Congrats-But I would really love to know how you guys do it-we save and save and save and can only make one trip a year
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Congrats-But I would really love to know how you guys do it-we save and save and save and can only make one trip a year
I'm so happy for you! Should be very interesting to hear your Dad's impressions of the "new" Jamaica!
Thanks Maddiedog - Every year I make a trip home to see my family in New York, Usually in the Fall. I have that money set aside. This year I won't be visiting them in New York, I used that money to buy a ticket to visit them in Jamaica instead. That's how and why this trip is even financially possible for me.
As for our previous trips, We started a box. We call it "the Irie Box" - It requires a lot of sacrifice to raise the funds for our trips in that box. We sold our car. This is only possible because we live in San Francisco and It's a 30 minute walk to work for me. The car was a huge expense that was entirely unnecessary. Now I walk every day. I pack my lunches. We don't go out to fancy dinners or have weekend get-a-ways. We cancelled all subscriptions and our cable service. We rent and we don't have any children... YET. :) We live a very simple life. This is what enabled us to travel.
It took us 8 years to take our first vacation because we couldn't afford it, so I know exactly where you are coming from with that. My brother loved to travel and when he passed away, I decided to continue his journey. We tallyed up our monthly expenses in an excel spreadsheet and then saw what we could cut out to make travel possible. You'll be surprised how much unnecessary spending happens when you really break it down. I'm not going to say it's an easy feat, but possible if you want it badly enough...which we truly did.
Thanks Dconkle, Jenn and patty sather!
Thanks Judy! I can't wait to see Jamaica through my family's eyes. :o
Booger!!! LOL!!! Thanks for that helpful advice!
I'm going to throw a bucketful of sea urchins at you when we cross paths again. You do know that right?
Marley - You guys crack me up. Okay, Hold up! Both of you!
You and Boogs are sporting not one... but TWO turtle tickers right now. TWO!
You both need to put away your violins LOL!;)
Man, I really miss you guys!
Daisy,
Those are some really great ideas on saving up money for vacations! The irie box is a cute idea! Smart lady! I had to smile, cause if you think money is hard to set aside now,oh, just wait until those cute babies start coming, haha! Let me tell ya, kids are hella expensive! Much more than I ever realized they would be! But, they are ohhhh soooo worth it!:-) Enjoy your freedom now though! Vacations are a totally different vibe with the kids along.
I hope you have an incredibly amazing time with your family in August. You all deserve to be together and experience Jamaica along with your newly found family. Especially excited for your dad to be reunited with them! Just, wow! Now, don't you have some packing to go do?! lol :-)
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As for our previous trips, We started a box. We call it "the Irie Box" - It requires a lot of sacrifice to raise the funds for our trips in that box. We sold our car. This is only possible because we live in San Francisco and It's a 30 minute walk to work for me. The car was a huge expense that was entirely unnecessary. Now I walk every day. I pack my lunches. We don't go out to fancy dinners or have weekend get-a-ways. We cancelled all subscriptions and our cable service. We rent and we don't have any children... YET. :) We live a very simple life. This is what enabled us to travel.
So freaking awesome! You deserve every bit of this good fortune, girl! I feel like dancin a little jig for you right now!
And thank you for putting the "irie box" idea out there some time ago. We started one and it's the single reason we are able to go back again this year.
We have a huge container what we drop loose dollars and pocket change into at the end of every day. That usually ends up being our spending money on our vacations.
To actually book our trips, we get paid Bi-weekly - Which leaves us 2 months where we get 3 pay checks instead of 2. Those extra paychecks are usually enough for flight and hotel.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Clarity
I'm glad YOU said it.
Can I get a "amen'
LOL
You know how happy I am for ya girl :o
Hey don't lump me into that one!
Both Booger AND Daisy have now been to Jamaica more than me in the last 2 years...so I can be jealous all I want (nah nah nah)
And Tiz you know you are coming back too so don't start
LMAO :p
Fantastic news Clarity--it seemed to me that the universe HAD to make that one happen when I heard about you family returning after all these years. Don't sweat getting your own ride to Negril. 7 hours in an airport when you could be showering, sitting on a porch relaxing with a cold one.
I have taken Juta solo about 8 times, including my first trip ever there, and have gone with Clives, too. The Juta rides can be fun--full of people amped about there trip and being kind of foolish. I like sitting up by the driver for good views. I have never had to wait too long. I am usually the last off as many passengers get off at AI's .Cives was a smaller car with one other couple. Both very dependable.
Have fun! IT is going to be hot hot hot!