Why spending money on travel is money well spent

Spending money on travel means you could be seeing places like this in the Maldives.

When it comes to travelling, there’s no denying that the costs associated with it can quickly add up. That’s why I wrote my ‘5 Ways to save money for your travels’ post, to provide you tips on how to maximise your money and travel more, whether it’s through selling things you don’t need or exchanging money to a foreign currency so you aren’t tempted to spend it. For some, travelling is more than just something to do, it’s what they strive for, and there are various ways they can go about making travel their life.

Of course, there’s no denying that it can be difficult saving for travel. However, there are a host of reasons why travelling is one of the best ways to spend your money. Here are a selection of my favourites.

It makes us happy

In a Telegraph article on the benefits of going on a holiday, travel writer Chris Leadbeater explains how travel is scientifically proven to make people happier. Research conducted by scientists at Harvard and the University of California established that even six days on a relaxing getaway is enough to feel the benefits. This kind of travel can also boost the immune system and reduce stress, meaning that travel can actually help recharge your batteries.

You can share experiences with family

Unlike spending on material things like new clothes or fancy gadgets, travelling is great when it’s shared with others. For many, this means spending their money on a memorable experience with friends and/or family. Something most people in the UK are happy to invest in. The Evening Standard cites that an average of £4,800 is spent by families on travel each year. Of that figure, the average holiday costs £2,417 and lasts nine days, with families taking two holidays a year on average. While it may sound like a lot when you read it, I believe that it’s money well spent.

Of course, the more money you have the more you can afford to spend on family holidays. For one Dublin family, winning the £175 million EuroMillions jackpot this year has certainly changed how they will holiday in the future. The Independent revealed how this was the biggest ever payout in the history of the National Lottery. The family disclosed to the paper that they always take holidays together every year, and that their win will help them take the trips they’ve always dreamed of.

To get a sense of just how big the jackpot was, Lottoland reports that the EuroJackpot has a prize pot of €48 million (£44 million). With the average holiday costing £4,800, the mega prize pot is enough for over 36,000 years’ worth of family holidays, so it goes without saying that they will definitely be able to put their money to good use and spend it on a special trip.

It makes you more employable

Though most people generally travel for leisure purposes, Save the Student explains how travelling can also help boost your job prospects. Travelling forces you to be flexible in situations where you are confronted with unexpected problems along the way, and you may also have to overcome language barriers and cope in unfamiliar surroundings. Travel also encourages you to be more independent and improves your communication skills.

The above are just some of the reasons why travel is one of the best things you can spend your money on. Whether it is with family, friends, or even by yourself, you will be richer for the experience nevertheless.