Is flying to a vacation spot worth it anymore?

EastCoastFamily

E and I were talking about this last night.  You have to pay for so many things now beyond the purchase of your tickets.  I can't believe you have to pay to bring luggage now.  The whole idea makes me feel like I don't want to go anywhere on a plane just so I don't have to spend money that could be better spent elsewhere.  Instead of going to Disney, we'll go to StoryLand or Santa's Village (are they the same place?!  I don't even know).  Or even Canobie for crying out loud.  Instead of going to Aruba, we'll rent a cottage in Maine for two weeks.  Thoughts?

izzybella

That's why we went camping for part of A's vacation. There's tons of great spots within driving distance anyway, it just sucks that everything's so expensive.

lldags

I hear ya on that!!!  And gas seems to have gone down again so driving is not as expensive anymore...Does every airline charge for baggage now?  Pre Ryan I NEVER checked luggage but noe with him we have to, even for just a weekend trip to see my parents....

Also, I booked 2 flights to manchester on Southwest about a month ago for Labor Day weekend thinking rates would continue to rise and rise.  I looked today and our same flights work out to be $82 cheaper!!!  Luckily with Southwest you can change the flight so I rebooked for the cheaper flights and we now have a $82 credit with Southwest.   I wonder if people cancelled and that's why more cheaper seats were available?  I'm certainyl not complaining!

Inlove05

I know!  But not every airline charges for checking luggage but it is a PITA if they do!  Especially if you travel with a child, you will NEED to check multiple bags.  I personally LOVE to travel, fly and visit other areas of the world, so for me its worth it and just comes with the territory!  For example when we went to Disney in June we had to pay for two plane tickets.  We didn't buy Brianna a seat so we saved money there.  But, we also had to pay for a rental car, and gas.  We bought groceries so we could prepare some of our meals in our kitchen.  You also need spending money. Then there are park tickets that are expensive.    Traveling is expensive especially if you have a family. But I think if you plan ahead, save, and be smart you can save money.   = )

WannabMama

No, I don't think its worth it right now anyway!  That is why we ended up renting a house in York rather than flyinG someplace....more cost effective, plus more time spent relaxing than running through an airport with a toddler

MrsDeputyChief

Amye,

When are you thinking of going away? I think that if you plan well it's ok to still go on vacation. There are some airlines that aren't charging for luggage I think. Plus I don't think will change in the future, if you want to travel I say go for it. I saw you mentioned Aruba, which I LOVE. I mean anytime I think about going away, it's to Aruba. We are planning a trip next year for our 5 year anniversary. I hope we can make it there!

XRAYMOM

I agree with planning it out well. I have an a huge love for Disney, so I will always plan well in advance for that. I hear southwest is not charging for bags yet. I also have family in California, so we take turns for that.  

harvest-wed

I agree that driving somewhere is a great way to do it, ther are so many great places around here, that said, there are def good reasons to fly...like if family is involved.  We really hope to fly to Ireland with Owen within the next two years so he can meet all of my family who live there, I especially want him to meet my granny, his great grandmother, she is an amazing woman and is in her mid nineties, I truly truly hope he gets to meet her.  Now to start saving...

MrsKimberlyD

i dont think i would splurge on disney or anything only since alyssa is so young and wont remember a thing.... you will but she wont so in that case i would do something more for you and hubby....  kwim???

i think renting a place in ME would be easier on you, still able to get anything you need without spending $$$$$ on it because its at a resort, but still far enough away that you FEEL like youre on vaca....

thats just what i would do. and i think its only like 1 or 2 airlines that are charging to check bags.... what about jet blue though???  they go alot of places and arent too $$$$$......   also check out the saving sites like expedia or travelocity.... sometimes you can get a hella deal through them