Quote:
Originally Posted by F16
Taking into consideration the effects of compounding, how much could you get if you just invest $5000 - $6000 (the amount spent on vacations) into some kind of mutual funds,
or you can buy some precious metal bars or coins, and all that you can someday inherit to your kids. Can you inherit impressions, vacations photos, postcards?
|
Yes, we would end up with more money when we die if we stopped traveling, but so what. The same could be said for virtually any spending beyond basic necessities. If we didn't own TVs, computers, nice clothes, decent furniture, pets, nice cars or virtually anything else that isn't needed for survival, we could all die wealthy but miserable. Sorry but that just isn't how I want to live my life.
Can you inherit "impressions" and memories? You sure can. My daughter is 12. Both of her grandfathers died before she was born. My wife and I often tell her stories about our fathers, many of which have to do with travel experiences. When we go to Disney World each year, I always remind her that "it's a small world" was my father's favorite ride and we always take a moment to remember him when we ride it. And we often tell her about trips we took before she was born. Stuff like that. Stories get passed on from generation to generation. Is it the same as giving her gold coins? No, but in some ways it is even more valuable.
I'm not saying everyone has to enjoy travel (which was the original point of this thread). It isn't something everyone likes to do, and that is perfectly fine. But if you do enjoy it and you can afford to do it while still meeting your bigger financial goals, do it and enjoy yourself.
If you don't think travel is worth the money, then stay home. We all have different priorities in life. Nothing wrong with that at all.