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

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

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

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

Luxe Hack: Free