Not a very sexy title or topic, but a crucial one that we don’t talk enough about! There is balance in everything we do but the biggest balancing act I like to plan for is time versus money in travel experiences. How do we find this balance?
For example, you are on a tight budget and have a long time to travel. Maybe you quit your 9-5 and left to travel the world. That means you have a limited budget and more wiggle room around time. You’ll want to take an 8 hour bus for $4 across Ecuador instead of the $100 1 hour flight.
In another example, you may only have one vacation per year, and it’s only 1 week! In that case, you want to put your money towards saving you time! You’ll want to get those flights and those private cars!
Of course there will be more nuance in your situation than these two easy examples, but that’s where we must begin!
How do you decide what is worth the money versus what is worth the time?
It is all up to you! I often compare the options and think about how much stress each side will send me. It’s important to go with your gut and make sure you’re taking care of your needs. Don’t take a 5 hour bus trip just to save $30 if you are going to be absolutely miserable that entire day. Sometimes it’s worth the extra money to just get where you need to get!
And it’s not just about transportation though those are the easier examples. It can be about restaurant choices, activity options, and more. How do you choose what to spend your money on? Everyone has priorities. I encourage you to start by looking at your hobbies in your regular life and think about what brings you the most joy. Is it food? I would make sure you find exquisite places to have dining experiences. Is it birding? Make sure you find some nature time. Is it museums? Do you love to be social? Find some cultural events or ways to connect with people. And if you’re on a tight budget, prioritize those things you love, and cinch the belt on the other components!
There are loads of ways to balance your vacation so you can maximize your joy.
Did this help you think in a different way about travel? If so, share it with someone and subscribe to my email list! 🙂
Let’s travel with intention.
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