Found out my tax refund had been deposited in my account today--that meant time to buy my plane ticket! $577 on Continental (I'll get to earn Virgin miles, which I like) from Expedia--April 18th EWR-LHR and May 4th CDG-EWR.

I've been to the UK and Paris many times, but I will also be in Budapest for the first time--very much looking forward to visiting.

I still get all excited when I buy a ticket to someplace..

Yesss, I get excited too when I buy mine It's when I realize the trip is going on !!

Ours was deposited today but it's going to pay off the Italian red leather sofa we purchased when we got home from Italy in january. The couch was delivered today as well and now my living room smells like leather!

I know the feeling, there's nothing quite like it. It certainly confirms without a doubt that the trip is going to go ahead. Haven't got a tax refund, but hubby came home last night from work with a bonus. Yahooo, not spending it on any airfares though. We just got home from 5 weeks touring Europe in January - so some of it will go on the credit card debt and some of it on new shirts for his work. Plan on going back to Europe again in two years. Can't wait, but it seems such a long way off..... sigh

Me too, Miss Ziegfeld. I have a few trips going and am shopping for the details now. You know the Best Rate Guarantee that some hotels have, where they will match the lowest price you can find on the internet less 10-25%....well, I got an executive suite at one of those plush grand hotels for $90! That happened about a week ago and I am still all aglow.

Congrats on your ticket buying -- it sounds like you didn't let that refund languish in there too long.

Hey, Fidel , you have to teach me your methods to find those bargains !!

Yep, what a great feeling. My upcoming trip to London was "bought" with mileage, so it feels even better - almost like hunting, and you "bagged" one!

hi, sandi travelnut - I've never had the nerve to buy anything like a sofa on holiday - how much did the shipping cost?

Thanks, Ann

i think they bought it when they got HOME.

congrats on your tickets!

Aren't you someplace wonderful right now, lincasanova?

Yes, I too love the feeling when those tickets are purchased. Then starts the fun of getting the apartment or hotel and having a plan of what to do and see. We enjoy doing that research.

I re-read your post, maybe you are home now which also may be wonderful! Sounds as if you had a great trip!

I travel a lot for work and sometimes it gets annoying, but when I am able to use miles to book flights for myself, my niece and my sister to celebrate my niece's high school graduation (to where ever she would like to go in the world), it is all worth it..... !! She has chosen to go to Rome, Venice and Paris..... Have booked the flights, hotels and purchases rail tix. The rest is gravy. I can't wait to see their faces as they learn first hand why I love traveling to Europe so much!!

yes.. just got back from a quick trip to the mosel and rhein. still have to post some websites..

home is wonderful, too, once you get the laundry and cooking under control, not to mention restocking the fridge!

checking out fares for future "possible-i wish" trips

It's even better getting a freebie using FF miles when it's where and when you want.

Gee, I wish I had known buying plane tickets turns you on...I would gladly have allowed you to buy both of mine for Europe.

How could you be so heartless and selfish as to not tell me?

Well, have a great trip anyway!

I too love buying a plane ticket! The trip is set for sure.

But may I add a side note. When you get a refund from the IRS that means you have loaned the government your money without receiving any interest on it. It is best to pay (whether through your paycheck deductions if employeed or your quarterly IRS payments) the amount you will owe for the year. The difference that you have been paying can be invested if only in a CD. That way you will have more money for travelling. End of lecture lol! And wishing you a wonderful trip MissZiegfeld.