10 Reasons Why Travel is Better Than Buying Things
By Ryan Brown published on 28 November 2025
Every year it’s the same cycle. Flash sales. Next-day delivery. Ads telling you to buy things you don’t even remember wanting. People queueing in the cold to save £30 on a TV. It all feels a bit drained of joy, doesn’t it?
Most of it ends up forgotten. The buzz fades. The routine returns. And somewhere in the back of your mind, you’re imagining something completely different: warm water, sunshine, new mates, late-night chats on deck, wandering around a tiny European town with zero pressure to be anywhere else.
That feeling isn’t a purchase. It’s an experience. And experiences stick.
Even science says buying experiences over material things is better for you. More travellers—especially 18–35s—are choosing connection, culture and adventure over the next shiny thing. Social travel, wellness, and island-hopping holidays in Greece and Croatia are topping 2026 trend lists for a reason. If you’re ready to swap “add to basket” for something a bit more meaningful, here are ten reasons experiences.
1. Memories Last. Purchases Don’t.
A new phone is exciting for a week. A week sailing the Greek Islands or island hopping in Croatia and the Dalmatian coastline stays with you because you actually lived it. You remember the sea, the heat, the laughs, and that first morning swim, that cliff jump that made you feel alive. Those moments become part of your story.
2. Travel is Good for Your Mind, Body, and Soul
Our brains are overloaded—screens, news, alerts, work. A sailing holiday slows everything down. Swim. Chill. Explore. Read that book you've been wanting to for months. Eat something good. Repeat. It’s simple, grounding, and exactly why young travellers are booking island hopping holidays as their go-to wellness break. Don't just take our word for it, even Harvard studies say travel is good for you.
3. You Grow Without Realising It
Trying paddleboarding for the first time. Navigating a new town. Talking to someone from another country. Hell, overcome a fear like swimming in the ocean! Every small step shifts your confidence. You come home a version of yourself you actually like—more open, more capable, more you.
4. You Meet People Who Get You
A group sailing trip attracts travellers who want the same balance: social but not chaotic, fun but not forced, adventure without pressure. You share a boat, explore together, and end up forming friendships that outlast the holiday. Routes like Split Voyager and Athens Voyager naturally bring people together.
5. It’s Often Better Value Than Stuff
Travel gets labelled as expensive, but a week of island hopping can cost less than the newest tech drop. Accommodation, transport and your skipper are included, plus low deposits make planning easier. That ends up with you sav ing cash and time instead of booking hostels and transport the whole time. When you compare it to what you actually get out of it, the value is unmatched.
6. Experiences Help You Figure Things Out
Your twenties and early thirties are full of questions about lifestyle, priorities and direction. Travel gives you clarity in small ways. A quiet bay on the Corfu Discovery route might show you that slow mornings matter. A night out in Hvar might remind you that meeting new people gives you energy. Experiences shape how you see yourself.
7. You Finally Get a Break From Your Phone
Weak signal. Good company. Clear water. Actual eye contact. Sailing creates natural digital boundaries. You stop doom-scrolling. You start paying attention. And you realise how much calmer you feel when the world goes quiet for a bit. Even PubMed studies have shown that it boosts your mood, making a week at sea even better for you.
8. Travel Sparks Creativity
New places pull you out of autopilot. Blue-and-white doorways in Poros. Croatian stone streets. Sunsets you can’t look away from. Getting involved in sailing and learning something you never thought about. Whether you’re a creative person or not, you leave with new ideas and fresh energy.
9. You Can Match the Experience to Your Vibe
Solo? You’ll love the built-in social side.
With friends? Instant adventure.
Couples? Chill days + fun nights = ideal blend.
- Dubrovnik Voyager hits nature first and party last.
- Split Voyager brings nightlife forward and eases later.
- Corfu Discovery gives you nature and calm bays.
- Athens Voyager amps up the activities and history.
You choose what feels right.
10. Travel Makes Life Feel Bigger
Not dramatic—just real. Warm evenings. Music on deck. Jumping in the sea before breakfast. Dinner in a tiny taverna. Watching sunset on the bow with your new besties. Stars you haven’t seen in years. These moments remind you that life isn’t meant to be lived indoors scrolling for the next discount.
Choose Memories Over More Stuff
If you want something that’ll matter next year—not just next week—choose adventure. Choose sunshine, sailing, connection, culture and a proper European summer. MedSailors runs island hopping trips for 18–35s looking for a week that feels alive.
When you’re ready, your next story starts with one click. Book your tour in Greece or Croatia and make this summer the one you finally rave about.
