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.

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.