I like Dave Ramsey and his insights and I thought I would post this, which was sent in an email I got today...check out his site here.

Dave's Thoughts On Vacations
This month, one of Dave's radio show listeners emailed to get some advice:

We have a few thousand saved up for a trip this summer as a way to reward ourselves for working so diligently on our debt snowball lately. We deserve a break! Should we go? Is now the best time?

What did Dave say?

Waaaahhhh! I didn’t go on vacation for two years while I was cleaning up my mess. Listen, your life has been a trip to the beach. Now it’s time to clean up your mess! I’m not saying that you should never go on a vacation. Just don’t go when you’re $20,000 in debt! Suck it up and live like no one else now so later you can live like no one else. That’s what I did. Now I can go to the beach any time I want! You’ve got to break this cycle in your head that you deserve stuff. None of us deserve squat. Listen to the radio show clip here.

Traveling somewhere for a vacation is a luxury, not a necessity. We must remember that. So many people don’t understand the difference. And whoever said you have to travel and spend lots of money on a vacation? Ever heard of a “staycation”? It’s a vacation from everyday life where you stay close to home—what a novel idea! You can be a hometown tourist, spend extra quality time with your family, and forget about work for a while. If you’re still working on your debt snowball, this is the way to go.

If you’re out of debt, have the money saved, and have planned your vacation, by all means, go! Go now while the sale light is on! You’ve sacrificed, and your hard work and dedication have literally paid off. Let me remind you that everything is on sale big time! And if you pay with cash, you’re more likely to get even greater deals!

Don’t fall for the line that the economy will slump if you don’t do your part by traveling this summer. That is completely absurd. The economy will continue to improve regardless of how you choose to spend a few days off. Once again, you have to be a mature adult and do what’s best for you.

Whether you’re going on a Mediterranean cruise or grilling out at the neighborhood park, you can have an absolute blast on vacation this summer. It’s all about your attitude and staying within your budget. Don’t be like the family below who lets their vacation follow them home!