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Travel Splurges: Are They Worth It?

FEATURE STORY

Travel Splurges: Are They Worth It?

Should you break the bank for a special upgrade or a fabulous trip? Some who went all out weigh in with their verdict

Colorful hot-air balloon in the sky over an African savanna

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This article is part of a special travel-focused edition of AARP THE MAGAZINE is now available on your mobile device or computer. Read all the stories at aarp.org/travelissue, on the AARP Now mobile app or on Apple News+.


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Experiences

Special occasions often present the opportunity to try something totally new. At a cost, of course.

THE SPLURGE: Hot-air balloon safari ride in Africa
COST: $500 per person
WORTH IT? Yes

“Our family of five splurged on a two-week tour in Africa. But the once-in-a-lifetime experience was to see the great wildebeest migration, and the hot-air balloon ride we took was the highlight of that experience. We got there at 4 in the morning and saw the sun rise from the balloon. We found the wildebeests, and there were an unbelievable number of animals, predominantly wildebeests but some zebras and gazelles mixed in, all running toward the river. It was one of the most spectacular things I’ve ever seen in my life.” Lissa Ecker, 54, Bethesda, Maryland

Photo of a fancy strawberry plate

THE SPLURGE: Dinner at a Michelin three-star restaurant
COST: $1,600
WORTH IT? Yes

“I love to cook, and food is my love language. My husband knew a Michelin three-star restaurant in California’s Napa Valley that was on my bucket list, but it was not something that had ever been in the budget. For my 50th birthday, he surprised me and took me there. It was a spectacular three-hour-plus experience that included a prix fixe chef’s tasting menu plus wine pairings for each course. I even got to enjoy a glass of Screaming Eagle—it’s a cult wine that costs thousands of dollars per bottle—with my chocolate birthday cake. It was an incredible experience, just mind-blowing.” Janet Upton, 59, Napa, California

Photo of Caribbean beach

Upgrades

Adding a little luxury can make a trip more special—or just more expensive.

THE SPLURGE: Five-night stay on a private Caribbean island
COST: $4,000 per person
WORTH IT? No

“We don’t normally spend this kind of money on a trip, so our expectations were high, and they were not met. The room was lovely, but we could see and hear the people next to us. It was billed as all-inclusive, but when we got the menu at dinner on our first night, many items had extra charges. Even worse, although it was an adults-only resort, there was a toddler in the restaurant playing Elmo on a laptop—with the volume on! When we questioned the management, they told us the family had been coming for years and they couldn’t say no. Finally, we weren’t allowed to go into one part of the resort because Robert De Niro and his family were there. I actually challenged the charge on my credit card and got a partial refund.” Christine Licardi, 56, Morristown, New Jersey

Photo of first class airline passenger

THE SPLURGE: First-class seat on a 15-hour flight
COST: $8,000
WORTH IT? Yes

“My husband and I were always frugal in our travels. After he passed away, I met a woman who became a close friend. We both wanted to go to South Africa. She had the idea to fly first class, and I decided to do it. It was incredibly luxurious. I was in a pod, almost like a recliner, and I could stretch out completely. We drank champagne, had a nice dinner, watched a few movies, and then took a nice long nap. I’ve had lots of international trips where once I arrived in the country, I felt so tired I had to sleep before I could do anything. On this one, I felt wonderful and didn’t need to sleep. It was totally worth it.” Myra McElhaney, 66, Atlanta

Costs represent the estimated charge at the time of purchase and may not include additional related travel expenses. Current prices may vary.

Photo of Machu Picchu

Dream Trips

Years of saving and planning can deliver the trip of a lifetime. Or not.

THE SPLURGE: Eight-day trip to Machu Picchu in Peru
COST: $2,200
WORTH IT? Yes

“Last year I had a few weeks free coming up, so I thought, Where do I want to go? Machu Picchu was on my bucket list, and I found a trip. It was a splurge for me, but it was a good deal—the cost included the airfare, the hotel and two meals a day. I stayed at a fabulous hotel, hiked every day, took tours, visited a butterfly museum, went to a soccer game and learned about traditional tea making. I got to know some people there and got to know the culture. The beauty of it was amazing, and there was a ton of history, which I love.” Diane Butler, 56, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Photo of couple looking at the Northern Lights

Northern lights

THE SPLURGE: Two-week northern lights tour in Iceland
COST: $7,000 per person
WORTH IT? No

“A friend and I signed up for a two-week tour to Iceland to see the northern lights. We went in February because we were told that was the best month to see them. Well, we never saw the northern lights—not once. One night we went out on a boat because the guides thought going out in the ocean would give us a better chance to see them. The temperature was 20 below. At one point the tour guide said, ‘Look, let me show them to you on my phone.’ I said, ‘No. We didn’t pay to look at them on your phone.’” Jacquie Hume, 76, Tallahassee, Florida


Michelle Crouch writes on health and personal finance for many consumer publications.

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