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Is A Vacation A Necessity?
By Daphne | July 16, 2008
What is out of the question for cutting back or cutting down on? Are there certain things that you wouldn’t or couldn’t go without?
If you have a favorite soap or perfume you may splurge but what happens when you see that there are certain things that you can’t give up altogether and go cold turkey?
Cutting back on driving or going out is one way of cutting down but what about a haircut, manicure or spa treatment?
If you never spent a considerable amount of money on those things, then what about vacations, gifts or outings?
The more you make and the less you have to spend on housing and utilities, the more you have for discretionary spending. It is a buyer’s market in many areas now but since consumers do not want to spend money because many are uncertain about their own financial future, they stop spending as much.
Spending money on a gasoline or car maintenance can take a large chunk out of what was once a sizeable amount of your discretionary income. For city dwellers, we can often hop on a train or bus for people who live farther out, this isn’t an option.
Cutting back or cutting down can make you grumpy because you are depriving yourself of something. Though of the many things that people have deprived themselves of, a vacation or short trip is not one of them. CNN Money notes:
Even in these tough times, 59% of Americans plan to take a trip of 100 or more miles in the next six months - only slightly below the 61% average of recent years.
But that doesn’t mean they haven’t changed their plans. To grapple with the rising cost of fuel, many consumers are opting for trips closer to home. This year, they may be packing up for Epcot instead of Europe.
Many people like to get away from their surroundings but even if you choose to go away, you can reduce the amount that you spend on a vacation. Instead of flying to a far away place, try Megabus or Amtrak. See other parts of your own state. Each state has some park or nature area to visit. Even if you go away for one night to a neighboring state, you are doing something different and getting a change to relax.
Staying at home, doesn’t always allow you to relax because you have to cook for yourself and people will know you are at home.
A vacation is possible if you are frugal and will allow you to escape the pressures of work or volunteer organizations. Instead of blowing all of your entertainment budget on local things, take your entertainment budget for a couple of weeks and see if you can get away.
Topics: July 2008 |