It's Not About What's In the Suitcase

Summer’s here and the vacation you spent all year dreaming about is just around the corner.   You’ve saved the money, planned your route and booked the hotel. Now all you need to do is go shopping… After all, what would this vacation be if you didn’t have new clothes, new shoes, new jewelry, the latest color nail polish, a new bag and more…If this scenario sounds familiar and going shopping is at the top of your vacation “to do” list, I’d like to offer you a challenge. I’d like you to consider that the joy in the vacation is not in the tote bag you think you need for the trip, the shoes and dress you saw in the window or anything else that you feel the need to purchase at the store and put in your suitcase.When we associate the excitement for an upcoming experience with the need to go shopping to buy things for it, we are missing the boat.Let me be clear that I’m all for having clothes, shoes and accessories (bags included) that you love, that fit well and that you feel good wearing and carrying. But if you already have a closet full of clothes that fit and match the season to which you’re traveling and if you already have shoes and a purse (or two) that will meet your needs, then you might want to think twice before going out and buying more…Remember the reason you planned the trip? I’m guessing it had something to do with wanting to visit a certain place or person(s) or to simply spend time with friends or family.  Or maybe it was to have some peace and quiet to yourself. It’s probably not very likely that you planned the trip just so you could go shopping and gift your closets and drawers with some new items.I challenge you to stop and think about why you really planned this trip. And then be honest and consider what “stuff” you really need to take with you. Can you get creative and discover some fun new outfits with the clothes you already have? Can you switch out a different pair of shoes with your favorite dress? Will your daily go-to bag serve the purposes you need while you’re on the road?I commend you on the fact that you are going out and taking a vacation. Many people get so overwhelmed with the expenses, the planning and the effort that they decide it’s not even worth it to take a trip. It doesn’t have to be complicated and it doesn’t have to be expensive. It doesn’t even have to involve a new tote bag.So dream of where you’ve always wanted to go and create a financial plan that will get you there then commit to sticking to it. And when the day comes and it’s time to pack, keep it simple and use what you have. Get creative and remember that the memories are not in what’s packed in your suitcase, they’re in what’s yet to be experienced as you go out and explore the world around you.To Simplicity & Joy,Lisa