[Msurrow]

It can, but it certainly doesnt need to.

For travel there are probably many destinations in your own country, that people actually visit your country to see. Those a typically cheaper to do. Then there is asia - I’ve traveled tree months in asia for the same budget as 10 days visiting the States. Also in general very much depends on how/where you say. Hotel in Auckland vs pet sitting gig for a week 15 mins outside of the city (housing for free).

Same for hobbies. Depends so much on what you pick for a hobby.

[senordevnyc]

Once you have kids, this calculus becomes way more complicated.

[Msurrow]

Oh yes. I have two. What I dont get is how having 2 more persons somehow makes everything travel related at least 4x more expensive?! Anyway, there is no “roughing it through asia” with two little ones. Thats why I wrote the caveat with grinding cash while early 20s, to build a little extra to draw on when the this happens

[senordevnyc]

Yeah, it's some about cost, but it's also about logistics, education, wanting kids to have stability, relationships with extended family, special needs, physical safety, etc, etc. In my case also add custody to the mix, which makes extended travel a non-starter.