Have you thought about taking a vacation this summer but feel uneasy about it because of the struggling economy?
The American Automobile Association is offering a quiz to help people determine if it's the right time to take one.
Regarding your finances, are you:
One of the estimated 90 percent of homeowners who are consistently on-time with mortgage payments, or are always on-time with rent?
Among those who have access to some emergency cash to protect against an unexpected financial setback?
A borrower with a responsible credit history?
Steadily working on other life-time financial goals, such as student tuition and/or retirement savings?
Have a history of steady employment with fairly predictable earnings or have a reliable fixed income?
Have been able to afford and pay for leisure travel experiences with little difficulty in the past?
The association believes that millions of Americans can positively answer these questions, providing reasonable assurance that a trip is within their reach this year, the news release states.
Now ask yourself the following questions to see if emotionally you could benefit from the break:
Has it been more than 18 months since my last significant vacation?
When I traveled last, did I bring work or family pressures with me?
Have my recent travel experiences been to predictable and familiar destinations?
Have I experienced a loss or other major change in my life that challenged my emotions?
Am I about to mark a major milestone such as a birthday, graduation, anniversary or career change?
Have I missed significant occasions when I should have celebrated or rewarded myself?
Is there a family member or friend that is owed a long-overdue visit?
The association suggests that if you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you should make travel a high priority this year.
The association also argues that it's a good time to travel because of the bargains out there, and that doing so would help get the economy moving again.
So what do you think? Was this helpful?
Are you planning to take a vacation or are you skipping it this year?
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