ROSEMARY ABBOTT | Culture
HOLIDAY HARSHIP
Jaxon Donovan, 16, a King’s College student from Auckland, has admitted he is feeling the pinch of the “rising cost of living” after his family announced they would not be taking a third overseas holiday this year.
Speaking from his bedroom in his parents’ $4.4 million Remuera home, which overlooks the family’s private tennis courts, Jaxon explained that while he’s enjoyed trips to Bali and Greece, he had been hoping for a third European adventure, including stops in Venice and Rome.
“I was really looking forward to possibly going to Italy,” he said, scrolling through photos on his iPhone 17 from his previous trips. “I mean, Bali and Greece were great, but I was hoping to squeeze in another proper Europe trip before the end of the year. Looks like that’s not happening. Far out. Must be tough out there for everyone.”
When asked about his plans for coping, Jaxon said he might consider spending more time at the family bach in Wanaka.
“It’s basically like a second overseas trip if you squint,” he said wistfully, “but still… not quite Italy is it?” Jaxon sighed.
His mother Anna who was at the nail salon, weighed in on her decision to not do a third family holiday.
“I told him, ‘Jaxon, think of it this way: two holidays is actually more than most people get in a year.’ He looked at me like I’d suggested we cancel Christmas,” she explained while looking at $4,000 Gucci handbags online as she will not be travelling to Italy to get one this time.
More to come.
