Comments on: Can I afford a vacation? Suze Orman would say NO!

By: Disney World in December will be a Christmas to Remember | Well-Heeled, with a mission

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:49:29 +0000

[...] income-less (aside from some freelancing). Before I was laid off, I’ve earmarked money for a “big” vacation for 2009. And then I got spooked by the economy and had to study for the GMAT and decided not to do it. (and [...]

By: What happens to a vacation deferred? « Well-Heeled, with a mission

What happens to a vacation deferred? « Well-Heeled, with a mission — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 05:48:16 +0000

[...] the girls’ trip of 2009 went being from a week in Mexico to a weekend in Vegas to… [...]

By: PKL

PKL — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 04:37:40 +0000

I recommend the book How To Make Your Travel Dollars Worth A Fortune: The Contrarian Traveler's Guide To Getting More For Less by Tim Leffel. The author explains how, out of habit and ignorance, Americans spend far too much on foreign travel and come to see overseas trips as "expensive" when they can be cheaper than a domestic trip. My review of the book is here.

By: Aimee

Aimee — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 01:24:42 +0000

I am a Suze-a-holic, and I can tell you honestly, Suze would approve of your vacation. You have been really responsible. I would try to save the money separately and feel free to be slightly more lenient about your freedom account since you might be able to do some catch up saving as the year goes on. Honestly, $1K seems like a good budget and you shouldn’t feel self conscious about what kind of vacation you decide on. Sure some people would get farther on a $1K, but this is a girly vacation right? So what if you do something cheesy. It’s not just about having as much money in the bank as possible. Sometimes people after being frugal for long get hung up about spending anything. We have to remember its our life we need to experience it also and time with friends is precious.

By: Jane

Jane — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:32:42 +0000

W, in the name of everything that is holy in this world, you must go on this trip. You have an insane emergency fund for your age, and you’re so good about budgeting and investing in your daily life. A nice vacation every few years is essential to rebalance your mental state, especially in this economy.

Take your trip. Please. And take a lot of pictures so you can look back fondly on all the fun you had.

By: Jett

Jett — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 00:41:37 +0000

If you are saying $1,000 is the total amount that you will spend on vacation, after taxes and expenses…$1,000 total — it does not sound outrageous to me. You have one years salary saved for an emergency, you deserve the reward.

BUT…if your travel and hotel is $1,000 and the cost of food, souvenirs, expenses has not been figured in yet, then tread cautiously. Before you know it a $1,000 trip could rachet up to $2,000 after a few Margaritas. So go, have fun, enjoy your life, spend responsibly.

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:49:04 +0000

i wouldn’t go on any vacation at this time … …. …. <> i’d wait until i had a lot more savings.

By: Globetrotting Bride

Globetrotting Bride — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:49:39 +0000

You are a great saver so I say take that vacation and enjoy!!! $1,000 is small price to pay for a memory you’ll always treasure. And, if you can manage a less expensive trip, that’s even better! I’m one to skimp in other areas so I can enjoy nice trips as often as I can.

By: jw

jw — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:50:15 +0000

I would go but downgrade a little if that makes you more comfortable. I think Mexico can be enjoyed for less than $1000 but I live in L.A. so flights are cheap. I am not sure where you’re located.

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:33:40 +0000

I think you can totally go without guilt!

By: Moneymonk

Moneymonk — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:08:40 +0000

I don’t know how old you are but you did well for any American to have a hefty saving acct. Seems like a $1,000 will not throw your financial life out of whack.

I know you feel guilty because of the economy, but your economy is doing well.

Considering you have no credit card debt, go for it. Create a good memory

By: fellow 20-something saver yet enjoyer

fellow 20-something saver yet enjoyer — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:32:38 +0000

dude. you only live once. traveling is one of those things that, in my opinion, shouldn’t be put off…especially if you can afford it. You have more than enough in savings. GO!!! This should not even be a question. have fun!

By: Revanche

Revanche — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:03:24 +0000

Dude. Go. You have tons in the e-fund, it’ll stretch further if you’re living at home (much as you love that idea), you’re continuing to save all the way up to the time of the trip.

If you’re doubtful about the price tag, then downgrade some parts of the trip. Talk to the girls about the baseline level of comfort, maybe they’re feeling a bit insecure too, and shave some money off the trip price. But go.

It’s really hard, REALLY hard, to coordinate more than two schedules at any given time so if you have the commitment of your girls for this year and you can all afford it without debt, with jobs, without risk, then go.

The most important things are that you’re comfortable with what you’re spending, that you’re making the choice that makes you happy, and you’ve already got all your financial bases covered as much as you can have.

By: Becca

Becca — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:53:09 +0000

same reason, sorry. also, life instead of live.

By: Becca

Becca — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:52:31 +0000

Do it. We’re never younger, and it is cheaper now than it will be in a while. I’m going to Ireland for the sane reason now. you can’t give up your live entirely for the future.

Go!

By: MEG

MEG — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 05:09:30 +0000

PS Vegas won’t necessarily be cheaper after you account for rooms and cabs and food and drinks and entertainment unless your flight there is a fraction of the one to Mexico. At least cruises are (usually) all inclusive so you know exactly what you’ll spend in advance and don’t have to budget for $12 pina coladas.

Wellheeled – we’ll be making the drive, which is one reason why I expect the costs to be lower. Also, we’ll probably get a suite and split the cost. And honestly the Vegas trip will be shorter (3 days instead of a week). Your Jamaica trip sounds amazing! What resort are you staying at? If you don’t mind me asking.

By: MEG

MEG — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 05:07:34 +0000

Go for it! You are young and have no dependents and have over a year’s worth of expenses saved. What are you saving for if not to be able to create and share experiences with your friends and family?

Personally, travel is a big part of my budget and I prioritize it over other things. But that’s just me. Sure you could do something cheaper or postpone it – but I would go for it. Especially this year – you can get GREAT deals because the tourism industry is bracing for a meltdown.

In fact I AM going for it. My high school friends and I have been trying to meet up for years, and finally we can all afford to go and take off work (or grad school) at the same time. So I’m spending $1000 (actually more like $1,200 total) to meet them in Jamaica for a week in March. It’s all inclusive, so I know my budget in advance.

By: SP

SP — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 04:24:31 +0000

I honestly think Suze would approve you!

BUT I also think downgrading to Vegas would be perfectly acceptable as well, extra reasonable and prudent, and the smartest choice in this economy. But no one would fault you if you did take a 1k vacation. seriously. Not even Suze.