Natalie Naudus, an influencer with over 100,000 Instagram followers, recently recounted her family’s 6-day Disney World vacation. The price tag? $8,370. Her post ended with her daughter’s unexpected reaction: “I thought Disney would be cooler.” Which raises the question: could the same amount of money have created greater happiness elsewhere?
Happiness, or “utility” as economists call it, is highly subjective. For some, a trip to Disney represents the ultimate joy. For others, it’s an overpriced endurance test of long lines in Florida’s relentless humidity. With that budget, a family could reasonably wander the streets of Paris, savor gelato in Rome, or get spooked by Dracula’s Castle in Romania!
Closer to home, these same funds could be invested into everyday adventures. The Colorado History Museum offers an annual family pass for $110, while the Denver Museum of Nature and Science provides a similar pass for $135. These memberships often include reciprocity with museums, both locally and nationally. Unlike a one-time vacation, these passes allow for annual leisurely visits whenever the urge strikes—without the pressure to “get your money’s worth” in a single visit.
Another option is putting those resources into your home to create a long term source of happiness. Picture a backyard oasis that extends joy far beyond a weeklong getaway. The growing popularity of “she-sheds” and “man caves” has inspired many to transform outdoor spaces into personal retreats. Families can plant vibrant gardens, or set up outdoor movie areas. I discovered one family that created a tiki village in their backyard; complete with a lazy river and a cocktail cabin.
Big ticket vacations offer the illusion of treasured family memories, but they can easily become a money pit of bad experiences. Shared long term family projects, such as restoring an old camper or building a treehouse, offers the potential for enduring memories and lasting sense of achievement. The reward from such experiences may not come with Instagram-worthy posts but the subtle yet irreplaceable memories we create with those we love.
Sometimes, happiness lies in rediscovering what you already have. Colorado boasts 4 National Parks, 9 national monuments, and 42 state parks. When was the last time you planned a multi-day camping trip? Or embarked on a spontaneous road trip à la Ferris Bueller’s Day Off? A simple evening spent around a campfire roasting marshmallows can fill the soul in ways Mickey Mouse ears never will.
Every choice we make comes with trade-offs. Popular and expensive doesn’t always mean fulfilling. By pausing to evaluate alternatives, we can curate experiences that align more closely with our true values. So before booking that trend-worthy trip, ask yourself: what else might bring more joy? The possibilities for happiness are as endless (and magical) as your imagination will take you.
