How the Helpline has changed...

Paul, there are still a lot of budget travelers who come here for help in planning a two-week trip, staying in small family-run B and Bs. You have a lot to offer those people, especially if they are visiting Germany, Austria, or the Dolomites. Focus on those and ignore the rest, or read them for amusement, but please do not feel your contributions are no longer relevant. That is not the case.

I am a complete budget traveler! Budget hotels, hostels, lunch specials, train bargains. No air B&B for me, nor hotels with pools. Heck, my best vacations are walking the Camino for multiple weeks, where I get by with a bunk bed in a shared dorm and meals for 30€ per day. Other than camping, that is about as budget as you can get and I know I am not the only person on this forum who does this. Lots of people stay in hostels in cities. It is a great way to meet new people and if you are solo, it is perfect. You don't have to be young to enjoy this type of travel. I was happy to stay in a shared dorm hostel in San Francisco. Cheapest bed in town. Would rather spend my money on other things.

I've a hunch what sparked this post:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/austria/retirement-travelers

Honestly, I do think most of the respondents (so far) on that thread are the exception rather than the rule. Hang around the Italy forum enough and the more common challenge there seems to be talking overly ambitious first-time travelers out of cramming 4 major cities into as many days!

OK, a bit of an exaggeration there but there are far fewer than more planning trips of over 3 weeks. The "trip of a lifetime" comment - meaning it may be the only one they'll ever be able to take - isn't rare to see either. While I never had the impression that the RS site was especially focused on the budget tourist - let's face it, RS tours are not inexpensive - neither do I think it's disproportionately overrun by long-term or "luxe" travellers either.

IMHO, there are oodles of helpful folks here doing a great job of offering up cost-saving tips when a poster has expressed the need to manage a tight budget. You know, stuff like ordering train tickets in advance to cut the price, taking advantage of free attractions like marvelous churches or certain museums, eating a main meal at lunch when menu prices are sometimes lower, standing rather than sitting in Italian bars....

It's perfectly OK to have the means to travel longer/more often/5-star style if one is fortunate enough to do so. I'm just not personally seeing that type of traveller crowding the forums. Maybe you're just more sensitive to those posts so you're not remembering the scores of others from tourists of more modest means?

Yes, Paul, please don’t leave the forum. We didn’t travel for years to Europe because of children, aging parents, money, time. Our parents are gone, our children grown, and luckily for us, our salaries have slowly risen so we have a little cushion. But as we near retirement we still penny pinch at home to go on our vacations. You never know when you answer a question who you are helping. That’s why many of us sift through the info and use the tips that pertain to us and ignore the things that don’t.

Paul, You have so much to offer to people who want/need to travel intelligently. That isn't always a function of budget. In fact, I'd say that money might well make you a less intelligent traveler. Please keep on participating and offering your excellent advice. True, some of us can now travel longer due to personal circumstances (not having to work is very nice), but we still hover around this forum for the shared experience and I pick up new ideas all the time from budget-conscious travelers.

As Maggie noted, a lot of people are more budget-conscious in other parts of their lives so as to facilitate more traveling. I count myself in that group.

Maybe the tag line at the end of each Rick Steves' video episode should be......
"(Keep on Saving - So You Can) Keep on Traveling".

I sort of get what you mean, and am always surprised at the fact big families can afford to travel globally with kids - and not a camping trip either. But, economy and priorities ebb and flow.

I am a single blue collar wage earner, but I live reasonably frugally at home and set my budget priorities when traveling. I don't go to high ticket 'entertainments' or eat many meals out, but I put a higher than a hostel budget on a comfortable sleep. My typical accommodation is $100 Cdn (~$75US) for an apartment. That means breakfast and dinner are cooked in. No extra laundry costs. I walk or take public transport, utilize free museum days and search out free activities. I am lucky to now earn 6 weeks' vacation, so 3 weeks is a typical Europe trip for me - making flight prices more worth while. I also travel off season to reduce as many expenses as possible.
Someone recently said that RS books are even less budget minded, and I can see that. I'd say 70% of his recommendations are outside my travel budget. I virtually never consider his restaurant recommendations. So, if there is a 'typical' RS traveler that uses his books, and his books only as a travel planner, then Paul, I can see why you feel you can't relate - but know we are out there. I routinely make budgetary recommendations so that people realize that throwing money at things isn't the only way to enjoy life.

In fact, I'd say that money might well make you a less intelligent
traveler.

Laurel, that is a such a great comment.

Too, not all posters have done the homework before telling us they want to spend _ weeks in _ during high season, desire spacious hotels rooms in prime locations, shop for high-end labels they THINK will be cheaper abroad, etc. Once the price of those things becomes reality - usually because someone asks the budget question - there can be an abrupt about-face! Oh, so a posh room with a balcony on the main canal in Venice in July isn't going to happen for $70 a night?

True, there aren’t that many travelers with very tight budgets on the forum. There are many month+ trips and the occasional person who seems to have unlimited time and money. However, I’d say the dominant travel style here is mid range, not high end or budget. But I do think there are plenty of helpful budget travelers as well.

Also, perhaps what budget traveling means has changed. Not in terms of cost (adjusting for inflation), but in terms of what is the “budget option”. For example, renting an apartment in Europe IS often the budget choice, assuming you don’t want a hostel bed. In many cities it’s cheaper than most hotels and lets you save on food costs. Sure, there are luxury sky-is-the-limit apartments but also very cheap ones. And you can book just a room in an apartment for an even cheaper option.
Also, budget airlines are cheaper than trains between many destinations.
Booking well ahead lets you save more, too. Long distance trains, often hotels, planes, and even some attraction tickets are cheaper when bought well ahead of time. Previously budget travel often meant planning as you go. Now that spontaneity costs and the budget conscious are more likely to plan ahead

Hi Paul,

People have different budgeting and affordability. Not everyone starts out being able to jet off for weeks or months at a time with an unlimited bank account. Of course, a job with a higher salary can help. Or, maybe some work OT (if available) or get a second job for their "travel fund." For everyday living, it's hard on the wallet. Seems like every time you turn around, there is an "increase" of something.

There are probably some factors and considerations for those who may get to travel more often or for longer than the average two/three weeks. There are those who have been at their job for many years and accrue time to equate with 4 or 5 weeks. Some people have it built into their contract for a particular job while others may have a two-salary income allowing one person to save a portion in a travel account.

Don't compare with others who you may read "can do this or that." Whatever you can do or wherever you can travel to and for how long, just enjoy it; even if you can travel for 7-10 or 14 days right now. I think it's better than nothing. And yes, it would be nice to stay in a place longer (to justify the airfare for starters), but, I still think a little travel is better than just sitting at home wondering. It's about dreams and priorities.

Maybe some make a few sacrifices: probably don't buy a new car every two/three years; (I understand that sometimes things break down and need to be repaired, etc.); don't buy the latest phone or gadget when their own is still fine; don't give in to the latest trend; don't go big and bold with a new (movie theater) TV; I eat breakfast and make/drink coffee at home; I prepare the night before, a bagged lunch instead of eating out every day. (I usually go for a walk or an errand after. I get an hour.)

Drop that $5-$10 into a piggy bank, lol. jk. You get the idea. Some don't eat dinner out every week. Maybe to switch it up, invite a friend or two or family to have a potluck night sometimes. fun and good conversation.

I'm of the belief that if you can travel abroad (or anywhere you dream of), then do it. It may not be every year, but, don't give up.

I can relate to what the OP has said. I think some might just be the way travel has changed, especially the resources and information, as well as reservations and tickets, available on the internet. Maybe people that would have went with an agent or tour are up for doing it on their own, rather than the poor folk who had no other choice.

That said, I think this forum does have a culture of being Older, retired, maybe more traveled; that leans toward a better hotel ( I can't think of the last time I stayed someplace with a bath down the hall), better restaurants, and maybe willing to spend a bit more than even they would have in the past. I am also sorry to say that due to "experience" some responses can drift to being less tolerant of newcomers...still remember the person that asked a simple question about an area and was driven off the site by demands about whether they understood the Schengen zone, though she specifically stated in her OP that she did not need information on the Schengen zone.

I also notice that there are many more posters from tours and cruises, do not recall that 10 or 20 years ago.

Paul, my husband and I travel on a budget. Partly, because it allows us to travel more and partly because that's what we are comfortable with. I wouldn't be happy in a fancy 4 or 5 star hotel. I want to be with "every day" people. I think some people might be uncomfortable expressing on the forum that they travel inexpensively due to a bit of backlash. I feel people should be expressing opinions and letting the OP decide for themselves what is important. Case in point, my husband and I use public transportation almost exclusively. It is typically easy, often faster and often cheaper. Yet, people quite forcefully express that one should take a taxi because after the flight you may be tired or jet lagged. Yes, the more people you have the cheaper it becomes to use a taxi, but a difference of $10 or $20 is still significant for us. Not because it would "break" us, but to us the money could be better used elsewhere. Also, a lot of people on the forum are retirees, and they may need to travel in ways to make things easier for themselves. That is fine, too. I do a lot of things you list, picnics, included breakfast/coffee, handwashing clothes, etc.

I haven’t seen the change you describe on the forum in the 15 yrs i’ve been here, but i have noticed a lot of travel friends of mine from both travel groups i’m a part of have retired in recent years and can travel to Europe 1-2 times a year and for longer periods of time. Most are still budget travelers though.

I have been around for awhile but, like Susan, I don't really see that much change - maybe a little. I do see a wider range of posters with, obviously, a wider range of interests and resources. But I have seen a similar change in the Steves's videos in that he seems to be using more upscale properties with a little less emphasis on budget travel. But the concept of travel light, efficient, low profile still prevails -- at least in my opinion. And travel style changes. We have changed. We have retired and fortunately our income has increased substantially over our teacher salaries so we are able to travel more with less concern about the budget. So we are not preaching the same song that we did twenty years ago. But others still do. This would be a very boring site if we all were pushing one message.

Paul, there's still a lot of useful sightseeing information on this forum even though some of us older folks with arthritis feel the need for easier travel (taxis to hotel from airport or train station) and hotels with elevators. My advice to you is to be glad that you're still in good enough shape that you don't have to do this! Everyone travels in the way that best suits their budget and their needs and everyone on this forum needs to affirm the choices to those who travel differently, such as those of us who stay in non-atmospheric cookie-cutter chain hotels because we have hotel points from work travel, or people who (horrors!) take cruises. As pointed out by other posters, many of us try to live as frugally as possible at home-my car is 9 years old and I have no plans to replace it. An occasional trip to Cracker Barrel is normally the extent of our eating out when at home. My husband has often expressed his amazement that other people at his workplace who make a fraction of his salary go out to lunch every day while he's at his desk eating the lunch he brought from home.

I appreciate that this forum welcomes questions regardless of what type of traveler we are. Lots of information topic content - trains, shoes, packing light ideas, the most interesting sites, festivals and activities apply to any type of traveler.

Actually, I don’t see how most of my Forum answers would change if I was suddenly $$ and staying for months, etc. instead my current three weeks & washing my clothes overnight in my room.

I hope our answers and discussions can span across economic and other characteristics.

I am one of the “retirement travelers.” Travel is my passion. My Mom and I watch Rick Steves episodes together for fun. For years I’ve used Rick Steves books – which I get from the library – to plan every trip. I am a recent forum participant. Until I retired, I never knew it existed, nor would I have had the time to read or post.

While I can travel more often now, I still travel (and live) in my same cost-conscious style – in particular, now, to stay within my retirement means. I book my train travel months ahead for cheaper advanced fares. I’ll book flights with 4-5 hour layovers in exchange for more reasonable fares. And I stop in grocery stores before my train trips or flights, to avoid exorbitant in-travel prices.

Last summer I listened to dozens of Rick Steves audio guides to find such tips as using the Vienna public transit trams as an inexpensive alternative to the tourist ring trams. When I spotted a small food kiosk, I hopped off to grab dinner and found myself chatting with a local!

In Prague, instead of eating in the restaurant overlooking the city – where a bowl of soup was about €8 – I knew from the RS guide that I could go to the little market nearby and pick up a €5 picnic lunch, which I enjoyed on a bench just below that restaurant. Same view!

As a solo traveler, I will sometimes splurge for safety, convenience or camaraderie. On my last trip, arriving at 10pm and traveling solo in a new country, I arranged a driver to take me to my hotel, rather than walking the 2 km or taking public transport late at night.

While I can afford a few such splurges that I couldn’t have in years past, to the point of an earlier post, I also make choices at home to help fund my passion. I have my flexible “hobby jobs” that I pick up when I’m home – to help top up the travel fund. I drove my last car for 17 years and hope this one, now in year 9, will last as long.

So although I travel more, and I make a few choices that I couldn’t have afforded when I was younger, I still use the Rick Steves shows, books and now this forum to help me plan my DIY trips so that I can afford to “keep on traveling!”

But does it seem that you live in around one of the more and always increasing expensive areas New York City in the USA?

However, yes I never understand here when there is some naysay no matter what when comes to talk about low cost transatlantic air i.e. Wow and Norwegian Airlines. It is like the "elite" here wish those airlines would go under.

Agree with you Jazz+Travels. Happens every time. It’s like they want a low-cost airline to go under.

But, it’s always been like that here... the negative glass-half empty people, and the positive glass-half full people. That hasn’t changed.

I agree with you Jean... “hope our answers and discussions can span across economic and other characteristics.”
I think this forum does that very well.

Paul, there will always be people that have more than you do, and people that have less. All of us on this forum are very lucky to be able to travel, budget or not.

I dont post about frugal travel unless the information is asked for. I travel the way you describe but may not be as vocal on the forum

Just curious but are any of you active on Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree forums? Oy. There is where you can really find some budget, backpack travelers, and doing it to places I've never heard of let alone pronounce. Some of those places are definitely no picnic to tackle, either. An interesting amount of the posters - of various citizenships - are also in their 20's and planning travels of lengths I couldn't have dreamed of at that stage in life, let alone now.

It's humbling to read about what some of those braver, more intrepid travelers take on. Europe? Most of it is a cakewalk, comparatively.

Anyway, I've been wondering how people of that age find the $$, let alone the time, to take off for 3 months, 6 months, a year or more. I think was in my 30's before I got more than 2 weeks of vacation, and into my 40's before I got another week. Most of the time off I had was spent going to see parents and family in other areas of the country and/or getting stuff done at home. We'd been married for 25 years before we were able to afford leaving North America, and that was only for a week.

I am relatively new to this forum, but not new to Rick Steves. For many years, I could not afford traveling to Europe, then I could not string together two weeks to take a vacation. In the past two years, I have made a choice to invest in travel and this forum and the participants have been amazing. From helping to plan the right itinerary, maximizing travel enjoyment, to understanding the ins and outs of Spanish train travel, my holidays are better because of the advice on this forum.

What I like about this is that if you need budget advice (and are specific in your questions on how much you have to spend), you get amazing results, not only on places to stay, but things to do. If you are splurging, then there are people on this forum who know how to point you in the direction of places that give you a more local feel and good value/dollar, pound, euro... Believe me, I have had expensive meals in which I did not get good value for my money.

Paul, I hope you continue to participate in this forum. Your unique voice and perspective are appreciated by those who are looking for a similar travel experience.

Sandy

Anyway, I've been wondering how people of that age find the $$, let alone the time, to take off for 3 months, 6 months, a year or more.

As for travelers in their 20s, there is a huge contingent of Israelis who go off to explore the cheaper parts of the world after they finish their compulsory military service and before they go to college or start working. Six months' travel to India, Thailand, Nepal and/or South America is not at all unusual for them. They spend very little money on travel expenses, eat the local food, hitchhike or take busses, etc.

I have been posting here for many years also - I haven’t noticed that much of a difference .

Some folks call a “ budget “ hotel price 100 euros , some would say a 40 euro hostel bed , and some think 200 euros is budget , doesn’t matter to me at all - ive stayed in all three . I just try to answer the questions I can answer and theines that I can’t becasue they are out of my budget experience I don’t answer .

Also note although this forum is primarily filled with Americans there are others from countries where getting more than two weeks holidays in normal .

Also note although this forum is primarily filled with Americans there are others from countries where getting more than two weeks holidays in normal .

I've also noticed that quite a few posters either asking questions or posting answers are educators who have long vacations in the summer so it's not unusual for them to take 4-6 week trips, although they probably don't do it every year. I say "if you have that much time and can afford it, more power to you" - whether you travel frugally or have big travel budgets. I'm jealous but I don't begrudge you the luxury of time to travel 'slow'.

I agree with your last sentence Paul, at least some of it. I am retired but I'm not financially set and obviously never will be unless I win a lottery so I can't relate to many of the posts. In that case I just don't participate in that particular thread. We're all in different places with time and money to travel, so we go when we can, for as long as we can, and spend what we can - that may be a bare bones stay in a hostel, a monastery, or a room in a small pension for a couple of nights; or it could be a stay in a luxury hotel or spa for a couple of weeks. Some of us, like myself, are most likely done traveling internationally, but we still like to have our finger in the pie, so to speak. I continue to read and contribute to the forum (with advice or opinions) where I can because it's like traveling vicariously through other's trips and I enjoy hearing about where people are going even if I can no longer go myself.

I hope you don't desert the forum. The newbie travelers asking questions, especially those wanting to travel on a shoestring budget, need all the help they can get from those of us who have gone there before them.

Such an interesting topic. I understand what you are saying, Paul, about the approach of some posters (but am not a long time reader so haven’t experienced a change). I waited for years to be able to travel - till all kids were nearly grown and gone, so I will never catch up with some who have traveled for years. Am I occasionally jealous? Maybe a little. But on the other hand, if I have a question I can’t find the answer to by sifting through all the many posts that have been made, there is such a wealth of knowledge here to query — all because of all that cumulative travel. I have learned how to do my own research so I can travel how and where I want to.

I have been locked in to 10-12 day trips because of my husband’s job. But I retire in a year or so and am planning one of those long trips - to see if I like it! My house is old but paid for, and I plan to earn some rental on it while I am gone (not everyone can do that). I will likely keep picking up the odd jobs to add to my travel money. I will balance accommodation costs with the comforts my older body can live with. I don’t need 3 meals a day. I have friends who have wondered about the trips I have made in the past - and I tell them I watch for airfare sales that make it as cheap to fly to Europe as to Illinois from Dallas.

One of these days I won’t be able to travel physically, so whatever I need to do to make it possible now is what I will do. I have to admit I shake my head far less about those who travel on a far higher budget than mine than I do at those who can’t be bothered to research and plan their own trip.

Interesting post. I don't think what you suggest is quite accurate. My advice to folks who post questions......if you are specific with questions, give needed info, e.g. time of year for travel, duration of travel and budget constraints, you will get great answers from some very experienced travelers here. You may or may not get answers from those who are not budget travelers, but I'm sure you will get answers from those who identify with you as a budget traveler.

Sure, you will get a few condescending opinions when you ask, "please give advice on my itinerary". However, most people just offer an opinion and thoughts based on experience and understand in the end...........It is your trip, your money to spend and your final decision.

I think this forum has a variety of travelers; retired, working people, solo, tour enthusiasts, independents, people of means, budget, etc. all who enjoy trying to assist others to enjoy their travels.

Stick around and continue to enjoy the forum.

Paul,

I've been on the Helpline / Forum for awhile but haven't perceived any significant changes. It's evolved over time, especially the big redesign that happened a couple of years ago, but it's still basically the same old Helpline.

There's a much larger group of participants now from a variety of countries, and each has something to offer. Travel styles evolve with life circumstances. Longer trips are more common with those who are retired, but many others who post questions are still limited by the two week annual holiday. One of the advantages of a large group is that regardless whether a traveller is asking questions about a budget trip, a tour, a cruise or whatever, there will probably be someone here that can answer the question.

Change is a "constant" and the forum is no different in that respect. However it's still a community of inquisitive travellers who do their best to help others.

Ken, so well said.

I think that when it was the Helpline, it was a lot harder to find, and the majority of people were Rick fans or readers. Now, it seems to attract a lot of people who are unfamiliar with RS and haven't absorbed or aren't in tune with his "style". A lot more people arrive here by googling or stumbling onto the website. Remember when his books recommended couch-surfing, and dining on food left on trays at college cafeterias? The style has changed and creeped upward along with the audience.

Hi Paul!

I remember when I was in college buying a pizza and wondering how I was going to get by the rest of the month. But, it made that pizza taste so much better!

For us, travel is like that. When you skimp and save and get a chance to go, it is very sweet. Now having traveled for a few years I think I’m learning more, and maybe squeezing tighter and therefore finding ways to go more.

Like you, I think the small family run B&B are the best choice for meeting my goals while traveling. Even if I had money that is how I’d travel.

I think you are due for a trip to Mayringerlehen :-)

Things have certainly changed here.

Well, things do have a habit of evolving over time. Just ask Rick? 😉

https://blog.ricksteves.com/blog/my-redemption-story-inflicting-the-fear-of-a-little-homelessness-on-a-paying-customer/

It's sort of a howl. Pretty sure guides aren't handing Valium to anxious Rickniks these days? HA!

I am taking my first trip to Europe with my husband and son in May. At the start of planning, I tried to use a local travel agency. Then sticker shock set in. My husband convinced me that I am perfectly capable of arranging this trip on my own, while staying within our budget, because I have arranged all of vacations within the US for the last 33 years.

I'm not sure what I would have done without this forum. My learning curve is huge! But with the help of people, like you, answering my questions, and others, this trip is becoming a reality.

I have airfare that includes using travel points, I bought train tickets before the end of 2018 at a great discount, I have a pension and small B&B in two cities. Yes, I am keeping my travel down to two places, with the exception of the night before we leave, because I want to relax and enjoy. My travel agent had me on 5 stops in 11 days.

Currently, I am investigating the best way to pay for things in Europe. And I am starting to put together a list of things I would like to see, while keeping it flexible because who can predict the weather or how any of us react to jet lag.

I'm still nervous. Everyone says to remember, things can and do go "wrong". But remember to be polite because people are people everywhere. I'm absolutely positive that I will post questions before our trip in May. I still need some hand holding. This forum is helping me turn a wish into a reality.

1st time to Europe, I didn't know of this forum when I planned my first couple trips to Europe. Both trips worked well, I think what you really get with this forum is a great savings in planning time. It is also nice to get recs on restaurants, hotels and get a feel for time spent at "attractions". I think watching travel videos like RS, I'll have what Phil's having, Someone feed Phil and a whole assortment from the library, Amazon and Netflix, helps you plan, puts your mind at ease and gets you very excited for your trip!

You will probably feel a little anxious at airports and train stations and just know that's normal. You might feel a little anxious about interactions with locals whether it be at hotels, restaurants, and attractions, but really, the vast majority of people you will encounter are very nice. I've run into very few people who didn't want to help or who were not friendly. If and when you do meet someone less than pleasant, just know that the problem is theirs unless you might have committed a faux pas of sorts. Try to learn some of the language or at least greetings and polite words.

My travel agent had me on 5 stops in 11 days.

Ow! Ow! Ow! 1st-timer, very glad you bizbagged that agent.
A big Atta-Way! 👍 for putting the dream trip together YOUR way. You are going to have a fabulous time!

I do think that this forum leans older, many of us grew up watching the Rick Steves travel shows on public television in the 1990s well before the age of YouTube. Travel guides in print either pandered to Americans who wanted an American experience in Europe with a huge budget or towards college students doing their Eurail and backpacking trip.

Things have completely changed over the past 15 years. Airfares have been slashed, and there are plenty of lower cost hotels in Europe. There’s no need for the bathroom down the hall places, they’re not going to be significantly lower than an Ibis, which you can find pricing for on your phone. Plus, many of them have either been redeveloped or have been knocked down. Europe’s standard of living has continued to increase and I know none of my European friends would accept anything but an en-suite.

The Rick Steves forums will probably always skew older and at least a step or two above the shoestring traveler. Let’s face it, a milenial isn’t getting their travel inspiration from a guy like Rick who has a public TV show when there are thousands of travel videos on YouTube from people closer to their age.

Feel free to ask away your budget travel questions. You might get responses suggesting you might be being penny wise and pound foolish, but that’s part of planning a trip.

Your final point about length of trips is a good one. Almost everyone here has a travel passion and most of us wish we could have traveled more when younger. Unfortunately, for Americans, once you’re past the college study abroad and backpacking era, it’s really hard to squeeze out time for European vacations. Two weeks vacation at a job and you might be changing jobs every few years doesn’t leave a lot of time for European trips, especially when you have to use that limited time off for family obligations. So, it becomes easier to take time off as you get older and established in your career.

Anyway, please stay around and ask away.

Now, it seems most are doing 4 weeks, multiple months, and multiple
European trips every year. Renting apartments or homes in Europe for
months as a vacation. Things have certainly changed here. Sadly, the
few like myself have been left behind.

How are you left behind? I don't know who the "most" are but my husband and I will probably never see a 4 week vacation and that's perfectly all right. No problem! After having lived through 3 bouts of unemployment between 2009 and 2015 alone, my husband and I are GRATEFUL to be working! (Knock on wood)

Unless I’m looking to stay in a castle, rent a villa, or the like,
this site no longer attracts the folks that can understand the budget
traveler. I can’t even relate to most of the posts any longer, as I’m
not a retired, and I’m not financially set for life. Never will be.
Just my thoughts.

This website attracted me a year ago or so. Why? Because I use RS travel guides; it seemed like a natural fit as does the Fodor's travel forum as I use Fodor's travel books too.

There are threads I have begun in which I've sought suggestions; the replies have been quite useful. I would like to think that I do my part and help out others too. My husband and I are budget travelers. We use FF miles to travel to whatever European country has a great sale on a Delta or Delta codeshare airline out of JFK. We might do it on another airline if the opportunity presents itself. I look for deals on hotels both on their apps as we have metal status as well as looking on other websites. If it's a B&B, I'll contact the innkeeper if I find a great deal online so he/she can meet it or even make it less expensive. People here recommend B&Bs which is helpful.

So we are working, budget travelers and this forum continues to interest me. That there are people who are either retired and/or who may only travel if they are on a tour group for the entire time -- that's their business. Whether it's they or anybody else, if the thread titles don't interest me, I skip them -- like any other forum.

How the Helpline has changed...

What does "Helpline" mean? Was the RS Travel Forum once named "The Helpline"?

Speaking of changes... i just watched Rick’s show on PBS, Travel Skills: Cruising.
Wow. What a drastic change from the Rick Steves i’ve been watching on tv since 1989. I know he expanded to cruising a few years ago but this is the first time i saw him on a cruise. Pretty hilarious to see him and a large group of 60+ yr olds dancing to DJ music like they’re 20-somethings at a rave. Rick did a good job of showing exactly what it’s like. But wow, what a changed Rick.

Susan, it was like a two-part episode. I watched it too and he further reinforced why we don't take cruises. The only big boat we'll take is the Staten Island Ferry. :-)

Continental, one episode was enough for me - lol. Totally agree with you, he confirmed for me that i would never want to do a cruise.

I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a Rick Steves Cruise Line in the future...

Now, it seems most are doing 4 weeks, multiple months, and multiple European trips every year. Renting apartments or homes in Europe for months as a vacation.

None of that applies to me, although I wish it did! When I was in my 20's, even the travel style described by Paul was far beyond my means. I could only read "Let's Go Europe" and fantasize about my future trips to Europe.

Now that I'm older, I could afford multiple European trips every year by saving every penny, staying at places with bathrooms down the hall, eating at kiosks and having picnics, etc. But now, I would rather go fewer times and have an en suite bathroom, good, if not gourmet, meals, and afford a few small luxuries - like cabs to/from the airport and an occasional private guide.

Oh, come on, ladies ..... don't be disagreeable about cruises. I have been on several, as well as some trans Atlantic crossings and always had a good time. Never went dancing, never saw dancing, so the image painted above of 60-somethings dancing as if at a rave is hilarious. Should they be waltzing perhaps, or not dancing at all? If these same 60-somethings went dancing while on vacation in Paris or Rome, would that be more acceptable?

On most cruises over the years, I have been travelling with several friends and we have all had wonderful holidays together. All are inveterate travellers, have been all over Europe and the UK by train or car, curious and hardy, but eager to discover what to see at the next port of call, from a different aspect.

So do try to be kinder to those of us who like to cruise. Try it ..... you may enjoy it and you needn't dance, unless you want to, of course.

Norma, i didn’t disparage cruising so don’t take it personally that it’s not for me.

Dancing is fine Norma. But no, 60+ yr olds should not be dancing like 20-somethings at a rave. Just my opinion. Everyone’s entitled to have one.

David Foster Wallace wrote a fantastically funny essay about going on a cruise. Basically he was hired to go on a cruise and then write about the experience. Its called "A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again". Like cruising, it's not for everyone, but even a cursory read might make you chuckle:
https://harpers.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/HarpersMagazine-1996-01-0007859.pdf

Well, I think the whole discussion about cruising gets silly in a hurry. Unfortunately some snobbery and maybe a little arrogance sneaks in when the discussion starts. And the falling back on stereotypes when discussing cruising is obvious in many discussions. If you have not been on a cruise, how can you have such a firm opinion? You cannot but you are free to make assumption based on limited information. A lot of how you approach cruising is attitude.

Our second trip to Europe ('90) was a cruise and not completely by choice. It just worked out that way for a whole host of reasons that were a little beyond our control. Since then we done 8 or 9 Europe cruises because we discover they are a very economical and convenient way to see a lot of Europe quickly and easily especially with the two sons in tow. Being in education we were a little long on time but short on money. The airplane tickets was always the big expense but once in Europe we could travel cheaper with cruises than traveling in the US. By the time our sons graduated from high school they had seen more of Europe than most travelers do in a lifetime. As far as we were concerned that was the height of budget travel. Some of the best interactions with locals especially for the boys was with other European passengers on the ships. Sure, there are some drawbacks to cruises but the good side can be very positive. All travel involves trade-offs between positive and not so positive. There are some major drawbacks to independent travel that cruising solves.

So the idea of dismissing cruises as not being consistent with low key traveling just shows a lack of understanding or maybe creativity. Now nearly all of our European trips include a cruise - mostly river cruises - in the middle as a break for our other travels.

"...staying at places with bathrooms down the hall, eating at kiosks, having picnics, etc." Exactly what I do now in Germany as I did back in yesteryear in Germany. I would add too...eating in train stations at the food courts, and having dinner in the HI hostels. It's not uncommon that 2/3 of my dinners I eat in train stations....depending.

I don't see millennials eat dinner in HI hostels, i.e., those "kids" staying there but middle age or retired Germans with their families; you see both groups in German train stations.

If the hotel or Pension in Germany offers rooms en suite (singles/doubles), obviously, the en suite ones will cost more. One pays for luxury. The proprietor of the Pension in Berlin told me (I'm a regular there) why their rooms are not en suite. Putting in a shower cabinet is easy, installing a toilet is a lot more complex.

But no, 60+ yr olds should not be dancing like 20-somethings at a rave.

I'm curious Susan as to what your reasoning is for this statement. What is wrong with 60+ year olds having fun, however they do it? As far as I'm concerned if it's not illegal or dangerous then anything goes, no matter what your age, as long as you're having fun. Believe me, people do some crazy things on cruises - sometimes things that are even painful to watch - but nobody's going to force you to participate or even to watch. One of the nice things about cruising is that you are free to do whatever pleases you.

People who haven't been on one get the wrong idea about cruises, thinking that all you do is eat and get coerced into silly pool games with a social director. That may have been true at one time but not any longer. The biggest complaint I had about cruising was so many bars and clubs that resulted in running into too many drunks in the common areas late at night, but that happens in tourist areas of big cities too (especially during festivals), and it can be easily avoided.

But, as you, and others, have said "everybody's entitled to their own opinions".

Well, one cruise was enough for me. Disney with the kids years ago, which may not be the real thing. What I like most is to walk in pleasant scenery and on cobbled streets, not everyone's cup of tea either. Each to his own. Actually, I rather fancy the idea of a river cruise years down the road, and I may be persuaded to take a port to port cruise on the condition I can have the first dance every evening with Norma (I'll go as far as to rent a tux). In the early seventies I enrolled in a dancing course with this guy. It was expensive but well worth it: on completion, I was rewarded with a box of expensive cigars and the knowledge that I can pull off some fancy moves which most men are incapable of: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHUTQBcpFfA

Back to the topic at hand. I am relatiively new to this forum, so I don't know what it was like in the distant past. Unless you can cadge a cheap flight or want to stay in hostels, it can be expensive for the average Joe. I'm not financially set for life, and never will be either unless my cunning plan works out, but I do spend alot of time thinking of my holidays and ways that I can afford to take them, but all that has been brought up before in other threads. Sleeping in the same bed with two of my brothers until the age of eight or nine, roughing it is not something I want to get back in to, even though I love my brothers dearly.

There are a small number of posters who, when making recommendations, always mention the most expensive places to sleep and dine, as if it were commonplace (I have my doubts about a couple of them being anywhere near as many places as they claim).

Paul, I am retired (finally). But that doesn’t mean I travel all the time or that I don’t cut travel costs where I can. I enjoy staying in hostels, eating pub food and stretching my travel dollar in other ways. I am new to the forums, but have enjoyed reading about ways to trim travel costs without missing out on the adventure.

PS: you can always pretend to be roughing it: https://www.longwayround.com/long-way-round

I am 60+ and would certainly dance at a rave. Why is this a no-no? I also have long hair contrary to my mothers insistence that women over 40 should have short hair. I also wear jeans all the time, hiking boots, and no make-up.

We are all different and can all travel in what ever way floats our boat and makes us happy.

Even though people here travel anywhere from 5-6 days to months on end, there are still many here who desire to do things in a way that won't completely break the bank. We regularly stay in Europe or other places around the world for a couple of months but do it almost for nothing since we swap homes with people. If I posted, "We are staying in Paris for a month..." with lots of questions about where to visit, where to eat, etc. it looks like I'm a high roller...but just the opposite. My husband and I both teach. We have very middle class incomes but time to travel - we feel quite lucky! Don't assume that everyone on here is independently wealthy...I think there are a few who post on here who may be. There are also people who have saved for years to take their two week trip and want it to count! Just take from the posts what applies to you, read the others for curiosity's sake, and don't worry about it!

I think it's merely half and half. Yes, there are the people who have traveled the world and lived everywhere and let people know it. But there are also the ones who have lived in a city, are from a different country and can give good advice. Posters range from been there done that to it's my first time in Europe. As a person who is not financially set, and travels overseas every four years or so, it's nice to have different perspectives.

It's still better advice than the NYTimes travel section where staying at $250/night hotels are considered budget and dining at all the overpriced chic restaurants. And I feel this board gives advice more suited to the travel who wants to understand the country and locals.

I think the typical poster here is middle aged or retired, and middle to upper middle class, and started out in the 70s or 80s as a Let’s Go traveler who still wants travel value but with better lodging and food, and more in depth place descriptions than Let’s Go in their guidebooks.

Tom, that's a pretty good observation. True for me.

After all of this discussion, a new posting in France Q&A asking for a private driver between various points in Paris or Train vs Driver in the Italy section just reinforces what Paul is referencing - obviously not budget travel. But it also first time posters who probably stumbled on to this site from a Goggle search and has no understanding of the Steves' travel message. So don't know if I would view these posters as representative of the average poster on this site. Even though we now can afford to spend more, we are still pretty careful with expenditures. On our cruises we now spurge on a cabin with a window instead of an inside cabin but still traveling second class with discount tickets. However, we are about to give up on economy seats. We just might buy business class tickets on the next flight if we cannot get them with ff points.

As a side note, I was surprise to see several comments along the line of I am not financially set for life and never will be. I would hope that is an overstatement and that everyone is working on this financial situation. While we like to travel, it is not a substitute for bread on the table. I would hope that we are not encouraging people to travel without securing their financial future. We also should have very active lives well into our 70s and even 80s and need to plan for that.

My retired schoolteacher parents went on exactly one ocean cruise and hated it, but after good reports from their neighbors decided their big trip for 2019 was going to be offering to take the 'kids' on a Viking river cruise. It's not necessarily what I would have picked on my own, but I'm channeling my inner Carrie Fisher ('If someone offers to put your head on a Pez dispenser- do it!!) and am going in with the attitude we'll find fun along the waterway.

Everyone's going to be there for longer than the cruise- we're adding time in Switzerland at the start and Amsterdam at the end (me- assorted freelance work, Spousal Unit- college professor who doesn't have to teach summer anymore since we got the house paid off), my sister in a use it or lose it situation with excess vacation days is mucking around in Bavaria for a bit, and my parents are spending the week after the cruise visiting German friends from the days when my Dad used to chaperone youth exchange groups to the Dusseldorf area.

Our Amsterdam hotel is free because of IHG hotels points. It's a shiny new concrete box in a great location with canal views and good reviews for customer service. Which helps offset the costs we're going to get in Switzerland

And I'm another Ibis fan- generally cheap, clean, and climate controlled without the mustiness that older hotels can have that causes allergy issues for us. (And hey, even Rick's books these days like Ibis- picked up a copy of the France book at an airport 'little library' book swap a while back, and there were a lot of hotel recs in the Ibis/Mercure realm in it)

There are people with different financial situations and different time constraints (or lack thereof). Seems to me that very few people here are at the extremes financially - not looking for shoestring or luxury travel; and there are few people who want to spend weeks or months in one place. For the vast majority, Whether they're spending a week or a month in Europe, the advice they want is about the same, no matter the budget - how long should I spend in this place, what's the best route for the time and interests I have, what sights are must-sees or hidden treasures. Where they sleep and where they eat doesn't change most of the questions. Neither does how long their entire trip is.

I think another point is some people just use these boards to fantasize about a trip. About 8 years ago, Rick's blog published a letter from a young woman who's dad was dying of leukemia and while he couldn't go outside, he watched all of Rick's TV shows and always made lists of where he wanted to go next. It was a lovely letter and pointed out the fact that while some people use Rick's TV shows as actual guides, there are many who just dream about going. As Rick said in that article, he's now aware that there are both armchair and real travelers who watch his shows. It's like why House Hunters International and the Brits in the Sun tv shows are so popular. It allows people to dream without having to go through the reality.

Paul and others: I agree that many who ask questions here are looking at hotels and restaurants that we consider above our budget. We are now in our 70s and pretty much travel as we always have: pensions ( though we now have en suite bathrooms), eating at kiosks sometimes, picnics, small family run restaurants. We also sometimes rent apartments when they are about the same cost as a pension. We book our lodgings on booking.com and sort by price so we pay the least for our desired location, of course after reading the reviews, as cleanliness, etc. are also important. We do travel more now because we have more time but also less time. We're energetic and healthy but don't know how long that will last,so two or three trips a year make sense to us and we are careful to budget. We find that we can travel for three or four weeks for less cost than most spend for ten days, and we feel we have just as much enjoyment.

When I read some of the questions I sometimes feel as you do, Paul, but I am confident in our way of travel. If others feel they need to stay at a 4 or 5 star hotel to enjoy themselves, so be it. We are happy to read the posts and comment to each other about how much more fun and what better experiences we have by traveling our way. We have nothing to prove and don't worry about keeping up with others.

So Paul, continue here. Contribute when you want and read other posts for entertainment. There are many of us doing the same.

My sense would be that it isn't necessarily the case that the majority of the folks that use this forum are retirees that have the money they need to now travel more comfortably. It may feel that way because those are the folks that respond more often because they have the time. So the volume of responses may lean to that demographic but I think that forum users are a more diverse group.

My husband and I are in are later 50s, I've been retired for a few years now and he just recently retired. We are fortunate that he was able to do that. But, our ability to retire earlier and travel is a function of hard work, frugal money/home management and yes, we are blessed. We are active and healthy for our age, and again that's a blessing. We don't feel we sacrificed on experiences. We've traveled extensively through out North America, but we camped or looked for budget hotels and used public transportation, when we used hotels it was often all six of us in a room (fun times!) We have met so many great people and have many stories.

In Europe, we definitely travel on the budget side. Typically, one or two star properties, but always in a great location But, I've eaten at a Michelin stared restaurant and stayed in a chateau. I also stayed in a hostel when we encountered crazy high prices in Geneva. The hostel was quite an adventure and we met interesting people. In more budget style travel, we encounter a huge variety of people. Older folks that are wealthy enough to travel differently but choose to be understated, people like ourselves and lots of young people. It is really interesting that age and wealth differences just disappear and travel is the common denominator. While waiting for a train in Spain I got into a lengthy conversation with a young man with a backpack traveling for a couple months. My husband emailed the kids as I chatted, "I think Mom is going to run off with a young 20ish guy with a "man bun"!

I think what helps when traveling is to keep an open mind to people and options. I typically avoid taxis for many reasons. However, I realized in Toledo, that I could have a taxi drive us across the river and drive the perimeter and stop at some overlooks far easier and far less expensive than either of the bus options.

It would help if OPs would provide more extensive information so people could give more appropriate advice. I'm pretty sure that if people stated their priorities and their limitations in terms of physical stamina/strength and budget they would get solid advice. I also think if contributors gave options instead of declaring what he/she considers to be the only alternative.

@emma - I think people are just responding to the concern of the OP that there are no budget-conscious travelers on the site anymore, which may be coming across as reverse snobbery

We started traveling several years ago with a realization. My Dh purchased airline tickets to his parents for Christmas fr the 5 of us. They live in a place I would not visit other than to see them. The tickets cost a lot, for a place we dont want to go (but we love the in-laws). I realized that I could drive there - albeit a very long drive - and use that money for tickets to Europe. The epiphany was "if Im going to spend that much money, Im going to spend it on something I really want to do". Ever since, I have set a price limit in my head for tickets to Europe and if I can find some, we go. We most often stay in apartments because for five people, its far cheaper. I love it when I can find a b&b for a similar price, bc I love waking up to coffee and breakfast already prepared, but most often we get a loaf of bread and make toast, jam and instant coffee ... pretty much the same thing we'd eat at home. Same for lunch. We often prefer street food, bc we find the experience of 'dining' sometimes too much. We like to get some greasy chicken in a wrap and eat it on a curb ;p Nothing against fine dining, or any dining, but just to let you know that the kiosk eaters are here.
I still get a lot of ideas from sites like NomadicMatt.
We aim to travel for a few weeks, because if we're spending thousands on flights, we want to milk that for all we can. The cheaper we travel, the longer we can travel. Our work schedules are somewhat flexible, and we work overtime during the school year ( we have school-aged kids). We are not above camping in Europe, but haven't pursued this yet. In short, we are sort-of vagabonds who happen to have real jobs, retirement accounts, and drive a carpool. But we also went to grad school after wandering in our twenties so that we are lucky to have the jobs we do.
Here's an example: once we were in grad school in our late twenties/early thirties, we found some of our furniture on the side of the road (you know how people leave old things on the curb). We ended up with a collection of dining-room chairs that we found on curbs. We would replace parts and add nails. Several years later, including marriage and babies, and finally 'real' jobs, we bought our first house, and my mother-in-law said "now you can buy new dining-room chairs". Anyone wanna guess what is in my dining-room today?

@Emma, we went on a Rhine cruise. In our mid 50s, we were definitely on the younger end. There were couples our age, one that we were very compatible with, but we ended up really enjoying our time with a few couples 15-20 years older than we were. I will admit that initially we felt like we were not going to fit in. But, we found it wasn't age so much that determined how interesting people were. Never having been on a cruise, we were concerned that we wouldn't enjoy a lot of the aspects of it. We found it to be a delightful change of pace. When my husband was working, our choice to was travel at a clip a bit faster than most of this forum choose to do, which was fine for us, but I will admit, it can be less relaxing. The cruise allowed us to cover the ground that we typically did but with someone else handling all of the logistics. I see us continuing to travel in a variety of ways as our mood or local defines it. Emma, with your open mind, I think you will have a wonderful time.

How the Helpline has changed...

A lot about the world has changed. For example, that Internet thing seems to have made some difference. I guess it's not just a passing fad like CB radio.

A lot about our society has changed. We are all getting older. Income equality? I just saw an ad on TV for private jets, showing a young, smiling family taking their kids off on a journey on one, looked like they were off for Disneyland Paris or someplace. No Basic Economy for them!

The travel industry (and never doubt, it is a huuuuge industry) has changed. Cheap flights. Expensive hotels. AirBandB. Destinations have become so popular, they're now trying (and failing) to limit tourism. Tourists go to every remote corner of the planet - and Elon Musk has started talking about pricing for trips to Mars. Several billion new members of the middle class from the world's most populous countries have begun going to take selfies with the Mona Lisa in the past generation. Rick Steves dances on cruise ships.

A lot has changed, and things will continue to change. The world is what it is (until it changes). You have to deal with it as you find it. You usually don't have to participate in the things you don't like (staying in 5-star resorts, dancing on cruise ships, or taking selfies with the Mona Lisa, if that's not your thing) but there's no point in fighting with it or denying those are real things for some folks. Take advantage of what works for you, ignore the stuff you don't like, and go do your travels your way (to the extent you can...knowing that you may have to put up with 100 people waving selfie sticks sometimes). Vive la différence, and don't let it spoil your trip.

What is wrong with those who want to (and plan for a) stay in a 4-star hotel? Not all hotels are a chain. It could be that a hotel offers a lot of amenities that are worth it to some. And, it doesn't necessarily mean that it would be a lot more expensive. Depends on the area and maybe the guest would get a discount.

Some like the hotel atmosphere (for a variety of reasons.) If they can afford it and/or save for it, it shouldn't be looked down upon. Don't judge. If you want to stay in your own preferred lodging based on certain criteria, fine, but don't rip into someone who chooses a different kind of stay.

I don't think anyone is looking down on people that stay in 4 * hotels. Its just that some can't or choose not to and feel like there are fewer resources/support on this forum than in the past. I think folks are trying to reassure the OP, Paul, who I believe thinks he can't get help from the forum like he used to. I think if OPs would provide more parameters, most experienced travelers would try to be supportive and suggest options.

Up thread, I was also one who was encouraging Paul (and others browsing the thread) about different travel styles and some ideas on how to save for their trip.

Sometimes it's the tone and/or how something is written that comes across as judgmental. People should stay wherever they choose. There is no right or wrong for the most part.

I also don’t pack light or own a money belt so I really am going to
get thrown out of the Rick Steves gang......

LOL. Emma. We don't pack carry-on only either, and neither of us can tolerate money belts so we use other methods. They'll have to throw us both out!

Questions for Paul (the original poster that started this thread), since you have not been back to comment:

1) Do you still feel the Forum has "left you behind"? Or, are you feeling it IS still inclusive?
2 What specific travel questions do you have that the group can answer for YOU?
3) Where might you travel next? And, what are your interests? Questions?

Emma, I'm sorry you felt that way, that was not my intent. I wasn't referring to fellow travelers, I was referring to local people. I feel like I rub shoulders more with locals on public transportation, etc. In taxis or more higher end hotels, I feel more isolated from the culture. I think on both sides of the spectrum of travelers, people are really sensitive, including myself. I have felt hurt by peoples' comments on this forum (on other topics) that made me feel like a cheapskate. I just would like to ensure that the OP does feel like this forum is a good source for information.

I walked Rome...a lot. But, when I took the city bus, I was "shoulder to shoulder" with locals and travelers alike. You could say we were "kissing cousins." Real close...lol.

The hotel I stayed at near Termini had Italians (and other guests from all over) staying there for a couple of days to a week. I have not taken a city taxi.

The restaurant I favored and frequented had many a local. I went two years in a row (to both their restaurants in the Termini area and witnessed a lot of locals coming and going. Locals live in every neighborhood. The family-style restaurant is cozy, convenient, very budget friendly, most things freshly made; a great waitstaff who treat you like an old friend/family (especially repeat customers.)

Bottom line: Travel within your means. Forget everything else. As long as it works for you, and you enjoy your holiday, fuhgeddaboudit.

“I want to be with ‘everyday people’”

Well, thanks to Emma’s comment, the refrain of ”Common People” by Pulp has been running through my head all night.

https://youtu.be/NcBH4C5RtR8

Paul,

Because of some replies, I'm very sorry you felt compelled to reveal such personal and emotional information about what's going on. I believe most of us were trying to help with some suggestions based on what was stated in your original post.

As seen on the forum, sometimes, a post can generate gruff, unkind, sarcastic and supercilious remarks. There can be posters too quick on the draw assigning characterizations that are silly and downright mean.

It's horrible that you and your wife have been met with a lot of health challenges. You both are young, and I can appreciate why you're sad about not being able to travel (or traveled more) as you would have liked.

Of course, medical bills are draining along with the physical, mental and emotional aspects accompanying. You stated that your wife won't improve with some of her health issues, and I'm very sorry for both of you. And, you have your own challenges now.

I hope you can find peace and better health coming.

Tom, it doesn't matter.

I think a little understanding and kindness can go a long way, even if the OP is "angry, frustrated, negative, whatever." I think you're smart enough to empathize. I can also understand that if you had conversations with him trying to help and was met with only negativity, that frustrated you too. So, if that is the case, then maybe a step back might be in order so you and he don't go at it.

Paul has challenges that can change anyone's personality. He felt like venting in his post; then was forced to explain in greater detail for some.

Maybe you tried to help in the past. This is the first of this I'm reading from Paul. I don't make a habit of digging into a poster's past replies or threads. Things change -- even within months never mind years.

Even if he had the funds to do this or that, it would probably still be a bit of a challenge to travel with his wife. He is upset that she may not be able to travel again, the way they hope. He stated they are in their 50's, still very young by today's standards. And perhaps thoughts cross his mind about their future.

I'm still a budget traveler but I realize most Americans don't travel like me. For me a dorm bed in a hostel, a bathroom down the hall or a private room in someone else's home wouldn't be an issue. I'd rather travel cheaper and double the time on the road than spend twice as much per day on lodging and restaurants.

My girlfriend and I were discussing making our homes available through Airbnb this weekend. She talked about locking her room (leave the house) and offer three rooms with king or queen beds, each room with it's own bathroom (TV in each room). I imagine locking my room (leave or stay) and rent one or two bedrooms (to one group) with only one bathroom (not mine) and a TV in the TV room down the hall. We would both offer a kitchen, living room, dining room, laundry, etc.

I think the difference is she's thinking of American standards while I'm more comfortable with less.

I think the real value of this Forum is the information it provides that has nothing to do with your budget level. I'm thinking about people like Ms. Jo and Enric who share their knowledge graciously, with no trace of judgment or superciliousness, no matter how basic the question. People who love museums that I never heard of; people who love parts of Europe that aren't mentioned in a Rick Steves guide book.

I will probably never take a Rick Steves Tour - but reading the trip reports of those who do has given me multiple ideas for trips of my own.

This was a really difficult discussion to moderate. With apologies, I've removed many posts here. Some were angry, some were deeply personal, and some were just in reply (with heartfelt apologies) to what seems to have been provoked out of the OP. I think this is a good reminder to be respectful of everyone in our forum. I'll be closing this thread to prevent further provocation.

On a final note, thank you to the OP and the many who discussed his worthy subject. Our Travelers Helpline has certainly evolved over time into the Travel Forum it is today. I believe that budget travel is at our core as it is for Rick, though we are clearly more inclusive of other needs and questions as Google has sent more travelers of varying experience our way. You've all really stepped up to help these people become world travelers. It's impressive.

Happy travels to all of you. Paul, you have our best.