If my mother read this post, she probably would not talk to me for a long time. My mother-in-law affectionately called us “the maniacs of the journey”. And I understand that. I am sure that their generation, in general, has grown with different values. Home, car, furniture, jewelry and savings were all of primary importance and a way to show their status, success and achievements. Do not get me wrong, all these things are still important (and I wish more people could afford the material pleasures of this life without sacrifice and budget planning). However, my generation gradually begins to approach another kind of mentality – where experiences count more than things. Priorities are moving from accumulating objects to accumulating experiences.
My husband and I are just a couple with an average income, who tries to live to the fullest and create memories that will last forever. Given the choice and budget limits, I’d rather drive a simple car but go on vacation four times a year, rather than say no to a trip and spend the next ten years paying me a Mercedes, just to show off my status. In addition, we have established immediately that we would prefer to spend an eye on a Michelin-star restaurant, instead of wasting money to exchange gifts.
You will think mine is an obsession, and perhaps you are right too. I prefer to define it as a passion. In both cases, the symptoms are clear: I feel suffocated if I stay in the same place for more than three months; I need my escapes during the weekend (near or far); I plan holidays for one or two years; I dedicate myself to a meticulous research and prepare detailed itineraries for each trip; CondeNast Traveler, Culture Trip, National Geographic and Travel + Leisure have become my bibles; I also frequent sites like booking.com just to daydream all those wonderful destinations around the world.
