When people think of vacationing, they typically picture relaxing lakeside breaks or cosy cabins in remote woods. But not everyone wants to spend their free time hiking and camping. Many celebrities can’t afford the high costs of a typical vacation.
However, that doesn’t mean they don’t have extra cash to spare. The right home is more affordable than you think, which is why several famous celebs are investing in luxurious accommodations for their extended getaways.
From an expansive farmhouse in New England to a modern penthouse above a nightclub in Miami Beach, these homes are almost as cool as the people who stay there! Here are 20 celebrity vacation home tips from real-life house guests that you need to know before booking your dream getaway.
Be selective when booking your next trip
If you’re looking to splurge on a luxurious vacation, you’ll want to be selective about where you book your trip. While more affordable cities like Miami and Los Angeles are great for a fun vacation, they may not be the best option for a celebrity. The most famous people in the world are constantly under the microscope, which can lead to unwanted attention and scrutiny wherever they go.
If a trip to Miami is what you have in mind, be sure to visit during less busy times and know that you’re going to be constantly under the microscope. One way to avoid this is to be selective about the destinations you choose. If you want to stay away from large cities, you can head to a quaint beach town instead. If you want to stay away from busy destinations, stay in a small town and visit local landmarks instead of the typical tourist spots.
Always ask for a discount
When you book a vacation home, you may have the option to get a discount or even pay a reduced rate. If you don’t take advantage of any of these deals, you’re robbing yourself of the opportunity to get a luxurious discount on your trip. Before you book your next trip, call the homeowner and ask for a discount on your stay. Even if there isn’t one available, you may be able to get them to reduce the rate even more. If you’re heading to an expensive city, you may be able to negotiate a cheaper rate. Alternatively, if you’re booking out of town, you may be able to negotiate a rate that’s lower than the cost of airfare.
Don’t be afraid to walk away from the table
Whether you’re booking a stay at a luxury home or a regular hotel, you’ll want to be prepared to walk away. Most homeowners will offer you a lowball rate, which is nice but may not be in line with your expectations. If you don’t want to take the deal at face value, walk away from the table. Most homeowners appreciate the fact that you took the time to call them, especially if they have several customers who simply book online. You may find that you’re offered a better rate once you walk away.
Book an Airbnb instead of a hotel
Many luxury vacation homeowners are also Airbnb hosts, which means you have the opportunity to stay in a luxury Airbnb instead of a hotel or a Motel 6! Airbnb is often more affordable than a hotel, and a lot of the time, it’s also a lot more fun. Who wants to spend the majority of their vacation in a hotel room? While many hotels are large and comfortable, they’re rarely exciting. Many travellers prefer to stay on Airbnb because they offer a more unique and exciting experience than a typical hotel room. And trust us, you want to get out of the hotel room as often as possible!
Always read the fine print before you book
Vacation homeowners are often offering you a great deal on your trip, but be sure to read the fine print. Many will offer a discount for travellers who book through an online travel site like Expedia or Airbnb. However, you’ll want to make sure that your deposit is refundable.
Some owners will keep your deposit as a safety net in the event you don’t adhere to the rules of their property. Hide fees on your bill, especially if you’re staying at a hotel. Vacation homeowners tend to charge more for taxes and fees than hotels, so be sure to ask your house guest if they included these charges in the price of your trip.
Have your chef at your disposal
If you’re booking a stay at a luxury vacation home, it may be worth it to book a stay at a property that offers access to a personal chef. While you probably won’t be dining on the world-famous Michael Symon food every night, your chef may be able to cook up a feast worthy of a king or queen. In addition to cooking a delicious meal, your chef can also help you entertain at your next get-together. Many chefs have close ties to local chefs who can help you arrange for an authentic and memorable experience.
Stay in a seaside retreat on the coast
If you’re booking a stay on the coast, you might as well stay at a beach house that’s endowed with a private beach. While beach houses are typically more expensive than a hotel, they may be more affordable than paying for a trip to the beach. Many beach houses offer access to a private beach, which means you don’t have to lug your surfboard or beach chair down to the sand. Instead, you can relax in the sand, which is just as relaxing.
Stay in nature at a luxurious tree house retreat
If you’re trying to save money on your next trip, consider booking a stay in a nature retreat. While staying in a hotel room can be a fun and exciting experience, a stay in a nature retreat can feel even more luxurious. Many nature retreats are also situated in scenic areas, which means you’re surrounded by gorgeous scenery and wildlife. You may even be able to spot a rare or endangered species while you’re spending your vacation in nature.
Balance city life with seclusion at a modern mansion retreat
If you want to stay in a luxury city while getting away from the crowds, consider booking a stay in a luxury hotel that’s situated in a nature-rich park. Many nature-rich parks have hotels that are situated in seclusion, which means you have privacy and seclusion while you’re staying in the city. Many nature-rich parks are also located in scenic areas, which means you’re surrounded by gorgeous scenery and wildlife. You may even be able to spot a rare or endangered species while you’re spending your vacation in nature.
