One of the best ways to assess the state of the economy is to talk to families about their vacation plans.
During our Moms Matter Road Trip through Florida, we stopped in the family vacation mecca of Orlando to talk to families about their summer travels. What they told us about how the economy has affected their plans may surprise you -- or it may sound all too familiar.
Click through to see our video.
It's interesting, I think, that the economy has affected the travel plans of almost everyone I know, whether they're making next to nothing or doing fairly well financially.
Gas prices have played into many of my mom friends' travel plans this summer -- and airfare seems higher than ever. Many of my friends aren't necessarily struggling to pay the mortgage, but their salaries haven't increased over the last few years, either, despite the fact that the cost of living continues to increase.
Skimping on summer vacations is often the first way to cut expenses.
How has the economy affected your travel plans? Can you empathize with the moms in our video? And which presidential candidate do you think is most likely to turn the economy around and make our dream vacations possible again?
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Comments 13
Vacation?? We're too busy trying to keep our small company afloat. Who has time to think of vacations?
@Rachel - our children's ages have influenced our vacation plans this year too. When we proposed a trip to Vegas, the Grand Canyon and Disneyland, we thought they'd be all over it, but with them all being teenagers (and an adult) now they have part-time jobs that make it hard for them to schedule holidays at the same time. Also, my daughter's friend is visiting from England for the whole summer, so daughter doesn't want to miss a minute with her. My husband and I have started to realize that we're getting to the point where we're going to be taking more vacations with just the two of us, instead of with the whole family. It's bittersweet.
We took a big trip to switzerland and that was our big vacation for quiet some time
We didnt go anywhere. We cannot even afford a tank of gas right now.
I hear you Jafe! I am trying to figure out how to afford the extra gas to travel a hour and a half so my step dad can take my son to the fair like he did last year. Thankfully my step dad pays for everything but I still need to fill the tank to get there and back. But can you even call a day trip a vacation?
Our vacation was a 2 day camping trip one state over. Thats about it. I would love to go to florida or vegas or even South Carolina, however with my husbands job just paying the bills, #2 on the way, and a toddler... we are thankful for what we do have. At least we aren't on food stamps like some folks.
Yes, the economy did screw up my vacation. My company experienced budget cuts which caused my hours at work to be cut. Had to cancel my trip to see my family due to lack of funds. Looking for a new job as we speak. Hopefully I can swing a vacation next year.