Seeing this article in the New York Times about pairing down and living a simpler life, reminded me of how I’ve chosen to live my life and channel my interests and funds into travel.
Ever since getting hooked on globetrotting more than 23 years ago, I’ve always made taking off for parts unknown a priority in my life. When I had a “real” job, I’d watch my co-workers leave every day for lunch, spending $6-10 on a sandwich, chips and soda, while I ate my homemade lunch in the cafeteria and then went for a walk (with or without a colleague). The same folks who went out to eat every day, would remark that they didn’t know how I could possibly afford to travel so much. They missed the irony that they were spending their airline money on expensive soups and lattes.
While I like a good movie just as much as the next gal, I’ve always equated going to the cinema with one (or more) night’s stay at a hostel in some foreign city. Stop drinking a week’s worth of coffees at the local café and you’ve soon paid for a night at a bed and breakfast. And don’t get me started on clothes, girlfriends. The Europeans have it right — enjoy a few quality items hanging in your closet and don’t be tempted to join the fashionista community because of peer pressure. You’ve got things to see! Forget the heels and take a pass on that $800 Nicole Miller dress – leave those for Barbie! Instead, put those dollars in a jar designated for travel and you’ll realize it does not take long to build up some cash for an adventure.
Admittedly, since the economy has crashed, it is actually more fashionable today than ever (well, except for during the depression) to save money and to not be in debt. Suddenly, I find people admiring my debt-free lifestyle when just a few years ago I had people advising me that I should take out loans to start my business.
I own my car and my motorcycle. My credit cards are paid off every month and, while I do have a mortgage on my home, it’s at 4.75% on a 15-year loan. We’ll pay that off soon and then really be able to wander off to parts unknown (and some known, too).
You don’t have to sell your house and rent a 400 square foot studio (like the couple in the NY Times article), but the next time you think about an expensive meal out (or even a $6 mocha, for that matter), ask yourself where your priorities are. Maybe it IS in that paper cup, which is OK, but then think about your colleagues who are taking full advantage of their vacation time!
Travel Well,
Beth
Related links:
Women and Whole Body Scanners at Airport
Security Alert – Peanut Butter is Spreadable
Airport Safety = Security Theater?
Where Have all the Clunkers Gone?
Photo Credit: Maureen Veras
Meg Noble Peterson says
I am so with you on this, Beth. It is and has been my philosophy for more years than you have lived. So glad you had the guts to write it! And I also admire fact that you come up with endless interesting pieces and pictures. Question: Do you ever sleep? Meg
Satu says
$6 for a mocha… would equal 270 India rupees… and that would get me 27 big coffees at my favourite coffee & tea stall in India, the Joy House in Mysore (and they even apologized to me recently for having to increase the price of a coffee to a whopping Rs10). I’m with you Beth!
Dominique says
I distinctly remember being told I was foolish to pay off my mortgage 10 years ago. I should “leverage” my money, refinance the house, whatever.
I also distinctly remember being told I should move into a larger house (more times than I can count!).
I’m one of those nuts who doesn’t like to keep a balance on my credit cards, paying them off every month…
And people always wonder why we can travel as much as we do…even as we’re coping with a major family health issue this year, we still manage to get away for a few days here and there. Our little trips are a major priority for us.