Post-Holiday Money Blues

Hi everyone! My apologies for not checking in on the site more regularly in recent weeks - as some of you may know, I've been travelling overseas. I'm very pleased to see all of these new faces at Money Confessions, and a huge number of interesting topics to discuss.

I'm back now, and experiencing what's sometimes referred to as "post-holiday blues". I'm not sad to be home; rather, I just would prefer to be still overseas! My last week was spent at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and as a creative/performer type, I had a blast. It was inspiring, entertaining, and joyous, and I wish it could've lasted longer.

But isn't that always the way!

However, my biggest downer was to return home to a stack of bills. I was very proud of myself for sticking to my budget and being financially prudent (with the exception of a new duty-free mobile phone). However, I'm back in the red a bit thanks to rates, body corporates, a car service and car registration.

Now I did know these were coming, but still, it's a little depressing. I've got my credit card pay-off plan back in action, but it will take me a couple of months of get it under control.

Sometimes I feel selfish for continuing to pursue travel opportunities, when if I didn't (or stayed closer to home), these bills wouldn't trouble me as much.

However, I get such joy, rejuvenation and experience from travelling, I don't think I could give it up without feeling like I was neglecting a very important part of my life.

How do other people view holidays? Luxury, necessity, or somewhere in between?

And is the answer (for me anyway) as simple as earning more money?