Go to the Galapagos or Pay Off Loans?
Marine iguanas, indigenous to the Galapagos, are the world's only seagoing lizards.
Photo: Paul Souders, Photodisc, Getty Images
Question from reader Kgoodin:
"I am a senior journalism student in college, and my school is offering a 10-day trip to Quito, Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands for about $3,700. The problem is that I am graduating in December and I really need to start repaying my loans...but I really want to go on the trip as well, as it seems like a golden opportunity! If you were me, would you go on the trip?"
I think you are the only one who can make that decision, Kgoodin, and I certainly wouldn't want to be responsible for any financial hardships! But maybe some other Perrin Post readers have some advice. What do you all think? Should Kgoodin take this opportunity to see Darwin's playground, or hold off until the loans are paid off? Post a comment below and help Kgoodin decide what to do.
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Thank you for posting my question! I guess I should say that it's a little too late for advice now- I sent in my deposit last week! But I'm very excited to go and all things considered, I think it will be a great trip and that I made the right decision.
And (I apologize if this is completely shameless, but I'll try anything) as I'm graduating in December, I'm currently looking for a job. If there are any openings at CNT for an accomplished and eager journalism student, I would do anything to write for CNT!
Thank you again for posting my question!
Posted by: kgoodin | October 22, 2007 at 04:31 PM
You made the right decision! As a friend told another friend, go if you have to take out a second mortgage. I went in 2005 and it was WAY beyond my very high expectations. Plus, you are getting a bargain to go for 10 days @ $3,700, so you can feel frugal about that. Enjoy!
Posted by: Tellurian | October 23, 2007 at 10:05 AM
You made the right decision. Live your dreams now.
Posted by: RobtCyn2 | October 24, 2007 at 02:35 AM
I think you made the right decision...hehe...
I'm in debt for college for the next 24 years and I decided that since I have all that time to pay off my loans, that I might as well use it. I'm traveling now, while I'm young, rather than paying off the loans early and traveling later.
Life is short, travel now!
Posted by: tracker1312 | October 24, 2007 at 10:44 AM
You definitely made the right decision. Once you're tied down with a job, a mortgage and possibly children, it will be much harder to travel. Plus, you'll be making amazing memories that you can savor for years!
Posted by: GoCardUSA | October 29, 2007 at 12:17 PM
There's little doubt about it - if you have a chance to visit the galapagos you'll never regret it. With new quotas coming in 2010, it'll be more expensive than previously and since demand far outweighs the supply in terms of boats...a lot of people will miss the opportunity.
http://www.hosteltrail.com/ecuador/galapagos
Posted by: hosteltrail | February 21, 2009 at 11:47 AM