78 replies to this topic

[Mishelle]

How ever do you all do it? I want to go to all these dives but two minor (ha ha) things seem to stand in my way.
1. Who actually gets 12 weeks of vacation a year?
2. Who actually has 2-3K to spend on a dive trip?

Now I'm not hating (ok, slightly lol) But how do some of you all do it? Short of finding a Sugar Daddy who will agree not to get physical. Is that possible ? lol

But seriously, what are some of the things you do to make it happen. Are there any other single moms out there, and do you run into the same problem? I would love to do every trip, but it just isn't ideal.

And if not, Im heading to a retirement community.....anyone wanna ride shotgun? lol

[RICHinNC]

Just for the record...

no...i cant either....

and...no....it will always be physical....

..for 3 or 4 k.....what do you expect....

any sugar mommies out there????
rich

[Mishelle]

any sugar mommies out there????
rich

Come on Rich! We can go together to Bingo night lol

[DMP]

Hmm

Over 75 days of vacation time saved up.

Money is not really an issue, fringe benefits of working for the government, plane rides for $35.

As for the physical thing, I dunno have to cross that path when it occurs.

Don't need a sugar momma to have fun diving, just a good dive buddy, willing to moonlight as a Cabana Boy though

[Dive_Girl]

Ok, I'll try a real answer. I set up a seperate savings account just for scuba. When I have a trip in mind, I figure out how much I would need to set aside each month and then put it in there (baring no unforeseen monetary emergencies). I also deposit any overtime, extra money I come into (bottle returns (if you live in a state like that - recycle Oregon!), lottery (if you play), birthday money, change in the bottom of the purse..etc.).

I also teach scuba, so that money goes in a different account to pay for professional fees, insurance, and equipment that I need/pay annually. But, if it is a good year and there's extra, it goes to the sanity vacations....e.g. dive trips!

I am not a single mom, so all the suggestions above may read ridiculous as you may use monies like that for necessities for you and your children and a part time job isn't typically viable. Just sharing what I try to do.

[drdiver]

It is a very good question you have posed and I'll be interested to see the other answers.

In my own case, I typically take two long dive trips a year and maybe a long weekend to someplace like Cozumel or the Flower Gardens or the Keys. Typically pay cash and typically go alone--although Aruba last year was an exception, but that was a relationship. Diving means enough to me that my other hobbies are low cost--pottery--for example--do you know how much clay $100 will buy?)

I get 3 weeks of vacation a year, can get a few more days as comp time as I travel a lot on business usually overseas. Occasionally can combine a dive trip with a business trip. Once to Curacao from Venezuela for example and maybe the Galapagos next year.

I certainly know a lot of divers who go in big time debt for the hobby, but that's their choice.

I have been to the dark side of debt with women--won't ever happen again.

Just my two cents. No, make that 1 cent, I'm cheap.

Dennis

[DMP]

It is a very good question you have posed and I'll be interested to see the other answers.

In my own case, I typically take two long dive trips a year and maybe a long weekend to someplace like Cozumel or the Flower Gardens or the Keys. Typically pay cash and typically go alone--although Aruba last year was an exception, but that was a relationship. Diving means enough to me that my other hobbies are low cost--pottery--for example--do you know how much clay $100 will buy?)

I get 3 weeks of vacation a year, can get a few more days as comp time as I travel a lot on business usually overseas. Occasionally can combine a dive trip with a business trip. Once to Curacao from Venezuela for example and maybe the Galapagos next year.

I certainly know a lot of divers who go in big time debt for the hobby, but that's their choice.

I have been to the dark side of debt with women--won't ever happen again.

Just my two cents. No, make that 1 cent, I'm cheap.

Dennis

Out of my experience that I have learned is that one needs to prequalify their partner before investing time and money into such a foray.... I know sounds pretty low and petty but hey we learn from mistakes.

[Terri]

Hey Mishelle -

I do what Nicolle does - I put any extra or unexpected $ in a separate account for trips or something special...

tax refund
rebate from cell phone
birthday/christmas $
insurance claims refunds

I find that if I have that separate account, I'm more likely to look for $ to put in there.

Also, I just have the 4-legged type kid, so I can be much more selfish with where my extra $ gets spent.

[GentDiver]

I try to budget for trips. I also only have a 4-legged kid so that saves some $$$. BTW, if you do find a sugar momma please send her my way cause I want to do the fiji trip but it's WAY out of my price-range...

Scott

:lam:

[Marion1336]

I have my paycheck direct deposited into three different accounts, one of which is for these excursions. If you're under $ and time constraints, plan one nice trip a year. Setting aside a little bit each week or month consistently will get you there. Of course, I'm childless. I know that makes a HUGE difference. Mishelle, if I were you, I certainly wouldn't wait around for Mr. Sugar Daddy. Heck, I'd be thrilled if Mr. Wonderful just took the time off from work and met me someplace to go diving! ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!!!! I gladly pay my share.

[chinacat46]

I sell pencils on the corner and bend over to pick up pennies so I can dive as much as I can afford.

[WreckWench]

I sell pencils on the corner and bend over to pick up pennies so I can dive as much as I can afford.

And with all the exercise he gets picking up pennies...ever notice how people will walk right over them feeling that they are too good to pick up a penny...he doubles as a very inexpensive cabana boy on dive trips! LOL!!!

[chinacat46]

And I like to go down too!

[Starfish Sandy]

Let me throw out my thoughts too -

I am a single mother - just one though and he just turned 18 - so that helps me -

I do get plenty of vaction - but I have been at my place of employment for 15 years. I should get plenty of vacation!

Like the other responses - I have a seperate fund for dive trips - and that's the only time it gets touched - I usually take one big dive trip a year and a couple trips to Cozumel. Great diving for the price!!

I know it's tough when your children are small - but keep the faith - they will grow up!!!



Hang in there!!!

[WreckWench]

And I like to go down too!

I guess we'll find out in Saba!!! Wanna interview for the job????