Five-Star Travel Secrets on a Three-Star Budget

Have you always wanted to travel like a celebrity but couldn't afford the top-dollar prices? Now's the time; flights, hotels and attractions in some of America's most popular destinations have never been more affordable. Travel deals search engine Cheapflights.com lets everyday travelers behind the velvet rope with these tips for five-star travel on a three-star budget.

"2009 is shaping up to be the year frugal fliers can take advantage of all the perks that used to be beyond their reach," said Carl Schwartz, chief traveler officer for Cheapflights.com. "Our deal specialists are seeing more amazing deals on flights, transportation, hotels and entertainment for the savvy traveler."

Now is the best time to pamper one's self with creature comforts. With a little advance preparation, everyone can vacation like a rock star with these tips:

• Limo ride to/from the airport – Visitors to (or residents living in) Manhattan or the San Francisco Bay Area should check out Hitchsters.com, which connects travelers going to and from their local airport so they can share a ride (and thus split the fare). Treat yourself to a semi-private car service instead of taking public transportation, a taxi or asking family or friends for a lift. Fly from New York’s LaGuardia airport to Miami for $144. If you are in the Bay Area, catch a flight to Cabo San Lucas for $285.

• Day pass to an airline lounge – While entrance is typically limited to first- and business-class travelers, anyone can purchase a day pass to a lounge which lets you sit back and relax like a VIP before your next flight. The newly remodeled 32,000-square-foot, 504-seat American Airlines Admirals Club inside Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, for example, offers a range of amenities including a walk-up cyber café, free Wi-Fi, spa-like shower facilities, and complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks, juices and light snacks—all for just $50.

• First class upgrade – Some carriers offer last-minute upgrades to the first class cabin for as low as $25 on some flights, so it’s worth finding out if the option is available when checking in. In addition, you may also be able to get yourself to the front of the plane by redeeming frequent flier miles.

• Luxury hotel – The down economy has forced many five-star hotels to offer rooms at three-star prices. Sign up for newsletters from your favorite luxury properties to receive the scoop on exclusive deals. Cities like Las Vegas, Washington, D.C. and New York have never been more affordable. Flights to these destinations are also at their most affordable. Boston to Las Vegas $239, Atlanta to New York (JFK) $169, and Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. $210.

• Broadway shows and fancy meals – Take advantage of discount theater tickets on sites such as TheaterMania.com, where two-for-one deals to the hottest shows in Los Angeles can be found, or BroadwayBox.com, which offers show tickets in New York and Las Vegas, as well as concerts and sporting events across the U.S. Before the show, dine out at a restaurant which serves gourmet meals for less. The Michelin Guide’s “Where to Eat for Less Than $25” section serves up dozens of inexpensive—but quality— dining suggestions in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Seattle to Las Vegas for $153, Denver to San Francisco $159.

• BONUS: Helicopter transfer – Those visiting The Big Apple can arrive in style with the help of companies such as Flyush.com, which offers helicopter rides every hour to central Manhattan from JFK and Newark airports. Though the cost of the eight-minute service is around $170, consider this a unique opportunity to not only get from the airport in minutes, but also to experience an unforgettable mini-tour of the city. (With a similar helicopter tour running about $135 and a cab from the airport about $50, treating yourself to this luxury is a comparable value.)