If my mom’s English was good enough and she read this post, she would probably not talk to me for a long time. My mother-in-law lovingly called us “traveling fools.” And I get it. I am sure their generation in general grew up on different values. House, car, furniture, jewelry and savings were all of paramount importance and a natural way of showing your status in life, your progression, your achievements. Don’t get me wrong, all of this is still important (and I wish more people could afford all the material pleasures of this life without sacrifices and budget planning). However, my generation is starting to progressively shift towards a different mindset – where experiences matter more than things. The priorities are shifting from collecting things to collecting experiences.
My husband and I are just another couple with average income making most of our lives and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Given the choice and budget constraint, I’d rather drive a Honda, but vacation four times a year, than say no to travel and spend next 10 years paying off 100K Mercedes to show my status. We also agreed early on that we’d rather splurge on a date night at a 3 Michelin star restaurant than spend money on exchanging gifts.
You might call me an addict, and you might be right about that. Although, I prefer to call it passion. Either way, the symptoms are clear: I feel like I’m suffocating if I stay in one place for more than three months; I need regular weekend getaways (near or far); I plan my vacations one to two years out; I do meticulous research and prepare detailed itineraries for every trip; CondeNast Traveler, Culture Trip, National Geographic and Travel + Leisure have turned into my bibles; I also frequent websites like booking.com just to daydream of the wonderful destinations around the world.
So, why do I choose to invest in travel versus things? The reasons are simple:
BROADEN MY PERSPECTIVE
As Mr. Twain once rightly pointed out, travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness. Two years in Haiti opened my mind in a totally different level. You might see the hardship of developing countries on TV, but until you experience it first-hand you cannot truly appreciate the every-day struggles of people who live there. Thankfully, our living conditions in Haiti were nothing like those living in an absolute poverty. However, I started appreciating even the simplest things like paved roads, traffic lights, grocery stores, movie theatres and shopping malls – basically, everything I took for granted before.
MEET NEW PEOPLE
Seeing the main sights of the destination is not enough for me. It honestly blows my mind how some people live in a foreign country for years and don’t have any local friends. I don’t think you can really learn anything about the country or its culture without interacting with locals. I think I’m the richest person because I have friends all over the world, because multicultural engagement is key to understanding the beauty of this world. Besides meeting locals of the host country, travel also gives opportunity to interact with other nationalities and learn a little bit about their culture. Every person that you cross paths with during your travels has a story to tell.
EXPERIENCE NEW CULTURES
Whether it was a luau night in Hawaii, climbing The Great Wall of China, overnight in a Buddhist temple in Japan, diving in St. Kitts, sumo tournament in Tokyo, or dune-bashing in Dubai – the possibilities of immersing into local culture at your new destination are endless, and the thrill of experiencing how people of other nations live and experience the same things that make their hearts tick is incomparable. As you trot the globe in pursuit of new smells, sights and sounds, the extent of your understanding of the world around you and of new cultures that are different from yours broadens and enriches you.
TASTE NEW CUISINE
It’s no secret I love good food and I always make an effort to try local cuisine everywhere I travel. No matter how much people try to recreate food it never tastes as good as in its original country, simply because the local produce and spices cannot be replicated anywhere else. Thai food will never be as good as that in Thailand, or Indian as mouthwatering as in India. I still remember our mind-blowing food tour in San Juan, when we savored the local specialties while touring the beautiful cobble-stoned streets. Our latest favorite was sampling Sichuan cuisine in the most unassuming little eatery in a random Chinese village on our way to the Forbidden City. It was cheap, simple, yet so so good.
TO NOT LOOK BACK AND WONDER, WHAT IF?
Life’s too short, and at the end of the day, the only “thing” that will stay with me forever, are all the adventures and sweet memories I made with my loved ones. I don’t want to put off anything that I can do today, this month or this year. I don’t want to look back in regret and say I wish I went there, or done this. Honestly, I don’t think this travel bug will ever go away. I will always have that itch to pack my bags and book the next flight out. I don’t think there is right or wrong answer to living your life. Doing what feels right now is probably the best answer, because we don’t know what tomorrow holds.
What are your thoughts on travel vs. things?
Which one would you pick if you had to choose?
Linking up with Monthly Travel Link-up, Faraway Files & Wanderful Wednesday.
xoxo, nano
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Great post! Definitely agree with your perspective. Experiences are truly things we should value more in life (especially if it’s about a trip abroad to somewhere amazing) :)
Absolutely true Tiff :) xx
Inspiring article. And I agree with you mostly. Traveling is one of the things I enjoy the most, because it builds some of the most interesting and beautiful memories. And it enriches you as a person. I am however the kind that is quite cautious. I have also started a travel blog, and while I follow and admire even the ones that made a living style of out of travelling, I could not give up my career to only travel.
Here is also my travel corner, would love to have your follow as well. Hope we’ll share insporation for our travels:)
https://egodiary.com/
I agree with you 100%. For me, travel is a luxury, a way to enjoy life, not earn living off of it. I love my stable full-time job and have no desire to quit. :)
I could not agree more! It’s hard when the older generation don’t understand it, but we have the rest of our lives to build a house and live in the one place for the rest of our lives. But for now, it’s memories and adventures that we want! xx
100% true Paige! :) xx
Oh how perfect this post is! Like you, I’m a travel addict who would much rather have experiences than expensive cars. Some people just don’t get it! Love this, Thank you!
Thank you Elisabeth, I’m happy there are so many like-minded people who love to travel and explore this beautiful world!
Loved this post! I completely agree about preferring to travel the world and have experiences versus spending money on materialistic items. Memories will last a lifetime, furniture will last a few years haha
Haha so true! :)
True … Loved the content of this post ! Gave an idea of travelling ! Ur post is good one which show others y we should invest in travel rather than things ! I do support because I invest my everything only for travelling ! ☺
I am also a blogger ( beginner in this area )
Please do follow me and read my posts .
https://lostroadweb.wordpress.com/2017/07/18/lost-road-in-city-of-hundred-spires/
I can totally relate especially I have a son now. I want him to learn that the best thing in life are experience and memories *sniff*
i would agree with you! i love to travel even though we’ve been travelling locally, the experience is something that can’t be replaced by any material object :)
Love this post! I agree, create memories and gain experiences. :)
Love this post and I couldn’t agree more. Spending money on travel in exchange for irreplaceable memories is always worth it.
What a great post and I couldn’t agree more, money spent on travel is totally worth it, it’s where memories are made. I love seeing different parts of the world, taking it all in (and so many times never wanting to leave hehe, I know you’ll probably share that feeling).
Exploring and creating memories is exactly what life is all about :)
Laura xo
http://www.shehearts.net
Laura, every word you said is so so true! Thank you for reading ☺️
Hey, thanks for your great post. I am quiet new to this “long travel” scene and started to think about a lot of stuff in a new way. It is nice to see how other thinks about and to get some different impressions.
Me and my girlfriend just started our own blog to talk about and share our experiences. Would be nice to meet you and others there, sharing thier thoughts.
Thank you Tony, will check it out!
Such a good post. Memories mean more than stuff!
They totally do!
Jobs fill your pockets, adventures fill your soul! <3
Couldn’t have said it better!!!
Hi love this article im just new here in wordpress and just literally just started blogging my travel experience. I still have A lot to learn.. But one thing that strike me the most is when you mentioned life is short and that is so true at the end of the day material things is something you cant take with you it may provide some self fullfillment but nothing compared to the things you will learn and get to experience when travelling. Cheers to all who has the passion for travelling!
Cheers! And welcome to blogosphere! xx
Do agree with you…..
I couldn’t agree more! When we pass away, you can’t take belongings but the memories we have created remain with us 💓
Absolutely! Thank you for reading ☺️
Great post! Traveling is a great way to not only learn about the world, but about yourself, too. I love experiencing new cultures and definitely love trying new cuisines. :)
Love your style of writing, very easy, friendly and comfortable to read ☺️ travel and writing are passions of mine as well, as I’m sort of new to this if you could take the time to check out my blog I’d be really grateful! Look forward to reading more of your posts x
Thank you so much! I’ll definitely check out your blog!
Great blog post. I agree with all five points and those are probably my top reasons to travel as well :) Photos are lovely, the blue flowers on the background in second photo are just gorgeous, what kind of flowers are they and where was it? :)
Pooja, these are hydrangeas, they bloom in June :)
You are right! I would never want to exchange my travel memories for anything. Sadly time and money hold me back, and probably many more people out there. Do you have a favorite place? A place which you have done to more frequently than others? A place which always draws you back?
Sophia, Japan will always be that place for me! xx
This honestly really hit home with me, I really agree with this mindset and have always preferred to spend my pennies on an experience rather than something materialistic I don’t need! Great post! x
http://www.josiearana.com
Hi there – couldn’t agree with you more! Experiences last a lifetime and you can learn so much more about yourself and others.
Each and every one of these I agree with! So many reasons to live life by traveling and experiencing different things and cultures.
Thank you for reading, Anthony. Traveling enriches you in so many ways, it can’t compare to any “thing” in the world.
I completely agree and this is why we mainly gift our children a trip or a memory rather than more ‘stuff’. They remember what they did and the places they visited years ago but ask them what gifts they received for Christmas or a birthday and they couldn’t tell you!
This is such a great approach, and so true! I’d gladly take a trip as a gift for my birthday over any purse or other item! :) Thank you for reading, Tania!
Love this post! 100% agree! New cuisine is my favourite thing about travel
YES Erin, what could be better that try new food and excite your palate with new spices?! Thank you for reading! :)
Our generation is so privileged with what we can do! It’s a lucky time to be young and explore
I could not agree more!!! Travel was not this accessible back in the day, so I am happy to live here and now. Thank you for reading! xoxo
Fabulous post, Nano – and so very true. Travel is such a life enhancing experience in a way that mere possessions absolutely aren’t. I feel so lucky to love, enjoy and treasure our travels in the way that I do. Thanks for sharing this wonderful post on #FarawayFiles
Clare thank you so much! I was a bit scared to publish the post, afraid of the criticism it might have caused. I’m very happy to see that so many people actually share my viewpoint. xx
YES YES YES!!
I can relate to this! Experiences are such a nice way to connect with people and places! The quality time with my family is one of the main reasons I love exploring the world so much! #farawayfiles
So true Hilary. Memories we make with our loved ones during these life changing experiences are priceless!
Oops! For some reason my comments didn’t post… here’s trying again aha… Basically I completely agree, and your last point hits home with me! If I hadn’t moved abroad, I would definitely be sitting at home, wondering “what if”…
Sarah, so glad you agree and that you got to experience the beauty of the world. Where did you move to? And what’s the favorite thing you discovered about that place?
I 100% agree with you! I don’t need any big possessions (in fact, we’ve just moved and all our possessions fit in a couple of suitcases and boxes, lol) or a house. I’d rather travel and live abroad, learn new things and make lots of memories cause that’s what life should be about!
Vanessa how incredible! We are almost the same way! We have minimal furniture and valuables (mainly art collected via travels) that we take with us as we move from country to country. Experiences are so much more important! Thank you for reading. xx
Traveling fools are the best kind of fools, IMO. Far more interesting that your average, everyday fool.
Lol so so true!! xx
Beautiful words, Nano! There is actually so much evidence showing that more happiness comes from spending money on experiences rather than material goods. I’d choose experiences time and time again.
I absolutely concur Nano! We try very hard to instill this in our children as well – times not things is a big one in our house. It doesn’t mean that I don’t covet some Danish design every now and again or wish I had those cute new shoes, but when balancing what else I’d like to see and experience – the travel usually outweighs! Great post and keep sharing with #FarawayFiles, Erin
Erin, comment about cute shoes or dress – big yes! We also love collecting art from every place we visit, but those tell the story of our travels, so I love each and every of them.
I completely agree. That’s where all my money and spare time goes! If I’m not travelling I’m thinking about or planning for travel. I just can’t not! I never want to get to a point where I’m wondering what if. Life passes in an instant, I want to know I spent mine doing what I love. Plus, physical things are very overrated. They break, you have to look after them properly, they take up space. No thank you! Give me experiences any day.
So true Rachel!
Hell yes its all about the travel! Whenever anyone asks me what I’d like for my birthday… erm a city break? Haha. Or a travel magazine subscription will do ;)
Haha, yes please, travel as a birthday gift! I love travel magazines!
Great post, I agree with so many of the points you raised! :D
Thank you for reading, I’m glad so many people share my opinion.
I always choose travel over material things:)
Same here, experiences are so much more meaningful. Thank you for reading Tanja!
I SO Agree on everything said on that post! Loved it! It’s not easy when people around me don’t understand why I love travelling/ moving around so much; but the excitement when I travel, when I meet new people or try to speak their languages… that’s worth everything! :D
100% true! These memories and connections you make during travel are priceless!
This is why I love you!! I think about number five every day!!
Haha blog-sisters for life! And yes, life’s too short to look back and wonder what if!
I couldn’t agree more! My husband and I are the same way. I love our adventures, trying new things, and seeing the world from a less US-centric POV. The travel bug is real!!
Sara, so wonderful that you have a partner to share tour experiences with. It makes travel even more meaningful! Thank you for reading! 💕
We can be travel twins! I feel like this post came out of my mind. I travel for the same reasons. In addition, I think travel helps me to be more grateful and humble. Plus, it helps me to be more creative and happy about life. I do not mind budgeting and saving if travel is the end goal. #wanderfulwednesday
Ruth, totally agree, travel does make you humble and my two years in Haiti was a good lesson in that. Thank you for reading! 💕
I’m with you on this one! Broadening your horizons and experiences is SO important. Too often we seek material things to keep us happy but they never last. They tire and become old and worn out until you need a new one. Travel – our memories, our experiences and what we learn are with us forever. Travel has a greater impact on your life than any Mercedes can offer.
Juliette, I want to quote you every day! True words! Thank you for reading 💕
What a heartfelt post. You are so right and I 100% agree that I would always look for experiences more than gifts. Also since I love food that is the main reason why I would always travel.
Thank you, I’m happy you share my opinion.
All of the above, I couldn’t agree more. I love collecting memories much more than “stuff” and although it can sometimes be expensive, I think it’s worth it every time. #WanderfulWednesday
Absolutely Kathrine, travel is much meaningful than any “thing” can ever be.
Agreed especially the last one.
Yes yes yes! Thabk you for reading 💕
I would 100% (and mostly do) spend my $ on traveling vs. things. It’s funny cause when my friends and family ask me what I want for my birthday/Christmas, I always ask for “experience gifts”. Things that I can experience from a trip, going to a game, going on an adventure vs. getting a new purse.
Same here! In fact, now that I realize it, I stopped shopping on my trips entirely. I prefer to sightsee and eat out instead han waste my time in a shopping mall.