Age has its perks

[fleckle]

[quote name='kymbakitty']My best friend's mother-in-law is the same way. She travels to Florida once every couple of years and wouldn't spend $100 each way to fly FIRST CLASS---didn't want to spend the money!!!!!

She is in good health, has PLENTY of money for the rest of her life, very, very financially secure, but was simply raised in the depression era where you don't spend money on things like that.
[/quote] We have a family member much younger than your friend's mother-in-law, also very financially secure, who would not spend even a penny to fly first class. He considers it an unnecessary waste of money to sit in a more comfortable seat for a few hours.

Yet he will book an expensive suite without giving it a second thought.

Different people value different things differently.

[kymbakitty]

[quote name='fleckle']We have a family member much younger than your friend's mother-in-law, also very financially secure, who would not spend even a penny to fly first class. He considers it an unnecessary waste of money to sit in a more comfortable seat for a few hours.

Yet he will book an expensive suite without giving it a second thought.

Different people value different things differently.[/QUOTE]

That is so true. Everyone spends money differently, or betted put, different people value different things.

I am always amused when people say they don't want to waste money on a balcony, but drop thousands of dollars in the casino! To me, the casino is the ultimate waste of money, but it is obviously great joy for others.

As I get older, comfort is much more important and we'll take biz class anytime we have the cash to pay for it before we fly, not after wards.

:-)

[TLCOhio]

[quote name='fleckle']He considers it an unnecessary waste of money to sit in a more comfortable seat for a few hours. Yet he will book an expensive suite without giving it a second thought. Different people value different things differently.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=] [B]kymbakitty[/B]: I am always amused when people say they don't want to waste money on a balcony, but drop thousands of dollars in the casino! To me, the casino is the ultimate waste of money, but it is obviously great joy for others. [/QUOTE]

[COLOR="Blue"][SIZE="3"][FONT="Georgia"] Good and interesting thoughts about how various people approach and view certain "consumer decisions". That's the nice thing about having "options" and "choices".

[B][I]Fortunately, there are lots of different cruise lines going to many, many different places.[/I][/B] If you're flexible on your timing (as many older folks can do), there are many "good values" out there in the market place right now.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from [B]Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik[/B]. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 68,427 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:
[B][url]www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474[/url][/B]

[Taxguy77]

[quote name='SixOneTwo']I'm definitely making decisions on WHERE to go (and not to go) based on my age. We were on a road trip in November, and the knowledge that I'd likely not be returning to some spots in my lifetime made me appreciate them more. Additionally, we're trying to get in the physically intense trips now while we are very much able-bodied (we're not seniors yet). We've seen too many people on cruises who clearly waited too long to take that "trip of a lifetime."[/QUOTE]

[COLOR="DarkRed"]A lady we met 3 weeks ago on a winter vacation here who seemed to be in her low 60s was brain dead the next day! :(:eek:
My DW had cancer a few years ago, and we decided to keep moving and have fun! It's worked out well, as we've been to the foreign areas we wanted to visit, DW saw the Pope in Rome, and we're having a ball closer to home. There are still some states I haven't seen, and more DW has not. Cruise ships (Unfortunately) do not visit Tenn. often. :(:rolleyes:[/COLOR]

[Taxguy77]

[quote name='gracecarmo']Agree: spend it all...if we don't, our kids will![/QUOTE]

[COLOR="Sienna"]My broker (Retired) told us, "You need two watches, one with the days you have left and the other with the money". Idealy, both will arrive at zero at the same time! :D[/COLOR]

[Taxguy77]

[quote name='ghstudio'][B]Since we're talking senior discounts :)[/B]

[B]Restaurants[/B]
[LIST]
[*]Applebee’s: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1361"]Arby’s[/URL]: 10% off (55+)
[*]Ben & Jerry’s: 10% off (60+)
[*]Bennigan’s: discount varies by location
[*]Bob’s Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1286"]Boston Market[/URL]: 10% off (65+)
[*]Burger King: 10% off (60+)
[*]Captain D’s Seafood: discount varies on location (62+)
[*]Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee (55+)
[*]Chili’s: 10% off (55+)
[*]CiCi’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)
[*]Culver’s: 10% off (60+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1470"]Denny’s[/URL]: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members (55+)
[*]Dunkin’ Donuts: 10% off or free coffee (55+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1336"]Einstein’s Bagels[/URL]: 10% off baker’s dozen of bagels (60+)
[*]Fuddrucker’s: 10% off any senior platter (55+)
[*]Gatti’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)
[*]Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1328"]Hardee’s[/URL]: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)
[*]IHOP: 10% off (55+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1344"]Jack in the Box[/URL]: up to 20% off (55+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1218"]KFC[/URL]: free small drink with any meal (55+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1016"]Krispy Kreme[/URL]: 10% off (50+)
[*]Long John Silver’s: various discounts at participating locations (55+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1525"]McDonald’s[/URL]: discounts on coffee everyday (55+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/146"]Mrs. Fields[/URL]: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
[*]Shoney’s: 10% off
[*]Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
[*]Steak ‘n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday (50+)
[*]Subway: 10% off (60+)
[*]Sweet Tomatoes 10% off (62+)
[*]Taco Bell: 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
[*]TCBY: 10% off (55+)
[*]Tea Room Cafe: 10% off (50+)
[*]Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
[*]Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
[*]Wendy’s: 10% off (55+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1415"]White Castle[/URL]: 10% off (62+)
[/LIST][B]Retail and Apparel[/B]
[LIST]
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/891"]Banana Republic[/URL]: 10% off (50+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1599"]Bealls[/URL]: 20% off first Tuesday of each month (50+)
[*]Belk’s: 15% off first Tuesday of every month (55+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1890"]Bon-Ton Department Stores[/URL]: 15% off on senior discount days (55+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1135"]C.J. Banks[/URL]: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
[*]Clarks: 10% off (62+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1635"]Dress Barn[/URL]: 10% off (55+)
[*]Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1249"]Hallmark[/URL]: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/313"]Kohl’s[/URL]: 15% off (60+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/855"]Modell’s Sporting Goods[/URL]: 10% off
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1254"]Rite Aid[/URL]: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions
[*]Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday (55+)
[*]The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off (55+)
[*]Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month (55+)
[/LIST][B]Grocery[/B]
[LIST]
[*]Albertson’s: 10% off first Wednesday of each month (55+)
[*]American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday (50+)
[*]Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
[*]DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)
[*]Food Lion: 6% off every Monday (60+)
[*]Fry’s Supermarket: free Fry’s VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday (55+), or 10% first Wednesday of every month
[*]Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
[*]Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)
[*]Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
[*]Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)
[*]Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)
[*]Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
[*]The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday (50+)
[*]Publix: 5% off every Wednesday (60+; only valid [I]outside[/I] FL)
[*]Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
[*]Uncle Guiseppe’s Marketplace: 5% off (62+)
[/LIST][B]Travel [/B]
[LIST]
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/286"]Alaska Airlines[/URL]: 10% off (65+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1059"]Alamo[/URL]: up to 25% off for AARP members
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1620"]American Airlines[/URL]: various discounts for 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1108"]Amtrak[/URL]: 15% off (62+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1150"]Avis[/URL]: up to 25% off for AARP members
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/983"]Best Western[/URL]: 10% off (55+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/869"]Budget Rental Cars[/URL]: 10% off; up to 20% off for AARP members (50+)
[*]Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1701"]Clarion[/URL]: 20%-30% off (60+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1702"]Comfort Inn[/URL]: 20%-30% off (60+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1075"]Comfort Suites[/URL]: 20%-30% off (60+)
[*]Continental Airlines: no initiation fee for Continental Presidents Club & special fares for select destinations
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/69"]Dollar Rent-A-Car[/URL]: 10% off (50+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1704"]Econo Lodge[/URL]: 20%-30% off (60+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/79"]Enterprise Rent-A-Car[/URL]: 5% off for AARP members
[*]Greyhound: 5% off (62+)
[*]Hampton Inns & Suites: 10% off when booked 72 hours in advance
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1559"]Hertz[/URL]: up t0 25% off for AARP members
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/414"]Holiday Inn[/URL]: 10%-30% off depending on location (62+)
[*]Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/418"]InterContinental Hotels Group[/URL]: various discounts at all hotels (65+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1703"]Mainstay Suites[/URL]: 10% off with Mature Traveler’s Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/303"]Marriott Hotels[/URL]: 15% off (62+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1324"]Motel 6[/URL]: 10% off (60+)
[*]Myrtle Beach Resort: 10% off (55+)
[*]National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1700"]Quality Inn[/URL]: 20%-30% off (60+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1705"]Rodeway Inn[/URL]: 20%-30% off (60+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1472"]Sleep Inn[/URL]: 20%-30% off (60+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/909"]Southwest Airlines[/URL]: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
[*]Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50 and up
[*]United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
[*]U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
[/LIST][B]Activities & Entertainment[/B]
[LIST]
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1279"]AMC Theaters[/URL]: up to 30% off (55+)
[*][URL="http://bradsdeals.com/go/m/1060"]Bally Total Fitness[/URL]: up to $100 off memberships (62+)
[*]Busch Gardens Tampa: $3 off one-day tickets (50+)
[*]Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+)
[*]Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off
[*]U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+)
[*]Regal Cinemas: 30% off
[*]Ripley’s Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket (55+)
[*]SeaWorld Orlando: $3 off one-day tickets (50+)
[/LIST][B]Cell Phone Discounts
[/B]
[LIST]
[*]AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $29.99/month (65+)
[*][URL="http://www.greatcall.com/"]Jitterbug[/URL]: $10/month cell phone service (50+)
[*][URL="http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=planFirst&action=viewPlanDisplay&typeId=1&catId=1029&planId=40826"]Verizon Wireless[/URL]: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+)
[/LIST]
[B]Miscellaneous[/B]
[LIST]
[*]Great Clips: $3 off hair cuts (60+)
[*]Super Cuts: $2 off haircuts (60+)
[/LIST][/QUOTE]

[COLOR="DarkRed"]We have been getting a lot of national firms in our hometown (Weslaco, near South Padre Island) but I didn't realize how many were nowhere near!:eek:
Don't they like Texans?:confused: Or are they affraid to come this far South? :confused::rolleyes:[/COLOR]

[TLCOhio]

[quote name='Taxguy77'][COLOR="Sienna"]My broker (Retired) told us, "You need two watches, one with the days you have left and the other with the money". Idealy, both will arrive at zero at the same time! :D[/COLOR][/QUOTE]

[COLOR="Blue"][SIZE="3"][FONT="Georgia"] [B][I]Where do we find those types of special watches?[/I][/B] Amazon.com?? Tiffany's?? Life would be much different if we knew that type of information in advance. But, maybe not as much fun knowing that much ahead.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from [B]Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik[/B]. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 68,427 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:
[B][url]www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474[/url][/B]

[Taxguy77]

[quote name='Happy Cruiser 6143'][FONT="Verdana"][SIZE="3"]Yup, think Egypt. That was on my bucket list for after I retired. Didn't get to it fast enough. Doesn't look as if they're going to get their act together anytime soon there, in fact, it seems to be getting worse. [COLOR="Red"]Oh well, lots of other places I haven't been yet[/COLOR].[/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]

[COLOR="DarkRed"]How about Sequoyia and Yosemite Nat'l. Parks in California? :confused:
Further away, Machu in Peru.[/COLOR]

[Taxguy77]

[quote name='SusieV']I'm not by any means worried about my age (I'm 29), but life is for living now. So while I can't afford to fly business class or stay in a suite, travelling is important to me because no matter how old you are, you never know how much time you have left. You can always get more money, but memories are priceless.

My father died at 57 years old. He never got to retire or see all the places he wanted to see. I remember when I was a teenager and he took me on Monarch of the Seas and I saw how much everything cost and was so surprised- he told me that was not the important part- how much I would enjoy it was.[/QUOTE]

[COLOR="Sienna"]When I was out of college a year, 4 of us spent the entire summer in Europe. We had a VW and a few hotel reservations and camped out a number of times. (Hard to camp out on the Grand Cana in Venice!:rolleyes:)
All the MANY pics I took on the trip faded years ago, but the memories are still there.
You have the right idea, keep going!:cool:[/COLOR]

[Taxguy77]

[quote name='marraclc']We're both retired and we also measure the cost of things according to the cost of a cruise. [COLOR="Red"]I'd rather go on a cruise than buy a couch.[/COLOR] We started cruising in an inside cabin, then an OV and now a balcony. My husband won't cruise without a balcony. Next year we have CC cabin booked.

We're now thinking of going on a trip to Machu Picchu. We figure we're never going to be healthier than we are now. Our motto is: "We save where we can so we can spend where we want." We're doing it now! Our kids always ask " Where are you going now?"[/QUOTE]

Wow, a $10,000 couch! Very nice.
You will enjoy Machu Picchu, just do a lot of research before the trip. My DD found a small hotel in Cusco run by a Dutch family for charity.Very clean and close to hotels that charge 2 or 3 times as much.

[Taxguy77]

[quote name='marraclc']We're both retired and we also measure the cost of things according to the cost of a cruise. [COLOR="Red"]I'd rather go on a cruise than buy a couch.[/COLOR] We started cruising in an inside cabin, then an OV and now a balcony. My husband won't cruise without a balcony. Next year we have CC cabin booked.

We're now thinking of going on a trip to Machu Picchu. We figure we're never going to be healthier than we are now. Our motto is: "We save where we can so we can spend where we want." We're doing it now! Our kids always ask " Where are you going now?"[/QUOTE]

Wow, a $10,000 couch! Very nice.
You will enjoy Machu Picchu, just do a lot of research before the trip. My DD found a small hotel in Cusco run by a Dutch family for charity.Very clean and close to hotels that charge 2 or 3 times as much.

Stay in Miraflores, not Lima. Much nicer and safer.

[ducklite]

[QUOTE=Can'tstopcruising;32819850]Please tell me what airline offers first class for an extra $100? We just flew to Paris for approx. $1000 each, lowest fare and the business class was $5000 each and the first class was $13,000 each. For $100 each, I would be a Big Sport![/QUOTE]

US Airways offers domestic first class upgrades at the gate based on available space for as little as $50, depending on how long the flight is.

[Taxguy77]

[quote name='texast518']We r both 70, no children, & the casket has no pockets.[/QUOTE]

You could adopt me, even though I'm older.:D:cool:

[Taxguy77]

[quote name='TLCOhio'][COLOR="Blue"][SIZE="3"][FONT="Georgia"] [B][I]Where do we find those types of special watches?[/I][/B] Amazon.com?? Tiffany's?? Life would be much different if we knew that type of information in advance. But, maybe not as much fun knowing that much ahead.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]
QUOTE]
[COLOR="Sienna"]Haven't found it yet, still looking! :([/COLOR]

[Zoey]

I realize that this thread is over three months old BUT I happened across it at just the RIGHT time this morning!!!

I'm 54, divorced for almost twenty years, and raised two daughters. I've worked since I was sixteen and I make only a modest income. I don't spend a lot on clothes (my favorite clothing store is a nice resale shop) and I drive my cars for thirteen or fourteen years. I have a mortgage, but live in a very modest condo.

I was also diagnosed with a health condition which very well could cause some future mobility issues.

One of my dreams, since I was a teen, was to meet a man with years of experience sailing his 60 foot sailboat around the world who needed another hand. Never happened........living in a landlocked state doesn't/didn't help....so I started taking cruises about 12 years ago because it was the only way I could spend time in the middle of the ocean. However, all of my cruises have all been to the Caribbean (I got in a rut). A year or two ago I started getting the urge, bad, to take a Transatlantic. Well, I booked it a few days ago, the December 1, [U]2013[/U], Rome to Ft. Lauderdale, 14 nights. I can also combine it with three or four nights in Rome......my favorite city in the world.

I booked a balcony, which is the only kind of cabin I've ever had, after trying for a couple of weeks to psych myself into booking an inside or an OV, I just couldn't do it. I cruise alone and I spend A LOT of time on my balcony reading and watching the ocean pass by. I think I just wouldn't go it I couldn't have it.

Anyway, I was contemplating canceling it today or tomorrow because I was feeling guilty, bad and irresponsible for spending that kind or money on the trip BUT after reading these posts I AM GOING. I've already promised myself, IF I love it and want to another Transatlantic.....I will HAVE to take a less expensive cabin.

So thanks everyone who posted to this thread. You saved me from canceling an adventure I really wanted to take.

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Yes we do it is called SOKI...:):)

[Ma Bell]

[quote name='Zoey']I realize that this thread is over three months old BUT I happened across it at just the RIGHT time this morning!!!

I'm 54, divorced for almost twenty years, and raised two daughters. I've worked since I was sixteen and I make only a modest income. I don't spend a lot on clothes (my favorite clothing store is a nice resale shop) and I drive my cars for thirteen or fourteen years. I have a mortgage, but live in a very modest condo.

I was also diagnosed with a health condition which very well could cause some future mobility issues.

One of my dreams, since I was a teen, was to meet a man with years of experience sailing his 60 foot sailboat around the world who needed another hand. Never happened........living in a landlocked state doesn't/didn't help....so I started taking cruises about 12 years ago because it was the only way I could spend time in the middle of the ocean. However, all of my cruises have all been to the Caribbean (I got in a rut). A year or two ago I started getting the urge, bad, to take a Transatlantic. Well, I booked it a few days ago, the December 1, [U]2013[/U], Rome to Ft. Lauderdale, 14 nights. I can also combine it with three or four nights in Rome......my favorite city in the world.

I booked a balcony, which is the only kind of cabin I've ever had, after trying for a couple of weeks to psych myself into booking an inside or an OV, I just couldn't do it. I cruise alone and I spend A LOT of time on my balcony reading and watching the ocean pass by. I think I just wouldn't go it I couldn't have it.

Anyway, I was contemplating canceling it today or tomorrow because I was feeling guilty, bad and irresponsible for spending that kind or money on the trip BUT after reading these posts I AM GOING. I've already promised myself, IF I love it and want to another Transatlantic.....I will HAVE to take a less expensive cabin.

So thanks everyone who posted to this thread. You saved me from canceling an adventure I really wanted to take.[/QUOTE]

Zoey...have a wonderful cruise!

[phoenix_dream]

I think so many things factor into these types of decisions. For a period of time, we were starting to splurge more and more on vacation upgrades as our salaries rose with the years. Then I got laid off at 58 yrs old and was never able to find another full-time job, and we were back to one income and the added stress that comes with wondering if that one income is as safe as it used to be. So once again we are back to looking for bargains (and thankful we are among those for whom taking vacations is still a financial option!).

At the same time, the recession brought prices down for vacationing, and once the balcony bug bit is is sooooo hard to consider going back to outside or heaven forbid, inside. So we are more particular about which cruises we are willing to take. Just found a great bargain on a Summit cruise ($649 for a balcony) so we booked it. Due mostly to available vacation time off for DH, we are primarily limited to Caribbean cruises for now, and since we have been to all the islands multiple times we tend to just look for good deals during the times we prefer and go with that. Any cruise on Celebrity is one worth taking!

My friends tease me about going on so many vacations (we take several a year) but I would rather spend the money I have on experiences rather than things any day of the week. Memories are a much, much greater commodity than fancy cars, bigger houses, more expensive restaurants. So for us while the desire for more comfort grows as we age, the reality of life requires that we scale down those comforts so that we can still enjoy the experiences and create so many great vacation memories:D

[Phxazzcruisers]

We love traveling and seeing the world. That begin said we once loved to fly and train all over Europe and see places that way, really immerse ourselves in the different cultures. Now that we are both a little older, we have been hooked on cruising. Pack and unpack once, no schlepping luggage everywhere, just lay back and enjoy the cruise, eat GREAT food, and see many different countries, many of which we will someday return to. We also try our best to make travel as comfortable as possible and will do our best to upgrade long flights and always book Aqua Class or penthouse rooms to be able to enjoy them and eat in Blu !!! We also travel often with friends so we love having the extra space to entertain.
Life is short, you only get to go around once, so we try to make the very most of it and enjoy the time we have !!!

[Lastdance]

[quote name='raudacruise']Yes, does that disease have a name :D?[/QUOTE]

:)[COLOR="Red"][SIZE="4"][/SIZE][/COLOR] [COLOR="Red"]Yes it has a name: When only the very best will do...I am by no means wealthy, but traveling represents the finer things in life and a personal choice that I can live with. There was just a great price on a balcony guarantee; however, I didn't go for it. Y:cool:es, I have a few second thoughts, but they will disappear soon! It is only paper!!![/COLOR]

[1980dory]

By the way, I have found that the store brand grape jelly is just as efficacious as the brand name thereof. My favorite is Great Value concord grape jelly, which I will enjoy with breakfast tomorrow.

 

I've discovered that the GV line is excellent. The coffee is just as good as Folgers and the other products are top quality also. I only found one product that was not exceptional and that was the GV worchestershire sauce (very watery). Try the Lea and Perrins 'thick' sauce!

I never buy cruise insurance. That 20-25% price tag is outrageous and I don't buy into their scare tactics. Our savings thus far has already bought us a couple 'free' cruises. To me cruise insurance is akin to buying accidental life insurance in case you are struck by lightning on the fifth Tuesday of the month in a leap year. It's nothing more than 'protection' money like Al Capone charged his customers in Chicago.

[1980dory]

When I was out of college a year, 4 of us spent the entire summer in Europe. We had a VW and a few hotel reservations and camped out a number of times. (Hard to camp out on the Grand Cana in Venice!:rolleyes:)

All the MANY pics I took on the trip faded years ago, but the memories are still there.

You have the right idea, keep going!:cool:

 

I still have my 73 VW Campmobile and a 66 Beetle!

[USVI-4-me]

I realize that this thread is over three months old BUT I happened across it at just the RIGHT time this morning!!!

 

I'm 54, divorced for almost twenty years, and raised two daughters. I've worked since I was sixteen and I make only a modest income. I don't spend a lot on clothes (my favorite clothing store is a nice resale shop) and I drive my cars for thirteen or fourteen years. I have a mortgage, but live in a very modest condo.

 

I was also diagnosed with a health condition which very well could cause some future mobility issues.

 

One of my dreams, since I was a teen, was to meet a man with years of experience sailing his 60 foot sailboat around the world who needed another hand. Never happened........living in a landlocked state doesn't/didn't help....so I started taking cruises about 12 years ago because it was the only way I could spend time in the middle of the ocean. However, all of my cruises have all been to the Caribbean (I got in a rut). A year or two ago I started getting the urge, bad, to take a Transatlantic. Well, I booked it a few days ago, the December 1, 2013, Rome to Ft. Lauderdale, 14 nights. I can also combine it with three or four nights in Rome......my favorite city in the world.

 

I booked a balcony, which is the only kind of cabin I've ever had, after trying for a couple of weeks to psych myself into booking an inside or an OV, I just couldn't do it. I cruise alone and I spend A LOT of time on my balcony reading and watching the ocean pass by. I think I just wouldn't go it I couldn't have it.

 

Anyway, I was contemplating canceling it today or tomorrow because I was feeling guilty, bad and irresponsible for spending that kind or money on the trip BUT after reading these posts I AM GOING. I've already promised myself, IF I love it and want to another Transatlantic.....I will HAVE to take a less expensive cabin.

 

So thanks everyone who posted to this thread. You saved me from canceling an adventure I really wanted to take.

 

Zoey, I'm with you on this cruise. Maybe you'll take the op to go early and see more of Rome. I'm very happy that you booked and posted on this thread.

 

In answer to the thread (I don't know if I've already posted, duh. But it's Sunday evening and here I am), yes we do spend whatever we please. However, it doesn't matter to us if we have a balcony or an inside because we spend very little time in the cabin. Next cruise, we may choose Aqua Class for dinner in Blu.

 

We spend on many vacations, mostly on land but a lot at sea. We save all planning and cruising papers to the point I need help with my collection of paper, including brochures.

 

What concerns us most as we age is getting a good experience for our TIME, it's less about money.... more about satisfaction.

 

I'll be watching this thread and reading more of the older post to see what others have written.

 

Zoey, thank you for re-visiting this topic. Bridge Maven brings interesting ideas to the message board.

 

I wish everyone many wonderful vacations. All are full of great memories.

 

-Marisa

[tallcva3344]

Most definitely. As the song says "we may never pass this way again". We now realize that there only so many years to travel to all the places we want to go. Have to make the most of each experience and that includes enjoying some treats. We save at home and allow ourselves perks when we travel.

 

Wow, I agree. I use to take one cruise every year or two, now at least six per year. Eight last year. On one 22 day cruise I ate at RCCL's Chops 11 times. Yes when we take our grandchildren we get them a connecting room. I remember our children sleeping above our heads. We are in our early 60's, who knows what we will do in our 70's. Seniors gone wild. Well we are spending their inheritance well. PS... never seemed like we could afford the sports car we recently bought H

[Desertbelle]

This reminded me of a story:

A few years back, after a cruise leaving out of Ft. Lauderdale, I offered to drive my elderly parents to Bradenton to visit my mother's sister for a few days. My aunt lived in a beautiful, 2 bedroom condo. My mother and aunt couldn't understand why I, a woman in my late 50's, didn't want to spend three nights on the blow up mattress on the living room floor of my aunt's condo. I told them I didn't sleep on floors anymore and that I could easily afford to pay for my own hotel room so I would.

 

My sister and I have said for years that these days we think "roughing it" is a 4 star hotel! :D