Travel lovers, can you relate to money-related frustration ? [View all]

As some of you know, I do love to travel. I always have.

I know you can backpack, sleep in tents, stay in hostels, and do other measures to cut costs significantly. I have stayed in hostels twice, and it's a bit hard to get used to the lack of privacy, if you really want to save money. However, I've never had any problems with the ones in Chicago (downtown) or Berlin (tourist district Mitte).

I just prefer to fly, stay in a hotel (even if only one star), eat at affordable restaurants, etc. Nothing extravagant. Lately I've gone overseas from my home in Florida, and it is, bare minimum, about $2,000 for a week for airfare, hotel, food, etc. Could that figure be cut more ? Yes, if necessary. Going to Canada or Mexico or The Bahamas, etc would cut those costs.

Anyway.... $1500 to $2000 (to my modestly retired self) does not come easily. I am glad I have this frustration, instead of relying on SNAP and having to endure the unspeakable cruelty of Trump and his Republican lackeys (nuff said).