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When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the nation last February, many people found themselves frantically canceling their travel plans. The arrival of the novel coronavirus meant not only a new virus to contend with but also a complete shift in how we live our everyday lives. One of the most challenging aspects was the abrupt halt to non-essential travel and social gatherings. Many were understandably upset about missing out on Broadway shows or family trips to Disney. The frustration felt by those who had to cancel vacation plans often seemed exaggerated, bordering on entitlement.
While I empathize with their disappointment, I couldn’t help but chuckle when I heard phrases like “deserve” and “need” tied to their travel aspirations. It highlighted a sense of entitlement: these individuals felt as if their much-needed escape was taken away. But let’s be frank—no one truly needs a vacation. It’s essential to unpack the privilege that comes with that idea.
If your most significant distress during the pandemic has been the need to reschedule your trip, consider yourself fortunate. Moreover, it might be wise to refrain from broadcasting this on social media. We all want a getaway, but continually reminding others that you’ve been deprived of experiences many never get to enjoy can come off as tone-deaf.
I often remind my children about the distinction between needs and wants. They may want various items, some of which could be classified as needs: essentials like food, shelter, and clothing are non-negotiables, while things like new toys, the latest gadgets, or a trip to an amusement park fall into the “want” category. Those are the items I encourage them to include on their wish lists or save for. It’s a privilege I acknowledge in being able to provide for them, and I make sure they understand the security they have.
Most of the time, my kids grasp that they shouldn’t tell me they “need” something that is merely a desire. However, some adults seem to miss this point entirely. It’s disheartening to see people throw tantrums over unmet wants, especially during a time when so many are grappling with health risks and financial instability. While some long for their vacation homes and label their cravings for travel as “much needed,” countless others are on the brink of losing everything.
We all crave an escape these days, but for many, it might mean opting for fast food instead of cooking, diving into a good book, or simply taking a nap while the kids are entertained. These small pleasures can sometimes be a luxury in themselves. If you’re proclaiming a “need” for a vacation, you may be ignoring the real struggles faced by many. When you post about your getaway with captions about how you “needed” the break, it signals a lack of awareness regarding your financial privilege. Having the means to travel and enjoy time off is a luxury—so please spare me the victim mentality.
Don’t tell me you deserve a vacation because you’ve worked hard or made sacrifices. Do you think those who can’t afford a getaway don’t also work hard or make sacrifices? Mental health improvements stem from therapy, support, and medication—not just a trip to the beach. A vacation can alleviate stress, but that’s not the same as addressing the complexities of anxiety and depression. Let’s not conflate a desire for travel with genuine mental health needs.
While everyone deserves time to unwind, not everyone has the financial means to travel to luxurious resorts for relaxation. Setting aside extra money for a trip is vastly different from someone who struggles to make ends meet. Vacations are often privileges reserved for the upper middle class and affluent individuals. Sure, people from various economic backgrounds take trips, myself included, but I would never claim entitlement to one. Instead, I choose to be grateful for what I have and recognize my advantages.
My advice is to avoid sharing your travel plans in a way that could come off as flaunting wealth. Please refrain from attributing your fortune to mere effort or divine intervention. Opportunity plays a significant role in who can travel, and if you’re planning a trip during a pandemic, I hope you take a moment for reflection and exhibit some decorum while many are still struggling. Waiting until it’s safe for everyone to travel will ensure a more enjoyable experience for all, particularly those who find it too risky to leave home.
This article was originally published on Jan. 19, 2021.