3 Travel Luxuries That Are Always Worth the Extra Money

Travel isn't cheap. The typical cost of a vacation for two people is about $3,838 per week, according to research by Pacaso. With how much airfare and lodging can cost, it's understandable why people would want to cut their travel expenses wherever they can.

But there are areas where it's worth it to pay more. The point of travel, after all, is to have an enjoyable experience. I travel frequently, so I've seen firsthand when paying extra really makes a difference. I've found that there are a few travel luxuries that are well worth the extra cost for just about anyone.

1. Direct flights

Airlines charge a premium for direct flights, since they're the fastest, most convenient option. Adding a layover saves an average of about 20%, according to Google Flights data. Trust me, paying an extra 20% is a bargain.

When you're flying, every additional stop is another chance for an issue to occur. A direct flight gives you the best chance of a smooth trip. Each flight you need to take increases the likelihood that:

• One of your flights is delayed or canceled.
• Your luggage gets lost or delayed.
• You miss a connecting flight.

It also takes so much more time and energy. Even if the flights themselves are short, you still spend a large chunk of your day navigating airports, finding a place to sit, and waiting around. By the time you get checked in at your hotel or vacation rental, you might not want to do anything else besides rest.

2. Highly rated hotels

I used to believe all the arguments against spending extra on a quality hotel. It's just a place to sleep, why spend more if you're going to be out all the time anyway? An Airbnb is cheaper, and you get a whole kitchen!

There are a few reasons I changed my mind and now set aside more money for nice hotels:

• Cheap hotels are more likely to have issues. For example, I once stayed in a budget hotel that had an elevator out of service. Wait times for the one working elevator got as long as 20 minutes (it was a 32-floor hotel, so the stairs weren't a good alternative).
• You'll probably spend plenty of time at your hotel, between sleeping there, getting ready in the morning, and occasionally taking it easy for an afternoon. It's nice to be comfortable while you're there.
• You never know what you're getting with an Airbnb. The platform is flooded with property owners who overpromise and underdeliver. Those pictures could be five years old, and a fully equipped kitchen could mean two plates and a broken spatula.

Make sure to read reviews, especially recent ones, before booking a hotel. If it works for your budget, a hotel from a premium or luxury brand can make for a much nicer trip. You don't always need to pay in cash, either. Hotel credit cards are a great way to earn points you can redeem for free stays.

LEARN MORE: Best Hotel Credit Cards

3. Business-class seats on long flights

If you're taking a two- or three-hour flight, having the best possible seat isn't super important. But when you're flying for four hours, five hours, or longer, that's when traveling in business class is a game changer.

The biggest advantage is that you'll have a much more comfortable seat. Many airlines offer lie-flat seats on long flights. If you want to check before you book a flight, you can enter the flight information on SeatGuru to see what type of seats will be available. In addition to a better seat, other perks of business-class airfare often include:

• Better food and drink options, available free of charge
• Priority check-in and boarding
• Priority bag delivery of checked luggage
• Airport lounge access

Business class is normally one of the more expensive travel luxuries. But there are a few good ways to get it at a much lower price. One option is to book an economy ticket and see if the airline gives you the option to bid for an upgrade later. Or, you can pay in miles. You don't need to travel all the time to earn miles -- if you have an airline credit card, it's much easier to earn them.

LEARN MORE: Best Airline Credit Cards

Most of us don't have an unlimited travel budget. You need to pick and choose where you spend and where you save. That's why it's good to know which expenses are worth spending extra on so you can make the most of your vacations.

Remember that these extras don't need to cost you thousands of dollars. There are often deals available on direct flights, quality hotels, and even business-class airfare, especially if you book early. Travel credit cards are also a good way to save, and they're how I save thousands on my trips every year.