Luxury travel agent reveals 7 tips for traveling in style without it costing the earth
Speaking for myself, here: there were times these past two years where the mere sight of a jumbo Toblerone in the “discount” aisle of my local store felt as close as I’d get to a holiday, spiriting my mind to duty-free airport shops across the pre-pandemic world.
But finally, the world is opening up again like a rare flower that smells of suncream. Finally, Toblerone is back on the pre-departure breakfast menu.
Trouble is, following Christmas splurges, money, can often be tighter at this time of year. It has left us wondering: how can you holiday like royalty without blowing the winter energy bill?
Here, Tom Marchant, co-founder of bespoke luxury travel agency Black Tomato, shares seven of his tried-and-true tips for traveling the world without it costing the Earth.
Travel out of season
"Notably, for the budget-conscious, green season (the safari term for warm, but sometimes rainy months) is a great time for safaris with better rates at lodges with equally as compelling, animal sightings. It’s worth researching (or speaking to a travel expert about) "shoulder seasons" when thinking about specific destinations. You will find better value and fewer tourists, especially in popular places like the Caribbean."
Related: How I’m planning my Tanzanian safari with points and miles
"For Spring, I’d suggest Morocco, warm and inviting with a plethora of glamorous places to stay in Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains, and Skoura.
"On the safari front, springtime is an excellent idea, especially in Kenya. While it will rain off and on, it usually comes suddenly and then disappears, and the green season is a wonderful time to spot the Big Five!"
"Another benefit to off-season travel is that not only will the destination feel more authentic, but you’ll be helping to support local economies and ecosystems year-round, outside of peak-visitor months."
Splurge on one or two standout experiences
"I recommended doing this as a way to memorably bookend a trip with unique and special moments — a hot air balloon adventure at sunrise, a gourmet picnic after an epic trail hike, or a beautiful boat journey to watch the sunset in a secluded bay.
Related: 13 beautiful destinations in Europe to see an epic sunset
"Of course, it’s nice to pepper excursions throughout, but having something truly extraordinary arranged at the start, quickly immerses you into holiday-mode, while a remarkable highlight to look forward to ends your trip on a high, and it may also help to soften the blow slightly of having to return home."
"This is a great way to experience luxury travel, while the rest of the itinerary can be more low-key."
Go where your budget will take you further
"For example, Spain is a great choice for honeymooning couples on a budget. Offering an enticing combination of experiences, Spain has a longer season compared to some other destinations, so you can really go year-round. Plus, it offers everything people want to go to Europe for food, culture, wine and vibrant nightlife too."
Related: The cheapest way to use points and miles to book a trip to Spain
"Although for the beach you obviously need to be there for the warmer seasons, it’s a little less explored and expensive than Italy for those where budget is important, and still with outstanding cuisine and culture.
"For the more intrepid, another appealing "value" destination is Sri Lanka, which is cheaper than India. The same goes for Guatemala, versus more expensive Costa Rica."
Book early and consider traveling midweek
"The sooner you book, the more choice of room categories you have and the cheaper flights will be. Bucket-list properties like the iconic Four Seasons Grand Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat on the French Riviera and stunning Italian property and Black Tomato favorite; Grand Hotel Tremezzo in Lake Como (already busy in January for summer), usually have a handful of entry-level rooms that book up far in advance."
"Once those are snapped up, you’ll pay double, triple, or more to stay there, and while of course, it’s lovely to have a big suite, you’ll have access to the same restaurants, pools and facilities regardless of which room you’re in."
Related: 10 all-inclusive resorts in Europe for winter sun and snow
"For shorter breaks, traveling midweek is usually a good hack if you can spare the time off. As tour operators, we have access to preferential hotel rates and can often manage to find availability with our hotel partners, which couldn’t otherwise be found. But, booking early will always improve the chances of success, and this applies to the most coveted tours and experiences as well."
Travel "low and slow"
"A trend we’ve seen for a while is the desire to be more "grounded" – quite literally – by traveling "low and slow". That means flying into one place and then traveling by car, train, foot or bicycle to explore further, rather than making multiple flights across the itinerary."
"Taking fewer internal flights will save on costs and allow travelers to take longer with their journey and to dwell in the landscape and soak up the atmosphere."
Related: From Crete to Croatia: 11 best hiking spots in Europe
"Sicily is a wonderful option for a culturally rich experience best absorbed by driving, cycling or walking. Always choose to include some "low and slow" forms of travel.
"Personally, I love taking a walking tour and using public transport, to really get beneath the skin of a destination."
Travel in larger groups
"Given the time that family and friends have often been forced to spend apart over the last couple of years, it makes sense that we’re seeing a surge in groups looking to connect with each other on special trips away together.
"Whether that’s large families or groups of friends who are looking forward to a big getaway, now the coast is clearer to plan an overseas holiday."
"The bottom line? renting out a luxury Scandinavian lodge – like the spectacular Aurora Lodge – or a gorgeous Ibizan villa, can not only cost much less per person than a luxe hotel, but potentially it will be a more special and spectacular option."
Avoid the beaten track
"It may sound obvious, but staying away from the typical tourist trail can work out to be highly beneficial from both a budget and an experience point of view."
"Take Istria in Croatia, for example. It is somewhat of a hidden gem to visit and a place that the herd tends to ignore. With fresh seafood and azure waters, great wine, beautiful scenery and villages, but much better prices than neighboring Italy, it’s an incredible and much more affordable alternative."
"The same goes for where you eat. When in a destination, go to local neighborhood restaurants, away from the main drag – the food will be more authentic and without the price tag tailored for tourists. Also, seek out local suppliers and tours that can get you the inside track and steer you away from the crowds of visitors and instead to where the locals like to hang out."
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.