vacation. Just road trips to Utah from Texas to stay with family. Occasionally a trip to San Antonio or Houston which are both just a few hours away. We might stay one night in a ghetto hotel or motel (with a pool).
Our kids don't wear anything name brand. My wife drive an 06 mini van and I drive a '17 Chevy spark (very cheap car).
We strictly budget our expenses. We feel we cannot break into the housing market. We're still renting. We think next year we will finally break through and buy.
We're approaching 40 and every year the market seems to move further out of reach. So yes some might spend frivolously on vacations and cars but I can assure you some of us are not traveling while scrapping by.
While many of my peers were buying I was in grad school. Looking back probably a mistake, should have bought when things were more affordable but it wasn't really an option at the time.
I honestly feel like my life is incredible. My wife and I love each other, our kids are happy and healthy. Life is great but housing has been a thorn in my side most of my married life.