Value of vacations--How much is too much?

[brhalstea]

This is a good question. My two cents worth are from a father of a 2 year old daughter and a 6 year old daughter. I can't tell you how much is too much but I can tell you that the look on my 2 year olds face when she rode the tea cups for the first time is something that I can't put a price tag on! I am going to say we spend about $5,000 a year on vacation time. The last four years have been at WDW ranging from 10 to 12 nights since its such a long drive. This is a lot of money, but at the same time, I made that money and my kids and wifes happiness makes me, so thats it for me in a nutshell!

 

[sherilaine]

I get the idea that vacations are hard to place a value on as they are temporary, not a necessity, but are a part of life that if you are lucky to be able to afford add value to your experience on this planet.

However, I would never return from a vacation having any portion of it not paid for, if you can not afford to pay in full for a vacation, then you can not afford to take it. It is that simple. Vacations should be earned, not financed, but I know many will not agree as by using that rule many people would simply never get to take one.

I agree too that putting off other more important expenses should not be done to afford a vacation - such as medical bills, home maintanence etc.

However, if you can afford one, which the OP indicated they could, then the value is both in the emotional anticipation, the enjoying while there, the relaxation which is often required to return to high work demands, and the family experience of sharing 24/7 together outside of your normal day to day lives. If you can afford it then you can enjoy the value.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I like the idea expressed earlier with picking a destination from the bucket list, setting a budget and working backwards from there.

That's how we did Disney last year. Thanks to YES tickets and other tips from the Dis, we shaved a ton of $$$ off our cost. Of course rather than pocket the savings, we put it toward 3 extra days in The World

Still, for us the idea of being able to stretch our dollars further than originally planned was very satisfying. We've done the same on other trips - either extending the trip, or pocketing the savings.

 

[ilovemk76]

Thanks for the input. I definitely feel the urgency of my boys growing up and having limited time left to vacation as a family. However, time availability is a huge factor and traveling off season and looking for bargain dates is not an option. Also, my husband and boys are very picky, to the point where it stresses me out and I just want to give up. They really only want an all inclusive tropical (Cancun) vacation and airfare alone cannot be found for under $600 so that is $3600 off the bat for 6!! All in we are looking at $10,000+++ for a week....I guess that was my original dilemma...is it REALLY worth that kind of money?

So other options...I have looked at cruises, and the teaser price sounds great, but then you add in taxes and gratuities and port activities and airfare and drinks--wow the price is right up there again.

A Myrtle Beach type vacation was great when they were young--pools, waterparks, sand castles, eating in the condo, early to bed...now they would be bored to death.

Amusement parks? Everyone hates lines, and they are unavoidable since we have to travel in the summer.

History? They'd rather stay home.

UGH!!!!!!!!

Yes it is worth it IF you want to go on a vacation with your family. You stated you had the money.

 

[mrsklamc]

You may have done this already but at that point I would be asking "Why does it need to be Cancun? What specifically are you wanting to do that is only available there?" and see whether those desires can be met elsewhere.

 

[pigletto]

I think it is really personal, like most spending decisions. I think $40 is too much for a purse and spent a month thinking over whether to buy one at that price at WDW. Other people collect the Disney Dooneys without giving it a second thought. But I think nothing of dropping $5K+ on a vacation while someone else might balk at the thought of spending even half that. If I have extra the budget after the bills are paid and the savings are funded, travel is the first way I'll look to spend it. Others may place a higher value on other things.

I totally agree. It is very important to us, but we sacrifice in other areas to make it happen twice a year. I could care less about purses and our car is no frills.
Right now, Disney provides us the best value and the most fun but I have a great big list of other trips we want to take when my youngest is a little older and we have a little more to spend. I can't ever see it not being a priority for us.

ETA) No, a week at an all inclusive would not be worth 10,000 to me, but I can take two trips that my family loves for less than that.
If they really aren't willing to at least entertain other ideas I'd be reluctant to take them anywhere.

 

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

Disney vacations aren't cheap. They are the most expensive vacations we have ever taken. But they have been the best vacations we have ever taken.

When we take all 5 of us for 9 to 11 days it runs us around $7,000. When just DH and I go for 4 or 5 days it runs us around $2,000. We have gone 5 times in the last 18 months. 2 times with all 5 of us and 3 times with just DH and I. It adds up quick.

We don't have to save or borrow for our vacations either so it is nice to be able to afford the trips but when I added up how much we have spent in the last 18 months on Disney trips it makes me head spin. We could have bought a $20,000 car for what we have spent in vacations in less than 2 years. Not the we need a car. I am just comparing what could have been bought for the money we spent going to Disney. But it was worth it for us.

I think we are going to ease off from taking so many Disney vacations because I have my mind set on going to St Thomas and to Las Vegas. But at the time, it was "worth" it to us to spend that money and go.

Our trips cost so much more than a budget trip usually would cost because we go to a bunch of different parks, not just Disney. We have gone to Sea World, Busch Gardens, Universal, Island of Adventure, Discovery Cove, Cirque Du Soleil, BLue Man Group, etc. If you spend your whole vacation in Disney and not go to any other parks you can save a nice chunk of money that way.

We even stay in budget resorts, nothing fancy. But it still costs us out the wahzoo.

But we have made memories that last a lifetime. That is priceless.

 

[HeatherC]

I LIVE for vacations. I will sacrifice "things" for a trip any day.

I totally get what you are saying OP...I also have three kids...16, 15 and 12.
We have been very fortunate to travel A LOT. If there is a trip I want to take, I figure out how to pay for it. Most times, however, are pretty budget.

What I find now is the age the kids are at makes it hard to please everyone. So my new solution is.....bring a friend. We are holding off on super expensive trips for a while and have decided to let the kids bring a friend if we can.

We just got back yesterday from Cape Cod where my youngest brought a friend. It worked out great....even for The older two since the younger one wasn't bothering them.

Maybe Myrtle Beach, Outer Banks, Hilton Head, Destin, could work. Rent a killer house with private pool and invite a friend or two. Kids will love it at this age. You still fet a family vacation but even get sometime as adults only since the kids have someone to hang out with. Of course, it hasto be the "right" friend....easy going and low key.

Just an idea that I was never fond of, but am slowlycoming around to because of having teenagers.

 

[dzneelvr]

then do something different. IMO a vacation should be relaxing, stress free, and focused on making wonderful memories with your family. We started family vacations in east Tennessee until the kids were 8 and 10, then we alternated Tennessee with WDW until they hit their teens. We are able to do WDW annually utilizing the Values resorts, TIW dining discounts, low spending on "stuff", and sacrificing throughout the year (coffee at home, taking lunch to work everyday). Once DD and DS have kids, we'll forego WDW annually and go back to Dollywood for awhile. It's all about the family.Let's face it, WDW isn't going away in our lifetimesso no need to rush it.

 

[Mamakop]

We love family vacations. It definitely is high priority for us. However, we will not go into debt for a vacation. We have spent 10 thousand ish on a vacation but also as low as 3600. It just depends....
This year we are taking 4 vacations- all of different costs. We're going to WDW, Branson, Myrtle Beach and the Bahamas. Bahamas will be fairly expensive but Branson should be pretty cheap...
If you have the money I say go- YOLO

 

[lenitakimball]

Life's short! Work work work, Vacation is what I work for and look forward to every year, no matter the cost if I can make the money then I'm going. only live once! got to enjoy this one life

 

[beansmom]

We went to Hawaii, which was pretty expensive - and while it was worthwhile to do it once, I'm not likely to spend that much for that vacation a second time. It was a vacation that was worth the money we put into it once.

everyone is different coz Hawaii is where i'm dying to get back to...and for twice as long as the first time!

we spend more on vacations...we are older and have no children at home altho we do often take children with us when we travel. When I'm in a nursing home and have very little of my 'stuff' around me....i will still have my memories of all the wonderful places I have visited.

 

[shortbun]

You shop a little to find the price range and decide if it's worth it. Then you really commit and work to get the best price/value for your trip. You have to closely scrutinize all details-hotels/accomodations, transportation, timing, meals, inclusions, extras...and book it the way it should be done so you are comfortable. If you choose to spend a little extra for extra comfort or time or pleasure-that's your decision. There is no right or wrong price if you are happy. Do your homework. Care to share your destination?

 

[ManyMinnie]

So I am exploring vacation options(not Disney) for a family of 5, including 3 teen boys, plus possibly my Mom. I just can't wrap my head around the prices. When does the price just become too much? Having the funds is not an issue--no saving or borrowing required--but I am very frugal by nature and trying to determine the relative "worth" of a family vacation.

I am wondering how others determine what is a prudent price to pay for a vacation?

I was checking out Beaches Turks and Caicos today for our summer vacation (family of 4).

It would have been $13,000 for a week.

That's too much.

 

[clh2]

To the OP - I don't think you mentioned the ages of your boys.

If you are able to plan, afford and take a vacation this year "just do it".

This will be much harder to do as the kids get older. High school has a charming way of sneaking into and taking summer away. You'll know this if your kids are in any fall sports, or if they are in the marching band.

As far as "what is too much" that is your call to make, and your call only. My current reality is - DD is finishing up her freshman year of college in May, so my answer would probably be far lower than anyone else's.

The family time is priceless...whether you spend it at home, close to home or somewhere exotic.

 

[Bete]

Thanks for the input. I definitely feel the urgency of my boys growing up and having limited time left to vacation as a family. However, time availability is a huge factor and traveling off season and looking for bargain dates is not an option. Also, my husband and boys are very picky, to the point where it stresses me out and I just want to give up. They really only want an all inclusive tropical (Cancun) vacation and airfare alone cannot be found for under $600 so that is $3600 off the bat for 6!! All in we are looking at $10,000+++ for a week....I guess that was my original dilemma...is it REALLY worth that kind of money?

So other options...I have looked at cruises, and the teaser price sounds great, but then you add in taxes and gratuities and port activities and airfare and drinks--wow the price is right up there again.

A Myrtle Beach type vacation was great when they were young--pools, waterparks, sand castles, eating in the condo, early to bed...now they would be bored to death.

Amusement parks? Everyone hates lines, and they are unavoidable since we have to travel in the summer.

History? They'd rather stay home.

UGH!!!!!!!!

Based on your statement, here I would skip a vacation this year. Maybe, try some local activities together, here and there.
You might be at the point where saving for a bigger, more expensive vacation every other year will work out better for you.

I don't consider going to National Parks as history; so, maybe, give that a try. You could try it with the ones that are closest to where you live and then expand it to other National Parks if you like doing it.

 

[ManyMinnie]

To the OP - I don't think you mentioned the ages of your boys.

If you are able to plan, afford and take a vacation this year "just do it".

This will be much harder to do as the kids get older. High school has a charming way of sneaking into and taking summer away. You'll know this if your kids are in any fall sports, or if they are in the marching band.

As far as "what is too much" that is your call to make, and your call only. My current reality is - DD is finishing up her freshman year of college in May, so my answer would probably be far lower than anyone else's.

The family time is priceless...whether you spend it at home, close to home or somewhere exotic.

We are planning on taking a "bigger" vacation this summer, as it will more than likely be our last one as a family. But not $13,000 bigger.

DH starts Grad school this fall and by the time he is finished in 2 years, DS will have graduated from high school and will be on to whatever comes after high school for him (college, tech school, etc).

For us, I think the limit we'd be willing to be spend on a week for all 4 of us is about $6,000.

 

[Belle0101]

I think the value is really up to each individual.

Our oldest son graduates this year and our youngest is in marching band now. We've been told that it gets more time consuming each year. So now time feels really short to me (they really do grow up fast) and I want this last relatively free summer to be something everyone remembers.

DH and I talked and we opted to let our oldest DS pick a destination. No leaving the country and let's not get too crazy were the only restrictions.

He picked Disney. He said our vacations there have been some of his best vacation memories. Everyone was happy, except DH. He vetoed WDW.

Why? He said it's too expensive and went on to suggest other destinations, mostly Key West. I started to calculate the costs for these other places, and comparing oranges to oranges, they cost about the same as, if not more than, Disney. Plus when I checked what we paid for our Disney resort last year compared to the same room this year, this year is cheaper.

He remains adamant that spending $3000 at WDW is less of a value than spending $3000 in Key West for the same amount of time. The boys and I disagree and see WDW as the better value.

(Plus you can't let someone pick and then rescind the offer based on cost. Especially when you're willing to spend that amount, just not at their destination of choice. But that's for another thread. )

I thought of another example. DH would be thrilled if every year we tent camped. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For a week. At the end of July. (FYI: the campground bathrooms don't have showers. And did I mention we have teenage boys?)

He thinks it's a great value. The park doesn't charge admission, the tent campsites are $20 / night and you can pretty much see bears everyday. The boys I have conceded that it's a cheap vacation but we don't see the value in a shower-free vacation.

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

I LIVE for vacations. I will sacrifice "things" for a trip any day.

I totally get what you are saying OP...I also have three kids...16, 15 and 12.
We have been very fortunate to travel A LOT. If there is a trip I want to take, I figure out how to pay for it. Most times, however, are pretty budget.

What I find now is the age the kids are at makes it hard to please everyone. So my new solution is.....bring a friend. We are holding off on super expensive trips for a while and have decided to let the kids bring a friend if we can.

We just got back yesterday from Cape Cod where my youngest brought a friend. It worked out great....even for The older two since the younger one wasn't bothering them.

Maybe Myrtle Beach, Outer Banks, Hilton Head, Destin, could work. Rent a killer house with private pool and invite a friend or two. Kids will love it at this age. You still fet a family vacation but even get sometime as adults only since the kids have someone to hang out with. Of course, it hasto be the "right" friend....easy going and low key.

Just an idea that I was never fond of, but am slowlycoming around to because of having teenagers.

I have two teens and we have started letting them bring friends on some vacations as well. We all still get to spend family time together, we just temporarily have a bigger family. One of the most successful trips we've taken was to Lake Lure, NC. We drove from Virginia (had to take two cars with all the people - 7 total, luggage, golf clubs and food from Costco). We own a timeshare which we traded for Lake Lure. Most of our meals were eaten in the condo (self serve breakfast, make your own subs for lunch, dinners on the grill), but we did go out to eat a few times. We paid all food and lodging costs. Each of my kid's friends brought $100 in spending money for activities, souvies, etc. We paid for some activities, they paid for some activities. We went: golfing, horseback riding, zip lining, river tubing with inner tubes and lake tubing behind a speed boat, visited Ashville to tour the Biltmore and attended the Bel Cher Music Festival. All the kids (aged 13 - 16) LOVED the trip and keep talking about going back to Lake Lure! I think food & lodging (timeshare maintenance fee plus RCI trading fee) ran around $1000. Activities were about $200 per person and the kids paid for some of these themselves. Not a bad price for an incredible time!

This summer we are going to California, Kauai and Oahu for 2 weeks. My kids are not bringing friends as we cannot afford to bring any along. Plus we are going with family so they will be with cousins. The condo is free (my parents own it), so we just pay for flights, food, rental car and activities. Flights alone will be $3500 or so. Yikes!

Summer 2014 will be a Sedona/Grand Canyon trip. The timeshare is already booked. Flights should be around $1300 total. The one day Colorado River white water rafting trip will be around $1600. Additional activities will be $150 per person. Two nights in Grand Canyon lodging will be $450 (if I choose El Tovar...might pick a cheaper place). Not sure yet about the rental car or food costs. I'm thinking $4500ish for 8 days. That raft trip is a budget buster but seems so "once in a life time" to me and I think my kids will love it so I'm saving up for it.

My youngest starts high school this coming fall and my oldest will be a junior. I am trying to fit all those iconic family trips in while I still can because I see our family vacation days slipping away. So I guess I would say take those vacations with your kids while you still can!

 

[LauraR]

" think the value is really up to each individual.

Our oldest son graduates this year and our youngest is in marching band now. We've been told that it gets more time consuming each year. So now time feels really short to me (they really do grow up fast) and I want this last relatively free summer to be something everyone remembers.

DH and I talked and we opted to let our oldest DS pick a destination. No leaving the country and let's not get too crazy were the only restrictions.

He picked Disney. He said our vacations there have been some of his best vacation memories. Everyone was happy, except DH. He vetoed WDW. " Belle101

My oldest is going off to college next year, and my youngest the year after, so I am feeling like every vacation is a last opportunity now. We are going to WDW next week because my youngest asked, "when are we going to Disneyworld again?" and I jumped all over it. We had been thinking about the Caribbean, but I couldn't find any decent flights. I think it's going to be harder to schedule family vacations now with the difference in high school/college calendars, and the greater pull from friends. Anyway, I'm glad we're having a last hurrah!
P.S. That angel thingy is scaring the crud out of me! I probably shouldn't post after midnight....