Are you using DVC because of the economy?

[FreeTime]

I am really debating whether to buy an AP renewal this year (even though we were getting a little burnt out this past year) just to guarantee us a vacation. I calculated that it would be much cheaper (even though we would vacation more) by buying AP's and staying DVC instead of what we want to do (Lake Tahoe, Niagara Falls and Universal). So am I crazy to go DVC again just to have a vacation (BTW - when we originally bought we said that we would be able to stay DVC no matter if we are almost broke ) or should we just stay at home in anticipation of more declines in the economy? We would be saving at least $1500 over the year even after factoring in food, transaportation, etc. We also have a trip planned in Jan of next year that we must go on since we are committed with family. Maybe I shouldn't even be thinking about a vacation, but it is very hard to get out of this pattern we have been in over the last many years of frequent travel!

 

[Metsoskil]

That's tough to answer. Only you know your financial situation, and what risks the economic situation may present to your family. DW and I are both teachers and have very stable jobs, and the economy hasn't had a great effect on us directly. If there was any possibility of either of us losing our job, and we didn't have 6 mo. worth of salary in the bank, I'd consider cutting back on our vacations, or taking vacations that are cheaper. I don't know what your plans are for Lake Tahoe, Universal, or Niagra Falls, but in this economy, you can rent someone's timeshare pretty cheap for a week if you wanted.

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

We're actually going more often this year, not because we're doing better, but because my DH has been working SO hard, with SO many hours, that we're using every chance we get to "escape" and really enjoy our non-working hours.

I've also ramped up my hours (I'm freelance) and the kids are getting used to hearing the word "no" a lot . This is one thing we won't give up...

Makes the vacation all that more precious to us, the fact that it's 1 more month in the grind until we can relax for a week, then three week, then two, etc.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

We won't give up our VB vacation this year, but we're considering renting or transferring points to help stay alive. Worst case... sell the contract.

 

[FreeTime]

Thanks for the replies and imput. I feel that our jobs are stable I guess I am more concerned that I should be eliminating debt instead of having a good time. But then in the back of my mind I hear this little voice that says your kids are only young once so enjoy it while you can. But the flip side is by not paying off debt now will I not enjoy life later.

I guess I will have to figure it out!

 

[fishermouse]

From Ohio I would bag Lake Tahoe over priced and over rated. Staying on the Canada side at Niagra with the exchange rate has always been a good deal. We thought about Universal in the past but with the AP for WDW and the fact thatDW really is not into the big fast rides we usually get cheap and skip it. If I were to spend the extra I'd rather do Sea World or Busch Gardens. Of course it's all just opinion, only you know what you like and can afford.

 

[jgus]

We find DVC to be cheap in comparison to other places. Now we're used to the room sizes of DVC, so when we go any other place we feel we need a suite. This alows us to put our son to sleep early, then we can stay up later.