6 vacation splurges you’ll never regret

For most Americans, the vacation represents a major investment, often requiring months of careful saving and budgeting. With essentials like flights, accommodation, and meals already eating up a significant portion of your funds, adding additional costs for indulgences can seem extravagant.

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However, some splurges can elevate your trip, creating unforgettable memories that will last long after you return home.

While not all the extra spending is worth it, these six expert-approved splurges are well worth the investment to make your next vacation truly extraordinary.

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Room with a view

It’s easy to pass on the cost of a room upgrade, but few things can ruin your vacation like staring at a concrete wall when you could be enjoying stunning views of your dream destination.

“Room with a view?” Get it!” said Devaki Das, award-winning travel expert and founder of Weave a Thousand Journeys. “Too many clients often say, ‘but we’ll barely be in the room’: it’s the power of iconic images that makes also the memorable memories Your brain will NEVER forget the view of the Eiffel Tower or Vesuvius from your hotel room.

Depending on the destination, upgrading to a room with a view can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,200, but an unparalleled experience is often worth it.

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Private photographer

Avoid awkward selfies and let a professional photographer capture the magic of your vacation. Even if a week-long trip is fleeting, professionally taken photos will keep those memories alive for a lifetime.

“Private photographer, especially on multi-generational vacations,” Das said. “An expert knows how to frame a photo and how to make everyone stand out. When it comes to spending time with grandparents and aging parents, capturing those memories is priceless. »

Expect to pay $400 or more, depending on your destination and the length of the session. Use the photos to create beautiful canvases or photo books, preserving the essence of your trip for years to come.

Spa time

After months of budgeting, booking and planning, it’s time to relax. Vacations are for relaxing, but sightseeing and traveling can be exhausting.

Treating yourself to a spa day can make all the difference, leaving you pampered, refreshed and ready to enjoy the rest of the trip.

“If your destination has a great spa or nature spa, go for it! » said Das. “If you’re the type of person who likes to be pampered and take care of yourself, you’ll especially enjoy spa days while on vacation.

“They just feel super luxurious, especially when they are in beautiful locations like La Cheneaudière near Strasbourg and the Hôtel de Cep in Beaune, France. Experiences typically start at $200 per person.

Gastronomic experiences

Treat your taste buds to an unforgettable culinary experience by enjoying a gourmet meal during your trip.

“I always recommend that if a city has an amazing, well-known fine dining restaurant or Michelin restaurant, especially a destination like San Sabastian that is world-renowned for its fine dining, it’s worth it,” Das said.

“I always recommend one Michelin restaurant if you’re not that adventurous when it comes to food, and three Michelin restaurants when you are!”

To avoid sticker shock, research menus and prices in advance.

“Tasting menus are often listed on websites, as well as prices with or without food and wine pairings. A meal can start at $200 per person, with wine pairings costing extra,” Das noted.

Whether it’s an elegant Michelin-starred dinner or an authentic cultural dining experience, treating yourself to an unforgettable meal is a treat for your palate — and your memories.

A travel advisor

Avoid the hassle of planning every detail of your trip by investing in a travel advisor. This madness gives you back time while ensuring a smooth and unforgettable trip.

“Planning all the details of a vacation — what to do and see, where to eat and stay overnight — takes people on average more than 30 hours of research,” said Kristi Valentini, founder of ReadymadeTravelPlans.com. “But having recommendations from a travel expert helps you cut through the frills and quickly plan an incredible trip.”

Starting at $250, a travel advisor can create a personalized itinerary, secure hard-to-find reservations, and suggest unique experiences you probably didn’t know existed, maximizing your stress-free vacation.

Day Trips

Guided day tours are about more than just skipping the lines – they’re an opportunity to gain unique insights from a local expert.

“Day tours are expensive, especially for a family of four or more, but they are definitely worth it if you go for the right one,” Valentini said. “Choose highly rated, unforgettable experiences that you would never have the opportunity to experience on your own or that offer local or historical insight that you, as a tourist, would not otherwise get.”

These tours are especially useful in destinations with harsh weather conditions or large crowds. Instead of navigating the chaos yourself, you can relax and focus on the present moment while an expert takes the reins.

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This article was originally published on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Vacation Splurges You’ll Never Regret