Comments on: Budgeting for Vacation, and While I’m Away http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/ Common sense advice on money saving tips, how to get out of debt, high interest savings accounts, cd rates, money market accounts, mortgage rates, money management and more. Fri, 24 May 2013 10:13:33 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: MVP http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/comment-page-1/#comment-92881 MVP Tue, 17 Jul 2007 04:04:49 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/#comment-92881 We have a "vacation fund" part of our budget. Each month, we set aside a certain amount that we save for our next trip. Currently, it's $100 per month, but we raise and lower that amount at times depending on the circumstances. That takes some of the sting out of gas, food and other costs associated with our vacations. We have a “vacation fund” part of our budget. Each month, we set aside a certain amount that we save for our next trip. Currently, it’s $100 per month, but we raise and lower that amount at times depending on the circumstances. That takes some of the sting out of gas, food and other costs associated with our vacations.

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]]> By: G. Chai http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/comment-page-1/#comment-92861 G. Chai Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:58:57 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/#comment-92861 You folks have a great time! I look forward to read your financial experiences in Europe. You folks have a great time! I look forward to read your financial experiences in Europe.

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]]> By: Laura http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/comment-page-1/#comment-92760 Laura Mon, 16 Jul 2007 15:46:06 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/#comment-92760 J.D. I hope you have a great trip! In case you check your comments while you're away, I have a cheap eating suggestion for England and Ireland. "Jacket potatoes" (baked potatoes) are enormous and delicious over there, and they won't cost much at all. Happy travels! J.D.

I hope you have a great trip! In case you check your comments while you’re away, I have a cheap eating suggestion for England and Ireland. “Jacket potatoes” (baked potatoes) are enormous and delicious over there, and they won’t cost much at all. Happy travels!

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]]> By: Sam http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/comment-page-1/#comment-92707 Sam Mon, 16 Jul 2007 12:28:20 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/#comment-92707 Can't wait to hear all about the trip and how the budgeting worked out. While it may seem like a downer to plan for spending during a trip or a vacation, I did so for my annual Memorial Day trip and it was super fun to come back and not have any bills to ruin my great vacation memories. Husband and I are currently saving for our Labor Day trip too. Can’t wait to hear all about the trip and how the budgeting worked out.

While it may seem like a downer to plan for spending during a trip or a vacation, I did so for my annual Memorial Day trip and it was super fun to come back and not have any bills to ruin my great vacation memories. Husband and I are currently saving for our Labor Day trip too.

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]]> By: Gwyn http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/comment-page-1/#comment-92560 Gwyn Sat, 14 Jul 2007 23:34:00 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/#comment-92560 Hate to break it to you, but New York isn't in Europe. I don't know how long you've been living under the shadow of such an enormous misapprehension but now you know. Thank me later ;) Have a great trip Hate to break it to you, but New York isn’t in Europe. I don’t know how long you’ve been living under the shadow of such an enormous misapprehension but now you know. Thank me later

;)

Have a great trip

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]]> By: MoneyNing http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/comment-page-1/#comment-92557 MoneyNing Sat, 14 Jul 2007 22:38:30 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/#comment-92557 Not quite sure if you will read this but have fun on your trip! I never get wy people can reduce the cable bill by $50 since that must mean they had a very high bill to begin with! I applaud you for taking the effort to make the cable bill more reasonable though! Not quite sure if you will read this but have fun on your trip!

I never get wy people can reduce the cable bill by $50 since that must mean they had a very high bill to begin with! I applaud you for taking the effort to make the cable bill more reasonable though!

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]]> By: Kristina http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/comment-page-1/#comment-92556 Kristina Sat, 14 Jul 2007 22:08:54 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/#comment-92556 Hi JD, Have a great trip! I hope you will consider altering your travel mentality just a little...stop all of those desperate thoughts of "I have to do X or spend X money because I will never have the chance again." Instead, assume that you will continue to be a world traveler, and that as you get out of debt and build wealth you'll be able to travel as much as you wish. Realize that going to Europe isn't a big deal - it's there waiting for you and easy to get to any time you decide to return. I've returned to my favorite countries numerous times (as well as going to new ones). It's easy to blow a budget when you have the mentality of "I better buy this or pay to do this expensive activity" because I'll never have the chance again. It makes it easy to justify lots of spending! I'm not saying you should travel like a miser, but you also don't need to go crazy under the false impression that this is a once-in-a-lifetime thing. As for daily budget - 57 Euros a day is plenty. Breakfast can be cheap, especially if it's from a grocery store or free at the hotel. Lunches in pubs are authentic and affordable. And there are local items - like cheap kebab shops and Indian restaurants in England - that make a budget easier. Enjoy! Hi JD,

Have a great trip! I hope you will consider altering your travel mentality just a little…stop all of those desperate thoughts of “I have to do X or spend X money because I will never have the chance again.” Instead, assume that you will continue to be a world traveler, and that as you get out of debt and build wealth you’ll be able to travel as much as you wish. Realize that going to Europe isn’t a big deal – it’s there waiting for you and easy to get to any time you decide to return. I’ve returned to my favorite countries numerous times (as well as going to new ones). It’s easy to blow a budget when you have the mentality of “I better buy this or pay to do this expensive activity” because I’ll never have the chance again. It makes it easy to justify lots of spending! I’m not saying you should travel like a miser, but you also don’t need to go crazy under the false impression that this is a once-in-a-lifetime thing.

As for daily budget – 57 Euros a day is plenty. Breakfast can be cheap, especially if it’s from a grocery store or free at the hotel. Lunches in pubs are authentic and affordable. And there are local items – like cheap kebab shops and Indian restaurants in England – that make a budget easier.

Enjoy!

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]]> By: daria http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/comment-page-1/#comment-92555 daria Sat, 14 Jul 2007 21:48:54 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/#comment-92555 Boomie: Yes, he did "Because the exchange rate is so poor, we each decided to save $2,000 for meals and spending cash." Boomie: Yes, he did “Because the exchange rate is so poor, we each decided to save $2,000 for meals and spending cash.”

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]]> By: Marlene http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/comment-page-1/#comment-92554 Marlene Sat, 14 Jul 2007 21:46:53 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/#comment-92554 Postcards make inexpensive souvenirs. Postcards make inexpensive souvenirs.

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]]> By: boomie http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/comment-page-1/#comment-92553 boomie Sat, 14 Jul 2007 21:19:08 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/#comment-92553 uh, JD, did you think about the euro exchange rate? your $2000 will be worth $1200 in europe which over 21 days is $57 USA a day. Not much to do or eat anything with. I know he is gone but he is going to be in for a real surprise. Having just returned from europe, even buying food in the supermarkets, eating in cafe's are gonna cost you. What about museums, galleries, trains, transportation????? I hope his aunt has big bucks or a credit card. Otherwise he will be eating at McDonald's in NYC, Germany and England. We'll see when he gets back. American money is worthless overseas and NYC. I bought my french and italian souvenirs here in America. they were cheaper here than buying them there!!!! uh, JD, did you think about the euro exchange rate? your $2000 will be worth $1200 in europe which over 21 days is $57 USA a day. Not much to do or eat anything with.
I know he is gone but he is going to be in for a real surprise. Having just returned from europe, even buying food in the supermarkets, eating in cafe’s are gonna cost you. What about museums, galleries, trains, transportation?????
I hope his aunt has big bucks or a credit card. Otherwise he will be eating at McDonald’s in NYC, Germany and England.
We’ll see when he gets back. American money is worthless overseas and NYC.
I bought my french and italian souvenirs here in America. they were cheaper here than buying them there!!!!

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]]> By: daria http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/comment-page-1/#comment-92545 daria Sat, 14 Jul 2007 18:06:21 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/#comment-92545 I disagree with Valerie on the buying advice. I have largely given up buying souvenirs when traveling. They don't mesh with my decor at home (clutter-free and modern) and they always look cooler abroad than they do at home. And a lot of things are not good quality in your typical tourist stores. Adventures and pictures are much better memories than more stuff. I disagree with Valerie on the buying advice. I have largely given up buying souvenirs when traveling. They don’t mesh with my decor at home (clutter-free and modern) and they always look cooler abroad than they do at home. And a lot of things are not good quality in your typical tourist stores. Adventures and pictures are much better memories than more stuff.

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]]> By: Marlene http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/comment-page-1/#comment-92541 Marlene Sat, 14 Jul 2007 17:27:12 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/#comment-92541 Enjoy your vacation. Enjoy your vacation.

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]]> By: The Tim http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/comment-page-1/#comment-92535 The Tim Sat, 14 Jul 2007 15:49:02 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/#comment-92535 Have fun! Have fun!

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]]> By: Patrick http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/comment-page-1/#comment-92528 Patrick Sat, 14 Jul 2007 13:58:14 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/#comment-92528 JD & Kris - I echo Valerie... I lived in the UK for almost 3 years via the USAF. I also loved it and miss it. I was able to see a few countries in Europe and plan on going back. Europeans are much more frugal by nature, and reuse or recycle almost everything - something I wish more Americans did. OK, for a money tip: Tipping in Europe is much different than in the US. Sometimes tips are included in the menu price, if not 5-10% is the norm. In England you don't tip bartenders. You offer to buy them a drink, and they ring up the price of the drink (the money goes to them). Have a great time! ;) JD & Kris – I echo Valerie… I lived in the UK for almost 3 years via the USAF. I also loved it and miss it. I was able to see a few countries in Europe and plan on going back. Europeans are much more frugal by nature, and reuse or recycle almost everything – something I wish more Americans did.

OK, for a money tip: Tipping in Europe is much different than in the US. Sometimes tips are included in the menu price, if not 5-10% is the norm. In England you don’t tip bartenders. You offer to buy them a drink, and they ring up the price of the drink (the money goes to them).

Have a great time! ;)

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]]> By: Sean http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/comment-page-1/#comment-92527 Sean Sat, 14 Jul 2007 13:54:16 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/#comment-92527 JD, Good luck. You should have a great time in Europe. Some things have to be considered outside of just the dollar amount. The experience of traveling has changed me (for the better, I hope!) as a person. And being able to travel with your family will make memories that will last you a lifetime. One of the secrets I've learned from traveling as well is you don't need alot of money. Going to the local grocery store, hanging out in the local parks, eating at little cafe's and carts with the locals makes for an authentic experience that can't be beat. Good luck, have fun and be safe! JD,
Good luck. You should have a great time in Europe. Some things have to be considered outside of just the dollar amount. The experience of traveling has changed me (for the better, I hope!) as a person. And being able to travel with your family will make memories that will last you a lifetime.

One of the secrets I’ve learned from traveling as well is you don’t need alot of money. Going to the local grocery store, hanging out in the local parks, eating at little cafe’s and carts with the locals makes for an authentic experience that can’t be beat.

Good luck, have fun and be safe!

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]]> By: Mark Andersen http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/comment-page-1/#comment-92526 Mark Andersen Sat, 14 Jul 2007 13:37:03 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/#comment-92526 Sounds like you will have a blast. It may be interesting to post a How New Yorkers can save money or why Europeans are better savers than Americans. I can't wait to see what you come up with! Sounds like you will have a blast. It may be interesting to post a How New Yorkers can save money or why Europeans are better savers than Americans. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

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]]> By: valerie http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/comment-page-1/#comment-92522 valerie Sat, 14 Jul 2007 12:24:57 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/07/14/budgeting-for-vacation-and-while-im-away/#comment-92522 JD & Kris - have a great time in Europe!! I lived in Germany for 3 years via the Army and loved it dearly, and after being back for 13 years - miss it dearly. My advice to you on purchasing anything or experiencing anything is to just go for it. My motto was - "If you like it, get it. Because you don't know if you'll be back." I learned a great deal about living frugally and without waste by observing and living among the Europeans, I am curious to see what you two experience. Have fun!! JD & Kris – have a great time in Europe!! I lived in Germany for 3 years via the Army and loved it dearly, and after being back for 13 years – miss it dearly. My advice to you on purchasing anything or experiencing anything is to just go for it. My motto was – “If you like it, get it. Because you don’t know if you’ll be back.”

I learned a great deal about living frugally and without waste by observing and living among the Europeans, I am curious to see what you two experience.

Have fun!!

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