255: Beyond the Luxury Price Tag: Creating Meaningful Travel Without Breaking the Bank with Shane Mahoney

In this episode of Saving With Steve, host Steve Sexton is joined by Shane Mahoney, the founder of Lugos Travel and author of The 18/40 Rule. He helps busy professionals reclaim their time through fully personalized, luxury vacations—delivered in minutes, not days.

Today's guest, Shane, shares practical insights on investing in experiences that bring connection, presence, and clarity — without overspending. He discusses how to create luxury travel experiences without the luxury price tag, the cost of DIY travel and how curated planning actually saves money and stress, and how to build meaningful travel into hectic schedules. Whether you’re a busy professional, planning family getaways, or simply looking to make your travel more meaningful, this conversation is packed with ideas and inspiration for you.

Shane Mahoney founded Lugos Travel in 2011. After more than 12 years working in sales and finance positions for a range of industries including real estate and the automotive industry, he was looking to do something that aligned more closely with his passion for travel.

Shane Mahoney developed his travel skills at a young age, living overseas and moving to new locations every couple of years, including Borneo, Australia, and Spain. Those experiences gave him a knack for finding a destination’s authentic core, and a desire to share that expertise with his fellow travelers.

As CEO of Lugos Travel, he has directed the company to prioritize thrilling clients with unexpected adventures and meaningful experiences.

Shane believes travel should get beyond the usual beaten path itineraries to better reflect personal interests, human-to-human connections, and unforgettable encounters.

Lugos Travel blends concierge-level service, 4-star-and-up hotels, and insider access, delivered via a personalized itinerary in under an hour. From Europe’s hidden vineyards to Asia’s ancient temples, every journey is curated so you can simply savor the moment while they handle every detail.

To learn more about Lugos Travel, visit: https://lugostravel.com

When he’s not envisioning new adventures and out-of-the-ordinary travel itineraries for his clients, Shane manages a non-profit organization that matches donors with Travel2GiveBack. A travel service that donates a percentage of all of your travel bookings to the charity of your choice.