Bougie on a Budget: Luxury Travel Tips for Solo Women Who Don’t Want to Overspend

Jaynae Edney
Jun 24
3 min read

If you love luxury travel but hate overspending, you’re not alone. As a solo Black woman traveler and certified InteleTravel agent, I’ve discovered how to enjoy five-star vibes without five-star prices. Whether flying first class, booking stunning hotels, or taking unforgettable excursions, traveling luxuriously on a budget is absolutely possible.

Let me show you exactly how I turn champagne tastes into a budget-friendly reality. These tips have helped me travel beautifully, book smarter, and elevate my experiences, without draining my bank account.

💼 1. Book Like a Travel Insider with InteleTravel

As a certified InteleTravel agent, I get access to exclusive rates the public can’t see—meaning I can unlock luxury perks without paying full price. Here’s what that looks like:

• Deep discounts on luxury hotels and resorts

• Upgrades and onboard credit on cruises

• Exclusive access to wholesale travel bundles

Travel Hack: Even if you’re not an agent, booking through one (like me!) gives you access to budget-friendly luxury travel options you’d never find on typical sites like Expedia or Booking.com.

✈️ 2. How to Fly First Class (or Close to It) on a Budget

Yes, I love early boarding, complimentary cocktails, and extra legroom—but not at $800 per ticket. Here’s how I fly smart:

• Use Google Flights + Price Alerts to watch for dips in first class and business class fares

• Redeem travel credit card points for seat upgrades

• Fly midweek or during shoulder seasons for cheaper premium seats

• Book through agent-only platforms for better rates on flights

Pro Tip: Delta Comfort+ is my go-to for elevated comfort at a fraction of the first-class cost.

🏨 3. Affordable Luxury Hotels and All-Inclusive Resorts

You don’t have to book the Ritz to feel like royalty. I look for luxury travel deals through agent portals and curated bundles.

• Bundle your hotel and flight—this often slashes hundreds off a 5-star trip

• Choose all-inclusive resorts that offer food, drinks, and spa credits

• Look for hotels offering Black Friday–style flash sales for agents and clients

🌴 4. Curate Bougie Excursions Without Tourist Prices

Nothing ruins a trip like overpaying for a basic experience. Here’s how I make every excursion feel exclusive—without the markup:

• Use InteleTravel’s excursion partners for premium experiences at wholesale rates

• Book small-group or private tours (surprisingly affordable with the right vendor)

• Support local Black-owned experiences for unique cultural depth and value

Real Example: I booked a luxury sunset sail in the Virgin Islands for under $100. It was affordable and unforgettable.

💎 5. Your Mindset is the True Upgrade

Luxury isn’t just about where you stay—it’s how you show up. I travel with intention, confidence, and clarity. I plan my trips with purpose and manifest abundance wherever I go.

Before I board a flight or book a hotel, I ground myself with rituals, affirmations, and visualization.

Travel Affirmation I Use Often:

“I attract beautiful experiences, divine rest, and luxury at an affordable price. I am aligned with ease, joy, and overflow.”

🌍 Final Thoughts: You Deserve This Life

If you’ve been waiting for “one day” to travel in luxury, stop waiting. You can have beauty, rest, and freedom now. Being bougie on a budget isn’t just a style—it’s a strategy. It’s knowing how to leverage your resources, align your mindset, and take the trip anyway.

Whether you’re planning a birthday getaway, solo retreat, or baecation—I can help you book it all with VIP touches for less.