How to Score a Luxury Trip for Less, According to Travel Experts

DIY business class? Green season? Our travel experts share tips on how to travel luxuriously on a budget.

Luxury travel does not have to break the bank. We asked our A-List travel advisors for their favorite ways to save money without compromising on experience or style. They offered a range of creative tips, including when to book a trip and what things are worth the splurge.

Flip the itinerary.

"Consider reversing the order of destinations — that can change the availability and pricing for flights and hotels. Look into different flying options and lock in the best one possible. Stay at hotels and resorts midweek, as rates are often lower than weekends." — Marco Palermo, Authentic Explorations

Reserve an extra night.

"Book a second night on arrival so you can travel worry-free if your flight is delayed. Look for stay-for-four/pay-for-three-night deals." — Alison Nolting, The Africa Adventure Company

Maximize currency.

"Watch exchange rates. Right now, there's so much value on luxury itineraries to Australia and New Zealand. Preplanning and reviewing payment options can really help dramatically lower a trip cost." — Cassandra Bookholder, Camelback Odyssey Travel

Focus on wildlife.

"Don't obsess over room categories in wilderness areas. Your focus should be on exclusivity of access, not the length of the wine list. Leave splurges on rooming and dining for cities and beaches." — Chris Liebenberg, Piper & Heath Travel

Pay for a middle seat.

"If you can't afford business class on an international flight, make your own. For two travelers, take the three-seat section and pay for the middle seat. Give yourself room and bring your own special treats." — Jim Strong, Strong Travel Services

Go during "green season."

"We highly recommend people travel during what’s known as the 'green season.' It’s when safari camps aren’t full, and it’s possible to have an entire camp to yourself. Southern Africa is green and lush, there will be far fewer vehicles, and babies are being born left, right, and center. We call it our 'secret season.'" — Elizabeth Gordon Halliday, Extraordinary Journeys

Book way in advance.

"Don't try to economize on a trip-by-trip basis. Instead, talk to your travel advisor about the destinations you'd like to see over the next few years, and create a multiyear plan (much like a financial advisor would). That way, the travel advisor can help maximize your budget by planning in advance and making the most of shoulder/low-season pricing and seasonal weather patterns, and book in advance to avoid last-minute price increases." — Rob Clabbers, Q Cruise + Travel

Be flexible.

"Flexibility and compromise are key when planning a value-driven safari. The more flexible you are with travel dates, the better value you can find. And being willing to compromise opens up more options. If you're on a honeymoon, narrow your search to camps, lodges, or resorts that offer honeymoon deals. And if you're traveling with a multigenerational family or a group of friends, consider taking over camps, lodges, or private safari houses to spread out the cost." — Jay Parmar, Wander Africa

Share a cabin.

"Traveling to Antarctica in shoulder season offers great savings and, if you go on one of the first cruises in November, the chance to see pristine scenery. Alternatively, visit at the end of the season in March — it’s cheaper and offers a greater chance of spotting whales — a win-win. If you're solo, book a shared twin cabin to avoid the solo supplement and meet a like-minded traveler." — Lily Bunker, Jacada Travel

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.