Everyone wants to see how the other half live now and then; We all want to pack our bags, get on a first class flight, and hit up a fabulous restaurant in an expensive gown. Unfortunately, unless you have an unlimited supply of money, that isn’t always possible. It used to be that, if you wanted to travel in luxury, you had to be rich. Luckily, times have changed, and there are now some great ways to save some cash, but still enjoy the spoils of luxury travel. If this is something that you’re interested in (let’s be honest, why wouldn’t you be?), then keep reading.

Budget & Prioritize

The only way that you are guaranteed to save money when travelling is by budgeting. Work out a realistic amount of money that you can spend on your holiday, and then break down this amount and budget further. You can do this by breaking the cost down into four categories: transportation and flights, food and drinks, accommodation, and entertainment. You need to work out where your priorities lie in regards to luxury and these categories. For example, if you are sure that you want to stay in a five-star hotel, then you may need to cut back on flights and transport, on the other hand, if you wanted to enjoy extravagant meals out every night, then you may have to see fewer expensive attractions. As long as you stick to a set amount for each of these categories, you should be fine.

Book In Advance

An obvious way to save money, especially when travelling in luxury, is to book everything well in advance. Despite how obvious this tip may seem, it’s one that few people pay much attention to. There are lots of last minute deals on the internet if your holiday was a last minute, spontaneous idea, but, usually, luxury properties and hotels are already fully booked by the time these deals are posted online, and the best flights are also usually full. To get the best deals, start planning your holiday several months in advance, and figure out absolutely everything that you can book. This includes things like car hire, as well as your flights and accommodation.

Avoid Peak Season

Luxury travel is expensive, that’s kind of what makes it luxury, but travelling during peak season is only going to skyrocket the price, so it’s always best to travel off-peak, or during shoulder season. You’ll be surprised just how much the prices will decrease, even though you’ll be staying at the same accommodation, booking the same flights, and visiting the same sights. When travelling off-peak, there will also be fewer tourists, which will mean that you get a much calmer, and much more authentic experience.

Pay With Air Miles

When you think of luxury travel, the first thing that comes to mind is travelling in luxury, and that means business class or first class flights. However, these flights don’t come cheap. If you don’t have the money, or simply to don’t want to spend thousands on plane tickets, then your best option is to save up your air miles, so that you can travel in luxury for a lot less. Visit http://www.cardrates.com/reviews/air-miles/ to compare some of the best airline miles credit cards. If you can, it’s always a great idea to book first or business class flights to kick off your luxury holiday so that you can sit back and relax with a glass of champagne before your adventure even really begins.

Don’t Stay In The City

If you haven’t already noticed, the prices of hotels, especially four and five-star hotels, are much higher in large cities than they are on the outskirts. The simplest way to avoid this extra expense is to stay in a hotel outside of the closest major city, a little bit off the beaten track. As long as you ensure that your hotel is still a four or five-star hotel, then you will still receive the same quality service, the lovely room, and the larger bed. But you’ll get it all for a fraction of the price of what you would have paid right in the centre of the city.

Use Airbnb

If you wanted to save even more money, then I would recommend skipping the hotel altogether, and booking your accommodation on Airbnb instead. You may not get the “luxury” of a hotel this way but instead can book an entire apartment, villa, or house, like some of the houses shown here https://rumahdijual.com/semarang/, which would be absolutely perfect if you’re travelling with friends or your family. Some of the properties available on Airbnb have several rooms and bathrooms, games rooms, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Using Airbnb will also mean that you can save money on food, as you could make some meals yourself, rather than eating out every night at expensive restaurants.

Eat Expensive, But Small

One of the best parts of going on holiday is experiencing the local cuisine of the places that you are visiting. This is the same for luxury travel, but with luxury, once again, comes expense. It’s completely understandable that you may want to spend your nights eating expensive dishes at five-star restaurants, but you may not have the cash to do this if you don’t think sensibly. You can still eat these foods and visit these restaurants, but you need to eat less. This could mean spending few nights eating out, having few courses, or even sharing a course with whoever you’re travelling with. Snack before visiting the restaurant, so that you can eat smaller portions, but will still be full after your meal.

Everyone wants a slice of the good life, and as long as you are sensible, you can get it. You just need to budget and plan everything properly; As long as you do this, you should be able to experience all of the luxuries with less of the cost. Now that you know what to do, all you need to do is choose a destination for your next luxury trip.

Luxury travel means that you’re going to see more, experience more, and spend more. You will want to be more comfortable, see bigger sights, eat better foods, drink better drinks, and be able to do as much or as little as you desire on any particular day. No matter why you are travelling, whether it be a family holiday, your honeymoon, or a getaway with your friends, there are some places that are on any luxury traveller's bucket list. If you need some inspiration for your next trip, then keep on reading.

1. The Caribbean

The Caribbean has the power to make any other holiday destination seem a tad plain in comparison. This is because of a number of factors, but is largely because of the glorious beaches; The crystal blue water and pale, sparkling sand stretch out for miles and miles, which is perfect, because the weather is great almost all year round too, with only the occasional storm breaking the heavenly image. The Caribbean is also filled to the brim with marine life, including turtles, dolphins, and tropical fish, which is perfect if you’ve always dreamed of snorkelling or deep-sea diving.

2. New York

If you’re more of a city gal, then New York may be more your style. The skyscrapers are particularly awe-inspiring, especially the ones as magnificent as the Empire State Building. New York is known as a melting pot, which is no wonder, consider the number of cultures and foods that you can experience visiting there. While you may not necessarily see the luxury in Chinese food back home, there is something exquisite about it being prepared authentically. If you’re still not convinced, then perhaps a hotel as beautiful as the Four Seasons could convince you.

3. Paris

Paris is one of the most astonishing and romantic cities on the entire planet and is perfect for anyone that wants to experience art, history, and culture. No matter where you look, you are sure to find a marvellous building, monument, museum, attraction, restaurant, or hotel for you to explore. It’s also perfect even if you don’t speak the language, as most Parisians are more than happy to talk to you in English (although you shouldn’t assume). As well as being the city of love, Paris is also the city of fashion and has a huge amount of shopping centres, department stores, and boutiques for you to sink your teeth into, as well as some great fashion shows.

4. Africa

Are you even a true luxury traveller if a deluxe safari in Africa isn’t near the top of your travelling bucket list? While you’re there, you can see some of the most majestic creatures on the planet, including lions, giraffes, zebras, hippos, gorillas, rhinos, and crocodiles, all from the comfort of a Range Rover. You could even see the glorious landscape and creatures from a helicopter or could hike or bike yourself. The weather is wonderful, which means you have the perfect excuse to buy a new dress from Anthony's Ladies Apparel, and go and see the sights. You also can’t forget that Africa is home to The Great Sphinx, The Great Pyramids, and The River Nile, so if you’re looking for looking for luxury and wonder, then Africa is the place for you.

5. Thailand

If you’re a lover of food, then Thailand is the place for you. In fact, the food is so delicious and diverse that you shouldn’t ever have to eat the same dish twice. If you’re intending on visiting more than one city, then the food will change as the city does. However, it’s not just the great food that you have to experience in Thailand. There they mix tradition with tourists comforts, so you can have an authentic Thai experience, while still enjoying comfort and luxury. Night owls will also love Thailand, as it’s got every type of nightlife that a tourist could possibly want, including jazz bars. Travel is also fairly cheap in Thailand, which means that you’ll have extra money to spend on a wonderful accommodation, great food, and even greater experiences.

Seeing the world with your own two eyes is one of the best ways of spending your time, especially if you have the money to visit the most luxurious cities, countries, and continents on the planet. Travelling is all about relaxing and experiencing new sights, foods, and cultures, and any one of these locations would be absolutely perfect to do that, so consider one of them when planning your next trip.

Think of tropical island, with cool transparent water in bluish and greenish hues, soft golden sand, palms, and other tropical plants bowing over it. You feel the seaside sand scratching under your feet and the water touching you tender. The sea foam of froth on top of the overflowing waves. I'm sure you get the picture.

You woke up one morning, scratched your head, and have decided to go on a luxurious tropical vacation. Whether you are preparing for your first trip to one of the best islands in the world or have considered yourself a globetrotter veteran, packing for a vacation can feel like a daunting task. Every day leading up to your vacation should bring growing excitement, not stress.



Planning your wardrobe out in advance, you are far less likely to overpack or forget a key wardrobe item from behind. I prefer to try on my items I would like to pack one week in advance. To ease your packing woes, I have constructed the ultimate packing list for a luxury tropical vacations! Including from appropriate dinner attire to lip balm with SPF, this list of things to bring will ensure a stressfree vacation.

So pull out your suitcase (with wheels, for your convenience), and pack along!

A week before your trip, I got a packing list from Lyst, a global fashion search platform:

Dressing for a Tropical Getaway

1. Lightweight clothing: In a tropical paradise expect that temperature can be so hot, so account for the heat and humidity while packing. Pack a variety of dresses, skirts, and tops. Use versatile pieces that serve double duty, like a tunic that is a coverup by day and a going out top with white jeans by night. Stick to mostly neutrals. You can add a pop of color with jewelry or a pashmina. It would be best to research on the country you are going to, as some countries does not allow very revealing clothing. For dinner, you can opt for a sundress or long skirt. Leave high maintenance pieces at home, like silk tops that need to be ironed.
2. Comfortable Shoes: You will need a pair of sneakers, comfortable sandals, and a wedge shoes to equip your vacation. Pack a flip flops as well, as you might find using it all the times. And here’s a biggie: no more than 3 pairs of shoes. They are heavy and take up way too much space in your suitcase.
3. MULTIPLE swimwears: It's a tropical vacation, so expect there would be a lot of beaches. Get MULTIPLE bathing suits. You don't want to pull a damp suit over and over again.
4. Underwear garments and sock: There's nothing more arduous than a good vacation gone wrong. So pack enough underwear garments and socks for the duration of your trip.
5. Cardigans & Light Jacket: Pack two lightweight cardigans and one light jacket. Even if it's a tropical country, it is best to bring something to warm you up, as temperatures can sometimes be unpredictable and temperatures take a slight dip especially in the evening.

Essentials

1. Travel Documents: Passport, driver's license, plane tickets, and hotel bookings should be tucked in a secure and easily accessible area such as carry-on bag. These are the absolute most important things you need. Duh!
2. Well-Packed Carry On: Pack your carry on with any items that would be essential while on the go to your destination. This includes, travel size toiletries, stain remover wipes, feminine hygiene needs, cosmetics/skincare, and prescriptions if needed. Also consider packing in a sunscreen and a lipbalm with SPF. It would be best to pack a change of clothing, just in case a mishap will happen. A well-equipped carry on will leave you lounging poolside, and stress free, while waiting for your suitcase.
3. TSA Approved Locks: The only thing more upsetting than lost luggage is a suitcase that has been ransacked. Equip your belongings with TSA approved locks to prevent any property loss. We recommend combination locks to eliminate that devastating epiphany of "I forgot the keys at home."
4. A Neck Pillow and A Travel Blanket: Seriously, just pack one neck pillow and a travel blanket. Relax your way to your destination. You'll thank me later.

Final tips:

Just a few final packing notes to keep in mind while you’re checking off the list:

1. Don't Overpack: It may be tempting, but you’ll pay for it, literally. If your resort offers laundry service, you could wear 2-3 outfits multiple times throughout the entire trip. And don’t forget to pack PJs!
2. Pack a powerbank: a power bank is now an essential travel gear to bring, especially if you are using your phone a lot. Check with your airlines about the maximum powerbank capacity, as there are restrictions when it comes to bringing a powerbank on board

At certain points in life, we all need to celebrate special occasions. For some of us, they tend to come round a lot more often than others, and when you’ve got a lot of celebrations going on, you always need the perfect gift to mark the occasion. Sometimes, gift buying can be super easy. You can find yourself picking up the perfect presents for the ones you love with ease. But then there are the kinds of occasions that warrant something a little less tailored to their tastes and a little more classic. Because classic gifts are often the best kinds to opt for when it comes to marking special occasions in life. So let’s look at five that should easily be your go-to.

Flowers

Flowers are always a first choice gift for a lot of occasions. In fact, there isn’t an occasion that can’t be celebrated with the right bouquet of flowers. If you really want to make sure that you’re matching your choice of flowers up to the occasion, then this link https://www.theflowerexpert.com/content/giftflowers/flowers-and-occassions is really going to help you out. From birthdays to anniversaries, graduation and grief, flowers will always be a classic go-to gift.


Chocolate

And then there’s always chocolate. Okay, so this gift is definitely one more for the girls than the guys - but they, if that guy in your life loves himself a sweet tooth, then go to town! Chocolate can be comforting when you’re down and exciting when you’re up. So it can be the best kind of gift to give for a range of occasions from Valentine’s Day to the holiday season. So if you’re not sure what you want to say it with, keep things classic and say it with the sweet stuff.

Jewelry

One of the most classic options that you could ever go with will be jewelry. Pick yourself the right retailer, like http://yourdiamondguru.com/reviews/james-allen/ and consider your options. Because celebrating with jewelry will always see smiles all round. Just think about it. Birthdays? Winning. Weddings? Winning again. Christmas? Winning even more! With jewelry, it’s always a win-win!


Champagne

From here, you should also think about celebrating with champagne. It’s one of those classic kinds of drinks that you can always go to town with. Because not only is it a great gift for the person you want to shower with praise, but you can then immediately drink it as a part of your celebrations too. And what could be better than that?

Something Special

Or maybe you want to go completely over the top and celebrate with something super special? If you do, then you’re not the only one. But the only question may be, what will that special something be? If you’re not great with picking presents, but you’ve got cash to burn, then a list like http://www.elle.com/fashion/news/g27274/expensive-luxury-gifts/ is what you need to consult. And then, you should definitely find the perfect present with the right classic air to celebrate with.

When a lot of people think of the land down under, they think of sitting on the beach and soaking up the sun. Of course, there's nothing wrong with that in plenty of people have an amazing time doing just that for their entire trip. But if does do something of a disservice to the sheer number of amazing things that there are to do and see when you're in Australia. To help you maybe get just a little bit more out of your trip, here are a few amazing activities that absolutely everyone should try while they're in the land down under.

Snorkeling in the great barrier reef

The great barrier reef is one of those places that it's almost hard to believe actually exists. It's the largest reef system in the world, and it's actually visible from space. And the great thing about snorkelling tours is that you get the chance to observe fish and other aquatic creatures in their natural habitat without having to worry about large, expensive equipment or specialised training. It's a great chance for anyone, no matter how experienced they are to discover the beauty of one of the world's true natural wonders. Plus, with the impact of climate change on the reef, if you want to see it, it might well be better to do it now rather than later.

Go island hopping

The idea of island hopping on a private yacht is the kind of thing that most people assume that you need to be a millionaire to do. However, when you're in Australia, it's something that's far more affordable than you might expect. The Whitsunday islands offer some of the most wonderful sailings in the world and the 74 islands, 69 of which are completely uninhabited offer you the chance to hop from island to island easily. Of course, if you don't have any sailing experience then there are places that can offer assistance and training. There are few ways to spend a perfect vacation, and with a group, it works out to be incredibly affordable.

Walk on Mars (sort of...)

A lot of people tend to forget about the deserts in Australia. After all, what's there to see in a desert? Well, it turns out that there are some amazing sights. One of the very best sights is The Pinnacles. According to the aboriginal owners of the land, these amazing limestone formations are said to represent those who've fatally sunk into the quicksand around them. But walking through The Pinnacles, it's hard not to feel as though you've been transported away from the planet earth and are walking on the surface of Mars.

Hopefully, these have given you a decent idea of just how much there is to do when you're in Australia. In fact, it's such a remarkable place that you really could end up going back and traveling there year after year for the rest of your life, and you'd never have to do and see the same things twice!

Dressing up for an engagement photo leaves you with a lot of options. Do the style and sizing work together? Is the background pretty enough? Does this lettering distract away from the important things? Knowing what to do and what not to do is a learning by doing process, and thus here are a few tips on taking a good engagement photo when you have no clue where to start.

Keep the Season in Mind

Having a summer wedding is glorious; you’re practically guaranteed to have the sun’s rays shining down on your and reflecting off of your dress, and perfectly highlighting your partner’s face whenever you look at them. Yet, a lot of the time a wedding is booked about 6 months after a proposal, so you can’t be sure whether you’ll catch the rays or not unless you specifically plan for it.

In the meantime, use the fall and winter to good effect in a photo shoot. For fall you can wrap up warm and stylish in layers and designer jackets, emphasising your new life and comfort ahead, if you like to think of it that way. Fluffy coats and scarves make us look cute, and a little sexy when we want them to!

Incorporate Your Background

Depending on where you’ve decided to get your photos done, use the setting around you to complement your outfit and make you fit better into the shoot. Opted for the outdoors? Time to get those grassy shots of you lying down with your heads together. Indoors? Use those industrial brick wall shots to show off the colors in your outfit.

For clearer skies, use them in the header of your photos and have the two of you standing happily beneath it, wearing light clothes that show off your curves and grooves, and highlight the feeling of being surrounded by nature. Umbrellas work well in rainy shoots; kiss underneath them!

Get Your Nails Done

Showing off an engagement ring means it should be centre stage, and when your significant other decided to shop amongst 77 Diamonds engagement rings, you’re not going to want people to miss them! Having them act as your main accessory is key, and complementing them with some buffed and beautifully painted nails is the cherry on the top.

Accessorize accordingly! For lighter colors on your nails such as teal, pale green, or pink, a good flower corsage would work. For darker and more striking colors like red and purple, something lacy will have good impact for your hands. Make sure to take a photo of the two of you joining hands, maybe laughing and dancing at the same time.

Remember that the photos don’t have to be perfect, and you can take more than one of each pose. Once you’ve done your serious shoots, have a little fun with your setup! It makes the process a lot less awkward and gives you some good pre wedding memories, perfect for combatting the stress of the rest of the planning!

It seems to me that my wanderlust is incurable and I always find myself globe-trotting every now and then. I've been travelling with my hand-me-down duffel bag for a year since I bought my first airplane ticket. It has been my carry-on travel buddy ever since, but my duffel bag was not enough. In fact, it was arduous. I endured the pain of carrying it for a year on my shoulders. I have been scouring at malls for a cabin luggage and have came across countless choices, and that huge range have had me reaching for some margarita, trying to whittle down my decision.

So I wanted a bag where it's lightweight, carry on cabin sized, and of course, I prefer the ones not on wheels. Since, more and more airlines overcharging for checked bags, trust me, it's worth travelling light to save money.

Picking the ultimate travel bag can be overwhelming, there are so many choices out there, and most of them are not worth the cash. But, how do you figure out which lightweight carry on luggage option is not only worth your hard earned money – but also light and stylish (I mean, who wants to carry an ugly bag?) Ladies and gentlemen, introducing CabinZero bags!

1. Oh-so stylish!

I have two CabinZero bags so far. My first one is the Classic 44L Mysore Red, and my recent one is the Classic 44L Urban Camo. Both bags are the "Classic" ultra-light cabin and travel bag that features large 44 litre capacity, side compression straps, top and side handles, front zipped pocket, inside zipped and mesh pockets. It's thick padded shoulder straps only reinforced additional comfort which I really love.

I like the overall design of both of my bags and it is really perfect for almost any outfit. I can switch between my Mysore Red and my Jungle Camo, depending on my mood. All CabinZero bags are not your typically designed bags, like the ones you see in most of the backpackers. It's contemporary simple, yet stylishly posh that can stand out from the crowd, whilst maintaining its durability.

2. It's ultra light!

All CabinZero bags are light! The classic collection weighs in approximately at 760g only. And you know, there's nothing more worse than traveling with a heavy suitcase. Finally, a bag that won't weigh you down on your travels.

3. Built in Global Luggage Tacker

There's nothing more infuriating when you lost your bag. Well, you don't want that to happen do you? Fret not, CabinZero bags have built in lost and found tags so it can be traced backed to you in the event it is lost or worst stolen. The built-in tracker is also secured directly into the Airline's own baggage tracing system. You just need to register the tag online with Okoban.com as soon as you receive the bag. Your bag is then protected by this lost and found system Cool huh?

4. It has a sturdy and lockable zipper

You don't want a thief to ransack through your bag, especially if you've got valuables in it. I know how you've been wanting a thief-proof bag. Well, one of the best feature I love about CabinZero bags is that it has a lockable zipper. I would just bolt my luggage lock and voila!

Plus, CabinZero bags doesn't use an ordinary zipper. And I know how you hate having a broken zipper? Teeth that break. Pulls that pop. Herky-jerky sliding and irreparable lockups. One zipper gone wrong can render an entire bag unusable. Thus consistent quality is a must, that's why CabinZero use YKK Zippers throughout.

5. It's durable!

All the materials and other hardware used to make all  CabinZero bags are heavy-duty. My Mysore Red bag has gone through thunderstorms, a horrible tumble down from a suitcase hold and having to keep up with my walking speed. So far, it's been very good and no damage can be seen.

Folks at CabinZero attested to its durable quality and that's why they offer a standard 10 year warranty and it is up-gradable  to 25 years free of charge in all of their bags.

6. It's waterproof

One of the things why I love CabinZero so much is because their bags as made with their own customized waterproof material. Of course, no body wants their stuff to get wet. This doesn't necessarily mean that the bag itself is 100 percent waterproof, but it has a high level of water resistance and repellancy. Trust me, I was walking down on a gritty street of Manila one day, and it was pouring so hard. I thought all my stuffs are wet, but as I checked it out, it didn't not even a single stuff is wet. Way to go CabinZero!

7. Carry-on size

With more and more airlines charging for checked bags, it's worth travelling light to save money. It is a wise decision to escape baggage fees and go hand luggage only. I personally don't like checking in my luggages and would rather save my money to travel. CabinZero bag is just like that. Not only CabinZero bags are cool, but they are perfectly cabin sized.

True to its name, at 55 x 40 x 20 cm (weight 760g) the CabinZero is designed to give you the maximum possible space while remaining within the luggage allowances of all majority of airlines carry on dimensions.

8. Spacious Capacity

Not only CabinZero bags perfectly cabin-sized but they are surprisingly spacious too. Their 44L capacity bags allows you to fit everything you'll need on your travels. If you are planning a carry-on all the way, you need to be careful; keeping in mind the maximum carry-on weight of the airline you will take.

9. Its versatile functionality

CabinZero has one outer, easy accessible pocket - perfect for whipping out a book, passport, and travel information without having to open your entire luggage open. The main compartment opens almost right up, like a suitcase, making packing and unpacking easy-peasy. There's a mesh pocket in the inside of the 'lid', and a second smaller compartment just below the mesh pocket. I usually store my valuables in there so they don’t get crushed.  It has external compressions straps, a carrying handle on the side, and an over-the-shoulder strap. Its rucksack straps on the sides can be unclipped and zipped away. I personally like stashing my travel blanket on its side straps.

The Verdict

I wanted a bag that would allow me to travel without checking in a hold bag. Its overall design is cool and I love the way the CabinZero completely opens up like a suitcase. It enabled me to avoid charges and save money on flights all over the world. With its carry-on dimensions and spacious capacity, it can easily house my laptop, clothes, beauty kit, and books for a two week trip. Being durable enough to squeeze to any luggage bin is a big bonus. It is so far the best travel backpack I have.

The CabinZero folks certainly knows how to provide high quality and durability, with tons of features and quality.

Where to buy?

CabinZero bags are available at Urbanize, Rustans, Duty Free, Fashion Rack - NAIA Terminal 3, Flight 001, and Lazada. You can also buy directly at the CabinZero website which offers free shipping anywhere you are on the planet.

Win A CabinZero Bag

Want to bag one CabinZero? Well, here is your chance to win a CabinZero Classic 44L Urban Camo Cabin Bag for yourself. All you have to do is to follow the steps via the giveaway app below. The giveaway is open to anyone worldwide and will end on November 15, 2017 at 11:59PM (PST). Goodluck!

CabinZero Classic 44L Urban Camo Cabin Bag Giveaway


**Charlotte Anne is the host and the sponsor of the giveaway. This competition is not sponsored and/or endorsed by CabinZero.

Say the words "Monte Carlo" and a few things always come to mind. One is probably the famous Formula 1 race that happens there once a year, which is technically known as the Monaco Grand Prix. Another is the postcard image of a harbor full of gleaming, glorious yachts that appear to cost more than some small nations’ GDPs. You may even think of seeing beautiful celebrities dressed as if they’re heading for the red carpet and strolling along some ornate promenade or other. These images don’t encapsulate all that Monte Carlo has to offer – but they do speak to the general glamour and luxury of the destination! If that’s something you like to look for in travel, read on for what you might specifically enjoy about this one-of-a-kind Mediterranean paradise.

Hotel de Paris

A destination like this is naturally packed with luxury hotels, and you can easily Google a list of them, close your eyes, and point. You probably won’t be disappointed. If you’re going for the most authentic Monte Carlo experience though, Hotel de Paris is probably the way to go. It’s very expensive, but then you probably expect as much looking into a place like this in the first place. This hotel was first established in the mid-1800s, and has been updated with the times without losing a sort of refined, retro atmosphere. Unlike some luxury lodgings in popular destinations, it features open, relaxed rooms rather than beautiful but cramped ones. The on-site restaurants are wonderful, and the location keeps you close to everything else the city has to offer.

Yacht Cruises

I mentioned the yachts in the harbor before because they really are part of the city. In fact, though they are of course at sea level, they almost feel like part of the Monaco skyline in their own way. And they’re not just to be looked at from a distance. You can actually book a private yacht cruise on any of a number of different boats. You basically get a tour of the French Riviera from the water, enjoying a state of the art yacht, unrivaled views, and the chance to feel like a local high roller with the world at your fingertips.

Casino de Monte-Carlo

If you’re familiar with Casino de Monte-Carlo, it’s probably thanks to a Hollywood film – most recently Casino Royale. That can make it seem a little bit like a set, or a gimmicky tourist attraction. But I assure you, it’s anything but that. In a ranking that placed it among the top five casinos on the planet, one article characterized it as a casino that oozes class from every pore, which is a funny but accurate way to put it. This is a venue that’s every bit as stunning and fascinating to explore as a royal palace, such that even if you aren’t in for gaming, you might want to stop by.

Sports Car Experiences

I don’t need to go too far in-depth on this one, but suffice it to say you can book a ride in a high-end sports car just as you can with a yacht. You won’t quite be racing along in an F1 car, but it’s still a way of tapping into the area’s deep connection to luxury vehicles. Ferrari and Lamborghini both offer experiences like this, and they’re not to be missed. Speeding down these roads, with these views, in those cars, is about as good as it gets if you like the high life.

Fine Dining

This last point probably goes without saying, but there’s about as much fine dining in the area as anyone could handle. In the best of spots you might enjoy a gorgeous seaside view while you eat, or, if you’re lucky, spot a celebrity out for the evening. Even if not, however, the food is to die for. Blue Bay is perhaps the most renowned restaurant if you want to shoot right to the top. With a Michelin star to its credit, a terrace overlooking the water, and a chef who fuses flavors of his background (Caribbean) with French cuisine, it’s an incredible place for a meal, provided you don’t mind that it’ll cost you more than your average dinner!

If you’re recently engaged or have been for a while now; you might be holding off on planning your wedding day due to the seemingly huge dent it will make in your savings. Many young couples find themselves engaged for years before they’re able to throw their dream wedding; however, there are alternatives. If you put enough effort into planning early, being savvy with your spending, and have a touch of patience; there’s no reason you can’t start thinking about getting married.

There are plenty of ways to save on cash when planning a wedding; you might just have to spend more on time and research. The following are some tips and ideas for those who are ready to plan their big day, without a vast budget.

Get Crafty

People love to plan the theme, colors, and decorations for their wedding day; they can set the scene and ambiance, and create their dream wedding photos as a result. However, the cost soon adds up regarding buying your balloons, ribbons, and the array of other decorative items that are available on the market. Therefore, you’ll need to pull your sleeves up and start hand making your decor and be savvy when it comes to sourcing the materials.

You can find plenty of second-hand decor on online auction sites, or affordable craft materials in every color imaginable. Start looking around at what you can source for free, what you have lying in the attic that could be upcycled, and begin researching into how to make some bespoke decorations so that your big day looks like no other. Get your loved ones involved in a few craft nights and apply your talents to your wedding favors, centerpieces, and even your bouquet; these are all areas that can cost a lot of money when bought from a business, so why not save and create your own.

Timing Is Everything

Consider looking into wedding venues that offer off-peak rates; midweek weddings and out-of-season nuptials will cost you far less than hosting your big day on a Saturday in the middle of summer. You may even be able to take advantage of a last-minute cancellation. If your guest list is small enough (another great way to save the pennies), and you have your homemade decor at the ready; you could pay a fraction of the cost for a venue, catering, and reception on a day that was originally booked for someone else. Therefore, keep your eyes peeled on your favorite wedding blogs and local wedding supplier’s social media to grab a great deal.

Sourcing Sentimental Treasures

Your wedding dress or suit, shoes, and jewelry can end up costing a fortune. However, if you look to your family; you can repurpose items and heirlooms for a truly special wedding. Vintage wedding dresses can be altered for a tiny amount of what a new dress would cost, and your grandma’s pearls can be your something borrowed and free of charge. Thinking outside of the traditional avenues regarding your wedding will give you a magical, bespoke day that you’ll never forget.