Luxe for less: How to bag a five-star deal

Aussies are losing their minds over luxury travel. From travelling to cheaper countries to booking off peak, here are 5  ways you can get in on the action.

First came revenge travel; now Australians are coming into their luxury travel era. 

Contrary to what you might be reading, new research from KAYAK reveals Aussie travellers are entering a treat yourself era, ready to splash out on indulgence abroad. What cost of living crisis you may ask? 

According to KAYAK, 27 per cent of Aussies plan to spend more than $10,000 on travel within the next 12 months, with queries for 5-star hotels on the travel search engine up over 52 per cent since last year. 

Aussies aren’t deterred by accommodation prices with over half (55 per cent) saying they would splurge $500 on a night at a luxury hotel and 22 per cent would spend more than $750. When it comes to top hotel amenities, great food and dining takes the cake for most Aussies (43 per cent) while millennials are most likely to be attracted by the pool and spa. 

To help travellers bag a luxury stay for less, KAYAK has unveiled its new 5-Star Steals tool which uses data collected from KAYAK and associated brands to reveal average prices for 5-star hotel stays in over 270 most searched cities worldwide highlighting the best value destinations. 

The tool also provides insights on the ideal times to book, the best months to travel luxuriously on a budget, regular price updates and other tips to further lower the cost of a luxurious stay.

How can you go on a luxe stay for less?

Pick a less touristy area

Heard of Lake Salda? It looks a bit like the Maldives, but it's in Turkey...

Though Lonely Planet’s Chris Zeiher says you don't need to splurge to fulfil that 2024 travel urge – become a savvy traveller and don't just pay less but get more. “Staying just outside the main tourist areas can unearth some incredible experiences that are not only off the beaten track but will fall into a reasonable price range.” 

Travel off peak

Morocco is an incredible place to visit out of peak season.

“Or travel in shoulder season. I'm such a massive advocate for this especially in Europe, the Americas, and Northern Africa,” adds Zeiher.

Hunt around for a discount

Is there a better feeling than scoring a deal on a luxury resort?

If you have your eye on a particular hotel or resort, follow their social media profile. Occasionally they will have deals that are only on Instagram or Facebook. 

If nothing surfaces, don’t hesitate to try and negotiate a better rate. Hotels would much rather book with travellers directly than through third party websites.

Maximise your value

One night in Saint Barthélemy can cost as much as one month in Indonesia... so pick your battles.

Expedia’s Managing Director, Daniel Finch, says one way to maximise your luxury hotel is by making the most of the concierge.

“Luxury hotels offer exceptional service, so don’t forget the staff are there to help make your trip as seamless as possible. Ask for their advice and local knowledge on the cheapest ways to get around, deals on tourist attractions or their recommendations on affordable restaurants. They may even assist you with getting a better deal and accessing local prices, so never take their expertise for granted.”

Travel to a cheaper destination

Sri Lanka is a super underrated luxury destination for Aussies.

According to KAYAK Brand Director, Nicola Carmichael, the good news is even 5-Star hotels can be bagged on a budget if you know where to look and when to book.

“Lucky for Aussies some of the world’s best priced luxury destinations are on our doorstep, with Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Colombo in Sri Lanka ranked in the top three cities worldwide for five-star accommodation at the lowest price for stays in October this year.”

Did you know? 

• One night in Saint Barthélemy can cost as much as one month in Indonesia.
• Stays in Positano and Taormina, Italy cost three times more than in the Middle East on average.
• You can go luxe for less in Europe and North America in January, Asia Pacific and Latin America in November.

According to Kayak 5-Star Steals

Originally published as Luxe for less: How to bag a five-star deal