10 Hacks to Travel Like a Billionaire (but on a Budget)

Does anyone REALLY need all that space? When you’re used to Spirit (*shudder*), even basic economy on Delta can feel LIKE a treat (OMG, free sanitizer wipes and pretzels).

Get the ultimate selfie and five-star service on JSX. The airline proudly offers a private jet-style experience as close to a commercial price as possible. A single trip from Burbank to Concord/Napa, for example, will set you back $189 each way, while Dallas to Austin goes as low as $169. You’ll waltz through a private terminal 20 minutes before departure, walk the tarmac right onto the plane, and fly in an intimate cabin with a maximum of just 30 other passengers, who you can just pretend are your personal entourage. Hop off and grab your bag from right under the plane, and you’re good to go.

All together now (Fergie-style): g.l.a.m.o.r.o.u.s.

While the Palms Casino Resort in Vegas charges a whopping $100,000 per night for its Empathy Suite, you can get Hotel Theodore’s “Residence in Seattle” suite for around $1,200 during low season (that’s $400 each if you don’t mind sharing with a couple of pals). Here, a private key-access elevator opens directly onto the 2,000-square-foot penthouse, which features 360-degree floor-to-ceiling windows, its own theatre, balcony with hot tub, and a private art gallery containing original works by Roy Lichtenstein and Northwest artist Fay Jones. As if that’s not enough, the suite has a breezy wrap-around terrace and fireplace. This is the ultimate secret super stay.

When on vacay we all want to look our most scrumptious in front of monuments—it’s no wonder that Anna Delvey hired all that creative help to travel with her to Morocco. Shoott is an awesome AAPI female-run business that finds the most talented local freelance snappers and offers their services at an affordable price. They service over 60 cities in the U.S., so whether you want the perfect summer picnic shot in Central Park or snowshoeing action shot in Colorado, you’re guaranteed something your Instagram hubby regularly misses the mark on. Simply book a free 30-minute session at your selected destination and pay only for the photos you love starting at $30 a photo. Totally worth it.

While it’s most luxurious to have a suited driver at your beck and call, it also costs a fortune (and rideshares are more than adequate to get you from bar to hotel). However, to get a taste of the VIP-on-wheels experience, book a Blacklane. Their airport pickups include a stellar meet-and-greet experience, including luggage assistance, with your dedicated team tracking flights to adjust pickup times, so you need not fret upon arrival. The service is available in over 50 countries, and really, there’s nothing like seamless tarmac to hotel journey after a grueling flight. Rates vary on distance and are all-inclusive (including taxes, tolls, and fees) at the time of booking.

Did you know that you don’t have to fly first-class to get the first-class experience on the ground? Many airlines have great loyalty programs, such as Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club. Their points morph into rewards such as upgrades, flights, and best of all, 1,000 tier points get you Upper-Class check-in, extra baggage allowance, and Clubhouse access, no matter what cabin you fly.

Understand what a big deal this is: Clubhouse is the Disney World of airline lounges. We’re talking sleeping pods, steam rooms, fine dining restaurants, Peloton workout rooms, and cocktail bars. You’ll probably have more fun here than on the actual vacation.

Considering how affordable and beneficial it is, we’re surprised that most travelers haven’t opted in for Global Entry. Their loss is your gain (suckers) because you’ll speed through to the departure gate before they’ve even taken their shoes off. It costs just $100 for five years and includes TSA pre-check. When returning from international trips, simply get a face scan, and you’re expedited past immigration within minutes (in most cases, anyway) like you’re Oprah. TSA-line officers are also much friendlier too—like, you’ll even get a smile. Now that’s 20 bucks a year well spent. Can’t score a Global Entry interview? Nab the freebie Mobile Passport app and fly right through customs.

Spending a week-long vacation at a Ritz-Carlton or Fairmont is a luxury we can’t all afford, but there’s still a way to dip your toes in their glorious pools nonetheless. ResortPass partners with over 1,000 hotels and resorts to offer up day passes to their pools, spa, fitness, and other activity areas. In short, you can utilize luxury hotel amenities during the day and retreat back to your Airbnb at night. Day passes start at just $25, and for a little more, some hotels offer work passes whereby you get down to business in plush surroundings, a desk, and high-speed Wi-Fi.