progol

Absolutely affecting the way I'm thinking about my trip!<BR>My husband and I are both self-employed, and have felt the affects of the economic downturn. <BR>We do have plans to go to France &amp; Spain this summer, but I'm leaving it open as to whether or not we go. Our tickets are through accumulated mileage and I've reserved in more 2-star hotels than in previous years; but I'm still concerned about the cost.<BR>I'm celebrating a significant birthday this year, and we will probably still go, but I admit to more 2nd thoughts about going than I have for many years.<BR>Paule

chrisp

Hey if you need to stay in a five star hotel to enjoy yourself then yes it affects travel plans. Fortunately the $ rules the world over. Money talks, don't buy into the CNN crowds Fear tactics. just travel and enjoy yourself and stop being a VICTIM. FLY, EAT, ENJOY LIFE. And leave the politics at home for the TV crowd.

pakitty

I've always been concerned about the costs of travel, and stay in B&amp;Bs and 3-star hotels in order to travel more. I stay in one location 7-10 days which cuts down on transporation costs; also buy half-price or student theatre tickets, eat cheaply, and take the subway rather than taxis. This forum and the internet in general help me find some pretty good deals. The threat of war may have contributed to a price war between British Airways and USAirways that saved me about $300.<BR>I was considering taking a 5 week graduate course this summer, which would have meant foregoing any vacation. Just the thought was depressing me, and when I avoided that, it only took about 10 minutes to figure out where I'll go this spring. I plan to travel as much as I can while I'm able, and guess I'm fortunate that I can be happy with cheaper accommodations. I used to travel a lot for the government and we used to joke that the low allowances taught us how to travel cheap; now I'm thankful they did.

chrisp

Ditto Pakitty,......... Are you traveling to see other lands or other hotel rooms. Stay in the cheaper places and B&amp;Bs and stay LONGER. If you are staying in the room go to your local HILTON!!!

Cassandra

Good grief, to have to scale down your usual travel arrangements from five star to four, such privation! Perhaps the problem here is that Roccco posted on the Europe board, where many of the posters are, in fact, European and therefore not immediately afflicted by the American economic weakness.<BR><BR>Some of us Americans, however, have been cutting it quite close all along just to be able to travel to and in Europe at all. Travel is still a priority for us, but getting to Europe and affording it once there is now enough of a challenge that the trip we might have taken next year is going to have to wait a while. We will travel closer to home -- look out, Canada, here we come!

orgy7

I have been a contrerian investor for years so in my stocks I have not been bashed too much... but big deal. it's not like I have much money anyways.. and what litle I do it just about all 75% goes to things realate too my travels..

lynlor

Elle, <BR> The price of oil is $ 37.00 per barrel, not $69.00 per barrel. Gas is $2.00..plus or minus per gallon in the USA. This is less than the cost of a gallon of botlled water and less than the cost that Europeans pay for their gallon of gas.

fergie12

Definitely affected travel plans... cancelled a trip to Paris once we saw my husband's job was in peril. Sure enough, he was laid off six weeks before the trip date. When you have to save the trip money for the mortgage, priorities get rearranged. Now on top of that, a made-up war looms. Maybe I'll just plan and daydream about a trip in 2004. Fodor's offers vicarious thrills for those of us who aren't going! Keep the posts coming!

rnc

Roccco,just think how safe you would be if SH disarmed. Bushed economy? The market crapped out in march of 2000,Clinton was still in office.And,BooHoo,you have to shop around for travel bargains. Things could be alot worse for you. Quit crying,after all,you're taking your one lucky trip this year.

elle

Sorry--I read $39 per barrel and typed $69.

orgy7

MC actually the econemy (Corperate profits) started crapping out in 1997, but NO ONE cared. since greed ruled the land..and making no money ment a good buseness model.. <BR><BR>housing is NEXT.. OH well, se ya all somewhere around the world..

kismetchimera

For Fergie12, I am so sorry to hear about your husband losing his job and the cancellation of your trip to Paris. But dont worry, a year pass by quickly and it is fun to dream about all the places that we want to see someday. Anyway Fergie, I will be in paris in july and will keep you in my mind and have a toast in your honor..Ciao

Patty

We'll end up spending more days traveling this year but actually less number of trips because we've decided to stay longer at each place which cuts down on the average per day costs. Places where we used to go on a couple of one week or shorter trips, we'll do a single two or three week trip instead. I'm also finding lots of great deals due to travel fears and the economy, and using FF miles and hotel points to redeem free air/hotel wherever I can.

Scarlette_019

SIGH.....I'm reading all these posts with absolute envy! I just hope I can travel anywhere *near* this amount someday! Don't forget its a blessing to go on even ONE trip! Lots of people don't even get that...

MyBelle

You are alone to some of us it seems. This year we are actually planning a possible 3 European trips as to the usual 1 or 2. I also agree with the poster that the market &quot;crapped out&quot; under the Bubba administration and do you know what??? If George W. could give you a ride on his missile for free I bet he would a lot faster than (your) Clinton. You obviously swing to the left! But all politics aside, you budget and work for what you want in life and if you are lucky enough as many of the posters on this site (yourself included) to travel at all and enjoy it. You have been blessed! So, buck up little camper and enjoy being on the right side of things! Happy travels! <BR>

mpprh

Hi<BR><BR>This has had a very positive impact on my travel plans.<BR><BR>I'm thinking of taking another US trip after a gap of 5 yrs !<BR><BR>Peter<BR>Languedoc, France<BR>http://tlp.netfirms.com<BR><BR>

Bob_C

We travel to Europe on investment income. So no income to trip to Italy. We will spend a week in Maine and maybe a short drive somewhere. When the market comes back we will be at a sidewalk cafe in Paris.

Jack

I read in the Wall Street Journal today that because of its financial problems, Germany is talking about imposing the 16% VAT on all flights into and out of Germany. Apparently, it is putting pressure on other EU countries to do the same. This could substantially increase ticket prices at a time when European travel is down and the airline industry is barely surviving. Perhaps this will be a good year to see more of the U.S.

seafox

In light of the further weakeing dollar, the election and recent news reports about the economy, I thought it might be fun to raise this one again and see what folks have to say.......If we all chip in $58,000 we can pay off the national debt and maybe travel again......

hansikday

seafox, this has really been beat to death the last couple of weeks and lead to much conflict on the board.

Simple solution: go if you can afford it and don't go if you can't. Stop worrying over things you have no control over.

I will refrain from commenting on the growth of the american economy since this thread first surfaced a year ago.