Who's holding off on vacation plans for 2009?

[RickG]

With the NYSE DOW and S&P 500 indices down more than 7% today, are you holding off on committing to vacation plans in 2009?

We have five weeks of travel planned in 2009, but I'm not buying tickets or putting down deposits until we see a little stability.

Cheers, RickG

[mbw1024]

I'm already booked and plan to go through with it but I haven't done anything further than that. Was looking at something for Oct. 2009 but not pulling any triggers on that right now.

[Teresa_Rae]

Unfortunately yes we are holding off…my husband is facing a potential lay-off by the end of the year, so there’s no way we can plan a vacation right now. We went to STJ in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008, and I will be pretty devastated if we can’t go in 2009…but it isn’t looking good.

[Kathyzhere]

I, like mbw, have plans already for STJ-Feb and just about paid off, BUT our 2nd vacation for the year is still up in the air. Was thinking of a cruise or a visit to New England. Not making anything definate until after the New Year.
May have to be a staycation
But I'm sure we'll make the best of whatever we do!

I'm a bit scared of the future financially right now especially when it comes to our jobs. The downturn of the economy could affect both mine and hubs'

Rick I love your "5 weeks of travel"! Wish it was me. By the time I left my job on the Cape I was earning 7 weeks of PTO, not even close down here but I'll take time off with no pay if I feel like it.

Kathy

[iowaguy]

Me. Its getting scary. I had thought about going to STJ for Spring Break, but I'm holding off for now. We'll see.

[joanybelle]

Vacations are one of the last things I am willing to give up. I can cut back on my food expenses, clothes allowance, entertainment allowance, but vacations are vital to my well being. Having said that, I don't have an vacation planned right now. I, too, am waiting (and hoping) for the economy to settle down and markets to climb again. (hoping hoping!!)

[Lulu76]

I'd like to go next year, but I'm not sure if it's going to happen. I have told people if I hadn't already paid for stuff before the downturn got really bad, then I wouldn't have gone. So, this year I'm doing it up, just in case I don't get to go back soon.

Everything in life is up in the air right now. We'll see what happens.

[nothintolose]

Rickilicious - I hope your Jazz Fest plans aren't changing

[papabou]

we set annual vacation budget in dec for following year. there are unspent funds to cover 5 day guy trip and week for bride on stj and guy dec ski trip. its my patriotic duty to spend those dollars and help spur the economy. as last minute travlers we could back off but don't plan to do unless it really gets nasty (remember mid to late 70's).

now 09 (that was question wasn't it) is another year. if things haven't stablized by dec probably will cut vacation budget in half (with all the cut for the second half year so could reinstate if things get better). but yes if things don't get better we would expect a significant curtailing of vacation plans for next year.

there's the value hunter in me though that might force me to spend some unbudgeted funds for the right villa at a great price due to lack of demand. i'm a sucker for a bargain. that's why on hopped right on AIG when price dropped below 50 in the spring. gad am i glad i don't comingle fun money and investment dollars.

closing note, the more of us whi tighten up because of the turmoil, the worst it will be. and IMHO congress and the candidates don't have a clue. thus even more reason to continue spending the kids inheritance.

papabou

[augie]

We were already planning a lean vacation year in 2009 as our oldest son will be heading off to college, and it seems like he's bound and determined to go somewhere that will keep me working the rest of my life!

His brother is two years behind him, but at least he's thinking about going to a good school that is not only a good school, but one that's a state school as well.

See you all on STJ around 2015 or so...

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[California Girl]

Our vacation money for next year is already set aside and safe. No scrimping on next year's sail through da ilons!

Now 2010...that may be a completely different story! We shall wait and see.

[suzycc218]

We were really hoping to spend our 25th anniversary on St. John (2/1/09). Haven't been there in about 20 years, but LOVED it then and REALLY want to go back. However, last week we came to the conclusion that we should hold off for now due to the economic situation. So, the only money we've invested so far is the purchase of "Feet, Fins & Four-wheel drive," which is a GREAT book. I will continue to read all the forums and blogs (which are ever so helpful -- thank you all!), and perhaps we'll make it yet. Or maybe we'll go off-season for a belated celebration and save a little money. Anyway, just thought I'd throw my 2 cents in to say, "Yes, we're holding off.....for now....."

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[California Girl]

suzycc218 - Welcome to the forum! I hope you can get back to STJ sooner than later! I think you will find a few changes have taken place there in the past 20 yrs.