EVEN IF I WERE WEALTHY...
 

Even if I were wealthy, I would still rent an economy to mid-size car. I would still try to stay at the $100 per night hotel rate. <BR>I would still travel off-season. I would still use the metro and bus system. I don't think I would change how I travel. <BR> <BR>How about you? What would you change if suddenly you had loads of cash to spend?

Well Well Well, <BR> <BR> I used to think that way too. However, I got married and when my wife didn't see it that way, I traveled differently. On our honeymoon to Europe, we rented a Mercedes, stayed at $200 per night rooms and ate like kings and queens. I loved it. Instead of spending $3,000 on our honeymoon, we spent $7,000. I'm still paying for it, but I wouldn't change a thing. In fact, if I ever get the chance to do it again, I will!!!!

Not hugely, in terms of type of holiday and so on but yes, i would stay in more luxurious hotels or ones in better locations. I would probably still rent a medium range car, but if i was rich enough i would always fly business class for the comfort and space to arrive more refreshed and ready to go. <BR> <BR>Of course if i was immensely wealthy the biggest change would be giving up work, signing up for a second degree, this time in something such as photography, and travelling far more often than for 25 days of the year... <BR> <BR>Kavey

If I were wealthy the first change I would make is to book first class tickets on the airplane. I think that's the most uncomfortable part of traveling! Second I'd get a new computer to do my research on. This thing I have is so slow! Then I'd use my new computer to book to best hotels everywhere. There's nothing like going first class all the way! <BR>

I would stay longer than the usual 2 to three weeks that we spend on a trip. I would opt for a month for each trip! Nothing like getting away from it all. <BR>And, I would bring the kids along (with an Au Pair, of course).

1) Go Business Class <BR>2) Stay at Starwood properties as often as possible (and get/use those points!) <BR>3) Still go off-season or on shoulder <BR>4) Take our grown kids along for a week (out of our month-long trip) <BR>5) Rent a convertible or exotic car for trips to appropriate spots (Riveria, Amalfi) <BR>7) Hire a private yacht with crew for Greek islands <BR>

Good Topic!!! <BR> <BR>My wife and I have been traveling to Europe every year since 1987. We've pretty much done the gamit. One star hotels with bath down the hall, Bed and Breakfasts (a la Karen Brown), Cheap sub-compact cars, to Ralais & Chateau establishments (Cuban Cigars and Armagnac after dinner), larger cars like the Citreon XM etc. etc. We even bought an apartment in the Latin Quarter. I have loved it all and wouldn't do anything different except fly business class if I could afford it!!! <BR> <BR>Ciao, <BR> <BR>Randall Smith

Most millionaires travel economy according to a Forbes report a couple of years back. I wonder if the new DotCom millionaires do? (Not that there are many left!) <BR>I like to travel modestly. I guess I am from the older generation, why spend it if you don't need to? <BR>Robert, that's the difference between our generations, I guess. (I assume you are probably less that 35 years of age?) I would never have spent $7,000 on a honeymoon even if I had the money. And, I would not have spent any money I didn't have. <BR>I am not judging you, it just illustrates a difference between our generations. I am glad you had a great trip. I am sure your bride appreciated it all. <BR>We travel well and enjoy every minute of our trips. I own a Mercedes and would still rent an economy in Europe. <BR>We have a lovely home, but would prefer a B&B to an hotel. I think it's the people we meet. <BR>It is good that not everyone likes the same thing. <BR>Charles <BR> <BR> <BR>

Oh, I'd pull out all the stops. I feel that I've really paid my dues and suffered plenty while travelling, and I deserve a break today. <BR> <BR>So I'd travel first class, and my car and driver would deliver me to my first rate hotel. The nanny would get the kids ready and deliver them to me well-dressed, well-fed and well-behaved. We'd tour until the children began to annoy me, then the nanny would take them to the hotel. I'd eat everything put in front of me, and my personal trainer would be responsible for shaping me up. My butler would pick up after me. I'd change my itinerary on a whim and fly back home when I darn well felt like it. <BR> <BR>But deep down, would the money make me happy? I'll get back to you on that one.

Well, there's wealthy - - then there's REALLY wealthy. <BR> <BR>For sure, I would buy a great place and fix it up just the way I would like it. <BR> <BR>Private jet. <BR> <BR>And invite friends over to stay all the time. Special ones would get first class air on me - - or maybe I would even come pick them up in the jet. <BR> <BR>And free Fodor's logo ribbon pins for everyone in the world! <BR> <BR>

I would pick my hotel based on location, but I would likely mix in the luxury with the modest accomodations just for variety's sake. I would also still travel shoulder to off season because of crowds. I would never fly economy unless they were the only seats available. Maybe then I could finally sleep on the way over. I would be able to splurge more often on food, but I wouldn't neglect the other spots. No pretentiousness here. Definitely, I would still use public transportation because it is a fun learning experience. Still, I would love to rent a Ferrari on occasion and take it out on the autobahn. If I were really really wealthy, I would quit my job and become a travel photographer (for fun mostly). I would also have houses/condos in several spots around the world and have friends and family over to share the experience.

Fun Topic! <BR>I would own a small yacht that could be sailed worldwide. I would leave it parked on the Med and fly to it anytime I wanted. It would be comfortable and employ some gorgeous British sailors (who would only be happy attending to my needs!). <BR>Ummm! What a great thought on this chilly March morning!

I don't think that more money would change food for me. In my own city -- and on vacations -- the more expensive places I've eaten often aren't as good as cheaper ones. Lavish service doesn't impress me, either. <BR> <BR>Now, accommodations and transportation is a different story......... <BR>

If I were wealthy, I would extend my trips from 1-2 weeks to 6-8 weeks, I would no longer fly over to Europe in coach, but splurge for First Class. I would probably still travel in the shoulder season, just to avoid the masses. I would still take public transportation, but I would probably splurge more on hotels, that had bigger rooms and larger baths. Oh, and I would definitely not worry about buying something and whether or not it was in my budget, then instead of hasseling with and carrying it home on the plane, I would ship it home!

The ONLY thing I would change is to fly first or business class... ohh I have dreams about it.. "some day, before I pass on I WILL fly first class :)"

I do like Gigi's idea. For me, I might be like the spoiled celebs and have a devoted entourage to travel with. Or I'd screw them all (literally?)and go off by myself to Italy and learn art restoration, then devote the rest of my life to perserving art treasures around the world - of course, all the while I'd never feel guilty about spending money on a good bottle of wine and I'd have cool dresses and shoes...and now back to our regularly scheduled floor mopping.

The biggest difference would be that I would travel longer each time and more often. Lodging would probably be more central, but not 5 star as I don't like that much formality and excessive service requests. Food and cars would remain exactly the same. There have been times in my life that I have had the "full boat" $7000 type of vacation when I was a business owner etc. Many would disagree because money gives you so many more choices, BUT you may not be any happier or at peace with your world. <BR> <BR>If the plane trips get any tighter than I would like to have my own. First class for that much more money, I can never justify. I'd rather buy a student a meal or give someone a free ride through school who deserves it. I was born before 1950. Only a few of us from where we sat can play by this group's rules, which are LIFE IS SHORT- Play hard and pay later. We were LIFE IS ROUGH- Work hard now and get ahead.

I would fly business class. I would still rent mid-size cars, but maybe a small BMW. I would not go for 5 star hotels but I would look for hotels with larger rooms. The hotel or Inn would still need to be small. The biggest change in hotels would be that I would no longer pick based on price.

If I were really rich, I'd buy an apartment in Rome and one in Paris, a cozy villa on the Riviera, one on the Amalfi Coast, and a one in Tuscany, and hire a cook, maid, car and driver whenever I was in town. I'd fly first/business class, of course, and stay in small, charming boutique hotels with character. But I'd probably still take advantage of discounted off-season packages, because I do love a bargain!

<BR>If I were really really rich I would buy a private jet or rent one for my trips to Europe. <BR>The flight itself is not the only barbaric part of transatlantic travel---the airports are equally horrific coming and going.

I would of course fly only first class to my villa in the south of France where my convertible Mercedes and Ferrari awaited my visit!

I don't think I'd change very much, except perhaps the frequency that I travel. Even then, it takes a bit of time for me to recharge from trips, to plan and to be truly ready for the next adventure. As far as getting good deals, it is not just about money (though that is important) and it's not about really not about being cheap, either. It's about value. There are "good savings" and there are "bad savings", the latter being something where the sacrifice, hassle or discomfort is not worth the monetary difference. Budget traveling is a very entertaining game and dollars provide an easy way to "keep score". So I doubt that I would give it up -- it's just too much fun, it heightens the anticipation factor and it's part of the total experience. I would rather donate more to a worth charity than squander money on ostentatious travel expenses that can often tend to insulate a person from real-world interactions.

Just once I'd like to see Germany and Austria without snow. But then again, a rich SOB like me probably would hate the summer crowds. The masses are so...so...simple.

I would definitely NOT go to Paris Vegas but stick to the REAL THING and to our small little secret hotel in Paris 6th and still go to the movie at 11 am when it's much cheaper!

Ah, I love the dreaming. . . . I'd stop traveling and go live in Europe, a variety of places: villas in Tuscany, apartments in Paris and Rome, Chateau, castles, cottages in England and Germany. I'd fly my friends and family over to visit. I'd hire language tutors in French, German and Italian. Like kavey I'd study: archeology and volunteer for digs; dressmaking/pattern making and open my own shop in one of Paris's passages; photography and make prints in my own darkroom; history, literature and philosophy and open a book store on the Left Bank where I'd sell few books, drink a lot of coffee, and argue literary theory endlessly with students who'd call me that crazy American woman. In my spare time I'd finish the mystery, short stories and the play I'm writing. Eat and drink well - nay, magnificently! Occasionally come back to the States for a good cheeseburger. Hey - wait - I could do that now - except for the part about WORK!

Veeerrrry Interesting. <BR> <BR>All of those responding that have 'traveled widely' are truly the 'super wealthy'. The experiences cannot be purchased. (But it is nice to visualize all that greener grass.) <BR> <BR>I would argue those with loads of money oftentimes are trapped by the luxury of their lifestyles. First class, 5 star hotels and restaurants, luxury cars, yachts at ones disposal? . . . vs . . .conversing with monks in monastaries; the enjoyment of breaking bread with an average European(anywhere) family; discovering the hidden treasures of the offbeat? - The exchange rate is terrible. <BR> <BR>As for first/business class flights, that dream is tarnished very quickly when the dream is realized. <BR> <BR>

John, <BR>As my 6'1 husband would say...RE First Class Flights <BR>Tarnish me! Tarnish me!!!

I have to respond to the business/first class naysayer. Being a thrifty scot, I don't think I could ever pay the price, but the times I've been upgraded have convinced me that it is SO SO much better than coach - and I'm talking the international business class here, not even first. If I were really wealthy, I would pay for it every flight.

Judging from the responses, lots of us have thought about this! <BR> <BR>Definitely I'd fly business class. I'm not even tall, but the few times I've splurged with my frequent flyer points, it's been wonderful. <BR> <BR>Secondly, I'd probably be able to bring back more from my travels. I live in a really small house - I would probably have a bigger house, plus (like someone else said), I could ship things back. (That amazing armoire or table or whatever - ship it home!) <BR> <BR>I'd also have more time to travel - so I could go to those destinations that are just too far to travel to when you have a short vacation. <BR> <BR>Last, but not least, I'd include my family on my trips (my brothers and sisters) - some of them haven't had the opportunities that I have had and it would be a lot of fun to share the great times with them.

That "tarnish me" line reminds me of one of my favorite sayings about "tainted money". <BR> <BR>Main thing about tainted money... <BR> <BR>Usually, 't'ain't enuff of it... <BR>

Like to see more of your thoughts!

I'm with the "carpe diem" crowd. If I were wealthy enough, I'd live in Europe (farm in Ireland, townhouse in Paris, villa in Italy) and buy some nice little loft in NYC, to use as a base for the annual US visits. BUT even if I were that wealthy I would not stock Dom Perignon on my private jet (where I'd be comfortably arranged in my own version of mega-first class); I'd stick to water. With the world suddenly my oyster, I'd try to remind myself money doesn't mean everything, only a tremendous amount of power until the day the Grim Reaper appears and won't bargain for oyster shells. <BR> <BR>In a more modest version of dreaming, I'd still economize on hotels and rental cars and maybe even flight arrangements ... but I'd travel more, stay longer, and, basically, try to figure out a way to make the money stretch so I could live modestly in Europe for a while and devote time to leading a more creative life.

"If I were a rich man...." [apologies to Tevye <BR> <BR>From what I've seen of the rich my attitude towards the world would change -- I'd become paronoid and after the 10th stay at George V in Paris, blase and very demanding. <BR> <BR>So the question is how to be rich and not have that happen. How would I "cope" with those moments when the limo was late and the concierge didn't get my cleaning back on time?? What if I were bumped back to sardine class? <BR> <BR>At a good Delft store in Amsterdam we got talking with the saleswoman. [One of the pleasures of off-season!] They had absolutely gorgeous stuff, including antique Delft to die for -- all beyound our price range. [We bought a few small things and ended up spending over $200!] She said she felt sorry for the rich who pulled up in their limousine, bought vast amounts without even looking and didn't seem to enjoy it. [We had taken half an hour to select our few items.] <BR> <BR>Having said that -- I'd fly business class on international trips -- and I'd "up" my hotels from two star to the best three star. AND I'd go "in season" from time to time [well May or September] I haven't seen green leaves in Paris in 10 years -- and that would be nice:)

Funny, my husband and I were just talking about this! We'd quit our jobs, first off. We already live in Europe so we'd pick a spot and go travel around for at least a month then go home (to Munich) to recuperate when we felt like it. Then we'd pick another spot and go again, etc, etc. We'd definitely fly first class on the long hauls! I used to work for an airline and could fly first class and it was wonderful!! We would probably stay in nicer hotels (why not?!) and go farther away.

This is interesting! I'm having lottery fantasies already! <BR> <BR>I'm going to use some friends of mine as an example. They are a young married couple with a huge load of money in the bank they got through inheritances and investments several years ago. They both grew up middle class, so they are still fairly conservative with money. They are so well off that they don't have to work, but they usually volunteer or work part time or take a few college courses that interest them. They also travel more often than most of us, but even when they do, they stay at B&B's, rent mid-size cars, usually go in the off-season, and fly coach. Once and a while they will stay at a 4 or 5 star joint if the mood strikes them, but since they didn't grow up accustomed to the style, the $500 a night places usually feel too stuffy, even though they could afford it. <BR> <BR>I think I would do the same; travel more often and longer but stay at the 2 to 3 star places and eat bread and cheese from the grocery store rather than at restaurants every day. Flying 1st or business for a long flight does sound tempting; but I think the price still would seem outrageous. I think instead I would always buy 2 seats in coach so I'd have some space to spread out!

I already splurge by buying full fare coach and use my FFM to upgrade to Business. I have enough FFM to last me for about 10 more trips. I find it well worth it as I can sleep on the plane and arrive refreshed. I probably would not change much else as I've always enjoyed staying in private flats or as close to the general populace as posible. I would take trips more often and expand my destinations and stay longer each trip. I would take some photography classes to improve my capability. Hey folks, I just did a spell check and not one misssspelled word. <BR>

As I wouldn't be in a hurry to get anywhere, I'd forget flying all together and take a transAtlantic crossing on the QE2 or some other luxurious line. I wouldn't look at room costs, just stay at the places that appeal to me. <BR> <BR>Art, congratulations. I must admit, I was waiting for that punchline as I read your post. Enjoyed the party;thanks again. <BR> <BR>Michele

I would to fly first class or business class, have flown both through FF upgrades, and it was really quite wonderful. I don't think I would be really comfortable with "super" conspicuous consumption(too much misery and poverty worldwide), but I would like to own an apartment or condo in Paris and London, and yes, I would love a farm in Ireland too! <BR>And Art, you did a verrrry fine job of spellchecking..... you seem like a great guy, so who really cares about spelling anyhow. As they say it is the thought that counts..... <BR>Judy ;-)

Art, <BR> <BR>Your post made me laugh out loud. Sorry to have missed your party (again!). I seem to be out of town for work more than in. Please don't delete me from your future invite lists. <BR> <BR>