Am I crazy? Thinking of trying 1 year with 75% travel
Oct 23, 2011, 9:13 pm
#31
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Fairmont Platinum, Aeroplan Diamond, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 18,686
OP.. have you considered doing major travel split up over 4 or 5 years..
We travelled 2 1/2 months this year.. maintain status with some programs.. to reap earned benefits the following year..
We travelled 2 1/2 months this year.. maintain status with some programs.. to reap earned benefits the following year..
Oct 24, 2011, 5:01 am
#32
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: New York City
Posts: 4,002
I think this could be pretty cost-effective in theory. Supposing you find a deal (say with Priceline), such that lodging is $300-400 per the one week per month that you are not on the company dime, then you are obviously ahead of any reasonable rental option.
It's a good point about having access to specialized equipment. But also keep in mind the total cost of space in making this decision. For example, in theory, it could be worth it to just spend $100 per month on shoes (and donate them every month after a few uses) in some cases.
It's a good point about having access to specialized equipment. But also keep in mind the total cost of space in making this decision. For example, in theory, it could be worth it to just spend $100 per month on shoes (and donate them every month after a few uses) in some cases.
Oct 24, 2011, 7:14 am
#33
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
Assuming you can sell your home and payoff the mortgage its is doable. However, you really need to do a lot of planning or it will become very costly. For weekends, I would recommend Priceline or Hotwire for hotels. Also, you need to investigate whether public transportation is ample (Chicago, New York, SFO, Boston) or if renting a car will be necessary to get around (again PL or Hotwire).
Also, do you own a car now and can that be easily stored.
You also need to be ready for any contigency, particularly in the case of weather.
Finally, are you ready for what in most cases will be a lonely life. You will be on your own for stretches of time and only interact with people on a short basis. This might not be so easy for a person in their 20s.
I say do it but really think through the logisitical and personal aspects before you go ahead.
Also, do you own a car now and can that be easily stored.
You also need to be ready for any contigency, particularly in the case of weather.
Finally, are you ready for what in most cases will be a lonely life. You will be on your own for stretches of time and only interact with people on a short basis. This might not be so easy for a person in their 20s.
I say do it but really think through the logisitical and personal aspects before you go ahead.
Oct 26, 2011, 1:16 pm
#34
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 343
UPS or FedEx
You can arrange for them to forward to you if needed but more importantly the post office has this hustle with junk mailers.
USPS get paid to stuff our mail box and then if you don't clear it they start insisting you get a bigger box to accommodate all the junk mail.
Those weekly grocery store flyers pile up quickly.
UPS costs something like 10x the UP PO box but it's a worthwhile investment.
Works internationally too.
Oct 26, 2011, 1:38 pm
#35
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: CHI
Programs: UA 1K, MR Titanium, IHG Gold, National Exec
Posts: 3,841
Unless you have someone to clear mail for you locally, I recommend getting a box at a UPS Store or similar operation.
You can arrange for them to forward to you if needed but more importantly the post office has this hustle with junk mailers.
USPS get paid to stuff our mail box and then if you don't clear it they start insisting you get a bigger box to accommodate all the junk mail.
Those weekly grocery store flyers pile up quickly.
UPS costs something like 10x the UP PO box but it's a worthwhile investment.
Works internationally too.
You can arrange for them to forward to you if needed but more importantly the post office has this hustle with junk mailers.
USPS get paid to stuff our mail box and then if you don't clear it they start insisting you get a bigger box to accommodate all the junk mail.
Those weekly grocery store flyers pile up quickly.
UPS costs something like 10x the UP PO box but it's a worthwhile investment.
Works internationally too.
Oct 26, 2011, 7:36 pm
#36
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Fairmont Platinum, Aeroplan Diamond, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 18,686
Unless you have someone to clear mail for you locally, I recommend getting a box at a UPS Store or similar operation.
You can arrange for them to forward to you if needed but more importantly the post office has this hustle with junk mailers.
USPS get paid to stuff our mail box and then if you don't clear it they start insisting you get a bigger box to accommodate all the junk mail.
Those weekly grocery store flyers pile up quickly.
UPS costs something like 10x the UP PO box but it's a worthwhile investment.
Works internationally too.
You can arrange for them to forward to you if needed but more importantly the post office has this hustle with junk mailers.
USPS get paid to stuff our mail box and then if you don't clear it they start insisting you get a bigger box to accommodate all the junk mail.
Those weekly grocery store flyers pile up quickly.
UPS costs something like 10x the UP PO box but it's a worthwhile investment.
Works internationally too.
I've seen some UPS stores around Calgary.. This would make for a good option for long term travel..
Oct 27, 2011, 9:06 am
#37
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: US-CP, UA, Marriott Rewards, HHonors, Avis,
Posts: 4,549
I'd go for a roommate or other arrangement where other folks are renting the lion's share of the house, but the OP would be free to come and go as he pleases when work doesn't have him on the road. The money you get from selling the "sellable" stuff will only be a drop in the bucket of what it costs to replace it when the year (or two or three) is over. You won't get much by selling your ironing board, wastebasket, and extra towels but you'll spend a lot when you go to replace them. More importantly, it's just very comforting to have somewhere to call your own. 75% travel is a lot of travel and it can be a real grind. It can also be a lot of fun. But that 25% is still a lot of non-travel time. I don't think I could manage a monthly week-long visit to my parents' house for more than 3 or 4 months and we have a great relationship; being able to go to your space, cook your food, visit your things, and such is really refreshing after 3 weeks on the road, moreso if the home days are spread throughout the month.
Regardless of the arrangement, I'd want the "home" days to be consistently in the same place. There's something to be said for knowing where everything is, and having something of a routine, when not on the road.
Regardless of the arrangement, I'd want the "home" days to be consistently in the same place. There's something to be said for knowing where everything is, and having something of a routine, when not on the road.
Oct 28, 2011, 12:12 pm
#38
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 102
It may have not been very fiscally responsible but I always kept my place as I really like a "home base". I am going towards my late 20s now but have been doing 90-100% travel for 5 years now and as much as I don't mind hotels it's really nice to come home to something you know even if it's only for 2 nights a week.
Some people are mentioning deals on the weekends you stay over....I would definitely ask your company about this as I have never had a problem getting them to foot the hotel bill and car in lieu of paying for a flight home. Very rarely is the hotel more than the flight for those 2 or 3 nights and you are able to work all Friday and all Monday so no lost travel time (bargaining chips).
Also when you said fly somewhere close if that place isn't interesting.... I say push it here again and see if they will fly you anywhere for a reasonable price. My colleagues and I have often flown to far off locations for a weekend simply because the ticket price was the same as our return trip home. A lot of times road warriors are given some leniency because they sacrifice a lot for the company, might as well take advantage if you can.
And get a hotel points credit card and stick with one chain, you'll never pay for a room again.
Some people are mentioning deals on the weekends you stay over....I would definitely ask your company about this as I have never had a problem getting them to foot the hotel bill and car in lieu of paying for a flight home. Very rarely is the hotel more than the flight for those 2 or 3 nights and you are able to work all Friday and all Monday so no lost travel time (bargaining chips).
Also when you said fly somewhere close if that place isn't interesting.... I say push it here again and see if they will fly you anywhere for a reasonable price. My colleagues and I have often flown to far off locations for a weekend simply because the ticket price was the same as our return trip home. A lot of times road warriors are given some leniency because they sacrifice a lot for the company, might as well take advantage if you can.
And get a hotel points credit card and stick with one chain, you'll never pay for a room again.