Invited to a wedding in Australia - am in a quandry!

DannyBo

olibrofiz wrote: »

in a bit of a quandry and would appreciate the thoughts of those on mse to weigh up so i can consider and come to a decision.

I spent my teen years in oz, and have kept in irregular contact with old school friends - even going back on a working holiday in my late 20's and staying with one of them for about 4 months, looking after her kids etc.

This friend has just invited me to her wedding in june. It's 24 years since i last saw her, and when i first read her news i thought it was fab, but also thought 'phhst, fat chance of me going' - plus i've always said to myself that i will only ever go to oz again if it's a one way ticket.

But it got me thinking.... I turned 51 in 2012, and if i karked it by the end of the year, would i regret not going, and the answer was yes, both for not going to oz again, and for not seeing my mate. Plus when i told dd about the invite she said 'you're always saying how great it is out there, why can't we go and i can see for myself'. So then i started thinking that as dd is almost 18 we have a limited time to travel like that as mum and daughter.

I don't have ££££ lying around for the trip, but i do have my crappy old caravan, which if i sold, and all the bits that go with it, could bring in about £1000.

Should i forego my dreams of a few future years of caravanning for the lure of 3 weeks in oz and seeing old friends (which would also sadden me because i can't stay there) - or should i just send one of my oldest friends a card and wish her well?

Another factor i have to consider is the cost of putting my dogs in kennels for 3 weeks (but then dd does have friends who would be happy to house & dog sit)

mods i'd be grateful if this wasn't moved, it is about families & moneysaving & this area of the forum is fab :d

yolo......

Savvy_Sue

Go, but ... encourage your DD to contribute too! Not sure if she's working (even p/t), but sit down with her and work out how much you need and where you can find it from, getting her input as well.

And let's face it, you can hire a static caravan if you want to go away for the weekend. Although why you'd want to ... sorry, we were in a caravan last August b/h, and I found the toilet less than satisfactory!!! :rotfl: fortunately the site facilities were good!

duchy

If the caravan is costing £180 to store (plus site fees when you use it) you probably should calculate if it is cost effective anyway as that £180 could pay for -as an example 8 or 9 nights away on travelodge/ Premier Inn deals maybe more plus cost in maintainace costs on the caravan too and if you're only going to use it once or twice a year it perhaps not a huge thing to lose it versus a dream trip ?

newgirly

Hi , I too think you should go! As for the caravan holidays, why not look for a second hand tent on ebay and go camping instead from now on

Sallys_Savings

Please please please tell me you've decided to go for it

getmore4less

Sell the caravan to friends and then you can use the storgage saving(£360py) to rent it back off them if you get the urge.

I think it makes sense to do a budget and make out a plan for a debt free day if you can't save up enough.

I would also look at trying to extend the trip even consider a round the world flight and fit in an extra stop or two.

Might also be a good time to look at other earning opportunities that can improve finances longer term.

You don't say what DD is going to be doing but this does give her a goal so that if she is working there is an incentive to save.

belfastgirl23

Unless you are really in financial dire stratus - go

The most precious thing in life is time, not money! Unfortunately this is something you often don't realise til too late as others above have noted.

busiscoming2

Another one saying do it! We have had a spate of untimely deaths recently (sorry) and for me it has put a lot into perspective. Sometimes you have to do something which goes financially against the grain.

Your DD will be doing her own thing in the not too distant future, so make the most of this fab opportunity with her.

Emmarillo

I think you should go. Like others have said,there can be other caravans, but not opportunities like this, both to see your friend get married, and to make some wonderful memories with your daughter.

Have a look round the house and see if there's anything you can put on ebay to raise more of the cash. We need some new sofas and have been recycling things we no longer want, to raise some of the money and are £175 up in three days (as we need £2,500 it's not much of a dent, but it's a good feeling!)

Have a fantastic time

burnoutbabe

I would say its a good opportunity for a lifetime trip, with your daughter before she leaves.

However I would not assume I could stay 2-3 weeks at a friends house who is getting married and will have people over from all sorts of places needed to stay. And you'd want to travel around having gone all that way? so factor in accomodation to your costs.