Just cancelled Paris trip--I'm so bummed :(
May 3rd, 2011, 03:17 AM
#24
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Can you not book flights further in advance, e.g. book now for next May ? Maybe it works differently in the US but in the UK, usually the earlier you book, the cheaper - so I try to book as soon as they go on sale.
May 3rd, 2011, 05:33 PM
#26
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I'd be bummed, too, MelJ!
I've never had to cancel a planned trip (though I came close once), but I have spent many, many years when I simply could not afford to even contemplate a trip. And since I love to travel, those times have been difficult!
If you want words from Venus, I assure you that you have my wholehearted sympathy.
If you want words from Mars, I thought hez offered an interesting suggestion, at least if you are in North America - neither Quebec City nor Montreal can substitute for Paris, of course, but both have great food at affordable prices, some great areas for strolling or shopping, and some worthy museums - and French speaking people (making it feel life France) who are bilingual and perfectly willing to speak English (making it quite different than my only experience of Paris!). I once took a 10-day trip these 2 cities that cost WAY less than a trip to Europe would have cost for far less time. And I once spent 3 full weeks in the Yucatan and neighboring parts of Mexico for less than it would have cost to go to and spend a week in Paris as a solo traveler. I had been really depressed that I couldn't afford to go to Paris - or any other major European city - that year, and suddenly realized that there are other, cheaper!, places that I also want to visit. Perhaps there is something you would like to see that you can visit within your price range?
Hoping this helps!
I've never had to cancel a planned trip (though I came close once), but I have spent many, many years when I simply could not afford to even contemplate a trip. And since I love to travel, those times have been difficult!
If you want words from Venus, I assure you that you have my wholehearted sympathy.
If you want words from Mars, I thought hez offered an interesting suggestion, at least if you are in North America - neither Quebec City nor Montreal can substitute for Paris, of course, but both have great food at affordable prices, some great areas for strolling or shopping, and some worthy museums - and French speaking people (making it feel life France) who are bilingual and perfectly willing to speak English (making it quite different than my only experience of Paris!). I once took a 10-day trip these 2 cities that cost WAY less than a trip to Europe would have cost for far less time. And I once spent 3 full weeks in the Yucatan and neighboring parts of Mexico for less than it would have cost to go to and spend a week in Paris as a solo traveler. I had been really depressed that I couldn't afford to go to Paris - or any other major European city - that year, and suddenly realized that there are other, cheaper!, places that I also want to visit. Perhaps there is something you would like to see that you can visit within your price range?
Hoping this helps!
May 4th, 2011, 07:52 AM
#27
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Hi, kja:
We took the family (kids and grandkids) to the Riviera Maya in Mexico a year ago and, yes, they have wonderful all-inclusive deals.
Canada sounds great, too.
The bottom line is that I am a Paris-lover and nothing substitutes, so I'll save my pennies for getting there as soon as possible!
Avalon: STOP IT RIGHT NOW!!!!!
We took the family (kids and grandkids) to the Riviera Maya in Mexico a year ago and, yes, they have wonderful all-inclusive deals.
Canada sounds great, too.
The bottom line is that I am a Paris-lover and nothing substitutes, so I'll save my pennies for getting there as soon as possible!
Avalon: STOP IT RIGHT NOW!!!!!
May 4th, 2011, 09:44 AM
#28
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We all have to tighten our belts and we want to have any hope of a brighter future. Feel confident that it's only a temporary sacrifice. Now save. Just a little every month adds up. Speaking only for myself, I've become spoiled by all the years of plenty and right now it is looking extremely tight as far as scheduling a summer AND Christmas trip to Europe this year. My wife, who is more fiscally responsible than myself, insists that we will find a way but without running up the credit cards. We've been down that hole and it took years to climb out.
I agree with the idea of visiting Quebec. I consider it "France-lite". It's no bargain now either with the USD up against the CAD, but airfare will be cheaper.
I agree with the idea of visiting Quebec. I consider it "France-lite". It's no bargain now either with the USD up against the CAD, but airfare will be cheaper.
