PE.com - Tourism Blog

What $9,500 Can Buy

The annual White Party in Palm Springs that ended today gave attendees -- which city and organizer estimates amount to 20,000 gay men who spend $4 million -- another reason to spend this year. For the first time, party organizer Jeffrey Sanker Entertainment Inc. offered vacation packages that cost up to $9,500! (and someone bought it too).

For that amount, the partygoer got:
- Three nights in the two-story suite at the Wyndham Hotel
- Private concierge
- Passes for all the events
- 10 bottles of vodka, tequila or whiskey (if you want champagne though, pony up another $200)
But likely the most unique feature?
- Personal security escort to and from the party's events

But what else could you possibly get for $9,500?

It could buy the bare minimum Disney Fairy Tale Wedding with $1,500 to spare, apparently.

Or rent Frank Sinatra's former Twin Palms Estate in Palm Springs for $7,800 for three nights.

With nearly $10,000 to burn, you could go on a 23-day trip to Antartica (and Buenos Aires, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia) for $7,420. Add airfare from Ontario International Airport to Buenos Aires (with three stops) for $1,043 and you're still under at $8,463 total.

But it is tough to top having a personal bodyguard.

-- KIMBERLY PIERCEALL
kpierceall@PE.com