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Post by mslibrarian on Oct 22, 2008 18:31:36 GMT -5
I've been watching my RRSP's shrink, the markets are crazy, everyone is talking about a recession and the need to save money..and here I"m planning a very expensive trip.
How do you all stay positive? There are times when I wonder if I should just cancel my ticket and hunker down.
Sorry to be Eor...but that's how I've been feeling lately.
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Post by WillTravel on Oct 23, 2008 10:17:07 GMT -5
Imagine if everyone cancelled their trips! Think of the poor hotel and hostel owners of Europe.
In all seriousness, I'm sure you will make a wise decision as to whether you can afford the trip or not. I sympathize on the RRSPs. Like many Canadians, I've seen the same thing happen. But money can be replaced (with great effort, I know), and time cannot be replaced.
I would consider getting some sort of sideline project that allows you to earn extra income.
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Post by Eagle on Oct 23, 2008 18:33:26 GMT -5
mslibrarian, I've also been a bit dismayed at the current economic situation, and wondered how it will affect the planning for my next trip (which will probably be next year when I retire). The Cdn. dollar has seriously declined against both the Euro and the UK Pound, and of course also the US dollar. I'm heading to the U.S. for a short trip on Sunday, so I'm sure I'll be upset when I see the currency conversions on my credit card bills!
I suppose I've kind of adopted the attitude that WT mentioned. I might have to save a bit more aggressively or cut-back on "non essentials", but I'm still going to travel. The "bottom line" is that I can never get the time back and I don't know how long I will enjoy good health, so I'd better travel while I can. There are so many places in Europe that I still want to see!
I tend to be a bit of an optimist (sometimes), so I'm hoping things will improve over the next few months.
Cheers!
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Post by mslibrarian on Oct 23, 2008 18:46:16 GMT -5
I've been trying to keep that attitude, but it's hard sometimes. I also didn't know the Canadian dollar had sunk so much against the Euro. *sigh*
Our dollar is falling fast. I keep telling myself that it's good for the economy (and it is!) but still...
I was thinking of extending my trip but now I'm not so sure. I"m also wondering if I should cut out London ad change my ticket to land in Brussels. London is just so expensive.
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Post by WillTravel on Oct 24, 2008 0:24:14 GMT -5
How long are you planning on staying in London?
A basic stay in London per day would be 12 pounds hostel, 10 pounds food, and 10 pounds transport and attractions. Of course it's more fun to have more, but I suspect changing your ticket would cost more than what you could save by skipping London.
The CAD (or the USD or the GBP or the EUR) could bounce around a lot by next spring.
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Post by mslibrarian on Oct 24, 2008 9:02:42 GMT -5
The hostel I stay at when I'm there is 26 pounds. That's the HI in St. Paul's or the one in the King's cross area.
The cost of changing my ticket would equal the cost of travel from London to Brussels so it would work out even.
And ya..our dollar chould change but it's tied with oil and right now oil is in free fall. All the markets are in free fall.
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Post by WillTravel on Oct 24, 2008 11:13:25 GMT -5
Maybe changing to Brussels would work best for you. If you really want to save money on transport, but lose on time, National Express offers coach rides that can be very cheap indeed. I have slightly considered doing that just so I could see something different.
There is a floor as to how far oil can drop - not that I really believe the analysts as to their predictions. The Canadian economy managed somehow before when oil was at this price level and lower (admittedly the situation is much more complicated than that).
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Post by mslibrarian on Oct 27, 2008 7:41:36 GMT -5
I"m going to hang on for a bit before I make any decision on changing flights. I"ve stll got plenty of time. My only concern will be booking hostel rooms and even that's not too bad.
But would you believe one of the places I wanted is already sold out??? 6 months in advance??? Must be school groups.
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Post by jennifer on Oct 30, 2008 18:50:09 GMT -5
I'm with you guys on this, it sucks for travellers, to use simple words. One thing though, is there really anything that can stop us travel lovers from travelling? even money? maybe we'll leave for shorter periods, but it's in our blood, we gotta go  |
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Post by Eagle on Oct 30, 2008 22:49:06 GMT -5
jennifer, the current economic situation will probably slow down diehard travellers, but I don't think it will entirely stop us from travelling. In my case I'm trying to be optimistic and hoping that the situation will improve before my next trip. It could mean that I take fewer trips or shorter trips, but I'll find some way to make it happen.
There will probably be some definite signs (either good or bad) following the U.S. election next week.
Happy travels all!
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Post by mslibrarian on Nov 8, 2008 20:18:29 GMT -5
Hey guys,
I've been away for a bit, not really checking as much as I should. I'm also backed up on my trip planning since I can't seem to make up my mind.
My big worry is money. If I'll have enough for the rough outline I had planned. I guess I'll have to wait and see.
I hope with the election results thing will settle down a bit.
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