Luxe for less! 6 tips to enjoy luxury travel on a budget
Let us let you in on a little secret… luxury travel can be affordable! It might sound too good to be true, but there are many ways to experience luxury without a hefty price tag.
From epic resorts to extravagant activities, IHG Hotels & Resorts is sharing six tips on how to best enjoy the “luxe life” for less.
- Stay in less “touristy” areas of town
If you’re searching for a luxurious vacation but don’t want to break the bank, explore a stay off the beaten path (that’s still near all the main attractions, of course). In bustling Saigon, the Holiday Inn & Suites Saigon Airport is tucked away just around the corner from Tan Son Nhat Airport – and a stone’s throw away from the city’s largest urban golf course, so golfers, pack your clubs. All the sights, sounds and delicious smells of central Saigon are just a 15-minute taxi ride away, and the immediate area features endless local food stalls and stores as well as the bustling Hoang Hoa Tham local street market!
- Be your own tour guide and explore the local hotspots
Both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi recently saw the blue-bike-brigade appear on their streets as the TNGO app brought bike-sharing to the cities. So why not mount-up outside the stunning InterContinental Hanoi Westlake, and follow the lake around. Time it well and take the chance to bask in one of the stunning sunsets over ‘Tay Ho’ that Hanoians have loved for centuries. Meanwhile, located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the InterContinental Saigon is located just a couple of blocks from the iconic colonial post office and Notre Dame Cathedral, from there a ride up Dong Khoi Street will take you past the Opera House, past the city’s hottest shopping, all the way to the Saigon River.
- Travel with a group
Vietnamese travellers love to round-up-the-relatives for multi-generational getaways, and Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay has an array of one- and two-bedroom villas, all adorned with a refined, modern look for families or small groups to enjoy. The resort is set on a luxurious haven on Vietnam’s ‘pearl island’, families can take the chance to explore the island’s renowned attractions together, or simply take in all that the Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay offers for families, including the Tribe Kids Club & Games Room, Hoa Sim Spa and its two expansive swimming pools.
- Take advantage of included amenities
Speaking of experiences geared towards family fun, we recommend Holiday Inn Resort Ho Tram Beach, located in one of Vietnam’s top beach destinations, Grand Ho Tram Strip. Make sure to check out the array of facilities, including entertainment venues with specialty restaurants and bars, gourmet food court, onsite spa and pool. The property also features Holiday Inn’s signature KidSuites featuring an extra kid-friendly welcome gift, themed décor, and bunk beds. Part of a sprawling integrated development, is Vietnam’s top ranked golf course, The Bluffs, along with weekend pool parties at The Grand Ho Tram Strip, and an endless calendar of free events year-round for guests to join.
- Travel in the off season
One of the easiest ways to take a luxury vacation with greater savings is to travel in the off season. While Phu Quoc is busy year-round, and its tropical climate ensures a summer rush through July, May through June and August through September can offer better deals for holiday makers. While the island is in its rainy season then, in real terms that often equates to hot and sunny mornings, a storm in the afternoon of around an hour, and then balmy weather through til the island’s stunning sunsets. With three properties on the island – Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay, the , and the all new Regent Phu Quoc – savvy travellers can benefit from Advance Saver rates when they book at least 3 days in advance and IHG One Rewards members will enjoy additional savings.
- Redeem IHG One Rewards Points
Joining a hotel loyalty program such as IHG One Rewards is a great way to book a trip of a lifetime and score huge savings. With IHG One Rewards, members can earn more points faster and gain rewards sooner for stays or dining in Vietnam. With richer benefits from free breakfast for Diamond members to more opportunities for Elite members to receive early check-in, late check-out and room upgrades, IHG One Rewards offers more choice, value and relevant benefits than ever before. Plus, this summer, IHG One Rewards members can earn up to 4X bonus points on stays through August. To take advantage of this offer, members can register here.
To start booking your next “luxe for less” trip, visit ihg.com.