Our reporter and his wife spent four nights in California's pricey Big Sur, determined to beat at least some of the region's high costs by camping out vs. staying in a luxury resort. Here's how much they saved, compared with the estimated cost of staying at the chi chi Ventana Inn:
Lodging:
Roughing it ... $181
Splurging ... $1,482
Meals:
Roughing it ... $355
Splurging ... $538
Extras (Massages, drinks):
Roughing it ... $666
Splurging ... $674
Totals:
Roughing it = $1,202
Splurging = $2,694
