Saved Money, Will Travel: A Journey of Self-Indulgence and Discovery
Traveling is more than just visiting new places; it’s about experiencing life, splurging on memorable moments, and, sometimes, indulging in a bit of selfishness. A symbol of this realization is an Irish Claddagh ring—a beautiful piece of jewelry that encapsulates love, friendship, and loyalty. Yet, beyond the symbolism, it represents a broader life lesson: sometimes, it’s okay to spend on oneself.
The Claddagh Ring and What It Represents
In a quaint Irish souvenir shop, the Claddagh ring caught my eye. With two hands clasping a heart topped with a crown, it tells a tale of love, friendship, and loyalty. The shopkeeper explained that the way you wear the ring signals your relationship status—single, engaged, or married. It’s a story wrapped in legend, compelling enough to make me reach for my wallet despite its hefty price tag. In that moment, I embraced a newfound understanding: spending on oneself can be just as fulfilling as saving.
A Pandemic-Induced Realization
The pandemic had an unexpected effect on many of us, myself included—it changed how I viewed spending money, especially while traveling. Before, the idea of overspending would have filled me with guilt. But an expensive holiday in Ireland this April changed that. It was a birthday trip that came at the perfect time, allowing me to fulfill my long-suppressed travel dreams. I overshot my budget, yes, but the usual guilt was mostly absent. I had to remind myself why I had savings in the first place: to travel, to indulge, and to experience life in all its richness.
The Importance of Being Selfish
The trip to Ireland taught me an invaluable lesson: when you’re single with few financial responsibilities, it’s okay to be a little selfish with your money. Growing up in a middle-class household in Goa, where every rupee was carefully accounted for, I wasn’t always like this. My mother’s frugality and my father’s single-income household meant that money was often tight. We didn’t take vacations; travel was a luxury beyond our reach.
The Journey from Frugality to Extravagance
When I first started earning, I was frugal. Living in Mumbai, I prioritized saving over spending, funneling my salary into mutual funds and tax-saving investments. Financial independence was my goal, spurred by a well-meaning relative’s suggestion that I should marry soon because “who will take care of you?” That comment solidified my resolve to take care of myself, financially and otherwise. Instead of saving for marriage or children, I saved for something equally important to me: travel.
At first, my vacations were modest. I researched meticulously, finding affordable food options and cheap accommodations. My souvenirs were limited to fridge magnets and bookmarks. But over time, as my guilt lessened, my travel style evolved. I began spending more on comfort and experiences—booking pricey tours, dining at award-winning restaurants, and indulging in unique souvenirs like jewelry, whiskey, and gourmet treats.
Important Takeaways
- Self-Indulgence is Justified: The trip reminded me that when you’re financially independent with limited responsibilities, it’s okay to splurge on yourself.
- Travel as an Investment: For me, travel is more valuable than owning a house. It enriches the soul, broadens the mind, and creates memories that last a lifetime.
- Frugality Has Its Limits: While being frugal has its benefits, there comes a time when spending on life’s pleasures is equally important.
- Evolving Travel Habits: Over time, it’s natural to move from budget-conscious travel to more indulgent experiences as financial comfort grows.
Conclusion: A Life Well-Traveled
My savings and limited financial responsibilities allow me to invest in travel—an investment that fills my soul and feeds my mind. Whether it’s splurging on a piece of jewelry or dining at an upscale restaurant, travel brings joy, memories, and a deeper understanding of the world. It also teaches me a lot about myself, and sometimes, it even gifts me a beautiful piece of jewelry that I’ll cherish forever.
