If forced to spend twice as much on travel, what would you do?
Dec 26th, 2007, 09:08 PM
#1
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If forced to spend twice as much on travel, what would you do?
Suppose your travel plans are set (so far as destinations), and you are given extra money that you are required to spend on travel. You cannot add extra people or time, and you cannot give the money away to someone else. I know this is an unlikely hypothetical; it's a sort of thought experiment.
"Twice" is a figure of speech; I don't mean you need to mathematically calculate the amounts.
I think my top priority in this case would be to book top-quality seats at all the artistic and theatrical performances that interest me.
Assuming I hadn't run out of money yet, my second priority would be to upscale my restaurant and entree choices - again with much less thought to whether I could justify the cost.
My third priority would be to take expensive tours that sound interesting without worrying whether they are actually worth the cost.
Fourth priority would be to choose more convenient flights and transport plans.
Fifth priority would be to upscale my hotel choices, whether in terms of quality or location.
Now, please understand that during my travels I have not suffered in any significant way (you can't count the once or twice when I was caught in an amazingly powerful rainstorm, or the few times I've had blisters) during all my visits to Europe, and my deprivations have been minimal, compared to all the great experiences I've had. So I hope this list isn't seen as a complaint. It's more a matter of focusing priorities.
"Twice" is a figure of speech; I don't mean you need to mathematically calculate the amounts.
I think my top priority in this case would be to book top-quality seats at all the artistic and theatrical performances that interest me.
Assuming I hadn't run out of money yet, my second priority would be to upscale my restaurant and entree choices - again with much less thought to whether I could justify the cost.
My third priority would be to take expensive tours that sound interesting without worrying whether they are actually worth the cost.
Fourth priority would be to choose more convenient flights and transport plans.
Fifth priority would be to upscale my hotel choices, whether in terms of quality or location.
Now, please understand that during my travels I have not suffered in any significant way (you can't count the once or twice when I was caught in an amazingly powerful rainstorm, or the few times I've had blisters) during all my visits to Europe, and my deprivations have been minimal, compared to all the great experiences I've had. So I hope this list isn't seen as a complaint. It's more a matter of focusing priorities.
Dec 26th, 2007, 09:59 PM
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If I understand your hypothetical question correctly WillTravel I would upgrade my airline seats R/T to business class. That would be my first priority..if travelling a long distance.
If I had money left over I too would book top quality seats to artistic and theatrical performances assuming they were being held in the area that I was travelling to.
If not, or if I still had money left over I would, hmmm, just have more money to spend on food, wine, shopping etc. I guess. And yes a tour (if it was a suitable one) that normally I could not afford.
And probably last would be to upscale my lodgings although I have always stayed in suitable places, but yes upscaling would be good!
Ooooh, if I still had some money left over a new travel wardrobe would be lovely!
When may I receive the check, lol!
Wishing you some good trips in 2008 WillTravel. May 2008 be good to you and your loved ones, may it be filled with many joys, good health and many serene days.
If I had money left over I too would book top quality seats to artistic and theatrical performances assuming they were being held in the area that I was travelling to.
If not, or if I still had money left over I would, hmmm, just have more money to spend on food, wine, shopping etc. I guess. And yes a tour (if it was a suitable one) that normally I could not afford.
And probably last would be to upscale my lodgings although I have always stayed in suitable places, but yes upscaling would be good!
Ooooh, if I still had some money left over a new travel wardrobe would be lovely!
When may I receive the check, lol!
Wishing you some good trips in 2008 WillTravel. May 2008 be good to you and your loved ones, may it be filled with many joys, good health and many serene days.
Dec 27th, 2007, 03:38 AM
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My last European trip was to Italy. With twice as much money (not in any particular rank);
* We would fly business class.
* We would have better hotels.
* DH would eat more gelati, I'd drink more wine.
* We would spring for the after-hours tour of any museum that offered it.
* We would have hired a guide for the Roman Fora.
* I would have bought more souvenirs. As it was, I brought back almost nothing.
* Can I use it for a better camera?
* We would fly business class.
* We would have better hotels.
* DH would eat more gelati, I'd drink more wine.
* We would spring for the after-hours tour of any museum that offered it.
* We would have hired a guide for the Roman Fora.
* I would have bought more souvenirs. As it was, I brought back almost nothing.
* Can I use it for a better camera?
Dec 27th, 2007, 04:52 AM
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Hotel: We already spend much on hotels, but I would then take the hotels we already plan on and book the very best room. Or if available, a completely over the top villa or apt.
Shopping: I would buy alot more than I do now
Cultural events: Would book something of interest in the best seats for every night
Food: We already go over the top here
Airline: Book 1st class for all legs
Shopping: I would buy alot more than I do now
Cultural events: Would book something of interest in the best seats for every night
Food: We already go over the top here
Airline: Book 1st class for all legs
Dec 27th, 2007, 06:05 AM
#9
Top priority - business class for the flight to Europe (or both ways if going to Asia).
Then I'd upgrade my accommodation - I sleep cheap to eat well, and since I travel alone my room costs are higher than if I was sharing a double.
Definitely schedule some top-rate restaurants, although not for all my meals.
Rent a car for a few days for travel in the countryside - with automatic transmission and GPS - I can't drive and navigate at the same time, but doubt the money would run to a driver!
Consider buying some souvenirs, since I could afford to mail them home. Anything left over would go for an occasional tour guide.
Then I'd upgrade my accommodation - I sleep cheap to eat well, and since I travel alone my room costs are higher than if I was sharing a double.
Definitely schedule some top-rate restaurants, although not for all my meals.
Rent a car for a few days for travel in the countryside - with automatic transmission and GPS - I can't drive and navigate at the same time, but doubt the money would run to a driver!
Consider buying some souvenirs, since I could afford to mail them home. Anything left over would go for an occasional tour guide.
Dec 27th, 2007, 06:30 AM
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In many cases of upscaling, something is lost when something is gained. We lived in Germany for a few years and experimented some with stars in the Michelin Red Guide. We found some wonderful restaurants and hotels for some bigger bucks. However, we also found that mom and pop trattorias and gasthauses, and small, quiet hotels offered their own charms, sometimes more inviting charms. Wine from a jug was often more fun than from a bottle with an expensive label.
The one place that I would be certain of more benefit for more money would be more space on the flight. I noticed that seemed to make most lists.
Regards, Gary
The one place that I would be certain of more benefit for more money would be more space on the flight. I noticed that seemed to make most lists.
Regards, Gary
Dec 27th, 2007, 06:46 AM
#11
Hi, willT,
we did upscale somewhat on our summer trip to SA. Some bits were worth it, others not. you CAN get tired of some luxuries, but not of underfloor heating! [it was their winter]
my main splurge would be flying first class -the few times I've had a taste of it have convinced me that it's well worth the money. also taxis instead of buses.
regards, ann
we did upscale somewhat on our summer trip to SA. Some bits were worth it, others not. you CAN get tired of some luxuries, but not of underfloor heating! [it was their winter]
my main splurge would be flying first class -the few times I've had a taste of it have convinced me that it's well worth the money. also taxis instead of buses.
regards, ann
Dec 27th, 2007, 07:23 AM
#12
First, I'd purchase any and all "once in a lifetime" experiences I could. Like private access tours, hard to get tickets.
Second, I'd eat anywhere without regard for the price on the menu.
Third, I'd upgrade the flights.
Fourth, I'd buy more in terms of shopping (I really can't imagine buying more, but, ok...)
Lastly, I'd upgrade the hotel. I'm never there more than just to sleep, honestly, so it's of such little importance to me.
I've basically prioritized these in order of how much I think each affects my overall trip experience. Great question, WillTravel!
Second, I'd eat anywhere without regard for the price on the menu.
Third, I'd upgrade the flights.
Fourth, I'd buy more in terms of shopping (I really can't imagine buying more, but, ok...)
Lastly, I'd upgrade the hotel. I'm never there more than just to sleep, honestly, so it's of such little importance to me.
I've basically prioritized these in order of how much I think each affects my overall trip experience. Great question, WillTravel!
Dec 27th, 2007, 08:22 AM
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Since any worthwhile day in a European city involves alot of walking, I'll spend my money on a really good pair or walking shoes (maybe several pairs!) and then splurge on some quality time at a spa at the start or end of each day.
Dec 27th, 2007, 08:42 AM
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I would never pay out of my own pocket for upgraded airline seats.
You're talking more like a factor of 10 times the cost of some coach tickets for business or first class.
The food isn't even that great. The lie flat seats are nice but it's only one night of sleep.
It would cost close to $10k to go from the West Coast to Europe on business class.
I'd rather upgrade (slightly) the accommodations or better yet, extend my stay.
You're talking more like a factor of 10 times the cost of some coach tickets for business or first class.
The food isn't even that great. The lie flat seats are nice but it's only one night of sleep.
It would cost close to $10k to go from the West Coast to Europe on business class.
I'd rather upgrade (slightly) the accommodations or better yet, extend my stay.
Dec 27th, 2007, 09:22 AM
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Thanks for the interesting responses. LoveItaly - a new travel wardrobe is permissible under these "rules", but ideally you'd buy it in Europe! Thanks for the 2008 wishes; I hope the same for you.
For the airline seats, there are various relatively cheap upgrade possibilities short of paying $10K a seat (that's what much of FlyerTalk is about), although that would be a whole new area for me to exhaustively research.
I'd definitely consider private guides or drivers too.
The idea about walking shoes was really good too.
For the airline seats, there are various relatively cheap upgrade possibilities short of paying $10K a seat (that's what much of FlyerTalk is about), although that would be a whole new area for me to exhaustively research.
I'd definitely consider private guides or drivers too.
The idea about walking shoes was really good too.
Dec 27th, 2007, 09:44 AM
#16
Rent a Bimmer instead of a Fiat. Better yet, buy a Bimmer and ship it home after.
Look for learning opportunities - don't upgrade my restaurant choices necessarily, but how about a cooking class or two at some prestigious culinary school? Or a private tutor/guide for language immersion?
Go to Sotheby's and bid on something for real. Ooh.
Look for learning opportunities - don't upgrade my restaurant choices necessarily, but how about a cooking class or two at some prestigious culinary school? Or a private tutor/guide for language immersion?
Go to Sotheby's and bid on something for real. Ooh.
Dec 27th, 2007, 10:38 AM
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1. Upgrade flight
2. If I'm going to Germany,(again), would upgrade to a reasonably fast car.
3. I already try for the best seats at an opera etc but would attend a couple of more performances and take more guided tours.
4. Buy something fantastic to bring home.
5. Maybe bump hotels up a little, if it doesn't take away from the one fantastic thing I'm bringing home.
Of course, I wouldn't know that ahead of time, but since this is fantasy, I can pretend that I do.
2. If I'm going to Germany,(again), would upgrade to a reasonably fast car.
3. I already try for the best seats at an opera etc but would attend a couple of more performances and take more guided tours.
4. Buy something fantastic to bring home.
5. Maybe bump hotels up a little, if it doesn't take away from the one fantastic thing I'm bringing home.
Of course, I wouldn't know that ahead of time, but since this is fantasy, I can pretend that I do.
Dec 27th, 2007, 10:56 AM
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It depends on how much extra money it is. Given the funds:
Upgrade flights (if not already first)
Upgrade hotels to a couple of world class - just for the fun
We already do good seats at events we go to and have one special meal in each city. I don't know how many more truly special meals we could eat - and not gain weight or be too stuffed for touring.
And we already do First Class train and upgraded car rentals for road trips - since 1) neither of us is tiny - the beau is 6'3", and 2) we both enjoy driving fast cars fast. We also use cabs whenever it makes sense, although we do enjoy the experience of local mass transit some places (London and Paris for instance).
I have mixed feelings about private tours. If I were sure the guide was truly both erudite and interesting I would spring for it. But so many of our experiences with guides has been least common denominator - or truly droningly boring - I'd need proof before spending money on it.
Upgrade flights (if not already first)
Upgrade hotels to a couple of world class - just for the fun
We already do good seats at events we go to and have one special meal in each city. I don't know how many more truly special meals we could eat - and not gain weight or be too stuffed for touring.
And we already do First Class train and upgraded car rentals for road trips - since 1) neither of us is tiny - the beau is 6'3", and 2) we both enjoy driving fast cars fast. We also use cabs whenever it makes sense, although we do enjoy the experience of local mass transit some places (London and Paris for instance).
I have mixed feelings about private tours. If I were sure the guide was truly both erudite and interesting I would spring for it. But so many of our experiences with guides has been least common denominator - or truly droningly boring - I'd need proof before spending money on it.
Dec 27th, 2007, 11:06 AM
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Since we have to fly from Hawaii, without even having to think about it, I would use the money for business/first class seats.
With whatever money is leftover, I would pick a nicer hotel/apartment. We have always had to budget on this, and I would love to spoil myself on a great place to stay, with a great view...I would probably be heading to the parisperfect websites right now!
Third, I think I would defintely pick a amazing camera to take with me, as someone else listed below.
Fourth - I would spend the money on eating out a bit more, and use the extra money to buy fantastic things to bring home.
Fun Topic by the way
With whatever money is leftover, I would pick a nicer hotel/apartment. We have always had to budget on this, and I would love to spoil myself on a great place to stay, with a great view...I would probably be heading to the parisperfect websites right now!
Third, I think I would defintely pick a amazing camera to take with me, as someone else listed below.
Fourth - I would spend the money on eating out a bit more, and use the extra money to buy fantastic things to bring home.
Fun Topic by the way
Dec 27th, 2007, 11:19 AM
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I really like the idea of buying great seats to musical/theater events. I'd probably go with that.
I would not upgrade either hotels or restaurants as I am never comfortable in swanky places. (Oh, that's such an old-fashioned word isn't it? Swanky. LOL)
I would not upgrade either hotels or restaurants as I am never comfortable in swanky places. (Oh, that's such an old-fashioned word isn't it? Swanky. LOL)
