Why I’d rather spend money on travel than clothes

Your eyes aren’t fooling you – I really did just write that title. In the world of fashion, objects are more than once described as “something to die for” (I hope we’re all still saying that as a matter of speech and not in the actual sense of the word) and designer bags by Céline, Balenciaga or Givenchy are coveted things that will generally cost you way more than a month’s rent.

Depending on how you travel (this equation does not apply to luxury travelers, but then again – they can probably afford a fancy bag and five star hotel too), one designer bag with a hefty price tag can easily cover the cost of a two-week trip abroad (or so my personal experience has taught me). For me, the choice is easily made. Sure – I’ve found myself pinning slash secretly dreaming of those beautiful expensive things too, but when push comes to shove at the check-out counter I just can’t ever seem to convince myself to pay that.much.money. for one item.

Whether you wish to spend your money on clothes or travel is a personal decision – one I won’t judge, for that matter – but over the years, I’ve come to the realisation that being able to travel the world just means so much more to me than a pretty bag I can carry around. If I could have a conversation with my 16-year-old-self, I’d tell her to stop spending so much on that fast fashion and start using her money for better things. Of course, she’d totally roll her eyes at me.

Traveling the world means enriching yourself, broadening your horizon and perspective on things – because it often forces you to experience new cultures and ways of living, which will encourage some self-reflection. It creates wanderlust - and the realization that your life doesn’t have to happen in simply one place. And yes, even though that beautiful bag will also bring you joy – I feel like it can’t compete with the thrill of traveling somewhere new. Even though I too, will remain an admirer of all things beautiful (I’m still part fashion blogger, after all) and won’t shy away of a new closet addition from time to time – these days I’ll also take a moment to reflect on where that money could take me next.