How does anyone afford to travel now?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Growing up, it blows my mind when I had peers that have been to places like Japan or Italy. I know plenty of people who make six figures who can’t even afford to travel to Las Vegas. Most companies have cut funding for business travel because it’s expensive to pay for flights and hotels. If you have a family in any major city, I don’t know how on earth you can afford a house and kids and still be able to travel on top of that.

We live in a condo and before that rented so we could prioritize travel for our kids.

Where have typo taken them? Anywhere worth living in a small condo?

They’ve been to about 17 different countries on three continents besides NA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We’re another family making a bit under $2K but tend to drive old cars, no Starbucks, don’t eat out much, etc. Most of our family travel is driving a few hundred miles and staying with family. And we do a lot of cheap trips.

For example, our beach trip most years is camping at Assateague for a couple of nights, while eating sandwiches and hot dogs cooked over the fire. We once did a 5 day trip to Toronto, Niagara Falls & surrounding areas for less than $1,500 for 4 people including everything down to snacks and parking cost. We take the train to NYC at a non-peak time, booking hotel & train tickets months ahead, which saves a lot of money.

That said, every few years we do a bigger trip (out west or overseas). But we still do it on a budget as much as possible.

Most people who aren’t living in poverty/are financially stable could afford to travel a little, even if it’s camping or one night in a cheap hotel, if they prioritize it. The choices aren’t spend $15K for two weeks in Europe, or stay home.

This is the way. In the DC area there are so many cheap destinations that just take the tiniest bit of planning (like cheap train to NYC). Plus with kids, they will have just as much fun camping as in Europe.

Probably more fun than Europe for many kids. I remember a trip to Italy when I was a kid. In retrospect I was lucky to go, but it didn't seem so at the time. I remember being taken to many museums were there were painting after painting of the crucifixion. I remember thinking that if I see one more painting of the crucifixion I might volunteer to be nailed up there myself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We’re another family making a bit under $2K but tend to drive old cars, no Starbucks, don’t eat out much, etc. Most of our family travel is driving a few hundred miles and staying with family. And we do a lot of cheap trips.

For example, our beach trip most years is camping at Assateague for a couple of nights, while eating sandwiches and hot dogs cooked over the fire. We once did a 5 day trip to Toronto, Niagara Falls & surrounding areas for less than $1,500 for 4 people including everything down to snacks and parking cost. We take the train to NYC at a non-peak time, booking hotel & train tickets months ahead, which saves a lot of money.

That said, every few years we do a bigger trip (out west or overseas). But we still do it on a budget as much as possible.

Most people who aren’t living in poverty/are financially stable could afford to travel a little, even if it’s camping or one night in a cheap hotel, if they prioritize it. The choices aren’t spend $15K for two weeks in Europe, or stay home.

This is the way. In the DC area there are so many cheap destinations that just take the tiniest bit of planning (like cheap train to NYC). Plus with kids, they will have just as much fun camping as in Europe.

Probably more fun than Europe for many kids. I remember a trip to Italy when I was a kid. In retrospect I was lucky to go, but it didn't seem so at the time. I remember being taken to many museums were there were painting after painting of the crucifixion. I remember thinking that if I see one more painting of the crucifixion I might volunteer to be nailed up there myself.

Pretty sure my favorite trip with my kid was Ocean City off season … it was so weird and yet relaxing and surprisingly decent food.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The thing that really makes me laugh is that those who “travel” here all go to the same tired destinations and spend tons (miles or points or cash or whatever) to do it. We have been to all the big places, but now focus on really affordable out of the way places that are certainly more enjoyable and cheaper than even daily life in the USA. And they’re not filled with the mindless Instagram or DCUM UMC wannabe crowd.

Can you give some examples?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We’re another family making a bit under $2K but tend to drive old cars, no Starbucks, don’t eat out much, etc. Most of our family travel is driving a few hundred miles and staying with family. And we do a lot of cheap trips.

For example, our beach trip most years is camping at Assateague for a couple of nights, while eating sandwiches and hot dogs cooked over the fire. We once did a 5 day trip to Toronto, Niagara Falls & surrounding areas for less than $1,500 for 4 people including everything down to snacks and parking cost. We take the train to NYC at a non-peak time, booking hotel & train tickets months ahead, which saves a lot of money.

That said, every few years we do a bigger trip (out west or overseas). But we still do it on a budget as much as possible.

Most people who aren’t living in poverty/are financially stable could afford to travel a little, even if it’s camping or one night in a cheap hotel, if they prioritize it. The choices aren’t spend $15K for two weeks in Europe, or stay home.

This is the way. In the DC area there are so many cheap destinations that just take the tiniest bit of planning (like cheap train to NYC). Plus with kids, they will have just as much fun camping as in Europe.

Probably more fun than Europe for many kids. I remember a trip to Italy when I was a kid. In retrospect I was lucky to go, but it didn't seem so at the time. I remember being taken to many museums were there were painting after painting of the crucifixion. I remember thinking that if I see one more painting of the crucifixion I might volunteer to be nailed up there myself.

Pretty sure my favorite trip with my kid was Ocean City off season … it was so weird and yet relaxing and surprisingly decent food.

We have had some great family trips/vacations to Ocean City and Fenwick Island. Every great trip doesn’t have to involve long flights and multiple time zones. Kids love the beach and doing kitschy beach stuff- bikes, mini golf, pizza, ice cream. Simple can be fun.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The thing that really makes me laugh is that those who “travel” here all go to the same tired destinations and spend tons (miles or points or cash or whatever) to do it. We have been to all the big places, but now focus on really affordable out of the way places that are certainly more enjoyable and cheaper than even daily life in the USA. And they’re not filled with the mindless Instagram or DCUM UMC wannabe crowd.

I was wondering when the condescending “I’ve already been to all these places so now they are passé” poster would show up!

So you enjoyed them but no one else should?

PP here. Not necessarily. But there is a huge difference between what these places were like 30 years vs 10 years ago (not that much different) and 10 years ago vs now (completely different). I blame the social media. Either way, so many places are just no go now.

So you’re old.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The thing that really makes me laugh is that those who “travel” here all go to the same tired destinations and spend tons (miles or points or cash or whatever) to do it. We have been to all the big places, but now focus on really affordable out of the way places that are certainly more enjoyable and cheaper than even daily life in the USA. And they’re not filled with the mindless Instagram or DCUM UMC wannabe crowd.

I was wondering when the condescending “I’ve already been to all these places so now they are passé” poster would show up!

So you enjoyed them but no one else should?

PP here. Not necessarily. But there is a huge difference between what these places were like 30 years vs 10 years ago (not that much different) and 10 years ago vs now (completely different). I blame the social media. Either way, so many places are just no go now.

Idk what to mean. I’ve been going to London since 1993. I’ve been there probably upwards of 20 times now for work and play. It was lovely then and it is lovely now. If you can’t find things to enjoy in London, the problem is not London.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The thing that really makes me laugh is that those who “travel” here all go to the same tired destinations and spend tons (miles or points or cash or whatever) to do it. We have been to all the big places, but now focus on really affordable out of the way places that are certainly more enjoyable and cheaper than even daily life in the USA. And they’re not filled with the mindless Instagram or DCUM UMC wannabe crowd.

I was wondering when the condescending “I’ve already been to all these places so now they are passé” poster would show up!

So you enjoyed them but no one else should?

PP here. Not necessarily. But there is a huge difference between what these places were like 30 years vs 10 years ago (not that much different) and 10 years ago vs now (completely different). I blame the social media. Either way, so many places are just no go now.

Idk what to mean. I’ve been going to London since 1993. I’ve been there probably upwards of 20 times now for work and play. It was lovely then and it is lovely now. If you can’t find things to enjoy in London, the problem is not London.

NP. Yes and no. There's been a lot of changes in the past 30 years. Demographic change in London is real, the British talk about it all the time, even in their papers. There's still the fun things to do but the personality of London today isn't what it was, so I don't feel drawn to London any more especially after I've already seen all the sights many times over. And mass tourism has also changed the travel experience. I used to walk into the major museums and often have them mostly to myself, but now you need queues and tickets and slotted times.

I still travel but the world has changed, tourism has changed, I'm getting older. I like the quieter out of way places now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The thing that really makes me laugh is that those who “travel” here all go to the same tired destinations and spend tons (miles or points or cash or whatever) to do it. We have been to all the big places, but now focus on really affordable out of the way places that are certainly more enjoyable and cheaper than even daily life in the USA. And they’re not filled with the mindless Instagram or DCUM UMC wannabe crowd.

I was wondering when the condescending “I’ve already been to all these places so now they are passé” poster would show up!

So you enjoyed them but no one else should?

PP here. Not necessarily. But there is a huge difference between what these places were like 30 years vs 10 years ago (not that much different) and 10 years ago vs now (completely different). I blame the social media. Either way, so many places are just no go now.

Idk what to mean. I’ve been going to London since 1993. I’ve been there probably upwards of 20 times now for work and play. It was lovely then and it is lovely now. If you can’t find things to enjoy in London, the problem is not London.

NP. Yes and no. There's been a lot of changes in the past 30 years. Demographic change in London is real, the British talk about it all the time, even in their papers. There's still the fun things to do but the personality of London today isn't what it was, so I don't feel drawn to London any more especially after I've already seen all the sights many times over. And mass tourism has also changed the travel experience. I used to walk into the major museums and often have them mostly to myself, but now you need queues and tickets and slotted times.

I still travel but the world has changed, tourism has changed, I'm getting older. I like the quieter out of way places now.

Covid did this, not mass tourism. And if you cared to look beyond major museums, you can walk into the Leighton House or Bletchley Park today and have the place to yourself.

Without the demographic change to would not have ottolenghi or dishooom or the wonders of edgware road. Or the glamor of Mayfair! One gets tired of the fish and chips you know.

[Anonymous]

We make a lot of money (500-800k depending) and have no mortgage or other debt.

[Anonymous]

Here is how it’s done:

1) Budget for travel. This might mean prioritizing it above other non-essential things. Most people can’t just wake up one day and decide they want to book a vacation but not have budgeted for it. Admittedly, depending on your income, sometimes there is no room for a travel budget- my husband owns a business and when business is down, we can’t afford travel without dipping into savings.
2) Some people have substantial savings they will dip into (such as from a previous higher income period or an inheritance), or family money
3) Some will use their annual bonus for travel
4) Some (not as many as DCUM makes it sound) have such high incomes that budgeting for & paying for travel is no object
5) Some rack up points through work travel or CC spending such that vacations are maybe not free but low cost (paying for meals and entertainment only)

Only option 4 involves actually making a ton of money as a means to afford travel

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The thing that really makes me laugh is that those who “travel” here all go to the same tired destinations and spend tons (miles or points or cash or whatever) to do it. We have been to all the big places, but now focus on really affordable out of the way places that are certainly more enjoyable and cheaper than even daily life in the USA. And they’re not filled with the mindless Instagram or DCUM UMC wannabe crowd.

I was wondering when the condescending “I’ve already been to all these places so now they are passé” poster would show up!

So you enjoyed them but no one else should?

PP here. Not necessarily. But there is a huge difference between what these places were like 30 years vs 10 years ago (not that much different) and 10 years ago vs now (completely different). I blame the social media. Either way, so many places are just no go now.

Idk what to mean. I’ve been going to London since 1993. I’ve been there probably upwards of 20 times now for work and play. It was lovely then and it is lovely now. If you can’t find things to enjoy in London, the problem is not London.

NP. Yes and no. There's been a lot of changes in the past 30 years. Demographic change in London is real, the British talk about it all the time, even in their papers. There's still the fun things to do but the personality of London today isn't what it was, so I don't feel drawn to London any more especially after I've already seen all the sights many times over. And mass tourism has also changed the travel experience. I used to walk into the major museums and often have them mostly to myself, but now you need queues and tickets and slotted times.

I still travel but the world has changed, tourism has changed, I'm getting older. I like the quieter out of way places now.

Well, some of us are a lot younger and didn’t travel as kids. We have to play the cards we are dealt, and that means traveling in the modern era as it is. We weren’t all born rich in 1960.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The thing that really makes me laugh is that those who “travel” here all go to the same tired destinations and spend tons (miles or points or cash or whatever) to do it. We have been to all the big places, but now focus on really affordable out of the way places that are certainly more enjoyable and cheaper than even daily life in the USA. And they’re not filled with the mindless Instagram or DCUM UMC wannabe crowd.

Sure. But we haven't been to all the places yet and neither have my kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The thing that really makes me laugh is that those who “travel” here all go to the same tired destinations and spend tons (miles or points or cash or whatever) to do it. We have been to all the big places, but now focus on really affordable out of the way places that are certainly more enjoyable and cheaper than even daily life in the USA. And they’re not filled with the mindless Instagram or DCUM UMC wannabe crowd.

I was wondering when the condescending “I’ve already been to all these places so now they are passé” poster would show up!

So you enjoyed them but no one else should?

PP here. Not necessarily. But there is a huge difference between what these places were like 30 years vs 10 years ago (not that much different) and 10 years ago vs now (completely different). I blame the social media. Either way, so many places are just no go now.

Idk what to mean. I’ve been going to London since 1993. I’ve been there probably upwards of 20 times now for work and play. It was lovely then and it is lovely now. If you can’t find things to enjoy in London, the problem is not London.

NP. Yes and no. There's been a lot of changes in the past 30 years. Demographic change in London is real, the British talk about it all the time, even in their papers. There's still the fun things to do but the personality of London today isn't what it was, so I don't feel drawn to London any more especially after I've already seen all the sights many times over. And mass tourism has also changed the travel experience. I used to walk into the major museums and often have them mostly to myself, but now you need queues and tickets and slotted times.

I still travel but the world has changed, tourism has changed, I'm getting older. I like the quieter out of way places now.

Covid did this, not mass tourism. And if you cared to look beyond major museums, you can walk into the Leighton House or Bletchley Park today and have the place to yourself.

Without the demographic change to would not have ottolenghi or dishooom or the wonders of edgware road. Or the glamor of Mayfair! One gets tired of the fish and chips you know.

I don't agree it was covid. London has changed dramatically in the past 25 years. It has always been a very diverse city - I remember going to Brick Lane for a curry and Brixton for Jamaican vibes over 35 years ago. When Ottolenghi opened over 20 years ago, the foreign born population was about 21%. It is now 41%. There are fewer young Europeans living and working there due to the loss of freedom of movement resulting from Brexit so the ethnic make up feels different and it feels more 'international' and less European. Tourism to the UK has also increased dramatically from about 25 million visitors in 2000 to 43 million in 2024. Obviously all of these changes have impacted the feel of the city and the size of crowds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The thing that really makes me laugh is that those who “travel” here all go to the same tired destinations and spend tons (miles or points or cash or whatever) to do it. We have been to all the big places, but now focus on really affordable out of the way places that are certainly more enjoyable and cheaper than even daily life in the USA. And they’re not filled with the mindless Instagram or DCUM UMC wannabe crowd.

So, if somebody has never been to London, they should skip it since you’ve already been there????? And God forbid somebody takes a picture of Big Ben or Buckingham Palace.

To save us such embarrassment, please provide your list of approved travel destinations.