Go Ahead and Splurge

Love this image of early beach goers in Bethany Beach. Thanks to Addy Sea for the shot.

I have to say that I speak with very few travelers these days who want to economize on their vacations. That is not to say that all of my guests are 5+ star travelers - not by a long shot! They do, however, understand that certain things are definitely worth paying for. Rick Steves did a column on it recently. Even the famously frugal Mr. Steves knows there are times when you should definitely open up your wallet. Even he "realized that you can justify splurges as good values when you consider the experience gained and the time saved."

My number one splurge is almost always a well-placed and somewhat upscale hotel. For me that means it is within an easy walk to the center of the action, has good AC (not that I travel much in Europe in weather that warrants it), 24-hour desk staff, and an elevator. 

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