Why You Should Spend Money on Experiences Not Things Posted on October 20, 2024November 8, 2024 Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Travel experiences have a deeper impact on us than material possessions ever could. Studies show that spending on experiences rather than things leads to greater happiness, increased longevity, and a more fulfilling life. While new purchases may bring a fleeting thrill, they don’t provide the lasting joy that comes from exploring new places, sharing laughter, or creating memories with loved ones. Experiences enrich our lives in ways that no object can, making us feel more connected to the world and to ourselves. Table of Contents Spend Money on Travel Experiences, Not Things Travel Experiences Three Things My Daddy Taught Me Makes Military Sense There is No Getting Around It Memories Last Longer Than Purchases Experiences Foster Personal Growth Shared Experiences Strengthen Relationships Experiences Boost Mental Well-being Experiences Encourage Environmental Awareness Like it? Pin it! A 2012 study published in the Journal of Consumer Research highlights how travel experiences become a deeper part of a person’s identity compared to material possessions. The study concluded that experiences, such as travel, enrich our lives by shaping our identity and fostering relationships in ways that material goods do not. Unlike possessions that may lose value or be forgotten, travel experiences create lasting memories and meaningful connections. For further details, you can view the study here: Journal of Consumer Research. Spend Money on Travel Experiences, not Things I’ve spent a small fortune over the years on clothes, shoes, and stuff that’s probably lost on a barge circling the globe for eternity. If only I had known then what I know now about the value of travel experiences. The photos I’ve taken, the people I’ve met, and the magnets covering my fridge from all my trips bring me joy every single day. I’m not saying don’t buy things—trust me, I still wear shoes, love my Coach bags, and have more than a few bottles of wine. But honestly, how many sneakers or purses does one person really need? These purchases just don’t compare to the joy and fulfillment I’ve found through travel, photography, and those random painting classes I’ve taken in new places. And there’s no telling how much I’ve spent laughing with girlfriends over a glass of red, white, or rosé. The difference is, I remember every one of those moments, while most of those things are long forgotten. Travel Experiences Travel experiences are more important than things. Buying stuff makes us feel a certain way. It feeds our egos and provides us with a false sense of self and/or importance. There is “prestige” in having a big car, a huge house or an imported car, but what about the prestige of spending an afternoon in the Louvre, running the Paris Half Marathon, exploring the ruins of Angkor Wat or just kicking back under an umbrella on the beach as your kid’s frolic in the surf? You probably already know the high from buying things doesn’t last long, either. As a matter of fact, if we spend too much, we are often left with buyer’s remorse. Buyers’ remorse is a common occurrence, and a phenomenon is named for it. It is so prevalent that you can sit in on a meeting for it; alcoholism and smoking cessation– it’s addictive. Three Things My Daddy Taught Me My daddy, yes my daddy, is a smart man. I got my sense of adventure from him. He has given me countless bits and pieces of advice over the years… some of which I actually asked for. But there is no denying the following three things involve money and happiness over the long run. He said: 1. Pay yourself first.You are just as important as the gas, light or credit card bills 2. Do what you have to now, so you can do what you want to later.Spend the money you earn wisely, so one day you aren’t dependent on a paycheck. You work for the rewards of travel experiences later. 3. There are only a few things NO ONE can ever take away from you.Your credit, your word, and your education. So take care to get and keep all of them in bulk. They will get you further in life than you’ll ever know. Makes Military Sense It also makes sense as a military family that has moved every three years or so. Stuff breaks disappear (lost or stolen), doesn’t match with the decor of a new home (modern, drapes are too short or too long, the bed won’t fit into the new bedroom let alone the elevator. And good, a lot of knick-knacks have to be dusted too. I feel uncomfortable in a minimalist or sparsely furnished home, I still want to be comfortable. However, you’d be surprised how little you need to achieve that and still create a warm and inviting environment. I am tired of lugging dozens of cardboard boxes from state to state or country to country or storage area to storage area. Unlike many of my friends, we park our cars in the garage and not a shit load of boxes. The things I buy have meaning, purpose, and functionality. There is no Getting Around It Of course, we all need to spend money to live, provide for our families, and stay safe, warm, and fed. But after the essentials, how we spend the rest is up to us. We have the power to make our time on earth more fulfilling, rewarding, and pleasurable. Buying things often makes us feel how advertisers think we should feel. But possessions don’t define our values. In fact, they often contradict them because as we earn more, we buy more, leading us to work harder to pay for things we hardly use or appreciate. The study led by Ryan Howell at San Francisco State University in 2014 found that people derive greater satisfaction from spending money on experiences rather than material goods. This is largely because experiences tend to foster social connections, which contribute to long-term happiness, and are less likely to lead to buyer’s remorse. Experiences, such as travel, provide lasting memories and personal growth, whereas material possessions often lose their value over time. You can read more about this research [here]. I couldn’t agree more. Living a life filled with memories—tangible, vivid moments that we can carry with us—feels far more fulfilling than simply chasing dreams. Don’t you want the kind of life where you’ve already experienced the joy you’re dreaming of? The best part about memories is that they stay with you, shaping who you are, while dreams can sometimes fade if not pursued. If you’re ready to start building a life rich in experiences, why not begin now? You don’t even need to leave your home to begin making travel part of your life. Check out my post on 30 Ways to ‘Travel’ Without Leaving Home for simple ideas that let you explore the world from your living room. And if you’re ready to turn your travel dreams into reality, here’s how you can do just that: Turn Your Travel Dreams into Travel Reality. It’s time to stop dreaming and start creating memories that last. We are always on the hunt for wine, even at restores and grocery stores. Memories Last Longer than Purchases. While the thrill of a new purchase fades quickly, the memories I create while traveling stay with me forever. Whether it’s the photos from a sunrise hike or the stories shared with people I meet, these moments become part of my personal history. They inspire, motivate, and give me a sense of fulfillment that no object ever could, except for things not used or seen often in daily life. In contrast, most material possessions lose their value or meaning over time, often ending up forgotten or discarded. It’s like buying a candle and never lighting it. Experiences Foster Personal Growth. Travel experiences push me out of my comfort zone, challenging me to see the world differently and helping me grow as a person. From trying new foods to navigating unfamiliar cities, each adventure broadens my perspective and teaches me about myself and others. On the other hand, possessions tend to reinforce routine and familiarity, rarely contributing to personal development or new insights. Shared Experiences Strengthen Relationships. Travel allows me to share unforgettable moments with friends, family, or even strangers. Whether it’s laughing over a glass of wine with old friends or making new connections along the way, these shared experiences build bonds that last. In contrast, material possessions don’t create the same deep connections—if anything, they can become sources of competition or isolation, rather than bringing people together. Experiences Boost Mental Well-being. Travel experiences can reduce stress, improve my mood, and boost overall mental well-being. Exploring new environments, immersing myself in different cultures, and stepping away from everyday routines all help rejuvenate my mind. The anticipation of a trip can even bring happiness before I leave. In contrast, material possessions often lead to fleeting satisfaction, and in some cases, the desire to acquire more can increase anxiety and stress, especially when financial strain or clutter builds up. Experiences Encourage Environmental Awareness. Travel often opens my eyes to the beauty and fragility of the natural world. Whether it’s hiking through national parks, snorkeling in coral reefs, or simply appreciating different landscapes, travel helps foster a sense of responsibility for protecting the environment. By contrast, the constant consumption of material goods contributes to waste and environmental degradation. Experiences, especially those that connect me to nature, make me more conscious of my impact and encourage more sustainable choices. Long Layover at Ground Zero in NYC Like it? Pin it! This post is sponsored and/or contains affiliate links, from which I earn a commission at no extra cost to the reader. I appreciate your support and know that all the views expressed are my own. Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe! Share this:FacebookXLinkedInTwitterPinterestThreadsEmailPrintLike this:Like Loading... 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So refreshing! Instead of keeping a list of more things to buy – the latest blow dryer, the newest eye shadow – you have pared down to meaningful essentials. Your journey has been an inspiration to me and countless others Reply
Thanks for this post, I need to spend money wisely even If I want to treat myself but I have so many bills that needs to pay Reply
I love reading this post, Yes I am important than our other bills, I want to treat myself sometimes but the budget are so tough my hubby doesn’t have a work so I was the only one who’s paying all bills plus the need for our babies and daily budget Reply
You also have to read the rest. You have to do what you have to today so you can do what you want to tomorrow. We try to find things that have a low cost but a high value and sometimes those things will mean even more. Thanks for sharing with me and I wish you much success in 2017!!! Reply
I have never visited but my brother was dating a girl who lived here so he has 3 or maybe 4 times now and he just loved it all his pictures just looked so amazing like out of this world Reply
Exactly! Once we stopped buying stuff and started buying experiences we really started to live. It is why we can afford to travel. Reply
I enjoyed reading this post. I agree with the lesson your dad taught you. Those are wise words. Great article! Reply
Hey Stacey, thanks for sharing. I had a similar realization a few years ago. I started prioritizing experiences above things, and I became a minimalist. Life is so much better these days with so little to worry about. It’s funny how the more things you own, the amount of worry and insecurities you feel goes up too. Reply
Omg that is so true. Thats why adide from making ends meet some of the poorest people can still be happy. People with money cant understand or relate. Its also amazing at how little you need, we moved from a 4000 sq ft house in VA to under 2000 in Germany and we thrived. Reply
I like the three things Daddy taught you, now through you, I have learnt. Hmmm I will try to live the military life this year, especially paying myself first. Reply
My daddy’s influence is long and strong. What’s funny is I didn’t pay attention to them right away, it took a few hard knocks first. Reply
I love this so much, and it is totally in line with how I am wanting to live my life right now. I just don’t need any more “stuff”, but there are so many things that I want to experience now while I still can. Reply
I am fan of the three things that your Dad taught you especially the 3ed one Yes Anybody can take away from you your education and knowledge you can loose everything but not those values, thank you for this great article . Reply
Thank you. My dad and I are two of the most similar people I know. I got my values, principles, politics, religion and love of history from him. What else is there?? And then to top it all off, I married a guy that is almost exactly like him. lol Reply
You are so right! I was talking on the phone with my friend today asking her to join me on a trip. She sad it might be to expensive and few minutes after she start telling me how much she just spent on shoes and clothing. Like 7 times more then she would spend on this trip. I just can’t understand that. Reply
What did she say after you mentioned the shoes? Don’t give up on her, but know that people spend there time and money the way they want to. There are ways to travel inexpensively. So if they say they want to travel, but don’t they are telling you its not a high priority. Reply
My dad always talks about how he is chasing after new experiences which I think is a great way to spend your money. I also believe we shouldn’t be too attached to stuff! I am really not into being materialistic so I like that you value experiences over things. Reply
I agree 100% memories last but things dont its so much better so save up for an unforgettable trip them have a house full of junk. Reply
It also makes sense as a military family that has moved every three years or so. Stuff breaks, disappears (lost or stolen), doesn’t match with the decor of a new home (modern, drapes are too short or too long, bed won’t fit into the new bedroom let alone the elevator. And good, a lot of knicks knacks have to be dusted too. I don’t feel comfortable in a sparsely furnished home, I still want to be comfortable, but you’d be surprised how little you need to achieve that. Reply
I’m with you! I’d rather have an experience than STUFF. However, with kids, it’s hard to go out and experience the world with school and such. Maybe when they’re older and out of the house I can explore more. Reply
I thought that too, but I have witnessed how creative my friends with little kids are. Its possible. I stated with things like Christmas, foregoing tons of presents under tree in lieu of family trips. he last one we spent all together was to southern Spain for 3 weeks. I thought they would miss presents, but they enjoyed that trip immensely. I think it starts with managing expectations. I didn’t want kids who thought they were entitled to gifts… sometimes I was successful, sometimes they were, well, kids. Reply
My husband and I vowed never to buy each other gifts. On our special occasions, we will put aside money and spend it on an experience! Reply
We are pretty much the same way. If we buy each other gifts its not necessarily during a special occasion. But we’ve come to spend our “holidays” traveling or doing something special. Reply
I love “do what you have to now, so you can do what you want to later.” That’s a great quote, and a great concept to live by. Sometimes it’s the things we didn’t really want to do today that allow us to do exactly what we love tomorrow. Reply
It says you are not entitled to anything, you still have to work for it. But at some point you have earned whatever you want to do with the rest of your life. That becomes a motto when you are working a 9-5 or doing something you want to quit. It’s my tagline on my email and my advice to friends who feel they are toiling at work, saving money or seeking an education, etc. Reply
Your dad had some wise words! I did come to the experience over things last year at Christmas time. I thought what’s the point of all the holiday decorations for one day, wrapping paper you throw away, presents that are played with momentarily or not at all. I wanted to do something different. I think everyone would rather go some where and see someplace and keep those memories and experiences over a toy or new shoes. Reply
I agree. We spent 3 weeks in southern Spain a few years ago for Christmas. I thought the kids would miss having a tree with presents, but they didn’t. It was one of the best trips I’ve ever taken. I wrote a five part blog series on the trip https://duffelbagspouse.com/2015/11/its-army-life-christmas-in-spain-part-1/#gs.UJLjj24. Reply
Lol, I don’t live in a white box with nothing on the walls or floors, no where to sit or rest my head. I bought curtains in Japan, a rug in Turkey, and a wine barrel from France. I just bought pillow cases from Thailand, etc… that gives me more pleasure than going to Wal-mart (no offense to those who love Wally World). The things I have serve form, function and affinity. Reply