I do believe it is all relative. There are certain things I will splurge on, others I won't.<BR><BR>I won't pay extra to stay in a hotel "on the bay" or "with a view" since I'm at the hotel to sleep and shower, not to admire the view. However, I will pay to have my own bathroom and to have clean amenities. Saving a buck one time found bugs in my luggage and a less than clean room.<BR><BR>Normally I will fly coach. But after traveling recently with my mom, who while younger than most has terribly bad knees, I vow that if we travel together again, I will go business class for her comfort at least.<BR><BR>It comes down to comfort and preference I guess. I agree with the person who said "If I take the hot air balloon that costs $XXX...I'll remember it for my life" I've had many experiences in Europe and at home like that, and haven't yet regretted handing over the bucks to pay for them. But I do have friends who stopped going to baseball games when bleacher seats went up to $16, so go figure.

That proves it is all relative, I would pay for the view room gladly, even if just to wake up and go to sleep with a view, but would skip the hot air balloons. No one could ever tell me if something is worth it, unless I know that person well enough to know they know me well enough.

You are all correct. There is no one answer. Some of our best experiences in Europe have been absolutely free or very inexpensive. Some of our best have been very expensive.....but worth it at the time.<BR><BR>My belief is that if you have the money and can afford it....go for it and enjoy. There are no baggage racks on hearses and you will all have money in some account the day you die. Enjoy what you can afford and don't look back.<BR><BR>Me? Been to Europe 25+ times. Heading to China in September. Yahoo!

A bit of a digression, but in same ball park: just tonite I talked to my 2 sisters-in-law who had consultations with plastic surgeon today re face lifts. These women are not wealthy; all I could think of was how many trips to Europe they could have for the price of these surgeries! Just depends upon values, as we've all said above!

topping my favourite thread!

ttt

I liked this thread and thought it should be continued. When we travel I want no less then what I have at home. I live a comfortable life in NYC and want the same if not better when I travel. I want a 3+ star hotel, a convienet location , most 4/5 star hotels are usually in business districts. I wnat to eat in local cafes and places where the locals eat. I don't care about michelin stars, but i will spend for hotels, tours,tickets and what ever trinkets make me happy.<BR>Do we splurge for first class on the eurostar ? Never had too, usually so many empty cars we end up being only people in car and I can walk to get my own lunch. Will I take a cab over the subway YES I do it at home I do when we travel. Do we rent a large car when we travel, yes We drive a luxury car & SUV at home and don;t want to sacrifcy the safety in a tiny European Car. At home we prefer a small ethnic restaurant Instead of the trendy ones with the pompous Opus One Swilling In Crowd . I guess it is really ones personal taste

Something is worth it if you enjoyed the reseults of the decision and would do it again the same way.<BR>

I seldom post just to say I agree, but Myer, I totally agree with your assessment of "worth it." (See Myer's reply right above this one)