So I thought about the Hawaiian vacation some more… and while I don’t think it’s irresponsible of me to go, the vacation will cost close to $1,000, and $1,000 is still $1,000 is still a not-insignificant part of my goal.
But you know what? Money is only money.
One summer in college, I got a scholarship worth 1,000 euros to study in continental Europe for 4 weeks. My university housing took up 350 euros. The bus/subway pass took 64 euros. I paid another 100 euros for a university-sponsored weekend trip. But really, no regret there, ’cause I saw a Vermeer (!!!) So I had less than 500 euros to last me 4 weeks (that might sound like a lot… but it was still took effort to not go over).
I splurged on some things (tickets to several museums and castles, riverboat tour, coffee with Baileys, calling cards home, a bottle of wine), but I also tried very hard to stay within the budget. I ate eggs and cereal most nights, I washed my clothes in the bathroom sink, and I managed to leave that summer with ~150 euros left over.
BUT, if I could do it all over again, I would do it differently. I had a good friend who was in London at the time, and he invited me to visit. But I didn’t because I was afraid of missing a couple days of class and because I wanted to save some money from my stipend. London isn’t going anywhere, I thought.
In hindsight, though, I should have gone. Now this friend is married and away at law school on the East Coast, and he’s in a complete different stage of life than I am, and we don’t really talk at all now because of our busy lives. Frankly it’ll probably be ages (if ever) before I see him again. London is there, sure, but London, in the summer, with a friend to show me around, while I’m in Europe as a carefree college student, isn’t.
And that’s why I say, fie on the price of jet fuel and airline bankruptcies driving up air fares. I bought my plane tickets last night. I’m going to Hawaii. Aloha indeed!
Well Heeled Blog 
I know what you mean. While I value saving and being responsible and as I emailed, am inspired by your tenacity with your own savings, sometimes I do splurge. And you know what? It’s okay. I don’t spend frivolously all the time and am generally very conservative and responsible. Sometimes it’s worth it to treat yourself because honestly? You still only live once. And incredible life experiences, in one way, can arguably be even more valuable than money.
You know, we’re all out here trying to do better for ourselves.. to save and get rid of debt, but the old saying is true – you CAN’T take it with you. I think it’s great that you’re going on a much deserved holiday.. it’s why I take $ that should be going to my EF and throw it in my vacation fund. I’m taking a mini-trip to Amish country this summer and I can’t TOTALLY afford to do it but my son and I need a little fun together. Do it and don’t sweat it š
xoxo-nklsmom
Good for you girl! Go, and enjoy yourself!!
Exactly the reason I went on a spur of the moment trip to Chicago a month ago. Chicago with 3 girl friends on spring break when I’m 23 and have no real responsibilities? Just couldn’t pass that up! Not to mention that I saved a bit of money because we just happen to be young and pretty, so we never paid for drinks!
Though I don’t have the studies handy to back it up, I have heard that people tend to derive greater pleasure in the long term from experiences than from material things. In other words, your ~$1000 for a Hawaiian vacation will serve you better than if you went out and bought a $1000 chair or television. One reason for this is that you can always hold onto your positive memories gained during a relatively short vacation, whereas you will eventually get bored and uninterested in your chair or dresser.
As you said, you never know when you will be in the position to take a trip like this, so have a blast on your vacation and take a ton of photos.
PS- I hope the airline you booked doesn’t go the way of Aloha Airlines between now and your trip.
Exactly. You can always earn more money. Vacations are a reason we work. Plus you can’t beat the lodging deal you are going to get. Usually loding can be quite and expense and when you are this young it’s just a place to rest your head. Can I go in your luggage? š
I have to say, I don’t always find your blog that helpful when it comes to wanting a more frugal lifestyle. Enabling posts like this one is why. I’m sorry. Have fun though.
I *like* that this blog isn’t a frugality blog. Nor is mine, nor are many of the blogs I enjoy reading. Because sometimes being frugal is all tree, no forest.
I am putting off a trip to France I have been wanting to take for a couple of years, waiting for a more favorable exchange rate. Maybe I should stop waiting, I don’t know. But putting it off has given me a chance to travel to other wonderful, fun places, ones to places where the dollar exchange rates are still pretty good. So I don’t feel like Im giving up fun experiences, just doing them in a different order.
But visiting friends is about as good as it gets. You get to see your friends, get shown around by a local, you get a free place to sleep…
I love your blog — have subscribed for a while now — and I just wanted to say, “Congratulations!” on taking the plunge and treating yourself to a lovely vacation. Ditto what other folks said about the value of experiences vs. things. I especially like the “All tree, no forest” comment.
IMHO, a significant Major Point of frugality is that it helps to facilitate vacations (or whatever your goal is). I’m not living a relatively frugal lifestyle for its own sake, although I do have philosophical and environmental concerns that mesh nicely with frugality. Rather, I’m living this way so that I can save, invest, and yes, even take vacations someday.
I think your trip to Hawaii is well-deserved and still financially responsible. You’re not going into debt by going, you’re saving for it. I spent nearly $10k doing an internship in Europe for 6 months and am now paying it back, but it was worth every single penny. ENJOY!
You’re so right. Money can alway be earned, ya gotta seize opportunities when you can! š
When I was in college and was abroad, I was totally unaware of personal finance. I’m a little grateful for that, because I made such uninhibited choices!
Have a splendid vacation, when you don’t have to pay for lodging, it is already a GREAT value for the $$
You have been tagged for a financial esqe 5 point meme.. have fun.
http://www.bugetbillscredit.blogspot.com
Money really is that, only money.
I’m in Korea earning as much as I can (saving about 1000 dollars or more a month) and love it.
I don’t spend time or money on drinks, but will try a new restaurant or book a ticket to Thailand or Laos in a heartbeat. I and my colleagues are all here to save money but we are also here enriching our lives, experiencing a different culture and language and becoming better people for it.
Enjoy your time in Hawaii, experience great things and let those naysayers stay home and count pennies, wishing they were you.
Felicia
http://www.nearandfar.wordpress.com
Bully for you. You won’t regret it a bit. As they say, “seize the day”…
Aloha! I am a Hawaiian transplant (I moved to LA from Hawaii to attend school and haven’t moved back yet) and I can definitely concur with all of your readers!
By taking advantage of a wonderful situation by staying with a friend you will get to see the best parts of Hawaii while saving money on ridiculous hotel prices. (Definite must-sees: Lanikai beach out by Kaneohe, eating at Waikoloa Shave Ice, I could go on forever . . . )
As for a food budget, if you plan on eating with your home-stay family and eating “local” food like Zippy’s (think Denny’s with loco mocos and spam musubis) you can definitely stay within budget for a week. However, if you decide to venture to some pricier spots (Alan Wong’s on King Street is a favorite), you could blow more than half your budget in one meal. I would suggest letting your friend know ahead of time that you’d much rather spend an evening cooking for her and her family and get a feel for what life is really like on the Islands. Otherwise they might feel obligated to take you to nice restaurants.
Omiyage (Japanese for gifts given when traveling) is a must. I would think something small, like a gift card, would be enough if you don’t know them that well. Nordstrom’s just opened in Honolulu – giving them a chance to splurge there might be a nice idea. I would also find something small while you are there to give them when you leave, just to thank them for their hospitality. They’ll love having such a thoughtful guest!
And remember . . . have FUN!
I was in the same situation as you. My husband and I had paid in full for our trip to Hawaii, when he got laid off. Oh well….you gotta do what you gotta do. Are we in financial trouble now? Absolutely not! Spending money on travel gives you more memories then a big-screen TV or new clothes.