We're Cutting Back on Weekend Trips
Posted on April 28, 2008 by Her and tagged afford
In the past we have enjoyed taking weekend trips to visit friends, attend weddings, go hiking, etc. But with the increases in gas and food expenses lately, coupled with wedding expenses, these weekend trips are going to be among our first budget casualties. This weekend we had planned to spend 3 days in St. Louis, attending a friend's wedding and seeing the local sights. Attending the wedding was important to us, but two nights in a hotel was just more than our budget allowed. So at the last minute we decided to make it a two-day trip instead.
Are you planning to reduce your summer travel plans due to the recent economic downturn?
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Jill | Apr 28, 2008
We're cutting back by combining errands when possible, eating out less and buying more in bulk.
I'm going to try commuting to work with my bike. It won't be possible everyday but hopefully twice a week while the weather is nice will cut my gas bill for the summer.
Gwen | Apr 28, 2008
Yup. Ticket prices have gone up on concerts. I used to drive to various cities for a concert, but add in the price of gas and the hotel (even 1 night) and I just say no.
I changed my travel plans preemptively, (accurately) predicting my own personal economic downturn ;). Instead of a trip to Hawaii, my boyfriend and I scheduled a trip to Yosemite (which is a five hour drive from where we live), where we'll be camping, supplying our own food, and "roughing it" instead of lounging at the beach and staying in a hotel that would be expensive no matter how nice it is ;).
We've cut out our travel plans completely, upped our Netflix subscription, and purchased an ice cream maker. We're going to be part of the Academy and fat by the end of the summer.
Funny, I just blogged today about high gas prices affecting families. We have decided not to enroll our children in a 3-day Montessori program due to the high cost of gas, and we won't be taking a family trip this summer. We'll have a local vacation instead.
Becky@FamilyandFinances | Apr 29, 2008
We're flying to a wedding in AZ this weekend. We're trying to do it inexpensively, but it's expensive no matter how you cut it. Luckily, this should be our only long-distance wedding (ever!). That's what we're hoping for at least. Our budget is saying Ouch!
Ariella | Apr 29, 2008
You know, I think it really depends for us. If we were planning to visit friends whom we haven't seen in a while (say, within an 8 hour drive), then I wouldn't cancel the trip because of rising gas costs. We're always striving to stick within our budget, but we're aware of the realities of rising gas and food costs. I would say that it MAY be that we cut down on these items, but I am not sure we'll do it consciously. We'll just stick within our budget and do whatever we can within those limited parameters.
For instance, we travel down to St. Louis by car every two-three months to visit friends. To me, seeing those friends is worth triple whatever the cost of gas is... so I would never shirk going to see them because of money.
Cami | Apr 29, 2008
I won't be going home to my parents' place every long weekend. This year BF and I decided we'd pick a couple long weekends - Easter, August-long, Thanksgiving and Christmas - and spend the rest at home hanging out. Normally this May-long weekend we'd be out camping or going "home" but the extra few hundred dollars is just too much of a burden.
Matt | Apr 30, 2008
I didn't have any major trips planned, just some in neighboring states, mostly staying with friends so all I spend is fuel and food. I probably won't scale back at all. I plan to take every trip and make the absolute most of each one.
I must attend my grandparents 60th anniversary (about 10 hour drive). Wouldn't miss that no matter the cost of gas.
I am lucky that I get to travel with my job. I have a trip to Vegas in August. The company will pay for me and we will pay for hubby to go.
We're planning on visiting a lot of people this summer, but we're making it into one "mega" trip in a big loop through the Midwest instead of a lot of small trips. It should be fun - esp. with two kids under the age of 3.
April | May 19, 2008
My in-laws live 2.5 hours away, so we all get together as much as possible, but yeah, my husband and I have been cutting back. We feel bad about it, though, because we'd really love to go to everything, but we have to keep the costs in mind and pick and choose what we'll attend.
The Shark Investor | Jun 12, 2008
Umm, the trips are some of the things that really make me happy. I may consider spending less on it, but not reducing the duration and fun. Now the question is can you have a fun trip without much expenses? Sure, just get a backpack and a bicycle. It may even turn into more fun than expected.
Wonder bread | Jun 15, 2008
I've never done a road trip across this great country so of course I'm planning one for this summer when gas is at it's highest price ever. Hmmm...
I may not go because of the price of gas. I planned it at $5 a gallon and the cost of gas is almost 50% of the total trip. Sheesh.
SingleGuyMoney | Apr 28, 2008
I plan to do alot more local travel!!
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