Susan Ward Davies, who served as the Travel and Lifestyle Editor at ELLE for over three decades, has shared strategies for enjoying luxurious travel experiences for less. Her approach, honed during years of globetrotting for the magazine, emphasizes a "high-low" method where spending is focused on elements that significantly enhance a trip, while cutting costs on others.
Maximizing Hotel Stays
Davies suggests a tactic for maximizing hotel value by splitting stays between different types of accommodation. She recommends starting a trip with a few days in an Airbnb before moving to a more upscale hotel for the final portion. To extend the enjoyment of a hotel, she advises checking in early, even if the room isn't ready, and utilizing hotel amenities like the pool or spa. Similarly, on the departure day, guests can arrange for their bags to be stored and continue using hotel facilities until the evening, effectively gaining two days' worth of enjoyment for a single night's stay.
Savvy Dining and Local Experiences
To avoid the high costs associated with hotel restaurants, Davies advocates for seeking more authentic and budget-friendly dining options. She highlights the app "Too Good to Go," which offers discounted food from local businesses, and suggests using Google Maps with local terms like "épicerie" in France or "gastronomia" in Italy to find independent food stores. For specific culinary interests, she recommends using social media to ask for recommendations, such as "where to eat truffles in Istria." For transportation, Davies notes that resort hotels often provide free shuttle services, and for other needs, comparing taxi fares online can prevent overspending.
Embracing Local Bar Culture
In countries like Italy, Spain, France, and Portugal, Davies points out that enjoying coffee, pastries, tapas, and even alcoholic beverages at the bar rather than at a table is both more economical and authentic. This practice, known as "al banco," "a la barra," "au comptoir," and "ao balcão" respectively, allows travelers to experience local customs and save money compared to a sit-down, multi-course meal.
