DB and DSIL are constantly bugging us to go on a cruise with them. They love cruises and have been on many of them. I have nothing against cruises or those who take them, however I seem to have absolutely no desire to do a cruise.
If I'm going to lose vacation time from work, I'd rather be camping. If I'm enjoying a beer, I want to be looking at the campfire and not paying $8 for one. Do any of you love and do both?
We do not like the idea of cruises but really love traveling on land tours -- and camping when we are home in the U.S. We have been fortunate to have traveled to Turkey, China & Hong Kong, Thailand, Spain, Morocco, Portugal, Germany, France, a bit of Austria, Italy (mainland & Sicily), Guatemala, and Costa Rica. We've toured most of the U.S. and parts of Canada, and I recently traveled with my son on his company award trip to London for a week. When we can no longer go on foot, we might consider some European river/waterway tours, but not yet!
We dearly love camping, but we also take at least a week's vacation every year other than camping. We have taken several cruises, but enjoy the all-inclusive Mexico trips much more. No schedule, do what you want when you want to, and no fancy dress up. (I am on my own on that one). It is also considerably cheaper since the airfare, all food, and all drinks are included. Then we have more money for jewelry. :'( :'(
No shipwrecks, no schedule changes, and working showers and toilets.
We love to camp but this year we probably won't do as much as we would like since we are taking a cruise to Alaska in July. We love to travel but dread flying now. I'm trying to save as much vacation time as I can, just so I can have a bit of back up days when we return from our cruise and maybe squeeze in a couple of camp days and a rally before the end of the year.
We do a lot of camping and also try to cruise at times. We've been on 4 cruises and love them. Its a great way too visit ports for a short time and decide if its a place you would like to return to for an extended stay. Food and room included in the price is a bonus, considering the cost of a hotel, and eating out 3 meals a day could be costly in other travel scenarios. You can opt out of dressing up and schedules.....make your own you don't have to participate in everything the ship offers, yes there are time restrictions at port but in some cases that's probably good (Jamaica). Happy travels.
Mike & Dawn
Happy Campers 101
[quote author=Happy Campers 101 link=topic=2475.msg23780#msg23780 date=1369236203]
, yes there are time restrictions at port but in some cases that's probably good (Jamaica). Happy travels.
Mike & Dawn
Happy Campers 101
Oh, the story I could tell about an excursion on Jamaica. :omg: I would never suggest anyone to go to Jamaica. Made the decision to never go back
We love to just go to new places no matter how we get there. We have done a Disney Cruise and loved it, so much to do for the kids, and we also go to islands for extended getaways. In the last few years we have gone to Jamaica (resort awesome, not so much after you leave), Hawaii on the big island (best trip we had), and in June for my birthday we will be in St Lucia for 8 days. As far as camping I have done three trips so far this year and have five more booked at this time. Next years big trip will be a two week trip out west dragging the camper. We like to spread it out so we can do a lot of things.
Mike
I've been backpacking and camping for 54 years, so it's pretty well ingrained in my being.
Occasionally my wife and I will book a room at a B&B, just to take it up a notch.
I cannot bear the thought of a cruise: locked up at exorbitant prices in a place designed for gluttony and over-indulgence, yet with a floating gym to work off the calories, and totally surrounded by hoards of people. GAWD. POSSIBLY, I might entertain the thought of a European river cruise -- POSSIBLY -- but it's still a canned "adventure".
Camping gives us the luxuries of selection and control. We say where, we say what to do, we say what to eat...... (And, the exercise means I don't have to pay for a gym.)
Ummmm, maybe we're TOO into camping ?!!!!!????? - our boys, 15 & 17, have never flown (yes, I'm serious) as ALL the vacations that we've ever taken were in the PUP...
That said, our geographic location (SE PA) allows us to drive to both mountain and coastal campgrounds.
While we'd always wanted to take a trip to the desert, tropics, or other countries, such a trip (for a week or so) would equal or exceed our yearly camping budget, and our family has always unanimously voted to camp locally (yet frequently) on weekends rather than take a once-a-year non-camping (or greatly extended camping) trip that would exhaust the budget. The boys have never complained, and have never expressed interest in flying (have to mention that the oldest got his driver's license less than a year ago and driving is still a novelty). Still, I feel like I should make them fly somewhere for the experience, as air travel is a way of life not only for recreation but business/work as well.
Well I work Mon-Thurs. DW babysits Tue-Sat. Occasionally she takes a Sat. off but it is not as easy as one thinks. (Unless you are so heartless that the health and well-being of 4 children dont mean anything to you). Occasionally I take a Mon off. We usually do take that Sat/Mon off on the same weekend. Those are the weekends we go to Branson without the PUP. Since Branson is a 3 hour jaunt and CGs there are about $5 a night cheaper than a good clean motel. (One with micro and fridge in room as well as a hot breakfast bar).
The other weekends we try to camp. We get the kids early Sat AM. then go to the CG. Usually meet up with parents about 5 PM. The kids have a great time.
As far as vacation????? Well those of you that "always" work 40 hours or maybe has a "real" 2 income family wouldnt understand this. However my place usually slows way down this time of year. We generally spend about 10 weeks a year working 1-maybe-2 days a week. That is when I use my vacation days.
I know that stinks, but at least we stay a float. Stinks even worse that we havent had the PUP out since July 2012. Between extreme heat last year, extreme cold & wet this year, and now working 10-20 hours a week. We have been home for far too long.
I like the different experiences that a vacation can offer. Plus, sometimes I just don't want to make the bed and would like to have a mint put on my pillow.
I went to Jamaica for my Honeymoon and LOVED it. Yes, when you get away from the resort they can be pushy trying to sell you stuff. I just say "No mon". I have been to Disney and loved that as well. DW really loves the Sound of Music and the Von Trappe kids, who the musical is based on, run a hotel or bed and breakfast somewhere (I forget where) that I want to bring DW to some day.
Camping is great, and I love the quick getaway without the expense, but I like a traditional vacation as well.
Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer. Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.
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