It always takes more money than anticipated. And it is unclear if I should put that money under the "vacation" budget since most of it will be used afterwards, and not only in vacation situation. But than again, that's what I think every time.
Anyway, the problem is that each time we go, we end up getting a lot of stuff for that particular trip. And each trip is different.
For example, last vacation was a month in Argentina, so we got a lot of cold weather hiking clothing. Excellent ski jacket, windproof,waterproof,fleece stuff. Pricey (especially things bought on location, but when you only have a spring jacket and a temperature plummets to below freezing, your priorities shift, and keeping warm becomes more important)
A year before this we went to Ecuador, so it was hot weather/lightweight hiking clothing that we bought.
For ski trips - ski specific clothing. We are on the slopes non-stop until the lifts close, so it is really important to dress appropriately.
Anyway, each time we end up spending a bundle on pre-vacation shopping - because we pack light (carry-on only) and our trips are 30 days in length. So it is a challenge.
We are of the opinion that buying top quality stuff that will be re-used is more worth it than buying crap you will never want to use again.
But this time I thought that we would not spend much - after all, we already had a lot of stuff. But just yesterday $430 at Paragon sports for just 2 nice rain jackets/windbreakers (layering a sweater and a windbreaker is the most compact option that can take you through cold weather) a beautiful soft fleece top and decent looking Royal Robbin pants (my favorite brand in terms of comfort). I thought we would not buy much this time, but Europe presents different challenges - one has to look more presentable than during hiking trips, yet the packing restrictions remain.
So every time I think this is the last time we do pre-vacation shopping since we have already bought so much and have everything. But it never works out this way in reality, and for each trip something new is needed. I wonder if I am the only one like that.
Pre-vacation shopping - always expensive
September 15th, 2008 at 06:17 pm
September 15th, 2008 at 10:08 pm 1221512890
Last spring the man i was dating surprised me with 4 dys away and i was packed in 15 minutes all because i have learned over the years how to pack and what to take. it is a good skill to have.
it is so easy to forget that there is washing machines and dryers (or easy to wash in hotel rooms too). People take way to much in my opinion.
my mom is even better at packing than me.
September 15th, 2008 at 10:47 pm 1221515270
Also, when buying, you can get very high-quality stuff on eBay that is barely used at all. All three in my household now have winter coats we got that way, each for less than $100.
September 16th, 2008 at 02:22 pm 1221571372
October 28th, 2009 at 11:54 pm 1256774060