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Holidays

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Original poster

Holiday or loan?

26 replies

hercules · 04/08/2005 15:46

We've always planned to go to Sril Lanka for 3 weeks as DH is from there but have never been able to afford it and it isnt usually safe. However, we will have a chance to go next year if we save around 400-500 pounds a month. This money was meant to go towards paying off a loan we took on our mortgage to pay off credit cards.

Dh's parents are elderly and there may not be that many years we get to visit them in their home although they visit us every other year or so. Dh hasnt been home since he was 11 and really wants to go.

If we dont go we could instead put the money towards paying off our debt.

What would you do?

OP posts:
Angeliz · 04/08/2005 15:47

go, definately go!

suzywong · 04/08/2005 15:50

well
having been in that situation myself (dh going home to Oz and credit card debts)

I would say dave up and go next year, our debts are still with us and cramping our style big time. I wish we not had taken the last but two trips to oz for a holiday as it was all on credit that we are still paying off

since you ask

Original poster
hercules · 04/08/2005 15:51

We could also use the money to move as we need another bedroom!

OP posts:
expatinscotland · 04/08/2005 15:52

Personally, I'd pay off debts first.

Original poster
hercules · 04/08/2005 15:54

A big part of me thinks that but we've had debts for so long now and if we waited to pay them off chances are dh's parents will be dead.

OP posts:
suzywong · 04/08/2005 15:56

nah
or why don't you contribute to them coming over to you

Original poster
hercules · 04/08/2005 15:58

They get tickets paid for them anyway through fil's work and come as often as work allows them.

The other issue is dd will be nearly 3 and I worry that I'll end up in a hotel room with her being sick the whole time. Also the heat.

OP posts:
suzywong · 04/08/2005 16:00

go next year
am very impressed at being able to save 500 note a month, that is thrify

Original poster
hercules · 04/08/2005 16:00

Dh works nights and I'm increasing my days at work so no need for childcare.

OP posts:
suzywong · 04/08/2005 16:01

aha I see
(just checking)

KBear · 04/08/2005 16:08

I am Mrs Sensible but go I say, go! Life is short and what the hell and other carefree sayings....

Mosschops30 · 04/08/2005 16:11

Message withdrawn

QueenOfQuotes · 04/08/2005 16:12

Normally I'd say debts first - but in this instance I'd to go. He hasn't been home since he was 11yrs old (don't know how old he is now but I'm guessing that's at LEAST 15yrs?), his parents are elderly and it could potentially be the only chance your DD gets to meet them in their 'home' country.

Presumably you'll still be paying your monthly payments on your debts?

QueenOfQuotes · 04/08/2005 16:15

Also we're talking about a country which at the best can be slightly volatile - if you don't go next year there's no saying what could happen politically in the next couple of years which his parents are still alive.

Original poster
hercules · 04/08/2005 16:21

His dad is in his 70's and is likely to die for reasons other than old age anyway. We do still and will make minimum payments on loan.

OP posts:
Original poster
hercules · 04/08/2005 16:21

exactly qoq. I seem to have already decided!

OP posts:
Original poster
hercules · 04/08/2005 16:22

dh is 35 and will be 36 when we go.

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QueenOfQuotes · 04/08/2005 16:24

I thought you probably were - but thought I'd better ask LOL.

In that case I'd go. I know how it feels wanting to balance debts with 'nessecary' trips abroad to see family members in countries that aren't always safe to go to.

It's not been nearly as long as for your DH, but my DH hasn't been 'home' for just over 5yrs now - and he's not seen his dad since we left either, as his Dad's work are a PITA when it comes to leave (and retirment - just been told he's not allowed to retire next month ). Of course it's not always 'safe' out there either but it is at the moment, so if someone told us we could either pay extra on our debts or go and visit Zim - there'd be no question in my mind.

Gobbledigook · 04/08/2005 16:24

I'd try and do both hercules. If you are still going to making some sort of payment on the loan and you can save up for this too - then I'd do that and go.

Normally I'm a person that would say tackle debts first but if you've had them a long time and have a way to go - you have to have a life in the meantime as well.

It sounds like this is important to your dh and there is more to life than money.

There will always be something else you could be doing with the money but sometimes you just have to do what you want to do otherwise life could really get you down.

Windermere · 04/08/2005 16:26

Go, memories are priceless.

Original poster
hercules · 04/08/2005 16:26

thanks for the messages. It's nice to feel that we're not doing somthing irresponsible.

OP posts:
Original poster
hercules · 04/08/2005 16:27

perhaps we should buy a camcorder as well

OP posts:
QueenOfQuotes · 04/08/2005 16:27

IMO it would be irresponsible if you weren't keeping up the minimum payments on your debts. But you are - so go and have a wonderful time

QueenOfQuotes · 04/08/2005 16:28

ermm - yes I'd say a camcorder would be justifable expense for such an important trip (it's not like you're off to Sri Lanka because you fancy a nice holiday - you're going because it's important for ALL your family to go).

GeorginaA · 04/08/2005 16:33

Go, but see if there's ways to cut costs to go (really shop around for flights and book well in advance, ditto hotel etc) - see if you can then do a bit of both?