Are you the type of person who creates a vacation budget? Do you then avoid any possible upgrades or extras, because you’re afraid of blowing your budget? Trust me when I say you are not alone! Everyone has a budget for vacation. And honestly, when you stick to your budget, it is easier to squeeze in an extra vacation. However, there is no need to skip all the extras. There are a few amazing upgrades that will enhance your vacation. Every time. Those upgrades won’t break the bank either. So, let’s chat about which upgrades are worthy of a second thought. 

Choose These Amazing Upgrades and Stay Within Your Vacation Budget

Private Airport Transfers

If you have never taken a private airport transfer before, you do not know what you are missing! Yes, this type of transportation will cost a little extra. But it is worth it to start your vacation off on a positive note. 

For example, down in the Caribbean or Mexico, a regular airport shuttle could take one and a half hours to reach your hotel. That includes four stops at hotels for other passengers. 

I am sure you would prefer to spend that time down by the pool. Or at the beach. Or sipping cocktails at the hotel bar. Basically anything except sitting in a van with a bunch of tired and cranky travelers. 

I know when I went to Africa, I was so relieved to see a driver holding a sign with my name on it. I had just gotten off a very long overnight flight and passed through customs. The last thing I wanted to do was figure out what to do next. Or find the line for the taxi. 

My driver knew that and guided me to his car. He handed me a cold bottle of water and loaded my luggage into the back. Before I knew it, we were close to my accommodations. I’m sure many of the other travelers on my flight were still in line waiting for a vacant taxi! 

Private Sightseeing Tours

Depending on where you travel, you may find yourself in a crowd of fifty people during a guided tour. All those people will make it difficult for you to enjoy the ambiance, sights, sounds, and smells of the destination. 

You probably are not aware that arranging for a private tour is not too much more expensive. Plus, you will learn so much more in a shorter amount of time. And you can move at your own pace. This is perfect for those times you want to capture the views when the sun is at just the right angle! 

Upgrade to Premium Economy for Your Flights

Not everyone can fit business class or first-class seats into their vacation budget. However, you don’t need to be crammed into the economy seats either. 

A little more money from your vacation budget can give you extra legroom in premium economy. Sometimes you even get a few extra amenities when you sit in these seats. Honestly though, the legroom is worth the extra you pull from your vacation budget. 

Airport Lounges

Long layovers can often mean hours of sitting amongst the crowds at the gates. Well, if you can find an empty seat amongst the crowds. 

The noise will be enough to give you a headache. Especially when your device dies, and you can’t find a working plug to charge it. No music or Facetime calls mean you have ample time to listen to the people talking loudly all around you. 

This is why I always recommend trying to upgrade to one of the airport lounges. Day passes are usually available to the Airport Club Lounge for the airline you are flying. 

Once inside the airport lounge, you can relax comfortably in a quiet location. You may even be rewarded with complimentary wi-fi, beverages, and snacks. 

Your frequent flier program or credit card company may offer an upgrade to an airport lounge. It is always best to check to see if you can get this upgrade for free or at least a discount. 

As an expert travel advisor, I can help you decide which one of these upgrades will be best for your next vacation. I can even suggest other possibilities that will still keep you well within your vacation budget. This is just one of the bonuses you will receive when you allow me to customize your much-deserved vacations. 

Remember, you are totally worth every upgrade out there. Choosing the ones that provide the most bang for your buck will make you feel like you hit the lottery. And you won’t even miss the upgrades you don’t choose. 

Are you ready to start planning your next vacation? Is it somewhere warm? Cold? Somewhere in between? Let’s connect so I can make all your travel dreams come true within your vacation budget. 

If you aren’t ready to start planning a vacation just yet, that’s okay! Sign up for my newsletter. This will allow us to stay connected. Plus, you will receive incredible travel content throughout the year. 

Hot Cocoa

Oh, and speaking of upgrades, did you know you can upgrade almost anything?? Take your average mug of hot cocoa. This is a delicious drink that many of us sip during the winter while in our pjs and slippers. But as an adult, you can upgrade your hot cocoa to make it even better. There are even kid friendly options that even Buddy the Elf would be proud of! So, before you make your next cup of hot cocoa, check out some of the best upgrades I found:

• Chocolate sauce or melted chocolate bar
• Marshmallows
• Crushed peppermint sticks or candy
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon or cinnamon sticks
• Chill power – a pow!
• Carmel sauce
• Sea salt
• Toffee pieces
• Candied ginger
• Shredded coconut
• Flavored syrups
• Whipped cream
• Booze – whiskey, vodka, bourbon, Irish cream, amaretto, etc.

Be creative, enjoy a few ideas:

-Tropical Almond Joy

-Seaside Carmel with Toffee bits

-Mexican Sweet/Spice

-Irish Cream with Andes Mints

-Pumpkin Spice & everything nice