Second Thoughts

I don't know if this cruise thing is actually going to happen... After figuring all the costs that would be associated ON TOP of the price of just the cruise itself, it sure gets close to the $10,000 mark. The cruise is $4200 by itself. Airfare would be around $1100. Add another $1000 for the four shore excursions we would want to do. Transportation to and from the port cities runs $153. Food when not on the ship. Shopping. Drinks on the ship (figure a glass of wine runs about $8, two glasses a night, and you're already looking at $250). Tips. We would have to get visas for Israel and Turkey (you can get visas for Israel at the point of entry, but it sure would save time to have it in advance) and I have no idea how much those cost, but I figure they're more than a passport, and those are pretty pricey nowadays. Plus travel insurance, if we decide to get it. Whew. So thinking realistically... I would be scrimping and saving all year or be in a lot of credit card debt when it was over. Mom said she wouldn't be too crushed if we decide not to go. But I still feel bad. I know she really wants to. I do too. But I don't want to have to save every penny and not be able to do a thing else if we do. I would just have to decide if this experience would be worth that.

My dad retires in a few years and he and my mom could probably plan a huge trip like this then. I'm sure this cruise or one similar to it will be operating still at that time. And I have the rest of my life to plan for another trip like this. So it probably isn't the end of all things if we decide not to go this year. And maybe my sister and I will get back to talking about our trip to France that we want to take together. :) And I can try to take more fam trips through work. Or visit my brother in Phoenix. Not taking this cruise would certainly free me up for lots of other options for travel in the coming year (or years)...which is a nice thought.