For many travellers, sticking to a tight budget means cutting back on everything from accommodation to meals, but a viral thread on Reddit has revealed there’s often one ‘luxury’ people simply refuse to give up.
The candid discussion, which racked up hundreds of responses, asked solo travellers to share the one indulgence they always prioritise, no matter how strict their budget.
And while the answers varied wildly, one theme was clear – comfort, convenience and sanity often trump saving a few extra dollars.
The original poster set the tone, admitting they strategically splurge on privacy to avoid burnout.
‘I love the social vibe of a dorm, but my ‘social battery’ needs a hard reset to avoid burnout,’ they wrote.
‘I’ll happily eat $1 meals for a week just to justify one night of silence and a private shower.’
Across the thread, accommodation choices emerged as one of the biggest ‘luxury’ priorities, particularly when it came to location and personal space.
‘Location of my stay,’ one person explained.
A candid discussion on Reddit has asked solo travellers to share the one indulgence they always prioritise, no matter how strict their budget, and one theme was clear – comfort, convenience and sanity often trump saving a few extra dollars
‘Sometimes I end up choosing more ‘touristy’ areas simply because of better transportation options, safety and accessibility to things I might need as a tourist.’
‘Accommodation close to transport options. I’ve made a few too many mistakes choosing cheap accommodation only to end up busting my ass to get to the closest metro or bus stop,’ another added.
For some, it’s less about where they stay and more about how they stay.
‘After a certain age, mixing in a hotel/private room/Airbnb is mandatory,’ one traveller wrote.
‘I love hostels but need some personal space after a while.’
Another echoed the sentiment more bluntly: ‘I always do private rooms, but in hostels, never hotels… I’m too old to be kept awake by people rustling plastic bags.’
Transport-related splurges were another recurring theme, with many travellers willing to pay more to avoid logistical headaches.
‘Direct flights,’ one user said.
Across the thread, accommodation choices emerged as one of the biggest ‘luxury’ priorities, particularly when it came to location, personal space and their own room – without a shared bathroom
‘I recently gave up on a trip because the only returning flight I could afford had an 11-hour overnight layover. Pass.’
Others agreed that convenience on the ground matters just as much, like not scrimping when it comes to taxis.
‘When I’ve spent thousands on flights and accommodation, I don’t want to spend forever waiting around for a bus that may or may not show up,’ one seasoned traveller said.
Even seemingly small upgrades, like paying for seat selection, made the cut.
‘If flying, paying for seat selection. The longer the flight, the more worth it,’ another added.
When it comes to food, opinions were surprisingly split, with some refusing to cook, while others consider it essential.
‘I flat out refuse to cook, unless it’s a special occasion. I cook most nights at home. But never when I’m travelling!’ they wrote.
But another argued the exact opposite, insisting that after a dozen meals in restaurants, they craved making their own food, and that their kitchen was what they missed the most from home.
For many, though, food is where they choose to splurge, with one user revealing they always budget for a standout dining experience in every destination.
‘I have two: private room… and a fancy restaurant meal at every city,’ they wrote.
‘All other days I’m eating fast-casual meals or cooking… those $100 dinners never felt like they were making a serious dent in my travel budget.’
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What travel “luxury” do you refuse to sacrifice even when money is tight, and why?
‘Coffee,’ another person said, swearing off ever drinking instant and adding a ‘bit of joy every morning’ instead.
Beyond the obvious, it was often the smallest comforts that travellers refused to sacrifice.
‘Early check-in… being able to head to my hotel and drop off my stuff early was a lifesaver,’ one wrote.
‘I don’t do overnight buses… I was always way too worried about my bag getting stolen… it would just ruin my next day.’
‘Air conditioning. I made the mistake of getting an Airbnb… with one little ceiling fan and no AC.’
While budget travel is often associated with sacrifice, the thread reveals a more nuanced reality that most travellers are trying to spend smarter to suit their needs as well as their budget.
Whether it’s a private room, a direct flight or simply a good cup of coffee, these carefully chosen ‘luxuries’ are less about indulgence, and more about making travel sustainable, enjoyable and, ultimately, worth it.
