How much does travelling mean to you?

Traveling means the world to me. Spontaneous by nature, I long for seeing new parts of the planet. This Saturday, I'm going to DC with a friend. I would prefer to visit France, but hey - travel is travel. Washington, D.C. is outside my room, therefore it is fresh and new (despite visiting the city several times before).

I don't hesitate at all to leave things behind in order to create memories. You CAN do a lot with those memories. Picture albums, stories, foreign addresses and phone numbers, maps you can't understand, smells that repulsed you, a welcoming smile - all of these useful in their own right.

Great topic Eli! The weak dollar has got me in the same spot, and I don't have the luxury of an income that allows me to travel every year. So I don't travel as freqently as I want to (Google Earth helps me dream though). I also eat out less, don't have a fancy car or house, and generally making do with what I have.

But what do I get for the "sacrifice"? Memories ARE worth something to me. But so is the mind opening experience of a broader world perspective. I have a new found appreciation for the differences that make us unique and the similarities that make us all human. I have learned about history, sacrifice, and culture that a West Coast USA existence can't even come close to appreciating. I also love home a lot more, knowing how lucky I am to live where I do. Can't put a price tag on that.

Maybe your friend will learn a little from you about the world, and although unwilling to leave her home, you can bring a bit of joy and learning to her.

Personally I have always chosen to experience things rather than to own things. And I hope I always do.

I belong to the camp that would say that you can do a lot with memories. They can cheer us up during a loooong winter, they keep us planning the next trip, they feed the soul.

I can live with out the fancy house, or designer clothes or eating out all the time. I don't care about those things very much, but I don't know how long I would last without a trip to plan and then to take.

Some of my favorite experiences have come from travel, whether it was during a weekend camping trip or traveling in Europe. Traveling tends to take us out of ourselves, it allows time for reflection, growth, relaxation and FUN!

While part of me thinks "to each their own", I think travel with always be real close to the top of my priority list.

Great topic Eli.

Happy Trails.

I've always had a love for travel and even spent a few years as a tour director taking people on trips.(I got paid to travel.) I also got to go to places I had never been and experience things I may not have had a chance to.

It was also interesting to meet many different people and see how they travel. Some were terrific and enjoyed every day. Some complained about every little thing. There were those who researched and had a list of things they wanted to do in their free time, and others who waited for me to make suggestions.

One of the best things was getting to meet people from all over the world and have time to talk to them and learn about their countries.

CL--I agree entirely! Travel gives memories, but also life altering or shaping experiences and a somewhat different perspective.

I'd much rather give up daily coffee for a year at Starbucks in exchange for one day sitting in an European sidewalk cafe!

I've always found that once you visit a place, you will never think of it the same way again. Every time you hear about it on the news, or see an article about it, or hear people talking about it, your mind will go right back to when you were standing on that street corner or that mountaintop seeing it for yourself. In recent years, since being able to travel more, I have found myself feeling more like a citizen of the world instead of just my own country. I have a seasonal second job during the winter, and I tell people that I work two jobs to be able to feed my travel bug.

Nancy, that's how I feel exactly. I made a deal with them my kids long ago about travelling (when they were quite young) that If they wanted the latest "everything" that their friends had, it was okay with us, but they would have to stay back with Grandma and Grandpa. I left it up to them and would have followed through. They chose travel instead! Up to now they still would prefer a trip abroad, out of state, out of town over some gadget or clothing their friends covet.

All of your responses sounded like a combination of how we feel about travelling. As a young teen, I started babysitting and working summers to save for my first big trip. I saved enough on my own back then to visit a pen friend in Austria. My father about died when I announced that I wanted to visit her! He gave me $600 emergency money, but I was determined to make that my trip and never touched the EM. Returned after a month and according to my parents, I was never the same. It changed me forever, in a great way.

Ask your friend if she thinks anyone lays on their deathbed looking back at their life and thinking "Man, that was such a great backsplash I installed in my kitchen back in 2008!"

If she still disagrees with you, I guess you'll just have to suck it up and live with the fact that (according to her anyway) you'll be on your deathbed someday thinking "Why did I go to Europe for a whole month with my family when I could have had that 6 burner professional chef quality gas range with a built-in pancake griddle!".

I think we're on this planet to experience life, connect with other people, and try to make our small contribution to humanity in some way. Not to have the coolest house. Eli, your friend seems to need affirmation from someone that her "stuff" is great and therefore that she is valuable. How sad.

Eli, what a great topic!

It's unfortunate that your friend prefers possessions over the experiences and memories of travel, but I guess "each to his/her own". It sounds like she's not willing to compromise in order to travel. Rick's travel philosophy comes to mind - "Affording travel is a matter of priorities (Make do with an old car)".

I'm also dealing with a number of renovations this year - just waiting for some estimates. However, I'm not going to let that stop me from travelling, and I'm heading on another adventure in Europe next month. Until 2004 I had only travelled North America, but after experiencing my first trip to Europe I find I'm always dreaming of the next trip. I'll be retired in a year or so, and hopefully I'll have enough money to continue travelling!

I'm sure the renovations will be waiting for me when I get home. In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy exploring and photographing a part of Europe that I haven't seen yet.

Happy travels!

Continued from previous post.....

It's hard to pinpoint what travel means to me? I find that I become somewhat more outgoing when I'm travelling, and enjoy talking to both other travellers as well as the local residents. I enjoy seeing historic locations, artwork, architecture, etc. (not too much though, as it becomes overwhelming after a while). I'm interested in WW-2 history, so usually visit at least one site on each trip. I enjoy experiencing the different food, culture and languages of Europe, and the unique ambience of each city. I'm not in the least interested in the "usual" recreational activities that a lot of my peers enjoy - golfing, skiing, boating or whatever - travel (and photography) are are my preferred activities.

It's been very interesting to read some of the other replies to your original post.

Cheers!

Things are availble all the time anyway. I give up shopping, a new car, new $$ handbags for travel. Right now I am still young and healty. I will go travel. When I can't move around, I will enjoy stay at the big bird cage.

Traveling means to see the world, see the differences in culture and people, also try different food. It is a experence and enjoyment.

My mother almost 80 years old. She has no car or house, but she travel every year. Why? After a good knee replacement. she says I walk ok, travel ok, I go see outside. Life is too short!

What a great topic! I've enjoyed everyone's replies. While I like material things, nothing is forever. The house will get worked on, but I won't always live here. I don't take my health and job for granted, and travel when I can. When I'm old(er) and/or infirm, I'll be able to reminisce with travel photos, journals, and memories. That great fridge I bought when I moved into my house will be long gone. Being conservative with my money pays off in that I can travel. My little convertible is cute, but it's 15 years old and paid off. My house is not a "dream house" and is a ways out of town (most of my waking hours are spent at work anyway). No designer clothes, etc. When I shop, I think, "Will this wrinkle? How well will this pack?". Travelling brings a sense of adventure and mind-broadening experiences that are priceless.

This is how much travel means to me: I'm graduating with a BSN (in my 40's) and we're moving to Texas into a house that costs 1/5 of what our house is worth here because for me traveling is a priority! Our budget includes spending 1 month in Europe every other year. We could have bought a bigger more expensive house, but we want to travel!!!

My sister has told me she is jealous of all of the traveling I've done, but I told her its a choice. I choose not to buy NEW cars. I choose not to wear designer clothes. I totally agree about happily giving up daily coffee to spend a morning in a cafe in Europe.

It's good to know I'm not the only one who feels this way!

Oh boy - thanks for the post. Right now I am trying to decide between my current job in the travel industry or a better paid job working 9 to 5 for a local firm.

I love to travel. I really love it.

I've just realised that I couldn't be as happy as I am ( tiny house, mediocre car, et al ) if I didn't travel so much.

Excellent topic.
I don't own a house, but I rent an apartment in a nice neighborhood, so the rent is quiet high , but less than I would pay to own a house + proprety tax and other costs. I own a nice German car, but it's paid off. So I have money for travelling, which is very important to me. My problem is to find people to travel with because I hate going places by myself. My boyfriend has hard time taking vacation, and my other friends don't want to travel.
I think there are way to save money and use it for travel, like not spending all your pay check on mortage and/or an expensive car. I personally prefer to do things outside of my house, so even if I would have a house, I wouldn't invest a lot of money in remodeling often.I like to have a cozy home, but I believe in fixings or doing things myself, so this will save me money.I also believe in sort of budget tarvelling, whcih to me emans booking a cheap hotel, but clean.

continue...
I would never pay a lot of money, like over $100 just to sleep for a few hours in a luxury hotel. So far I've been lucky and found really good deals on hotels and air tickets in all my travels.I also don't believ in paying a travel agent to do the work for me. It's very easy to do a reaserch on your own nowdays, and it's free most of the time. So I think with a smart budgeting people can do many things, buy a house, car and travel.It is true that it all depends on how much one makes.
And on top of all these thoughts I am a believer in memories.

My husband and I go round and round about this. He is of the "tangible acquisition" crowd, while I am of the "intangible acquisition" variety. In order for him to feed his hobbies and me to feed my travel bug, we both drive old cars, live in an older home, and are frugal with our expenses. I think which camp you belong to is a function of personality -- my daughter gave up Christmas presents and birthday presents this year to go to Spain. My son said he would rather stay home and have some new video games. I am a traveller all the way, wanting to see and taste and smell the whole world. My husband is not -- he would be unhappy at home without "stuff".

Jill, welcome to Texas, where living is less expensive than many places and where it truly may be a bit easier to save for priceless travel experiences.

Eli, great question. We, too, have put remodeling on hold. Our kitchen needs updating in the worst way. However, in 06, we chose instead to take our family of grown children on the 14 day RS best of Europe tour. Again, I use the word priceless. Wouldn't trade that experience with our family for anything, certainly not a fancy kitchen. This summer, my husband and I will take RS London tour, adding on Paris and more, although we now also have a bit of repair to complete on outside bldgs for damage done by Hurricane Rita. But, that can wait. Travel can't. As a child, we traveled much in the US, and we are new to European travel, even though we have dreamed about it always. Now we just go for it. Let's face it. Some have the travel virus. Some don't. I'm just glad I do. I save as much $ as I can for travel. Happy travels? Yes indeed!

I am so glad that I brought this topic up, because from the passionate responses, I realise that I am not alone.

When my friend used an exasperated tone to ask why I MUST travel "again," it made me step back and wonder if something was wrong with me. We were in Europe in 2006 so she couldn't understand WHY we would be going back again. I suppose the same way I can't understand her wanting the best appliances, tiles, wood flooring, fancy light fixtures and new car, she can't understand why in the world I want to see more countries! Seeing, tasting, touching and living new experiences in foreign lands turns me on in a way that only you guys would understand.

It's also true about acquisition. Some need to have things they can see everyday. We live for the memories and experiences abroad.

When I was young and lived in Finland, I traveled a lot all over Europe and then to the US and finally moved here 1991. For several years after that, I did not feel the need to travel that much. I had done it all and I just wanted to settle down. Four years ago we sold our house in Southern California and paid cash for a house twice the size in Sprinfield Missouri. Now we only have one car payment and that is it! The thing is I am bored to death where we live and now I want to travel back to Europe so badly. I went back to Europe the last two summers with my daughter and we are going again for two months. I would not give it up any more. I need it for my soul. Nothing else matters any more! Mean while I get by watching Rick Steves and the Travel Channel and dreaming that I could live in Europe again.

I don't need my house to be fancy because I'm frequently not in it!!!

I spend as much time as possible outdoors, and that recharges me. Travel to me can be this year's trip to Italy or a 30 min drive to a new hiking area, but I need to GO, SEE, and DO. It is also a great way to reconnect with my husband- walk away from the diapers, Tball games, lunchboxes, and laundry and ESCAPE.

I try to live by the mantra of learning something every day, and travel is such an enjoyable way to do that. I would probably not learn much from replacing my countertops with granite.

The dollar is hurting us this trip, and we are having a garage sale to make a little cash, cutting out the extras, etc. but we would never have dreamed of cancelling.

Eli - great question! My family and I have traveled all over the US - almost all the national parks and other wonderful sites here. We have also traveled to Canada, Mexico, Jamaica, BVI, etc., and have given up whatever it takes to go on our 3+week trips that we call family tours. It has been a wonderful experience that I wouldn't trade it for any material thing. We are embarking on our first European trip this summer (weak dollar and all) and will spend about 24 days over 5 countries. For that we are giving up new hardwood floors that we could really use (asthetically anyway)and want. It's a personal choice but neither my family or my friends really care that my floors and carpets could use a makeover. With that said, I would never sacrafice needed repairs or things that are necessary to keep my home's current value. - m

I used to think I would get independently wealthy then travel the world.

After owning my own business for five years and taking no vacations, my outlook changed. I decided I will only be young and healthy enough to enjoy travel for a limited number of years. Now I save some, travel some, repeat as often as possible.

I save money by putting off the new car, doing home improvement myself and taking camping/hiking trips in the States rather than expensive vacations.

I still hope to make travel an integral part of retirement but realize that will last only as long as my health.

I have also given up a bathroom and a kitchen to travel and I feel great about it. You don't make memories in your bathroom - I saw save and go to Europe.

Is there a website out there that has better, more sensitive and thoughtful participants? I don't think so. I agree with everything everyone has posted so far!

I think I would die without traveling. The townhouse hubby and I live in had a wacko owner before us and she took out walls and did some strange things. The kitchen is from 1978 with a new stove and fridge. I could have redone it a year and a half ago but, I chose to go to Europe for a month. My family is always asking me why we don't move, well, we love to travel way way too much. My car is now 5yrs old and just went out of warenty but I can either travel or get a new car. I may just drive this one till it falls apart under me. At this point I have not been out of the country for 6 months now and I feel like I am going nuts. It is a good thing our country is so big and there is alot to see here.

It makes sense to prioritize a comfortable home, decent reliable car, and other major daily-use things -- but if you're asking me whether I'd rather have a McMansion and a Saab vs. a 3-bedroom Colonial and a PT Cruiser if the latter option would allow me to travel more, then it's a no-brainer. And forget the designer wardrobe.

"You can't do anything with those memories"? Sure I can. I can relive them whenever I want to, and make more later. I like being home, but I like NOT being home too. A nice balance of comfortable home environment and some traveling is what I'm going for.

A while ago Kent asked how people were dealing with the Euro/dollar exchange rate - my response was that I chose not to redo my kitchen, instead just replacing the stove and refrigerator. So what if you can't go through the door when someone is standing at the fridge... I'm glad to see so many out there have made the same choice of travel over remodeling! My daughter [now 16] and I have enjoyed some wonderful trips, on our own, or with my husband or parents; travel has connected us more closely as a family but also strengthened our connections to the world around us. This year we are heading out to some of the great national parks in Colorado and Wyoming to balance out the 9 foreign countries that she has visited; I need to show her that her country has marvels worth celebrating too. I can't understand why anyone would trade that for a nice backsplash. But if everyone thought as we do, the crowds at our favorite sites would be even worse! A great thread; thanks for asking!

Funny, I was talking about this topic at work today with a patient! Travel trumps kitchen remodel ! As long as I have a comfortable house and a safe car I will pick taking a trip over house renovations! I traveled with my family as a child so I have traveling in my blood. I will be spending a month in Europe with my husband and two teenage sons this summer and even with the weak dollar the experience will be valuable to
my family.
Life is short and while I'm healthy and mobile I want to travel as much as possible.

Hi everyone

I am new to this board, but I just had to post on this topic. My husband is deployed overseas right now. End of June he has 2 weeks R&R. Instead of comining home, I am meeting him in germany. this is my first trip overseas. My husband has never been overseas for pleasure. We chose to meet in Germany one reason is only one air ticket. We love to travel. Have only been in USA. We should be saving for a new house, a new car. But, we are pushing 50 and I have learned that you can save for your retirement for years and then die or your spouse dies. We have chosen adventure now. We have always said we did not want to look back at our lives and said "we should have done or I wish I would have."" We are both so excited about our upcoming adventure.

Great topic. My aunt is a little like your friend, she doesn't understand why my dad and I love to travel so much. I too have postponed remodeling and some repairs, drive an older car, etc. I have what I need, just not the top of the line of everything.

A new backsplash may be pretty, but it wouldn't affect me as a person. Travel does. It makes me more aware of the fact that despite our different ways of talking, eating, architecture, etc., for the most part, we are more alike than we are different. I'm more aware of the world, more open to new experiences, see places in a different light when I see them in the news, on tv, or in a magazine. I teach college biology and I have been to some of the locations (rainforests), and seen many of the things that I teach about. It is so much more meaningful to me now, and hopefully to my students as well. I now take students on international studies trips, and get tremendous satisfaction in seeing a new world open for them as well.

Tricia, I did the same thing. We thought that if hubby came home everyone would be pulling him left and right, so I met him in Frankfurt then we went to Munich. We also stayed in a rental from Armed Forces Vacation Club a more rural part of Bavaria. It was so so relaxing.

You guys are giving me goose bumps :-).

I am thrilled that this topic has allowed everyone to share their passion for travelling. Only today I told my husband that this is the best travel board I've come across so far. He asked me why, and I told him that somehow, the people are different...more real in a way I couldn't explain.

The saddest story I heard recently was this old guy at the retirement home (my son volunteers there) who saved all his life so he and his wife could travel around the world. They read books for years, looked at videos, researched all the places they would visit, and dreamed for a life time. Then she got lung cancer, and died in less than two years. He actually told my son to do it all now, and not wait for retirement. If you get around to that time and are healthy enough, then you can always fill in the areas that you didn't get to see before :-).

Eli, I couldn't agree more. I had a life changing thing happen to me in my 20's that totally affected my feelings on what is important. My mother dreamed for years about going to China. The trip kept getting postponed because of work, family, etc. She thought she had plenty of time. My parents were finally going to go, when she was diagnosed with lung cancer. She died 6 weeks later. She was 58 and a nonsmoker. She had been saving for years, for her dream trip and her old age. She got neither of those things. My father finally got to travel after he remarried and had a number of fantastic trips, though he could never bring himself to go to China without my mother. I like to live in a nice house as much as the next person, but you have to live for TODAY. I truly believe that people who don't allow themselves new experiences have not truly lived.

I give up being in better weather. I go to Europe when it's much cheaper in November. It can be really cold, but at least I'm there.
Also, travel means more to me than having stuff, so I sell as much as I can on Ebay before my trips.
I'll be off to Milan November 2008!

Traveling is a high priority in my life. Unfortunately, there is this obstacle called economic reality. However, I travel light and keep my expenses down to a minimum and still thoroughly enjoy my time spent in Europe. I've been to France, Spain and, in April, will be traveling to Portugal. These trips fulfill my curiosities and, frankly, I get to remove myself from a very snowy winter here in Madison, Wi. and get back to wearing sandals again. My only regret is that I cannot stay longer (I'll be in Portugal for 10 days). My wife and I keep our living expenses down so we can afford the luxury of travel which expands our view of the world. The more we venture forth and really get out to meet the locals, the more appreciation we have for one another.

My father had a dream to take my brother and myself to Scotland and visit Castle Dunrobin in Golspie ,the seat of Clan Sotherland [ our family name]. As I had been traveling on my own for some time I started planning the trip.As he got older he developed a fear of flying that just would not allow him to get on that plane. After he passed away I took the trip and wrote his name in the visitor's book. It was a very meaningful moment.
I am a single woman with a decent income but ,of course ,house and car repairs are all on me. I drive the almost paid off PT Cruiser and keep a small condo in good repair but do without the fancy extras and Starbucks and I manage to travel to Europe twice a year and have done so for 10 years. I will eat rice and beans and do whatever I need to for those 2 weeks. I have seen great works of art and stood on the doorstep of Virginia's Woolf's home and my life is richer for having done so. I could not say the same of a new kitchen.

Wow I love this topic!

I am leaving for my first trip to Europe in June, and I have been planning it forever. I am a university student, so budget is a big concern. What have I given up? Well, I have not bought any new clothes in about six months, I bought a travel mug and started bringing coffee from home instead of going to Tim Horton's every day, my Christmas and birthday presents consisted of travel equipment, and, to be honest, I did not buy all of my required textbooks this term! My roommates buy new clothes all the time, and trust me, I love clothes as much as the next girl, but every time I walk into a mall with my friends, I just picture the Eiffel Tower or Big Ben or the Roman Forum, and keep my debit card safely in my wallet!

After my first trip to Europe (30 years ago this month!) I returned with a passion for travel. I was just starting out jobwise so didn't have much money. What I gave up at that time was nicer living situations. I answered roommate wanted ads, slept in the "maids quarters" of a house, and had a studio apt for the next 7 years. Other friends had started to get the nicer apartments, buy furniture, etc. I didn't buy my first couch until I was 28 but I traveled each year to meet a friend who I had met the first time in Spain!

Now "Travel" is a constant line item in our family budget. We've hopefully passed on a love of travel (especially, for me, to Europe) to our kids. We give travel for birthday or graduation presents. We babysit grandkids for short breaks now and probably longer ones later. Of course, having just gotten back from visiting our daughter who is studying in France, it doesn't seem like we've "given up" anything at all!

You won't get much in the way of disagreement on this board, I suspect...we're here because we have the travel bug!

Interesting, though, since I had a very similar discussion recently with a friend about eating in special restaurants. His feeling was, calories are calories, and once they're consumed, you're left with nothing beyond them--whether it's McDonalds or elsewhere. I took the position that the experience of enjoying something unique and appreciating the artistry of a cuisine lasts long after digestion.

So...I drive a 1991 Honda Civic, have eaten in some of the world's most interesting restaurants, and traveled the world. For me, experiences are what money is for.

BTW, one of the secretaries where I work goes to Europe with her husband every other year. Some of the high-paid folks wonder how she can afford it. I should link them to this topic...

Since the general answer seems to be answered, I have to note that I see a different aspect to this issue. Travel is a priority, and I make sacrifices accordingly, just as I fund my 401K first and live on the balance. Unfortunately, some aquaintances do not see the sacrifices, they only see the 3-4 week trip. Yes, they notice my 10 year old beater pickup as they drive up in their 2007 Lexus, they are proud of their newly built house while I work on my 40 year old fixer-upper, and certainly the dilemma over whether to get the 56" or 60" LCD TV can be distracting, but it is a puzzle to them how I can afford a luxury like a long trip. (After all, they went to Cancun for a week and it cost them $6000, I was gone 4! and in Europe!) I chuckle and am not mean in my response, just relate the priorities thing and the fact that one can travel for much less. It does not convince them, but it re-affirms my priorities.

OK, OK...Now I have been a little mean in at least one response given to a coworker that repeatedly brought up the issue. After listening patiently and knowing that my previous responses had not placated her, I provided a concrete example. I pointed out that both her and her husband were smokers, and by her own admission were "Pack-a-day" smokers. I go on a trip every two years, so for comparision, if they were to stop smoking, at 4.50 a pack, at the end of two years they will have amassed $6500, not a bad budget for a 2-3 week trip. She hasn't spoken to me since.

Travel is both my passion and my profession. To do what you love and get paid for it is the dream of many. It was and still is my dream. Everyday is an adventure. No two days are the same. It's very true that "Travel broadens the mind" and "Travel is the ultimate education. Free lessons daily in Art, History, Geography just to name a few!" (Although I am very much pro-education as I have a College degree in Travel and realize the importance of a good education)

Most F/A's work two careers. We are NOT poorly paid, as is the common misconception. Int'l law regulates that we can only fly up to 90 hours per month given the highly Safety oriented nature of our responsibility. Many of us are also in Health Care, or other related jobs and could have increased job security if we committed only to our second jobs full-time. But many of us choose not to b/c we love what we do and where we get to go often! You must love travel to be an F/A! But that s/not be the only reason!
(cont'd)

I can relate to many of the previous responses
having endured a lengthy period of illness and recovery myself. For hours I sat watching Travel Videos dreaming and wondering if ever again I would fly let alone travel.
I relived every moment of Rick's tours. Reliving some of those memories really helped to get me through the tough times.

I didn't have to be sitting in my rocking chair at 90 to draw on the memories and experiences that travelling has taught me. I believe that those memories helped to keep my spirit alive. I guess it truly is all about priorities. I want to travel as much as I possibly can, while I can b/c life IS short and takes many unexpected twists and turns. I am reminded of that now more than ever as I work secondarily in Health Care as EMS.

One final thought for Eli...

Maybe you'll be abroad and find a great deal on some beautiful Glass tiles! I've found many beautiful things for my home while abroad. And I've actually got better quality for less money than I would have if I bought similar items here at home. As long as shipping isn't too much of a hassle it's worth looking into!

Portugal has beautiful hand painted tiles. Local artists can even customize designs for you for a fraction of the cost back home! I really enjoy having a home designed to reflect my passion for travel. Every piece has a story and a memory.

Paul, I have had similar discussions with our friends and acquaintances.

They always gasp when I tell them that we are going away for a month, be it Europe, Caribbean, Mexico or even the States. We save all year for our trips, and set aside four weeks. We do without many things (my car is five years old, still new to me), and we're in the same starter home, but we travel.

Our friends have passed us with material things as well. Bigger homes, swimming pool, Lexus/BMW and designer clothes yet they can never afford more than a week's vacation in the States or maybe Cancun. A few of them have told me that unless they can go 5 star all the way to Europe, they're not going! I have one friend who lives in England, and she too has never travelled much. I saw more of England than she has ever done, because it has to be 5 stars or no way! Different breed I tell you.

We've never traveled much as a family when I was growing up because my parents were saving for my brothers and I's college tuition and to allow all of us to play sports and compete at the national level. Because of their jobs, we never got out of the country as a family but they did pay a European trip to each one of us while we were in high school. (Spain for one brother, England for the other and France & Germany for me) While I don't think it changed my brothers that much, that trip was definitely life-changing for me. I have traveled across Canada and seen amazing places since that European trip but I still dream of the day where I can finally go overseas again. Even though I'm a full-time college student in a very tough program, I'm working part-time and still manage to find time for practice (because I also believe that sports are part of a healthy lifestyle). While every student will spend their summer under the sun relaxing, I'll be working 2 jobs to save up for my next trip...

(cont'd) A lot of people don't understand why I'm barely spending any of the money I make working part-time. I'll be in the States in a month or so and I will buy all the clothes I need for spring/summer/fall. I know things are usually far cheaper then back home and the exchange rate is great right now. I make sure I buy good quality that is on sale so that I can wear them for years.

I still haven't been able to completely give up coffee though but I'm working hard on that.

Travel is hereditary in my family (I'm not kidding). Traveling is as natural to me as breathing. Growing up, I woke up many a weekend to 1 of my folks saying "Pack a bag, we're going away for the weekend." Many times we packed up & left the house without knowing where we were going. I can still hear mom behind the wheel asking dad "Left or right?". I visited 31 states before I was 16. Europe is like the next frontier for me. I've had co-workers wondering how I, a part-time, poorly paid employee half their age, could afford to leave the country for 2-4 weeks. I made the mistake of mentioning that my traveling to the UK for 2 weeks was less expensive than what they were spending on a week in Myrtle Beach (didn't go there again). My used pick-up is almost paid off, I still live at home, I haven't bought new shoes in ages (shoes are a weakness), & I "make do" w/& am thankful for what I have. I say, why have money if you're just going to sit on it? You can't take it w/you when you go.

I, too, have travel in my genes. My father's oldest sister travelled around the world, as a single. She made all her own clothes, including bras and panties, grew her own veggies and even recycled the rinse water from her washing machine to empty into her garden to water it. While I am nowhere that creative, I did go back to work part/time after being retired a year and happily spend every cent I earn on travel. Aunt Sophie would be so proud!

Eli, I feel much the same as you. We are almost set to leave on my son's first European trip. It will be a comprimise trip due to the house addition that we too are doing. So, in effect I will have my cake of a new room (and doing most of the work myself and using the savings) to eat it too in another country. Like your friend, I really won't be giving anything up, I'm just scaling things back to use the savings for memories that will last a 10 year old boy a life time.

All you really have in Life is what you did and how you feel about yourself. The house, the job, the family, everything could be gone but you would still have your experiences. Traveling is an unique opportunity for self growth-changing how your perceptions. It is a learning experience that can't be paralleled.

We have been to Europe more times than I can count. We save just to travel. Once you experience the life and live the life over there, it is difficult to stay home. Europe will always call you back whether it be the cliffs of Italy or the Mountains of Baveria.

it's the main reason I teach: to have 2 1/2 months off in the summer to travel. There's nothing like seeing all those places and hanging out with the locals!

For my first trip to Europe (to anywhere) 4 years ago I gave up a car. I could choose between idependent transportation and a trip to Ireland with my Model UN class. I chose Ireland and to drive my Mom's 89 Ford Station wagon.

I had always thought I wanted to travel and that trip confirmed it.

As soon as I got back I started saving for a trip to France with a friend. To do that I had to keep living at home and take the bus to avoid paying for gas. For a year and a half I was living on about $250 a month. Needless to say I was not buying expensive clothes, Ipods, or partying the way many friends were at the time. It was a fantastic trip and I would give it all up again.

Currently I have taken out student loan to be able to afford to do a study abroad in London and a two week trip to Scotland and Ireland. This will mean giving things up in the future to pay back the loan, but I feel it's worth it to have this experience when I have the chance. (cont')

(cont')

The only thing I won't sacrifice for travel is school, hence the two year hiatus from traveling. I am really excited to be able to combine the two.

Eli, I think it's really great that you've given your kids the chance to travel. I would have loved to have had that opportunity when I was growing up. In addition to the how much fun it is to see new (or very old) places and things and have those experiences that are so different than can be had at home, I belive it is important in this increasingly globalized world to actually know what is important to other cultures and to know how different their attitude toward the U.S. (especially individual people as opposed to the U.S. governemnt)can be from what is portrayed in the media. There's nothing like firsthand experience to give perspective.

Eli,
I,too, have friends who prefer comfort to learning. God bless them; they are always around to watch my house while I'm travelling.
As for me, like Ulysees "my purpose holds to sail beyond the sunset and the baths of all the western stars until I die".

My love for travel began my senior year in college. My parents gave me the option of a car (down payment & significant $$) or a trip to Europe. DUH! I had planned on Ireland, but our Scottish friends asked why I didn't want to go there. Staying with them allowed me to have a home base, guidance in my sojourns and someone to share my daily stories with!

While most of my friends are buying houses/condos, I live at home. (Yes, I live at home - but we actually like one another!) This allows me to travel about once or twice a year. 1999 - London, Paris, Scotland for the Millennium, 2002 - London (solo), Scotland with my mom for my birthday - spent my birthday night in a castle, 2003 - London, 2004 Paris, 2005 - NYC, 2007 - Toronto and Tanzania, Africa. Granted, the Africa trip was pretty huge - it took 18 months to plan and pay for it all. With the frequent flier miles I've accumulated, 2008 - Dublin/Amsterdam.

Cont'd: The trip to London, Paris & Scotland was with my parents. It would turn out to be my father's last overseas vacation (grew up with my grandfather living around the world) as he would pass away in 2001. Pushing him in a wheelchair while on vacation was hard, but I would give anything to do it again. The picture on my dad's headstone is from that vacation.

Does travel change lives? Yeah. Do I want a house of my own? Maybe - but who would take care of it while I'm gone? =) I'll get my house the old fashioned way - inherit it. Then I guess I'll have to decorate it with my travel purchases! I'm single and childless - but I take my niece with me on trips here in the USA and will take her to Europe when I am ready. I loved watching her tote her Dora suitcase in the Chicago streets - like a little traveler! (She was 7 and so cute!) We stayed in a hostel - she loved it and was learning card games from the girl scouts. She has a world map on her wall and tracks my travels on it!

I did not have cable Television, ever. I do not want it. Many people spend $ 30. (Thirty U.S. Dollars) for Cable Television, each month. That is a total of $ 1080. (One Thousand and Eighty Dollars) in three years. I choose to save the 30 Dollars each month. I acumulate 1080 Dollars in three years. The 1080 Dollars pays for my airline flight (round trip) to a country in western Europe, and for a room in a hotel or B & B in Europe for several nights.

Eli, I enjoyed reading the replies from Ceidleh (3/25/08) and Beth (3/26/08).

I have been the frustration of my siblings. I am one of 11. I love to travel, which I believe is genetic; as my maternal grandmother Hogan was a world traveler in her retirement.

My maternal grandparents were emmigrants who met here in the States and went home to Ireland for their Honeymoon and remained on my grand-da's family farm. To shorten the story 4 daughters and years later they came back to the States and became citizens. Between 1968 and 1970 my grand-da, grand-ma, aunts, uncles and counsins all went back to Ireland to live. Our family stayed in the States. I was so jealous of my cousins in Ireland because they had our grandparents (my dad's parents passed very young in life and way before i was born) as well as their dad's (my aunts married irish men) grandparents. cont...

cont...

Anyway, we all here in the States knew grand-ma loved to travel. She went all over the world. I think first connection for me was when she traveled from France via cruise into New York. I remember being a young girl and seeing grandma on the boat w/a dark blue beret and all I could think of was FRANCE and how lucky she was to travel. Once I was able to travel I went on my first trip... to Ireland of course and there has been no holding back. I look at is as FREEDOM! Paris was everything and more than I expected... My mom used to say that my grandma was part 'gypsy' and now she says that about me... My sibs have all wanted me to buy a house, have the next new tech toy etc...and to GROW UP and stop 'throwing my money away traveling' they just dont understand. I know grand-ma would. cont...

Even though I was very jealous of my cousins having grandma Hogan in Ireland they hardly saw her because of her traveling... isnt that funny! They thought we saw her more!

My grandma was a wonderful woman who unfortunately spent the last 15+ years not knowing where she was or who she was w/alzheimer's which is very prevalent on my mam's side of the family.

So I am going to enjoy traveling while I can and forget my sibs. FREEDOM!!!!!!!!

SLAN
:)

I would give up "stuff." I am constantly moving it, cleaning it, giving it away and trying to house it.

I also have friends who won't travel to Europe unless it can be 5*. So she's 41 and never been to Paris. What a waste! I got the travel bug from my mom who took us to Europe and other places when we were young.

The best experience of my life was living and working in Europe when I was 19. Sure I had to drop out of university and blow all my savings to do it but more than 20 years later, it is still one of the best things I've done.

I am saving money for my baby daughter in a travel and experience fund. Education savings are important but so is the informal education of being somewhere foreign and thriving!

When I was travelling through East Africa the locals I met were rather puzzled by all those foreigners wanting to travel for the joy of travelling. In their culture, the only reason to travel is to visit family. I really couldn't understand this African attitude towards travelling at the time.

And guess what: today that's what our travel is about! Since I've met my husband (yup, in Africa, where else should a Canadian and a German meet!) with the exception of a trip to Disneyland all of our travel have been around visiting family. But that doesn't mean we just sit in my brother-in-laws living room. We go out together as a family and explore the country.

We've met up with my mother in Crete. Went to Tofino with my inlaws to a resort and watched the winter storms. Booked into the same hotel as my father when going to the Dominican Republic. This June we'll meet up with my brother in Tuscany who's flying in from Iceland straight from a business trip

Another travel option that hasn't been mentioned, yet: my travel bug started when I was a child with family travels to our home town's twin city in France. Great for very personal and intimite contacts as over the years we always stayed with the same host family. My first trip there was over 30 years ago. When I took my husband and kids to their first trip to France just 5 years ago we stayed in the B&B where the youngest daughter of our host family had her wedding reception. A great place very close to Mont Saint Michel:
http://www.manoir-de-la-mettrie.com/

Hey Eli
Your friend is probably on a house/appliance forum complaining how her friend is not fixing up her house and traveling to Europe and meanwhile they are all comparing tapestries and where to buy them. :)

I live a very restrained life in order to get to travel. Each year that I get a raise, I put the extra aside into savings for my upcoming trip. I got addicted to travel when I studied in Prague for a summer and have been back to Europe at least once a year. I drive a Saturn that I got in college; I don't go out a whole lot and I don't spend much money on clothes. It's hard for other people to understand, though, but to me it's life or death. We spend so much of our lives cooped up in offices and working to make ends meet that life just flies by if you don't stop to enjoy it. Traveling abroad is inexpensive (relatively) if you stay at budget accomodations and don't go the luxury route -- plus, as Rick saclimate, it's more important than ever to get out there and ys, you get more out of it. In today's political experience the world for yourself.