Would you go for a vacation or save the money?
By scheng1
@scheng1 (24650)
Singapore
April 27, 2011 2:05am CST
Even though the oil price is escalating, the airlines are slashing price for many destinations.
One airline is offering about S$300 to fly from Singapore to New York.
Added in the fuel surcharge and other taxes, the total cost for a return ticket is still less than S$1000.
The normal price is almost triple that.
This is just an example of the massive price cut offering by airlines this year.
If you have a sum of money, would you go for a vacation or save the money?
16 responses
@myfb2009 (8296)
• Malaysia
27 Apr 11
Actually, i had already book flight tickets for my whole family to go on vacation by end of this year. We plan to go Singapore and Indonesia, to rest our mind from our busy hectic life for 10 days. It really saved me a lot since the price had dropped down drastically and i managed to buy those tickets on a reasonable price. I feel happy that i still able to go on vacation despite the oil prices is keep on rising. After this vacation, i plan to go for another vacation only by end of next year again. At least, there is a balance between work and family life, right?
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
18 May 11
Hi Myfb2009, actually Singapore is a very easy place to get around.
You just need to buy the ezlink card for travel in MRT and public buses.
You can use it to buy meals in McDonald, and the entrance ticket to Sentosa (if you are walking over).
Do not buy the tourist version.
Better to buy the local version, so that you can use it the next time you come over for holiday.
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
29 Apr 11
Hi Myfb2009, welcome to Singapore.
If you have booked by package tour, and have paid for it, the price will not change for the whole trip.
The only factor is the exchange rate.
I have traveled to Genting a few times in the past year, since I did not want to spend money on airfares and overseas tour.
Actually with so many short getaway, I do not really need a long vacation.
The offers by Singapore Airline, Delta Airline, Malaysia Airline, and other major airlines are very tempting.
That is why I am thinking seriously about it.
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
27 Apr 11
My family makes it a point to go on a local vacation once a year. It is our way of rewarding ourselves for working so hard for the year. It is our breather from the stress that we have to deal at work and it inspires us to work harder the next year. We usually bring our toddler son along. I feel that traveling is a good experience to learn about new places and cultures.
We usually get seat sale promos offered by local airlines whose travel dates are usually months ahead. I also do my research online and visit some travel forums to get feedback on cheap accommodations and the must-see-places so I can plan our itinerary and save on fares. This way we are able to save up for our trip. One can really travel and but still don’t end up being broke.
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
27 Apr 11
Hi Sweet_pea, at least you live in a large country that offers many opportunities for vacation.
Singapore is such a small place.
We just need to drive for an hour, and we have covered the country from end to end.
I have traveled quite frequently to my neighboring country in the past year by coach.
It is the cheapest alternative to holidaying in a foreign country.
Now that the major airlines are slashing fares to a third of its original price, I wonder if I should take up the offer.
It is not that I cannot afford the vacation oversea.
It is just that I feel the need to save up, in case the inflation rate rockets, and food and other necessities become more expensive.
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
29 Apr 11
I want to go to Singapore to see Universal Studios and the pink dolphins.
Anyway, the cost of airfares is not the only consideration when traveling, you get to spend in accommodation, food and transportation and of course the souvenirs. Now the question is, have you have enough on your travel fund to spend on? You know the extra money apart from your savings that you use for your travels. If yes you have enough to sustain you for the trip then by all means, go.
Anyway, how much do you really need to save up for? You can always work for what you spent later. Saving up can just go on forever. If you really like to travel, then just go.
Anyway, the cost of airfares is not the only consideration when traveling, you get to spend in accommodation, food and transportation and of course the souvenirs. Now the question is, have you have enough on your travel fund to spend on? You know the extra money apart from your savings that you use for your travels. If yes you have enough to sustain you for the trip then by all means, go.
Anyway, how much do you really need to save up for? You can always work for what you spent later. Saving up can just go on forever. If you really like to travel, then just go.@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
29 Apr 11
Hi Sweet_pea, actually airfare is a large part of the whole travel cost.
Imagine traveling from Singapore to New York at just a third of the usual airfare!
That is nearly a thousand dollar in saving.
Actually when it comes to the choice of traveling or investing, I personally prefer to invest than to spend.
For one thing, the money that I invest will yield more money in the future.
However, in this case, this kind of travel deal is practically once in a lifetime.
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
29 Apr 11
Hi Girl079, I do not really need a vacation, since I have frequent short trips to neighboring countries.
The cheap airfare is very tempting, especially when you can get to travel on major airlines, such as Singapore Airline, and Delta Airline.
On the other hand, I see too many investment opportunities, since the stock markets are down these few days.
@mr47ali (2)
•
10 May 11
i am just back from a vacation...and guess what i dont wanna work or study either...
i was in paris for a week and spent a lot of money overthere...
it was really exciting...
@girl079 if you need a vacation then surely go for that...coz life is only one and live it to its full...
@gracie04 (4549)
• Philippines
28 Apr 11
Hi Scheng, well it depends. If I have got enough resources then I would definitely go for a vacation. I would love to go to Caramoan Peninsula in Naga City. Naga is located in the Philippines. It is a beautiful island. I have never been there but based on the pictures I have seen on travel related blog websites, it is a must see tourist destination. It is a 13 hour drive from Manila. It is indeed a long journey but definitely worth it. However, since i am on a very tight budget, i would opt to stay here at home and save the moolah i have for the rest of the summer.
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
29 Apr 11
Hi Gracie, the problem is that if I spend the money on a vacation, I would not have enough to save up.
With the current situation, I think having more savings is better.
At least we do not feel the escalating cost of oil price so much.
I have not heard of Naga city.
Even if the 13 hours drive is free of charge, I will not choose to sit in a vehicle for so long.
I think taking a short internal flight is better.
@sammy14 (834)
• Philippines
28 Apr 11
Well If I have extra money after paying all necessities, educational needs etc. then I would go for a travel.. We all need a break from our works to refresh our minds and body free from work related pressures as well as pressures in life.. But If I do not have enough money for it I wont.. I would not like to over spend or borrow money for a travel and in the end suffer the agony of paying debts! It's a matter of prioritization ...
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
29 Apr 11
Hi Sammy, actually I do not even think about taking a vacation, especially one that requires more than 20 hours of flight.
I have enough short breaks to refresh my mind and body.
If I have enough money for savings, and enough money left over for vacation, then that is great.
Just too bad that the airfare offers are so tempting, and I do have the cash to go for a trip.
But if the oil price escalates, and things are more and more expensive in the future, I will definitely regret my decision.
@wherner5 (4)
• United States
28 Apr 11
I live in Hawaii (I ain't lucky, at least not until housing prices goes down...) so I don't really have the need for traveling, as I usually get very sick on the airplane rides and the hassle of catching several flights to save money is just too much for me. I usually save that cash for other things, such as paying for college and for other luxuries.
I do let myself treat to escape the 80 degrees of humid weather to some place cold, especially in the winter because I love the snow and think it's beautiful every couple of years. The cold for me is nice since I always feel the burn here and I don't mind showing a nice tan out in the cold ;)
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
29 Apr 11
Hi Wherner5, if the cheap airfare is due to frequent transits of flights, then I would not even consider it.
Fortunately those cheap airfares are offered by major airlines, such as Singapore Airlines.
Those offers are usually direct flight with one stopover for fuel, so it is not that bad.
However, I agree that saving money for other important things is very important too.
Now that the oil price is so high, and keeps on getting higher, I do not see how things will become cheaper.
Money is getting more and more important for survival.
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
27 Apr 11
I would save the money. There are ways to vacation without spending a lot of money, by staying home and doing things you would not normally do like trying a new restaurant or visiting a park or museum. These days when money is so uncertain, I definitely would not spend any on something like a vacation.
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
29 Apr 11
Hi Dragon54u, actually I had many short getaways in the past year, all within a day drive from home.
This year, the offers by major airlines, such as Singapore Airline, Delta Airline and Malaysia Airline are very tempting.
It is not necessary for me to take a long vacation now.
I can do without it.
I agree that money is getting more and more important now.
Even though the Singapore currency appreciates against many major currencies, especially against the US dollar, I still think that prices are going up.
The only factor that a strong currency cannot solve is the oil price.
I doubt anyone can bring down the oil price since many speculators are pushing it higher and higher.
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
29 Apr 11
Hi Cieldz, if I have to buy a house now, I would also save every penny that I can save.
Buying a house is nearly impossible in Asian countries now.
The way that the prices are moving up is hard to believe.
In many developed countries where houses are selling cheap, the problem of unemployment is stopping many people from owning their own house.
I think it is a very difficult situation now.
Money does help us to find more confidence and certainty in life.
@nijolechu (1842)
• Canada
28 Apr 11
I guess I would save the money because of the high costs of flying nowadays. Because the many airlines here have to charge a really expensive fuel surcharge onto the price of an airline ticket. Plus there is also the hassle of waiting in line in the airport to pass through the security checkout line. But if it really is somewhere you really want to go then I would go.
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
29 Apr 11
Hi Nijolechu, the cost of transportation will definitely go higher and higher, due to the oil price.
The problem with spending money on vacation is that if we become jobless suddenly, then we will regret the decision.
On the other hand, if we miss out on the best offer, at just a third of the normal airfare, we will regret too when oil price goes higher and higher.
That is why it is a difficult decision.
In term of having more money as a form of insurance against inflation, I would choose to save it too.
@millertime (1394)
• United States
27 Apr 11
The way prices are going up, I won't be able to afford a vacation, driving or flying. My water bill went up, my rent is going up, prices at the grocery store are rising, not to mention gas prices. Everything is going up except my wages. I would save the money except I won't have any left over to save... 
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
29 Apr 11
Hi Millertime, looking at the way the US dollar declines, it is a wonder that you are not starving yet.
My boss, who is around age 70, recalls the days when one USD exchanges for nearly four dollars in Singapore currency.
Now the exchange rate is nearly on par.
One USD can change for just S$1.22
So many countries have to buy US dollar just to prevent their currency from soaring.
While in the long run, it is good for the country, now you all have to bear with the rising cost of imported goods.
Sooner or later, manufacturing jobs will return.
@megamatt (14292)
• United States
27 Apr 11
I would rather save money. There is really nothing that I am going to get out of traveling these days any day. Any trip that I would take, it really just seems like I am traveling for the sake of traveling. Therefore, if it came down to going on a vacation or saving the money, I would really just save the money. Then again, if it always come down to saving money or doing anything, unless its something that I really feel would be useful to me, I would always save the money.
Then again, these days, I have been saving a lot of money. The ugly truth of the economy really does mandate a lot more saving these days, due to the fact that jobs can be further between now and if they are around, rather unstable to say the very least. Therefore, money saving is something that is really important to me. I would rather save money a lot of the time then do something like go on a vacation.
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
29 Apr 11
Hi Megamatt, in times of uncertainty, money is never enough.
If I were to die within a year, then I would definitely go travelling.
Money does not matter so much when life is certain, even when the certainty means the end of life itself.
However, now the situation is that living to a hundred is very possible.
Our money may not last so long.
I see many investment opportunities in this economy too.
I definitely feel more secure with more savings than less savings, especially when my money is put into investment purpose.
@p3ks626 (6538)
• Philippines
28 Apr 11
As for this point in time of my life, I really need a vacation but I think I have to forget about it cause I need to save some money since a few months later, I will be giving birth to a baby girl. I guess that vacation will follow a year after when I have saved some money already.
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
29 Apr 11
Hi P3ks626, I think you can forget about taking a vacation, especially those across the Pacific Ocean or Atlantic Ocean to the other parts of the world.
I think with another mouth to feed, taking a vacation even a year later is harder.
Maybe you enjoy the comfort of your baby so much that a vacation is not necessary at all.
Hopefully the oil price comes down soon, otherwise things will really get very expensive.
@polaris77 (2040)
• Bacau, Romania
27 Apr 11
If I had a sum of money,but it wouldn't be enough to allow me to go on a vacation and also save some money,I would prefer to stay at home and save money for a future opportunity;of course,it's nice to go out somewhere far away from your home,but it's more important to have enough money for a decent living,because holidays come and go,but daily problems remain.
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
29 Apr 11
Hi Polaris, it is hard to have so much money that we can save enough, and still spend on luxurious tour.
If we really have so much money, that will be great!
The fact is that all of us are worried about job security, inflation causes by oil price and natural disasters.
There is no way to ward off the effect of inflation.
The only way is to have more savings, and no debt.
That is why I hesitate to sign up for the vacation package, even though the price is unbelievably low.
@katrinapaz (2436)
• Philippines
27 Apr 11
i would definitely go to that vacation. I would want to treasure the experience of seeing other places and enjoying other culture than have money and never spend it. I think it is always good to reward yourself with the money that you are earning. But then again, we have to do it in moderation. Meaning to balance between saving money and rewarding self.
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
29 Apr 11
Hi katrinapaz, that is true, especially when my country is so small.
One end to another end means just an hour drive.
Imagine telling people that you take just one hour to drive, and you have covered the entire country!
That is why travelling oversea is a norm rather than an exception.
Some people travel so much on their jobs that they are so sick of travelling again.
However, for persons like us, taking a flight still have its novelty.
The current price slash by major airlines is hard to come by.
I think many people worldwide will take Singapore Airline if the price comes down to just a third of the usual price.
@Monkeyrose (2840)
• Canada
27 Apr 11
I would totally go on vacation! I actually basically work to travel.
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
29 Apr 11
Hi Monkeyrose, if you happen to stay in Singapore, you would enjoy all the special promotions very much.
The travel packages are very cheap compared to a few years ago.
The airfare deal is almost a once in a lifetime deal.
My boss cannot resist the great deal.
She just returned from Korea trip, and will be travelling to China in May.
She has signed up for a Middle East tour for the end of the year.
I think she really enjoys travelling.
@stanley777 (9402)
• Philippines
27 Apr 11
No, I can go anywhere I want when my daughters finish school- they can wait.. But for now all I want to do with money is save it so I can spend it for the tuition of my daughters who are still in college- so they would have a bright future..
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
29 Apr 11
Hi Stanley777, I hope after your daughters graduate from college, they can earn enough money to give you a round the world ticket.
College is getting more and more expensive.
Without your support, I think they will have to stay in debt for a few years after graduation.
The problem is that jobs are hard to come by for fresh graduate.
The salary is not great, and they have to work hard to remain employed.
