Reading the verious boards on Foders, I'v come to the conclusion that most people are vacationing on the 'cheap' Third rate accomodation etc, looking for 'deals' Personaly, I wouldn't travel if I had to 'pinch pennies' Just an observation, it's a free world(kindof)

Rob,<BR><BR>There is a difference between "third rate" vs. deals. I've travelled on excellent deals and it was hardly third rate. I'm very picky and I usually pay up to $600.00 per nite for a hotel room. Perhaps this is pinching pennies? I used to think that you MUST pay more to get more but after a lot of travelling, I have found this not to be the case. To each their own, I guess.

rob, you may have plenty of money to cocoon you in a world of luxury, but a huge number of people don't. Unlike you, they do dare to travel the world on a budget and have a good time doing so. A posh hotel is a posh hotel the world over and the that's what makes them so boring.<BR> <BR>I've been to a couple of places twice - once as a backpacker, once doing it the posh way - both times I had far more fun staying somewhere cheap with atmosphere. Wouldn't have it any other way.<BR><BR>I'm asuming this has to be a "troll", but I can't resist rising to the bait!

Amy is right. A lot of first rate hotels can be had for 'third rate' prices. You just have to know where to look.

I couldn`t agree more, Here. If you want to really experience a country, its peoples and its customs, you must get away from posh hotels, tours (read cattle drives)and wealthy 'tourists', and get out with the people and mingle. You have no way of feeling the true sentiments of the locals when you are 'all that'. I would have risen to that bait if you hadn`t. lol

I completely agree with Dan. If you want to travel the world and learn the culture, you can't do this by hiding in a posh hotel. Patty is right that there are some amazing deals for first rate hotels if you know where to look.

Amy<BR>$600 a night is a DEAL????? Wow, I hate to think what luxury is!

Dan,<BR>I agree that you need to "get out with the people and mingle." But isn't it just as easy to get "out" from a posh hotel as from a budget hotel? Once you're "mingling", nobody cares which hotel you came from.<BR><BR>Amy,<BR>I also agree with you. You can't learn the culture by "hiding in a posh hotel." But you can't learn the culture by hiding in a budget hotel, either.<BR><BR>My point here is that it's the traveller that creates the opportunities, not the hotel. And frankly, during the hours (however few they may be) that you do spend in your hotel room, I doubt that many would reasonably argue that those hours are more pleasureable in a "budget" hotel.

Les,<BR>I agree with you too. I guess its up to what you're comfortable with. I just want a clean place with no bugs. Roaches are not for me. <BR><BR>Frank,<BR>No, $600 is not a deal and very much on the high end. Just trying to address that its a personal preference on hotel accommodations. Its possible to find the same $600/nite hotel for $200/nite.

I don't think everyone can possibly agree on what is the 'correct' amount to spend on a trip. One person could despise staying in a posh hotel, while another person hates backpacking. The best way is whatever makes you happy. I am probably more like Les or Amy. At the end of the day, I want to be comfortable. I have stayed in some pretty bad hotels. While it's fun to laugh about it afterwards, I wouldn't care to do it again.

Happened back on this forum again by chance. I was quite suprised to see some responses to my post. I only posted as a personal observation, people can do and travel anyway they like, it's non of my business. I do find it a stretch however for somebody to pay $600 for a nites lodging, whichever way you cut it! I honestly don't believe millionares read these forums, and those prices are in their range. Have fun, I wont be back. Promise!!!