Hi All,

We have plans to travel to Spain for a few weeks. However, we are reconsidering given the cost of it. Plus we are thinking maybe its better to spend our money in this country by traveling through some of the national parks out west instead of in Europe.

The recent economic news of the past three weeks has us thinking that maybe we will need the money we would save if we travel in the US vs Europe.

Anyone else seeing the recent economic news prompting them to reconsider staying in the US?

Thanks,

Everyone's priorities are different. If your priority is to squirrel away the bucks for an expected rainy day, you should stay home and watch TV. Absolutely nothing wrong with that approach.

Screw it.

I'm 80.

I'm going! Life really is too short.

ditto

I have gone on my trips in part to avoid, "I wish I had..." statements.

I worked very hard to save the $ to pay for my trips. Once saved, I went and spent! whoo!

You definitely must do what is important to you, and your decision is what you decide is right for you.


nukesafe, are you really 80?

Me, I would shave expenses here and there on my originally planned trip.

We are going. If I can't go again, soon, oh well. I have the money for this trip and I'm on my way.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to stay in the US and spend $ in the US.

Having said that, Europe doesn't necessarily = more expensive. In my mind, the 2 biggest price tag when it comes to travel is: transportation (eg plane tix, train tix) and lodging.

We are budget travelers and there are ways to keep our European travels affordable:

We are claiming FF miles for plane tickets. That saved us $1500 btw the 2 of us.

We are staying at self-catering apt. We will save a lot of $ by cooking in the apt instead of eating out 3x/day.

Obviously, it'll still be cheaper if we stay in the US and do a trip where we can drive to; and perhaps camp in campgrounds. But that's not quite my travel style.

We decided on a US vacation for a different reason. We have gone to Europe most years for the past 15 and realized that we were missing a lot in this country. We chose Santa Fe and had a wonderful time. Although I can't say we saved a lot of money.

I just did a road trip to Michigan from Massachusetts to visit family. It was not cheap by the time you add up gas, food, tolls, and if you choose to, hotel stays. That said, you really can't compare the two trips. Each vacation would have it's merits.

I feel I can travel more cheaply in some European countries than in the US. Portugal, Czech Republic, Poland are three countries where lodging and meals are much less expensive than in the US. I don't know where in a US major city I could find a decent hotel room for $50. Where could I find dinner, including a half bottle of wine, for $15.

You should see what you want to. If you prefer the US National Parks then do that. If you prefer Europe...

Yep, Scotlib, I'm afraid I am. Just like the Energizer Bunny, I keep going and going ---- I think it must be all the radiation I was exposed to over my career; plus I have lived a completely moral, pure, and abstemious life.

If you believe that last, I have this tower up for sale in Paris that I will let go cheap. Sparkles at night!

I read the OP as saying they had planned the trip to Spain. Yes, there is plenty to see in their own country, but if Spain was the tripped they planned, it must be the trip they wanted.

I say go, and I'm sticking with that.

nukesafe--- looool, thanks for the laughs.
Marcus--- go to Spain and have a great time. Just spend wisely. Nukesafe is right.

Life is very short. A few years ago, my dad really wanted to retire at age 60 and travel. He had worked ever since he was 13. Then he got cancer and was basically forced to retire. During this time, my dad finally got to travel. He went to Arizona, Illinois, Ohio, Louisiana, Niagara Falls on the Canadian side and a few other states. After 5 years, he passed away. He had always wanted to go back to his homeland, Jerusalem, but was just too sick to make the trip.

When my dad died, my husband and I decided that our wish to "someday travel around the world when we retire" was unrealistic for so many reasons. Now, we travel every summer. Of course, it means we spend less during the year on other things. It means we live in a smaller house than we can otherwise afford. Throughout the year, we're saving, saving, saving.

So, go to Spain. It's a beautiful country and, if you spend wisely, it shouldn't break the bank. Traveling to other countries and seeing how our fellow humans live, is priceless

We've not traveled in Europe for several years because of the poor exchange rate, but have continued traveling in the US, Canada and Mexico and US territories. Taking advantage of all there is to see and do domestically makes good economic sense if there is much that you have not already explored.

Having said that, I'm now planning a trip abroad again. It really is a personal choice. Spain is a wonderful destination and I hope that you enjoy your travels, whatever you decide.

<i>I don't know where in a US major city I could find a decent hotel room for $50.</i>

Priceline. I've stayed at the likes of Hyatts and Hiltons for as little as $35.

<i>Where could I find dinner, including a half bottle of wine, for $15.</i>

I don't drink jug wine, so can't help you there, but Houston is a treasure trove of good, cheap eats.

Oh, thank you, Nukesafe. So many Fodorites post with a vibrant tone that it's a bit of a shock to find out ages aren't as young as I imagine. Travel is surely good for staying young at heart forever

@marcusmac99, another thought on your issue: Fodors didn't just help me plan my trips, I followed threads in the Lounge to perfect setting my personal budgeting. A dollar of income can only be spent once, but once the line dedicated to travel has grown enough to allow a trip, I can go without worrying that I am shorting any other line.

The "allow a trip" means researching everything (frequently using Fodorites for info) and having a trip budget planned to know what exactly is needed. Comparing itinerary possibilities isn't possible without planning, eh? Enjoy the planning, wherever you go. Cheers.

Hey M,

>we are reconsidering given the cost of it.<

Go to Mexico.

>...thinking that maybe we will need the money we would save,,,,<

You will save even more if you stay home.

I don't think the dollar vs. euro is going to improve anytime in the future.