We take lengthy trips that last from anywhere between 4 weeks to 12 weeks at a time. We'll do a lot of
DVC stays, mostly in 1-B/R villas, but sometimes Studios. Normally we don't do the weekends, and jump from resort to resort each week we're there.
As for tickets, an AP is a must.
We probably do more cooking in the unit than most members, although with some of the discounts (E.G. the DDE card), we'll eat out more often than when we're at home. So food costs are up a little when we travel, but not that much. The true increase in food costs is what you spend while on 'vacation' versus what you would have spent while at home.
We drive to Florida and thus have our car there, so outside of the gas for the original drive, our automobile expenses aren't much different than when we're at home.
Keep in mind that while we're not at home, many of the normal expenses there are highly reduced. Utilities for example. Not much electricity used when no one is home. Set the thermostat for 58 degrees, and close off the vents to rooms that don't need any heat at all. In the summer, turn off the A/C completely. If it gets up to 80 degrees inside, no big deal since no one is home. We have DirectTV and you can just call and suspend service when you're gone, so no satellite bills for that period of time. So while we will pick up new expenses while traveling, some of that cost is offset the the expenses we're not having because we're not home. Retirement can be done on a smaller budget.
Just some things we do.
For those still planning, here's a couple of things we did:
1. Put the maximum amount allowed into the 401k plan. That reduces the actual income taxes you pay at the time, and makes a nice nest egg for when you finally retire.
2. Pay the home mortgage early. Every month we paid as much 'extra' as we could toward the house payment. Paid it off in 12-1/2 years. Saved tens of thousands of dollars in interest payments that way. Not having mortgage payments is a big plus once you're retired and your income drops way down.
3. Ditto on car payments. We don't lease but purchase, and get a new car about every 6 years. That way you get the most value out of the car after the depreciation hits hard the first few years. We also make extra principle payments and usually have it paid for in about 18 months. Again, that saves considerable interest.
4. Absolutely no interest paid on credit cards. Pay the entire balance every month.
Just .02 on how we financially planned for retirement. I'm 62 now and have been retired for 7 years....
