I only have 3 vacation days left

And I didn't use them for fun things. I was so sick last week that I missed Thursday and Friday. I did come to work Monday but I almost left at lunch because I was still feeling bad. I didn't feel better until Wednesday. I think that was the first day that I didn't sleep almost 10 hours either.

I don't have anything planned for the days, mainly because I don't have any money, so it's not a huge deal that I don't have a lot of days left. It's just nice to be able to randomly schedule a day or two off and be able to sleep in and watch tv all day long.

This year sure has sped on by.

I still have 5 vacation days left

Or in other words, a cool week. In a way I wish we could sell the days back like at some companies. I don't have any plans and I really don't need the time off. I also have a ton of work and I really need something to keep me busy.

But don't worry. I will surely take those 5 days off and be a happy camper. The only thing I really need to decide is whether I want to take it as an entire week or if I want to break it up and take a day here and there.

Either way, it's time off that I'm really looking forward to.

Stop tempting me Groupon

I get the Groupon Getaways email every week. A lot of the time, you will see the same vacations over and over until they sell out or the sell by date arrives. Infrequently they will have something that will totally sell out which usually means it was a great bargain.

Lately I have been seeing short vacations for little to no money. The vacations do not include airfare but I have frequent flyer miles that I could burn for that. It's so tempting to just buy one and plan a mini vacation or even a vacation into next year. Most are 3 or 4 day vacations which is usually just enough to get away and recharge the batteries. The vacations are often all-inclusive which means tip money and go.

Ugh I need to get my finances together and quick.

My vacation was great

I didn't go anywhere and it felt great. Don't get me wrong, I would have loved to have gone on a "real" vacation again this year. But that's what happens when you don't plan and execute. I knew I wanted to go on vacation and I knew it was coming up. However, I didn't save anything for it and once it got here I knew it was not economically feasible for me to go.

I did have plans to do a quick baseball trip but my car decided it wasn't going to cooperate. Also there used to be bus service to the city I wanted to go to. They have subsequently discontinued that route from my city. The only way to go besides flying, which was way too expensive, was to take 2 buses. That would have turned a 8 or so hour trip into over 15 hours. Hmmmm no thanks.

I probably won't start saving for next years vacation until after January and I close on my house. At least if I start putting something away I may be able to do a really quick getaway. Sometimes that's all we need.

So I'm not going anywhere

And I wrote things that suck but it certainly does. I'm not going anywhere this year. Ughh. I have another mini-vacation coming up but that's in late Fall. It will also be crunch time to buying my house so I doubt if I'll have a large outlay of cash coming out of my account.

When I worked a job that made a lot less money I seemed to have much more money for travel. Now I make a decent amount more and I don't have anything extra. This bites!

I missed out on the trip!

I have a few extra bucks for vacation and I was so going to pull the trigger. I hesitated a few days for no reason. It was kind of like "oh what the heck, I'll just wait until Tuesday" or "well the sale is over Thursday so I still have time", except I didn't have time.

Unfortunately the trip ended up selling out. The price that I saw wasn't just a good price, it was a fabulous price. I didn't even realize how much so until I tried to price it out and decided to book. I got to the booking website and there was a giant red X with the words "sold out". I was more annoyed with myself than with the travel site.

That just proves the point that if you see a great deal, grab it before it's too late. As for me, there probably won't be a vacation in my summer plans this year. Bummer.

I just may pull the trigger on this vacation

I love to go on vacation. For the past 5 years I've been really cranky because I haven't had a chance to go. Then last year I decided to go at the last minute. Unfortunately I charged that vacation, and I'm still paying for it. The other day I won a few bucks at the casino and it put me over the amount that I needed to take a quick trip. It's about $450 including expenses like transfers to the hotel and tips, etc. That does not include airfare but I have enough frequent flier miles that I can use to basically fly free. There will be taxes on that free ticket but less than $50 for a $500 or so ticket is darn near free in my book.

I should just save a portion of the money and plan a nice vacation for next year instead of jetting off this year. On the other hand, next year could bring it's own problems and I might not be able to go then either. Oh well, I always book at least 2 weeks in advance so that gives me about 3-4 weeks to decide whether or not I really want to go.

Decisions decisions.

I'm bummed about no vacation this year

I thought I was getting my hands on some money from let's just say an unusual source. Anyway, it turns out that I am not getting that money. That was going to accelerate my debt payments as well as pay for a vacation. It wasn't a huge amount but it would have been a little chunk of change.

Unfortunately the money isn't coming. On the plus side, I didn't incorporate that money into my budget so it's not like I can really miss something that I never had. Still it would have been nice to go back on vacation.

There's always next year!

I didn't book my trip

I was talking with a friend of mine and he suggested that I go to my destination next year. The reason is simple, it would cost less points. Or to look at it another way, I would get to stay longer for the same amount of points.

My hotel is 20K points right now. I usually go on vacation in May and during that time of the year you only need 8K points. So instead of 40K for 2 nights, I can spend 32K for 4 nights and have points left over. I also wouldn't have to take any money out of my pocket. As it stands right now, I would have to pay for at least 1 night, but by waiting I would have enough points to not pay anything.

Hopefully I can still find something for this year so I can still take a vacation. I surely don't want to wait until next year!

I want to book my vacation

I'm sitting here at my desk pouting right now. I have some free hotel loyalty points but you can only book 60 days out. I still have 11 days before I can book my 2 free days. I can cut that to 10 days if I use the 2 free days first and the paid day last. Either way I have too long to wait.

The worse part is that I can't even get my airline ticket yet. If I book the ticket and then can't get the hotel room, I'm stuck like Chuck. Most of the hotels are easily $150 per night. So instead of airfare and about $150 for a hotel, it would cost almost $450 for a hotel. Yuck.

Next year I plan on going on vacation in May like I did in the past and just using my August vacation as a staycation. That will make things so much simpler.

I haven't decided if I'm going to New Jersey or not

I just don't feel like taking that long drive. But since almost no one in my immediate family in New Jersey has a car, I would be at a distinct disadvantage if I rolled down there without a vehicle. Did I mention that they like in the sho nuff ghetto?!?!? Umm yeah, I'm surely not trying to take a bus down there.

I also don't feel comfortable staying at anyone's home. It just feels weird if it's not my house or my mom's house. That means I have to shell out money for a hotel. I did find a hotel for 2 nights that will cost around $115 but I would have to leave Saturday. I was thinking about leaving Saturday anyway but I want the flexibility of being able to leave on Sunday.

Luckily the party isn't until the middle of July so I still have a while to think about it.

I need a vacation in the worse way

I am so tired. Just run down and tired. I haven't had more than 3 days off from work in over 4 months. And that doesn't really count because I missed most of that time attending a funeral and cleaning out my Mom's house, etc. That was definitely not a restful or relaxing time for me.

Unfortunately between trying to just pay regular bills and attempt to save a few pennies to buy a house, it doesn't look like I'll be going anywhere again this year. I need to get my little duckies in a row because I need to go lay on somebody's beach and chillax!

I am so bored

But I'm not ready to go back to work. I've been on vacation all week but because I don't have any money, I wasn't able to go anywhere. I started to go and visit my mom for a few days but I decided not to go at the last minute. That's why I'm already looking towards next years vacation.

I will not sit home for another week doing nothing.

I'm saving my pennies for vacation

I wasn't sure whether I could afford a vacation this year or not. Then my friend told me that her and her fiance were having one of those destination weddings and I just knew I had to go. Since it's only adults going, we're looking at the El Dorado Royale Spa Resort. It has everything that we need.

The suites at the hotel has king-size Jacuzzis and veranda hammocks. As if that's not enough for relaxation, they also offer a artificial river and a swim up bar. For us non-romantics they have scuba lessons and beach side fitness classes. Everything you need to have a good time.

I think I'll start packing my lunch to save money. This is one trip I'm not gonna miss.

I am definitely taking a vacation in 2010

I haven't had a real vacation in almost 3 years. I did go to Vegas in 2008 but that was just for a few days and it wasn't really relaxing. I wasn't able to take a vacation at all this year. Well I'm determined to remedy that next year. I've been looking into All inclusive family vacations because I want everything paid for up front. All I want to do is show up and not have to worry about paying for anything.

The Riviera Maya has several great all-inclusive hotels for me to choose from. I'm leaning towards the El Dorado Royale Resort. They have private suites with outdoor ceiling-free showers. They also have King-sized jacuzzis with window-front views and also junior sweets with air conditions and ceiling fans. This resort sounds so relaxing to me right now.

I'm going to get started saving for this right now. Hopefully I can go next year during the month of November. I am so excited already and I have almost a year to go.

I need a serious vacation

I mean somewhere that I can really sit down and relax. I don't want to have to think about anything. I'm looking at a family vacation in the Mexican Riviera. There's a resort called the El Dorado Seaside Suites that I have my eye on. First of all, it's adults only which is a plus. I don't want to hear any screaming children while I'm trying to relax.

They have swim up jacuzzi suites as well as having direct access to the beach. It's the ultimate in luxury. And believe me, I don't mind paying for luxury during vacation. There are also authentic Mexican tile and marble floors. It sounds like a dream and something that I would totally enjoy.

I haven't had a real vacation in about 3 years when I went on my cruise. I am so looking forward to my vacation next year and there is no time like the present to start saving for it.

Hotel Condos in Panama

The economy is terrible not only here in the U.S. but around the globe. Interest rates on bonds and money market funds are non-existent while stocks are sinking like crazy. Of course it provides a wonderful buying opportunity but what if you're close to retirement? I'm not talking close like 5 years, I mean in the 10-15 year range. Just long enough that your money should still be in the market, but short enough that you really can't afford to lose money to these crazy fluctuations.

So what do you do now that your retirement nest egg is much smaller than you anticipated? Would you ever consider retiring overseas. The value of a dollar goes a lot further in other countries even though the dollar is extremely week right now. Retirees especially flock to Latin America. The cost of living is very low so you need cash but not as much.

Panama is one of the countries that's seeing a influx of these retirees. Right now a great place to buy is the Hotel Casco Antiguo which is a condo hotel in the Casco Antiguo region of Panama. Panama represents one of the fastest growing real estate markets in the world. Buying in now would make a great investment for a retirement home or a second vacation home. You can click to Register for an eBrochure Here. It will tell you more about the property as well as give you contact information for the property. You can also see the entire management team and see where their experience and expertise is.

Even if you've never considered retiring to Panama, you should check out the site. It just might change your mind.

Speaking of vacation

I wish I had more of it. I only have 2 weeks right now. There are women on my job who have 4 and 5 weeks. One woman has to be forced to take her time off. We're not allowed to carry it over so if she doesn't use it, she loses it. Heck that's like losing money. I'm not going for that.

I use all of my vacation and then some.

Vacationing on the Isle of Wight

This would not be a normal vacation for me and that's for sure. I'm usually a beach and/or cruise person. Preferably both if I can pull it off. I love the beach and the sunshine. But I had never considered the Isle of Wight. While researching my 2009 vacation, I saw an advertisement for Isle of Wight Hotels. I had never really thought of that. Until I saw one of my favorite words...Sale. That changes your mind pretty quickly. Especially when it's quite a nicely discounted rate you're getting.

Now you may be asking yourself what's so special about the Isle of Wight. Well here are a few quick facts about the island. The Isle of Wight is an English island and county in the English Channel between three and five miles (8 km) from the south coast of England. It is situated south of the county of Hampshire and is separated from the mainland by the Solent. Popular since Victorian times as a holiday resort, the Isle of Wight is known for its outstanding natural beauty and for its world-famous sailing based in Cowes.

Cowes is a world-famous centre for sailing, playing host to several racing regattas. Cowes Week is the longest-running regular regatta in the world, with over 1,000 yachts and 8,500 competitors taking part in over 50 classes of yacht racing. In 1851 the first America's Cup race took place around the Island. Other major sailing events hosted in Cowes include the Fastnet race, the Round the Island Race[17], the Admiral's Cup, and the Commodore's Cup.

The Isle of Wight Marathon is the United Kingdom's oldest continuously held marathon, having been run every year since 1957. The course starts in Ryde, passing through Newport, Shanklin and Sandown, before finishing back in Ryde. It is an undulating course with a total climb of 1,505 feet (459 m).


There are less than 132,000 residents on the island. Meaning that it's a small tight-knit community. Consider the Isle of Wight for your next vacation. While you're at it, check out the sales where you can get a great vacation for a fantastic price.

Maybe we should go to Las Vegas

John and I were talking about vacation again last night. We really want to go on a cruise but since we'll both be in school this year we won't be able to afford it. I wouldn't mind going to Mexico or Jamaica but that will be expensive too. After we went to Wheeling the other night John suggested Las Vegas.

He doesn't gamble but I reminded him that there is so much to do in Vegas besides gamble. We can visit the casinos to see the different themes, shop in the stores and boutiques or go to one of the many events that are always in the city. There are magic shows, sporting events and concerts galore. Or we could always get tickets to the Pro Bull Riders. We're both city people so to see real bull riders would be a treat. Imagine walking down the strip and seeing real cowboys. That would be crazy.

I know they have the show there every year. It's one of Vegas' annual events. I keep trying to tell him that there is so much different stuff to do that he doesn't have to worry. The Grand Canyon or the Hoover Dam also come to mind. Of course, I'll send him out exploring and site-seeing while I gamble. After all, it is Las Vegas!