STORM2K

I am soooooo mad right now. It is like every single time I make plans something happens at the last minute. It is like I have a black plaque hanging over me or something. I had plans to go to Destin since March. And I booked the condo then. First, my friend that I was supposed to go with backed out on me. (Her boyfriend told her that he was taking her to St. Lucia that same week) And of course, they are always going to choose her their boyfriend. So, I had to scramble at the last minute to find somebody else to go with. So, I find another friend, her husband, and their 2 kids to go with. Even if they could only come up for the weekend. (My aunt and I were staying a whole week.) Here it is 9 days before we leave, and my friend that I am going with, just called me and backed out. Saying their car needs work and now they can't afford it. Please, don't give me advice that I should cancel. Because unless my aunt (who is the only person I have left that has not backed out; yet) backs out, I am still going. I have been looking forward to this since March. I paid a $140 deposit already and if I cancel I will lose it. But, my aunt never has money, so now that my other friends backed out, I will be forced to put the whole $1239 on my credit card. So, it will be at $1600 after I charge the condo on it. Unless I find someone else to go with in 9 days which looks unlikely.

I remember you posting about your trip to Destin and I had hoped it would all work out for you. You've been looking forward to this trip for so long, it would be a shame to miss it. On the other hand you would save lots of money if you cancelled. Not telling you to cancel though - sounds as if you could really use this trip! Wish I could give you an easy answer here. It's not the first time I've heard of people backing on trips, it's almost as if you need to collect the money from them before the trip. But since you didn't have to pay in full, you couldn't exactly collect from them. Maybe that's why they cancelled - knowing you hadn't shelled out much money yet.

Hopefully someone else will have better advice. Trips are hard to plan when there are many involved. I could never plan a trip in my own family, no way. Too many strong personalities and an overnight reunion is out. My husband's family is easier - they gladly put their deposits down, agree on dates, plans, meals, etc. It is nice when all agree - but it's rare I've discovered.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Mary

Wow... Best of luck... You certainly seem like the type of person who would have many friends! Maybe it's time to catch up with someone you haven't seen for a while?

It is funny how many of my most memorable trips were the impromptu ones. So many times, the ones made too far in advance seem to come unraveled.

It sounds like you really want to go. If that is the case, and you think you can afford it, go for it! Life is too short to let it pass you by!

Cajungal, you must decide what's more important...to go $1600 in debt or cancel that vacation and find one that's less expensive or go at a later time. I know you had your hopes up on going but things do happen. There's no reason to get mad because of something that is out of your control. You're disappointed yes but don't get angry. Who knows...there may be a better vacation just waiting for you!

Hope it dont happen this time, the cancelation thing

If you really feel that you won't have $1600 worth of fun, I'd consider loosing the $140 deposit and planning another trip at another time. I know that's a big disappointment but paying on that credit card debt for a long time will be a grim reminder of a possibly miserable trip. ((Hugs)) to you my friend.
Karan

CajunMama wrote:Cajungal, you must decide what's more important...to go $1600 in debt or cancel that vacation and find one that's less expensive or go at a later time. I know you had your hopes up on going but things do happen. There's no reason to get mad because of something that is out of your control. You're disappointed yes but don't get angry. Who knows...there may be a better vacation just waiting for you!

I rather go in debt, than miss going to Destin. Unless my aunt backs on me too, I am still going to go.

Cajun, maybe you should have the other parties cash in hand for the hotel first before you make reservations. They have nothing at all to loose. I think it would be better to loose the reservation money now than to take the vacation. Remember, you will have a weeks of food, gas, etc. to buy and you may be all alone. I would cancel and save for another vacation after you get all your bills paid off. This may be a good learning experience for you.

Its only money... Go have fun...

For $1600 you can get a 5-star all inclusive package at any number of beautiful Caribbean resorts. I like Riu Resorts - you can get a great deal from someone like Funjet.

I would also have to advise on a cancel, unless you feel that you will have a wonderful time. $1600 is a steep price just to go somewhere

Derek Ortt wrote:I would also have to advise on a cancel, unless you feel that you will have a wonderful time. $1600 is a steep price just to go somewhere

Yes... $1600 is VERY steep for the Panhandle too... of course, that's Destin for you.

You can go to the beach for a lot less and have as much or more fun. I have.

We had a 2 BR/2BA condo at the Maravilla (just outside Destin city limits, going towards Sandestin), 4th floor, facing the beach, for around $1450. This was several summers ago. Owners took very good care of the condo, had it updated and in good shape (appliances, flooring, carpet, deck furniture).

Do you have a 3 BR condo reserved? That would jump you up to that price category, based upon where we stayed.

Also you have to remember this is peak season for that area. After early August, or definitely by mid-August, that's when condo rental prices go way down (but most families can't vacation then, for mandatory camps their kids are in at school). You might be thinking of lower prices for that time period, which is still summer.

Mary

It is NOT $1600. It is $1239. It is just that I already have $429 charged on my card already. When I add the condo to it, it will jump up to $1600. I think I am still going to go for it.

Yes, but remember you have to eat for a week and pay for gas. John and I can take a 7 days cruise for less than that which includes all our food that for both of us. I think that is an extremely expensive vacation and you should think it over. If you end up going alone, I think you will be more depressed when you get home knowing you spent all that money.

do what you think is best, cajungal.

As for me, I would not go on vacation alone. Yes, when I do go on vacation, I do like to drive from Miami to Niagara Falls alone (just to get away from everyone and trop met for about 24 hours and have some "Derek Time"); however, I do not spend my time alone up there. Usually see friends and my 3 year old brother as well. I could not imagine going on a vacation completely alone, would kind of defeat the purpose, unless you are looking for a retreat, but then, I would not pick the beach

Derek Ortt wrote:do what you think is best, cajungal.

As for me, I would not go on vacation alone. Yes, when I do go on vacation, I do like to drive from Miami to Niagara Falls alone (just to get away from everyone and trop met for about 24 hours and have some "Derek Time"); however, I do not spend my time alone up there. Usually see friends and my 3 year old brother as well. I could not imagine going on a vacation completely alone, would kind of defeat the purpose, unless you are looking for a retreat, but then, I would not pick the beach

I won't be alone. My aunt will be with me.

But remember, you said your aunt has no money, so you may end up buying all her food for the week. You need to think this over. Food for two people for a week is a ton of money.

Don't you just LOVE when that happens! I hate when people back out at the last moment.