Editor’s Desk: Debating the dilemma on the decision between home renovations versus overseas travel

If there’s someone who could be voted the least likely to stick to most new year’s resolutions it would probably be yours truly.

In fact, my proven lack of willpower and my penchant for procrastination convinced me long ago to give up making those silly little “resolutions” at the start of every year.

Previously, I felt guilty if I didn’t start January 1 with at least a couple of goals fresh in mind. Now, I don’t because in a lot of ways, you’re setting yourself up for failure but attaching the worth of your year to a list of (probably) unattainable aims, or ones you’ll likely give up on after a month or two.

So in saying that, I have a dilemma about what I want to achieve in 2024.

I either want to do some home renovations or go on a long-awaited overseas trip. My budget says I can’t do both, so which one do I choose?

Do I follow the sensible route. Renovate my kitchen, which is sorely needed, enjoy using it and add value to my home?

Or do I go with the temptation of wanderlust, and embark on my first proper overseas trip since 2016! That’s eight long years and my passport is in desperate need of some more stamps.

I start thinking about travel and a whole lot of other questions pop up: Do I go back and explore more of Europe that I didn’t get the chance to first time around (like the Italian coast and countryside or Scandinavia), or do I go for somewhere completely out of the box? Do I opt for a location where I will be regularly on the go and fit a lot in or somewhere I can just sit still, breathe and drink cocktails by the pool?

It will leave my bank balance greatly depleted, but it will create more cherished memories than a brand spanking new kitchen.

But being a bit of a home decor and design junkie, the idea of finally getting stuck in and doing some renos to my daggy 1990s-era house feels like it could be an adventure in itself. And one that would offer a decent return on investment.

Besides being a procrastinator with no willpower, did I also mention how indecisive I can be?