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Original poster

Anyone else come home and think what a waste of money

114 replies

diegothedaigo · 09/07/2023 12:18

Just did a 10 day trip to a group of islands that I’ve always dreamt about going to. Over 10 hours flying.

Had a nice time, and nothing majorly wrong with it, but just sort of think, hmm? I kinda wished I’d saved the money. I’ve come home feeling knackered despite spending at least 5 days laying on a tropical beach. Is this a normal feeling?

OP posts:
willWillSmithsmith · 09/07/2023 13:16

I’ve gone off traditional holidays lately. Maybe it’s the expense, the flying, the heat but I’ve lost any desire to do that. I’d only travel now if it was a really different cultural experience (but not slumming it).

Xrays · 09/07/2023 13:19

I felt a bit like this after our last holiday. It was a huge expense for us, £4.5k for a week, lovely resort etc but just felt it went so fast and we’re now home again and I feel like I could have spent that on the garden or kitchen and have a lot more to show for it and enjoy everyday!

cptartapp · 09/07/2023 13:20

In the UK yes. Never abroad.
Best times of my life.

Motheranddaughtertotwo · 09/07/2023 13:24

Only in the UK. When I’m abroad with guaranteed nice weather and gorgeous scenery I happily do not very much or loads and I always love it.

Stressybetty · 09/07/2023 13:42

Yep, holiday in Portugal before covid. I got a horrendous streaming cold straight away and felt really rough the entire time. Took a day to hunt down ibuprofen. First night hotel had double booked and re booked us miles away in the middle of nowhere. Things just went downhill from there and I couldn't wait to get home. I think if I'd felt well it would have been ok.

Fiftyisthenewsixty · 09/07/2023 14:02

I don't think I have ever felt like that apart from when it was objectively bad e.g. once stayed in a French villa with a pool and we all got a sickness bug (young kids) one after another so we didn't do anything and nobody felt like eating...after a week we were all better and it was time to go home!

MissAmbrosia · 09/07/2023 14:02

Nope. I love holidays and travel in general. Money is never wasted.

ManchesterGirl2 · 09/07/2023 14:06

RicherThanYews · 09/07/2023 13:13

I relate. I saved all year to afford 4 days in a caravan on the Welsh coast. I bought groceries for the week from the local ASDA and upon trying to cook the food it turns out the oven and cooker hobs don't work and as for the activities I had planned in the caravan park, the owners neglected to inform us via an email with a code number that we had to book everything on site 6 weeks in advance. I have spent money that we don't have for more food offsite and entertainment elsewhere. Also, the local fairground was closed, the local castle and manor were closed and the only other attraction (a land train) was closed but advertised everywhere as running as normal.

I'm sorry, thats so shit and bad luck.

Namechangeforthis88 · 09/07/2023 14:08

We have learnt that we get bored of lying around on the beach or by the pool pretty quickly, no matter how beautiful the setting.

When we have done a holiday like that we've ended up booking kite surfing lessons or going to a water park or something.

We know now to book holidays where there will be plenty to see and do

ManchesterGirl2 · 09/07/2023 14:08

I love travel. Just wandering round new places energises me. I can't really think of a trip that I feel that way about.

tothelefttotheleft · 09/07/2023 14:10

RicherThanYews · 09/07/2023 13:13

I relate. I saved all year to afford 4 days in a caravan on the Welsh coast. I bought groceries for the week from the local ASDA and upon trying to cook the food it turns out the oven and cooker hobs don't work and as for the activities I had planned in the caravan park, the owners neglected to inform us via an email with a code number that we had to book everything on site 6 weeks in advance. I have spent money that we don't have for more food offsite and entertainment elsewhere. Also, the local fairground was closed, the local castle and manor were closed and the only other attraction (a land train) was closed but advertised everywhere as running as normal.

Hope you got some money back?

MysteriesOfTheOrganism · 09/07/2023 14:14

A holiday should be a break from routine and an opportunity to do things that refresh and uplift you. Everybody has a different personal recipe for that. Perhaps your recipe has changed over time? I love holidays - and wish had far more money to indulge!

Noicant · 09/07/2023 14:41

Before DD we used to do city holidays and wander around galleries and museums. She’s too little for that and so it’s beach holidays and I find them a bit boring. But tbf with little kids it’s more work than relaxation.

FfeminyddCymraeg · 09/07/2023 14:45

Rarely. Mostly with U.K. holidays when the weather is shit.

I can’t say I’ve felt the same with a holiday abroad, to be honest. I’m usually booking my next one whilst sat on the current one.

ohtowinthelottery · 09/07/2023 14:48

I frequently get photos of tropical beaches and holidays on my SM newsfeeds. I always think they look stunning but I know in my heart that if i went there I'd be bored within a couple of days and regret spending the money. Instead we go somewhere with a mixture of culture and beach which we always enjoy and don't feel is a waste of money.

mistermagpie · 09/07/2023 14:48

I know what you mean, I went to Mexico with a very boring ex who just wanted to laze by the pool and drink and go for dinner. I was younger and not very confident so I just did what he wanted, but when I look back it was such a huge waste of money and potential.

Traditional beach/pool holidays are wasted on me really, I have an autoimmune disease which is exacerbated by hot temperatures so I would struggle in most countries during the summer.

We holiday in the UK now, caravans mainly and never feel it's wasted money. We have three young kids and just go out and about all day, whatever the weather, they don't care if it rains and we all just make sure we have appropriate clothing. The UK has a lot to offer, some beautiful beaches and loads of attractions, just do your research before you go and you won't be bored!

ArcticSkewer · 09/07/2023 14:52

Maybe sometimes when I've spent beyond my normal budget, it feels no better than a holiday within my budget, so seems a waste?

Jigslaw · 09/07/2023 14:54

Unless something is epically terrible then nope, no regrets. Memories over possessions is much more fulfilling imo, I look back fondly on holidays, weekends away and doubt when it's the end I'll regret those and wish I'd spent money on stuff instead.

Topseyt123 · 09/07/2023 14:54

I've only ever felt like this after wet holidays in the UK.

Crikeyalmighty · 09/07/2023 15:06

In the UK-yes- abroad - I only felt like this in Egypt as we were all ill, apart from the first day- I don't like purely beach holidays though - so pick places accordingly

ShinyAppleDreamingOfTheSea · 09/07/2023 19:21

I can't say I've ever felt like that, no. Definitely have had some holidays that have been better than others but none where I felt I totally wasted my money. But - I've never been on a bonus at that was particularly expensive or included a 10 hour flight .

ShinyAppleDreamingOfTheSea · 09/07/2023 19:24

RicherThanYews · 09/07/2023 13:13

I relate. I saved all year to afford 4 days in a caravan on the Welsh coast. I bought groceries for the week from the local ASDA and upon trying to cook the food it turns out the oven and cooker hobs don't work and as for the activities I had planned in the caravan park, the owners neglected to inform us via an email with a code number that we had to book everything on site 6 weeks in advance. I have spent money that we don't have for more food offsite and entertainment elsewhere. Also, the local fairground was closed, the local castle and manor were closed and the only other attraction (a land train) was closed but advertised everywhere as running as normal.

That must have been awful for you .

ShinyAppleDreamingOfTheSea · 09/07/2023 19:25

ShinyAppleDreamingOfTheSea · 09/07/2023 19:21

I can't say I've ever felt like that, no. Definitely have had some holidays that have been better than others but none where I felt I totally wasted my money. But - I've never been on a bonus at that was particularly expensive or included a 10 hour flight .

Should read 'never been on a holiday that was particularly expensive '

Ohmylovejune · 09/07/2023 19:43

Sounds like you are exhausted from all the travel for 5 nights.

Ginmonkeyagain · 09/07/2023 19:44

I always plan holidays with a particular goal in mind - so this holiday we have soent 6 days in a city i was keen to go to - lots of cultural trips, good food and a couple of excursions. We have stopped off at a port town we know well on our way home for a weekend of beach trips and seafood. That's our chill.

Yes you will be tired and you will spend money you didn't need to but over all it will be good.