Do You Switch “Frugal Mode” On When You Come Back from Vacation?



Have you ever came back from vacation and felt a different side of you take over? How about when you go on vacation? I believe it’s quite normal for us to feel and act a little different during days where we are away from home, but how dramatic are the differences?

Yesterday, I came back from my trip to see my parents and I wasn’t even home yet when all of a sudden a rush of money saving thoughts hit me. Should I grab a bunch of biscuits on the plane so I don’t need to get dinner at the food court? What about the taxi ride home? I could theoretically walk home and drive the car back to pickup Emma and all the luggage. It might take me about 30 minutes to get home and another 5 to drive back, but it will save me $12 on the taxi ride. We are tired and it’s 11 o’clock at night (more like 2am if you factor in timezone differences) but hey, $12 saved is $24 earned.

Luckily, I came to my senses and we got a cab in the end (a decision that I’m sure my wife applauded with hint of relief). I’m not even sure why (or for that matter, how) those thoughts got into my head. If I was still in Canada, there was no way I could even think of something like this. Do I have a “vacation mode” where I shut off part of my frugal senses? Or do I have a “frugal mode” where I can completely turn things off?

I’m sure most people’s spending habits change when they are on vacation, especially when it’s coupled with the happiness that typically surround the end of the year (less stress at work, more gatherings). So perhaps when discussing something like this, it’s not the answers, but the questions themselves.

For those of us who are out and about, have a great trip. For the rest of us, Good Morning and cheers for another (going-to-be) great day.

Editor's Note: Did you know about the service called $5 meal plans? For $5 a month, they send you recipes of delicious, healthy, yet cheap food that costs just $5 a meal.

Several of my friends signed up and they are able to eat at home more because the instructions are easy to follow, making everything convenient. The deal also comes with grocery shopping lists, which saves them so much time. Check it out yourself by clicking here and you too may be able to save more and become healthier at the same time.