From roomier airplane seats to airport lounges and ocean-view suites, there are many ways to upgrade your vacation. But not every upgrade actually provides the same amount of value. Travel advisors, seasoned jet-setters, and industry experts tend to agree that the best upgrades are not always the most luxurious ones, but instead the ones that help solve a problem. From making you more comfortable to saving you precious vacation time, here are five travel upgrades that experts say are worth paying for, and four you can probably leave behind.

Worth It: Premium Economy on Long Flights

For a short flight, paying extra for a better seat may not make much difference. But for a longer flight — especially an overnight one — springing for a premium-economy seat can make a noticeable difference in your comfort and may genuinely improve your trip. 

Luxury travel expert Jill Schildhouse noted in Forbes that the difference is most significant on flights lasting eight hours or more, when extra legroom, a wider seat, and additional reclining space can mean arriving refreshed instead of exhausted. The travel experts at Fodor’s agree that airplane seats are one of the splurges that can be worthwhile, especially when travelers use points or other perks to reduce the cost. (If your budget allows for it, a lie-flat seat up front is even better — and you don’t always have to pay full price.)

Worth It: Hotel Location

When picturing a hotel upgrade, you may think of a bigger room or extra amenities such as complimentary breakfast or parking. But before you consider spending extra for those, think first of your hotel’s location: Spending a little more up front for something closer to the action may be a better use of money. A centrally located hotel can save on time spent commuting, cut back on transportation costs, and make it easier to return for a break during the day. 

Of course, location often comes at a premium. But Jay Ternavan, CEO and founder of JayWay Travel, told Travel + Leisure that travelers can avoid inflated prices in popular areas by staying in nearby destinations that offer similar scenery and experiences. For example, in Italy, consider the island of Ischia instead of the resort-packed Capri. As Ternavan noted, you can always take a day trip to the prime destination.

Worth It: Early Check-In

A few extra hours may not sound worth the cost, but many travel experts agree that those hours can make a big difference when it comes to hotel check-in. After an overnight international flight, being able to check in to a hotel when you arrive is a game changer. 

Instead of spending those first few groggy hours waiting for your room to be ready, you can unpack, freshen up, and rest if needed, starting your trip on the right foot. In some cases, this can mean paying for an extra night before your arrival the next morning, but it may be worth carving out some room in your travel budget.

Worth It: Strategic Airport Lounge Access

Airport lounges may not be a consideration for most travelers, but those who travel often think of them as a practical investment in the right circumstances. Schildhouse, who is on the road 150 nights of the year, told Forbes that lounge access can be especially valuable during long layovers, delays, or busy travel periods. Amenities such as comfortable seating, fast Wi-Fi, complimentary food, and ample charging stations can alleviate an otherwise stressful experience.

Worth It: Airport Greeters and Private Cars

After a long flight, making your arrival as easy as possible is a worthwhile upgrade. Although it may not be something most travelers consider, an airport greeter who meets you as you step off the plane can assist with luggage, help you navigate the airport, and guide you through customs. Jack Ezon, from the luxury travel company Embark Beyond, gold Travel + Leisure that greeters can be especially worthwhile in large, unfamiliar airports, or if you have a tight connection. 

Arranging private transportation can offer similar peace of mind. Chantel Lanier, founder and principal travel advisor of Three Times Journeys, told AOL that having a driver waiting with your name on a sign is far less taxing than standing in a taxi line, looking for the rideshare pickup area, or trying to navigate public transportation while managing luggage and other trip details.

Skip: Paying for Priority Boarding

Priority boarding sounds appealing, but unless you’re traveling with large carry-on bags and early boarding guarantees overhead bin space, the only real advantage is simply getting on the plane earlier — which, in the end, just means more time sitting in your seat.

Skip: First Class on Short Flights

First class can be a worthwhile upgrade on a long flight, but experts agree that it isn’t necessarily worth it for a short one. Schildhouse noted in Forbes that domestic first class on a one- or two-hour flight often means only minor improvements compared with economy, making the higher fare difficult to justify. You may get a wider seat, a few more inches of legroom, and free cocktails (usually not a full meal), but otherwise, the same money could instead be used on an upgrade that could improve the rest of your trip.

Skip: Hotel Breakfast Packages

Hotel breakfast is convenient, but convenience doesn’t always mean value (or quality). Hotel breakfast packages can be overpriced compared with nearby cafes and restaurants, particularly in cities where travelers have plenty of local options. That’s especially true if you’ve already paid a little extra to stay in a hotel with proximity to lots of choices.

Skip: Expensive Room Views

A nice balcony with a picturesque ocean view can be a wonderful splurge — but only if you’ll actually use it. If you’re at a beachfront resort and plan on spending mornings enjoying the scenery, the upgrade could be money well spent. But if you’re in a city hotel where you’re leaving to explore in the morning and possibly not returning until night, it probably isn’t worth the added cost.