Trending Content - Off Topic Forum
| +57 | SpaceX IPO - what are your thoughts | 12 | 15h |
| +28 | Should I use Claude or chatgpt? | 16 | 11h |
| +22 | Funny Things to Say to Interns | 8 | 8h |
| +18 | How did you meet your significant other/partner? | 15 | 7h |
| +18 | London's future as a financial centre | 18 | 3d |
| +12 | Playing the $10K WSOP Main this year in Vegas | 0 | 6h |
| The Great Debate | 9 | 1d | |
| +7 | E ink/electronic notepads | 4 | 2d |
| +5 | get a model before you model | 3 | 3d |
| +5 | Pity that RU athletes can still compete | 2 | 10h |
Career Resources
How much do you have saved? What kind of trip do you want to take?
Assuming you're a rising second year and got a decent bonus, I don't think it's unreasonable to take a piece of your bonus and spend that $4-5k on a really fun/memorable trip with family or friends. Flights to Europe are almost $1k to begin with
I just wouldn't spend any more than what you're able to pay off immediately
Think a lot of people who haven’t gone on an international trip in a few years during peak season don’t realize how high prices are now. Plane ticket alone for any hot spot during June/July/August will be more than $1K. I paid $1.5K with checked luggage for a ticket to Athens.
If you are talking summer during peak season in Europe to a popular spot, think ~$6K or so all in is a reasonable amount over two weeks. For some perspective, after two years in banking and leaving, I’ve spent ~$10K this summer on Europe for almost a month and this includes popular spots and group tours through Mykonos, Santorini and Rome. Disclaimer: I’m not talking hostels but rather decent hotel accommodations.
Yup - accurate. Did Spain for a week. Flights were covered with points and fortunate enough to have stayed with someone who had a house… still spent $3-$4k. We admittedly balled out on excursions, dinners / tables, chartered boat, etc because we didn’t have to pay for housing… but layer in flights and housing and it would’ve easily been $6k+.
In my opinion, that is money well spent. One of the best trips of my life that I’ll never look back on a regret the expense. What’s the point in working our asses off for good pay without enjoying some of it? As long as you’re still saving a good chunk, I see no issue in a couple thousand for a big trip. In the grand scheme of things, if you stick with finance, you likely won’t bat an eye at a couple thousand you spent for a big trip in your 20s.
I don't see why not, especially if you make it a great and memorable experience. Besides, memorable experiences don't have to be expensive at all and $4-5k is more than enough for many week-long trips. You will only be young for so long, so enjoy it while you have it!
My personal advice:
Don’t succumb to lifestyle inflation !
Find a cheap flight, stay at an adequate hotel and use the remainder for experiences and good food!
No need to dish out +5k for a 1 or 2 week Europe trip. Completely unnecessary.
I have family across Europe (England, Switzerland, Italy) and spend ~500 for my flights and ~100 a night for a hotel. At the end of the day you’re only gonna sleep there and will be out and about the rest of the day exploring, so there’s no reason to spend crazy money on a hotel!
That’s just my 2 cents: I travel a lot and enjoy and treat myself, I don’t spend wrecklessly though.
Completely and wholeheartedly disagree with this take. Spend recklessly on things you care about, and be frugal with everything else.
For me, I have had some of my best memories dropping bands on vacation with my friends and significant other. Helicopter ride? Fuck it. 5 star hotel? Why not. Shark diving? Hell yeah. $200 bottle of wine on the beach with people I care about? Of course.
What is the point of working so hard and making all this money if you can’t enjoy it every now and then. Every now and then you just gotta send it. The world is meant to be seen and enjoyed
Legitimately don't understand how somebody can be in IB and simultaneously think this way. $100 a night for a hotel is a hovel in the developed world.
$5K is totally reasonable to spend as an Analyst. Enjoy your life for Christ's sake.
depends on context. is this a "vacation" you think you'll be able to sneak off to while on the desk?
or a real vacation in between roles - i'd rather splurge on the latter.
Sapiente molestiae numquam qui quasi. Itaque repudiandae aut consequuntur. Incidunt porro veniam dolor.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...