Should I book a holiday even though I have loads of debt?

ladybez

I would agree with a camping holiday of some sort. Several companies hire out pre-erected tents in Europe and can work out quite good value. There are 6 of us and this year our holiday budget is £1500 for 3 weeks in the Summer holidays. If you would prefer an hotel, I have found it cheaper to book for 6 adults rather than counting the children as children, so be prepared to play about with figures.

debtaghh

Thanks everyone for your comments. I appreciate them.

NGlady

Sometimes a England holiday can be just as expensive as a low cost holiday to Tunisia, there is some reallly cheap deals there! November is a very cheap time to go, I found a week all inclusive at a nice hotel in port al kantoi for £365 each.

Another question, is it possible for the 17yr old to get some type of job? To pay their own way on Holiday? I know when I was that age and my mum and dad said they was going on hol i got a job off my own back to pay my way

xyellowx

me and wife have been talking about a holiday in the summer reckon about £2300 .Have now decided to pay the money off the credit cards and so the boys dont miss out are going to go camping a couple of long weekends can pick up starter packs for £100-£150 £15 per night campsite £30 fuel
we reckon they will enjoy the camping more

we will book a nice holiday abroad when debt free :j

BigCraigJohn

Personally its an individual question. I had a weekend away late last year which I could not afford but it was the best thing I could of done. I'd been feeling rather depressed for a while about the state of my finances but a few days without worry actually gave me inspiration to come back and attack them rather than scraping.
Saying this theres a big difference between a cheap weekend in spain and a world cruise.
Camping for a week in june which wont cost me much but will do me no end of good.

As I said though different people will see it/feel different.

foxgloves

We haven't booked a holiday this year yet because we have a very big bill to pay at the end of the year (for work done on house). We have given ourself a target of money to have reached by early autumn and if we make it, then we will book a week away somewehere. During April, I did relax my hold on the budget a bit and find a few things starting to slip a little, but I've nipped this in the bud now because the thought of a week away is proving to be good incentive. Perhaps you could do something similar?

debtdesperado

I think you do need a break now and then, but I would suggest that you save up for it, rather than use your windfall - if you manage to save up, you will really appreciate it and won't feel at all guilty as you've earned it. If you went for a cheap deal, if you saved a pound a day for 10 weeks, that is £280 - enough for a week camping or similar?

Then I would keep 1500 in a savings account to cover emergencies (eg car or boiler breaking down) and pay off 1500 on debt.

I haven't had a holiday since my LBM in 2008, and won't do until the debt is gone (end of this year), but realise this course of action is not for everyone!