I have a very unfrugal hobby: travel.
I'm trying to keep it in check, but does anyone have suggestions for when that urge to flee really digs in?
I get quite claustrophobic on the island, and must leave at least twice a year. And even if I were to move back to the Mainland, I still like to see and do new things, and would like to do so while I am younger and not too unnerved by the discomfort of my aging body. Experiencing different locales and cultures also helps me keep my reality in check, and I learn immensely about all sorts of things on my solo travels.
In a perfect world, I was smart enough to 'stache into IRAs, emergency funds, and Vanguard accounts in my twenties, and I would only travel once I had the entire costs in hand prior to skipping down that jetway. I am not perfect, however, and am where I am, and learning about money slowly. I think I have enough money, but then I get back from Cambodia or New Mexico or where ever, and then it turns out my car needs a new alternator or the condo maintenance fees go up for building repairs. The reality here and now is that I am miserable when I feel stuck and then I get all crazy and make slips in my financial goals.
How do you all stay so disciplined and motivated?