Earlier I had posted that I was planning a vacation. I’m much further along in my vacation planning at this point. I have a destination, the U.S. Virgin Islands - I need to stay in the country because I just sent my passport for renewal and haven’t gotten it back yet. I have the flights. I even have accommodations for 6 out of 9 nights. And so far I’m generally pretty pleased with the prices.   I’m paying $541.69 per person for airfare, not cheap, but I had limited flexibility with dates. The 6 nights of lodging so far total only $817.94. That’s mostly because 4 of the Nights, we’re staying at the Maho Bay Eco-Tents in St. John.  5 Star Hotel it’s not, and I’m personally glad for that.  It’s different.  I like different.

I need to book the other three nights and am very torn about what I should do. Originally I planned on booking a resort type of place for the other three nights since I was “slumming” it for the other 4 nights on St. John. The problem is there are only two hotel/resorts on the St. John, the Westin and Caneel Bay.  The reviews of the Westin aren’t great, and Caneel Bay Starts at $475 a night before tax and other fees.  I’m not very inclined to spend $475 a night nor am I inclined to spend $300 a night for a resort that’s gotten lukewarm reviews.  So I sit at my computer undecided about booking more nights at Maho or nights at another campsite like Cinnamon Bay or suck it up and book a few nights at a resort.

So the current budget looks this:

Item Amount
Flights 1084
Jeep Rental 375
Maho Bay 5/4-5/7 347
Hotel 5/3 209
Hotel 5/11 264
Other Hotel ???
Total 2276

If I were to spend it at a Caneel, all of sudden the committed expenses would be near $4000 which is about thousand more than I want committed at his point. If I opted for the Westin, I’d be a little over $3200 which is a little more than what I wanted to spend on fixed costs but still manageable.  Now if instead I choose to spend more nights at Maho, we would only be at $2600 for total expenses which would leave close to $1400 to spend on the island and still be in budget.  Left to my own devices, I would opt for a longer tent stay, but left to my own devices I probably wouldn’t even be going on vacation. I’d like to treat my girlfriend to a nicer stay, but I question if it’s worth it.  So I turn the question to you, my loyal readers.

p.s. I’ve cleared it with my girlfriend, and we are willing to abide by the decision of the people. We will take the final tally this friday at 5pm, and whatever the will of the people may be, we’ll do.

{democracy:5}