Treat Yourself!

Andrea Reid
Dec 5, 2025
3 min read

Top 10 Travel Upgrades That Are Actually Worth It

If you’ve ever booked a trip and wondered, “Do I really need that upgrade… or is this airline just trying me?” — you’re not alone.The truth is, not every upgrade is worth your coins. But some? Some will save your knees, your peace, your PTO, and your entire vacation vibe.

After years of planning group trips, flying long-haul, and helping travelers navigate airports, ships, and resorts, here are the Top 10 Upgrades that are truly worth the investment — especially if you want your travel to feel restful, smooth, and a little luxurious.

Let’s get into it.

1. Seat Upgrades on Long Flights (Comfort+ or Premium Economy)

If your flight is over 5 hours, please give your knees and back what they deserve.

A few extra inches of legroom makes a huge difference, especially for:

Travelers with knee, hip, or back pain
Tall travelers
Anyone who wants to arrive without feeling like a pretzel

You don’t need first class; just leveled-up comfort.Worth it every time.

2. TSA PreCheck or Global Entry (Your Future Self Will Thank You)

This is the upgrade that pays you back in time and sanity. Shorter lines. Shoes stay on. Laptop stays in bag. And Global Entry speeds you through U.S. immigration like royalty.

If trip stress starts at the airport, this will change your travel life.

3. Private Transfers

Nothing says luxury and ease like walking out of the airport and seeing someone holding a sign with your name on it!

Private transfers mean:

No haggling
No scams
No waiting around
No dragging luggage across a parking lot

If you’re arriving late at night or traveling solo, this is one of the smartest safety upgrades you can make.

4. Balcony Cabins on Cruises

If you’re cruising to Alaska or the Caribbean, a balcony isn’t just cute, it’s part of the experience.

Imagine:

Quiet mornings with coffee and ocean views
Private space to breathe and unwind
Watching glaciers or sunset without leaving your room

For scenic itineraries, this upgrade is gold.

5. Priority Boarding (Because the Overhead Bin Drama Is Real)

Getting on early means:

Space for your bag
Time to settle in
Less rushing and stress

This is especially helpful for families, caregivers, and anyone who likes to ease into travel rather than sprint through it.

6. Airport Lounge Access

You don’t need to be fancy or “elite.” Many lounges are now accessible through credit cards and day passes.

Benefits include:

Comfortable seating, lots of outlets, fast Wi-Fi to wrap up those last minute tasks
Free food & drinks - including some snacks for the plane or that late arrival
Quiet work and rest spaces
Clean restrooms (bless!)

Perfect during long layovers or delays.

7. Resort Room Category Upgrades (But Only When It Fits Your Style)

Not all upgrades are worth it, but here’s when they ARE:

Adults-only/quiet zones? Worth it.
Oceanfront vs. “garden view” when the price gap is small? Worth it.
Swim-out rooms for a celebration trip? Worth it.

Upgrades tied to comfort, quiet, or celebrating something special = yes. Just be sure to do your research. Some upgrades can actually be a downgrade, like further away from the amenities you'll use or swim-out rooms facing the side of the resort instead of the picturesque views you planned for (I'm talking from experience)!

8. Extra Legroom Seats on Shorter Flights (If You Have Back/Knee Issues)

If mobility or comfort is a concern, this is a must. A two-hour flight can feel like forever if you’re cramped. This is a small-cost, high-impact upgrade that your joints will appreciate.

Pro Tip: This is a great use of those frequent flyer miles if you're not saving up for a trip.

9. Priority or Early Hotel Check-In

Especially after red-eyes or international flights. It keeps you from sitting in the lobby for hours thinking about a shower you can’t yet take. Worth it for:

International arrivals
Wedding/anniversary trips
Travelers over 50
Anyone who needs a nap ASAP

10. Professional Travel Planning (Yes, It Counts as an Upgrade!)

Having your itinerary, reservations, safety tips, transfers, and deadlines handled for you?That’s an upgrade to your peace of mind—the most valuable travel commodity.

Done-for-you logistics save:

Time
Money
Stress
PTO
Emotional bandwidth

It’s the upgrade that makes every other upgrade feel intentional and worth it.

Final Thought: Value-Smart Over “Fancy”

Travel upgrades aren’t about flexing — they’re about feeling good, safe, and rested from the moment you leave your house to the moment you return.

The best upgrades are the ones that: