During the gas crisis of the 70s, we planned our summer so that we vacationed "in the city" and literally took 10-days "off" venturing to a new location each day, planned to the hilt with 5 youngsters, to see the local sites. The say might include (someone, Wowowow, kill that scrolling Most Popular this Week item before I do it!) a causual supper out, too, or an evening at the Fairmount, dressed to the "9s", but the children loved every minute of each day. In fact, we were amazed that they adored returning to their own beds at night.

Last weekend, some dumbbell on CNN reported that people he had been "talking to (he didn’t say who, where, when, or their IQ)," were all telling him that they didn’t know what they were going to do with this economy (wrong term!!) - they had to cancel summer vacations, planned purchases, etc. (was it King?). What an idiotic concern in times like our nation is, finally, facing. Passing up on vacations should be what everyone does, unless a great bargain (and there are incredible bargains right now - just found one airfare and 4-nights in hotel to Barcelona for $239. rt) can be found making it far less expensive to "go" than stay home! Home is what people are losing; they should treasure them!

Nothing is different, we’ve been stirring the same "pot" of cash since the 80s, with nothing new going in, folks, it was all "on credit (in the most macro of terms!)."

We must keep reality alive and well in our minds — and remember — as the helicopter was escorted off the WH lawn, the chickens came home to roost - it was the only time they dared shed their feathers of fiction.

 

Vacations - nothing can surpass a Via Rail trip through Canada. The elders and disabled are allowed to take anyone else with them at no extra cost, which means (to me) it’s wise to split the cost of a stateroom for 2, and stay on the train at stop-overs, instead of detraining and taking rooms in a local hotel. I’ve done their celtic villages tour along the NS shores, and it was enchanting (I think that one is no longer on the tours), but still they offer superb travel in total comfort for anyone.

I’ll split if someone wants to go again!

Hi all! Sorry I’ve been away so long, but medical issues have had me over whelmed. As for vacations, QM and I are not cancelling them. We are taking a 7 day cruise next month instead of a longer one. We are also capitalizing on frequent flyer mileage for a longer flight to visit family in June. As for next year, QM will turn 80 and we are still planning on taking a much longer cruise to celebrate. I save and plan all year for upcoming trips. I shop every possible discount without sacrificing my comfort level for flights and cruises. I have found if you ask if there is something or some way to cut costs (like adjusting dates of travel) you can save quite a bit. I must say that I am blessed to have had a father who planned well for QM and his retirement. Now a widow, she hasn’t had to make any adjustments in lifestyle without the economic downturn because her losses were not in money used for living expenses. We also live in a location considered a great winter/spring tourist destination. Right now we have major league baseball spring training going on and the weather will continue to get better until June. I can’t complain about anything except not having the ocean to play in, but that is just a short hour flight away. My Best to All. CA

For myself personally over the last few years, it has been more the quality of how I spend my time and where I go. So this year, I am going to Florida to swim with the dolphins, something I have always wanted to do, and going to Chicago to spend a few days on Michigan Ave. and the pier, which is just something I have always enjoyed doing.

Thank you for the wonderful suggestions.!  

Vacations are a necessity for me….for my mental health. If I can’t get away from my state at least once a year for a few days I would go crazy. I’ve taken vacation with a wallet full of cash and been on vacation with "just enough" money to get by. For me its not about how much money I have, it’s emotionally extracting myself from the physical stresses of my environment.

The old adage "where ever you go, there you are" is not necessarily true for me when I vacation. I forget about everyone and everything in my real life when I am away.  That’s why I love Las Vegas and it’s slogan "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!"   Thank goodness, if it didn’t I’d have a ton of explaining to do! :-)

My life is a vacation now that I am retired in Down East Maine.  I look out the window at an island in the river, the woods surround my home, I see wild life regularly , I eat lobster whenever I want to…who needs air ports, traffic or crowds..I guess I am just old and cranky now, or maybe just filled with wonderful life experiances that I review often in my head.  I have lived and traveled the world over, it’s just good to be home. I am very grateful and blessed.

well I decided that instead of going away on vacations I would do a "stay-cation."  Thats where one stays at home but goes to all the local tourist spots and just gets reaquainted with whats offered. Being in San Diego affords alot of choices…and its only 30 minutes to the beach in one direction and 45 minutes to the mountains in the other, so hey! Can’t go wrong no matter which direction I choose!

HI Kermie, I am dreamin’ too.  My goal is a three week road trip through Italy.  My husband & I need to study Italian for that one.  I was there a few years back and came home a different person.  I love to travel- several trips a year usually…but this year is another story.

C Hardy, we love to travel.   Rappahannock is an easy day trip for us. I have a fondness for small towns.   I loved the small downtown area of your town.  I don’t mind flying as I have to do so every three months to see my three grandchildren.   Every year I rent a beach house for all of my children and grandchildren to congregate for a week.  That’s the most fun of all.

I envy you your boating excursions on the river especially as the sun sets.   Think of me this summer as you cruise around in your boat with people you love!   What a great life!

I’ve only ever been on 1 cruise and I have to say it was awesome and Dona it was from New York to Nove Scotia. It was fabulous and I’ll never forget any part of it. Stopping at all the great places along the way. One of my favorites was Bar Harbor. I think I could live there. I’d take the same cruise again if I could.