Walk around any café in Singapore on a Monday morning and you’ll overhear the same thing: “I just came back from Japan…”, “Bali again next month…”, “I think I’ll take a quick trip to Bangkok.”
Travel has become such a big part of our identity that it almost feels like a national hobby. And who can blame anyone? After years of being cooped up during the pandemic, the freedom to explore again feels like a gift too good to postpone.
But here’s the uncomfortable question many are quietly wondering: Is it okay that so many Singaporeans are prioritising travel over saving for retirement?
The answer isn’t a simple yes or no — it’s more like a “yes… but with boundaries.” Let’s dig deeper into why this trend is happening, why it’s understandable, where the risks lie, and how you can enjoy travel without sabotaging your future self.
Why Travel Feels More Important Than Retirement Right Now
1. Travel gives instant happiness
It’s easy to choose something that brings joy today over something that only pays off 30 years later. Retirement feels far away, abstract, and sometimes even scary to think about. But booking a flight? That gives you immediate excitement, anticipation, and something to look forward to.
2. Social media pressures
Let’s be honest — travel has become a status marker. Posting a new destination, a hotel view, or even a cute café in Seoul gives a sense of pride and belonging. It feels like everyone is going somewhere, so missing out almost feels like falling behind.
3. Travel feels like a reward
Work in Singapore is fast-paced, demanding, and often stressful. A trip is seen as a rightful escape — a way to reset. When you’re tired or burnt out, it’s very hard to tell yourself, “Let me put this money into retirement instead.”
4. Travel has become more accessible
Promo fares, Buy-Now-Pay-Later, credit card instalments, travel points — all of these make travelling feel easier and “cheaper” even if the real cost is hidden.
But Here’s the Part Many Don’t Want to Talk About
Retirement isn’t optional.
Every single one of us will reach a stage where we:
- can’t work as much
- don’t want to work as much
- or simply shouldn’t be working as much
Unlike travel, retirement is guaranteed. The only thing uncertain is whether we’ll be prepared for it.
Cost of living is rising
Inflation isn’t slowing down. Food, transport, healthcare, and lifestyle expectations all cost more year by year. And healthcare costs in old age? They increase dramatically.
People underestimate how long they’ll live
Singaporeans now live well into their 80s or even 90s. That means you may spend 20 to 30 years in retirement.
That’s not a short holiday. That’s a whole chapter of life.
Your older self still wants quality of life
What almost everyone truly wants in old age is:
- peace of mind
- independence
- comfort
- the ability to say “yes” to things
- freedom from being a burden to loved ones
All of these depend on financial security.
So Is It Wrong to Spend on Travel? Absolutely Not.
Travel isn’t the enemy. In fact, it’s one of the richest ways to learn, grow, bond, and breathe.
The problem isn’t travel —
the problem is when travel consistently replaces retirement saving.
If someone is travelling 2–4 times a year but not saving even 5–10% of their income for retirement, that’s when the future becomes shaky.
One day, something will give — and it’s usually the lifestyle, not the wanderlust.
The Middle Path: Travel AND Save Comfortably
Here’s the good news: You don’t have to choose one over the other. You can do both with intention and structure.
1. Pay your future self first
Before setting aside money for holidays, make retirement contributions automatic.
Think of it as a subscription for your older self.
2. Create a “travel fund”
Instead of dipping into savings, use a separate account purely for travel.
Seeing the amount grow makes planning trips easier and guilt-free.
3. Set a yearly travel budget
Travel doesn’t need to mean blowing thousands every trip.
You can plan:
- 1 big trip
- 1 medium trip
- several short weekend getaways
Or rotate between “luxury year” and “budget year.”
4. Use travel hacks and rewards wisely
There are tons of ways to cut costs without sacrificing experience:
- travel during shoulder season
- book flights early
- redeem points
- stay slightly outside the city centre
- choose experiences over expensive hotels
Small tweaks = big savings.
5. Increase retirement contributions slowly
You don’t need to jump from 0% to 20%.
Even increasing 1% a year makes a massive difference later.
6. Reassess your priorities yearly
Your financial situation changes.
Your goals change.
Your values evolve.
Review your retirement plan just like how you plan your travel itinerary — mindfully and intentionally.
Why This Discussion Actually Matters
Sometimes the debate isn’t even about travel or retirement. It’s about control.
Travel represents freedom today.
Retirement represents freedom tomorrow.
When you zoom out, what we really want is a life where we don’t feel trapped — financially, emotionally, or mentally.
But here’s the irony:
If we over-prioritise travel now, we may lose freedom later.
And no one wants to be 65 and suddenly realising, “I wish I had taken my future more seriously.”
A More Honest Way of Looking at It
Instead of asking:
“Is it okay to spend on travel instead of retirement?”
Ask:
“Will the way I’m spending now give my future self the life I want?”
If the answer is yes — great.
If the answer is no — adjust.
Travel becomes even sweeter when you know your future is safe.
Conclusion
Singaporeans are not wrong for loving to travel. In fact, travel is one of the most meaningful things we can do for our mental health and happiness.
But the world is changing, life expectancy is rising, and the cost of living will only keep climbing.
At the end of the day, it’s not about choosing between Tokyo today or a comfortable retirement later.
It’s about balance, awareness, and responsibility.
Go see the world — but don’t forget to prepare for the world you’ll live in when you’re older.
Your future self deserves as much love as your holiday plans.
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