Don't you think the demise of GM/Ford might have something to do with making such lousy cars that they have to practically give them away ("You get our employee discount!")? The only thing keeping them above water has been their financing plans. For GM/Ford, cars are just an excuse to sell loans.

How many cars did Rick Wagoner assemble last year? Do you suppose he has to struggle to afford a week on vacation? Do you suppose he worries about how he can afford his kids' doctor bills?

 

[QUOTE=

 

No. They have to sell sub standard cars just to stay competitive. IF you add in the cost of healthcare to each cars unit cost, you'll see why they have to offer a substandard product to compete on price.

Toyota doesn't have to contend with the UAW. They can use the additional $500 - $1000 per car wasted on insurance by GM to improve the product. UAW has some incredible insurance benefits that carry on with them till death regardless of their employment with GM. GM still has to dole out the cash.

I don't understand the point you are trying to make with your second paragraph re: Wagoner. Why should he struggle to afford vaca/doctor bills? He's the CEO who's busted his ass through schooling/politics/ and vision to get the top spot. Americans covet the opportunity to rise from humble beginnings to that level. The job was not handed to him on a platter.

 

I thought this was a vacations thread but now it is unions and GM?

 

Had to fix that for you.

Back on topic, yeah $2500 for a vacation is a waste of money.

Whatever happened to taking the family camping? it's healthier, it's a lot more fun than spending a grand for a hotel and it brings a family closer together. It's what my family does at least. A week long camping trip for us cost's about $300-400 and half of that is gas for the trip. Camping wont cost you a months salary. You will also bypass most of the tourist traps and all of that junkfood you get at other tourist attractions.

 

it got HI-JACKED for sure.

somehow even in ocean city, MD (normally sort of a rednecky type beach) there are big condo buildings going up all over the place with prices starting in the $699k range. I have no idea who has that kind of $ to buy all these places as vacation homes. even if they rent them out they will be way underwater.

 

Keeping it to vacations .....

Kyle - Do you know if Delta is going to file for bankruptcy any time soon? And if so, do you know if customers' SkyMiles are going to be affected? I have about enough miles to book a flight to Europe but don't know how soon I'll be going. Any info you know would be appreciated - thanks.

 

I know nothing about traveling with a family because I am not married but yes things are expensive. I would think that a place like you described that has a dozen things to do but each one costs a a bundle is not the way to go. An amusement park at $30 a head would be cheaper for the day.

Since I am building a new home I have not been able to travel hardly at all. When I have it has been cheap places with big ads in the paper. Vegas, Mexico and that's about it. I went to Hawaii for Christmas but the girlfriend picked up 90% of the tab to take me to meet her family.

It cost me about $1000 to go to Vegas for the weekend and flights were free. That was hotel ($400), meals, car ($70), and some walking around money. Add a couple kids and it would be way more than I got right now.

How about taking the kids camping?

 

I can actually afford the trip, but I chose not to get completely ripped........i was just wondering how the "hourly" type guys can afford it. Plus they seem to be suckered in more than i do......i didn't pay for the tattoo's, $6.50 dip-n-dots, $20 garbage tee shirts, didn't play the almost impossible to win games at the inlet, etc......

I only got ripped on the $70.00 pasta/pizza dinner and a few other smaller items.

 

Agreed, While it is just my girlfriend and I we go camping for our vacations. This year we will have a private space in the mountains for $118 dollars a week and, There is plenty of things to do nearby when we want to.