5 (Totally Doable) Ways to Make Your Next Trip Feel Like a VIP Experience

April Peter
May 9
2 min read

You don’t need a first-class seat or a six-figure budget to feel like a VIP when you travel.

In fact, some of the most impactful upgrades are surprisingly small—thoughtful details that turn a regular trip into something that feels smoother, more relaxing, and just a little extra.

Whether you're booking a romantic escape, a multigenerational getaway, or your first international adventure in years, here are five simple, smart ways to elevate the experience—without going overboard.

1. 📸 Book a Local Photo Session

Forget blurry selfies and awkward timer shots. Booking a session with a local photographer is a meaningful way to document your trip—especially if it’s a honeymoon, family reunion, or once-in-a-decade destination.

You’ll get professional photos, insider location tips, and a time capsule that feels way more special than another souvenir T-shirt.

Pro Tip: Use services like Flytographer to browse photographers by city and vibe.

2. ✈️ Add Fast Track Arrival Service

After a long-haul flight, standing in a 90-minute immigration line is not the welcome you want. A VIP meet-and-greet fast track service can help you breeze through immigration, often with a personal escort, luggage assistance, and zero stress.

It's especially valuable if you're:

Arriving late at night or during peak season
Traveling with kids or older family members
Flying into a notoriously slow airport (looking at you, CDG)

3. 🚘 Upgrade to Private Transfers

You could try to navigate taxis or ride shares in a foreign language… or you could have a private driver waiting at the airport with your name on a sign.

Private transfers mean:

No waiting in lines
No haggling
No getting lost on the way to the hotel

For a surprisingly low price, it adds a polished, drama-free start to your trip.

4. 🖼 Skip the Lines with Priority Access Tours

Want to explore the Vatican without the crowds? Or wander the Louvre after hours?

VIP-access tours make iconic sights feel peaceful, exclusive, and personal. Whether it’s a private guide, early entry, or behind-the-scenes access, these upgrades turn a bucket list stop into a highlight you’ll actually enjoy.

This is a game-changer for:

Popular destinations like Paris, Rome, Kyoto, and NYC
Travelers who hate crowds
Families with limited time or attention spans

5. 🌎 Enroll in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck

Okay—this one takes some pre-trip planning, but it’s so worth it.

With Global Entry, you’ll breeze through U.S. customs and get TSA PreCheck for faster domestic security, too. No more shoes off, laptops out, or standing in endless lines when all you want is to get home.

💡 You can even use credit card points to cover the enrollment fee—check your card’s perks!