Go Big or Go Home: Why Splurging on Travel Ignites Your Soul’s Purpose
We’ve all heard it—travel on a budget, see the world for less, find the cheapest flights.
But here’s the truth that might make me a little controversial in the travel world…
Sometimes, you need to go big. Stay longer. Upgrade the room. Do the excursion. Order the dessert and the wine.
Because travel isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about expanding your soul.
The Fear, the Leap, and the New Normal
Once upon a time, I was terrified of spending money on travel. I’d look at dream hotel prices and feel my stomach twist. What if something went wrong? What if it wasn’t worth it? So I stayed home, saved, and told myself ‘someday.’
Then came the trip — we finally made the leap and stayed two nights at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa to celebrate My Foolish Mortal’s birthday. We spent more than I was used to and had no idea it would change me forever. I learned that quality matters when on vacation. Because it equates with comfort, better rest, and more ease in both my physical and emotional bodies.
Which means I can be more present with the rest of the trip.
Sunrise over Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
I came home different. With new clarity and awareness: knowing that money spent on aligned, soul-expanding travel is never wasted.
The same concept applies for other ways I’ve gone big with travel like flight upgrades to first class, personalized experiences, and unique once-in-a-lifetime moments – like standing on the outside of a cable car suspended over a stunning view in Australia.
Why “Splurging” Is Soul Work
We live in a world that glorifies minimalism, savings hacks, and frugality—and those are beautiful in their place.
But here’s what I’ve learned, and what I want you to know:
The hardest part of travel is getting there.
Absolutely, use your budget wisely. But once you’re there?
Stay as long as you can. Spend as much as you can on the things that make your soul sing.
Because the chances of you going back to that exact place, at that exact point in your life, are slim.
And the truth is—when you leave your physical body and return to the light realm—you don’t take the money, or the debt, or the stuff.
You take your growth, your expansion, and your experiences.
Travel is one of the fastest, most joyful ways to grow your soul.
Every plane ticket, every awkward conversation in a different language, every stunning sunset in a new land—it’s another drop in your soul’s bucket.
Breathtaking views from the top of a cable car in Australia’s Blue Mountains.
So don’t hold back, friend.
Do the things. Spend the money. Have an amazing life.
You don’t take the things with you—you take your soul.
Give your soul the travel it deserves.
Make It Happen: Redirect Everyday Spending Toward Your Travel Dreams
Okay, now for the practical magic.
You can “go big” on travel without going broke. It’s all about making conscious choices in your daily spending and funneling those savings toward your next adventure.
Here are some simple swaps that add up faster than you think:
Everyday Choice: Make coffee at home instead of daily café runs
Average Annual Savings: Up to $1,258/year
Soul-Aligned Swap: Brew your coffee with intention and add those savings to your travel fund.
Everyday Choice: Cook 90% of meals at home instead of eating out
Average Annual Savings: Restaurant meals cost ~2–3× more than homemade
Soul-Aligned Swap: Host cozy dinners with friends instead of dining out.
Everyday Choice: Buy new clothes only when needed
Average Annual Savings: Cutting one $100 clothing splurge per quarter = $400/year saved
Soul-Aligned Swap: Rewear, restyle, and remind yourself your next outfit is in your suitcase on that dream trip.
Everyday Choice: Treat mani-pedis and massages as occasional luxuries
Average Annual Savings: Reducing from monthly to quarterly can save ~$540/year
Soul-Aligned Swap: Make it a special ritual before your next trip instead of a routine expense.
Pro Tip: Every time you make one of these swaps, transfer the savings immediately into a dedicated “Travel Fund” account or even a cute jar on your counter. It’s a tangible reminder that you’re choosing soul-aligned experiences over stuff.
Budget Smart, Splurge with Intention
Splurging doesn’t mean being reckless—it means being intentional.
Spend boldly on the things that will stay in your soul, not on the things that collect dust.
That might mean:
Upgrading your hotel for to a view you’ll never forget
Booking the private sunrise hot-air balloon ride or Disney VIP tour
Saying yes to a private guide rather than walking around on your own
These are the investments that yield the best ROI: Return on Inspiration. Return on Soul.
Your “Go Big” Travel Plan
Want to turn all this inspiration into action?
Click here and read this post to help you:
Identify your next soul-aligned destination
Track where you can save money in your daily life
Create your personal Travel Fund Tracker
Plan one intentional splurge that feeds your spirit
A first-class splurge means arriving rested, refreshed, and ready for adventure.
Final Thoughts
Magic and life are meant to be lived, not “someday” but now.
Saying yes to joy, yes to travel, and yes to the splurges will connect you to the wonder of your life, fully lived.
Spend the money. Take the trip. Love your life.
Your soul will thank you.
Cathy Weiss is a huge Disney fan and lover specializing in trips to Disneyland, Disney World, and Aulani - a Disney resort in Hawaii, along with Disney Cruise Line, Universal and Epic Universe, Virgin Voyages, Royal Caribbean, and luxury all inclusive vacations at Sandals Resorts. As an Elite Agent representing the top 1% of Mainstreet Travel’s agents, she has the expert answers you need for a truly magical vacation.
Planning and booking your next vacation with her is EASY…so you have the BEST TIME!
Whether you’re booking your first Disney - or other type of - vacation or 100th, having Cathy on your side as your personal go-to - especially as new information and exciting announcements come out all the time - means you’ll have an unforgettable experience! Get started today.