The Less Frequently Individuals Vacation, The More They Are Prone to Overspending: A Guide to Unconventional Traveling
“Yes, we’re really thrilled,” stated the woman grasping the cart loaded with four sizable suitcases for just two travelers. “This is our first genuine vacation in four years.” It seemed they required significantly more attire than I did for their journey to Los Cabos, a location that seldom falls below 75F degrees. However, extra baggage charges weren’t the true catastrophe. I calculated based on current airline fares and their stated accommodation and estimated their infrequent getaway was likely costing them at least $5,000, possibly much more.
“We reunite with our long-time friends every four years at some beach resort. We always promise to go somewhere different on our own in the interim, but there’s always something else we end up spending our money on. So it never occurs. Thankfully this one is arranged, so it forces us to leave the house and go.”
Good grief. I was merely overhearing this dialogue while queuing at customs in the airport, so I refrained from interrupting, yet I had countless questions I was eager to pose. Like what are you using all your funds for that permits a vacation only once every four years? Why not just take a shorter trip every year within driving range? Or select a different destination that costs a fraction of Los Cabos’ price?
What becomes of all that accumulated vacation time from your job? Do you lounge around the house watching TV?
Depending on the study cited, the average American couple traveling for leisure spends between $3,800 to $5,200, and most of these trips are a week or shorter in duration. To me, that sounds like an unbelievable sum of money. Most of those average couples could enjoy two or three vacations with that amount if they were simply more astute in seeking out fantastic travel bargains and optimizing their options. Even when examining typical vacation packages, there exist far superior values than that.
More Travel on a Tight Budget
No one who genuinely enjoys traveling would postpone a trip for four years. As I have traversed the globe, I’ve encountered individuals with quite modest incomes who are on the road for weeks. I’ve met bartenders, social workers, and teachers who have visited numerous countries. The thing is, they’re not residing at places like this:
I occasionally stay at such locations due to my travel writing assignments, but I’ve only occasionally paid for them myself. Like most unconventional travelers, I know how to use a calculator, and I realize better than to follow the crowd.
I don’t presume that the way “most individuals” travel is the best approach. If a million people are ready to pay $600 a night for accommodations somewhere (in Los Cabos, that won’t even be a luxury option), then I’ll redeem points or locate a venue where I can have a comparable experience for $150 a night or less.
Such hotels are not difficult to find. They may lack six pools with a swim-up bar and a room larger than your studio apartment, but they can be quite pleasant if you’re in the appropriate area. In the World’s Cheapest Destinations book, I’ve detailed numerous locations where that price is indeed at the high end of the spectrum. Even in neighboring Mexico, I have frequently spent under $50 for a cozy hotel room that included a private bath, daily housekeeping, and air conditioning. This was my $36 stay in Playa del Carmen, complete with a swimming pool:
Regarding Mexico, selecting Mazatlan or Puerto Escondido can significantly reduce your beach vacation expenses compared to the top resort destinations. Venturing inland can further cut your budget by a third or half. Traveling down to Guatemala or Honduras will reduce it once again. Lowering the star rating of your accommodations, and before you know it, that $5,000 will enable two individuals to travel for a month or more instead of just six nights by the beach and paying for overpriced excursion activities.
I understand the allure if you merely wish to lounge and unwind for a time. I have personally funded an all-inclusive resort experience for family enjoyment. Additionally, when I won stays at such resorts in Puerto Vallarta and Ixtapa from travel writing competitions, I gladly accepted. We had a fantastic time, and few things bring me more joy than a perpetual open bar.
But if I had to wait four years to take a vacation solely for that type of enclosed experience? No, thank you. I’d prefer to embark on eight trips and dial back the marble and infinity pools. Astute travelers possess a different perspective and a readiness to escape, no matter the circumstances.