100% Vacation Fund

I was having a cordial conversation with my friend and we were talking about how when we were in school, we had a lot of time but no money. When we have to work, we have a lot of money but no time. When we are finally retired, we may have the time and the money, but not the energy! Both of us were limited to the weekends for photography trips. We also mentioned about how the more money we make, the less we want to take time off from work. That leads me to question what would our money be best spent on if we are trading over a third of our entire lives making it? 

On the north coast of California one evening, I met Jeff (LandESCAPE Visuals). After shooting sunset, we talked about camera gear over text. Envious of his imagery, I remember asking him, should I buy a new camera? He replied with no, “save money, travel the world”. I wrote it down on a post-it note and stuck it on my computer. 

Which would lead to better photos, a new camera or a plane ticket to somewhere exotic? 

Whenever I bought I new camera or lens, I would get excited temporarily and have motivation to travel somewhere to take photos just try out my new toy. But then the novelty wears off and I want something new. This repetitive cycle results in unnecessary and impulse purchases. I’ve learned that buying more and more stuff, whether it’s a toy or a house, only holds you down. They clutter your life and reduce your freedom because you have to manage and maintain it. 

Compared to vacations or trips, experiences won’t clutter your room or your house. Experiences can’t get lost, broken or stolen. They don’t need to be maintained for years.

Every time I travel or simply leave the house, I find new sources of inspiration. Whether I meet new people locally or immerse myself in a completely different culture, my perspective of the world expands. By traveling, you can completely get away from your daily routine and come back refreshed with new invigoration. You learn to travel, but also travel to learn. 

You don’t need to fly halfway across the world to be on vacation. I’ve found that a simple road trip exploring my home state can yield just as much, if not more enjoyment. Some of the best photos I’ve ever taken was the result of a spontaneous road trip. When I tallied up the expenses at the end, I realized it didn’t cost much at all! It was what I would have spent anyway, food, gas, and a place to stay. 

Every time I find myself researching the newly announced camera and debating whether I should upgrade, I look to that post-it note with Jeff’s reply. I remind myself I’m better off using what I already have and traveling instead. Plan the next trip. Buy that plane ticket. Book that hotel. Go on that exotic vacation you’ve been saving up for. You can always make more money but you can’t make more time. In the end, experiences are what we learn and grow from. After a good trip, I don’t remember how much I spent because it was worth every penny. 

Money well spent. 

April 7, 2018 | Philosophies