I am, and have always been, a saver, while Krissy is a spender. When we got married, money was, and sometimes still is, our hardest subject. Thanks to Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University, we have both found more middle ground and have learned to keep the tough conversations to once a month when we sit down to do finances.
This has helped us a ton, but I will always be a saver. When Krissy and I get our allowance, I most often either put mine in my sock drawer or spend it on her. For a very long time, I didn't order drinks, alcoholic or nonalcoholic, at restaurants. In fact, we didn't go to restaurants much anyway. Krissy always said she would know we were financially set when I finally ordered guacamole at a restaurant!
Why I Love All-Inclusive Vacations
The one time in life I splurge a bit is when I'm on vacation. Now, don't go too far. There is still a budget, but I allow myself a little more freedom. This is why I prefer an all-inclusive vacation. Money doesn't need to be on my mind constantly.
A Mexican all-inclusive is the best because really, everything is included. I mean entertainment, food, drinks, the beach, and alcohol. The one negative is that you are stationary and don't see much beyond the resort.
Second best is a cruise.
The Problem With Cruise Drink Packages
Cruises are somewhat all-inclusive. The room, most of the food, and most of the entertainment are included, but not everything, and definitely not the alcohol.
Krissy doesn't drink at all, and I don't drink much when I'm home. But on vacation, I like to let loose and try everything!
The problem is that on many cruises, if one person buys the alcoholic drink package, both adults sharing the room have to get it. This makes it hard for me to justify the cost when Krissy doesn't drink. But without a package, I find myself thinking about the price of every drink instead of just enjoying it.
So, what do we do?
Is a Cruise Drink Package Worth the Money?
We've tried a few different approaches.
We've gotten the drink package knowing that, in the end, we'll probably lose money, but we gain the freedom of not thinking about the cost of every drink. My mind is much more at ease, and I'll just order without second-guessing myself.
We've also put a certain amount of money on our cruise card and decided that once it's gone, I'm done. And of course, I don't have to drink at all. That's always an option, too.
For me, it's not really about how much I drink. It's about being able to relax and enjoy vacation without constantly calculating what everything costs.
Sometimes the drink package is worth it, even when the math says otherwise.
Other times you are with friends and you just need to splurge!
How Do You Budget for Drinks on Vacation?
How do you handle finances on vacation? Do you get the drink package, pay as you go, or skip the drinks altogether?
Splurge on the margarita!
Anne
