How Do You Afford These Trips?
 

How do all of you afford to do all these trips? I would love to go on some trips like these but I have no money. After I pay my house payment, truck payment, car payment, credit cards payments, second morgtage payment, child support, student loan payment, alimony, and utilites I can hardly afford to buy beer and food let alone go cavorting around Europe. Are you all rich or you just got good credit?

oh my God!!!!!!!! This guy must be from Raytown, Missouri.

I stayed married, and we sold the truck.

I've often wondered the same thing. I do travel a few times a year, but not as often as some lucky people on these threads obviously do.<BR><BR>Ah.....such is life.

Well so far I've prostituted myself, sold my kids on the black market and have lately started stealing groceries just so I can attain a little bit of culture by traveling to Europe every couple of years, is that so very wrong? Oh ya occasionally I'm even seen shopping at Walmart! Whatever it takes to get me outta this trailer court!

I had to wait until my children were out of school, I downsized from a house to an apartment, and I retired to have the time to do it all. I did not get to Europe until I was 45 or so.

I defaulted on all of my loans, which is how I can afford to travel to Europe and also why I need to spend my time there, outside of US legal jurisdiction. So it works out well.

I smuggle myself aboard as a bag of peanuts and ride all the way over in the galley.

I ripped off the stockholders and the employees and the bankers and wow do I have a ton of money now. By the way, anyone know of any countries that do not have extradition treaties with the USA?

Make a budget, pay off your credit cards and cut them up, save a little every month, get an economy car, turn your lights off, clip coupons, watch Rick Steves videos and read his books, and quit drinking and sell your house, pay off your loans, remarry your wife.

Downsized from a doublewide to a single. Sold my pet breedin dog, invested in ant farms and swore off chewin baccy!<BR><BR>

Not. We save, and accompany one another on respective business trips whenever possible. We don't bother buying the latest this-or-that, like many of our friends, prefering instead to save our discretionary funds for the next trip.

1. Student Loans<BR>2. E-Bay

We make next to nothing and have friends who make far more than we do yet we travel the world and they can barely afford to go on a weekend camping trip.<BR>You CHOOSE what you spend money on. We all choose the financial situation we find ourselves in. Its a choice.<BR>My wife and I drive older cars with NO payment! We forgo cellphones, cable, call waiting, health club memberships, new cars, eating out, beer, spending on credit, new technological gadgets, and so on. It is a choice! Many think we are crazy and deprived for all that we do without. Sometimes I think that too until I'm walking along a narrow cobbled street in Brugge holding my wifes hand, looking into her eyes on a moonlit Amalfi night. <BR>Our friends could not go without cable, cellphones, etc. That is NOT to say their choice is wrong, just different. They enjoy their new cars and we enjoy travel. Neither choice is right or wrong just that - a choice.<BR>When we travel we stay in pensions, guesthouses, etc. where we eat a full breakfast included in the price. We also snack during the day buying things to tie us over and then find inexpensive places to eat dinner.<BR>As far as air, we wait for deals. I let the travel industry tell me where to go. I may have my desires but if I notice an incredible deal to Germany for 375 from the east coast I will forgo the trip to Italy where air may be 100-200 higher. One time Delta had a bargain, travel to Europe during a certain time period and receive 10000 bonus miles. We took a trip to Istanbul and Amsterdam within this period. Between the online purchase bonus, regular miles awarded and bonus miles we both ended up with 43000 miles almost enough for ANOTHER free ticket to Europe. So for 1000 per person we essentially got three trips to europe. Most people I know spend 1000 for air for one trip. <BR>Istanbul cost a grand total of 400 for a week (food, air, hotel, etc.) for two. Amsterdam cost around 1000 for two the way we travel on a shoestring. <BR><BR>Its a choice. Nobody makes you purchase a new car. I could afford payments but prefer to drive my ugly car I bought 7 years ago for 4500. The choice pays off in Venice.

I agree with the posters here that say they don't spend on things to keep up with the Jones's......that's what we do, as well.<BR><BR>It depends on where your priorities are....our priority is travel and not having the latest of everything.<BR><BR>I do still wonder, though, about those that have a major trip planned every month of the year, as I've seen on this site. Sure do wish it was me!<BR>

Christmas bonus.

I believe "curious" asked a serious question, and a fair one at that. I'm sorry he didn't get very courteous answers. The fact is that travel to Europe is expensive, even when one goes in the off-season and uses low cost accomodations, etc. Hell, travel to local destinations is expensive for many!<BR> <BR>I have traveled perhaps more than I can afford to but not nearly enough as I'd like to. Not only does it consume money, it consumes time, and many of us cannot take alot of time off work. I try to be sensitive to those who clearly would like to be able to travel but are busy worrying about finances. I do not, for example, discuss my recent trip with my dear neighbor whose husband hasn't worked in several years, lost alot in the stock market, is getting divorced, and whose house is now being foreclosed.<BR><BR>First of all, curious' truck may be essential to his work, so don't assume two vehicles are not needed. Curious may not be typical of those who frequent this forum, but is probably typical of the vast majority of Americans who just barely make ends meet. Travel is a luxury and those who can afford to do alot of it should count their blessings and not make fun of those who cannot.<BR><BR>For still others, it can be just a matter of priorities and good strategizing. There was a post similar to this one about a year ago and there were many excellent responses from people who stated the many ways they prioritize because travel is their passion - for example, they brown bag it to work, live in a small home or apartment, drive older cars, etc.<BR><BR>Still others gave examples of how they plan. I, for example, am a woman in pursuit of FF miles in every way I can think of. We cautiously use a credit card that accrues miles for purchases we would make anyway (even gas and groceries). "Cautiously" because the interest rate is high and we try not to carry a balance. Don't want to pay interest on groceries. My last two trips to Europe have been on FF miles and I don't fly very much. I can only afford a big trip about every 3 years. It's one of the reasons I tend to cover too much ground on short trips as I don't expect to be able to return. I sigh with envy at those who talk of muliple trips to one country, doing different sub-regions leisurely on each trip.<BR><BR>My advice to Curious would be to seek financial advice from somewhere other than a travel forum..Then, when things are in better shape, visit the budget travel forum first (rather than the Europe board) to learn many ideas. Don't start using a mile-earning credit card till those others are paid off.<BR>

Well, try flying 80 to 90,000 miles a year on Delta (now that's fun)and stay at Marriotts for the points and when you cannot do that then on your trip to France stay at small ** hotels in Paris for $58 per night or in Avignon for $59.<BR><BR>then each day go to the market and buy a baggette, a bit of cheese and ham, some olives and olive oil, and a bottle of French red and enjoy.<BR><BR>It can be done inexpensively, as not everyone stays in all these fabulously expensive hotels or eat at the ***** restaurants that some on this board chat about.

I took the drapes down and made my dresses out of them.I sold the chickens and cows. <BR>Then I met a lovely man from up North and he took me to Europe.<BR>And remember what my mama told me-<BR>don't worry so much about what other people have.<BR>

In my family it is stability that enables us to go to Europe twice a year. We own our home, so no mortgage or rent, drive fairly old cars, been at the same jobs for years, so have vacation time, and then just go over on cheap airfare. On the trip, we eat at inexpensive places, until our last night in each town, when we spurlge. We stay at two star pensiones and use the trains or rent a small car. Never take a tour, always go on our own. It works.

Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn.

I get somebody else to pay for it. I realized a long time ago that I liked to travel, and have picked a career that lets me travel as much or as little as I'd like (not sales trips but invited lectures). Once I'm there I can add a few days to the trip for fun.

FF miles, (my husband travels for biz and racks them up), forgoing certain luxuries, not having kids and shopping for deals.<BR><BR>I only stay in 4 star hotels, and I never pay more than $125- $150 a night for the privelege. I have spent HOURS researching on the net, scouring to get the best deal for my money, but I love when I am able to stay at a 4 star for what some sucker is paying for a Howard Johnson

Therese what do you do?<BR><BR>I want your job. Been searching for that since college!

curious's snotty question deserves every smart-assed answer its gotten. It doesn't want a real answer, it wants to insult everyone. <BR><BR>I've found stealing from mailboxes from the first of the month, ripping of money from drug dealers and starting up pyramid schemes has kept me in enough money to travel all I want. So, see, I am rich and have really good (stolen) credit, to answer your impertinent question.

I plan a big trip every few years and research, research, research. Then, save, save, save. <BR><BR>I spend loads of time checking prices all over the web. Recently looking at flight prices on travelocity I thought I would have to shell out $1000 for a flight to Italy, but it was a direct flight. I moved over to the United site, same flight $371! I rented a villa, and with that air fare, talked a bunch of people into traveling with me, so the accomodation cost went down.<BR><BR>When traveling, I don't splurge on food, maybe just have one fancy dinner.<BR><BR>Like road warrier, it's a matter of choosing what you spend your money on. I drive an 11 year old car. If I had a $300+ car payment, I wouldn't be headed to Europe this fall. My clothes budget is small.<BR><BR>Some expenses in life can't be avoided, but if you plan ahead you can get there, it may take years, but you have to think positive.<BR><BR>

Mugging little old ladies right after they have cashed their Social Security check might work as well....but not very nice.

Oh, God, I am laughing out loud!! Everyone is definitely putting their talent for witty comebacks to best advantage--and no one's getting hurt! I'll be checking back in.<BR>THANKS FOR THE CHUCKLES!!!

I have friends and relatives who buy new cars every 3 years, have all the latest electronic gadgets, splurge on dinners out several times a week, etc.<BR>We have a nice house, and 2 5-year old cars, 1 credit card which we keep under control, 2 kids in college which we planned for so are not in the poorhouse now trying to pay for it (of course scholarships help :) ). When we decide to travel, we live basically on 1 1/2 incomes and save half of mine until we have enough to go! It all depends on your priorities. My advice? Sell the truck, pay off the credit cards and tear them up, and don't take out any more mortgages! If you're in debt as much as it sounds like, your first priority is getting out of debt and not worrying about seeing Europe. Just don't default on those child support payments!!

To answer Envious's question, I'm an M.D. and professor at a medical school. I'm enough of an expert in my field that I get invited to lecture elsewhere (and end up turning down a fair number of invites). M.D.'s who choose academics make less money (in many cases LOTS less) than those in private practice, but one of the perks is travel. My husband is also an academic, so some of my travel is with him (and then I use my frequent flyer points to offset the cost of the trip).

Up till recently…I’ve been selling m’ organs…worked fine fer a while…but now I don’t breath too good and…when I drink a beer in a London pub…it jus’ dribbles down m’ laig…<BR><BR><BR>kin yew hep me?<BR>

Join the navy and see the world

Simple -- NO KIDS

Well, let's just say there were 40 years between my first and second trip to Paris. And other travel is usually every 4 years or so. My kids are grown and on their own so I waited a long time to have fun for myself. I live in a mortgage free house in a non-upscale neighborhood; have no credit card debt; buy decent clothes and keep them; and drive a 14 year old car (because I love it). I seldom eat out at home; I am a good cook. I spend my disposable income on theater, art and travel. And, I am lucky to earn a living that supports that and do it now rather than wait for "retirement" and possible poor health.

I’ve been doing “big” travel for the past five years, Europe 4 times and a major U.S. city that I’d never been two on the fifth year. I’m leaving for Paris in 6 days. I am self-employed and I rat-hole all the money I can during the year by doing what others have mentioned and then I travel during my slowest business time. In other words, when I have money I don’t have the time to travel and when I have the time to travel I have to be really careful with the funds.<BR><BR>I too am amazed at some of what I read here. I have never been able to afford anything over a two star hotel, but can’t say that I mind. A hotel is a place to shower and sleep and little more, at least to me. The managers of the hotel I’ve used since the first trip now know me and give me many nice perks and a bit of a price break as well. I consider them friends and we even exchange cards over the holidays. I usually make do with two meals a day when I travel. I’m 20 lbs. overweight as it is, so if I eat less and walk like Hades and come home thinner and more fit than when I’ve left, well, all the better.<BR><BR>I’ve made friends in England who apparently enjoy my company (they keep inviting me back). I love to stay with them and get a view of local home life, but I never stay more than a couple of days. I don’t “shop” when I travel, I doubt that I’ve ever spent more than $40 for a meal, and that’s the biggy-splurge meal of the trip. I do picnics in the public squares and eat the breakfast that comes with the room. I buy multi-day passes and ride the buses and the tube and not taxis. I pay attention to web specials and have never paid more than $500 for a roundtrip ticket to London (from the Midwest). Obviously I fly coach. If I can do just about anyone employed could do it too.<BR>

Don't let these peole fool you. They are all on the high end of the middle class, upper middle class or rich. If that is not the case they are d.i.n.k.s (double income no kids, in case you don't know) No one with more than one kid can afford much of this trans-continental travel in many, many families throughout the world<BR>when incomes and resources need to go to housing, food, clothing and education. Furthermore, many of the people here are travel snobs who long and hard down their noses at anyone who does not travel outside their own country.

I married the military! Seriously, we flew to Germany from Dover AFB on a C-5 for $3.20 per person including a meal. Granted, it took us 37 hours of travel (and lots of sitting) from the time we left our home in NC to the time we set foot on German soil and then actually arrived at our destination in Venice, but it was worth it! <BR><BR>Flew back to Germany on a C-130 from Aviano AFB and then back home on a C-5 again from Rammstein.<BR><BR>Being military has plenty of perks to take advantage of!

why Mr. Butler,<BR>whenever did you change your name from Rhett to Brett?? You are not trying to hide out from our Miss scarlett, are you? And she's such a sweetie honey!

Frequent flyer miles and good decisions on family expenses.

Totally agree with Cindy, Carolyn, DealHound, FairQuestion and others.<BR><BR>We got back from our latest trip on Tuesday (Salzburg, Vienna, Munich, Prague and Budapest). We got a post 9/11 $309 rt on Delta, 25% off Eurail SaverPass, and 50% off hotels. We got "city cards" in each city and used public transportation (all excellent), and ate wonderful wurst and sauerkraut in small cafe's or from street vendors, made our lunch from the hotel breakfast buffet, went to local supermarkets for wine and beer, etc, etc, etc. We do this every March right before the winter fares end, and sometimes in November when they begin.<BR><BR>I have a favorite saying I lay on friends who ask how we travel so much..."you can't spend the same money but once"! So, we choose to eat out when we travel, almost never while at home. We both drive 7 year old, perfectly good, paid for vehicles. We coupon shop at the grocery store and pay for as much as we can with American Express Delta Skymiles card (food, gas, etc.) In fact this is first trip out of the last 5 that we have had to pay for the airfare! We've done the last 3 in Business Elite, FREE!<BR><BR>I wear 10 year old tee shirts... but guess what ... they say things like "Top of the Rock" (Gibralter) on them, and the only place you can buy one is there :&gt;)<BR><BR>It all depends on what you think life is about... and for us it's actually SEEING the world! For example, we spent Easter weekend 3 years ago in Israel... you can't go now! And when we are watching CNN we see street corners that we were actually standing on, and shots of the "Dome of the Rock" or the "Wailing Wall" in the background and WE UNDERSTAND because we've been there! That's worth a heck of a lot to us!<BR><BR>56 countries down and a bunch to go :&gt;)<BR><BR>Best wishes to all,<BR><BR>Barry