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>