April 8, 2026
When people ask me who my worst client is, I always tell them that it’s totally me. For example, I know that when I see airfare at a good price, we need to book it right then. I also know that one of things we always splurge on when traveling is upgraded seats. So do I book the ticket when I see the great price? Sadly, the answer is usually no, and then the price goes up. So then a decision has to be made: book the higher price and hope it comes back down, wait and risk it climbing even more, or start looking at different airlines, airports, or dates and hope that helps.
It really comes down to one question: what matters more to you, spending less or choosing comfort?
I think a lot of people are wrestling with what to splurge on when traveling. Everyone is a little more aware of what they are spending, and that makes total sense. But I also think people get this wrong when it comes to travel, because it is not about spending the least amount possible. And it is not about throwing money at everything either. It is about knowing what is actually worth it to you and the people you are traveling with.
Every trip comes down to choices. Where you want to splurge on when traveling, and where you are completely fine keeping it simple. When you get that balance right, the whole experience just feels better.
After years of traveling, here are my thoughts on what to splurge on when traveling and where you can easily save money.
WHAT I WOULD SPLURGE ON WHEN TRAVELING
Your Room or Cabin
People love to say “it is just a place to sleep, so I don’t care about the room” and I could not disagree more. The room sets the tone for the entire trip. The space, the view, how it feels to come back at the end of a long day… all of that matters. And it may not even be about the room type itself. You might be totally fine with an entry level room or an inside cabin. But what if you book it as a guarantee and discover after checking in that you are right above the nightclub that stays open until 2am? If there is one upgrade to splurge on when traveling, I think it’s booking the best room that fits your needs.
Experiences You Cannot Easily Recreate
This could be a private tour at a must-see spot, a local cooking class, or a once-in-a-lifetime excursion. These are the moments you will actually remember. If it is something you may never do again, or it would feel significantly better done the right way, it is worth splurging on when traveling.
Flights, When It Makes Sense
Not every flight needs to be an upgrade. But if it is a long travel day, an overnight flight, or the difference between arriving exhausted versus actually enjoying your first full day, that upgraded seat might be completely worth it.
WHERE I WOULD CHOOSE TO SAVE
Getting Around at Your Destination
Depending on where you are, public transportation or even walking might get you everywhere you need to go. On the flip side, it can sometimes be more cost effective to pre-book a private airport transfer than to grab a taxi on the way out. This is one area where keeping it simple can work really well without giving anything up.
Meals
Not every meal needs to be a reservation at a white-tablecloth restaurant. Pick one or two spots worth the splurge, and fill in the rest with casual local places that are still really enjoyable. That is usually where you find some of the best moments anyway. The fancy dinner is memorable, but so is the taco stand you stumbled on at noon or the little bakery a local shared with you.
Souvenirs
This is a personal one, but honestly, most souvenirs can be skipped. Instead of buying things that end up collecting dust, I focus on picking up a Christmas ornament from each destination. Small, affordable, and it genuinely makes us happy every year when we decorate the tree and remember the trips.
THE REAL POINT
It is not about saving or splurging when traveling. It is about knowing what actually makes the trip feel better for you. Splurge where it adds to the experience. Save where it does not. That is how you come home feeling like it was all worth it.
If you are planning something and are not sure where to prioritize, that is exactly what I help my clients figure out. Interested in learning more about my planning process? Click here to check it out.
And I am always curious…what is something you will always spend on when you travel, and what is something you are perfectly fine keeping simple? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
