How do you use your spending money on vacation?

[PantaIeimona]

We only been able to take a vacation, sightseeing, etc., once in 30 years and it was when our kids were still at home.  Nowadays staycations are our choice.  I'm at home and my husband is a VA nurse and a nurse educator for a local college.  He relishes his time off and enjoys the quiet comfort of home and hot tub.

This fall I'll be heading out on the road with a friend from high school days, so I'll get to see what it's like for all those who enjoy recreational vehicle adventures.  I sure am looking forward to it!  I'm sure the primary expense will be fuel as we'll be traveling in our lodging.  We plan to visit whatever we happen to come across, so the balance of my spending will likely be fees to areas of interest, then souveniers, and, finally, food.

[pattyknox]

What little traveling we've been able to do has cost as much $ getting there & back as lodging. We hope to one day be able to buy a SMALL camper, maybe van-size with the ability to sleep in the back & drive in the front without getting out of the vehicle, so we can park overnight in 24 hour parking lots & save $ that way, even though it would cost more in gas. I would love to see the 48 contiguous states! (Not to mention Alaska & Hawaii! Just couldn't drive there.) We wouldn't have to dine out if we had a dorm refrigerator. A shower would be a blessed plus! Just simple. Doesn't have to be extravagant. Just affordable! 

[rachelagain]

My most important expense is the lodging. I don’t need fancy, although I will take it if it’s on sale, but I insist on clean and safe. Most of my money goes there.

I try to use public transportation. If it’s not available or inconvenient, my next largest expense is a rental car. I’m a retired airline employee so $0-$little money goes there. 

We must eat. I eat modestly. I seldom go to expensive restaurants. If my lodging has a kitchen, or even a microwave and refrigerator, I will cook most meals.

I don’t buy souvenirs for people. It’s a habit that I could not afford when I first started traveling, so I save a lot of money by not doing it now. I usually buy myself a small item to remember the trip by, but that’s all.

The rest of my expense are excursions. I’m there because I want to see the area and experience the culture.

[tweir0747]

We try and use Air B&B as much as possible so we can make friends with our host. We rent a car and take trips to those areas that interest us....wineries, breweries, farmers markets.

[m10966r]

We loved Ireland so much that we bought a tiny cottage there as a vacation home. Although we only go 6 times a year it is heaven to settle in that cottage and know our neighbors, be a part of the village, and be in Ireland.

[tc25256484]

I love going to Las Vegas. Use local bus and eat at buffets and use hotel offers to save on costs. I like to visit the museums and try to hang out in a different casino each time. The people watching is great here as people seem to let their free flag fly.

[tattykat]

We splurge on decadent meals. Hit all free museum's. Use local transportation to save it is less than half a cab fare. 

[irishmargie42]

My favorite place in all the world is Ireland.  I have close family and friends there so I spend most on travel within the country by way of car rental.  My family is in different areas of Ireland so the car is easiest to use.  As I age I may use public transport but not this year or next I hope.  My other expense is a personal treat of an over night at a favorite/luxury (to me) B&B or Hotel.  Hotel being the The Causeway Hotel at the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland.  I stay with family and friends in Dublin, but travel allows me to discover new sights and scenes.   Special restaurant and a little shopping is on the list, but not the most important.

[nyadrn]

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@AARPLynne wrote:

Do you like to sprulge on dining? Upgrade lodging? Fiind a special souvenir? 

How do you allocate spending money on vacation?

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Depends on where we are!

If we are in New York, one of my favorites, the money is spent on events and shows and shopping for items that are found in great variety there..  it is a fairly expensive place to visit during holidays as travel and hotel costs are high as is entertainment but it is always packed with (happy) people.

[Epster]

We spend money on experiences (hike to the top of this mountain, ride that trail, drive this scenic byway, listen to that musical group, attend a street festival) rather than things. We just don't need things at this point in our lives.