Are we the only couple who can't afford a holiday?

pebblespop

the first bank holiday weekend in may we stayed at home and spent an absolute fortune, going out with freinds, having people round to the house etc.

the second bank holiday we went to ibiza for £120 each all inclusive and didn't spend more than 20 euros all weekend.

sometimes going on holiday is cheaper than staying at home!

NicciJB

I've not had a holiday for over two years now. I am single and it's so expensive what with single supplements n'all. After I've paid my rent (680) Council Tax (141) and other utilities I don't have much disposable income left. Get the violins out...!! :-(

I'm taking a week off in July and am spending it at home relaxing. Don't get me wrong - I'd rather be on a beach somewhere - preferably long haul - but it's just not happening at the moment...

happydays09

Long-time lurker here, just wanted to contribute.
I'm single, and whilst I don't have any major debts I do have to watch the pennies! I don't know if anyone has mentioned 'working' holidays at all, but I've certainly found them a cheap way to have a 'holiday' (which can sometimes be more about getting out of the old routine and away from those 'home jobs' which perpetually seem to need doing!).
They're also classed as conservation holidays, in that you're out and about in the great outdoors doing a variety of jobs. They usually last a week and you're not normally asked to work all day. You get a free day off in the week to explore the local area. The cost is normally around £60-£80 for the week including all food and accomodation. They're a great thing to do if you're single, you meet some interesting folks, have a laugh, eat good food and get some exercise!
If you're interested google BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) and National Trust (if you do a National Trust holiday they give you a years free entry to all National Trust properties!). You can find on tailored to your age/mobility whatever!
Sorry if I've waffled, hope it helps some.

PS Just checked out their websites and prices have gone up somewhat! :think: since I last looked. But if you go to volunteering-working holidays on NT websitecthey have some cheaper breaks.

Poppy9

nirelandguy wrote: »

Today has just reminded me why I don't go on holidays, I hate the heat, today is killing me

And the weather today has reminded me why I do want to go away on holiday!:D

keldilouise

molerat wrote: »

Look at it this way, many of the people who do go away on exotic holidays cannot afford a holiday either :eek:

I agree with this but on the other hand I don't believe that i am in any more debt than the next person even though I book a holiday knowing that I can't afford it. I book the holiday and then deal with the consequences later....otherwise i'd never go anywhere, I mean realistically I will never be able to say "ooh i've got a SPARE £1000 ,,i'll book a hol !!!" I have always managed to pay off the damage once home and for as long as this method works I will continue to travel the world !!

keldilouise

mrcow wrote: »

One of my serious fears is getting old and thinking:

1. Where have I been? Nowhere
2. What have I seen? Nothing

I would consider it a waste of my life. The world is out there to see and enjoy. I can't think if anything worse than not to experience life and culture of other places for myself.

We all have different priorities. I guess I'll just never "get" people who don't want to take the world by both horns and travel it.

What else are you going to spend your hard earned money on? More "things"? No thanks!

Collect memories, not possessions!

What a great post, I was starting to feel a bit depressed !! "Things", thats exactly what they are. I mean i'm sure i won't remember a brand new washing machine or a nice garden patio set in 20 years time but I'm pretty sure my trips to Oz, S.Afica etc will remain vivid memories until the day I die !!

Ames

I was missing holidays, so I picked up a tip from here. I'm saving all my £2 coins for one. I like to stay in hostels so it wont be long before I can go somewhere - I've got £16 saved in a couple of months already. Getting the bus to paris and staying in a hostel is really cheap, I should be able to do it for £100. I have to say though, I prefer going on holiday on my own - I get to see what I want to, and do what I want to without having to compromise with other people!

My sister thinks I'm mad and should stay in 'proper' hotels, but apart from the cost I honestly prefer the atmosphere and meeting other people that you get in a hostel.

CocoLoco_3

I'm still chuckling at

keldilouise wrote: »

"ooh i've got a SPARE £1000 ,,i'll book a hol !!!"

How nice that would be!

I'm not going on holiday either - can't afford it and haven't got anyone to go with.
Like a couple of others who have posted, I'm single/live alone, which just devours all my income. ( it really does make a difference if you can split the rent/bills/c tax etc ) Luckily I'm not in debt, but I don't have any surplus to spend on a holiday.
I went on holiday for a week 2 years ago, with friends, but they are all now in relationships, so wouldn't want to go away with the girls.
Oddly, whilst I find myself pining for a holiday, if I was to go away, I'd only find myself wanting to be at home again, as I like my own bed! Daft!

Marigold123

I took a group of 5 people to Devon with the Daily Mail offer for £28 for 7 nights camping, right by the sea, last week. My sister and I split the cost between us, and stuffed everything into one car, (after paring down like crazy), saving on fuel costs too. We didn't spend any more on food than we would have at home, less probably, because we bought cheap stuff in tins and packets from Tesco when we got down there.

Be reassured, you can find cheap hols if you do your research and use all the money-saving tools available on this site. I always manage to find something good and I've been holidaying on a seriously small budget with my kids for years. It takes more effort than simply picking up the phone to the travel agent, but that's why we're all here, right?

Marigold

robpw2

the only time i get to go on holiday is if i win it else i certiainly could not afford it