If you’re in a position to do so, why not take a vacation? Stepping away from your normal routine might be exactly what you need to rejuvenate, re-energize, and rediscover who you are outside of an office setting. A vacation could be just the ticket (so to speak).

You might find it strange that a financial blog is encouraging you to spend money, but remember, I advocate Self-Wealth, not just financial wealth. Self-Wealth encompasses a holistic perspective—one that includes Purpose, Hope, and Enlightenment. Sometimes, we need to get away to find ourselves. And sometimes it’s better to spend a little money than to sit on it.

The recent pandemic has been a boon to the average person’s savings account. As a whole, Americans are flush with cash, with an incredible $4.2 trillion in our collective savings accounts at the end of 2021. Additionally, the U.S. dollar is strong right now, which means exchange rates will be to your advantage if you choose to travel abroad. If you have managed to save a little extra and are itching for a getaway, consider taking a vacation.

Why a vacation?

Research shows that people gain greater satisfaction from experiences than material goods. Science Daily says that experiences “provoke more satisfaction even though people typically spend more time using their material possessions.” And that satisfaction can occur before, during, or after the event. Just think of the amazing memories and photographs you have from other trips, and you’ll know this to be true.

The other thing about vacations is that they help you hit the “reset button.” They are a time to excuse yourself from business as usual and take some time for pure enjoyment and relaxation. Vacations can expand your worldview, give you fodder for conversation, and inspire you (maybe you’ll try making a certain Italian dish at home; or maybe your visit to the Van Gogh museum will remind you how much you enjoy art).

If you do decide to take a vacation, I encourage you to make the most of it! To do that, try all or any of the following:

Adequately prep your workplace.

Let your co-workers know you’ll be gone, reshuffle your workload, schedule an email vacation responder, and communicate your limited availability to clients. With ample preparation, hopefully you will be able to completely step away from work responsibilities for a while.

Build flexibility into your vacation.

Do you really want to jam-pack your vacation with so many activities that you’ll need a vacation from your vacation? It’s fine to schedule events and activities, but do your best to build some flexibility AND downtime into that schedule. Maybe you’ll want to linger over lunch and enjoy the view, instead of rushing off to another scheduled tour.

Don’t overspend.

Yes, you’ll want to enjoy yourself, but keep in mind that your vacation will end, and if you overspend, the consequences of your choices will linger. It’s a good idea to come up with a vacation budget ahead of time, and stick to it. What can you comfortably spend without creating a great deal of credit card debt? What are necessary expenditures, and what are luxuries that you can probably do without? It’s certainly fine to treat yourself, but know your spending limits and stick to them!

Prioritize memory-making activities.

If you have a choice between, say, spending money on a snorkeling excursion in Belize or spending money on a five-star hotel room (rather than less costly accommodations), the snorkeling trip should be the clear winner. As long as your accommodations are relatively comfortable, they won’t be the thing you’ll remember and talk about with your friends and family; the snorkeling trip will. Get out there and make some memories!

There are many great reasons to take a vacation. If you have the time and the means, a vacation could be a great way to spend some of your extra dollars. Though Self-Wealth comes from careful financial planning and saving, it also comes from intentionally bringing joy into your life. A vacation might give you that little boost of joy you need.

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