Mark,
It doesn't have to be as long as you have a few items you are looking for. I have been very lucky but usually my savings on what is on my wish list more than pays for the hotel, food, and 6 hour each way trips gas. I mean just the Empire State Express engine saved me minimum of 325 this trip, which is about what the trip costs me in hotel, gas, food for 3 days. And hopefully he reads this aggravating Paul 2 in another state.....Priceless.