If you know me, then you know that I’m all about budget travel. I love seeing how far my money can go and what I can get for free or cheap, as well as finding travel hacks and deals. But every now and then, there are things that come along that are simply worth the money.
Like they say, time is money, and sometimes it’s better to put down some cash than spend hours finding a way around it, depriving yourself of sleep, tiring yourself out, or wasting valuable sightseeing opportunities. Here are some of the things I find worthwhile splashing out on.
Airport lounge
I’m not a luxury traveller by any means, but I love a good airport lounge from time to time. Whether you are flying via private jet with Jettly or taking to the skies with a commercial airline, it is a lovely luxury to have. Most airlines charge around $40 for up to six hours in their lounge, which includes unlimited food and drink, as well as super comfy sofas. For an early morning flight where I need to be at the airport for 3am, this option works out much cheaper than getting accommodation then transport to the airport. I just head straight there late evening towards midnight, get myself an airport lounge where I can have dinner and breakfast and a good sleep on the sofas, then check in straight after. It also works if you have an evening flight and you have nothing to do between checking out of your accommodation in the morning and getting on the flight. The $40 is usually more than worth it for the food and drink you get, it’s warmer, and there are fewer people around so you’re less disturbed.
Good accommodation
Even though I just mentioned overnighting at an airport (which I have done without a fancy lounge before!), I also believe in spending money on good accommodation. This is especially true if you’re going to be somewhere for a week or more, and if you’ve been on the road for a while and need a good rest. If I’ve done well budgeting for a couple of weeks, or I’ve had a string of particularly bad hostels, I will occasionally splash out on a nice hotel room. There are plenty of ways to find good deals on hotels, but even if you don’t, there’s something awesome about hotels. It’s easy enough to find one with complimentary breakfast, so you save a little money on food too. And for me, having a strong shower, my own TV, a comfy bed, and no snoring roommates is absolutely priceless.
E-reader
I was super against kindles and e-readers when they first came out. There’s no way you can replace the feeling of a real book! It’s sacrilegious! Then I went traveling, and realized that being able to fit thousands of novels within something that takes up less space and weight than my make-up bag was simply a no-brainer. It’s certainly not as good as the real thing, but it comes damn close.
Travel insurance
It’s never a nice feeling spending money on something you can’t see, feel, or experience, and I get why a lot of people skip this one. But, if you’re a regular traveler, it’s only a matter of time before you break a bone, lose a bag, get an infection, or need medical treatment and realize how useful travel insurance is. You’re also covered for many different travel situations, such as needing to cancel or change a flight, or any other travel disruption that may or may not be your fault. It’s not that expensive and it just makes life a lot easier.
A good backpack
This is something you should absolutely not skimp on. A good backpack is vital for travel, whether it’s a small carry-on or your main luggage. There are so many clever designs and nifty sections to backpacks nowadays that provide space for every nicknack you could possibly own as well as being super safe and secure. From hidden passport pockets to charging outlets, water bottle holders, netting for shoe storage, and waterproof covers, do your research and spend money on a good one. You won’t regret it.
What are some of the things that you splurge on when traveling?
