Vacation Mode: Avoiding Spending Traps
When I’m on vacation, I transform into a carefree version of myself. I indulge in pedicures, drink before noon, and even brave open waters despite my shark phobia. But amidst all the fun, I knew I had to be mindful of my spending habits.
Staying on Track
Before my trip, I wrote about the common vacation spending traps I wanted to avoid. And I’m proud to say that I succeeded in dodging most of them. Sure, I treated myself to drinks with meals, but I didn’t go overboard. And I’m returning home without a single unnecessary souvenir to regret.
The Art of Mindful Spending
Of course, I did splurge on a few things – some necessary, others not so much. But I kept my total expenses relatively low, making this one of my most successful vacations yet. Here’s a breakdown of everything I spent money on, minus lodging and meals:
The Necessities
- A toothbrush ($3.00) and travel toothbrush holder ($2.00) to maintain good oral hygiene
- An eyebrow pencil ($7.00) to keep my brows on point
- Sunscreen ($6.00) to protect my skin from the sun
The Treats
- Three postcards with a dog running through a cranberry bog ($0.75) because who doesn’t love dogs?
- A six-pack of my favorite beer ($12.00) because, well, vacation mode
- A bottle of nail polish ($3.00) to give my nails a quick makeover
- A blanket ($9.00) to stay cozy in the chilly rental house
- A pack of mints ($2.50) to freshen up
- A Cape Cod themed birthday card ($2.50) for the little girl I nanny
The Grand Total
My total expenses came out to a reasonable $47.75. I attribute this to my initial plan to avoid unnecessary spending and the fact that I spent a few days recovering from an illness, which kept me from indulging in impulsive purchases.
The Psychology of Vacation Spending
It’s easy to get caught up in the vacation mindset, where we feel entitled to treat ourselves without thinking twice. But it’s essential to remember that these small purchases can add up quickly. By setting a clear plan for my spending and sticking to it, I avoided falling into common traps and returned home feeling proud of my financial discipline.
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