-minute upgrades, or choose a splurge-worthy leg of your trip. You won’t regret it.
2. A Stay at a Truly Incredible Hotel or Resort
Not all expensive hotels are worth the price tag, but when you find the one, it changes the way you travel. I used to book the cheapest accommodations, thinking I’d be out exploring all day anyway—but then I stayed at a private villa in Santorini, and it redefined my entire trip.
From the infinity pool overlooking the caldera to the personalized service (a staff member greeted me with fresh orange juice every morning), the hotel became part of the experience rather than just a place to sleep. Choose a hotel that offers something unique—whether it’s a view, an overwater bungalow, or an unbeatable location.
3. A Private Tour with a Local Guide
I used to scoff at private tours, thinking they were unnecessary when I could just explore on my own. But then I booked a private guide in Rome, and I’ve never looked at guided tours the same way again.
Instead of wandering through the Colosseum with a generic audio guide, my guide, Luca, told me stories. He brought ancient Rome to life in a way that no book or podcast ever could. We skipped the long lines, explored hidden corners, and ended the tour with a recommendation for the best pasta I’ve ever had in my life.
A private guide doesn’t just show you a destination—they connect you to it. If you’re ever in a city rich with history and culture, this is a splurge that will make your experience ten times more memorable.
4. A Truly Unique Experience You Can’t Get Anywhere Else
This is the kind of splurge that sticks with you forever. The kind that, when you look back, makes you think, I can’t believe I did that. For me, it was hot air ballooning over the Serengeti at sunrise.
The moment we lifted off, the world fell silent. Below me, elephants and giraffes wandered across the golden plains, the morning mist rising around them. The sheer stillness, the beauty, the feeling of floating—it was one of the most surreal moments of my life. And it was worth every single penny.
Find the experience that calls to you. Maybe it’s swimming with manta rays in the Maldives, a private dinner in a castle in France, or dog sledding in Alaska. Whatever it is, say yes to it. Those are the moments that make travel unforgettable.
5. A Meal at a World-Renowned Restaurant
I’ll never forget my first Michelin-starred meal in Paris. I hesitated to book it—after all, it was just one dinner, right? But from the first bite, I knew: this wasn’t just food. It was art, history, and craftsmanship all on a plate.
It wasn’t just the meal—it was the experience. The way the chef personally greeted each table. The carefully curated wine pairings. The story behind every dish. It wasn’t just dinner—it was a memory.
If food is something you love, don’t be afraid to splurge on a meal that will stay with you forever. Some places to consider:
- Osteria Francescana (Italy) – One of the best restaurants in the world
- Sukiyabashi Jiro (Tokyo) – The legendary sushi experience
- Gaggan Anand (Bangkok) – A playful, unforgettable take on Indian cuisine
6. A Cruise or Train Journey That’s More Than Just Transportation
Sometimes, the journey itself is the destination. I learned this when I took The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a luxury train that transported me not just across Europe, but back in time. The polished wood, the vintage compartments, the elegant dinner service—it was pure magic.
The same goes for small-ship luxury cruises to places like Antarctica or the Galápagos. It’s not just about getting from Point A to Point B—it’s about making every moment of the journey unforgettable.
Final Thoughts: When to Splurge & When to Save
The key to making these splurges worth it? Balance. I still book economy flights for short trips, opt for boutique hotels instead of chains, and find free activities in every city. But when it comes to experiences that elevate a trip from great to unforgettable—I don’t hesitate anymore.
So next time you travel, ask yourself: what’s the one thing I’ll remember most about this trip? If the answer is something that costs a little extra but will stay with you forever—go for it. You’ll never regret investing in memories.
