system
A chat on subreddit /r/NoStupidQuestions
human
You're missing the "whole family" part. Even assuming we're talking about only 4 people, flights alone would likely cost $2,000 round-trip. That right there is more than most families spend on a summer vacation.  


What was the rest of your financial picture like at that time? Were you living on your own, paying all of your own bills, food, and tuition? For most college kids the answer is rarely yes to all of those. I'm guessing your waiter money was 100%, or nearly that, disposable income.
gpt
He said middle class, not poor. You're off on the wrong foot my guy

Yes, more than half of the middle class can probably afford that, especially if they're frugal.