Thanks for all the advice that I have received so far. I thought I would share some of the finances behind our trip. We have borrowed no money so far for our entire adoption process, yay! We currently have in savings $6000 for the trip (including the $1000 donation to the orphanage) and we hope to put more into savings before we go. Of course after we are done, we have no savings left, but no debt either. Here are some of the prices we think we will encounter for our trip (those of you that have traveled, please correct me).
Looking at flights I think that we can get tickets on JAL economy class for about the same that we would pay for our local airline. The expense and inconvenience comes with flying to Chicago and staying the night there each way.
We are looking at this 5 star hotel as our first choice. It was recommended by blogging friends that said it had good cheap room service. We will stay in Manila 3 nights total and the hotel costs around $150 a night.
We have to fly to and from the island she lives on. There is really only one choice for an airline, but it is only a one hour flight.
We are thinking this hotel for Palawan. It says that rooms start at $65 a night and we will be there for 3 nights.
So, that's where my princess thoughts are for our finances. I'm really bad at traveling (if my former roommate P. ever comments, she will attest to my misfortunes while traveling). Now what do you think of my splurging?
4 comments:
Julie, this is a once-in-a-lifetime event for you guys! I say, make it fun and memorable! And, as you mentioned earlier, the security of staying and eating in your room will make the trip easier. You will want to be looking and feeling your best when the time comes to meet your daughter! Since you guys have been so good at saving the money and getting your finances in order, you should do it all the right way. Just make sure to take your camera and send us pictures!
Go with JAL :-) I really like the Roxas/Manila Bay area. The baywalk itself is well-maintained and the sunsets are beautiful. It is also walking distance to Rizal Park. Being a pedestrian in the surrounding Ermita/Malate area is loud (tricyles, jeeps, jackhammering, etc) but I think you will enjoy it if you had the sanctuary of your room to return to. Rooms in the upper floors are probably better so you're above the noise :-) You can also walk to the bayview restaurants, where --even if your stomach won't allow you to eat -- you can drink a beer or cold drink and enjoy the breeze. That said, most of the folks seem to really like the Galleria/Intercon/etc area. It is very very westernized and it's like a cocoon in that you never have to leave anything familiar b/c it's all there. It would not be my choice, but I think if you are looking for a more familiar feel -- Makati might be it...
I think your plans sound wonderful. If you choose to spend the extra for Traders Club at the hotel which I reccommend..the breakfast is wonderful...you will be on the top floors which cuts down on the noise. The commute to the airport is short which the hotel arranges. When you fly in the airport, all you have to do is go through customs, go across the street to the Shangri resort building and they take you to the hotel...it was so easy and so wonderful when you are exhausted. And if you get a chance..I know you aren't in Manila long, take Shella May to Star City across from Traders. It was cheap and a lot of fun. It was a good bonding/fun experience for us all. Your plans sound wonderful..the island of Palawwan (sp?) looks gorgeous. Have a great time and I can't wait to hear about your travels! And FYI...we came back with a lot of money...we spent a lot less than we expected because things cost less there. If you get tired of room service while in Manila, we highly reccommend Pizza Hut...they deliver and the pizza was wonderful. We liked it better than our local Pizza Hut.
Julie,
I think you need to go for it. It really sounds to me like everything is pretty much necessary, except for maybe the airline. And adding the time/expense of one night each way is not a big price to pay for the comfort and joy it will bring you. You have made it VERY far to still be debt free. I think that says a lot for your ability to put aside your "princess" desires!!! You both deserve to make this trip as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. It isn't like you are going to be doing this ever again!
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