usvi-on-line
How are you planning to afford a trip?
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Xislandgirl
- Posts: 4163
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 4:03 pm
- Location: Slightly left of center
I agree!alw1977 wrote: 6. Going to the Caribbean at least yearly is good for my soul. I work it into the budget as a necessity.
We won't be going to STJ next year, but opting for a cruise in early 2009 and then a few of trips up to Maine and a bunch of long weekends locally.
I need to travel or I get very depressed. Chip knows when I start to get that look that he needs to book a room somewhere.
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gymnastika
- Posts: 291
- Joined: Fri Mar 28, 2008 10:01 pm
- Location: texas
this is a good question, because i have made a way to get there for a second time this year for july and it's going to be on the cheap.
first of all, when airfare was at a good price, from san antonio, we were lucky to find something in the $600+ range since it takes three planes to get to stt. now it's in the $800's!! so, we are flying spirit, staying the night in fll, each way, and we still come out cheaper even with the added hotels.
another change is we are staying in virgin gorda for the first 4 nights at guavaberry, which is reasonable.
the biggest change is that i am actually going to stay at maho for 3 nights!!!! camping in late july!! i must be desperate. should be intresting...followed by only one nice night at caneel on their cheapo rates they have for late summer. so, no terrahawk this time
, but we get to be in st. john!!
as far as the $50+ fillups, it's more like $85 for 2 cars every 5 days...somewhere in the $750+ range on average a month. so, got rid of one of the gas guzzlers and got a hybrid a week ago. my portion of the gas has been cut by more than half!! that's my st. john money right there.
first of all, when airfare was at a good price, from san antonio, we were lucky to find something in the $600+ range since it takes three planes to get to stt. now it's in the $800's!! so, we are flying spirit, staying the night in fll, each way, and we still come out cheaper even with the added hotels.
another change is we are staying in virgin gorda for the first 4 nights at guavaberry, which is reasonable.
the biggest change is that i am actually going to stay at maho for 3 nights!!!! camping in late july!! i must be desperate. should be intresting...followed by only one nice night at caneel on their cheapo rates they have for late summer. so, no terrahawk this time
, but we get to be in st. john!!as far as the $50+ fillups, it's more like $85 for 2 cars every 5 days...somewhere in the $750+ range on average a month. so, got rid of one of the gas guzzlers and got a hybrid a week ago. my portion of the gas has been cut by more than half!! that's my st. john money right there.
I go to St John 6-7 times a week now depending on how many trip reports are posted here. If it weren't for living vicariously through all of you, I'd go broke fast!
On a side note, I'm now taking applications for new rich, powerful and generous friends. Please PM me your latest tax return for consideration.
On a side note, I'm now taking applications for new rich, powerful and generous friends. Please PM me your latest tax return for consideration.
A mind is like a parachute. It only works when it's open.
First off, Jorge your new avater caused me to snarf, thanks dude
Yep, the economy sucks! but St John will stay in our plans until I find somewhere better
. I've been looking for 25 years and haven't found it yet. Two years ago we spent a week at Concordia prior to moving into a villa. It wasn't a money issue, it was a chance for my family to experience the basics again and it was a good test. I'll be honest, we didn't cook a single dinner there but we could have 
I love A/C and a nice kitchen, but it was a good time! My daughter, 11 at the time, said she would stay there again "if she had to", well one day she may have to and I can remind her what she said back then!
I spent $300 on a airline ticket back in 80's and this year I spent $315 per ticket out of Dulles We lucked out aye! Same ticket the last two months has been over $600.
You want to know where I'm most shocked? I remember staying at a villa back in 2000 that was $2100 off season for the three of us and now it is $4800, it's a beautiful place, but come on. The inflation of some of the villas has out paced many other areas of the economy.
There is good news though, Woody's still has great happy hour prices!
Yep, the economy sucks! but St John will stay in our plans until I find somewhere better
. I've been looking for 25 years and haven't found it yet. Two years ago we spent a week at Concordia prior to moving into a villa. It wasn't a money issue, it was a chance for my family to experience the basics again and it was a good test. I'll be honest, we didn't cook a single dinner there but we could have I love A/C and a nice kitchen, but it was a good time! My daughter, 11 at the time, said she would stay there again "if she had to", well one day she may have to and I can remind her what she said back then! I spent $300 on a airline ticket back in 80's and this year I spent $315 per ticket out of Dulles
We lucked out aye! Same ticket the last two months has been over $600.You want to know where I'm most shocked? I remember staying at a villa back in 2000 that was $2100 off season for the three of us and now it is $4800, it's a beautiful place, but come on. The inflation of some of the villas has out paced many other areas of the economy.
There is good news though, Woody's still has great happy hour prices!
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Berlingirl
- Posts: 499
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 6:09 pm
- Location: New England
Excellent question...I thought I'd beat the airfare hikes and book early about a year out because not going is not an option. It's our mental health, it's our sanity...it's our vacation...Well...I found good one way tickets out of Boston for next April...so I booked the outbound thinking on the first day I could book the return at midnight I would...knowing I'd have to stay up all night...no problem for USVI travel. Well, it's been over a week that I can book the return...Oil has surged over $133 a barrel and the airlines haven't put any of their good one way fares that they are advertising out of Boston into inventory out of STT back to Boston. Isn't that wonderful? So here we sit with 4 one way tickets to STT... 
and we don't have flexible dates...we need one date...LOL!
Gas is $3.96 a gallon here...I have an SUV, DH has a truck. He runs a small business and works his a** off already...I work for a small business and we'll see what happens there...anyway...life goes on and I'll continue watching airline inventory to see if anything opens up...
We are pretty bare bones travelers already, but do like to go in somewhat in season...DH works in a freezer and we live in New England so April is our month as kids have one week off and we only go for that time. We do eating out on island mixed with vienna sausage sandwiches and cheese dogs so that's nothing new.
Interested in everybody's replies...I'm wondering myself.
and we don't have flexible dates...we need one date...LOL! Gas is $3.96 a gallon here...I have an SUV, DH has a truck. He runs a small business and works his a** off already...I work for a small business and we'll see what happens there...anyway...life goes on and I'll continue watching airline inventory to see if anything opens up...
We are pretty bare bones travelers already, but do like to go in somewhat in season...DH works in a freezer and we live in New England so April is our month as kids have one week off and we only go for that time. We do eating out on island mixed with vienna sausage sandwiches and cheese dogs so that's nothing new.
Interested in everybody's replies...I'm wondering myself.
We're temporarily priced out, though I'm a firm believer that if you need more money, go out and get it. I've spent most of my life working too many hours a week. I'm in a self-imposed slowdown mode right now. I'm smelling the roses in my own back yard for the time being.
When you find yourself in a hole.... quit digging.
I was wondering about “villa inflation” and was hoping that some folks with longer perspectives would chime in. Wonder how much reflects genuine things like real estate and utility costs and how much reflects increased demand i.e. you can charge more because more people are (or maybe "were") willing to pay...budman wrote:You want to know where I'm most shocked? I remember staying at a villa back in 2000 that was $2100 off season for the three of us and now it is $4800, it's a beautiful place, but come on. The inflation of some of the villas has out paced many other areas of the economy.
Sometimes I think it’s the “secondary” costs that you may not think of right away as you start planning that really add up – parking at your airport, boarding the pet, cab in STT, the daysail, the high price of the jeep rental, that first grocery trip on island, etc.
We may have to solicit or take family/friends up on offers for rides to/from airport and to watch the dog, knowing then we may have to reciprocate, which is not fun, but certainly a way that many already probably save $.
Otherwise, next trip for us is to BVIs where prices for accommodations haven’t gone up as much as STJ, although with that reduced service to/from SJU on the horizon, getting there is really going to become a challenge.
Also starting to look at other islands for the Caribbean fix to see how they stack up cost wise, such as non-resort options in the out islands of the Bahamas. We had traveled a lot to Mexico many many moons ago and are glad we did as just saw a trav channel show on top 10 resorts of Mexico and did not recognize some of place we've been - Cabo had chickens running around on dirt streets and Cancun had 7 hotels when we went.
Last edited by jmq on Thu May 29, 2008 8:42 am, edited 1 time in total.
When we come to place where the sea and the sky collide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
We tend to spend about the same $$ per trip. We don't go high end and we do not need a/c. But, there are still a lot of great villas out there that fit our budget off-season. High season? Probably never again on land, but possible on a sailing charter.
What we are more likely to do is to continue going to STJ at least once a year, but go for fewer amenities in order to keep to our normal vacation budget. Pool? Hot tub? A/C? I can skip it. As long as we have a kitchen, view and a vehicle we'll get by.
Cheers, RickG
What we are more likely to do is to continue going to STJ at least once a year, but go for fewer amenities in order to keep to our normal vacation budget. Pool? Hot tub? A/C? I can skip it. As long as we have a kitchen, view and a vehicle we'll get by.
Cheers, RickG
S/V Echoes - Coral Bay - St. John, VI
[quote="Berlingirl"]Excellent question...It's our mental health, it's our sanity...it's our vacation...
That is exactly how Keith and I feel. Some years we go once, in good years we are lucky enough to go twice. Most trips we go with another couple, or two, to share the cost of the boat.
It’s a long cold winter in New Brunswick, and trips to the islands (and KC concerts) are what keep us going. We have a 45 minute commute to work every day, and spend a ton on fuel. Now that summer is here, I know Keith's going to be dumping gas in our boats, but that is our summer vacation, we stay home! We really don't go out to eat anymore, and have cut back on a few other things so we can keep our trips.
I work for a non-profit hospital foundation, and my husband works in the Trade show industry, lets just say he does much better than me money wise, but I love my job, and I believe in our work.
So FF miles and playing the points game with credit cards will continue for us well into the future.
Sydney
That is exactly how Keith and I feel. Some years we go once, in good years we are lucky enough to go twice. Most trips we go with another couple, or two, to share the cost of the boat.
It’s a long cold winter in New Brunswick, and trips to the islands (and KC concerts) are what keep us going. We have a 45 minute commute to work every day, and spend a ton on fuel. Now that summer is here, I know Keith's going to be dumping gas in our boats, but that is our summer vacation, we stay home! We really don't go out to eat anymore, and have cut back on a few other things so we can keep our trips.
I work for a non-profit hospital foundation, and my husband works in the Trade show industry, lets just say he does much better than me money wise, but I love my job, and I believe in our work.
So FF miles and playing the points game with credit cards will continue for us well into the future.
Sydney
I just saw an article on Yahoo about buyers and sellers swapping houses to help in a crisis. How about doing the same thing with our homes? Anyone with a STJ villa want to come to Kentucky and stay at my place? Lots of fun things to do, especially during Derby week. Might even be able to scare up some good seats for the race. I'll even leave a big pitcher of mint julips and plenty of bourbon in case you run out. 
Last edited by pjayer on Thu May 29, 2008 9:34 am, edited 1 time in total.
When the end of the world comes, I want to be in Kentucky, because everything there happens 20 years after it happens anywhere else. – Mark Twain
This is the area were we are making changes. For the past three trips, we spent the night at an airport hotel and twice used a van service to get us there.jmq wrote: Sometimes I think it’s the “secondary” costs that you may not think of right away as you start planning that really add up
After I added up transportation, hotel costs, the horrible overpriced hotel dinner, and most importantly, the fact that I got less sleep than I would have getting up at 3am to drive from home, I was shocked at the nearly $500 we spent before even stepping into the airport.
Next trip, we are skipping the airport overnight.
For this year's trips - family of four to Cozumel for 10 days in June and Leslie and I to STJ for 10 days in November - I lucked out by securing plane tickets WAY in advance. The direct Miami-Cozumel tickets I bought last August for $250 each are now going for $750. And I was able to book flights on Delta using SkyMiles for me and Leslie, and we even get to leave from our hometown vs the usual drive to Orlando or (ugh!) Miami!
But our island indulgence has us on the edge budget wise, and with our oldest starting college in the fall of 2009, and his brother two years behind him, we may find that what are now discetionary funds will be earmarked for some of their expenses.
I'm kind of viewing the trip to STJ in the fall as our last hurrah for a while. I'll keep my eyes peeled for bargains to see if we can finagle at least a short trip some time, but we may be reduced to living through the trip reports for a while.
At least we live somewhere that it's not mandatory to get away from fierce winter weather, and where we have access to beaches, snorkeling, diving, and palm trees.
But it AIN'T STJ!
But our island indulgence has us on the edge budget wise, and with our oldest starting college in the fall of 2009, and his brother two years behind him, we may find that what are now discetionary funds will be earmarked for some of their expenses.
I'm kind of viewing the trip to STJ in the fall as our last hurrah for a while. I'll keep my eyes peeled for bargains to see if we can finagle at least a short trip some time, but we may be reduced to living through the trip reports for a while.
At least we live somewhere that it's not mandatory to get away from fierce winter weather, and where we have access to beaches, snorkeling, diving, and palm trees.
But it AIN'T STJ!
Come see us!
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California Girl
My parents swapped houses with a family in Hawaii back in the 60's. We went and lived in Kaneohe on Oahu for 3 months and they lived in our home in Long Beach, CA. We swapped houses, cars, and everything else! I was just a kid, so I don't know if there were any problems associated, but I don't remember any! We all had fabulous 3 month vacations and there were NO RESORT FEES whatsoever! I think it was a great idea!pjayer wrote:I just saw an article on Yahoo about buyers and sellers swapping houses to help in a crisis. How about doing the same thing with our homes?
Like FF, we (hubby and I) are fortunate to have great jobs, no kids, a low house payment, and only one car payment.
Hubby and I also HOV to work (for the non-urbanites this means that we can commute in a lane that requires at least 2 people be in a vehicle together to use). Not only is the HOV lane faster, but I estimate we save AT LEAST $5K a year on gas and maintenance on the second vehicle. That alone is the cost of a STJ trip.
Like many of the others if I don't have a trip planned somewhere (especially STJ) I get really depressed.
That being said, I will admit that I have cut back on my spending on clothes, shoes and make-up (all of which I have crazy amounts of) in deference to saving for our 10th anniversary trip to Prague and now for our trip to STJ with the in-laws in December. Although I have to admit we probably wouldn't be going this December if we weren't splitting the house cost with them.
The other factor here is that after 9/11 (I worked in a building right across I-395 from the Pentagon) my whole attitude about life changed. I no longer wait for something that I really want to do (within reason).
I just refuse to be one of those people who saves every penny for retirement (obviously we're saving but not every penny) and never takes the time to enjoy the money they make.
I mean you never know when you're going to get hit by a bus, be diagnosed with a life threatening or debilitating illness etc. And let me just say that when I go I can guarantee you I won't be thinking about how much $$ is in my bank account -- but I can almost guarantee you that I will be thinking about lying on the beach at Jumbie with my husbands hand in mine, the sun on my skin, the cool breeze in my hair and my toes in the sand.
That's what it's all about!
Hubby and I also HOV to work (for the non-urbanites this means that we can commute in a lane that requires at least 2 people be in a vehicle together to use). Not only is the HOV lane faster, but I estimate we save AT LEAST $5K a year on gas and maintenance on the second vehicle. That alone is the cost of a STJ trip.
Like many of the others if I don't have a trip planned somewhere (especially STJ) I get really depressed.
That being said, I will admit that I have cut back on my spending on clothes, shoes and make-up (all of which I have crazy amounts of) in deference to saving for our 10th anniversary trip to Prague and now for our trip to STJ with the in-laws in December. Although I have to admit we probably wouldn't be going this December if we weren't splitting the house cost with them.
The other factor here is that after 9/11 (I worked in a building right across I-395 from the Pentagon) my whole attitude about life changed. I no longer wait for something that I really want to do (within reason).
I just refuse to be one of those people who saves every penny for retirement (obviously we're saving but not every penny) and never takes the time to enjoy the money they make.
I mean you never know when you're going to get hit by a bus, be diagnosed with a life threatening or debilitating illness etc. And let me just say that when I go I can guarantee you I won't be thinking about how much $$ is in my bank account -- but I can almost guarantee you that I will be thinking about lying on the beach at Jumbie with my husbands hand in mine, the sun on my skin, the cool breeze in my hair and my toes in the sand.
That's what it's all about!
*Another fine scatterbrained production