What Is Your Travel SPLURGE...Or, Is Travel Your Splurge?
 

I am planning a couple of trips and in the course of conversation I have said something like:

* "Oh, now THAT hotel is our SPLURGE"

* "THAT restaurant is our restaurant SPLURGE"

* "When we go on that excursion, That is the excursion SPLURGE"...

I have several other designated travel SPLURGES such as a specific shopping day, spa day, special event or other named SPLURGE(S).

I believe that travel is a blessing yet, I have been informed during more than one conversation that TRAVEL is the splurge.

How is it for you? What is your travel splurge(s) or is travel the splurge?

Curious,
Oaktown Traveler

Travel is my big splurge unless you count the NY sundaes in Paris :-) I don't care about spending big bucks on hotels or even meals - I live to see the sites, people, history, culture. The more places I can go, the better. I don't think you can appreciate the world and people without travel.

I am not sure. When I splurge, I travel and when I travel, I splurge.
But carefully. Otherwise I go broke splurging.

I am sometimes like the guy on the psychiatrist's couch who said that he had a yacht, flew first class to Europe every year, stayed in the best hotels, ate only at the best restaurants, etc. The psychiatrist listened to him and then said, "I see. But what is the problem?" The guy on the couch said, "I only make $35,000 a year."

I think it differs from trip to trip, but when we were in London last October, our big splurge was to get wonderful (and expensive) seats at the Royal Opera House to see Madame Butterfly...worth every penny!

My big splurge on my last trip to Paris was on makeup. My mom and I saved enough money by buying Chanel skin care stuff in Paris instead of at home that we cover the cost of one round trip ticket from RDU to Paris... Come to think of it, maybe that was to practical to be a splurge :) I also like to save by eating kind of cheap so I can have at least one very nice meal.

We tend to like to go inexpensively. Probably should say "simply", as we still like a good comfortable place to stay and such. Something like 2*'s or 3*'s and B&Bs. I'm usually sorrier for things not done, than for money left unspent, but you can't take it with you either.

Our splurge usually is that one justification where a hotel, usually due to an outstanding view or location will cause us to rationalize paying more than the rest of the trip. A special meal for some sort of event, like an anniversary or birthday would be cause for a splurge meal, but there doesn't really have to be a reason.

Our splurge differs with the location. In London, it's the best seats possible for the shows we wish to see. In Paris, it's for a special dinner or two. Same in Italy. Haven't found anything specific to splurge on in Ireland or Germany yet, but we also hunt for favored antiques in all countries and will more easily purchase then we sometimes would at home.

Our hotel budget has been creeping up steadily, and I'm finding more and more that I enjoy staying at nicer hotels.

Our other splurges are often tickets to performances, unique souveniers (typically home decor things - antiques, original prints, etc.), and I always insist on a guided tour of someplace like the Kremlin or Pompeii, almost regardless of price - I just personally find that a private tour guide brings the area/objects to life in a way that highlights what I read on my own.

I splurge on things that make travel
easier. For example, taking a taxi from the airport to the hotel instead of saving money and taking the bus or train. I would spend more on a hotel that has the perfect location. I would spend the money on a tour guide if it meant I didn't have to wait in line. I want more time, less hassle.

the burj al arab hotel in dubai.

I usually use the "counter splurge technique".
When my 2 friends and I travelled for 4 weeks in Italy in 2001.....we stayed at a convent in Rome for $35AU each a night...we counterbalanced that with a stay in a fantastic villa for a week which cost us $1100AU each.
My next trip to Italy in July, has no evidence of the "counter splurge technique"..yet
but I am planning my first trip to New York for 2005...and was thinking of the Waldof Astoria??

KIMERLEY: I would reconsider the waldorf astroia. try the PLAZA OR THE RITZ CARLTON AT CENTRAL PARK.

Yes, for me travel IS the splurge. When I'm in Europe, I'm always on a budget. But since I've had to postpone my trip to Paris from May to September, I've decided to treat myself a little - so I'm staying in a 2 star hotel instead of a 1 star, going to have 12 full days (too good to be true!) and will probably take a day trip out of town using the TGV, which will cost a fortune. But I can't wait. Less than 6 months to go. :)

The trip is really the splurge,
but I do like to occasionally "splurge" on the hotel/apartment.
for me, having a rooftop terrace and a view while in Rome is worth every extra penny.

shopping for gold while in rome is a necessity :)

I never splurge on accomations (though I insist on best location) since I'm rarely there to appreciate it. I ALWAYS splurge on meals. It's important to have a least one meal that cost more than a nights room/apt. I tend to remember these meals long after I remember what nice furniture or paintings a room had.

Travel is my splurge. In that major "splurge" I have to add in all the books I buy before I go (Note to self...LIBRARY! so that I could afford to go again or stay longer...) But the weirdest thing I like to do for me is hire a car from home to the airport and the return. Sets my feet and feelings and mood right off in a positive splurgish manner...not a stretch, mind you, just a nice dark colored towne car...

we usually try to stay in a lesser hotel so we can extend our stay. we usually really splurge on food and wine. there is nothing like a really nice bottle of wine.

I splurge by dressing up and having a drink at a beautiful hotel bar, like the Ritz Paris. This is a hotel that is completely out of my reach but I can pretend a little this way.

I splurge by using my FF miles for first class tickets.

While departing Venice for the airport, we splurged on a water taxi. If you have to leave Venice, what a way to go.

Travel is the splurge for me but with clearly defined minimums. Can't afford 3* hotels but will spent inordinate (I am possessed!) amounts of time searching out a 2* that meets the usual concerns of quiet, safe neighbourhood, etc. but with loads of charm. Good food and pre-bought museum entrance passes are musts. I'm in my 40's and I think, for most of us, age reflects a changed attitude towards expenses - I'd rather wait a couple of months to save extra money in order to enjoy a trip the way I want. But what a dilemma! Cheers, Linda