The Less Often Individuals Travel, the More They Tend to Overspend When They Finally Depart
“Yes, we’re really enthusiastic,” remarked the woman clinging to the cart laden with four sizable suitcases for just two people. “This is our first genuine vacation in four years.”
Evidently, they required a significantly greater amount of clothing than I did for their trip to Los Cabos, a destination that seldom drops below 75F degrees. Yet, the extra baggage fees weren’t the primary concern. I calculated based on current flight rates and their stated lodging, and determined that their rare vacation likely cost them at least $5,000, likely much more.
“We reunite with our old friends every four years at a beach resort. We always claim we’ll explore other places on our own in between, but there’s perpetually something else we feel we need to spend on. So it never seems to come to fruition. Thankfully, this one is planned, making us leave the house and head out.”
Good heavens. I merely overheard this exchange while waiting in the customs line at the airport, so I didn’t interrupt, but I had numerous questions I would love to pose. Like, what are you spending all your funds on that allows only a vacation every four years? Why not just take a shorter trip every year within driving distance? Or visit another location that costs a fraction of what Los Cabos does?
What do you do with all that accumulated vacation time from your job? Stay home and watch TV?
Depending on which research you reference, the typical vacationing American couple expends between $3,800 and $5,200, with most vacations lasting a week or less. To me, that appears to be an astonishing amount of money. Many of those average couples could enjoy two or three vacations with that sum if they were just more astute about discovering great travel deals and optimizing their choices. Even examining standard vacation packages reveals much better values available.
More Travel on a Limited Budget
No individual who genuinely enjoys traveling would wait four years to escape. Throughout my travels around the globe, I’ve encountered individuals with very modest incomes spending weeks on the road. I’ve met bartenders, social workers, and educators who have visited dozens of countries. The thing is, they’re not selecting accommodations like this:
I occasionally stay at places of that caliber due to my travel writing job, but have only a few times opted to pay out of pocket for them. Like most contrarian travelers, I can use a calculator and understand better than to follow the crowd.
I don’t take it for granted that the way “most people” travel is the most intelligent approach. If a million individuals are willing to spend $600 a night for a hotel (in Los Cabos that might not even be luxurious), then I’m going to use points or find a location where I can enjoy a similar experience for $150 a night or less.
Such hotels are not difficult to locate. They may not boast six pools with a swim-up bar and a room larger than your apartment, but they can be quite pleasant if you choose the right location. In the World’s Cheapest Destinations book, I’ve highlighted many places where that’s really at the upper end of the range. Even in neighboring Mexico, I’ve frequently paid under $50 for a comfortable hotel room with a private bathroom, daily maid service, and air conditioning. This was my $36 room in Playa del Carmen, complete with a swimming pool:
Speaking of Mexico, opting for Mazatlan or Puerto Escondido will significantly reduce your beach vacation budget compared to the premier resort areas. Venture inland and your budget can shrink by another third or half. Travel down to Guatemala or Honduras and it’ll decrease again. Lower your hotel star level, and you’ll soon find that $5,000 will sustain two people for a month or more of travel instead of just six nights sunbathing and paying for overpriced excursions.
Hey, I understand the allure of wanting to lounge around and unwind for a bit. I’ve spent my own money on an all-inclusive resort that would please the family. Plus, when I won stays at those types of resorts in Puerto Vallarta and Ixtapa from travel writing contests, I gladly accepted. We had a great time, and few things bring me more joy than a never-ending open bar.
But if I had to wait four years to take a vacation just to have that sort of isolated experience? No, thank you. I’d rather embark on eight trips and scale back the marble and infinity pools. Savvy travelers possess a different mindset and an eagerness to escape regardless of circumstances.