What to Do When You Have Champagne Tastes But a Beer Budget
I’ll start with a confession: I’m a luxury travel advisor, and most of the trips I plan involve 4- and 5-star hotels, private guides, and very comfortable logistics.
But I want everyone to travel.
And I also understand that not every trip—or every season of life—comes with a luxury-level budget. Sometimes you want to get out into the world without spending $7,000+ per person.
So let’s talk about how to travel well on a 3-star budget, which for the purposes of this post means under $3,500 per person, double occupancy for about a week.
Would I love to book these trips for you? Absolutely. I can book many cruises and packaged tours at this price point. What I can’t do at this level is fully custom, soup-to-nuts planning—and I want to be upfront about that.
That said, if you are open to my ideas, here’s how to make it work.
Take a Cruise
I know. You’re thinking: I’m not a cruiser. I hate cruises. I don’t want to be trapped on a ship.
But here’s the truth: cruises are often one of the most cost-effective ways to see multiple destinations, especially once you factor in accommodations, transportation, and most meals.
People forget that cruises go everywhere—not just the Caribbean.
If you’re not traveling with kids and want a more adult, relaxed vibe, I generally steer people toward Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Non-cruiser tip: Look for itineraries with max two days at sea. More ports = less “ship time.”
Examples of interesting itineraries that often price under $2,000 per person for a week or slightly more:
Princess: 7 Day Ireland & England
Celebrity: 10 Days New Zealand
Norwegian: 9 Day Tokyo to Seoul
I’m a preferred partner with all three cruise lines and can often add onboard perks or amenities at no additional cost.
Book a Packaged Tour
Packaged tours get a bad rap, but many of them are exceptional value—especially when you compare them to the cost of booking hotels, transportation, guides, and activities separately.
These trips are ideal if you:
are new to traveling internationally
don’t need total customization
like having logistics handled
are traveling solo or with one companion
want predictable costs
A few standout options that frequently come in under $3,500 per person. I have access to soooo many tour packages like this! Let me help you find the perfect fit. Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
Choose a Value-Priced Destination
You can stay in a modest hotel and still have an incredible experience if the destination itself is affordable.
If I were planning a budget-friendly international trip, these are the mainstream, approachable destinations I’d prioritize:
Asia: Vietnam, Thailand
Europe: Southern Spain, Portugal, Poland, Southern Italy Below Naples: Puglia, Matera, parts of Sicily)
North Africa: Morocco
In these places, food, transportation, and attractions cost significantly less than in Northern Europe or major capital cities—so your money simply goes further.
Travel in Shoulder Season
If you only take one piece of advice from this post, let it be this:
Timing matters.
Traveling in:
April–May
Late September–October
can reduce hotel prices by 30–50% compared to peak summer. You’ll also deal with fewer crowds and more availability.
This alone can be the difference between a trip feeling affordable or impossible.
Be Flexible With Airports and Routes
Direct flights are convenient—but always consider all your options…
Ways to save:
Fly into one city and out of another
Consider secondary airports
Be flexible by a day or two on either end
I see huge price swings simply by shifting dates or routing.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a luxury budget to see the world—you need realistic expectations, smart choices, and good timing.
If you’re working with a sub-$3,500 per person budget, cruises and packaged tours are often the best way to make international travel happen, and value-priced destinations can still feel rich, interesting, and rewarding.
And yes—I’d still love to help you book any of these trips.
If this kind of travel is on your radar, reach out. I’m happy to point you in the right direction, even if the goal is simply getting you out into the world.
About Krista
I’m a Virtuoso travel advisor based in West Palm Beach, Florida. I attended the University of Notre Dame for undergrad and I have my MBA from the University of Chicago. Before building my travel business, I spent 20 years in the investment management industry and over a decade living and working in London, England. I’ve personally traveled to 75+ countries and now design thoughtful, highly customized trips for travelers who value expertise, access, and a seamless experience.
I offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation for travelers considering a custom itinerary or luxury cruise. Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
For travel inspiration and real-time updates, you can follow along on Instagram or connect with me on Facebook. I also share a curated list of travel products I genuinely use and recommend in my online store.
What I Offer…
Custom itinerary design for complex, multi-stop trips
VIP hotel benefits through Virtuoso and preferred partner programs (including complimentary breakfast, hotel credits, and priority for upgrades where available)
Luxury ocean, river, and expedition cruises with added onboard credits
Vetted villa rentals with concierge services worldwide
Private guides, small-group touring, and unique local experiences
Private aviation and yacht charters through trusted partners
Airport transfers, VIP arrival and departure services, and full ground logistics
Travel protection and support when plans change
I work best with travelers who want expert planning, trusted partnerships, and someone in their corner from start to finish. That’s what I am best at! Ready to talk travel? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
