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I love the Jersey shore. I always have and I always will. If I could choose to go anywhere for a weekend, it would be there. Owning a home there is a future goal of ours. I grew up going there, my memories are buried in that sand, and every year I look forward to eating my traditional boardwalk treats and sitting my ass in a beach chair looking out at the same ocean I've looked out on my entire life. I love how comfortable and at home I feel there.
For a long time, our week long vacations were spent at the Jersey Shore and I loved every second. If you would've asked me 10 years ago where my vacation spot would be, I would've confidently answered the shore - one week every summer. But it hasn't turned out like that. The last time we did it was for our wedding five years ago. We've spent weekends at the shore but reserved our weeks for expanding vacation horizons.
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| Some of our 2014 adventures - long, weekend, and day trips included |
If I had a dollar for every time someone said, "must be nice," to a vacation shot of us, I'd be able to fully fund all trips for eternity. Yes, it is nice. And we've worked quite hard for it. It's something we set money aside for and where we prefer to spend our extra. We often say it's what we do with the money we don't spend on the kids we don't have. What we're actually buying is experiences, and I feel like it's an investment - the return we get is so much more than the dollar amount we put out.
Why do we like to travel? It feeds our desire to see places we've only read about or seen on TV. It gives us feelings and beauty and memories and stories and it pushes us outside of our comfort zones. Even planning the adventure can be fun, from deciding where to go and what to do, where to eat and what to visit. When you’re traveling overseas you do have some paperwork to deal with, visas and things from usa-esta.com and you might need travel jabs too which aren’t the most fun. But overall, travel is SO worth the time and money spent and creates memories to last a lifetime.
MFD does well outside of his comfort zone - he has a wonderful sense of adventure and is spontaneous and very YOLO in nature. Me, as a person who lives inside of a routine and comfort zone to the extreme...I need that push. It's good to operate in places you're unfamiliar with sometimes. I think it can show you a lot about who you are as a person and how you function.
Is travel a high priority for you?
Travel is SO important to me! But you probably already figured that out ;) Also, I get frustrated when people say "must be nice" to just about anything. yes, it is nice, because you've worked hard for it!
ReplyDeleteI hate the lingering idea that travel is a self-centered self-indulgence. Experiences are important. I have only been within six states of the United States, so I hope to travel more in the future.
ReplyDeleteYES travel is so important to us! it's so amazing to see other countries and their culture.
ReplyDeletewhen it was just the two of us and we were youngin's, we were beach people so give us a beach/ocean and we're good. when we got a bit older, it was all about history and experiencing the culture. now that we have kayla, it's a bit different because at the moment, we need to be sure that she has stuff to do so kid-friendly places which are boring for me but great for her. i can't wait until she's older so i can finally go visit all the nordic countries because hello, vikings LOL.
Travel is not an indulgence. And besides that, I find it curious that others feel the need to give you their two cents on your choices, like it's theirs. Keep traveling and doing all that makes you happy. As you said, YOLO. This is your life, and in the end, it's made up of your memories. Make them great!
ReplyDeleteLove love LOVE this post! We get the same "must be nice" comments on our travel pictures, and it's ridiculous. We have decided to make travelling a priority instead of the newest technology gadgets or going out to eat all the time. It's definitely the only thing you can spend money on that truly makes you richer ;-)
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm so sorry to hear about the train crash, my heart goes out to all involved.
I couldn't agree more! I'd rather spend money on travel and experiences than stuff!! I have a long list of places near and far to get to!!
ReplyDeleteI agree about travel. My husband didn't always feel that way, but he's realized that we are so careful and prudent about being good stewards of our resources that the next part of life is enjoying experiences... and we have all the things we need.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about the train. Definitely thinking of those affected today.
ReplyDeleteTravel is a very high priority for us, and one we hope to share with our kiddos too. We hear the same comments from people, but like you, it's where we choose to spend our money because we value travel very highly. It's important to experience different places and people.
Travel is sooooooooooo important to me and my husband and we are doing everything we can to travel as much as possible. I've slowly started to realize saving for a vacation is better than saving for a purse. We want memories not things. :)!
ReplyDeleteNot important to me at all. I am a supreme homebody. At almost 59 and 62, Rich and I are cognizant of what we can spend. Every vacation I have ever been on always costs more! That is why we got our pool. From the day it opens, usually May 1, we feel like we are on vacation. Plus, my pups, do not like to be away from them and expensive to board. However, I am happy for you and Mike Doyle, that you can do what you do. I will travel when I am on the other side!! Godspeed to all those on the train wreck, especially those who are missing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beauty of a day!
Love, Your MOMMA
I've only hung out at the Shore once but it was so much fun! I was 21 or 22 and it was when Iw as driving up the east coast with friends. I love to travel and have been to all states and 19 countries. i'm usually in a state of wanderlust.
ReplyDeleteOh wow - I can't believe someone would say "must be nice" that is so rude!!! I love travelling - my husband always says we can't material possessions when we go, but our memories of experiences will last forever! (or something like that) xo, Biana -BlovedBoston
ReplyDeleteYes, it's SO important to me and I love love love that quote!!
ReplyDeleteI love to Travel, I got it from my Great-Grandfather who became world traveler when he was in his 70's. I love visiting new places although I do have a habit of going back to the same places over and over gain.
ReplyDeletethe amtrak crash, unbelievable. so sad.
ReplyDeletetravel is so important to me. it is not important to my husband. sigh. i tell him, you knew you married a person who loves travel when you married someone from another country. we wouldn't have met if it weren't for my love of travel. trouble is, when i say i want to go somewhere, he always thinks i mean a huge international trip, but i don't. i want to get those out of the way while we can (while we have extra money and no kids) and then do the 'smaller' trips later. he doesn't like to talk about travel, pay for travel or plan it. but when we are on the trip? you'd think he'd planned it all, he acts like a kid he's so excited. i love it. so i just plod along and dream my travel dreams, share them with blogland and wait till the actual trip to share it with him. lol.
i have so much rage for the 'must be nice' comment. but i'll refrain lol. sigh, people.
People that say it must be nice to anything are jealous in my opinion. I am not a traveler. For as long as I can remember home is where I want to be. That said for those with wanderlust enjoy. I find all of you to be adventurers.
ReplyDeleteI hate when people throw shade on others for travel. If you can afford it, do you. Would I spend my money on travel? Heck no, but we all know how I feel about that! As long as you're not in debt or mooching vacations off other people, you should spend your money how you see fit. Thankfully John is pretty anti-travel as well, we both hate flying so we stick to driveable weekend getaways - which for us is not the shore! But your photos make it look so pretty.
ReplyDeleteGahhhhh....I hate "must be nice" about anything. It is not like someone handed things to me (vacations, cars, houses, anything, etc.) so I don't get it. You had the same opportunity to work and save that we/I did.
ReplyDeleteTravel is also important to me; one of my biggest life regrets is that I did not study abroad in college. We were always a yearly vacation family, so I definitely want that for Jack and any future kids. Also, I am a big proponent of separate family vacations and adults only vacations. Adult vacations are totally necessary and I just roll my eyes when people act like there is something wrong with taking a vacation without your kids. My parents did it and I turned out just fine.
I've been thinking about this a lot lately. Especially since we were trying to swing a trip to Europe but we just can't with Scott's work schedule. The military lets you vacation ONLY when it is convenient for them. He can't take a day off for anything, ever (really...they don't allow it).
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I think "what is the point of this all if we don't see the world?" Like, isn't that what we've been intended to do? Isn't that why are these places are out there? In that regard, I'm glad we've gotten to travel as much as we have.
I love to travel. I don't get to do as much as I like with my job, but when I do get to go I love it!
ReplyDeleteMy hubby and I were just talking about starting to do this. Setting aside the money, because we are worth a nice getaway every once in a while. Good for you! Love this!
ReplyDeleteScott and I are actively starting to look for a house or condo at the beach as even more motivation to save and pay off the rest of our debt. I love the beach and want to spend as much time there as possible.
ReplyDeleteI love to travel and I love other people's travel experiences because right now, there are lots of places we want to go that are not Erica friendly so I use those pictures for ideas and inspiration. Travel is a priority for us when we have the money available and we do what we can when we can, even if it's a weekend trip to somewhere like Gettysburg.
I had no idea about the Amtrak crash. Terrible.
I need to go to the Jersey Shore... must be nice! Just kidding. I know good and well you work to travel. I do the same. Some people just don't prioritize it!
ReplyDeleteI like to take the opportunity to travel any chance I can!
ReplyDeleteoh goodness, yes!!! As I've matured, I've definitely noticed less emphasis on 'stuff' (though I'm not fully removed from coveting some of it of course) and more on experiences. My husband is a HUGE proponent of the fight of spending money on experiences vs. things. In fact, it could be on his tombstone. That has always been his mantra and it's funny watching a guy who saves almost every penny and debates buying $5 flip flops splurge so hard when it has to do with his vacations. It's very interesting but I think it's because of what you're saying-- speaks to your soul!!
ReplyDeleteAnd what you do with your hard-earned money is your own business! I read an article about people being stressed by others' vacation pictures on facebook, feeling less fortunate. I was just thinking to myself, are you kidding? With all the mundane stuff people post (myself included), I love looking at vacations photos.
And we spent 10 days at the Jersey Shore when I was a junior in high school with my mom's family who still lives in PA. It was fabulous!
Travel isn't a high priority for me but I do like to get out and explore too. If only we had summer vacations like when we were kids to explore all we wanted. I don't get near enough time off.
ReplyDeleteYou are sooooo right...you are investing in memories and I wish I could do it more often, but with two kids, it's hard. I have always wanted to visit the Jersey Shore...heck I just want to visit the east coast. One day...it will happen. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm always of the opinion that experience trumps stuff, whether it's travel, a meal, or even treating yourself to a more indulgent activity like a massage. Plus, hotel living is pretty great - no dishes, someone to make your bed, and no pets to wake you up. We do a lot of staycations and overnight road trips, but taking the time and expense to plan to go more places is something we really need to work on.
ReplyDeleteI share the same perspective on travel and I'm always saving for our trips. As soon as one trip is done, it seems I start right away saving for another. Funny enough, I hate planes and flying more & more the older I get but I suck it up because my heart desires to see more and explore the world.
ReplyDeleteIt's awesome you love to travel and get out of your comfort zone. I used to love traveling when I was single and had no other big expenses. With childcare expenses and the cost (and headache) of traveling with 2 kids, we've put off traveling until the kids are older and can appreciate it. The longest trip we've taken is 4 hrs in the car for family vacation.
ReplyDeleteI always thought it would be way more important to me than it is. I think though, because I am picky about who I travel with. My ex and I were not good travel companions, neither is my best girlfriend. We just like to do different things. I do have some good friends I like to go on trips with and I could go anywhere with my brother... we are exactly the same in terms of the ratio of lazy vs. activity on a trip. I need a lot of lazy and only a little activity. My travel days are ahead I am sure!
ReplyDeleteI love to travel, so much more so than my husband does. He's probably the exact opposite of your husband in this sense. He used to be more adventurous but now not so much. I'm so much more adaptable than him and I love to try anything new. It is harder now with our daughter but I truly think traveling is such a great learning experience. I'm so lucky that my parents took us so many places when we were young.
ReplyDeletei grew up going to the jersey shore, being from PA. we would go to stone harbor and get a tiny house and it was the best memories ever! travel is the most rewarding thing - so true! thanks for linking up girl! xo
ReplyDeletecheshirekatblog.com
I love the Jersey shore too... feels like home away from home. But there are so many places on my bucket list and somehow, God willing and the creek don't rise, I will get to them! I cannot wait to hear about you safari!!!! (Don't forget to bring me an elephant family... )
ReplyDeleteI like to travel, but have the real fear of flying, so we usually travel regionally. Haha! I certainly have my favorite spots, like Gulf Shores, Alabama. But it is fun to check out other areas and experience new places for sure! Traveling is certainly an investment!
ReplyDeleteAs a Jersey girl, I gotta say I love the Jersey shore too :) I love to travel but have yet to do any extensive traveling. Like you, it's on my bucket list. I hope you get to see all the places on your list!
ReplyDeleteMili
I love this. I love to travel. I would love to do more of it, & someday I will, but concerts are slightly higher on the priority list right now. I have never been to the Jersey Shore before but it sounds amazing.
ReplyDeleteIt's always funny, the people that tend to say 'must be nice' would totally be able to afford trips if they spent less money on miscellaneous crap and saved more. I'm not a penny pincher because we need to be, I'm frugal because I would rather spend money on memories than THINGS. Jersey Shore is on my list! I've flown into Jersey, but that's my only experience. My thoughts and prayers are with the train victims and their families too.
ReplyDeleteArgh, that whole "must be nice" comment is so annoying. Everyone makes their choices, and except for those that are truly scraping by, everyone is choosing to spend that little bit extra on something. For some it's travel, others it's eating out, others spend a lot on their clothes or their house, etc etc. I really enjoy traveling but the logistics of it these days (bring kids or not? Who's watching them? Who's watching our decrepit finicky old dog?) makes it a bit tricky. Not to mention my husband's work schedule and mine don't mesh very well to take advantage of our weekends (since he works on Sundays!)
ReplyDeleteMust be nice?! I could say that about people owning fancy cars or boats or expensive purses and jewelry, but I don't. I don't want those things, but it doesn't bother me that other people save their money and do as they wish. Idiots. Haha!
ReplyDeleteI'm all about investing in experiences. That's why we fill our calendar with concerts and comedians and games. I'd rather go do something than own something. Travel is a priority for us too, but has taken a back seat since we had kids. We have tuition to pay and a lack of babysitters! It'll get easier in a few years to do more as a family. Next up for me is Vegas this fall. In 2016 we'll be doing Disneyland and possibly Hawaii as a family, and a weekend away with Jacob in New Orleans. I don't see us leaving the country for another few years though. My anxiety can't take it. In 2017 my friend Carrie and I are going to road trip through Texas.
I can't wait to read about your upcoming adventures!
Totally with you: Traveling is worth every penny to me! I'd rather have fond memories of that trip we took to Colombia then a new car all the time or that coffee table from Pottery Barn that looks just like my $200 version from a local furniture store.
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with you. We had multiple comments recently about the amount we travel, but we work our butts off to travel and it's what we spend our money on. I didn't realize people needed me to post a bunch of miserable pictures of busy work days to believe that's where I spend the majority of my time. Grrrr.
ReplyDeletetravel is a huge priority for me. in fact, i was just thinking this morning about the fact that I'm getting wanderlust again, and need to find a cheap vacation I can take quick.
ReplyDeleteI love how you worded it that it's paying for an experience. My favorite gifts have been gifts were I've done something with someone, rather than just unwrapped something.
ReplyDeleteI like vacations BUT I'm a huuuuuuge homebody... so I don't have the desire to go many places very often. Not like you do, Carmen SanDiego! ;)
#AFRICA2016