I am planning 1 month trip to SEA with my wife, I estimate that i will properly will spend 5k on this trip, i was talking with my parents about it and they start to guilt trip me over traveling very year and not saving much (i am 24 years old), it got me thinking is it really worth saving up for investment and building future or its better to travel while still young ?
Back packers of reddit, do you regret traveling and not saving up ?
TravelMay I enquire into the costs of the lifestyle?
My lifestyle now is not expensive. I go on holiday twice per year. I drive a small car that I bought second hand. My mortgage is a little below average. I like to go hiking and wild camping at the weekend. I'm in my 50s now and I quit drinking alcohol 6 years ago so most social events are inexpensive now. I imagine for a younger person this may all sound awful but I love it.
When I was backpacking I did it on the cheap, that's part of the experience. This was 25 years ago and £1000 could easy last 6 months or more in India. Back then you could get food and a roof over your head for approx £2 per day. Travel on buses and trains was very cheap so it was just charas that most of the money went on.
Love this story. :)
I personally believe it's not worth saving all my money because it's unlikely I'll ever be able to comfortably retire. I'm only 30-ish now, but the recommended saving for retirement (about 1.5mil) is way more than I'm able to earn/save. I'm looking at the prospect of working until I die, so I'll spend on things I really want. (Not recklessly!)
Basically my retirement hope is passive income from my books at this point, and om working on that besides my 9-5.
I’m wiling to wager… Priceless.
Lost a few friends in my 20's. Travel, see the world. You might never have the chance again. Enjoy each an every day as if it were your last.
What happened?
Why the downvotes?
Idk
Just fucking do it man. I made nothing in my 20s and am now making good money. I don't regret partying and traveling.
You could go to work and save in your 401k and drop dead or get hit by a car.
Not a bad idea to put 15% away in an IRA or 401k though, for real for real.
I was thinking same, maybe tomorrow will never come
Exactly. One day it won't. For sure.
Best to travel when you're young, before you develop a taste for creature comforts and convenience and you're only responsible for yourself. In the 90s I was all about adventure and seeing the world. I would travel til I ran out of money, come home broke, live off a credit card until I could pay it off with work, and then as soon as I had a few thousand in the bank I'd take off again. I had some minor financial setbacks, but never made that anyone else's problem. Finally took my financial future seriously in my mid 30s and was almost panicked at how late I was starting. Hitting 60 later this month and all is good. I *can* retire this year without issue, but I'm not as likely to explore the world in the same way I did 30 years ago.
It's possible to have a balance as well.
Its very hard when you living and making third world country salary
The whole system is stacked against us. Especially you younger generations. I say enjoy your life and party like it's 1999. AKA live for today.
This is called failing the marshmallow test
Fuck the marshmallow test. Real life is not so simple; you could die tomorrow. The future is guaranteed to nobody so live for today as much as you can without being a complete idiot about it.
Yes it’s totally possible to have tragedy strike and die young. But it’s also a tragedy to be 70 and still having to work because you cannot afford to live without a paycheck bringing money. Yes you should enjoy life today, but you shouldn’t throw away life tomorrow to do it
It’s also a tragedy to sacrifice happiness, health, and time in your youth all to prepare for a more comfortable future. I’d much rather the tragedy in my life occur later on.
When I’m 70, even if I struggle, it will be worth it for the life I am living now.
I mean op is 24. They have 40 years to make and save more money…
A single dollar invested at 20 can be reasonably expected to grown to $85 by retirement at 65. Being in your 20s means every dollar you spend is the most valuable dollar of your remaining life
Lol what the hell percentage return is that? Even at 7% for 45 years that’s only $21. And if you think you can necessarily depend on historic rates continuing I have some seafront property in Kansas that might interest you - it’s far from a sure bet.
Yes, obviously there’s the time value of money, but you have to consider the value of youth as well. What the hell is the point in waiting til your 60s to live life, when you’re much less fit and able? This is why the marshmallow test is a flawed analogy, because in real life by the time the second marshmallow comes your taste buds have degraded - and that’s if it comes at all, and you’re even still around.
You sound like this guy rn https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XxyB29bDbBA
If you want to never retire because you’re not willing to delay any kind of gratification because you expect to die tomorrow, I won’t stop you, and you’ll have plenty of company
Yeah and with your logic everything you spend money on now will be outrageously more expensive later so live the experiences now while you still can
What on earth are you talking about? That’s not how compound interest and net present value work.
Surprisingly (?) even people who make good incomes in first world countries struggle to save. You kind of have to force yourself to start somewhere ie if you saved 5000 for the trip find a way to get another 500 (or any amount to start) and stick that into a fixed deposit or similar. And do that fot every trip, every year, or chosen time frame.
Then set up your account that it also takes a small portion (small as in comfortable enough for you to be ok doing it) monthly or better weekly and put that into a savings/high interest account.
Those two would be untouchable accounts so that no matter how many times you give yourself the freedom to travel, there is still something there for when creating an income becomes harder.
Of course there are other ways to save and invest.
Might even get the parents off your back!
I ended up going on a six month travel adventure 25 years ago and ended up staying. I’d tell you where I’m at except I don’t want everyone else coming here. Good luck and God speed.
OP please note that the vast majority of all online backpackers, as well as a big portion of those avid packers you meet on the trail, are 1. Westerners 2. Have solid families with wide economic shoulders to lean on. 3. Can save up nicely on whatever work/ career they have. (i.e. saving up less than 12 months for a month of backpacking.)
When I mention familial support, I generally mean that most packers come from a situation that in any given time - at present or in their future - if they'll run into a tough spot (medical issue, sudden unemployment, support with childcare) they have someone to lean on.
I write this to highlight the fact many people in the scene can be much more carefree than packers from 3rd world countries, or poor background.
I'm 38M now, with 2 kids, a backpacker spouse, and a nice career. No way could I have this cake, had I also not stopped traveling for a few years. All in all, for myself having a family and a career is a million times better than doing that extra trip to wherever.
I grew up poor. Both of my parents died when I was a teenager your statement is bullshit and only makes excuses for you not taking a chance. GTFO! Life is hard and if you spend it making excuses for your situation, instead of taking control of it. All you will amount to in life is a crybaby bitch who blames everyone else for you own shitty choices. This generation that i am 10 years their senior,Is a joke who’s parents fucking failed them, and they will forever blame anyone but themselves.
Not to bust any bubbles, sir - I think my story is somewhat similar to yours, albeit not in the US.
However my point wasn't about giving excuses, just trying to ground down much of the hype & online sentiment around backpacking nowadays. I stand by my words, and I know not a few people my age, all packers, who'd agree.
Too many people giving the all-romantic image of trekking or backpacking, with little regards to whom they speak to. No disrespect but sounds to me you yourself have stepped off the roar to develop a career and raise a family, so what gives?
It's OK to think about the future. It's not cool to say "F this I'mma sell everything and go", at least not to me, my life ain't an Instagram post. If I spend my dime on a month's travel, I know my debts are all paid and my home is secure before going.
just find a job which pays in first world salary, it's a literal life hack.
First world salary while living in third word country costs, its life hack but its easier said than done
I've done it in multiple ways, I'm sure anyone can do it if they try enough.
What country do you Live in?
Man, seriously, like everyone's been saying down there, just trust your instincts. Yeah, I know it sounds like a cliché, but for real, YOLO, man. You only freaking live once, no kidding. Imagine hitting 40, sitting on a pile of cash, but your back decides to bail on you. Suddenly, that stack of dough ain't buying you cool stuff because you're stuck struggling to reach the bathroom, let alone a beach.
Picture this: two years from now, you're strolling down the street, minding your own business, and bam! A car comes out of nowhere and takes you out. You gonna be like, "Oh, well, at least I have money"? Nah, man, you're gonna wish you'd spent those previous two years soaking up every drop of what life's got to offer.
Your folks? Yeah, they're your folks for a reason. Their main gig isn't to tell you to blow your savings on wild adventures every day. Nah, they just want to see you kick it for the long haul, have a good career and get to some academic accomplishment that theyll be able to tell their friends at brunch.
Do life for you and you only. Your're all you got.
Which is why neglecting strength and mobility training is irresponsible. Although your point still stands because sudden death is always a possibility, although less likely than your body giving out too soon
Agreed, take care of your body, you only get 1. Don't eat seed oils, exercise daily, take some form of self defense or combat sport, stay outside, and most of all, have lots of fun.
True that. The seed oils are hard to get around but you’re right, they aren’t a whole food thus I think cutting them out is probably the smart move, although the subject is controversial.
I’ve been serious about lifting weights (bodybuilding style programs, and more recently powerlifting) for several years now, underestimating the importance of daily mobility work at home until my joints started a daily holler. Highly recommend the book/program Becoming a Supple Leopard by Kelly Starrett. Mobility work should be treated like hygiene and maintained diligently.
You're 24.
I mean you kinda have to do both. You can’t work forever, you need to have a long term plan for when the day you can no longer work arrives. Also, for most people traveling each year requires a decent amount of work planning and saving. Even when traveling on a budget it’s important to remember that traveling is a privilege that most people will never be able to afford.
Do both. There no need to choose only one.
Well when living and making third world country salary, you do spend all your savings on travels specially when we are two people (me and my wife)
Well, same case here, only I was alone (it's actually easier with a partner, as long as the goal is the same). Got sick of that miserable meaningless life and just started with no money. Literally. I had €300 emergency fond and about €100 to survive on the road. Left for a trip to the unknown with no return date. That was more than 3 years ago...
So, it's possible. Not easy, it's damn challenging, but it's possible. And never regretted doing so! 😉
Something to consider: if you’re spending that much, when making minimal, why not move someplace that is desirable? You may make less, pinch pennies, but you would be where you want to experience. My wife and I both work for a school district and other than visiting family, we stick close because there are infinite adventures within a hundred miles.
You can do both. I would be shocked if you actually managed to spend 5K for one month in SEA. You would have to be really bad with money for that to happen. It doesn’t have to be an either/or situation.
Why are you spending 5k? I hope that’s not usd? You could travel that long for $750 per person.
$750 for a month of travel?? Pls tell me how!!
Not really that hard. Beds you can get for 7-$10 per day. Breakfast I usually eat fruit, or if your lucky food from the hostel, buses and light rails cost pennies. Lunch i usually eat a big meal out for $4-$5. Dinners can be made at the hostel real easily or leftovers.. that’s like $20 a day like that,
It is usd, i am talking overall trip, just the plane tickets costed us 1750$ two ways for two person, hotels and transportation and food are all big expenses , i have put 5k as the max spend , hopefully i will spend less
Stay in hostels!!! You can get a private room for a fraction of the price of a hotel.
Airbnbs
there are a lot of hacks out there for inexpensive travel!
You're thinking a bit extremely. Just because you're traveling for a month, or some times in a year doesn't mean you'll never save. Experiences enrich you forever, and since you're not coming from the highest-paying country, well, you might find some occasional work and end you can save some money after all. We did volunteer work for minimum wage in other countries. Starting from Eastern Europe, volunteering in a Scandinavian country for a month earned us as much as four months of minimum wage back home.
So spend your money in the cheaper place, and earn money where the salaries are high...
Once we met a guy from South America who made relatively good money with us up north, then went to London because he knew it had the best second-hand market if he wanted a new laptop and phone, and from there he continued to the Mediterranean region to spend the winter in a warmer and cheaper place. This strategy is working for everyone. But if you can find a remote job, at a company in West or North Europe, USA, Canada, or Australia maybe Japan or Singapore, you can make big money and you can work any place where you can find good wi-fi.
Keep in mind, though, that you're asking on a specifically nomadic sub, not in a community of investment advisors. Many of us don't even want to buy property tied to a specific location.
I’m 40 and still doing it 😂 financially speaking it can be a lot and if your goal is to get a house with your wife at some point you’ll have to make choices. Some people I know went full work for get the house and enjoyed after.
But 5k is a lot even for two. SEA is really cheap :)
I'm close to 60 now, when I was in my 20s. I quit my job (irresponsible), spent my 401K (irresponsible), and bought an open ticket to New Zealand, Fiji, and Australia. It was the greatest time of my life. And I still retired at 56.
Money is a renewable resource. Fu*king Go!!!!
I’ve never regretted traveling.
I did the traveling in my twenties, was diagnosed with stage IV cancer at 33, I’m so fucking glad I didn’t waste those years working and instead spent them being a stinky traveling musician and not doing what society expects of us.
I’m 41. I went to Europe for four weeks in 2007 and don’t regret a cent of it. In fact, my brother recently repeated the trip but spent 3x what I did back then.
Do it. You only live once, and once you have kids and a family, it’s so much harder to justify. Do it now while you have the time and energy. No regrets.
you dont even have to have kids and a family. idk why people use that argument tbh.
Edit- I have kids so that’s where I’m coming from. I didn’t realize my original post didn’t specify that.
Because if you WANT kids, life is vastly different after them. His parents want him to save - if not to travel and enjoy his life then what for? I’m assuming to start his life/family- maybe a big assumption, maybe not. But even if he doesn’t want kids, why not travel when you’re young and full of energy? I wish I had done more at 20. I plan to travel more when my kids are older too, but my in-laws just retired at 70, and the Europe tour they’re planning to take is vastly different than the one I did at 25. They just don’t have the same energy.
Just do it. I would never regret travelling.
dont get me wrong im all for traveling in your 20s. but its not the only time you can travel. i literally studied/interned abroad in europe and visited 11 countries while i was at it (at 21). my friend also did that at 32. you can travel at any age if its a priority for you. just eat healthy ish and exercise and your energy levels wont go down so much and you can still enjoy the full experience. and prioritize saving for it. all my spare cash is going towards funding our (me and partner’s) next trip.
my parents are still massive travel addicts at 65/72 and they still have a ton of energy. no issues, nothing. my dad is still fit and has the energy and humor of a 25 year old.
and if op does want kids they’ve got at least 15 years to have them.
Yes but I have a four and seven year old, and the cost of flights is now 3x higher PLUS dragging kids around museums is a lot different, and relaxing on the beach is absolutely not the same. So travelling before kids is so much easier- and waiting til they’re grown up enough means either leaving them with family or taking them (which I plan to do absolutely but it’s very much a different trip!). When I’m older yes I will travel, it’s just different. The travelling I did in my twenties where I stayed in hostels and met people or did spur of the moment detours was amazing, and I’m saying I’d never regret that. When I’m 60, I feel like it will still be amazing but a different experience- I don’t think people should put it off. You never know what life holds. Or even if you’ll be able to at that point. Carpe diem!
We did both - traveled and invested, but we waited to buy a house (over a decade) until we were ready to stop traveling/backpacking so much. Now we travel but quite a bit differently due to changes to health and fitness.
Do it. You will never regret the memories and experiences you’ll have.
I spent my 20’s traveling abroad and made 0 career progress until 29-30. I wouldn’t trade it for a million bucks.
oh my god, absolutely not. not once. not ever.
its worth every penny (esp SEA!).
go. enjoy. treat yourself when and where possible.
it will always be worth the price of admission!
I went to South East Asia with 5K in savings at 25 for 2 months (originally had planned to stay for 6 months) and it was both the worst and the best trip of my life. My therapist at the time pushed me to do it. It taught me so much about myself and what I wanted out of life.
I came back in the Western world and worked my ass off. Now, I’m in my 30s living a happy and comfortable life. If someone told my broke and depressed ass at 25 that I’d be living my current life, I’d have told them they’re crazy. Travelling to SEA broke me and made me.
Everything I saw there, especially the poverty and the living conditions, was my motivation when I came back. It made me realise how fortunate I was for having been born in my developed and first-world country. It’s one thing to see pictures and read about SEA, but to see it and live it for myself was eye-opening to say the least…
If that’s what you want to do, go and experience it for yourself. No matter what happens, you’ll grow from that trip.
I appreciate the sentiment but this reads voyeurism beyond belief - I’m glad it helped you and I extol the virtue of traveling but I can’t help but push back against the images of third world / unlucky that you describe. yes, you may be fortunate, but a Shepard in the Atlas lives a life more fulfilling than the suburban nuclear family - I ask who in that scenario is the fortunate one?
Don’t overly-romanticize the lives of the impoverished either, who often don’t have access to proper education, healthcare, nutrition, economic opportunities etc. Desperate poverty exists and its delusional to presume you are in fact the real unlucky one. Be grateful.
O.o
Who are you to say? If someone living in an urbanised environment and has access to all the modern luxuries tells you they’re happy, who are you to say they’re really not happy? That’s highly pretentious of you to assume that.
Everybody has their own standards on what it means to be happy. I don’t judge people who live a simple life in the mountains, or in a tiny home in a forest, or in a caravan on the road, or in a tiny apartment in the middle of a mega city, ... You’re missing my point. I’m saying everyone should at least once in their life go experience other countries, especially the poorest ones, so they can figure out what those standards are for themselves. Because seeing and living a different kind of uncomfortable life helps with that. Being poor in Europe or in the US is very different from being poor in SEA. That’s what my comment was about.
Only one way for you to find out
100% travel. Your parents are probably just worried because that’s what parents do. Live the life YOU want. Balance is important too of course but to put it simply - the way I see it, once you get a “real job” that’s what your life will be from then till you die. Of course you can do bits of travel here and there but this is the most freedom you will ever have in your life. Use it!
Both have benefits. I will say, backpacking got me out of the “what payments can I afford next” treadmill and learned I can enjoy life with much less. Which helped me save money when I settled down.
It’s harder to get on the property ladder these days than 15 years ago when I was traveling, so know you’ll take a hit and may have to work longer in your life.
I wouldn’t change a thing.
Tbh how the world is going i think thats its 100% certain that one day the whole money pyramid scheme will collapse. Might happen in our lifetime might not. But i am currently teaveling one year around south east asia and i am 35. Been single for a year and my job was getting very boring so decided to just enjoy. I think its the right decision. Cyling seoul to busan on monday. Enjoy your savings in a few decades when i am poor full of memories!
Yeh man. I know plenty of people living ordinary lives who saved up, some are miserable some aren't. The interesting people I really love didn't stay in one place and conform. You've got to see the world. You'll regret not doing it but never the vice versa
You’re only here once. A pile of cash will be meaningless when you’re on your death bed. Honestly, go see the place! Travel, adventure and seeing far away parts of this wonderful planet are worth more than any money you will ever earn.
Depends on which sub you ask.
Not yet. My boring 9-5 office job life will probably come eventually, but until then, I want to see as much of the planet as I can.
It is tradition, where I’m from, to travel for 2 years between school and university; in some places it’s frowned upon. Well, there is no real answer. I will say though, it makes a world of difference to come home and still have enough for 3 months of rent; consider this and have a great time. I am very envious of you, I would love to travel long-term again (yes, anything more than 3 weeks is long-term, to me).
Cool, where do you live if you dont mind me asking
I live all over. Fairly common in UK and NZ to do a big trip after college too. I’ve also met a ton of Germans, whilst travelling, who do the same thing.
I spent 18 months and $20k travelling Europe. Would I like to have a spare $20k right now? Sure. Would I trade those experiences and memories for it? Fuck no
I gave up everything in my life to go backpacking when I was 50. My biggest regret is not doing it in my 20's. Sure that money would gain interest, but would you? Money can always be made up, and promise you'll make smart money decisions going forward, but you'll never be here again.
This is the exact age I went to South East Asia in 2010.
It's definitely true that you should start saving and investing early. But that said, you only live through your 20s once, and it is definitely the best time to travel.
Do it.
Fuck bro travel all your 20s is worth it
You will not spend five thousand dollars in one month in SEA. No danger. Two thousand tops. Save the rest and go with no regrets.
Im currently backpacking around the world, 7 months ago i started in India now im in the Phillipines and will soon be going to Japan. I met many amazing people had awesome experiences and enjoyed it as much as i can. Ive spent about 13 k €. Obviously i will miss out on starting a career during this time and i wont be able to develop my life back at home. But the experiences i made along the way are completely worth it.
My advice is you should go if you personally want to. Travelling wont become easier once you get older youll only have more responsibilities pets work there will never be a perfect moment where nothing is holding you back from going. I had to quit a comfortable job with a boss who really liked me which was really hard for me but i would do it again. I started travelling when i was 23 years old.
Also 5k is a lot of money for 1 month id say 2 k is enough for 2 people 3k if you wanna go on a lot of tours and trips and stuff. So maybe you wont spend as much money as youre thinking. Also if youre not saving money to spend it on nice experiences and things whats the point. I hope my POV helped if you need more information im happy to share.
I spent every penny I had backpacking for 2 years in my mid 20s
I regret nothing. Best decision I've ever made.
5k in SEA should last you like 4 months
I also included plane ticket the cheapest one was 2k for two ways for two people
Actually before you are 26, many places give huge discounts on museums and theater tickets, train and bus travel, youth hostels… use it!!
Absolutely not. When I was 25 I spent 10K in a backpacking trip. Had to live with my parents when I got home because I quit the rent of my place. I regret nothing. It was absolutely worth it.
Not for a second...
It changed in to a better person, gave me a broader perspective on the world and kick started a career that I would not have otherwise had.
Travel young. You can earn lotsa money later but once life gets rolling taking time for travel is difficult!
Will you know people whose careers are a year two ahead of yours, or who buy big things sooner, sure. But will you care… It’s about having what you want. If what you want is travel, then that’s what you should do.
You are only going for a month and 5k is usually easy to save again for whatever.
Parents are small minded and fearful. Go.
Honestly…I’ve not read any of the comments yet so I’m just jumping straight in with my thoughts. Do it. Don’t regret a thing. If your jobs allow you to take a month off and go, just go for it. I know it’s cliché and my friends probably eye roll when I say this so much it’s my entire personality now…but life is so short. I’ve never realised it so much until after losing my mum 3 years ago when I was 26 and she was only 52. There was so much she never did. I went backpacking in South America for 4 months the year after she passed and had a big “fuck it” moment in my head and I’ve never looked back. I now go away each year for around 3 months in winter and did SEA in 2022 and the winter just gone. I’m very fortunate enough to be able to take my own time off as I’m self employed, and whilst I could easily stay at home and take on work and earn for investment for my future…I want to explore whilst I’m still able enough to do so. Yes I am losing out on business, but I can balance it out so that I’m not putting myself into a hole I can’t get out of.
Obviously don’t spend money you can’t make back, that’s daft. Just be mindful and have a little plan in your head that it’s not going to put you in any debts you can’t get out of easily.
Enjoy your trip and make amazing memories whilst you’re there.
I quit my career at age 32, and traveled for a year. After all was said and done, I got a job back at the same company.
That was seven years ago. I honestly don’t think my career would be any better if I hadn’t taken that time off. But I’m sure glad I did it. Money comes and goes. And you can always make more, especially at 24. Go enjoy yourself.
I quit my job and traveled for a few months when I was 23 and spent all my savings, but absolutely no regrets. It was such an incredible experience and I think I’ll always be grateful I took the risk and did it. During my trip, an old man told me “money will always come back, but time won’t”
Nice, How long you were on road with all the saving ?
Travel 🙏 do you want to live life or be stuck in a 9-5 building retirement for 40 years wishing you went to see the world when you could've?
Life doesn’t have to be 0 or 1. You can easily choose a marketable career and have tons of PTO. I have 33 days of PTO (7 weeks off a year) and make enough money to where I can to not only save, own a house but also travel.
It shouldnt be but thats what it is. Is it really worth trading the majority of your youth for a chance to be in a comfortable box you never stop paying for and working to impress people you dont like? Or do you turn your back on small comforts and learn to really live. When you get out the box you start to see the bigger picture 🙏
Thanks man, it really put things into perspective
5000$ for SEA?! Are you backpacking in luxury???
Fr Europe month of backpacking realistically could be done for like 2.1 so how will op drop 5k
2k for two person ?
Whoops sorry I guess I can’t read, thought it was for one person.
The cheapest 2 ways ticket for two people was 1750$ , so i am already down nearly 2k , other 3k probably will be other expenses for 2 people not just one
Oops yeah we both fucked up on that one 🤣 5k still seems high though 4k id understand
I mean, you’re 24. What could you possibly be saving for now that you couldn’t do the same for inna few years?
A house?
Travel and do a YouTube channel. Might get paid to travel…
Not at all! Traveling has given me invaluable experiences and memories that far outweigh the traditional path of saving every penny. Each trip has been a lesson in itself—about the world and about myself. Wouldn't trade those experiences for anything!
I think you can do both! It’s fun to figure out ways to travel on a budget. I like the added challenge!
You can do both.
You do both. Save what you can for retirement, but you have to enjoy life as well.
Nope
I just spent a month in SEA in January with my best friend. I know we spent under $3000 for the trip, but I did have a couple of “expensive” days because we are scuba divers, and it’s an expensive hobby. We ate for roughly under $10 a day, and found places to rent that were affordable that included kitchenettes. We are also in our 40’s
You can always make more money. So is it better to do things young vs old - there’s no right or wrong answer. But I HAVE more money to travel with right now than I did 20 years ago. I was an idiot and had my son when I was 19, so my vacations were contained to the flight deals, cheap Mexico cruises, and National Parks close enough to drive to. Nothing wrong with these things, but I had friends who were internationally traveling then, and made me jealous. Now the flip side, my kid is off to college, I’m an empty nester with a larger disposable income and while I’m out traveling, my friends who waited to have kids, now have less disposable income and are not traveling.
My point is that there’s no right or wrong way, and you’ll trade off somewhere down the road.
I think of this often and the experience was worth every single penny. The money will return, your time will not. Maybe you’ll experience something that also pivots your financial situation as you travel 🤷♀️
Spent 18 months after graduating from college backpacking around. Came back without any cash, but I’d argue there is no better investment.
I did the opposite, hunkered down and grinded out every financial opportunity possible until 35. Retired early am now travelling the world and loving it. I think either way is OK. You just have to make peace with your decision. I was deliberate in my delayed gratification, even without knowing if it would pay off in the long run because the dream was my dream. Life is short, there are no guarantees, go live a badass life my dude. I could have easily had some bad luck and got stuck in the grind of work and regretted giving up my youth to build wealth. But I made peace with that possibility, because the reward at the end was so meaningful to me personally.
I would say don't accept the mindset I'm from poverty, I can only be poor. Not saying you don't have massive institutional hurdles to overcome, but give yourself permission to be successful AND travel the world. I think you owe it to yourself to at least give yourself that chance. While you're traveling pay attention to opportunities. The ability to move to somewhere with greater economic opportunities is one of the best opportunities we have long term. Although it's much harder getting a visa when you have little skills and not from a "desirable" country.
I‘m 27 by now and traveled mostly every continent by now, currently I’m in SEA for 7 months with my beloved girlfriend, discovering new countries, religions, habits, traditions and cultures every day and week. We saved up for more than a year, used to work in hospitality in the Swiss alps as seasonal workers. Doing these trips you learn a lot about yourself and what really matters. Nobody and nothing can get you that beautiful sunset at the Sri Lankan beach with a cold king coconut for less than 1$ besides you. Go out and do whatever you love to do, maybe you’ll be thinking about the money now, but the first moment you leave the house you’ll be enjoying every moment for the rest of your life! You can still save up money afterwards when you get a little bit older. In the end you can’t take your money and belongings with you when you leave planet earth. So go out and discover the world. It’s good that you think about your future, but if you are lucky you’ll be able to work for 40 more years in your life, enough time to save up! Have fun and if you need any information about SEA let me know.✌️
I left at the age you will and travelled for about three years and I’m doing just fine. Don’t regret one second of it. Would do it again in a heartbeat!
This question is more appropriately suited to 55+ who are on the last decade to retirement looking at how close they are. People who are in their 40s buying homes a few years late won’t know for sure how they are doing until then.
Travel while you can. You can always get a job and save/invest later.
Not sure the difference beween #backpacking or #digialFUCKINGnomad you need to experience life and screw some bitches in your 20's. 5k for a month is plenty mate, all your parents talking about "what if ? " situations as once you're traveling you are on your own (Bribes/Hospital/Robberies) as you're rich compared to locals.
I’d also consider if you could travel for cheaper. Sometimes longer, slower travel can be cheaper than moving around more frequently.
Such as… you can stay in one place for a month and get a cheap apartment sublet or travel by a bus instead of an airplane.
Tbh how the world is going i think that its 100% certain that one day the whole money pyramid scheme will collapse. Might happen in our lifetime might not. But i am currently traveling one year around south east asia and i am 35. Been single for a year and my job was getting very boring so decided to just enjoy. I think its the right decision. Cyling seoul to busan on monday. Enjoy your savings in a few decades when i am poor full of memories!
Dude just go. I went with no money. Just go
Don’t let your parents tell you what’s important to you. Live your dreams not their expectations. I hope you have a blast
I went on a months backpacking trip to Europe in 1981, returned in 1997. I came back and built a successful life.
I only had me to think about though. But get out there and make some memories. You get one go in this life....Live it!
You won’t regret making a trip like this in your 30s, my fiance backpacked in Thailand in his early 20s and is one of his favourite memories. I’m jealous I wasn’t able to do something similar but we’re making our own memories now (: tomorrow isn’t promised live for today
You’re asking a backpacking community and expecting the answer to be yes?
No.
Nope
I wish I could do it again and go much longer
No. I regret that I haven't travelled more when I was younger. Enjoy your youth and health. It's comforting to have certain savings for emergencies but money is also for living.
Travel while you’re young!! I am 30 this year and bought my first home last year. In my 20’s I travelled to 8 different countries and I’m soo glad I did before getting snowed down by debt because I won’t be able to travel for a while now.
Some of my friends got married and had kids young or bought houses young and they never travelled and won’t be able to for the foreseeable future and by the time they can, travelling will be so different for them.
There’s just something about travelling in your 20’s. It’s cheaper cause you don’t mind slumming it in a hostel and I made soo many friends partying at the hostels that I wouldn’t have otherwise met. I think you’re more likely to go with the flow while young too you’re fitter and healthier.
Absolutely not. I MET my wife while I was backpacking so if I had stayed home and saved, I’d still be in my parents house, working in a job I hate. Instead I have had experiences that most of the people I know will never have had, I’ve met people from different cultures in a way you just don’t get by going on package holidays and I really believe it has changed me as a person, which I feel has helped me when applying for jobs/qualifications.
I don’t think I have a lot less saved than my friends who didn’t travel, because while I saved and then wasted my money and spent in bulk, they stayed here and squandered weekly on nights out and the like. So I don’t really feel like the travelling took anything from me in terms of savings. My friends who were always better off than me still are and the ones who were on par with me still are too.
See the world now. The future will be here soon enough.
Its all balance, and the reality of the fact you get one life to live. Do you want it now, or to save it for something bigger later? I'd rather work my whole life and take adventures in-between than sit around and being frugal.
I never regretted travelling, I always regretted not travelling. I'm at the point in life where the time is a much bigger concern than the money, which might play a role.
I regret not saving to travel more often.
You’re young, plenty of time to earn more money after traveling!
can I ask how your spending 5k in one month in south east asia?????
When I was your age I quit my job to travel for a year. Long term I think it was actually beneficial to my career as it helped me with independent decision making in the face of incomplete information and many of my interviewers have understood that over the years.
That said, in 2014 my friends were all encouraging me to buy Bitcoin at $700 and I wanted to buy all my money was going into savings for this trip. ¯\(ツ)/¯ still I managed to wind up one of the first of my friends with a house by 30, a kid by 32 so it worked out ok. Also, I remind myself that I probably would have sold that Bitcoin once it freaked $3k $5k or $10k so it's not like I would have made a 50x return on it.
You get one life
So this isn't completely backpacking, but it's similar enough to answer your question. About 12 years ago I went back to college where I met my (now) wife. I was 26 and she was 19. We bought a $1700 mini van, and spent over a month traveling the Pacific Northwest, Western Canada, and the Midwest. Most nights sleeping in the van, a few in motels, and overall very loose plans besides a couple people we scheduled a visit with at various locations. To this day it is the most fun adventure we've had, and whatever the grand total we spent, would do it again in a heartbeat. Just be smart about the money you do spend, and have fun!
Go! You won’t regret it. Life is for living. Once in a career, it is harder. You learn a lot about yourself and what you want out of life.
I don’t regret making memories and exploring parts of the world I may never see, otherwise. I think it just needs to be a balance, financially. Keep enough in savings that you have a cushion to fall back on, but once you have that cushion saved up… enjoy life while you can. You never know when your time is up.
If anything I wish I'd started travelling sooner. I spent my 20s mostly in work, partly in education, constantly not really knowing what to do with my life. Now I finally figured out what I want to do, where I want to go, and I just wish I'd spent more of my twenties travelling and being carefree now.
You have your entire life ahead of you to save up and be a 'responsible' adult. Life is for living. Go out an enjoy yourself.
i regret not traveling more. regret not saving more too. but the bigger regret is not enough long term travel at young age.
$5k only covers 6 months, I’d save up more if you want a year out of country
My dad spent his entire 20's travelling and hitchhiking, although it wasn't super glamorous cause it was the 70's/80's, and he was working/living where he went, man did he get to see a lot and experience a lot. He got divorced and later closer to 30 he met my mom, and eventually had me and my brother. He then worked 25 years for a very successful company, turned his life in a different direction, and became a much better man. I'd say do it, life isn't so linear
I did almost nothing from 17 to 23 but backpacking the US. I ether was living in the wilderness or in a national park working as little as possible. This was 22 years ago. When I turned 23 I started my career as a union ironworker I worked 86 hours a week in the mines across the United States for 15+ years. Now I make $206,000 a year plus bonuses up to 1% of company profits. I work 40 hours a week now. I bought my first house in 2010 I have zero debt and zero regrets. I met my future wife when I was a homeless 18 year old backpacker in Jackson hole. I looked her up 10 years after we last said goodbye and we were married 2 months later. We now have 2 kids and are going to be celebrating our 16th anniversary this summer. Sometimes I wish I went to college and fucked around, so I could have started my adult life in debt. I could have gotten a job that pays 65k a year. Only then would I truly be an American millennial, expecting people who chose not to go to school to pay for the loans that I took out in my name.
In the current economic climate cheaper trips and more savings would be better.
5k seems excessive too, spending that much every year will set you back a lot.
It really depends on your salary and savings though.
I'm a weekend backpacker. So I save money on travelling except for gas and food.
NEVER!
Hey man, your life can end at any moment. So do everything that you wish to do and have no regrets.
I have never thought about a dollar that I spent in the pursuit of memories that I cherish.
Youth experiences is worth more than any money 'saved'
Not really, saving up is important but enjoying life is too! Try to look for the cheapest options tho
If you have your own place pay your own way 100%, then, live dude, live to the fullest while you can
If you live at home, stop being a selfish person, save your money, get your own place and stop expecting your parents to support your little travel habits. You cant afford to travel until youre an independent man or woman
The money is 100% my own, they just dont like how i am spending it 😅
Travel somewhere cheaper and spend 2.5k.
Stick the other 2.5k somewhere towards a house deposit.
The 5k trip is going to be too much pressure for you to enjoy it. Also, nobody on here will admit they didn't enjoy backpacking.
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I quit work in my late 20s and spent about 3 years backpacking with some breaks for work. In some respects it was something of a setback compared to peers who worked, bought their houses and progressed their careers. Do I regret it? Not for a moment. It was totally life changing and I would not swap those experiences and memories for anything. A big part of who I am now is influenced and shaped by those backpacking years. As it happens I've caught up on the material things. I have a good amount of equity in a fairly valuable house and I have a well paid job. I'm married to a beautiful woman who I love and we have a great lifestyle.