i’m in a bind, here.

published on September 17th, 2008

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So, I’m starting to look into where we wanna go on our next vacation. Now, I realize we are broke. And our income is going to be sporadic due to my new (part time, minimum wage) job. But, we have $600 in travel credit for Northwest Airlines that has to be used by June of ‘09 otherwise it expires (due to our having to switch from Myrtle Beach to Las Vegas this month because of hurricanes ruining our original vacation plans).

So, really…I’m trying to find the cheapest vacation possibility that I can. $600 in flight credit for two people is not really that much, I’m finding. And I’m wanting to go in March while I’m on break from college. And I don’t know where to go.

I thought about maybe just going to Las Vegas again to visit my brother and his family. But we’d have to get a hotel since they don’t have an extra room or anything, so we’d still be racking up a decent bill.

I thought about Myrtle Beach, but it’s cold there in March. At least, colder than I want it to be.

And flights to Florida for March are SUPER expensive due to Spring Breakers.

So, I need ideas. Something that is cheap airfare (and MUST be through Northwest) and cheap hotel and attractions. For about 4-5 days (over a long weekend so Dave doesn’t have to use as many vacation days since he has weekends off). Doesn’t even have to be all glitzy or anything. I wouldn’t mind a mountain getaway or some cabin in the woods as long as the weather is decent and we can get out and see stuff. And booking in advance usually saves money, which is why I’m starting to look now.

Honestly, being forced to either book a vacation or lose out on $600 is really stressful. We usually take a yearly vacation, but didn’t plan on it next year due to our finances. Now we basically have to otherwise we LOSE money we’ve already spent on plane tickets.

3 users responded in " i’m in a bind, here. "

Karen said, in September 17th, 2008 at 7:25 am

Have you considered Washington DC? You’ll still have to pay for a hotel room, but I can recommend a cheap on in Georgetown. And ALL of the attractions are free. Sight-seeing, museums, all kinds of stuff. It’ll probably be cold there in March, but that means the flight should be cheap!

Gypsie said, in September 17th, 2008 at 7:50 am

http://www.travelzoo.com is a website that compiles the best top 20 travel deals each week. I have used travel zoo to find some amazing deals: I went to thailand for two weeks (airfare, hotel, attractions, english-speaking guide, food) for $1299 (cheaper than airfare alone!). I went to an all-inclusive resort in Cabo San Lucas (including airfare) for one week for $500. I went to China for 8 days (hotel, guide, attractions, airfare, food) for $1100. I went on a 7-night cuise to Cozumel, Honduras, and Belize with an ocean view room for $500.

While these deals may not be quite what you are looking for, travel zoo has so many deals for even airfare alone that can save you money. In the past, I have seen round trip tickets to Jamaica for $99. It is just a matter of looking, and you might get some great ideas. Another time I saw 3 days in Vegas, airfare and hotel for $200.

Kacie said, in September 17th, 2008 at 9:05 am

Is this $600 you’ve already spent? Or is that $600 like a coupon voucher thing?

Anyway, if it’s like a coupon and your financial situation is still rough, it might be worth it (though it would stink) to skip out on the vacation. You’ll have to spend money on hotels, ground transportation, food and entertainment, so this “free” vacation could turn into something pretty expensive in no time. Maybe the airline can turn it into cash for you.

If you did already spend the money, then maybe you can fly to a place where you can stay with someone. Whatever you can do to keep costs to a minimum!

Even if that means taking a shorter vacation, say 2-3 days instead of 4-5.

Cuz, and I mean this with total kindness, you said yourself: “We are broke.” And in your last post, you worried about how you were going to make ends meet.

Sorry I’m such a downer. I love travel sooo much and I can’t wait until I get to go on a real vacation again. It’s just not in our budget right now.

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i’m in a bind, here.

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