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My wife and I budget for it. It's in our monthly budget as a bill and so is all of our savings. In 2014 we went to Phoenix, New Orleans, Madrid, Barcelona, San Diego, Las Vegas, Nassau, New York and Salt Lake City. We do live in a lower cost of living area and have decently high income to support it. Savings is still our largest expense in our budget monthly
I drive a 37 yr old car ($35) that gets 50 mpg on waste cooking oil.
Leaves more money to travel, or to give away to others. (so they can travel).
I had to give away 6 airline tickets and countless first class upgrade coupons when I was sent overseas on an assignment (all were to expire b4 I returned). I still give free tickets to people needing to travel for emergency / funerals.
Priorities... More important for them to go for family and friends, than for me to go somewhere just to travel. They appreciate it, and it is good for them to be recognized / attended to in time of need.
Many people do this for soldiers / veterans / make-a wish... all very important and is the 'cost-of-admission' to be a caring friend. (giving up travel for someone else.)
I would lose my job (outside sales) if I showed up driving a 37 year old car that smelled of deep fry. My employment contract is specific about driving a late model vehicle in good physical and mechanical condition that is regularly detailed. My employer provides a car allowance to help defray the costs of owning and operating such a vehicle. (My current vehicle was purchased with a two year 0% car loan that has been paid off for going on four years.)
As far as donations, I'd rather give cash that can be used towards any need as opposed to being pigeon-holed.
Barcelona. We were only in Madrid for 3 days including arrival and departure days and we ran a half marathon in between those two so many it's not a fair comparison. Barcelona was very paid back, friendly and we did a lot of exploring walking and taking the subway
It's just a priority for me. I don't go out partying, I don't buy clothes more than what's truly necessary, I don't have a car, no pets, no kids (at least I hope not), and no ailing parents to take care of, etc.
And when I do travel -- alone -- I usually spend under $2500 (yes, including to Asia/Africa), and the vast majority of that is the damn flight ticket.
It's when I travel with others that the costs add up...because I can't do everything my way. And they tend to ruin the illusion of being a local/familiar with the place that I'm usually able to give off when I travel alone.
I would lose my job (outside sales) if I showed up driving a 37 year old car that smelled of deep fry. My employment contract is specific about driving a late model vehicle in good physical and mechanical condition that is regularly detailed. My employer provides a car allowance to help defray the costs of owning and operating such a vehicle. (My current vehicle was purchased with a two year 0% car loan that has been paid off for going on four years.)
As far as donations, I'd rather give cash that can be used towards any need as opposed to being pigeon-holed.
Other than boasting about your perks and status (again), what's the point of your response? The person you responded to said he was saving money to travel, yet you are like "I don't need to save 'cuz I have a lot of money, blah, blah". What constructive suggestions you offered - go make more money?
It's just a priority for me. I don't go out partying, I don't buy clothes more than what's truly necessary, I don't have a car, no pets, no kids (at least I hope not), and no ailing parents to take care of, etc.
And when I do travel -- alone -- I usually spend under $2500 (yes, including to Asia/Africa), and the vast majority of that is the damn flight ticket.
It's when I travel with others that the costs add up...because I can't do everything my way. And they tend to ruin the illusion of being a local/familiar with the place that I'm usually able to give off when I travel alone.
You're spending up to $2,500 on travel? How long do you stay at your international destinations (I'd assume that's the most expensive travel for you)? And do you stay at 5 Star hotels or something more "affordable?" Genuinely curious.
Location: RI, MA, VT, WI, IL, CA, IN (that one sucked), KY
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Quote:
Originally Posted by botticelli
Other than boasting about your perks and status (again), what's the point of your response? The person you responded to said he was saving money to travel, yet you are like "I don't need to save 'cuz I have a lot of money, blah, blah". What constructive suggestions you offered - go make more money?
You're spending up to $2,500 on travel? How long do you stay at your international destinations (I'd assume that's the most expensive travel for you)? And do you stay at 5 Star hotels or something more "affordable?" Genuinely curious.
Not directed at me but answering based on my spending habits.
Mostly budget accom but occasional splurge on 5 star.
Had a few long trips where I averaged $60-70/day but due to inflation and other factors prolly not feasible for me anymore.
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