Once upon a time, I may have been a budget traveler. Not so much anymore. I still love a good deal, but these days, I splurge on upgrades, conveniences, and experiences that make my trips easier and elevate them to another level.
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I get it. Saving money and finding the best deal is part of the travel game. Nobody wants to overpay for flights or get ripped off by a cab ride. Some tours feel like something you could have done on your own. But sometimes taking the guided tour is the right call to make the most of your time, just as that extra legroom might be worth it for comfort and space to stretch out. And that Uber ride? It’ll probably save you time and the hassle of a crowded shuttle.
- Travel Splurges I Don’t Usually Regret
Travel Splurges I Don’t Usually Regret
Airport Security Programs Worth the Fee
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We’ve used CLEAR at LAX to skip long lines, especially when TSA PreCheck was backed up. It’s a helpful perk when stacked with PreCheck.
TSA PreCheck or Global Entry should be a no-brainer for most travelers. I’ve had Global Entry for several years now, and honestly, I wish I had signed up sooner. It took a very long wait at customs after a flight home from Italy to finally prompt me to apply.
If you’ve ever stood in a slow-moving security line while watching the TSA PreCheck line cruise by, consider using that time to apply. TSA PreCheck is $85 for five years, which breaks down to just $17 per year. If you travel internationally, Global Entry is the better deal. It’s $120 for five years (or $24 per year), and it includes TSA PreCheck. Two benefits in one program.
Here’s the kicker: many travel credit cards reimburse the application fee. If you already have a premium travel card and didn’t realize this, check your benefits. You might be leaving a free perk on the table.
We also use CLEAR, which helps speed up the identity check before you even reach security. It’s not available at every airport, and whether it stacks with TSA PreCheck depends on the terminal, but it has come in handy more than once. When the TSA PreCheck line is long, CLEAR has saved us time. Not always, but when it works, it works. It’s one of those splurges that makes more sense when it’s covered as a credit card perk.
Honestly, once you’ve breezed through security in sneakers and a hoodie, without taking off your shoes or pulling out your laptop, there’s no going back.
Paying for Early Boarding or Seat Selection
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Early boarding used to sound unnecessary to me. But then airlines started charging to check bags, losing them, and gate lice became a thing. Suddenly, getting on the plane early and keeping my carry-on close didn’t seem so extra.
Now, I actually want time to settle in before the aisles get crowded. Early boarding means I’m not scrambling for overhead bin space or weaving through a packed cabin. It gives me a second to breathe before takeoff, and honestly, that’s worth a lot on a travel day.
As for seat selection, I remember when we didn’t have to pay for that. You just chose your seat when you booked, and that was that. Those days are gone. Now, if I want to avoid the middle seat or make sure I’m sitting next to my husband, I have to pay for it. And I do. That little bit of control makes a big difference, especially on longer flights.
These little conveniences add up, and I’ve learned they’re usually worth it.
Upgrading to Premium Economy or First Class
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I don’t upgrade every time I fly, but I always check. If I can use points or miles to book a premium economy or first-class ticket, I usually will. On longer flights, that extra comfort makes a difference. And if there’s a good cash upgrade deal, I’m not above taking it. Sometimes, it’s worth paying a little more to start the trip off feeling like a human.
The more I travel —and honestly, the older I get —the more I look for flights where I can actually stretch out. Premium economy gives me that extra bit of breathing room without feeling like a full splurge. On long-haul flights or red-eyes, that comfort makes a huge difference in how I feel when I land.
First class is rare for me, but if I can use miles or catch an upgrade that makes sense, I’ll go for it. It’s not about the drink or the snack. It’s the space, the quiet, and the mental shift that comes from not feeling drained the second I get off the plane.
I won’t say it’s always worth it, but on the right flight, it can make the whole travel day feel easier.
Upgrading to a Better Cruise Cabin
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When I first started cruising, I’d book a balcony guarantee fare and hope for the best. It’s like playing roulette, you don’t pick your cabin, but you’re guaranteed that balcony. Most of the time, it worked out just fine. And honestly, having that outdoor space to relax or watch sail-ins made the cruise feel entirely different.
In more recent years, I’ve started paying closer attention to location, layout, and overall comfort. On cruises with more sea days or scenic sailings, I want a space that feels comfortable to spend time in, not just somewhere to sleep. I live in a small home, so when we go on vacation, I appreciate having space.
We’ve also had luck bidding for cabin upgrades. It doesn’t always work, but when it does, the price can be much lower than booking the upgraded cabin outright. It’s one of those things I’ll usually try if the opportunity arises.
When we cruise with Norwegian, we sometimes book a suite in The Haven. It’s definitely a splurge, but the quiet, the extra space, and perks like the private restaurant and lounge really change the experience. We still book standard balcony cabins, too, but when the upgrade makes sense for what I’m expecting out of our cruise vacation, I’ll go for it.
It’s not about booking the most luxurious room on the ship. It’s about knowing how I like to travel and spending where it counts.
I’ve taken plenty of buses, metros, and shared shuttles, mainly when I lived in New York City, where public transportation is just part of life. I still use it when it makes sense. But when I’m traveling, sometimes I want to get where I’m going without the extra stops or the stress of figuring out a new system in a city I don’t know.
Ride Shares and Private Drivers Over Waiting for Public Transport
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Our private driver in Corfu took us to this stunning view overlooking Angelokastro — a hidden gem we wouldn’t have discovered without local guidance.
I’ll often pay for a ride share or even a private transfer, especially on travel days when I’m tired or we’re hauling luggage. It’s not about avoiding local experiences. It’s about knowing when convenience makes the day easier — and sometimes, it’s about maximizing our time. I’d rather spend more of the day enjoying a destination than figuring out how to get from one place to another.
At cruise ports, I’ll also book a private driver or small group tour if we want a more personalized experience. When we were in Puerto Plata, we hired a driver to take our whole family around for the day. It was easy, efficient, and way more enjoyable than trying to piece things together ourselves. In Corfu, we did something similar and were taken all around the island to see some of the most beautiful spots, places we likely would have missed on our own.
When you’re traveling with a group or family, it can also make the day less stressful. Everyone’s together, there’s no figuring out logistics, and you actually get to relax between stops. Some of our best tips and local food stops have come from chatting with drivers along the way.
Of course, in places where transportation is simple or we’re staying local, we’ll skip it and figure things out on our own. It really just depends on the kind of day we want.
Not every port or destination needs that kind of splurge. But when it lines up with what we want out of the day, I don’t hesitate.
Paying for Lounge Access (or Prioritizing It With a Credit Card)
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Relaxing in the airport lounge before our flight. It’s one of those little travel perks that makes the journey feel easier.
I used to think airport lounges were just for business travelers or people flying first class. Then we got access through a travel credit card, and now I check for lounges every time we fly.
There are really two ways to get in. It’s either included with your credit card or you pay for a day pass, if the lounge even allows it. Some international business or first-class tickets also come with lounge access, but that’s not how we usually fly. If it’s an option and we know we’ll be at the airport for a while, I’ll look if it’s included, great. If not, I’ll pay for the pass if it seems worthwhile.
For me, it’s about getting away from the chaos near the gates and finding a quiet space to sit and relax while we wait for our flight. A decent seat, a snack, and a place to charge our phones is sometimes all we need.
Some of the travel credit cards with lounge access do have high annual fees, and I definitely think twice before renewing them. But if you’re flying multiple times a year and actually using the lounge benefit, it starts to feel like a no-brainer. We’ve used it often enough that the cost is more than covered, and it’s become one of those perks I’ve come to appreciate the most.
Not every lounge is amazing, but I’d still rather be in there than out in the terminal hunting for an outlet or overpriced food.
Why I Still Eat Out While Traveling (Even When Meals Are Included)
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Since we had an overnight in Aruba, I planned ahead and made dinner reservations at Lima Bistro. Skipped the onboard meal that night—this branzino was worth every cent and bite. Crispy skin, bright flavors, and one of the best meals of the trip.
I’m a foodie traveler, and for me, eating out isn’t just about the food. It’s how I connect with a place. Some people travel for the sights. I travel for the meals, too.
When food is already included—like on a cruise or at a hotel with lounge access—it might seem unnecessary to spend more on eating out. But I still do. Trying local food is part of the experience. Sometimes we’ll book a food tour to try a variety of dishes in one go. It’s a great way to get a feel for the local cuisine, and it often serves as a replacement for lunch or dinner.
Some of the best moments of a trip happen over a meal, not at a buffet.
On cruises, we make it a mission to eat off the ship if we have time, even if it’s just one dish or a quick stop. In port cities known for food, skipping that feels like missing the point. I’m there to explore, and food is part of that. If we’re docked in Ensenada, I’m getting off the ship for fish tacos, no question.
During an overnight stay in Aruba on a cruise, I made dinner reservations at a Peruvian restaurant near the port after reading a bunch of glowing reviews on Reddit and other forums. It turned out to be one of the best meals I had during the entire cruise. The waitress asked how I found them, and when I told her, she was surprised. She said they rarely get cruise passengers, even though we could literally see the ship from our table.
The same goes for land-based trips. Even if there’s a complimentary breakfast or a lounge full of snacks, I’ll still head out to try something local, primarily if the destination is known for it. Street food, tiny restaurants, and desserts I bookmarked before the trip, those meals stick with me long after I get home.
I’m happy to spend on a meal if it adds to the experience. Most of the time, it does.
Why I Sometimes Pay for a Tour
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Taking in the views of Dubrovnik’s city walls during a walking tour that blended local history with Game of Thrones filming locations, we saw and learned so much more with a local guide.
There are times I’ll try to figure things out on my own, but not always. Over the years, I’ve learned that guided tours can be worth the cost when time is limited or logistics get tricky.
Sometimes it’s about access. You skip lines, transportation is included, or you get to visit places that would be hard to reach otherwise. At other times, the guide makes the experience similar to the food walking tour we took in Florence years ago, which we still talk about.
When we’re cruising, we aren’t ones to always book excursions through the cruise line. Instead, I’ll opt for a local tour operator if it enhances our port day experience or helps us explore beyond the usual spots. It’s also a great way to support local guides directly.
I’m not signing up for a tour in every city, but I’ll gladly pay for one if it saves time or offers something unique.
These aren’t musts for everyone, but they’re the things that make travel feel better, easier, or more enjoyable for me, and maybe for you, too.
What travel splurges, conveniences, or small luxuries do you say yes to? Is there something you always make room for, even if it costs a little extra? Share it in the comments — I’d love to hear what’s been worth it to you.
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Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she’s become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She’s always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.
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