A vacation is supposed to be a relaxing getaway, but planning itineraries and securing flight tickets can often feel like more hassle than it’s worth. You need to travel smarter. Some of the wealthiest and most powerful people on vacation barely have to lift a finger to enjoy exclusive amenities and incredible entertainment. Even if you don’t have the same budget, there are a few ways you can make the most of your vacation with a lot less effort.

Get a Travel Agent

Knowing what to do, where to stay, and the best airlines to fly can be a lot to juggle. If you want to travel with ease and style, a travel agent is your best bet. They’ll partner with the best airlines, accommodations, and tour guides to provide the ultimate experience. They can even secure some incredible restaurant reservations or amazing resort views with their travel insight and exclusive access. You may even be able to get some great deals on first-class flights or balcony room upgrades.

Explore All-Inclusive Resorts

If you prefer convenience and luxury, consider checking if your destination of choice offers any all-inclusive resorts. They’re popular in areas like Mexico or Jamaica. You can find luxury resort rooms, relaxing amenities, and delicious food all included in the price of your stay. Entertainment and drinks are typically included too, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy. All-inclusive resorts are typically divided into adult-only and family-friendly options, catering to the diverse needs of all travellers. If these resorts aren’t available in your destination, look for the five-star hotels instead. You’ll live in luxury while enjoying as many entertainment and amenities as you can think of. These hotels typically offer room service or on-site restaurants for your enjoyment. They’re also happy to recommend and escort you to the finest dining nearby.

Book a Private Tour

It can be challenging to navigate unfamiliar streets and crowded areas on your own when trying to enjoy sightseeing and cultural hotspots during your vacation. A tour guide is typically a local expert who knows their way around the area, including the traffic, people, and culture, to provide an exclusive and immersive experience. Consider a private tour to gain special access to popular tourist destinations and hidden treasures. You’ll especially benefit from a personalised guide in extremely popular destinations. In Europe, consider booking private tours in Athens, Greece, as well as Rome, Italy, for a truly immersive historical experience. American travellers will benefit from guided tours through New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Tokyo, Shanghai, and Dubai are also excellent for a guided tour. Private tours are beneficial everywhere and can help you enjoy your destination in style.

Take Advantage of Travel Credit Cards

Even if you’re not a fan of credit cards, you may want to consider applying for some good travel or “mileage” cards. If you can use them responsibly, they’re a great ticket to some excellent travel perks. You don’t even have to use your credit card to earn them (except to keep it active). Certain cards can grant you exclusive access to airport lounges or VIP boarding experiences. Other cards can help you earn “miles” that you can use for free airline tickets or travel reservations. You can end up saving a lot of money on any luxury travel experience you can think of, while getting access to some VIP amenities.

Reserve Dining in Advance

If you’re looking to try some luxury Michelin-star restaurants on your trip, don’t try to show up and wait for a walk-in. Some of these restaurants require reservations years in advance, while others book months in advance. Instead of relying on luck, choose which dining experiences you want to try beforehand as you’re planning your travel. Planning can give you the VIP treatment in some of the world’s most famous restaurants. Noma in Copenhagen, Damon Baehrel in New York, and Disfrutar in Barcelona are among the few restaurants that have incredibly exclusive waiting lists.

Get to Know the Locals

For the most memorable and immersive trip, you don’t want to experience the destination as an outsider. You want to become a part of the culture and population. Get to know local populations by shopping at their favourite boutiques, eating their local cuisine, and stopping by some of their favourite eateries. You may not be dining at the fanciest restaurants in the world, but they’ll be treasured by the local scene and give you some insight into daily life in different destinations. Support the city’s economies and seasonal foods; you may be surprised at how much you learn and enjoy the experience. Try the country’s authentic music and dance scene, such as the emotional Fado genre in Portugal or Flamenco in Spain.

Conclusion

If you want to travel like a VIP, you’ll need to plan. Knowing where to stay, what to eat, and who can guide you around town can immerse you like no other vacation has. Choose all-inclusive or five-star resorts for the most comprehensive amenities and entertainment options. Select a reputable travel agent to help you secure exclusive opportunities and itineraries. Put some travel-friendly credit cards in your wallet, even if you don’t use them; you may find yourself enjoying an exclusive airport lounge or priority boarding privileges. You don’t need to be the world’s richest to travel in style.