Just a super – short post tonight folks. I’m still jet-lagged and the midnight sun compounds it!
But here’s a gentle headsup about summer weekend getaways.
So many of my clients who were feeling broke decided to skip a “real” vacation and instead have a couple (or more) weekend getaways. Invariably they underestimated, usually significantly, the costs of the weekend getaways. Typically they thought in terms of about $200, but when they actually tracked expenses of the weekend it was anywhere between $400 – $700.
You may be the exception … but probably not! So here’s a little test. Track your expenses next time you go on your getaway:
- the extra booze
- the gas
- the ferry
- the gift for the host
- eating out enroute and while at the destination
- park / camping fees or accommodation
- toll booths
- kayak rentals
- tickets (sports event, shows)
- dog or cat care while you are absent
There’s nothing wrong at all with getaways or the price of them. Just give yourself the data about the full costs of these trips so that you can make informed decisions as you stay within your budget this summer.
I suggest friends: trade homes with them, cook with them, trade pet care, share sports equipment. Doesn’t mean you have to travel or sleep with them.
Have you ever looked into home swap services? Seems like a good way to save on longer trips or trips to places where you don’t have friends.
[Reply]
Nancy (aka Moneycoach) Reply:
July 16th, 2011 at 05:19
et – if you can believe it, it hadn’t occurred to me to consider house swaps for weekend getaways. Palm to forehead! All kinds of ideas are perculating now!
[Reply]