Why don't Americans travel abroad?

[August]

Originally Posted by clive bradbury

I have heard this lack of holiday days in the US before - how many do you get? I would guess that a typical UK citizen gets roughly about 4 weeks pa plus 'statutory days' such as bank holidays, christmas, etc, which probably add up to an additional 10 days or so. Call it about two months off altogether. This is pretty much the same at all levels of employment.

There's a big difference in available time for one thing. We average only about 2 weeks vacation time though we have about the same number of holidays (10-11).

Another factor is the amount of Anti-Americanism we keep seeing in our media. Few people want to go on a trip where they might be spat on or maybe even kidnapped/killed because of their nationality.

Finally like Torplexed says our country is large enough to give us access to all sorts of environments. Unlike say Britons we don't have to travel to a foreign country to experience the tropics. We have mountains, plains, forests, cities, deserts, you name it we have at least a states worth of it.

[AVGWarhawk]

As August stated...vacation time is handled differently here. We get 1 week a year. As you pass through the years at your company, you get additional weeks. However, most frown on taking these vacation weeks in a row. At least from my experience. I see that Europeans enjoy 3-4 weeks off. That allows a lot of time to travel. Think about it. One week to travel Europe? Sure, at least two days of travel on both ends leave very little time in between to actually visit the place. One needs at least 2 weeks to make a decent trip of it. I would love to visit England but 3-4 days visit does not do it justice. Also, some people just don't fly. My wife will not fly...period! Then there is cost. Furthermore, I wish to travel America first before I go to a foreign country. There is a lot to see and do here. There are a plethora of things keeping Americans from traveling to other countries.

This is just crazy:

According to some here on this board, why should any american wish to leave the most fantastic nation on earth and to visit places where people are just jealous on and look with envy at america

[Rockstar]

Had you ever thought of actually extending an invitation to someone instead of posting the usual statisticle B.S above?

YOU obvioulsy haven't visited the United States or Canada. Oh you might got a ticket to a tourist trap and called it a cultural experience. My gosh I have traveled the U.S./Canada. I am still amazed what it has to offer in scenic beauty, cultural diversity, food, etc etc. So much to see in my own backyard. Take a train cross country, hike the Appalachian trail, dive the Florida Keys, see the Rockies, hunt Alaska, visit with Metis, Cree, Inuit, Ojibway, Algonquin, Saulteaux, Menominee people, sail the St Lawrence Seaway or Great Lakes, Maritime Provinces. Enough here to keep me busy and amazed for a lifetime. And you know what you are cordially invited to come and visit, enjoy a home cooked meal and friendship. But then ya got to go cause Im not running a hostel for freeloaders

[Tchocky]

Originally Posted by Rockstar

Had you ever thought of actually extending an invitation to someone instead of posting the usual statisticle B.S above?

YOU obvioulsy haven't visited the United States or Canada. Oh you might got a ticket to a tourist trap and called it a cultural experience.

A touch sensitive, perhaps?

[Frame57]

I like some of the european takes on vacation time alloted. i have not had a vacation in three years due to the work load. So for me getting a three day weekend has kind of served as a mini vacation. I am 2 hours from being in the mendocino forest or the beach for that matter. The places I like to go to are in reasonable proximity. I had an enjoyable time seeing the world while in the Navy. I never had to buy a beer in England or germany for that matter (of course i never ran into Sky bird). I hate using commercial travel because all too often they screw things up for me. The last time i flew somehow my luggage took another flight. Rather than treating customers like valued people they are treated like cattle. I despise them.

[Rockstar]

No Tchocky it wasn't meant to be sarcastic mean or an overly sensitive response. It was a request and reminder that extending an invitation to someone used to be the way to gain a friend. But I ask you don't take offence if I can't make it as your home I suspect is too far for me. Posting statistics touting how uncultured, stupid, close minded certain groups of people are is at best repulsive.

Tourist traps are everywhere and rarely give an honest look into the culture of the host country. They are geared to herd the masses to a particular area and take your money. So if you visit this country let me know, if Im in the area I will show you places that will take your breath away and cost you next to nothing. But bring you hiking boots

[AngusJS]

I'm American, and I lived in Moscow for 4 years, and recently spent 5 months backpacking through Asia, so I don't fit the stereotype.

I don't think distance or cost are sufficient to explain Americans' reticence to travel. Australians live in the back of beyond - it totally takes like 115 hours minimum for them to fly to Europe - yet wherever you travel, there you will meet Aussies.

I think it comes down to fear, and lack of interest, and lack of time.

During my time abroad, I never once experienced anti-Americanism, yet to listen to people here back in 2003, you'd think it was a rampant problem. And many people can't understand how it's possible to travel in countries where you don't speak the language.

Then there's the lack of interest among many Americans. If you're into the outdoors, as Rockstar appears to be, then overseas travel might not hold the same appeal, and that's fine if that's where you're interests are. I would say, though, that even Americans who would be more interested in tourism to historical sites, or examples of fine architecture, or great cities, will still usually prefer to visit their homegrown versions. Which is a shame because in these areas the US just can't compete.

Finally, we don't get enough time off here. There is no federal law which mandates any right to vacation, and employers can make whatever policies they like. Any such law would be Socialism, and therefore Bad.

[SteamWake]

Because were snooty isolationists...

http://chronicle.com/news/article/60...reak-in-mexico

[TDK1044]

I think because in some ways each State feels like a slightly different English speaking Country, offering us a variety of different cultures and geographical and architectural interests.

Think that Hawaii, Arizona, Colorado, New England and Florida are all within the same Country. Unless you are looking for real history, pretty much everything the average American wants exists within the borders of the US.

[Rockstar]

AngusJS

I think you just hit the nail on the head. We are all different with different interests and opinion. Americans, like yourself, contrary to what others say do get out and travel internationally. For example: according to the AAA there were 6,000,000 Americans visiting Europe in 2008. Now those numbers of American travellers may not be up to the satisfaction of certain people here. But when you read the posts of those few it would, I think, lead one to believe nothing is ever done to their satisfaction.

I once thought there was more 'out there' internationally. But when I turned off the TV and got my boots on and tuned up my bicycle it got really interesting here in my own backyard and it's a BIG backyard.

http://www.aaanewsroom.net/Assets/Fi...Forecast08.pdf

[Rockstar]

I guess the question that should be asked especially when you look at statistics is. Why do people think Americans don't travel abroad? When you ground yourself in reality rather than myth, supposition or rumor it will become readily apparent Americans are free to and do travel internationally for recreation. Another question came to mind too. Why are you so worried about what I do with my time anyways? I worked hard for my time I am pleased to enjoy it doing things that interest me not satisfiying your view on what I should be doing. My recommendation would be to go find something to do besides drink beer, complain and watch TV.

[GoldenRivet]

for one i would love to see the world.

yes, time available and expense are major limiting factors.

I also think that there is probably an element of fear among some Americans... perhaps there are some who feel as if their protection will not be taken as seriously abroad as it is here?

some people worry about kidnappings or murders abroad... Americans are not very popular these days with some nations, i guess some folks might be afraid they will be singled out and targeted?

i dont know - just adding it to the mix

[Onkel Neal]

I think, as you said, America is a big place:
A trip from Madrid, Spain to Warsaw, Poland is about the same as a drive from El Paso, Texas to Detroit ,Michigan, or Seattle, Washington to Omaha, Nebraska
2,868 km : 1782 miles.

And that's only half way across the country. A round trip from Seattle to Miamii, Florida is the same as driving from Glasgow, the northen UK to Chennai, India!

So, with so much to see and do inside the US, a lot of traveling internally would be in order before venturing outside the country. Also, we are separated by two oceans from Europe and Asia, so any close international travel would be to our favorite neighbor in the north, Canada, and south to Mexico/South America.

From my "small town background", a lot of people here are pretty focused on everyday life, and they are US-centric. Why spend all that $$$, spend hours in a plane to mingle with foreigners who speak with funny accents, when the truck needs a new set of tires, or we could take the kids to Disneyland, or there's a fishing trip planned? I guess a lot of people just don't see the appeal in going far off places to see things.

Obviously, this does not include everyone. I'm just relaying fom some of my experience as a country boy.

You know, I bet a majority of Europeans don't travel far either (non-business). There were only three international guests at last October's Subsim meet, and only two from Europe. That tells me that Europeans don't travel any more than Americans. There were three US members at the Amsterdam meet a couple years ago .

And taking a trip from London to Italy does not count the same as flying from San Diego to Italy. That's the US equivalent of driving from East Texas to West Texas.

My family has done a small amount of European travel; I've been to London twice, Paris, three times, Moscow four, and then a nice driving trip from London through Ghent to Amsterdam, with a quick jaunt to Wilhemshaven. I'm planning a trip to Copenhagen this Sept

[Letum]

Originally Posted by Neal Stevens

I think, as you said, America is a big place:
A trip from Madrid, Spain to Warsaw, Poland is about the same as a drive from El Paso, Texas to Detroit ,Michigan, or Seattle, Washington to Omaha, Nebraska
2,868 km : 1782 miles.

Ahh, now that's not such a great example.

Travel isn't about the distance coved.
200 miles in some parts of Europe can take you in to a radically different culture,
lifestyle, language, nation, landscape etc.
2000 miles in Australia or America, for example, might only change the landscape.

London to Moscow may be the same distance as [American City #1] to [American City #2],
but that hardly tells the full story.

Originally Posted by Bewolf

Well, there is a certain anti americanism observeable

Over here people tend to make a distinction between 'Tourists', 'American tourists' and
'Asian tourists', but I don't think they are treated differently, aside from people complaining
about their driving more than European tourists. I don't know if there is any truth there.

[Onkel Neal]

Originally Posted by Letum

Ahh, now that's not such a great example.

Travel isn't about the distance coved.
200 miles in some parts of Europe can take you in to a radically different culture,
lifestyle, language, nation, landscape etc.
2000 miles in Australia or America, for example, might only change the landscape.

London to Moscow may be the same distance as [American City #1] to [American City #2],
butthat hardly tells the full story.

Well, seeing that we cannot hop into our car and drive 200 miles for that radical culture change, I think distance plays a role in our travel plans