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Marielle Descalsota/Insider
I’ve been covering regional travel for Insider for a year, which has meant spending a lot of time in rentals. I’ve spent nights in luxury resorts in Indonesia, hostels in Singapore and Thailand, a campervan Airbnb in the Philippines, and a shipping container hotel in Malaysia.
When I first started making reservations for these rentals, it felt daunting — I was unfamiliar with the locations and there weren’t many reliable reviews online.
But after testing out dozens of accommodations, I’ve learned how to choose the right accommodation, book efficiently, and save money.
Here are seven of my top tips for travelers.
Marielle Descalsota/Insider
Travel writers and bloggers can have good tips, but I think it’s more helpful to find out what the average person experienced during their stay.
Google Reviews and TripAdvisor have both proven to be good places to gut-check the reality of hostels, hotels, and resorts. I suggest filtering reviews to show the most recent ones.
If you’re staying in an Airbnb or somewhere unique like a glamping tent, vlogs on YouTube and TikTok might be useful.
Photos online, especially those posted by the rental’s management, can be deceiving, so do your research and look at as many reviews as possible before booking.
Google Maps
Whenever I travel to remote locations, I take to Google Maps and find satellite views of the rental to see its condition.
I also walk virtually around the neighboring streets of the rental to see what the atmosphere is like, and if I need to make special transport arrangements in case it’s located up a mountain or in a rural village.
Marielle Descalsota/Insider
Southeast Asia is known for its unique rentals — but they can sometimes be sketchy. Several videos on TikTok have shown tourists mistakenly booking abandoned resorts in places like Bali.
I’ve stayed in remote rentals including a rural mountain cabin in Thailand and a “haunted” hotel in Malaysia. I was initially skeptical of these rentals, so as an additional precaution, I called reservations before booking to make sure the place is still up and running.
I also asked for extra information like recent photos of the rental, instructions on how to get there, and who to contact in case I got lost along the way.
Screenshoot/Google Reviews
Look out for the words “scammer” and “overcharge” in reviews when doing your research — you might just be asked to pay extra upon arrival.
During a trip to a budget hotel in Malaysia, I was asked to pay an additional 80 ringgit (around $18.50) upon arrival, despite have already prepaid online.
If you’re backpacking and are closely watching your budget, it may be best to avoid these rentals altogether despite the cheap advertised rates.
Marielle Descalsota/Insider
I have found that most boutique rentals are willing to take special requests like early check-in or late check-out — as long as the request is made in advance.
The only exception to this are hostels and budget motels, where there is a strict hourly rate. In that case, your best move will be to check if there’s a discounted rate for early check-in.
Marielle Descalsota/Insider
Flash deals and prices can appear on booking sites without prior notice, so I typically refresh the booking page several times before making my payment.
For example, I booked a room with a private plunge pool in a luxury resort in Singapore for under $400 on a third-party website. Although the price listed was closer to $600, a flash sale netted me a substantial discount.
Marielle Descalsota/Insider
If you’re traveling in Southeast Asia where the weather is hot and humid all year round, it might be worth making your booking during the monsoon season, when it’s likely to a bit rain more.
So long as you’re not booking a rental in a flood or landslide-prone area, it’s perfectly fine to book during a less busy season — not only will you save money on accommodation, but tourist attractions are also likely to be less crowded.
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A luxury vacation is the ultimate way to escape the stresses of everyday life and indulge in the finer things in life. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, a luxury vacation can provide it all.
From staying at a five-star luxury hotel or resort to indulging in gourmet meals and spa treatments, there are endless ways to make your luxury vacation truly unforgettable.
If you’re planning a luxury vacation, it’s important to do your research and plan ahead to ensure that you make the most of your time away.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to planning the ultimate luxury vacation.
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Research your destination thoroughly to ensure that you are aware of any cultural differences or customs that you should be aware of. This will not only help you to feel more prepared and confident when traveling, but it will also help you to respect and appreciate the local culture.
Take the time to read about the history, customs, and traditions of your destination, and try to learn a few phrases in the local language to show your respect and appreciation for the culture.
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Make sure to pack wisely and bring any necessary items or documents with you, such as passport, visas, and travel insurance documents. Luxury travel often involves long flights and layovers, so be sure to pack comfortable clothing, a good book or other entertainment, and any necessary medications or toiletries.
It’s also a good idea to make copies of important documents, such as your passport and travel insurance documents, and leave them with a trusted friend or family member in case of an emergency.
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Stay at a luxury hotel or resort that offers amenities such as a spa, fitness center, and fine dining options. Luxury travel is all about indulging in the finer things in life, and a luxury hotel or resort can help you to do just that.
Look for hotels or resorts that offer high-end amenities such as a spa, fitness center, and fine dining options, as well as concierge services and other personalized touches.
These amenities can help you to relax and recharge after a day of sightseeing and can make your luxury vacation truly unforgettable.
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Be mindful of your surroundings and exercise caution when traveling to unfamiliar destinations. This is especially important if you are traveling alone, or if you are visiting a destination that is known for crime or other safety issues.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times and try to blend in with the local culture as much as possible. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash, and always be alert and aware of your surroundings.
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If you are traveling somewhere that involves quite a bit of driving, research shipping your vehicle to where you are staying. This will allow you the freedom to come and go as you wish, as well as stopping wherever and whenever you want.
Sometimes the best places to visit are hidden or not part of typical travel packages and having your vehicle with you gives you the option to visit.
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Consider booking a private tour guide or driver to help you navigate your destination and provide you with an insider’s perspective on the local culture.
A private guide or driver can help you to avoid crowds and tourist traps and can provide you with personalized recommendations and suggestions for things to see and do.
They can also help you to feel more secure and confident when traveling in a new place and can provide valuable insights and tips for making the most of your luxury vacation.
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Take advantage of any loyalty programs or rewards programs offered by airlines or hotels to redeem points or perks for your trip. If you are a frequent traveler, it can pay off to join loyalty programs or rewards programs offered by airlines, hotels, and other travel companies.
These programs often offer a range of perks and benefits, such as priority check-in, room upgrades, and free flights or hotel stays.
Be sure to sign up for these programs and start earning points or rewards as soon as possible, as they can add up over time and help to make your luxury vacation even more affordable and enjoyable.
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Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself in case of unexpected emergencies or disruptions to your trip. Travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as flight cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
Look for a travel insurance policy that offers a wide range of coverage options, such as trip cancellation, medical coverage, and emergency evacuation, to ensure that you are fully protected.
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Make use of the concierge services at your hotel to help you plan activities and make reservations. Concierge services can be a valuable resource for luxury travelers, as they can help you to plan and book activities, make restaurant reservations, and arrange transportation.
These services can save you time and hassle and can help you to make the most of your luxury vacation. Be sure to ask the concierge for recommendations and suggestions, as they often have insider knowledge about the best things to see and do in the local area.
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Don’t be afraid to splurge on a special experience or activity that you have always wanted to try, such as a hot air balloon ride or a wine tasting tour.
Luxury travel is all about indulging in once-in-a-lifetime experiences and making unforgettable memories, so don’t be afraid to splurge on something special.
Look for unique and memorable activities that you have always wanted to try, such as a hot air balloon ride, a wine tasting tour, or a private cooking lesson, and make the most of your luxury vacation.
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Be sure to stay hydrated and take care of yourself while traveling, especially if you are in a new time zone or climate. Traveling can be physically and mentally demanding, especially if you are in a new time zone or climate.
Make sure you drink plenty of water, get plenty of rest, and take care of yourself while traveling to avoid fatigue and illness. It’s also a good idea to bring along any necessary medications or supplements, and to consult with your doctor before your trip if you have any health concerns.
Staying healthy and well-rested will help you to fully enjoy your luxury vacation and make the most of your time away.
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Consider booking a private villa or vacation home instead of a traditional hotel or resort. Private villas and vacation homes offer a level of privacy and luxury that you won’t find at a traditional hotel or resort.
They often come with a range of amenities, such as private pools, outdoor living spaces, and fully equipped kitchens, and can be a more cost-effective option for groups or families. Be sure to research and compare different villas or vacation homes to find the one that best suits your needs and budget.
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Plan your itinerary in advance but leave room for flexibility and spontaneous adventures. While it’s a good idea to have a general itinerary in mind, it’s also important to leave room for flexibility and spontaneous adventures on your luxury vacation.
This can help you to fully relax and enjoy your time away and can help you to discover new and unexpected things along the way. Don’t be afraid to ask locals or your tour guide for recommendations or to deviate from your original plans if something interesting or exciting comes up.
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Consider booking a private jet or helicopter tour to fully experience the luxury of your destination. Private jets and helicopter tours offer a level of luxury and exclusivity that can’t be found with traditional forms of transportation.
They can also provide a unique and memorable experience, as they allow you to see your destination from a different perspective and can take you to more remote or hard-to-reach places.
Be sure to research and compare different private jet or helicopter tour options to find the one that best suits your needs and budget.
Away Carry-on Luggage
Invest in high-quality luggage and travel accessories to enhance the luxury of your trip. Quality luggage and travel accessories can not only make your trip more comfortable and convenient, but they can also add a touch of luxury to your vacation.
Look for luggage and accessories that are stylish, durable, and functional, and consider investing in items such as noise-cancelling headphones, travel pillows, and portable chargers to make your trip more enjoyable.
By investing in high-quality luggage and travel accessories, you can ensure that your luxury vacation is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Taking a luxury vacation is meant to pamper you in every way possible and hopefully these tips can help make your trip memorable and luxurious. We wish you the best trip and also be sure to take plenty of pictures so you can always look back on your trip.