In my mind, I already have beaucoup de trips planned for next year. DC in January, New York in March, some international trip in between, and undoubtedly another jaunt to California. I'm not sure when it happened, but I've noticed my sense of entitlement to travel more than ever as of late. Travel used to be a luxury, a treat, and not something everyone can do at the drop of a hat. I feel as though that mentality has shifted, not only for me, but for my friends as well. What's the rush? I'm only 26 and quite well-traveled as it is. Why do I have to do everything and go everywhere NOW?
It's this sort of thinking that led me to ponder 2010 and how it will be a bit of a transition year for moi. I *think* I've decided to not do a big international trip (le sad). I say I think because I'm not sure if that's what I want to do. What I do know is that doing so will help me save thousands of dollars (that I can put towards debt and/or savings!!). It's just one year, you know? I have the rest of my life. And quite frankly, I don't "deserve" anything. I have plenty in my life as it is.
Now, I'm curious to hear what you think. Am I talking crazy? Is this a stupid idea? Or does it make sense? There will be other ways in which I will evoke the concept of frugality in my life, but this is by far the biggest. I really want to hear your thoughts on this one. I also want to know: what will your word for 2010 be? Have you started thinking about it? I urge you to do so!
10 comments:
I think in a lot of ways the perspective you have of the trip, and the reasons you take it, is more important than whether you take the trip itself.
travel travel travel! why not now? you know i have never been one to curtail your spending (an enabler, if you must lol), however i think i have a valid point on this one. what if you get caught up in life ie dating, marriage, babies, a less flexible job etc, that could restrict your being able to just pick up and go?
and ps dont say that you dont "deserve" it. you do have plenty in your life, but thats because you have worked for it!
im just sayin. love you :-)
I think it's a great idea! Personally I'm living the frugal now so that later I can enjoy the luxuries of life without "paying" the consequences. And in some way "frugality" is just an extension of simplicity.
I agree with City Girl: think deeply about the WHY of the traveling. Think deeply about your overall priorities in life. What is THE MOST important thing to you?
Curtailing debt is great, but I also believe in living RIGHT NOW.
But again, that DEPENDS on the WHY of it all.
I am traveling a bit for educational reasons and my larger goals of becoming the most amazing dancer and teacher I can right now. Money spent on that is never wasted, ya know?
So if money spent matches your priorities and convictions, then it is WELL spent.
I think Christine's repsonse is fantastic and very well put. And as she and CityGirl both said, think about "why." Are you running from something? Is the money just burning a hole in your pocket? Are you getting something incredible out of the experiences?
As far as my 2010, I don't think frugal can even some up my life. I may need to become a freegan! I would love to travel the world, but right now I just know I can't afford it. Plus, with school I don't have much time. I can't really say what my 2010 will be, hopefully just not mundane! I need to spice it up somehow.
Lots of good comments on here.
After returning from Switzerland, I swore that I would travel to Europe every two years. Well, guess what? The two-year mark will come next August, and traveling there just isn’t realistic at this point. There are too many other things going on in my life now to think about planning a big trip overseas. If I had the time and money to do it would I? Possibly, but at the moment it just doesn’t seem like a priority.
Maybe that’s what you need to ask yourself, what are my priorities? What is important to me? I think this goes along with City Girl’s, Christine’s and Sarah’s comments. If traveling abroad, and seeing the world is a priority and important, than you should do it. If getting out of debt is a priority, then maybe taking a big trip abroad isn’t the best decision at the moment. Do I believe you can do it all at once, yes. You travel abroad and do it frugally, too, but you just need to decide how you want to make it happen.
Also, frugality is great but I also think it can be a drag sometimes. I know because I’m trying to live that way. But, being frugal doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun, it just means that sometimes you can’t do everything that you want to. I give myself a cushion in my budget each month to spend a little on myself, go out, and have a good time. Sometimes, however, I have to make the conscience decision to say “no” to going to that $50 dinner, or buying that new purse. Of course I want to buy or do those things, but I have to remember what my priorities are – save for my wedding, save for moving, and pay off student loans.
Hope this helps. I think you’re making very smart and honest decisions about your life that will help you in the long run.
I really liked this post... You made me think a lot about what we should or shouldn't do at 26. If you're up for meeting a fellow blogger on your DC trip, send me an email! :)
Some great comments here. I agree that there's no right or wrong when it comes to this type of decision, but that you should look at your priorities and see how your plans align with them. If you decide that frugality is more important than taking a trip right now, there's nothing wrong with that and vice versa.
I love that you have a word of the year! It's inspiring me to come up with my own. I'll post about it when I have decided!
Woah C! It's clear to me that this is a hot topic by the thoughtful comment thread. I have started to think about the way I spend my money as an extension of my values. I think I heard about the concept first through KW's podcast and it really made sense to me. So, if a big trip fits in your values - then great! If you are going to go and still feel like for some reason you shouldn't, then you should stay home :) Oh and I'm so curious... are you going to DC and NY for KW's retreats??!? Because if you say YES then you will def see me there!!
Girl I know I'm a little behind on my blog reading, but I love this post. Why? Cause I'm in the same boat... well, I've never travelled internationally before. BUT, given both of our situations, I think it's probably in our best interests to keep our money to ourselves. right? :) We have plenty of time to travel later! we are young! :)
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