By Glenn Arnette, III
Time to get serious! You had better start checking the airline flights for any trip you might be taking this Summer. It will be more than double or even higher when you decide to go. Don’t forget the bag charges and extra expenses. For example you could have flown to Germany for $690 at one time last year, now the cost will be $1400 up plus bag, seat reservation, etc. Help!
We have talked about gas in the past, so forget it! No one seems to be yelling loud enough to stop our pocketbooks from shrinking. Food is almost out of sight, so read the newspapers and clip coupons and buy all of the two-for-ones you can get. Stock the freezer. Tried to by a good steak lately? I am now down to cheap hamburger.
Remember “I Remember Mamma”, the television show? I can’t remember anything. Everything is so confusing! I can’t shop like I use to shop (not enough gas money), can’t enjoy a good movie,(too expensive and the popcorn is over the top), can’t talk to anyone (all calls go to voicemail), can’t afford dine out (please, what can a chicken cost with a little sauce on it?), can’t go for a walk (you might be mugged), can’t imagine a cocktail for $12-$14 (too fancy a martini for me), can’t believe the government is requiring us to stop using original light bulbs (the new ones are ugly) and can’t believe I have come so far in a lifetime and this is my future in America?
Going to Germany, England, Ireland, Switzerland over the last couple years was a no hassle wonderful time. Today I am worried, as you never know who is going to overthrow anything. Imagine not being able to come home? I remember sailing from Greece to England and loving every minute with ever stop. I even loved Turkey and thought it was one of my most exciting times. Today, I am not interested in that part of the world.
It is really time to be safe. Be careful! In Paris they try to rob tourist while riding the subway. Try a European train and you might run into people bumping into you trying to get your wallet. Rome is really the place not to let a woman try to hand you her adorable baby. What can you do while being robbed holding their child, drop it? Hotels tell you they are wonderful on line and they can be just another dump. Car rentals can cost you more that you dreamed. It is all a part of our changing world!
This should not make you Stop Traveling! It means be careful, think before you make those all important vacation plans! Even traveling in the United States can offer horrible experiences. Keep your eyes open, try to relax, but never let your guard down. You must be in charge of the situation.
As I stated a couple years ago, look around your area and take in some of the local sights. Share the wealth with your neighbors and support the economy in your area.
Remember the days of your travel agent? Are there any still around? If so, call them and let them do all the work. They know what and how to keep you out of trouble.
Until next time, email your thoughts to VGArnette3@aol.com and visit www.worldtravelbyglenn.com