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Summer travel woes? How about a staycation?
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Summer vacation season is upon us here in the United States. Normally the first day of June is our green light to pack a bag, jump into the SUV or hop on an airplane and head out for some well deserved time off. But a variety of forces are conspiring this summer to hold some of us back - high gas prices, continued airline surcharges, and high food prices. It's been enough to inspire its own trend - the "staycation."Several newspapers have been reporting on the phenomenon, in which many Americans are choosing to travel much closer to home this summer on shorter weekend trips or even just maximize their time in the backyard by investing in outdoor furniture or backyard grills.
Are you kidding me? This has to be one of the lamest trends in recent memory. I understand times are tough but there are plenty of creative ways to make that trip to California or even, YES, Europe, happen this summer. Use your frequent flier miles. Cut back on that bottle of wine at dinner. Pack a picnic lunch instead of eating out. Skip a few trips to the bar. My point is this - travel is one of the most important experiences you can have during your lifetime. If there's a place you really want to visit - don't let finances or getting time off at work or fears of terrorism be your excuse.
And if you still need inspiration, just look at blogger Grant, who is considering a 4 day trip to Shanghai for the Fourth of July. If he can make it happen, so can you!
Filed under: News
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
BrianM Jun 5th 2008 2:06PM
And for those people who already pack their lunch, bike/walk to work, eat out no more than 2 times in a given month, have dropped all non-essential utilities to their lowest pay tier, don't drink Any alcohol or smoke, etc.... and are just eeking by? Same recommendation? "Screw it, travel is more important than late charges, having a home to come home to, or a child's education fund."
My family budget is so fixed, that it literally changes by ONLY the amount that the utility bills change. in a given month. While we have the luxury of saving up for travel (Glacier and Canadian Rockies for 2 weeks in July, Kauai for 2 weeks in December), most families I know are digging into savings and running up credit card bills just to keep their heads afloat.
Travel is an important aspect of life, but for the majority it is only sustainable through being frugal at times of economic hardship.
Besides, most Americans haven't a clue what's in their own back yard. Most "travelers" I've met feel like you must travel hundreds or thousands of miles to have an enjoyable vacation. If only they could open their eyes and see that it's possible to have a Fantastic vacation usually within 10~20 mies of home. I don't need to go to France to experience a different culture, I just need to walk into a different coffee shop and met new people in my own home town.
james Jun 5th 2008 2:37PM
Jeremey, I know you meant well, but...Brian, RIGHT ON TARGET!!
TravelBot Jun 5th 2008 9:30PM
Bang on Brian!
It's fun to play tourist in your own town/country. You never know what you'll find.
And it's CHEAP!
Chris Jun 5th 2008 3:23PM
Seriously Jeremy, lamest trend in recent memory? I'm sorry you find financial hardship "lame." It's not like people wouldn't rather go far away (especially readers of this blog).
Brian hit the nail on the head, at least we have "real" people chiming in.
Jeremy Jun 5th 2008 3:36PM
Hey guys - thanks for all the insightful comments. I don't doubt people are having a tough time of it right now...I think we're all feeling the sting, myself included.
My point here was that there are always creative ways to get out there and travel...whether its to the next town over or the other side of the world. Yes, money troubles are no fun and sometimes unavoidable - but I guess I always lean towards the optimistic side in figuring out what I can cut out of my budget to make a trip work.
Don K Jun 5th 2008 10:30PM
I hear you Jeremy, but I agree with Brian and others, be careful how cavalier you go about telling people they will always have money to travel.
Speaking from experience, I have never in my adult life forgone a planned vacation or cancelled our pre-requisite three or four trips across the globe each year. However, for the first time ever I am feeling the pinch. We have booked a house on Oahu's north shore for the fall but airfare has not dropped below $1200/rt pp. Mind you, my wife and I flew to Athens two years ago for $900 total. We're considering a trip to San Francisco instead.
I think Gadling and it's writers could turn a cheek towards the frugal traveler now and again here - seeing as many of your readers are now reading Budget Travel instead of Condé Nast.
My $0.02...
Grant Martin Jun 5th 2008 5:05PM
Hey come on guys, stop crapping on my white shoes and pleated slacks. You're going to ruin my sailing trip this weekend.
Linda Jun 6th 2008 9:34AM
Yes, it is getting high to travel, however, it is sometimes just as inexpensive to travel overseas as to places in the U.S. ; especially if you drive. The problem with foreign travel now is that the dollar is
worth so little in other countries. However, if you cruise and restrict what you buy you can sometimes spend less than in the U.S.