I am giving a seminar at Harvard University this week. As I arrived at the Amtrak Station in Boston, I had the option to either figure out how to take public transportations or just take an Uber to my Airbnb. I had a small carry-on item with me and I am physically fit to lug it around. I decided to take an Uber - not becuase the Institute is paying for it, but because I had other important things to do once I settled at the Airbnb. Taking the extra time to figure out my ways in Boston - especially given that I am only staying for a few days - would seem rather unwise.
I am pretty sure that I would have taken the train + bus + some walking if I am still a college student.
I always try to tell myself that I should be spending the same amount of money regardless of the amount I am making. But when I am in such position, my time becomes much more valuable, and suddenly, the amount of money I have to spend also increases. It would seem rather impractical to spend the same amount of money in absolute form.