Home improvements or a trip to India

[GiraffeInABath]

Struggling to decide between paying for further improvements on my flat or a trip to India.
i’m 27, own my own flat and work as a healthcare professional. I am single so bills are solely down to me. I have managed to save a £5K emergency fund this year- this isn’t a huge amount but it’s around 4 months living expenses for me. My flat is ok- living room and bathroom are decorated. My bedroom is being decorated this January but I still need to buy new furniture (chest of drawers and a mirror) and the kitchen needs painting/new flooring. In total I need to spend around £2.5K more on the flat.
however, I have itchy feet currently and dreaming of a trip to India. I desperately want to do the golden triangle and to have a break (I get bored on the typical beach sunbathing holiday).
I expect my trip would cost around 2.5K including vaccines and visas etc. My heart wants to do the trip to India- but my head says spend on the flat and enjoy your home everyday, not just for 14 days away. I am planning to save by doing lots of extra bank shifts and could save this in around 2 months. From April I will have a new monthly expense of a car so saving will be slower. Any advice would be appreciated!

India.

India.

India.
100%
Did the golden triangle pre covid and it was fabulous

India, without a doubt.

India. Every time.

I would ALWAYS have said travel over anything and also really want to visit India. However, got me it's off the table due to their horrific treatment of women. So for that reason I'd say no to India (and go somewhere safer for women).

India

India - I was planning on going myself before Covid hit - am now in the middle of a major house renovation so the trip is on hold. Go for me!

India - and well done on saving £5k

As you still have 2.5 contingency travel.

India. Experiences mean more if you can have them 💚

India

India. You can do it fairly cheaply too, although you don’t say if you’d be travelling alone which would change it from a budget point of view

India.
Buy second hand furniture, more eco- friendly.
Noone ever said on their death bed oooh, I wish I’d stayed home and decorated instead of seeing the world.

I spent 4 months in India a few years ago, it was amazing and I don't regret spending my redundancy money on it. Go! Just make sure you get the relevant vaccinations b4, especially for hepatitis!

India . Having done the golden triangle it's a must see .

I felt quite safe there, but I did get stared at a lot, which I never got used to.

India. No question.

India. Create memories. I went just prior to covid, it was life changing. Pick up a second hand chest of drawers and upcycle!

India - and enjoy the wonderful memories for the rest of your life.

India obviously but do not go for two weeks. With that budget you could go for a month if you plan properly. You don’t know how long you were be solvent and carefree for. At your 90 th birthday do you want to look back and remember the trip (memories of which will stay with you forever) or do you want to remember the lovely mixer taps and power shower which will be in landfill by then anyway. Only one warning. Once you start proper travelling your life will change forever and you will only want to do more.

Going against the grain, I'd definitely do the improvements. I'm not a fan!

Would the human rights abuses happening in India not bother you? Or is this only a concern for Mumsnet when it comes to the MiddleEast?

India.

Having the chance to fulfil your life bucket list things. Do it. You never know when your last day could be (sorry to be grim) and making these memories are what we should live for, your house things are just decorating and could wait a little longer. Good luck in your decision.

India, no question.
And look for second hand furniture.