Paying for the experience?
I’d venture to say that most people that read this blog travel extensively – or at least have an interest in travelling. It’s also quite likely that you plan out your trips, and do your research. If you’re like me, you’ll spend countless hours researching how best to do a certain activity, and how to do it the most economical way possible. But are there times when you should just loosen your belt, open your wallet, and pay for the experience?
I’ve got a motto I like to travel by: “If you’re going to do it, do it right.” While it may imply spending a bit more to get EXACTLY what you want, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve always got to travel in style. To me, it just means that if you’re spending the money to do something, spend the money to get the experience that YOU want, rather than skimping on an activity just because it was a little more than what you were expecting. Otherwise, you just might regret it.
I’m in the process of planning a 3 week honeymoon to Europe, and I’ve come across this dilemma a number of times already. For example, at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, there’s a restaurant called Le Jules Verne, located on the first level of this French icon. I don’t even have to look at the prices to KNOW that the bill will be inflated significantly, as this restaurant caters to tourists. But is it worth paying that much more for the experience, considering the meal might not be up to par? I’d have to say yes. At the end of the day, twenty years down the road, those are the kinds of experiences that you’ll remember. Especially for trips like your honeymoon, special events like dining ON the Eiffel Tower will be those that you cherish, and you’re not likely to remember how much the meal cost. (Well, my fiance might.)
In reading reviews of this restaurant, everyone says it’s expensive, yet everyone says they’d return. Why? The experience, the memories, and the locale made the meal. So if there’s activities, meals, or even an everyday purchase that you’re on the fence about, remember – “If you’re going to do it, do it right.”
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Do you have reason to believe the meal would be substandard though?
I believe congrats are in order – a honeymoon in Paris – how lovely!! Where else are you thinking of going? The Alhambra Palace or the other Moorish palaces are known for their romance too.
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I’m like you too.. I always do my research before travelling…
And yes, to me.. experience matters.. So, I think I will pay for almost anything to exprience something..
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We spend a long time researching our trips as well. I know whatever you plan for your honeymoon will be memorable! Bonne chance
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@Emm – Thank you! I don’t believe it’d be substandard at all – in fact, I’ve heard the food is excellent. That said, US$300 or so per person for the gestation menu is steep, no matter where it is, or how good the food is. As for our trip, we’re currently looking at Paris, then Florence, Venice, Lucerne, St. Moritz, then off to Barcelona, where I used to live to visit some old friends.
@Cashmere – I’m right there with you, though my fiance doesn’t always agree.
@Just a Plane Ride Away – Thank you! I enjoy the research. It has worked out well, I’m taking care of the honeymoon planning, and she’s taking care of the wedding details (which is fast approaching!).
Hey Stef, I know exactly what you mean. Often, one is constrained by one’s budget when it come to planning overseas trips. The tussle is between something tangible (money) and something intangible (the experience) and more often than not, the former will take precedence.
That said, I’ve not got a chance to Le Jules Verne. Hmm, might just do it on my next trip there.
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Stefan, You’ve got a great travel ethoes. Experiences and the memories that come with those experiences always last longer and mean more than any souvenir that can be packed in a suitcase.
One of my favorite memories from my last trip to Paris in January was standing under the Eiffel Tower at midnight while all the flashing fairy lights were going off overhead. We had paper mugs of hot mulled wine and the square underneath the tower practially to ourselves — all pure magic.
If you’ve not booked your Paris hotel and don’t mind a suggestion, Jay’s on rue Copernic is worth every cent. Jay’s is tiny boutique all suite hotel with the most incredible rooms and amazing staff who treat every guest like royalty. http://www.jays-paris.com/
Congrats on your upcoming wedding.
“if you are going to do it , do it right! “, I’m truly believe you on this sentence , seem to me like experience is worth it to buy if you could buy it.