Surviving the Cost of Living: Travel
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| Photo by Porapak Apichodilok |
I'm playing around with blogging themes. Planning for retirement, fiscal wellness, and this topic, Surviving the Cost of Living, popped up due to inspiration from many sources. Lots of bloggers, Instagrammers, and YouTubers, amateurs and I guess professionals are writing about how to survive the Cost of Living Crisis. I think this is more than a point in time crisis but the way things are going to be. I mean, do any of us really think the cost of things overall are going to come down? Maybe eggs will stabilize if the bird flu situation resolves and egg laying flocks can rebound. Tangentially, things related to expensive eggs might stabilize too. But, I doubt corporations that will pass on their tariff expenses to consumers will ever retreat backwards should those be lifted. Trickle down economics has never actually happened in the past so what's going to be the motivator now for the ones with money and profits to cut a break to us lowly consumers?
It scares me knowing I'm intentionally moving into a fixed income stage of life. But, as so many of you wise people have shared, I can't let it paralyze my ability to live a fulfilling and enjoyable life. I must control where I can. Avoiding stupid spending on things like streaming services I'm not using enough and bric a brac nonsense, and minimizing food and energy waste are day to day focus. Looking for the best prices on disposable/ regular purchases and one off purchases, focusing first on needs a streamlining money spent on wants, and using opportunities to earn money will help; basically looking for longer term ways to stretch my funds.
I'm still prioritizing travel- my sinking funds will have earmarks for it. After the big UK trip (which Siobhan said we can plan with a budget in mind), I might need to be a bit less lofty, but travel somewhere and regularly is still part of my retirement plans. I've bookmarked a few sites that are travel in retirement, budget travel, slow travel( staying longer in one place), off season travel, and car camping.
I have a mid size crossover SUV, which could fit a nice air mattress or foam roll-up type mattress. I have basic camping gear too, but my days of sleeping on the ground are over- which makes the car camping interesting. I likely could source a second hand camping cot and keep using my tent. Food would be simple- just things in a cooler like sandwich fixings, tuna and rice packets, instant oatmeal and coffee, and maybe self made rehydrating meals I could prepare with just hot water and maybe hot dogs to cook over an open fire. Really, for the price of a state park pass and a basic camp site, I could do a lot of mini get aways spring to fall. My youngish retired sister who was widowed five years ago would be game for this, I'm sure. Not working will mean I can go weekdays when sites are less full. My brother does this all year, camps weeknights and uses his weekends to prepare for the next trip.
I also earn points that convert to cash using my credit card. Even just using for necessities, I'll easily get $300-$400 in rewards, enough for 1-3, depending how budget, overnight trips in an actual hotel. That's what I'm doing later this month with three sisters, sharing the cost of a nice little hotel with pool, hot tub , exercise room, and breakfast, on a mini beer and wine tasting road trip. Setting out early and getting home late gives time to maximize two days. My seldom used AmEx, but linked to my Delta rewards already has accrued enough points/ miles for a domestic flight ticket. I pay nothing for a first checked bag too whenever I use for a Delta flight. I'll keep weighing if the annual fee is justified by the rewards, but so far I'm ahead. The Twin Cities is a major hub and I feel Delta overall ( recent news aside) is a better experience than most other airlines I've flown.
Travel is one thing I don't want to do without. But, I don't need international or even cross country trips every year. I'd like them, but flipping my filter just a bit as to what travel looks like means I'm not having to give up this priority. Part of the fun is in the planning.
The one area where we differ. I hope you get all your travel in. At this time I a, fearful of going to foreign countries, skeptical about how Americans will be viewed. Happy I traveled when younger but now I’m content to be home and make my life within a safe radius is a happy one. Aside from traveling being extraordinarily e pensive right now. I also agree that the cost of living will never come back down and only go up. My spending is really only on an as needed basis….would love new carpet and worn on travel areas but decided to hold off. I also think that we will be in a recession but the end of the year. Wish I had a crystal ball…….
ReplyDeleteThe one thing I do not and will never regret is my retirement. Like you….single and doing on one income. I love my life…..but I a, more easily content than others I see. I don’t always need more. Not how I was raised.
Most of my spending will be needs only, but I didn't work so many hours, save so hard, lose my husband before he could enjoy earlier sacrifices, to stay home now all the time. This was what we dreamed to do. I think Most of my spending will be needs only, but I didn't work so many hours, save so hard, lose my husband before he could enjoy earlier sacrifices, to stay home now all the time. This was what we dreamed to do. I think people in other countries don't hate our people,but understand that caution probably should be heightened. in other countries don't hate our people,but understand that caution probably should be heightened.
DeleteI'm with anonymous on international travel right now, although I do think the UK and most other countries in western Europe are safe for Americans. Enough people there realize many of us are also appalled by what's happening. I'm loving being retired. I don't miss work at all. My budget is close to what it was while working, because I was putting everything I could into retirement accounts. I hope retirement goes well for you, too, and you get to enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteMeg B. here…I would happily travel to any free country. My fear is that we won’t, in the near future, be allowed in, because, frankly, I can’t imagine I would be in any hurry to leave. I swear the tangerine tyrant and Putin’s plan is to join forces with China and divide the world into 3 parts. I always thought he was a Russian asset, now I know it.
DeleteSorry, Sam. I shouldn’t &$&@ on your blog, things are scary enough…
THAT SAID: Frugality is all about prioritizing what is important, and saving for those things, like travel! You’re doing great!!!!
True on the retirement set aside - that no longer will be coming out of my budget, so that should help. Elle had good advice that the first 6 months to a year, spend needs only to get a good baseline. I'll be cautious and not going to hostile lands.
DeleteIn my experience, the American citizens I have met are great people , and you would all be welcome here .
ReplyDeleteI am so looking forward to your visit Sam - we will balance our budgets and have fun -I like the challenge of finding new things to do and see that do not cost a fortune ( it we still have to go to Fortnum and Masons 🤣🤣🤣) xx
F&M aside and a truly authentic Tea, and then I'm good with just following you around the country. Our planning begins in five weeks!
DeleteThat is wonderful that your planning to travel in your retirement. Sounds like some good solid planning on your part to do it and save money in the process. I wish you many safe travels!
ReplyDeleteIt won't be on yachts and penthouse hotels, that's for sure. A good sleep in followed by a cup of coffee then hike to a waterfall sounds like bliss.
DeleteTravel: a topic we have been kicking around (well, more than just kicking around) as we hope/plan to get out to the Pacific NW this summer to see the grandchildren, family, and such. $$, time away: yeah, not an easy equation. But a worthwhile one!
ReplyDeleteApril, I hope you don't hesitate to go see your family. That's a great goal.
DeleteOh travel planning is fun!! Can't wait to read about your travels! I know you will have a wonderful time in the UK, and how fun to share with a friend.
ReplyDeleteI loved camping esp when the kids were young. We had many fun adventures. But not sure that I am up to it now, but it is definitely cheaper. Since we live on the east coast, I'm thinking of a cross country train trip. :)
Have fun planning adventures!
For camping, it's the ground I can't handle,but a comfy camp chair, a fire, beautiful scenery...I'm still for that.
DeleteTravel on a budget is definitely the thing to do! We camp quite a bit and see people pull up in their cars and sleep in them. At a lot of campgrounds there are mini cabins as well, which aren't quite as cheap as camping, but they aren't as expensive as hotels. The ones here in Michigan have beds in them (though you do need to take a sleeping bag). They usually have stools and countertops, some have fridges, some have microwaves. They don't have toilets but are usually close to the toilet block. We've been staying in more of them as we get older.
ReplyDeleteDepending on where you are in England, when you're looking for places to eat at try pubs (some have 2 meals for a certain price) and if you just want a snack or sandwich a lot of places (including Greggs) do a meal deal - sandwich, drink and sometimes a snack.
Our plan for retirement is to visit more of the state parks and camp in them, not just here but meandering over to daughter's in Minnesota and stopping at a few there. There are some great state parks in Minnesota - we've visited a few but not stopped in them. Going during the week is something we plan on doing AND staying 'out of season' - before school lets out and after it goes back. The weather is still beautiful but there are less people around!
Do what my friend calls the Waterfall trail of State parks from the twin cities north to Grand Marais. That might be on my list for September after school starts. There's so many and Grand Marais feels like a place all it's own.
DeleteJre I love to travel and have been retired about 10 years. I do “weird” traveling because of my likes, independence, and my budget. I love road trips and yes I do car camping (Door county and that state park yearly at least) and last year for my 70 Birthday my family 22 of us rented condos there as they always heard about it and they loved it too). I love city travel and I go frequently to like Boston, Seattle, San Francisco, New Orleans……. So much to see and do. I do the hop on and off buses tour buses (always solo and never scared). I utilize Amtrak and their 30 day pass with 10 off and on tickets. And in the bigger cities I use hostels ( yes weird but they’ve been amazing ) with occasional hotels. The Amtrak pass goes on sale at time. Getting a roomette is very expensive so I don’t, I sleep in coach. With blanket and pillow ( they have a very generous luggage allowance but I have to remember I have to carry it.) At times I rent a car in different cities for more local travel (Blueridge mountains! Williamsburg……etc last year). And I’ve done several long solo car trips, Great River Road trek followed the Mississippi River from Minnesota to the Gulf, another favorite spring trip drove through Texas for Blue Bonnet season, amazing plus all the sights there and back. My favorite restaurant is Waffle House ha! Food is reasonably found and often snacks fruit etc. About 2 months ago I rode Amtrak and went from Minnesota to LA, stayed in a hotel in Chinatown for three nights, train to Chicago with one overnight hotel and then home, other nights were on the train so free. Cost about 225.00 for the ticket. ( they had a sale) I loved looking at all the scenery no stress like driving and forced relaxation. I visit and meet people if I feel like it or don’t if I don’t. Sorry this is long but there are many options that are frugal and fun. (But I do agree not for everyone).
ReplyDeleteYou're my travel inspiration Jre! You've described my hopes almost to a T.
Deleteif anyone can balance travel and budget it is you!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to give it a good try at least!
DeleteI think my days of long haul travel might be over - or maybe I'm just extra tired this year. I don't know. If it is over I'll stick to Europe but that's no hardship. All I need is a clean bed and a hot shower! I don't think I could do car camping now but if you're going with your sister that sounds wonderful and I'm pretty sure the US is much better organized for it than over here in Europe. Go for it, I say, and as Ur-spo says, if anyone can pull it off it's you!
ReplyDeleteYou have a good sense of adventure in making day trips seem like a real vacation. Perhaps you're tired from your house work, but maybe once that's complete and you can just recharge, you'll be ready to go again- even if a short trip.
DeleteWe used to do a lot car, tent and motor home traveling around the stated back in the day. It's nice way to see the country and meet people. People in parks are generally relaxd and wanting to take the time to swap stories. Pulling the trigger to retire is a huge decision and you are wise to get your p's and q's in order before doing do....get your bills all paid off, downsize if it's in your future, build up a little nest egg.
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