If you’re like me, you’re nowhere near Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. You’re more like Lifestyles of the Broke and Fabulous. And yet, you sometimes want to see places that cater to the other half (or rather, the 2%). Like Hotel del Coronado, where rooms cost upwards of $300. Or that Michelin-starred restaurant in the south of France. Here are some sneaky ways to experience these places without having to file bankruptcy.
1. Spend the Day There
Hotel del Coronado is 20 minutes from my house. I can’t afford to stay the night, but I can afford an overpriced Starbucks coffee that basically is my ticket to sit on the outside deck and enjoy the views. The hotel doesn’t mind people wandering its hallways and shops (probably more people do that than actually stay), and there are plenty of photo opportunities.
So find a way to spend a day at your desired destination. For $10 or less, you can have a heck of a lot of fun.
2. Look for Meal Deals
When I ate at La Table De Patrick Raingeard in France, we weren’t ready to shell out $200 each a meal. So we went for a buffet brunch. While it was still $100 a person, it was half of what we would have paid otherwise, and it gave us an amazing sampling of the food. We got the same killer service for much less. Look also for happy hour pricing.
3. Take a Tour
I didn’t even know Hotel del Coronado had a guided tour, but I found out after reading this post on Postcards and Passports. What better way to get to know a place than to take a behind-the-scenes tour? I had a phenomenal tour at San Francisco’s Aquarium of the Bay, and it remains one of my favorite tours ever.
4. Chip in With a Friend
I’m not a fan of expensive hotel rooms, but when you have a buddy, you can half the cost. Pile up in the room and it gets even cheaper! Recently I went to Westin Mission Hills with my friend, Rachel. I would’nt have paid $200 for the room if I were alone, but sharing the cost gave us access to an amazing resort.
You see? You can enjoy high-end destinations and attractions without going broke!