Why Americans Don't Travel Internationally

[GoodWitch58]

Why more Americans don't travel abroad - CNN.com

CNN) -- The numbers tell the story: Of the 308 million-plus citizens in the United States, 30% have passports.

That's just too low for such an affluent country, said Bruce Bommarito, executive vice president and chief operating officer for the U.S. Travel Association.

"Americans are comfortable in their own environment," Bommarito said.

There were 61.5 million trips outside the United States in 2009, down 3% from 2008, according to the Office of Travel and Tourism Industries. About 50% of those trips were to either Mexico or Canada, destinations that didn't require a passport until 2007.

I think this is really sad--experience with other cultures and exploring fascinating places in the world adds so much to one's life IMO. It has certainly made a difference in mine--and my son's. He says the thing he enjoys the most are all the different people he has had the opportunity to meet and talk with and get to know. Travel opens up a whole new world...and affords us the opportunity to see the world from a different perspective, which I think adds to our understanding of each other and that understanding helps us to be more compassionate, more tolerant, and better people. I am delighted that my son's family also loves to travel and meet new people.

 

[beachmouse]

Cost really is an issue for a lot of people. Unless you're talking cheap Cancun package tour or equivalent, the perception is that your money will go further if you stay in the 48.

 

[scooterbug44]

People who don't travel really miss out - whether it is within the US or abroad.

Yes, cost is a factor, but a lot of that is how people choose to spend their money. Airfare is expensive, but you can barter or go cheap for almost everything else.

Plus, I'd rather take a trip whose memories and experiences will last forever than buy generic status items.

My goal is to visit all 50 states and 6/7 continents. I'm at about 26 states, 17 countries, and 2 continents (including N. America).

 

[30A Skunkape]

Cost really is an issue for a lot of people. Unless you're talking cheap Cancun package tour or equivalent, the perception is that your money will go further if you stay in the 48.

And maybe we homebodies could travel more if we had a ten hour work week like the ever-roaming French

 

[Beach Runner]

International travel has enriched my life. I have learned so much about different cuisines, cultures, architecture, fashion, etc., etc., etc.

My husband does a lot of international travel due to his area of expertise. So he has accumulated a lot of FF miles. But there are always airline deals to be found if you aren't a FF.

Make sure you buy a CD/book combination for the language of the country you are visiting so that you can learn some crucial words in the country you visit. It will make you more comfortable on your trip.

Also buy a Michelin or some other travel guide so you can plan out your day trips. For your safety you don't want to appear clueless with a map in hand.

Also google and find out how to not dress like an American to avoid being attacked by people who hate Americans. Wear dark clothing, no shirts with writing on them, and no athletic shoes.

Even if you speak some French, if your pronunciation isn't perfect, don't bother.

 

[Douglas the Intrepid]

I think proximity and distance are the biggest factor in this data. For Europeans where the next country is only a couple of hours drive away, a passport is pretty much a necessity of life. For most Americans, it is a luxury item. When I can drive for ten hours straight and still be in the same state, I have plenty to explore in my own back yard. This data is definitely out of context when comparisons are made to Europeans and the percentage of passport holders in a country.

 

[30A Skunkape]

International travel has enriched my life. I have learned so much about different cuisines, cultures, architecture, fashion, etc., etc., etc.

My husband does a lot of international travel due to his area of expertise. So he has accumulated a lot of FF miles. But there are always airline deals to be found if you aren't a FF.

Make sure you buy a CD/book combination for the language of the country you are visiting so that you can learn some crucial words in the country you visit. It will make you more comfortable on your trip.

Also buy a Michelin or some other travel guide so you can plan out your day trips. For your safety you don't want to appear clueless with a map in hand.

Also google and find out how to not dress like an American to avoid being attacked by people who hate Americans. Wear dark clothing, no shirts with writing on them, and no athletic shoes.

Even if you speak some French, if your pronunciation isn't perfect, don't bother.

Many a chateau has been opened to me as I explored the French countryside in my 'Don't Mess With Texas' T-Shirt.

 

[scooterbug44]

The people I have met love Americans (especially now that Bush isn't our president) - they just hate UGLY americans - aka xenophobic arseholes being rude and wanting McDonalds and everyone to speak 'Merican. :roll:

I don't think proximity and distance are the only factors - other countries that have $$ flights or are further away from their neighbors also emphasize travel and other cultures more than we do.

Any kind of travel is good for you - you don't have to go to a different country to see amazing things and a different culture or cuisine. I think of many US states as a separate entity - geographically they are the same size or bigger than many countries - and we have some amazing sights, especially in our National Parks.

A passport costs the same as a pair of jeans or a dinner for 2 somewhere decent or filling up a SUV 2x, so I'm calling BS that it's a luxury.

 

[30ashopper]

A passport costs the same as a pair of jeans or a dinner for 2 somewhere decent or filling up a SUV 2x, so I'm calling BS that it's a luxury.

Roundtrip tickets for a family of four to europe booked six months out runs about $5000.00. Plus the cost of the stay. How many families in this country have a four figure chunk of expendible income for a trip like this? (Answer: about 30%) I think cost is the biggest factor.

 

[Douglas the Intrepid]

I agree that our society doesn't put enough emphasize on other cultures and their exploration. I love to travel, but lack the resources to do so seriously. The only real reason to own a passport is international travel. Traveling to exotic countrys for pleasure is a luxury. A luxury I wish I could indulge in, but a luxury nevertheless.