10 Ways to Turn Your Road Trip Into a Luxury Weekend Getaway

When Maserati North America offered me a Ghibli for the weekend, boy did I jump at the chance. The elegant sportiness of the vehicle elevated my entire road trip. I packed my favorite outfits, threw on some red lipstick, and planned a getaway worthy of the car. You don’t have to purchase an Italian sports car to enjoy one — although, if you’re in the market, I have to say the Maserati stood out in a parking lot of Hondas, Toyotas, and even BMWs. Thanks to services like Getaround and National Car Rental, you can rent a luxury car for the weekend.

Full-Price Luxury Car: The Maserati Ghibli begins at $69,800.
Luxe Hack: It's approximately $350 a day to rent a Maserati Ghibli from National or Avis, and about $300 a day for a similar luxury car on Getaround.

Waiting until the last minute adds a sense of serendipity to your trip. And it can also save you a lot of money. With services like HotelTonight, search for last-minute hotels by area and with filters like “high roller” or “luxe.” I stayed at the historical Madrona Manor in Healdsburg and enjoyed a complementary breakfast from the Michelin-starred kitchen. All for a great deal!

Full-Price Luxury Hotel: $400 a night
Luxe Hack: $250 a night

Dying to go to the top-rated restaurant in town? Chances are the lunch menu will be much more in your price range. Plus, it's much easier to get a reservation.

Full-Price Upscale Dinner: $150 for two
Luxe Hack: $75 for two

Choose a top-rated restaurant or hotel in the area and plan on predinner cocktails rather than dinner. You’ll get to enjoy the high-end service and ambiance for a much, much lower price point.

Full-Price Fine Dining: $130 per person for the tasting menu
Luxe Hack: $15 for a cocktail

Take Monday off and plan your overnight stay for Sunday. You'll get better deals on a hotel room and feel like you have the whole area to yourself, since most tourists head back to reality on Sunday. That all but guarantees more personal service, too.

Full-Price Saturday Hotel: $200 a night
Luxe Hack: $150 a night on Sunday

Skip the gas station chips and stop by a local fruit stand or famers market. Shopping local will also help you discover what specialities the area has to offer.

Luxe Hack: $10

Ask your concierge if there are any outside perks available to hotel guests. In wine country, for example, wineries will offer free tastings or tours for guests of certain hotels. Why not get special treatment for free?

Full-Price Wine Tasting: $10
Luxe Hack: Free

Many luxury spas offer a pool or day pass that costs a fraction of the price of a full massage. Another pro tip: sign up for a shorter and less expensive treatment and then enjoy the facilities for the rest of the day.

Full-Price Massage: $150
Luxe Hack: $30 for pool pass

Bring the festive mood with you by packing some real French Champagne. Then stick it in the hotel fridge upon arrival to be enjoyed before dinner at your leisure.

Full-Price Bottle of Champagne at Restaurant: $100 plus tax and service
Luxe Hack: $50

Finally, for this fancy road trip, skip the yoga pants and wear your best casual chic outfit. You deserve it.

Luxe Hack: Free