Comments on: 7 Reasons Why Americans Don’t Travel

By: Steve Moran

Steve Moran — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:40:03 +0000

I am an American and I have visited four other continents as well as about 30 foreign countries. I have also worked and lived in Germany, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Ireland. There are many Americans who love to travel and I think they benefit by it. I have also have been fortuanate enough to have had no major problems in my travels.

However, why do we Americans have to be compared to other countries when it comes to traveling? I have met many Germans who are traveling on sex tours. Many English are on the road because they can’t stand their own county and their own people. If I were from the bland country of Canada I’d be traveling as well. The Australians are on the prowl for new beers to drink and to come to terms with the fact they must one day go back. The Japanese travel because it is cheaper to go abroad than to travel in their own country. They also do it because everybody else is doing it. The Irish and the Arabs travel to escape the religious repression of their own societies.

I haven’t met too many French, Italians, or South Americans on the road.

Besides, I haven’t met to many

By: Barbara

Barbara — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:31:13 +0000

After reading the latest post, I have one more reason. I’ll begin by saying I love the US and its natural beauty is second to none. I’ve traveled to many states and regions and plan to do more traveling. Now, here is another reason Americans ( including those in my own family) don’t want to travel abroad: sadly, Americans are ignorant and uneducated when it comes to other nations and cultures. It’s amazing to see how many “educated” Americans don’t know basic geography and history. The reason my husband and I love to travel is we love history, our fathers were servicemen who traveled the world and shared their stories. We have an American friend..an expat who lives in Europe. He begs his family to come visit. It’s like pulling teeth. All they’d have to pay for is transportation…he is retired and has time to take them everywhere. His home is comfortable and free. So we had this conversation while we were there. I plan to go back to Europe next year and rent a house in France. I’ve invited family and friends to come over and stay with us for free. No takers. They’ll vacation with us in the US, but not over there. Way out of their comfort zone. No interest. Australians were everywhere we went, so the distance factor is not relevant. And they go off the beaten track. Most Americans who do travel go only where Rick Steves recommends, but they are out there at least. Now, I have my own problems…had a chance to visit China and put it off. Outside MY comfort zone. But at least I know a bit about China’s history and culture and I can find it on a map.

By: Sabrina

Sabrina — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 21:05:24 +0000

Of course, there is cultural diversity in the USA….and people would realize that if only they’d shut off the TV set and hop on that Greyhound bus and look around beyond the fast food joints! To find the diversity in the USA, try going to various festivals/fairs/special events in different states, get out into the rural areas instead going to the major cities…

Also consider staying at bed and breakfast inns, youth/elder hostels or doing homestays instead of opting for some boring Motel 6 or Holiday Inn.

One more thing: It really annoys me whenever I see Americans being criticized for not traveling overseas. Some people don’t like to travel, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Goodness knows there are plenty of “wordly” travelers who are very jaded about their experiences, and they only move on because they are either aimless or can’t find satisfaction or happiness in their own back yards….or they don’t fit in within their hometowns.

Traveling abroad doesn’t necessarily mean that someone “better” or more sophisticated than someone else who chooses to travel within their own country or even region of the country. Bragging about it and putting down those who choose not to travel abroad is merely rude and pretentious. Plus there’s something wrong when a person can say they’ve gone to Paris or London, but they can’t even tell you about their own city’s landmarks!

By: Shane

Shane — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:59:15 +0000

Number 6 is an utter nonsense. London for example is far more culturally diverse than L.A.

By: Chevy

Chevy — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:58:33 +0000

I totally agree to a certain degree because it is so complex. I was fortunate enough to have spend 1 month in Mexico last year and 3 months in Chile and I loved every minute of it. Right now I want to return to Chile for a much longer period of time and one day, live in Europe for much longer. I can’t find a job right now in the midst of this economy, but once I do, I will pay off all of my debt and work overseas.

By: Why African Americans do not travel? - General U.S. - City-Data Forum

Why African Americans do not travel? - General U.S. - City-Data Forum — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:49:32 +0000

[...] Originally Posted by MJay Hi there, I went to the U.S. last summer for first time. Spent the most time in Atlanta, which is predominantly African American. However, 99% of the tourists on the airport have been ''non-black''. I just wonder why? Thank you, Jay Hey Jay, Here ya go Why Americans Don't Travel [...]

By: Barbara

Barbara — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:12:42 +0000

What an interesting discussion. My husband and I just returned from a long-planned and long-saved for one month vacation in Europe. I was asked quite a few times why Americans don’t travel so much. Well, besides the recent economic downturns we’ve experienced, I answered that Americans felt ill at ease with other languages and with being in other cultures. Also, there is that “everybody hates Americans” thing which made us try to keep a low profile as much as possible. I love history and we went to Europe to find our roots and relatives and had a marvelous time. It was worth all the money and pre-travel anxiety.

By: John

John — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:54:00 +0000

Even Asia gets far more vacation time then you think Gary. Japanese workers get Golden week off on top of holidays, and a 3-4 week vacation. My friends and family in Taiwan and China enjoy more vacation time than I do.

I think the real reason Americans don’t travel has more to do with fear than anything. The way terrorist news is so sensationalized here, it isn’t a surprise that most Americans are xenophobic.

By: carlos

carlos — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:38:11 +0000

there are always 1000 reasons not to do something.. get out and see the world people!!

“The World is a book and those who do not travel, read only a page” – Saint Augustine

By: Juan

Juan — Mon, 18 May 2009 07:29:07 +0000

I think this post describes better the reasons:
http://www.nomadicmatt.com/tra.....-overseas/