How do you decide what to splurge on when vacationing?

[Anonymous]

Just received an email that, for $200, we can upgrade to a deluxe suite from the double queen room we have booked for two nights before a cruise.

I get it: they want to free up double queen room occupancy so they can get more bookings. But in my mind, this is an amazing splurge! So much space before we are all crammed into a tiny stateroom.

But my logical mind is like, that’s a waste of money on something you didn’t even want and that $200 could pay for the food you’ll eat in those two days, probably.

But then I’m like, but for just $200, we could have all that space! and, what’s $200?

So, how do you decide when and what to splurge on?

[Anonymous]

I guess the first question is whether you can comfortably afford it. Our family of four (2kids) always stayed in the same cabin. It was tight and the kids seemed to bicker more. We splurged on 2 cabins on our last cruise and will never go back to one! Just having that extra space (similar to having a suite) calmed everyone and made the cruise so much more enjoyable! We split up 1 parent/1 kid per cabin.

[Anonymous]

I think it is personal preference. I will buy the cheapest seats on a flight, whereas others will splurge on first class. I splurge on location, but book moderate hotels in that location. I like to do one nice dinner on vacation, but otherwise look for affordable options. I look for free activities to balance the cost of entry fees. The best things I have splurged on (in my opinion) were private tours of busy museums- we did this at the Louvre and absolutely loved it. Hands down best money I spent the whole trip.

[Anonymous]

I think you need to set a total budget for the trip and then decide within that.

If $200 puts you over budget, it’s an obvious no.

If the budget has plenty of room for it and you want to do it, why not?

You should stop worrying about stuff so much in terms of it being a “good deal.” Nobody wants to be a sucker, but there aren’t actually any points for getting a good value or a “good value.” You just have your bottom line at the end of the day.

[Anonymous]

1. I have a budget for what I'm willing to spend. Then I find things that fit within that budget. If I came in $200 under, I'd upgrade.
2. In this particular instance I'd think about "is this just a place to dump our bags, and shower and collapse in bed, or will we spend awake time here?" If the latter, then I'd upgrade. If the former, then I wouldn't bother.

[Anonymous]

$200 per night or $200 more on the total hotel cost?

[Anonymous]

This is very personal. It just depends on what matters to you. I spend money on business class tickets when flying abroad because I really need to sleep on overnight flights, and I can’t sleep unless I have a lay flat seat. But I’m perfectly happy with three star hotels. Most people would do the opposite. So it just depends on what’s important to you, and what your budget is.

For $200 I would definitely jump on that upgrade. But that’s just me.

[Anonymous]

I splurge on stuff that makes travel more convenient:

First class train passes in Europe (because fewer crowds, quieter train cars, etc)
Better located hotels
Premium seats on overseas flights - more comfortable, priority bag drop and boarding, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it is personal preference. I will buy the cheapest seats on a flight, whereas others will splurge on first class. I splurge on location, but book moderate hotels in that location. I like to do one nice dinner on vacation, but otherwise look for affordable options. I look for free activities to balance the cost of entry fees. The best things I have splurged on (in my opinion) were private tours of busy museums- we did this at the Louvre and absolutely loved it. Hands down best money I spent the whole trip.

Ha! This is very individual. I get itchy on tours—absolutely hate them, private or otherwise.

[Anonymous]

I splurge on unique jewelry or similar from the trip, or for a unique meal.
Side note, in parts of Europe and in parts of South America, if you don’t like a room you can ask for a better one and pay the lower price. I’ve gotten a penthouse suite and captains quarters at cheap prices.
If it’s an extra $200/night I’d hesitate.

[Anonymous]

I splurge on comfort items. We are a family of three and are fine in a double queen room but if the opportunity arises for an upgrade we always take it.

[Anonymous]

How do you make any decisions in your life, OP? You take all the information you have and weigh the pros & cons.

How did you decide to go on a cruise in the first place? You use that same process to decide whether you want to upgrade or not.

This isn’t that difficult.

[Anonymous]

I splurge when it seems good value for the money, buys me ease and convenience, and/or is something I'd enjoy.

If I have this much angst trying to decide if it's worth it, then I'd probably say never mind.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just received an email that, for $200, we can upgrade to a deluxe suite from the double queen room we have booked for two nights before a cruise.

I get it: they want to free up double queen room occupancy so they can get more bookings. But in my mind, this is an amazing splurge! So much space before we are all crammed into a tiny stateroom.

But my logical mind is like, that’s a waste of money on something you didn’t even want and that $200 could pay for the food you’ll eat in those two days, probably.

But then I’m like, but for just $200, we could have all that space! and, what’s $200?

So, how do you decide when and what to splurge on?

You sound excited about it, which would make it worth it for me since so much of the joy of a trip comes in the anticipation. If you were wishy-washy like, oh, I don't know if it's worth it, I would pass.
But generally if something seems like a good deal and makes me more excited/makes travel easier, I'll do it.

[Anonymous]

I splurge on comfort and convenience - pay more for flights out of DCA, nonstop flights, flights that depart between 9am and 5pm. Will upgrade to first/business class on flights that are 5 hours or more whenever possible - often with points or if a good price. Also more for nicer hotels with good locations.

If you can afford to do it, do it.