I do not think anyone needs the reminder but as of late, financially, life hasn’t been easy.

We are fighting, hey?

Everything between fluctuating petrol prices, Namibian lodge rates once again becoming exclusionary for domestic travellers, and the repo rate increase news we get every other month. It has been quite the ride.

The consistent rise in the general cost of living almost has us accustomed to “Yoh, things are expensive, guys” as an 8am greeting from our colleagues, because they really are! We are suffering (recognise the humour.)

It is only natural that when things become a little more difficult on the financial front, we cut out the luxuries and rather focus on necessities. I, myself, am in the middle of a self-imposed lifestyle assessment. With the way things are going, it just feels natural that the next step be to ask ourselves the difficult questions that will make our financial journeys easier.

“Do I really need that cappuccino every morning?”

“Should I still be eating out this much in this economy?”

“Should I perhaps look at a cheaper apartment without compromising things that matter (safety, distance etc.)?”

“Is spending money on travel still worth it?”

Now, if you’ve stuck around here long enough, you know I love to emphasise just how expensive travel is, more especially domestic travel. You are looking at thousands of dollars per person per night, and that’s excluding the fuel you use to drive long distances, and the buffet dinners that can range anywhere between N$300 and N$800 dollars; also, per person by the way.

Many believe international travel to be more worth their hard-earned money. The reasoning, usually, is that you get to experience more for much less, and to be honest, I understand. 

It is difficult to rationalise N$20 000 on a weekend for two when all you can experience in our largely safari country is a game drive with springbok and elephants you have likely already seen during your previous vacations.

Now, I’m as much a sucker for beach vibes in Cape Town as I am for a good old safari, but I want to emphasise just how much I get the rationale. 

Despite all of this, however, is travel still worth it? Is travel a luxury worth spending on in this ever-declining economy?

Predictable maybe, but my answer remains yes!

I love travel for many reasons – reasons that can be as silly as beautiful pictures, and as meaningful as learning my history, my becoming, my culture.

My biggest take-away from travel, however, is always connecting to different cultures. 

Exposure gives you a more well-rounded perspective on the world, and that perspective can positively impact different areas of your life. 

We believe certain stereotypes solely because that is what we are taught by people who also grew up with those biases, but it does not make them true. Travel, to a large degree, is why some of the biases I grew up with have been dismantled.

For that reason and that reason alone, travel, where possible, will always be worth it.

Do not hesitate to reach out to me should you need any travel consultation, collaboration and everything in-between.

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