Comments on: How to Go on Vacation

By: Studenomist

Studenomist — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 22:08:34 +0000

Friends always ask me how can a guy who’s so focused on saving money go traveling so often? The answer is simple, I save money where I can so that I have money to invest and to enjoy my life. If you can make it through your 20s with a decent amount of savings and life experiences then all the power to you.

By: Kyle

Kyle — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:01:02 +0000

Cuba is on the very top of my list. Unfortunately, it can be hard to get to thanks to the embargo and flying via Canada or Mexico can add to the cost significantly.

I totally agree: take a vacation even if you’re poor. The experience is worth it. Just figure out a way to do it without going into debt.

By: Money Hacks Carnival - I’d rather be surfing

Money Hacks Carnival - I’d rather be surfing — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 08:51:21 +0000

[...] presents How to Go on Vacation posted at studenomics.com. (Editor’s note: Go on vacation for $20 a week. [...]

By: Studenomist

Studenomist — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 18:54:54 +0000

I understand your point completely but the goal of this article is to show young people the “bigger picture” and more specifically how far you could actually stretch $20. Granted everyone is in a unique situation when it comes to finances and we have all made different choices. Some of us have our education costs covered and work part time for entertainment money while others acquire everything with credit cards.

I am just trying to show those people who spend $20 a week on lattes, beers, pizza, etc. that by holding back a bit you could stretch the money pretty far. Everyone has different wages and different hours they are able to work so it is extremely difficult to write an article that is applicable to every single person.

As always this is just my opinion and I respect your opinion and the opinions of all of my readers.

By: Stephanie PTY

Stephanie PTY — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:15:09 +0000

Toronto! A city that’s after my own heart! (I’m across the water in Rochester, actually!) I’m not sure I personally have a bitter taste in my mouth when it comes to Cuba – I would certainly like to visit there, if the law didn’t prevent me.

I don’t want to be a pain, but I question your numbers. $20 a week is an actual burden for some college students. Of course, that’s likely because of the decisions we made when picking school (public vs. private universities, community college or not, luck of the draw when it comes to parents and financial aid…). Still, $20 a week is 3-4 hours of work for me, meaning it’s 20% of what I make. I am probably not the only one that can’t give up 20% for a vacation.

Does this sound whiny? It’s not meant to – I’m just looking at the other side of it.

By: Caleb

Caleb — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 14:14:33 +0000

Yeah, Americans have a bitter taste in their mouths regarding Cuba. That area of the world doesn’t get very good credibility here in the states.
I explored, a couple of months ago, how changing your eating habits could save you a little over $2000 a year, which is equivalent to how much I paid to go on a cruise this past summer. It be interesting to explore in further detail how many habits you could change to hold on to some extra cash, which you can allot for vacations.
I think it is important to take a vacation once a year. You have to stop and smell the flowers sometimes.

By: Studenomist

Studenomist — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 19:54:22 +0000

Yes I am Canadian, based out of Toronto to be exact. I went to Cuba about 3 years ago during reading week and was shocked that everyone I met was mainly from Canada, specifically from the Toronto area. I traveled that far to meet people I could have met on the subway. Cuba is a very poor country but also very beautiful. The beaches in Cayo Coco are truly amazing and the people on the resorts work really hard.

For this vacation I am visiting Jamaica because I have heard nothing but good things about the tropical country. I had never gone before because it was too expensive, but this time I was able to find a 5 star resort for just over $1000 Cdn. That is a pretty good deal if you asked me, especially for this time of the year.

By: Stephanie PTY

Stephanie PTY — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:55:17 +0000

Whoa, Cuba! It would be nice to go there and relax on the beach… if the US Government would let me! The US has a sanction against Cuba, and our citizens are not allowed to spend any money there, or visit for more than one day (a visit of more than one day assumes you spent money there, by default).

I take it from the end of this article that you’re Canadian? Must be nice!