Not long ago, a study came out showing what wise men (like Thoreau, below) have been saying for some time: Experiences are a better use of your money than things. A survey of 154 people found that the benefit from spending money on an experience lasted longer than a thing, which faded after 6-8 weeks. “As nice as your new computer is,” the story quoted study author Ryan Howell as saying, “it’s not going to make you feel alive.”

Other studies have shown similar results, and it’s something those of us who have been lucky enough to live and travel abroad hear often: “Man, I wish I would have done that.” Not that it makes life a big bowl of cherries, but when you’re looking back, the things you did will surely bring you more pleasure than the things you had. Mark Twain may have said it best: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”