If only business or first class travel, jets and the most luxurious hotels were always within everyone’s reach, right? However, even without having full access to luxury tourism, there are small travel upgrades that cost little (or even nothing) so that many more people can enjoy some of the benefits of this niche on their next vacation.

These small travel upgrades tend to have very positive effects on the final balance of a trip, even if they are simpler things like having more comfort while waiting at the airport, extra legroom on the flight, a special meal or a better accommodation.

In many cases, even limited budgets can find a way to invest in these little luxuries (or look for zero-cost shortcuts) to try to make the trip more peaceful and pleasant, and the return from holidays more rested and satisfied.

Airport lounges

One of the biggest differences between economy or business class airline tickets is that the journey starts to be more comfortable even before the passenger gets on the plane, waiting comfortably for boarding in a lounge, with free access to the internet, food and drinks , shower and other amenities.

Today, however, we know well that there are various other ways to access these airport lounges. First of all, have a credit card that gives unlimited and free access to them, as happens with some cards linked to programs such as LoungeKey or Priority Pass.

There are several banks in Brazil that offer this type of card, often without even charging an annual fee (depending on your investment profile). And, if you fly a lot, investing in the annual fee of a card with unlimited lounge access at airports in Brazil and around the world makes very, very sense.

But even if you only fly once in a while, you can access these lounges in other ways. Maintain elite status on the airline you use most often, or even pay for that access. Most airport lounges, especially those not connected to airlines, accept paying passengers (unless they are full). Single access to this type of lounge generally costs between US$27.50 and US$60.

The hotel where Virginia is in the snow has daily rates of up to R$45,000

spa time

Taking a break from the tourist “rest” of a trip is also a pleasure. For me, a good trip requires some real rest sooner or later. A great way to relax your body and mind is to spend time in a spa, either taking advantage of the common areas of your hotel’s wellness area (for free) or investing in a massage or therapy, albeit more express, al fresco spa.

A cheaper version is to focus on apps that grant access to the wellness areas of airport spas or nearby hotels (and even gyms, if your idea of ​​stress relief is different) with monthly or annual fees – like Sanctifly, which does pay approximately starting from 12 dollars per month.

Invest in the elite status of the loyalty program

Having a good status with an airline is a great help. You’ll typically end up with free checked baggage (extra or not), lounge access, priority seat selection, priority boarding, increased mileage accrual per flight, extended validity of your miles, free upgrades to a class higher than yours, and and a series of advantages.

In general, you advance in status in a loyalty program the more you fly with an airline and other airlines in the alliance to which it is a member. But in many of them today it is also possible to achieve elite status by paying a monthly fee to be part of their frequent flyer clubs.

This is a much more interesting (and 100% legal) way to “buy miles” with the benefits of elite status as a gift, depending on the plan you choose (as in the case of Spanish Tap’s Platinum Club and American Airlines’ AAdvantage aerial, for example).

Upgrade with miles

For me, there has never been a better use of my miles than issuing company award tickets or upgrading with them. I issue cards like this every year.

And I’m also serious about accumulating points and miles every way I can: by flying, staying at chain hotels, transferring points from my credit card (I pay everything on the card), fueling up, and even joining clubs. of miles from an airline.

I take care of my miles at every airline alliance like they’re money, constantly checking balances, expiration dates and current promotions, trying my best to take advantage of the best deals and shortcuts to boost my balance and make flying convenient how is it possible.

I have also flown first class exclusively with miles (but, in this case, several years ago when airlines charged far fewer points/miles for this type of flight) and have issued a RTW in business class also with only miles.

Book the best hotel at the end of the trip

If you’re the type of person who doesn’t usually spend money on lodging, revisiting this concept at least one night of your trip could be a good upgrade. A cheaper solution for a pleasant travel upgrade is to book the last nights of the trip in a good hotel – and reserve time to enjoy it too.

It is an opportunity, without ruining the tightest finances of your holiday, to have the chance not only to sleep late in a nice bathroom and bathe in a nice shower (or tub), but also to enjoy an excellent breakfast, the swimming pool and everything else and services that the structure offers.

Early check-in, late check-out

Here are two small things that can make a big difference to your comfort while traveling: having the option to check in early when your flight arrives early at your destination or late check out when your flight doesn’t leave early of the end of the day.

This way, you can arrive and take a nice shower to feel more ready to explore the destination (or even get some rest, if you’re not the type of person who suffers a lot from jet lag) or you can even sleep in and enjoy take your last day calmly and take a nice shower before heading to the airport, to return more rested.

Always ask your travel agent if they would be able to provide you with these benefits as a courtesy. It is also worth knowing that many hotels also provide special reduced rates or fixed rates for these circumstances (in this case, for early check-in, remember to book in advance so as not to have unpleasant surprises at the right time).

Hotel loyalty programs also often offer this benefit for free to travelers with premium status.

Since international flights from Brazil very often arrive in the morning at their final destinations and depart late in the evening, and more and more hotels are using basic check-in times around 3pm and check-out times between 10am: 00 and 12:00, early check-in and late check-in, check out can make a big difference in the final balance of your well-being upon returning from holidays.

Private transfers

Some business and first class airline tickets come with a very, very welcome benefit of a luxury car transfer to and from the airport: Emirates, for example, is one of the most consistent airlines in offering this type of courtesy.

But, even when traveling in economy, you will be able to get to and from your hotel much more comfortably by using a good vehicle to make the journey. Whether it’s taking a certified taxi, pre-booking a transfer with global transfer companies like Blacklane, or even hailing a car from a certified app, it’s generally a small investment in the final cost of the trip for a large dose of comfort and stress reliever (especially if you travel with more luggage).

Free: whoever has a mouth goes to Rome

And, of course, you can always try your luck with your upgrades without even spending a single penny: simply by asking for them directly.

Whether in a hotel or at the airport, it doesn’t hurt to always ask if there is the possibility of flying with more comfort or moving to better accommodation (it is worth noting that this second option is a type of upgrade that is infinitely easier to obtain than to the first option). ). As two Brazilian sayings say, “asking doesn’t offend” and “you already have no”…

By traveling out of season or on special occasions, or by being a member of the loyalty programs of the airlines and hotels in question, the possibilities increase. And, even if the upgrade is not a courtesy, it is not uncommon for people to benefit from extremely reduced and advantageous prices at the right time, both at the airline and hotel check-in desks.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.