jennifer

My husband and I take 1-2 trips a year for the last 9 years. We have never Paid over 1000. pp (for everything!) i wait and buy selloff packages (about 3 weeks before) Last november we stayed at couples negril for $999. per person from michigan. That is an all inclusive rate. Last year rui merengue domincan republic $699. pp. cozemul 799.00 pp. We always choose a five star or better resort and I always read reviews before booking. We have never been disappointed. <BR>Traveling is such bliss and I am a happier person because of it.

Kim

We take one big trip a year. Sandals Resorts are our favorite places to go. <BR>We never traveled out of the country till our kids got older now they are 21 & 23. It is our time now to enjoy ourselves we are 42&43 and plan a trip every year we deserve it! I think everybody need a little time away to regroup and get your head together and spend quite time together. We will be spending our 25th wedding anniversary in St. Lucia the 25th of this month at Sandals Golf & Spa Resort. Im not sure if we can say Afford but need this Quite time. If you wait till you can afford it you will never go, that usually how it goes. Life is to short go out and enjoy!!!

ellen

We paid for trips for the last several years by driving used, paid for cars into the ground and spending the diff. on airfare!

jane

I am so glad someone asked this question! I've traveled in the US, Europe and Latin America and have always found small 2 or 3 star hotels for well under $100. I can't fathom--not for a second--spending over $200 a night for a room. And I also shop and shop and scour the internet for cheapest airfare and often travel off-season. Part of the reason is I'm not a lie-on-the-beach/pool-and-do-nothing type vacationer. My trips usually involve places with lots to see and do so a luxurious hotel is not a priority, just a clean, friendly place with my own bathroom. Next week we're going to Costa Rica for 9 days (and this is the high season); including airfare, hotels and rental car, and money we've budgeted for food, tours and misc, we're spending under $3000($600 for hotels). Yes, we could have easily paid 3-4x that for hotels, but it's not worth it. I know it's MY perspective, but I think most people here are crazy for spending so much on a room you sleep in! And please don't get me started on all-inclusives... <BR> <BR>By the way, if you want to hear about some really outrageous prices, check out the South Pacific board. Some posters think a "reasonably priced" hotel is $600 a night. And that's not even with an inclusive plan! But don't get me started on all inclusives!

sande

We are not rich but traveling is a priority & if we can afford to spend $$$$ on a vacation, why not! For a hard working couple, getting away is a chance to reconnect & luxurious accommodations add to the romance & yes it is worth it! If we couldn't afford it we would still travel economically but I'd never pass judgement on what makes other people happy. Chill out Jane.

Beverly

Several years ago I got strong-armed into buying a timeshare which I ended up not "using" meaning vacationing at the place I bought it. Well, I have figured out that I never have to go there but have traded the week every year for other locations like Hawaii, St. Maarten, Spain, Florida, New Orleans, Tortola, Martha's Vineyard. The timeshare trade agency I use also offers offpeak rates very cheap, sometimes as low as $200 for 7 nights total at nice places. I took advantage of these low rates recently to stay at Marriott Grande Ocean in Hilton Head. The timeshares are usually condos with kitchens which keeps meal costs down and living rooms which makes it comfortable to relax in your room. I combined my timeshare week with a few nights at upscale resorts when I was island hopping in Hawaii. The timeshare is now paid off and it is deeded to me for life so I always know I have one week's accomodations to use every year. I just pay the small annual maintenance fee and find a decent travel arrangements on my own. I have been fortunate to work for companies which have annual conferences at great resorts and I have "added on" to those trips by finding nearby timeshare trades. It turned out to be a good investment which I have benefited from and even given away as gifts to family. Even if you can't stay for long periods at upscale resorts because of the prohibitive rates, you can go for a night or two or be in the same neighborhood by using some timeshares.