Reply #37: And. . .those "paid vacations" are actually "double paid" vacations in several

[MindandSoul]

European countries at least!

You see, in France and Belgium at least (probably in Germany, Holland and Italy also, but I am not certain of that), when you get hired for a job, the annual salary you receive is actually divided in 14 months instead of 12 months. . .so your "monthly salary" is a little lower. . .but you built your budget around that AND when you decide to take your Summer or Winter vacation, you notify your employer 2 or 3 weeks ahead of time, and your last monthly check before you leave on vacation is DOUBLED!

This allows you to spend your "regular" monthly salary on your on-going monthly expenses (i.e., mortgage, insurance, car payment, utilities, etc. . .) but spend your "vacation pay" on your vacation. . .which is one of the main reason Europeans can afford to travel outside their home countries for their vacations instead of just staying at home or going camping to save money!

OR if you really don't want to leave home, if you prefer to stay at home and relax for 3 or 4 weeks. . .you can use your "vacation pay" for any other expenses you choose (whether it be a down payment on a new car, new furniture, an addition to your home, or just going to good restaurants every day).