5 Luxury Travel Destinations That Aren’t Worth Saving For If You’re Middle Class

Middle-class Americans often have the luxury of being able to afford at least one annual vacation, but even they still need to save up to make it happen. After all, they generally have to account for accommodations, food, entertainment, local transportation and airfare. And that’s not even including fees at home, like pet sitting services, passports or visas.

For those who want to take a luxury vacation, it’s even more important to save up beforehand. Depending on the cost of that trip — which could easily cost thousands or tens of thousands of dollars — it might take months or even years to get the funds together.

Sometimes, and especially if it means spending your entire savings, luxury travel isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Here are the top luxury travel destinations that really aren’t worth saving up for if you’re middle class.

Private Islands in the Maldives or French Polynesia

Booking a stay on a private island is the epitome of luxury, but it comes with some exorbitant costs.

“Private islands in the Maldives or French Polynesia, for instance, can easily reach $5,000 per night, with additional expenses for transportation and food,” said Hollie McKay, VP of communications for Hotel Planner. “Overwater bungalows in the Maldives cost between $5,000 and $20,000 per week.”

And that’s not accounting for the airfare, entertainment and visa fees you’ll probably need to pay to visit and truly enjoy these destinations.

Luxury Safaris in Kenya or Tanzania

Going on a safari could be the adventure of a lifetime; but, if you’re in the middle class, you might want to skip the ultra-luxury experience and go with something more affordable — but just as fun.

“Luxury safari lodges in Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa now cost between $7,000 and $15,000 per person for a seven- to 10-day trip,” McKay said.

They do generally come with private guides and high-end accommodations, but the price tag might not be worth it if your main goal was simply to get a unique experience.

Again, you’ll need to factor in flights to and from your destination. If you’re flying from New York to Tanzania, for example, a round-trip flight in economy class costs anywhere from $1,300 to $1,900. If you want to splurge for a more luxurious flight, expect to pay much more than that.

Luxury Ski Resorts in Aspen or Switzerland

Certain luxury ski resorts, such as those in Switzerland or Aspen, also might not be worth the cost. You’ll need to account not only for airfare but also lift tickets, ski rentals, on-site dining and lodging. Excluding airfare, this can cost around $3,000 to $5,000 per person per week, according to McKay. Upscale ski resorts in Courchevel can also cost anywhere from $6,000 to $15,000 per week for two people.

It’s not just the price tag that makes these destinations not worth it.

“These destinations often cater to a high-roller clientele [and] might not hold the same appeal for a middle-class traveler seeking cultural immersion or local experiences,” McKay said.

The Caribbean

Living in the Caribbean might not be all that expensive, but vacationing there can be if you’re looking for ultimate luxury. According to McKay, a week-long stay at a luxury resort could cost $4,000 to $12,000 for two. And if you opt for gourmet dining and other high-end experiences, you could be looking at a very pricey trip.

Global Cruises

While not a specific destination, McKay also recommended against luxury ocean cruises with cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas and Crystal Cruises. While they do generally offer all-inclusive packages, you can also expect prices ranging from $3,000 to $20,000 per person.

Affording Luxury Vacations

Everyone’s preferences are different, so it’s entirely possible that one middle-class family will find it worth going to any of these places while another won’t. But if you want to experience luxury without the high price tag, there are a few ways to lighten the financial load.

“Consider off-season travel to luxury destinations, where prices can drop significantly during shoulder seasons or off-peak times — think $1,500 to $2,000 per night for a luxury hotel during the off-season,” McKay said. “Alternatively, you could splurge on a few nights at a luxurious hotel in a desirable location — $500 to $1,000 per night — and opt for more budget-friendly accommodations for the rest of the trip.”

You also could add a few luxury experiences — like a Michelin-star dinner or private cooking class — to your trip rather than make the entire trip about these experiences.

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