Which holiday would you choose?

[Privatelyliving]

It's to do a bucket list activity for me. There's a choice of two locations/packages for the dates I want:

1. Short flight, short transfer, no food or drink included and the more expensive option.
2. Slightly longer flight, lower standard of accomodation (described as basic but clean), most food included for a cheaper price, but 4 hour transfer from the airport.

It's the transfer that's putting me off, otherwise I'd go for option 2.

I would avoid anywhere that is described as basic if the food's included. Sounds like a recipe for food poisoning.

Option 1
I like to eat out at different places and not feel obliged to eat substandard food in one place that I have already paid for, and I agree with @underneaththeash.

Also, the four hur transfer would put me off.

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The cheaper option saves about 25% plus food. Enough for another short break.

Unless money was a real issue or deciding factor I would 100% go for option 1. The 4 hour transfer sounds a nightmare - especially on top of a longer flight . I think number 1 would give a nicer holiday overall - chance of better food, more choice and better accommodation .

The locations are both remote and it will be a question of eat what there is in both of them.

Transfer depends if it's scenic or not, somewhere like a pretty coastline I am quite happy with a transfer and I like flying. But would also have reservations about food poisoning, can you check reviews. And how basic, things like no air conditioning and 35C or shared bathroom would put me at 1.

Option 1, as you can pick and choose how to spend your money on food- some days go casual, others splurge bit more and have variety. Better accomodation too and no awful transfer

Probably option 1 unless it was somewhere with poor weather and not a lot to do.

Re. Option 2, in my experience basic food and inexpensive accommodation somewhere like Thailand or Vietnam is really nice, basic food in the Philippines is horrific.

Depends on the destination

On balance Id pick option 1. The 4 hour transfer and basic accomodation would put me off.

It totally depends on location. Some long transfers are really worth it.

Which is more important (and available) to you, time or money? Would the journey/ accommodation drastically impact how much you enjoy the bucket list activity?

When I was younger I had more free time but I wasn't as well off so I'd do slower transfers, far more inconvenient journeys etc to save money so I could still do the bucket list things I wanted. I was pretty tolerant of not sleeping or eating well! Now I'm older, I make more money but have way less free time, lack of sleep really affects me now, so I'd prioritise having a more convenient, quality trip and enjoying it as much as possible, even if I spent more money making it easier/ more comfortable.

Wot @AltitudeCheck said

Four hour transfer means a total of eight hours, another whole working day travelling. Nowadays, I go for shorter more luxurious holidays every time

Do you have more money or more time to spare?

Personally, option 1 without fail as I suffer from travel sickness.

Looking at it from a different perspective, how long is the trip. If it's only four 2/3 nights then eight hours of transfers seems a long time, but if it's for two weeks then you've got time to relax for a few hours after you're arrival. Also, if a longer trip then it'll cost you a lot more money with option 1 - which you might be fine with if you can afford.

It totally depends on what it is you're doing and where you're going with each, to be honest.

I personally would be inclined to go for option 2 as sounds like more of an adventure and 1 sounds more of your standard holiday.

Yes, I think that's where I'm coming from. Although the activity is the same, the 2nd option is the bigger adventure.

I still don't fancy a 4 hour transfer though!

I'm intrigued now though! Do tell us where you're going or what the bucket list activity is!!

They both require snowy mountains in remote locations. Not skiing. One is the Italian Alps the other is Transylvania, which probably sounds more adventurous than it is, but worth saying you've been? 😆

I love Italy so no question to me, also not keen on Eastern European food if I'm honest, not been to Romania but wasn't keen on polish or Bulgarian food, nor German to be honest

What do the reviews say? Focus on the most recent ones on Google and Tripadvisor and use that to inform your decision.

100% Italy

Ah - so a short flight anyway . Yes Transylvania does sound more adventurous so I can see your dilemma more - especially with the price of the holiday. Four hour transfer not so bad if your flight only 2-3 hours. But OTOH if it's winter time and mountainous- I would also be considering road conditions. It may well end up being more than 4 hours , especially if there are road closures.

That sounds exciting OP! But if the basic one is in Transylvania, then that might just be a bit too basic!
However, driving through the Italian Alps can also be dicey, we drove from Milan to Cervinia and they were tiny, windy, steep, icy roads!

Italy for the food.

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