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Travel

How much for a perfect holiday?

(22 Posts)
Greatnan Sun 09-Dec-12 09:08:46

I am planning to take a week out from my holiday with my family in New Zealand to go snorkeling on Fiji. I have had a quote from an agent for one resort,which would cost about £1,500 for a week. The reviews on Trip Advisor and Lonely Planet say this resort is very busy with hordes of 'rowdy children'. I have had another island recommended on a snorkeling forum which sounds like paradise. Only eight villas, they meet you at Nadi airport and take you in their own fast boat to the island, three meals a day, and a luxury villa. I would have to arrange my own flights from Auckland to Nadi, the main airpor for Fiji. The total cost would be about £2,500. The coral is wonderful from all the islands of Fiji, so it is just the accommodation and tranquility that make the difference.
I am 72 and I have enough in my travel fund. I was disappointed last year in Phuket when the coral had all been destroyed. I spend very little for the rest of the year.
I don't need to save for my future as my pension income is guaranteed and I have no mortgage and no debts.
So why do I feel it would be wrong to go for the more expensive option?

MiceElf Sun 09-Dec-12 09:18:33

Just remind yourself that you will be adding to the NZ economy, providing employment and keeping an excellent holiday facility open.

And put that Catholic guilt in the bin!

annodomini Sun 09-Dec-12 09:39:36

Guilt is a destructive emotion. Give it up and treat yourself to the trip of a lifetime. sunshine

Butty Sun 09-Dec-12 09:44:48

Do it and enjoy it. Simple. sunshine

Gagagran Sun 09-Dec-12 09:51:31

You've worked all your life and are 100% self reliant so just book it, look forward to it and enjoy it! smile

Greatnan Sun 09-Dec-12 09:53:23

I would be adding to the Fiji economy, which probably needs it more than NZ! My daughter is urging me to go, saying very wisely that nobody can guarantee how long they will stay healthy and active.

moomin Sun 09-Dec-12 09:58:24

Go for it greatnan, who knows what's around the corner! You have the funds, so no guilty feelings! Book it and enjoy smile

janeainsworth Sun 09-Dec-12 10:00:33

Greatnan
In such circumstances, I always remember a sentence from Barbara Pym's Jane and Prudence in which Jane (a frumpish vicar's wife) notices that Prudence (a glamorous unmarried career girl several years her junior), is wearing an expensive-looking new dressing gown when she comes to stay.
The quote goes something like
' " I see you have a new housecoat," said Jane in an accusing tone, as if Prudence had no right to spend her own money on nice things'
That's the point. You have the perfect right to spend your own money exactly as you wish.
Get over it grin

baubles Sun 09-Dec-12 10:04:19

It's your money, you are fit & healthy and would derive huge enjoyment from what would be a wonderful experience. At this stage in life we don't need 'things' so spend what you can afford on experiences. That's my belief anyhoo smile

MiceElf Sun 09-Dec-12 10:21:19

Whoops missed the Fiji bit. All the more reaon then for you to go. Enjoy it, and post a full account when you come back.

whenim64 Sun 09-Dec-12 10:34:13

You have a responsibility to go for it Greatnan! If I am reading about your adventures, I don't want 'run of the mill'...I want 'amazing, awesome and out of this world!' grin

Fill your boots! smile

Mishap Sun 09-Dec-12 10:41:39

Only got one life and you can't take the dosh with you - eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow........

Greatnan Sun 09-Dec-12 10:46:25

You have all convinced me! The island is called Navini and I have looked at several videos of it. It really does look perfect. I don't buy anything now except food, petrol, wine, books, and music CDs. I send £25 each to my four great-grand-daughters and my two youngest grandchildren, for each birthday and Christmas. The running costs of the flat are very small, so it leaves me about one third of my income for travel. As I live in such a lovely place, with easy access to Switzerland, Italy, and the rest of France I don't really need to travel far except for my annual trip to NZ.
My daughter is going to visit a few travel agents in Nelson to get details of other islands,such as Vanatu and Samoa, but I know the coral is wonderful in Fiji.

soop Sun 09-Dec-12 10:57:00

Go for it, Greatnan...'Cos you're worth it. grin

Grannylin Sun 09-Dec-12 11:28:13

I agree with whenim.We don't want mediocre from you Greatnan.You have become my role model now for doing crazy things-do what your heart tells youflowers

Greatnan Sun 09-Dec-12 11:37:03

That's a big responsibility - I will try to live up to it. (But no more elephant treks, or camel rides.) smile

jeni Sun 09-Dec-12 12:38:05

Go for it! You don't know if some disaster will overcome you and stop you going in the future!
At least that's my philosophy!smile

Movedalot Sun 09-Dec-12 13:00:31

Why do you seek reassureance Greatnan? I thought you were very confident in your own ability to think for yourself. Do as you like, you don't have to think of anyone else.

Rosiebee Sun 09-Dec-12 17:05:09

You won't regret going to the more expensive option Greatna, but will sure as hell regret not going if you are surrounded by noisy families at the cheaper resort. DH and I are doing what we can while we can and hopefully doing it in comfort. Go for it and post some glorious pix! grin

Greatnan Sun 09-Dec-12 17:08:14

Yes, my thinking is that I should enjoy as many things as I can whilst I am still fit and active. Good to know you all (nearly) agree with me!

jeni Sun 09-Dec-12 17:37:42

You'd hate a noisy child ridden one!

Ariadne Sun 09-Dec-12 17:39:42

I can only agree with what everyone else says, Greatnan. Just do it, and enjoy every minute.