I am not ashamed to admit it. If it comes to travel–and life in general–I’m cheap. I drive a eight-year-old Corolla (that I purchased used), I have never even considered paying for an airline upgrade, and the last luggage I bought cost a mere 40 bucks on Amazon. After all, the more affordable I am, the more travel I could manage. But I’m old enough to have found that a few travel luxuries that I am prepared to spend my hard-earned money on.
That Travel Luxuries Are Worth Paying For?
Every traveler has their own priorities and their own idea of which “travel luxuries” are rewarding. For many, that may be resort updates or spa visits. The travel luxuries that are most significant are the ones which conserve my trip memories for many years to come, ensure that my holiday goes smoothly, and keep me comfortable.
A Good Laptop Bag
As noted above, I’m perfectly pleased to purchase cheap carry-ons and replace them as necessary. (My last one, bought at Target, served me just fine for about 10 years.) But when it comes to the precious cargo I things into my personal item, it’s worth spending on a bag which will secure my notebook and other valuables.
The perfect laptop bag is sturdy, well cushioned, comfortable to wear, resistant to rain, and cleverly designed with useful pockets and compartments. My current luggage, the STM Drifter, fits the bill.
Nonstop Flights
Am I willing to shell out an extra $1,000 to fly in business class? No way. But if I have an option between a connecting flight or a nonstop, I’ll pay an extra hundred or two to get where I’m going more economically. Airport connections add stress and uncertainty into some trip, and my time is worth something.
High-Quality Hiking Boots
It doesn’t matter how stunning a landscape you are hiking throughout; if your feet hurt, you’re not going to enjoy it. High-quality hiking boots are somewhat pricey, but they’re also built to last. Search for alternatives with great arch support and a waterproof coating; I prefer a higher-cut boot that affirms my ankles as well.
Reputable brands include Vasque and Timberland, but it’s worth searching around and test-driving a number of boots to find the one that works best for your toes.
Global Entry
About five decades back, a U.S. immigration official asked me what I did for a living because he was checking my passport. When I told him I had been a travel writer, he elevated his eyebrows.” Why not have International Entrance?” he asked. Why, really?
A year after I registered in the program, and every time I step into an expedited security lane or skip a snaking immigration line following a long global flight, I believe it the best $100 I ever spent. (Membership lasts five years.) Some travelers might have the ability to become Global Entry for free.
Waterproof Clothing
It only takes one rainy hike in New Zealand (or Ireland, or Alaska…) to learn the difference between clothes that are water-resistant and those that are watertight. Water-resistant garments are fine if you are dashing between buildings on a drizzly day–but perhaps not so much if you are doing extended outdoors activities such as biking or hiking at a climate more likely to downpours.
As the old expression goes, “There’s no bad weather, just bad clothing.” Stock up on waterproof coats and pants before trips.
A Beautiful Traveling Journal
Documenting the day’s experiences each night at my resort is as vital a component of a holiday to me as trying new foods and exploring areas on foot. While I could readily scribble my ideas in a two-dollar laptop from Target, my travel memories are precious, and I would rather have them maintained at a more attractive place–like these stunning journals from Paperblanks.
A Versatile Coat
When you are out exploring, you’re going to need a good coat, unless you make every holiday a beach holiday. I prefer investing in flexible jackets with multiple layers you can customize to match the day’s climate. Examples include Columbia’s Eager Air Interchange for men as well as also the Bugaboo Interchange for Ladies. Both possess a fleece liner in addition to a more lightweight waterproof shell. You can combine them for warmth or use the shell or fleece on its own.
While these coats are not affordable, the cost is much easier to stomach when you remind yourself that you’re essentially getting three coats in one.
Photo Books
It is all too easy to talk about a few snaps out of your trip on Instagram and leave the rest of your travel photographs to linger, unorganized and failed, in your phone or computer for years on end. However, as with my books, I would rather spend a little money to conserve my traveling memories.
After every trip, I produce a picture book with Shutterfly. The service lets you customize photo layouts, backgrounds, cropping, and more. Other popular photograph book providers include Snapfish and Blurb.
Which luxuries are important to you?