I’ve stayed in some of the most expensive places in the world… for free. Here’s how I did it and the money-saving hacks you need to use

I was the Travel and Lifestyle Editor at ELLE for more than 30 years, so I know a thing or two about globetrotting in style.

The life of a travel writer may sound glamorous but you still have to keep costs down. When reviewing a remote five-star hotel, for example, your meals might not be included, and you could find yourself living off the welcome bowl of fruit.

Luckily, I did a lot of backpacking before becoming a travel editor, and being resourceful kicks in like muscle memory. I still take a high-low approach to holidays, and I strongly believe in spending on things that make a difference, and not on things that don’t – read on for my tips on how to luxe-up your holiday for less.

LUXEMAXXING

I have been lucky enough to stay in some of the world’s most glamorous hotels – some are worth every penny, others not so much. 

If you are going to splurge a good chunk of your pay packet on a night or two, you want to be sure you make the most of every minute. One tip is to stay in an Airbnb for the first few days before switching to somewhere more luxurious for the final day or two.

To really make the most of it, check in early – it doesn’t matter if your room’s not ready, simply ask them to store your bags and head to the pool, beach or spa.

On departure day, see how late you can push the checkout, then ask the front desk to look after your bags till the evening. That way, you get two days for the price of one.

If you are going to splurge a good chunk of your pay packet on a night or two, you want to be sure you make the most of every minute. One tip is to stay in an Airbnb for the first few days 

LOCATION, LOCATION

Skip the pricey hotel restaurant and shop around for a more authentic experience.

One of the best apps is Too Good to Go which lists discounted food from local stores, restaurants and supermarkets in 21 countries, not only saving money but giving you an idea of where to shop and eat.

On Google maps use local language terms such as épicerie (France), alimentacion (Spain), una gastronomia (Italy) to find independent stores rather than supermarket chains.

When looking for local restaurants, be specific on social media: ‘where to eat truffles in Istria’, or ‘best pinxtos in San Sebastian’.

To get into town, resort hotels often run free shuttle services but if not, check taxi fares on taxi-calculator.com or bettertaxi.com to make sure you don’t pay over the odds.

BAR CULTURE

In Italy, Spain, France and Portugal it is cheaper, and more authentic, to have your coffee, pastries, tapas and sometimes alcohol at the bar (al banco, a la barra, au comptoir and ao balcão respectively) rather than at a table.

So skip an expensive, sit-down, multi-course dinner and instead, perch on a stool and order a few tapas with a crisp wine spritzer. The different pricing tiers should be listed on menus.

In Italy, Spain, France and Portugal it is cheaper, and more authentic, to have your coffee, pastries, tapas and alcohol at the bar rather than at a table, writes Susan Ward Davies