The cost of Gas in the UK, Canada, and USA, is totally outrageous. More and more people are deciding not to take their cars to work or out of a nice pleasure drive.
Will this affect your vacation?
Will you take the car as planned, or will you resort to taken other means like a train, or even not take a vacation at all this year?
[question posted by winterose]
responses and comments:
Hello winterose, we are actually talking about that. Everything seems so high and will continue to...My husband and I are looking alternatives instead of going far this month! In that manner, we can save a lot and I know we will still enjoy it! [checapricorn]
great plan there are aways good things to do at home. [winterose]
For some it will, for us it did hamper us when we went to NY. We didn't plan well enough and the price of motels plus the price of gas was outrageous so we just stayed 2 nights and went home. The first night we stayed as soon as we reached Albany NY, and then the next night we spent in Lake George.. and then the next morning we went home. If we had stayed another night or two we wouldn't have been able to get home for the price of gas being so high. It took about $400 round trip on gas. [OreoCookie3]
yep that is outrageous, maybe a round trip train ticket next time might be a better option or even the bus. [winterose]
So far it hasn't affected the road trip we plan to take later in the year. Maybe I'm just still in denial and am hoping that the cost will fall again, I don't know. What I'll do if it stays so high, I think, is to cut costs elsewhere like meals and hotels and do it that way instead of calling the trip off. [katiedoubleu]
that is a great idea too, but meals and hotels, sometimes you can't cut too much, that is the unfortunate part. [winterose]
i haven't had a vacation in years so i want be affected one way or the other but i'm sorry for people who are. sure there will be alot of diapointed little children , big ones to. [ANTIQUELADY]
yes I guess there certainly would be, a lot of disappointed people this year. [winterose]
I wasn't planning to take a trip. I travelled last year because I had hoped to see my cousin before he died. [ElicBxn]
Saddly, he died the night we arrived, but we didn't get by to see him. My sister did see him and said that he was pretty much gone and didn't know anyone. [ElicBxn]
I would think this is what the Al Gore and his minions want for us to not go anywhere but stay at home. Yet they will be traveling to all those conventions, so until they all agree to not just take a car, but walk everywhere or use a bicycle in the winter went it is 40 below, we will be taking a vacation as usual. Oh and they have to promise to not use the internet, talk on their cell phones. If we are supposed to suffer, they have to set an example, oh and that applies to them, not to members of their families who do not believe that humans are a danger to the planet because we have global footprints. When we go on vacation, we check the prices on motels and we do take advantage of the coupons, eat at Subways, Tim Hortons, Wendys, and Taco Bell. We get those big books that shows us the best deals and take advantage of it. As for not taking a vacation, that is out of the question. We would go stir crazy, and you do need a break at least once a year, if not more. We will not be held hostage by some people who will prevent our governments from exploring new means of oil production in North America or find cheaper alternatives that do not take land out of food production. Let them suffer, not us. [suspenseful]
I never have the money to travel anyway, gas prices or not, I have never owned a car. [winterose]
My husband is rapidly losing his eyesight, and he won't be driving much longer. We plan to fly where we need to. What the high price of gas is doing is forcing us to plan further ahead, in order to be able to do what we want to do. It'll take us more time to save up for wha we want to do, but gas prices will not stop us. [danishcanadian]
good for you hon. [winterose]
No gas hasnt ruined our vacation plan not that where going anywhere. But even if we were I doubt it would affect it since I dont remember gas prices ever affecting our family since we are pretty well off. But our hybrid has helped a lot that saves you a lot of money on gas and I know my parents usally drive that car when they go far. [arcidy]
good for you hon, I am so happy that you are always having a chance to have a vacation. [winterose]
We usually never take a summer vacation so it doesn't harm me at all. Though my sister is feeling the crunch because she has to work and it takes a lot of money to fill the gas tank. Oh well. [k1tten]
yes gas prices are ridiculous and they they don't look like they will be going down any either. [winterose]
We don't normally take a vacation. My husband now gets paid vacation and last year he took some of his time in November and we went to our daughters and then to Ft.Worth,Texas to the NASCAR auto races. That is what we will do again this year. In the summer our grandson spends time with us so we just do things around here. We usually meet our daughter half way to get him and she will come here to get him when it is time for him to go back home and she can spend time here then also. [tyc415]
sounds like a wonderful experience, good for you, [winterose]
Some of my friends in California are already taking the Amtrak Train to work and to vacation. Its an affordable solution to travel and no stress sitting in traffic. Its cheaper to travel by train. I don't vacation in the summer; however, the higher price of gas means less plants are being sold this year. I'm not worried about the lack of vacation, but am joining more reward sites to help my income. Normally, we vacation in December, but this year that isn't happening. I know it would cost us $100's more this year and it would be better to put the money in our savings. I hope 2009 is better. Here is a picture of one of my water plants. I love to show it to people. [Fishmomma]
lovely picture, get idea about amtrak [winterose]
I know what you mean like we can't go far from our house sometime we have to walk to places and we now about to go on a vacation and was saving money first to go on a vacation [lil502008]
yep I think a lot of people will have to save up to go on vacation this year, if they go at all. [winterose]
The high price of everything had ruined our vacation plans. We are on a mission to pay off some bills though so that is okay. Gas is outragious but I really don't like to go out very much anyway. We plan to take a few days off from working soon and just enjoy our time around the home. We have spent money over the years to have things to enjoy at home so we would not have to go out and pay for entertainment. I just hope for some nice weather when we decide to take some time off soon. [stephcjh]
thats great hon, you really need a break, how is the bug thing coming along? [winterose]
Yes I was planning on visiting my brother out of State but everything is just too expensive. A car rental would just kill the whole thing so I have canceled that. Maybe I can find somewhere local to go. [howard96h]
ah it is too bad you won't get to see your brother though, I hope you can do it next year. [winterose]
since I live in the vacation spot of the USA California, and I am a senior citizen on a small budget am going to 'have to just enjoy my local scenery and be happy here at home in good old tustin Ca. I right now am housebound with the remnants of shingles and a lot of discomfort but am sure it willeventually clear up and I can once more enjoy being outside again. as I am retired I really do not need a vacation altho it would be nice. [Hatley]
I never go anywhere either, it is just too expensive. I never can pay my bills all year around anyway. [winterose]
It has not ruined my holidays but I made them a lot more expensive. Air fares are rocketing. For the same trip this year we are paying more than double than last year. Because this year everything is more expensive and also because the low fares airline that used to do that route has closed, so we had to go to the next cheapest option which costs a lot more. Anyway I have the feeling are traveling anyway but are spending less during the holiday. [overwings]
yes it is too bad that everything has to be be so expensive like this, [winterose]
sadYes it has, which is sad really because we were going to go to Ohio to visit family and also visit my grandparents graves and my favorite uncles who diedcry. Now with the prices so high and my moms car not a fuel efficient car it makes it so we can't right now we were wanting to do it while my little sister was out of school. My mom is wanting to check up on her family since she hasn't seen them since my grandmas funeral about 4-5 years ago. Talking on rare occasions to a few of them is not enough we were going to tyr ot have a little reunion of sorts with the family. [mtdewgurl74]
oh that is really sad that you will not be able to make it. [winterose]
The outrageous cost of fuel here in the UK means less money, if any, at the end of each month. Thus, less money for a vacation. It sucks! Things can't carry on this way for much longer - things will happen. [mozzi74]
unfortunately it is the same everywhere. [winterose]
Gas, and trying to pay off debts, ruined our vacation plans. So our summer vacation will be me, trying to make money, spend time with my girls, hubby working. There are a few places around us that's free to visit, so I plan on taking the girls to a battle field to learn about history, but one spot is supposely haunted, so my oldest will enjoy that. I wish we could afford to go on a vacation, it's been 5 years since we been on a vacation. [chertsy]
Don't feel bad, I will be married 13 yrs come December, and only had 1 vacation since being together. It's harder now that we have kids. When we dated, it was easier. We would go to a theme park and spend the whole day there. It wasn't a vacation, since we lived close to one. We used to do a lot of things together, now with kids and bills. I don't see us taking a vacation for awhile. You probably don't remember me venting about paying off a credit card, while my husband was wanting to pay off our Xterra. Well, we have paid off the credit card and the Xterra. That extra money will go towards another credit card, and work our way from there. Our goal, is to have all debt gone, with at least 5 months worth of bill money saved up, just in case something happens. Then we will start a vacation fund. [chertsy]
Well the price of gas has gone sky high, and it is still climbing by the weeks. While I try not to drive too much these days to save money, I've not let the higher prices affect my holiday plans. In fact, a week ago I just came back from a 5-day holiday to Phuket, Thailand. I would say compared to 8 years ago when I last went there, the prices now are not that much more and most of the difference comes from airport/security taxes and fuel charges. I guess we have no choice but to bear with these higher prices because they are probably here to stay for some time. [lexus54]
I doubt very much that they will come down. [winterose]
I will not have a vacantion this year, I had lot of work . Maybe next year.. [smeqer]
well it is certainly good to have work too [winterose]
Hi, Winterose the gas prices our outrageous and yes it has ruined our traveling, I have a brother that is in prison and now I can't even go to see him because of the gas prices being so high. my husband is the only bread maker here and you know it is just so hard. even the loaf of bread and other foods have gone so sky high, what are we going todo winterose,it is just horrible! but I know that our Dear Lord is at our side all of the time, and I know that us here and everyone around the world if we all follow prayer God will be here for us all. [cg1109]
You are right! winterose,sorry I couldn't respond sooner but I was out with my husband,but anyway have a Great! weekend. From CG [cg1109]
WR, the cost of gas has ruined not only my vacation plans (I had planned on visiting Pennsylvania, my old home area this summer), but also my life in general. I have an appointment with a doctor in Sarasota next month. That's roughly 50 miles from me so we're talking 100 miles round-trip. I drive as little as necessary as it is. On Tuesday I drove to the beach (a mere 10 minutes away) simply to escape a thunderstorm. Storms, lightning and thunder drive my Foxy Lady crazy. She trembles terribly. So I took her and evacuated to the beach until I could see from the sky above my home that the storm had passed. It's a crying shame that we, the supposed "richest nation in the world," have to give up the smallest of pleasures because of barbarians in the Middle-East who set oil prices and because of speculators in our own country who perpetuate the issue. So much is WRONG with our world these days that sometimes I just sit back and wish it would all end ... I mean the end of the world. Needless to say I won't be going to Pennsylvania this year ... and quite possibly ever again. [rjscott]
That's insane, WR. What does Canada have against Quebec? Kinda the "black sheep" of the nation? [rjscott]
we're setting off on Monday for 5 days at delightful Whitby, a town on the North Yorkshire coast famous amongst other things for being the spot where Bram Stoker wrote Dracula. My car tank's full of diesel at the moment and it will get us there but with this tanker drivers' strike causing panic buying up and down UK at the moment it seems I'm going to have to be very careful about how much I use. It kind of casts a shadow over the whole trip. Here's hoping.... [MichaelJay]
yes it does put a damper on a trip that is for sure, but hon, you have a great time and remember you are on vacation don't scrimp and save too much to the point you don't enjoy your trip or why bother going, have a good time! [winterose]
Yea agree. Although not driving is one way to reduce the expenses but it not a permanent solution for it. Public transport is a good option but even the price have also gone up significantly!! I will still consider for vacation but only on a tight budget but if planned well, it is enjoyable too... [yipseng]
yes even if you have a tight budget, you have to enjoy yourself or why go, you can stay home, have a nice trip wherever you go. [winterose]
Have been planning for a year to go to family reunion so I am going have been saving what I can for it. taking ggrand d aiughter with me and brother told me I can use moms house even if no furniture there but will save me money and I can take the aoir mattress and boom box for music! [Lakota12]
am just wondering how grand daughter will take it being used to her cartoons I need camera ready when we go in the house and nothing there but fridge washer and dryer we are leaving them for hopes it helps price when we sell it. [Lakota12]
Hello Winter! "Pleasure" drives are a thing of the past, as it is no longer a pleasure to drive anywhere! You are so right about the prices and the companies still complain that their profit is not enough. We have a trip planned in a couple of weeks to Detroit as my daughter has a competition there, so we had booked a flight back in January for this and locked in the price; however, we were planning to go somewhere during the Christmas holidays and it looks like those plans are going to be cancelled due to the high prices. [di1159]
what a bummer, a nice winter trip to quebec where I am would have been nice. [winterose]
Yes the high price of everything keeps going up.. Its a shame.. We will be going back to Penn.soon. We were just there in April and now we are going back to be with my step-daughter when she has her first baby..Will stay with my other step-daughter and her family. [buttons101]
are you going to stay in penn for ever or just a vacation? [winterose]
Gas is expensive in Australia as well over $7 a gallon now. The high gas prices have not necessarily ruined my holiday plans more it has ruined my work schedule as I drive a lot for my work. Just won't have as much in savings at the end of the year now. The high gas prices certainly have put a bit of a hole in the budget, where I live public transport is not an option. [darkblueverbatim]
yep it seems the same everywhere, it is awful. [winterose]
check this out: http://bux.to/?r=omermansur [omermansur]
The mini-getaway vacations... those are in jeopardy. The main, I'm gonna relax come heck or high water type vacations... nothing, not even gas prices will change that! Overall, it is sad seeing people sacrifice so much due to rising gas prices. Not only that, there are also rising food prices and rising energy prices; these too cause a sacrifice for vacations, and other things. This is beyond ridiculous... [theprogamer]
yep it affects every part of our lives [winterose]
It really depends if the prices keep rising. As I don't expect them to go down any time soon, it probably will affect our vacation. It'll break my mother's heart, I think, but I don't have the heart to talk to her about it a few months in advance, especially since there's the tiniest chance we might be able to go anyway (it's not likely, but she's happy these days, I don't want to ruin her mood). Our vacation only lasts five days, and we've done every year since I was eleven. We camp out at a flea market and sell things. Roughing it with a solar shower and cooking our food on a mini grill, with our blankets on the cold nights...it's the most relaxation we get all year. I'm really going to miss it. The flea market is held all the way up where my grandmother lives, and we've not been able to go see her for two christmas' now because of how we've been financially, and now that we're doing a bit better on the front (not AWESOME, but better than we have been in a long time)...I'm not sure we'll be able to visit Grandma either this year. [xParanoiax]
oh gosh, I hope for you that you will be able to find the extra money to go, your grandmother will not be around forever, and your poor mom needs to see her children, I will keep positive thoughts for you that things will work out in your favor. [winterose]