When did this become the norm?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The rich are richer today.

True. But this is DCUM and people will adamantly insist that it isn't the rich getting richer its just the solidly middle class being middle class. After all, they fly United to their 5 bedroom ski-in/out chalet in Aspen; they do not have a G650!

The people I know are not wealthy, they are solidly MC verging on the cusp of UMC maybe. They are thirsty and want to be envied by others for going on janky cruises and to silly touristy resorts. I don’t want to be them, I could travel more if I wanted to. I have relatives in Europe, have visited a few times, it was okay, nothing special, kinda dirty and annoying. I have been many places, and from now on, I only want luxury vacations, 5 star hotels, no shitty cruises or crap resorts. It’s quality over quantity for me. I am too old to care about impressing people. I have life experience.

I don't think this type of travel is what the OP is posting about. It's that, in many UMC and wealthy circles, families of 4-5 are taking expensive international luxury vacations multiple times a year. These people aren't taking on credit card debt to go on Carnival cruises. I think the simple answer is that there are a LOT of people who are really rich, particularly in the DMV, and can afford it. And most of these people aren't sacrificing retirement savings, college savings, general savings, etc., they just can afford it. There are just people out there who make a lot of money, have family money, had good stock options, or some combination of those things.

Sure, but then these people wouldn’t be classified as UMC then imo.

Agreed that these people aren't UMC compared to the country. They're top 1-3% with respect to wealth on a national distribution. But they probably aren't (or aren't presenting as) billionaires with private jets or anything, so it's easy to lump them in with UMC - particularly in an HCOL area like DC and the inner MD/VA suburbs - if you're a peer family at their private school or in the neighborhood.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I admit to struggling with this from a "keeping up" standpoint. We just do not have the money that some of our friends have and also don't have as many vacation days and can't work remotely. And now my kids are really into sports so a lot of their breaks will be taken up with required practices/games/tournaments. I really had to talk myself down that it's 100% amazing that they've done a European trip, several domestic national parks trips, a cruise, and lots of Eastern seaboard city long weekends. Compared to this forum, that is nothing, but really, it's great and has given them a good taste of travel.

Besides our family friends, I can't believe how much my young colleagues travel. One in particular takes 3-4 international trips per year, but I feel like it's just for the pictures! They will go for just 5-6 days, even places as far away from DC as Hawaii in that short time, and I feel like it's just to check a box and get some instagram pictures.

Ok, but WHY do you assume that? Most people who are posting pictures on Instagram are not traveling solely for the pictures. Why go through all that effort and expense for something you don’t enjoy?

Even if people are traveling to take photos, why is that a problem? Photography is a legitimate hobby. Lots of people wanted to grow up to be a travel photographer when I was in highschool and that was long before cellphones or social media. Are most amateur photographers pretty terrible and unoriginal? Yes, but that's true for any hobby.

I find it obnoxious, but then again I find all aspects of SM show offy and obnoxious and a huge waste of time mostly favored by thirsty attention seekers.

Lots of people have annoying hobbies. Hunting? WWE? Nascar? I hate having to talk to the sports obsessed who can only talk sports stats. Fantasy football fans are the worst. Also on that list are the fitness obsessed. I don't care how many calories you consumed, the rules for your latest bizarre diet, how many pounds you lifted or your time on your last race and training plan. Yuck.

I'd much rather talk to someone about fun vacations than hear their opinions on sports or fitness.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I admit to struggling with this from a "keeping up" standpoint. We just do not have the money that some of our friends have and also don't have as many vacation days and can't work remotely. And now my kids are really into sports so a lot of their breaks will be taken up with required practices/games/tournaments. I really had to talk myself down that it's 100% amazing that they've done a European trip, several domestic national parks trips, a cruise, and lots of Eastern seaboard city long weekends. Compared to this forum, that is nothing, but really, it's great and has given them a good taste of travel.

Besides our family friends, I can't believe how much my young colleagues travel. One in particular takes 3-4 international trips per year, but I feel like it's just for the pictures! They will go for just 5-6 days, even places as far away from DC as Hawaii in that short time, and I feel like it's just to check a box and get some instagram pictures.

Ok, but WHY do you assume that? Most people who are posting pictures on Instagram are not traveling solely for the pictures. Why go through all that effort and expense for something you don’t enjoy?

Even if people are traveling to take photos, why is that a problem? Photography is a legitimate hobby. Lots of people wanted to grow up to be a travel photographer when I was in highschool and that was long before cellphones or social media. Are most amateur photographers pretty terrible and unoriginal? Yes, but that's true for any hobby.

I find it obnoxious, but then again I find all aspects of SM show offy and obnoxious and a huge waste of time mostly favored by thirsty attention seekers.

Lots of people have annoying hobbies. Hunting? WWE? Nascar? I hate having to talk to the sports obsessed who can only talk sports stats. Fantasy football fans are the worst. Also on that list are the fitness obsessed. I don't care how many calories you consumed, the rules for your latest bizarre diet, how many pounds you lifted or your time on your last race and training plan. Yuck.

I'd much rather talk to someone about fun vacations than hear their opinions on sports or fitness.

It’s like a compulsive need to share any and all travel plans without even being asked. Why? Should I slow clap or give them a pat on the back? It’s bragging. I would rather discuss Nascar or hunting, as long as they are not boasting about it.

[Anonymous]

People aren't tied to a desk. People don't pay for air or hotel, they use points. It's easier to travel. People prioritize travel. International real estate is more obtainable.

We have a house in Europe. We spend 8 week in the summer there and 2-4 other weeks throughout the year there. We bought outside of town because we couldn't take anymore of the insta tourists.

[Anonymous]

We prioritize travel over flashy purchases. YMMV.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I admit to struggling with this from a "keeping up" standpoint. We just do not have the money that some of our friends have and also don't have as many vacation days and can't work remotely. And now my kids are really into sports so a lot of their breaks will be taken up with required practices/games/tournaments. I really had to talk myself down that it's 100% amazing that they've done a European trip, several domestic national parks trips, a cruise, and lots of Eastern seaboard city long weekends. Compared to this forum, that is nothing, but really, it's great and has given them a good taste of travel.

Besides our family friends, I can't believe how much my young colleagues travel. One in particular takes 3-4 international trips per year, but I feel like it's just for the pictures! They will go for just 5-6 days, even places as far away from DC as Hawaii in that short time, and I feel like it's just to check a box and get some instagram pictures.

Ok, but WHY do you assume that? Most people who are posting pictures on Instagram are not traveling solely for the pictures. Why go through all that effort and expense for something you don’t enjoy?

Even if people are traveling to take photos, why is that a problem? Photography is a legitimate hobby. Lots of people wanted to grow up to be a travel photographer when I was in highschool and that was long before cellphones or social media. Are most amateur photographers pretty terrible and unoriginal? Yes, but that's true for any hobby.

I find it obnoxious, but then again I find all aspects of SM show offy and obnoxious and a huge waste of time mostly favored by thirsty attention seekers.

Lots of people have annoying hobbies. Hunting? WWE? Nascar? I hate having to talk to the sports obsessed who can only talk sports stats. Fantasy football fans are the worst. Also on that list are the fitness obsessed. I don't care how many calories you consumed, the rules for your latest bizarre diet, how many pounds you lifted or your time on your last race and training plan. Yuck.

I'd much rather talk to someone about fun vacations than hear their opinions on sports or fitness.

It’s like a compulsive need to share any and all travel plans without even being asked. Why? Should I slow clap or give them a pat on the back? It’s bragging. I would rather discuss Nascar or hunting, as long as they are not boasting about it.

So stop following them on social media. Done. This is such a silly thing to get upset about. They're not sharing child porn. It's pictures from a vacation. If you don't like what they share, then there are setting to solve that problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The rich are richer today.

True. But this is DCUM and people will adamantly insist that it isn't the rich getting richer its just the solidly middle class being middle class. After all, they fly United to their 5 bedroom ski-in/out chalet in Aspen; they do not have a G650!

I am curious about these extensive travelers’ life savings. I just don’t think they save much. These people live in a middle class neighborhood, why do that if one is so wealthy? Why not live in a wealthier neighborhood? I am convinced they live above their means.

Some people prioritize a big, expensive house, others prioritize big expensive trips. How is that hard to understand?

They seem to prioritize being thirsty attention whores more than anything. They like to just spout out about all the trips their family has planned, without even being asked. Do I care? I didn’t even ask them, why do they feel the need to tell me and then compulsively post pics to social media? Never asking a thing about me or my family hardly ever. Self centered aholez.

You seem really triggered by this. Maybe you need a break from social media and a nice vacation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People aren't tied to a desk. People don't pay for air or hotel, they use points. It's easier to travel. People prioritize travel. International real estate is more obtainable.

We have a house in Europe. We spend 8 week in the summer there and 2-4 other weeks throughout the year there. We bought outside of town because we couldn't take anymore of the insta tourists.

You are not MC/UMC. Who the hell can take 10 weeks off per year? You are not relatable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I admit to struggling with this from a "keeping up" standpoint. We just do not have the money that some of our friends have and also don't have as many vacation days and can't work remotely. And now my kids are really into sports so a lot of their breaks will be taken up with required practices/games/tournaments. I really had to talk myself down that it's 100% amazing that they've done a European trip, several domestic national parks trips, a cruise, and lots of Eastern seaboard city long weekends. Compared to this forum, that is nothing, but really, it's great and has given them a good taste of travel.

Besides our family friends, I can't believe how much my young colleagues travel. One in particular takes 3-4 international trips per year, but I feel like it's just for the pictures! They will go for just 5-6 days, even places as far away from DC as Hawaii in that short time, and I feel like it's just to check a box and get some instagram pictures.

Ok, but WHY do you assume that? Most people who are posting pictures on Instagram are not traveling solely for the pictures. Why go through all that effort and expense for something you don’t enjoy?

Even if people are traveling to take photos, why is that a problem? Photography is a legitimate hobby. Lots of people wanted to grow up to be a travel photographer when I was in highschool and that was long before cellphones or social media. Are most amateur photographers pretty terrible and unoriginal? Yes, but that's true for any hobby.

I find it obnoxious, but then again I find all aspects of SM show offy and obnoxious and a huge waste of time mostly favored by thirsty attention seekers.

Lots of people have annoying hobbies. Hunting? WWE? Nascar? I hate having to talk to the sports obsessed who can only talk sports stats. Fantasy football fans are the worst. Also on that list are the fitness obsessed. I don't care how many calories you consumed, the rules for your latest bizarre diet, how many pounds you lifted or your time on your last race and training plan. Yuck.

I'd much rather talk to someone about fun vacations than hear their opinions on sports or fitness.

It’s like a compulsive need to share any and all travel plans without even being asked. Why? Should I slow clap or give them a pat on the back? It’s bragging. I would rather discuss Nascar or hunting, as long as they are not boasting about it.

So stop following them on social media. Done. This is such a silly thing to get upset about. They're not sharing child porn. It's pictures from a vacation. If you don't like what they share, then there are setting to solve that problem.

Seriously! You are not being held captive in their homes and forced to view their vacation slides like in yesteryear. I find this much less annoying.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The rich are richer today.

True. But this is DCUM and people will adamantly insist that it isn't the rich getting richer its just the solidly middle class being middle class. After all, they fly United to their 5 bedroom ski-in/out chalet in Aspen; they do not have a G650!

I am curious about these extensive travelers’ life savings. I just don’t think they save much. These people live in a middle class neighborhood, why do that if one is so wealthy? Why not live in a wealthier neighborhood? I am convinced they live above their means.

Some people prioritize a big, expensive house, others prioritize big expensive trips. How is that hard to understand?

They seem to prioritize being thirsty attention whores more than anything. They like to just spout out about all the trips their family has planned, without even being asked. Do I care? I didn’t even ask them, why do they feel the need to tell me and then compulsively post pics to social media? Never asking a thing about me or my family hardly ever. Self centered aholez.

You seem really triggered by this. Maybe you need a break from social media and a nice vacation.

I get two weeks vacation per year. That’s it, total. I can’t do much in that time and don’t feel like trying to cram international vacations with two kids into that time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The rich are richer today.

True. But this is DCUM and people will adamantly insist that it isn't the rich getting richer its just the solidly middle class being middle class. After all, they fly United to their 5 bedroom ski-in/out chalet in Aspen; they do not have a G650!

I am curious about these extensive travelers’ life savings. I just don’t think they save much. These people live in a middle class neighborhood, why do that if one is so wealthy? Why not live in a wealthier neighborhood? I am convinced they live above their means.

Some people prioritize a big, expensive house, others prioritize big expensive trips. How is that hard to understand?

They seem to prioritize being thirsty attention whores more than anything. They like to just spout out about all the trips their family has planned, without even being asked. Do I care? I didn’t even ask them, why do they feel the need to tell me and then compulsively post pics to social media? Never asking a thing about me or my family hardly ever. Self centered aholez.

Your reaction tells us that this is more about you than them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ok of the friends I know who travel like this, both of the parents work full-time, and are 100% immersed in super high income earning careers that naturally take them away from their kids more than they might want to. The overcompensate for this absence by over vacationing, is how I think of it. I’m talking spring break in the grand Cayman Islands, surrounded by three or four of their besties from their kids $60,000 a year private school, weekends in Montana in the summer, in the Hamptons, a week in Iceland in the summer, three weeks in France, Norway and Spain in August, and more vacation throughout the year….. the kids are spoiled beyond belief and the parents travel a TON for work so a lot of that travel helps pay for the cost of the family travel through earning miles and accruing travel points. It’s a cycle and yes in our close in affluent Nova suburb it’s a whole thang.

So this has always been a thing amongst the wealthy. This is nothing new. What is new is the extensive travel and boasting of the MC/UMC demographic. It’s the neuvo riche of travel. It’s gaudy and pretentious.

Where exactly do you fall in the socioeconomic hierarchy that you are in a position to pass judgment as to what is tasteful or not? Also, it's "nouveau riche." If you're going to use phrases like this you really must spell them correctly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am UMC and see this constantly. These people are living above their means and are SM whores. They book cruises everywhere, Caribbean, Europe, Asia etc. as it’s the least expensive way to travel and then boast about it. You couldn’t pay me to take a cruise. I have traveled, not extensively, but enough to know that I find it anticlimactic and downright annoying and exhausting much of the time.

This is not what anyone is talking about. Taking constant cruises is not UMC behavior.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The rich are richer today.

True. But this is DCUM and people will adamantly insist that it isn't the rich getting richer its just the solidly middle class being middle class. After all, they fly United to their 5 bedroom ski-in/out chalet in Aspen; they do not have a G650!

I am curious about these extensive travelers’ life savings. I just don’t think they save much. These people live in a middle class neighborhood, why do that if one is so wealthy? Why not live in a wealthier neighborhood? I am convinced they live above their means.

Some people prioritize a big, expensive house, others prioritize big expensive trips. How is that hard to understand?

They seem to prioritize being thirsty attention whores more than anything. They like to just spout out about all the trips their family has planned, without even being asked. Do I care? I didn’t even ask them, why do they feel the need to tell me and then compulsively post pics to social media? Never asking a thing about me or my family hardly ever. Self centered aholez.

You seem really triggered by this. Maybe you need a break from social media and a nice vacation.

I get two weeks vacation per year. That’s it, total. I can’t do much in that time and don’t feel like trying to cram international vacations with two kids into that time.

Ah, so it's just jealousy. Got it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The rich are richer today.

True. But this is DCUM and people will adamantly insist that it isn't the rich getting richer its just the solidly middle class being middle class. After all, they fly United to their 5 bedroom ski-in/out chalet in Aspen; they do not have a G650!

I am curious about these extensive travelers’ life savings. I just don’t think they save much. These people live in a middle class neighborhood, why do that if one is so wealthy? Why not live in a wealthier neighborhood? I am convinced they live above their means.

Some people prioritize a big, expensive house, others prioritize big expensive trips. How is that hard to understand?

They seem to prioritize being thirsty attention whores more than anything. They like to just spout out about all the trips their family has planned, without even being asked. Do I care? I didn’t even ask them, why do they feel the need to tell me and then compulsively post pics to social media? Never asking a thing about me or my family hardly ever. Self centered aholez.

You seem really triggered by this. Maybe you need a break from social media and a nice vacation.

I get two weeks vacation per year. That’s it, total. I can’t do much in that time and don’t feel like trying to cram international vacations with two kids into that time.

Ah, so it's just jealousy. Got it.

Ah, yes I am the jealous hardworking pleb just plugging along till death. Enjoy your leisurely life.