Travel … or Not So Much?
Posted by Jenny on 05/16/08 in Daily
I’ve posted out questions about travel in a number of places over the past few days - mostly curious about the best places people have visited in and outside of the United States. The first question (where is the best place you’ve traveled within the United States?) obviously bearing more weight in these money/gas conscience times.
The responses I got back were so lovely and varied, it makes me want to quit my job, empty my savings and just go to all of them. (I wish.) Here’s a sampling of what I got back:
Florence
Alaska
Lebanon
Paris
London
Casa de Campo Dominican
Newbury Street barricades for the Apple Store opening (ha!)
Rome
Munich
Salzburg
Vienna
Ljubljana
Barcelona
Toledo
Segovia
Seattle
Philly
Las Vegas
French Rivera
My real point of asking was to find out people’s reaction to travel in these times. And just as I suspected, most people brought up the economy and how expensive it would be to travel, how depressing the exchange rate is, how expensive gas is, how vacations just can’t be what they used to be.
With Memorial Day coming up announcing the return of summer (YES!), I wondered what people have done in the way of vacation plans (or lack thereof). How (if at all) has the state of the economy and gas prices affected your travel plans? Is the staycation the new black?
(PS. Huge shout out to my good friend Chris who wrote that article - Congrats! You deserve some TEQUILA!)
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Jenn | May 16, 2008 | Reply
Well… yes and no. My answer is qualified by the fact that for several years my boyfriend has been in grad school full time so we’re living on one income essentially. Therefore, we really haven’t been doing any traveling to speak of.
However, I think in light of the cost of gas I find myself being more likely to decide to take a flight to Paris than I am to decide to drive to Seattle.
Chris | May 16, 2008 | Reply
Aww, thanks Jenny! I’m really humbled. And also, a little thirsty. Did someone say tequila? ;)
Jenny | May 16, 2008 | Reply
I’m pretty sure I SCREAMED tequila. Is it 5:00 yet?
Kerri Anne | May 16, 2008 | Reply
I meant to Tweet at you and say that my trip to Russia was definitely my “most interesting” trip, although I wouldn’t call it the best place I’ve ever been.
I loved Hawaii, and traveling in the South is my all-time favorite. The trip Chris and I took to New Orleans in January was amazing.
I really want to go to Lithuania (where my paternal grandfather was born and raised) and London.
Oh, and for Memorial Day I’m going back to Washington, to hang out with the reigning matriarchs of my family, as a sort of belated Mother’s Day gift. Super excited.
(Also: Hi! again Long Ass Comment from Kerri.)
Jenny | May 16, 2008 | Reply
I miss you guys :( I want to come out again already.
Stacey | May 18, 2008 | Reply
Summer plans include a trip to Canada with the folks (driving up and probably flying home), a wedding weekend in the Adirondacks (sharing gas costs with another wedding guest), and a number of short trips in New England. I think that’s all probably affected by gas costs. Boo. :(