This Trip Ain't Cheap - and it's Getting Less Cheap by the Minute

“So that three thousand dollars – that’s for one week only?” The fear in Brad’s eyes when he asked me this was palpable. I had to find a way to answer him without saying – correctly – that he’s correct. A political answer, if you will. So I spun it the way I spin every uneasy answer I have to give clients at work: by not actually giving the hard truth, but instead offering a redirected, hopeful response, such as: “I’m still working on it – I should be able to find our way into a better solution.”

Let me retract that response by saying that this trip will cost serious dough. Not that fake monopoly money – this will require a substantial investment somewhere in the realm of $3K-$4.5K total, depending on how well we research our options and how timely we are in securing a good deal. In short, the less we look and the longer it takes us to secure a deposit with a travel agency, the more we will pay for this trip. This is, of course, not news to anyone who has ever taken a trip. But I figure if I write it down in plain English, it will help me convince myself that I have to take action soon or we will be mortgaging our way to South Africa.

In that effort, on the right side of the page I will continue to post the rates of various packages, including a link to the package’s details, so that we can constantly compare prices in the hopes of finding the most cost effective deal. If you come across any information related to packaged deals to South Africa that you feel we should investigate further, please post it here and I’ll look into it further.

Airfare and Hotels to Cost Money?

It’s crunch time in trip planning and I ducked the responsibility like only I know how to do…meanwhile Michelle’s actively searching for packages and fairs. I feel really bad about that. Maybe it will be the impetus needed to ensure this isn’t a pattern of behavior.

Anyway, one deal Michelle received information on was from Great Atlantic Travel and Tour:

Round trip air from New York or Atlanta – Johannesburg, Seven nights’ accommodations at Premiere Classe Hotel Melrose Arch area of Johannesburg, Category 3 ticket to Team USA first group match, fully supervised and escorted throughout by Great Atlantic Travel and South African staff, . OPTIONS: ground transfers, Domestic Airfare in South Africa, , Hospitality and Sightseeing Additional Matches & optional add-ons will be available after the draw on December 4th, 2009. Please review the travel policies for additional information. Limited offer capacity controlled.

Package Including (prices per person)
One Bedroom Suite: Double $3895
Two Bedroom: Quad $3295

Not too bad, until you realize that it’s only for 7 days. Oh, and that it assumes we are flying out of New York. Yeah…not exactly the cheapest trip out there, but fear not, my fellow stingy travelers. There may be ways for us to save money including purchasing airfare on our own, staying at hostels or staying with friends. Stay tuned for next post, likely titled, "I can't believe we're going to spend this much on a trip"...