How should you spend?

[youdunsay]

I took a vacation in land down south two months ago and I am thinking of visiting the same city again. The problem here would be that I presume spending even more as the period that I would be able to take leave for holidays crashes with peak travel season.

 

Many friends around my age group 20-30s paint the travel-while-you-are-still-young conception but how should we portion our bread for leisure, really?

[bummer]

As a millennial, I support going fast and furious in your youth. You could die tomorrow. Literally. Think about it.

[burnt]

A few days ago I was at Walmart, doing grocery shopping, standing on the checkout line, waiting...

 

While waiting, I was looking around,

at the people,

shopping.

Shopping, like there's no tomorrow.

Shopping like they needed to own and possess every single conceivable thing there was at the store.

 

Walmart shoppers generally are known as people who struggle financially. Yet, I was looking at the things they were buying. So many non-essentials, so many junks.

 

Bottles of water, soda, plastic junk, junk, more junk.

Very little way of necessary life essentials.

 

The thing is, our perception of what is 'necessary' widely varies.

 

I PROMISE you if you asked any of these people on their shopping mania, they would all claim not to be "wasteful". Only supposedly "rich" people are wasteful.

 

If you genuinely value traveling and enjoying the experience, then take a VERY close look at the things you spend money on; and I don't mean fancy big expenses--take a look at the "it's only a dollar and 99 cents worth of cutesy little thing I'm buying...". Those mere $1.99 adds up to a significant amount over a year.

 

So, that would be my suggestion, spend ONLY on absolute essentials--like food; change your habits, question your usual spending practices. Do you spend bottles of water regularly? Stop. Instead get a reusable bottle, and fill it up with tap water. Do you drink soda? Stop. Drinking just water is sufficient and healthy. Do you buy frozen meals for convenience? Stop. Instead buy the healthy ingredients and cook yourself the meals--it's cheaper. Do you get the idea?

 

Finally, most importantly, research, "frugal ways to live" or such similar themes. The number of hits on the web you will find will overwhelm you at first but you will gather incredible ideas to save money and live in a mindful way.

 

THEY are right. Don't wait until you retire to travel--traveling when you are young means not only can you sight see, but also engage in all sorts of activities like hiking, kayaking, climbing, etc. which all require physical endurance and stamina (and being young kinda helps...).

[burnt]

One other thought to add ...

 

Consider not traveling to the SAME city, but different parts of the country, the collection of experiences will be very enriching.

 

Also, explore the idea of "house-sitting" or "house-carers" or sites like

http://www.airbnb.come

 

You will find significantly cheaper ways to stay in a place than staying at hotels or motels.

[No_Go]

I never got that. People at 20s don't have enough money for travel, 30s - aren't young anymore. I'm 31 and I'm putting money aside for 1) retirement 2) emergencies 3) house 4) future family 5) other investments... And THEN for travel and leisure.

 

I can imagine if you're super wealthy, have a trust fund or don't plan to have independent life like ever, then you can spend all on travel and leisure... Else it is not wise. (Well... I may be cynic because I got travel out of my system by doing 3-5 international work trips an year.. If that counts..)

 

I took a vacation in land down south two months ago and I am thinking of visiting the same city again. The problem here would be that I presume spending even more as the period that I would be able to take leave for holidays crashes with peak travel season.

 

Many friends around my age group 20-30s paint the travel-while-you-are-still-young conception but how should we portion our bread for leisure, really?

[youdunsay]

Agree. Conversely, I considered myself an average spender. I don't buy things I don't need but when I do, I spend on higher quality stuffs. I try to rein my expenses under $1,500 per month.

 

Should I be working while travelling in the same city that I travelled? There are some farm jobs and I thought it would be cool, or ultimately weird and chic, to work in farms for a few days.

[No_Go]

I don't buy things I don't need but when I do, I spend on higher quality stuffs. - I think that's an awesome strategy - we recently decluttered our apartment - both my BF and I donated bags of clothes etc that we were buying just cause they were discounted and never actually used. Now we both tend to buy like you - stuff just when necessary and good quality, even if the initial price is higher (the longer usage makes it cheaper long term).

 

Should I be working while travelling in the same city that I travelled? There are some farm jobs and I thought it would be cool - I think it is a great idea - not only you'd save (or out-earn what you spend!), you'd also have an unique experience and will meet people in a way different than a 'regular' tourist.

 

I used to go to conferences and take the weekend after to see the city - respectively my flights were usually reimbursed, I had more time to socialize with the people on the conference (many were using the same tactic), and I had more time to learn what is worth seeing during the conference, so my short holidays afterwards were efficient I've seen as a result 10+ countries, 15+ states in the past few years and barely spent money or holiday hours.

 

Agree. Conversely, I considered myself an average spender. I don't buy things I don't need but when I do, I spend on higher quality stuffs. I try to rein my expenses under $1,500 per month.

 

Should I be working while travelling in the same city that I travelled? There are some farm jobs and I thought it would be cool, or ultimately weird and chic, to work in farms for a few days.