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Home > Cheap vacation - does it work or is that even a good idea?

Cheap vacation - does it work or is that even a good idea?

April 10th, 2009 at 08:37 pm

I am planning our trip to Hawaii right now.
We got cheap tickets. We got a reasonably priced nice hotel with promotion like $180 a night.

But activities - that adds up to a lot. I am a scuba diver - and I want DH to get certified on this trip so that we could dive together. Certification is around $500, plus $150 per day per person for 2 boat dives, plus equipment rentals.

But being in Hawaii, in those warm waters and marine life and sit on a beach without taking advantage of it? How can we do that?

We would also like to try a surfing lesson - it always looked interesting and we'll be near a beach with ideal conditions for beginners.

Snorkeling, exploring some of the island on horseback. All of it is more pricey per day than hotel cost.

Yet coming all the way there and not doing these things, that does not make sense. That is why vacations never work out cheaply for us. We can't just not take opportunities that are right there.

I am conflicted about it. I thought when I booked these super cheap tickets that this would make it an inexpensive break. But as I am learning about all the things that are available, I am realizing it won't be.

I guess not matter what we plan, we can't be just one of those people (like my mom) who can lay on a hotel beach all week, no matter how nice it is. That makes trips much more expensive.

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments »

5 Responses to “Cheap vacation - does it work or is that even a good idea?”

  1. Apprentice Bliss Hunter Says:
    April 10th, 2009 at 10:09 pm 1239401375
    1239401375

    Good point...

    I'm in a similar dilemma myself... I'm 30 next month and was hoping to take a short holiday to celebrate... but don't have specific money saved... could end up raiding EF...

    so am in 2 minds as to what to do....

    My deeper feeling is that it's better to really make holidays enjoyable as opposed to scrimping by.... so I might defer my holiday until I have the spare cash... don't want to go on hols and not enjoy myself to the max...

    The only suggestion I have for you is to maybe postpone until you have more cash saved - although you have tickets already bought so that may not be viable.

  2. disneysteve Says:
    April 11th, 2009 at 01:41 am 1239414079
    1239414079

    I've never been to Hawaii but I'm guessing there are plenty of fun and interesting things to see and do that don't cost a bunch of money. Do a couple of more costly things and do a lot of free or inexpensive things. When we travel, I usually budget $100/day for activities. Most days, we spend less but a couple of days we spend more, sometimes a fair amount more, but it all evens out in the end.

    I agree that there is no point in going and not doing anything unique to the locale, but that doesn't mean you have to break the bank in the process.

  3. whitestripe Says:
    April 11th, 2009 at 05:45 am 1239428717
    1239428717

    DF spent far more than he planned when he went to the US last year (THOUSANDS more) but in the end... it took him about two months to pay it all off, and he has those memories and experiences to draw on later in life.
    if people simply cannot afford a holiday, they shouldnt go on one, but if you are in a solid financial position and have already planned the holiday, i see no need to deprive yourselves of experiences. you will always look back and say 'we should have...'
    i'm not advocating debt or frivolous spending... but just to work out what is important to you. which i see you already have and you want some confirmation on that.
    so go for it, i say Smile

  4. fern Says:
    April 11th, 2009 at 11:59 am 1239451140
    1239451140

    I would never consider Hawaii a cheap vacation to start with, especially flying from the east coast, but if you are already committed to going, make the most of it or you'll regret not doing so later. Don't go crazy but if there are opportunities like scuba diving that you probably wouldn't be doing around here, then i say do it but save for now and of course, don't put yourself in debt becus of it. Hawaii for me would be one of those trips of a lifetime. Very special.

  5. Thrifty Ray Says:
    April 11th, 2009 at 04:00 pm 1239465636
    1239465636

    Make a realistic budget and then do your best to stick to it. REALISTIC is defined differently be all of us, so sit down and figure out what that means to you and your family and then do your best to stick to it. Enjoy your trip!!

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