Why don't Americans travel abroad? - Page 2

Rockstar · 02-26-09, 12:34 PM

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 · 02-26-09, 01:01 PM

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 · 02-26-09, 01:23 PM

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

AVGWarhawk · 02-26-09, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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

Yes, this adds to the mix and we also must add in what a pain in the arse airports have become. Short of having a body cavity search ( some get them

) boarding planes and security just make life very difficult. So much so that my folks do not travel anymore. The have been in every country that Europe has to offer. They cancelled a cruise this year because of the airports. They just do not feel like dealing with them.

Rockstar · 02-26-09, 01:39 PM

Remember when you wore your Sunday best when travelling by air? You could even stretch your legs! I took a flight to Hawaii not too long ago 10 plus hours of living like a sardine confined in a tin. Not fun at all or relaxing, next time I'll take a boat.

02-26-09, 01:45 PM

Well, there is a certain anti americanism observeable, Europe not beeing an exception. And yes, it may very well happen that americans get involved or asked about politics and taken responsible for the actions of their governments in debates, that may indeed happen.

But spitting, murder, kidnapping? I seriously do not think there needs to be any fear of that, at all.

August · 02-26-09, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bewolf

But spitting, murder, kidnapping? I seriously do not think there needs to be any fear of that, at all.

Well tell that to the media because they are the ones who promote those possibilities, just like they promote the idea that we're irresponsible cowboys constantly shooting at each other.

Max2147 · 02-26-09, 02:39 PM

I should preface this by saying that I've been to all seven continents (including Antarctica).

A big reason most Americans don't travel abroad is distance. Unlike Europeans, we can travel a long ways from home and still be in our country.

This does two things. First, it means that you can experience a lot more without leaving our country. Second, it makes traveling abroad much more difficult. A continental European can get in their car, drive a few hours, and be in a different country. They probably won't even need a passport, and they only have to pay for gas. Just watch some of those epic BBC Top Gear races - in one Clarkson drives starts in Britain, takes the train to France, then drives through Belgium, Holland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway in about a day. Meanwhile, to to anywhere besides Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, an American would have to catch an 8+ hour plane ride, costing hundreds if not thousands of dollars.

GoldenRivet · 02-26-09, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max2147

I should preface this by saying that I've been to all seven continents (including Antarctica).

A big reason most Americans don't travel abroad is distance. Unlike Europeans, we can travel a long ways from home and still be in our country.

This does two things. First, it means that you can experience a lot more without leaving our country. Second, it makes traveling abroad much more difficult. A continental European can get in their car, drive a few hours, and be in a different country. They probably won't even need a passport, and they only have to pay for gas. Just watch some of those epic BBC Top Gear races - in one Clarkson drives starts in Britain, takes the train to France, then drives through Belgium, Holland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway in about a day. Meanwhile, to to anywhere besides Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, an American would have to catch an 8+ hour plane ride, costing hundreds if not thousands of dollars.

a good point

longam · 02-26-09, 03:06 PM

We just like it here.........

Sailor Steve · 02-26-09, 03:30 PM

I think Neal nailed half of it, and AngusJS mentioned the other half, though I disagree a little. I think time and money are the two main factors involved. I can drive to California in a day, and to New York in three. I can't afford to fly anywhere, and overseas is out of the question without special planning and saving. There is much I have never seen, and though I would love to probably never will.

Semi well-to-do Americans go to the tourist spots in Mexico, or for a cruise in the Caribbean. The rest of us go to Disneyland.

Fish · 02-26-09, 05:07 PM

If I was an American citizen, and lived up here I stay there the rest of my live.

Platapus · 02-26-09, 08:19 PM

If I want to mingle with people from countries from all over the world, all I have to do is travel through the United States.

I have one story that illustrates how difficult it can be for a foreigner to comprehend how large the US is.

There I was no $hit in Korea. I had made friends with this Korean Businessman and he was planning on visiting the United States. He was asking me about the US and he was amazed that I, while rather well traveled, had not visited every state in the US.

When I tried to explain to him how big the US was he was clearly having problems really comprehending how huge our country is.

I had to point out that we had individual states that were larger than his entire country and at first he did not believe it. I explained that He could drive the entire length of his county in less than 5 hours. There are states where this won't get you half way across.

He was shocked that many Americans have not visited all 50 states. I told him it was a rarity to visit all the states and that some people plan a retirement "grand tour" to see their own country before they die.

It can be difficult to imagine how big a country like the US or Canada is if you have never been there.

Kapt Z · 02-26-09, 08:52 PM

I wish I could travel abroad more myself. Heck there are whole states in the US I have never been too.

I was lucky enough to study abroad in the UK for about 6months back in the 80's. That was GREAT because you had the time to not only do some traveling, but actually sit in class with people who were not Americans and get to know them and what made them tick. Seeing natural and manmade wonders is fun and exciting, but it pales compared to interacting with people who have different(sometimes radically different) points of view and to do that on their 'turf' not mine.

There were only a few of us studying abroad in those days, now it is a requirement for your degree at my alma mater. That's a good thing.

Platapus · 02-26-09, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kapt Z

I was lucky enough to study abroad in the UK for about 6months back in the 80's.

Wish I could be lucky enough to study broads in the UK. Why stop at one?

02-26-09, 12:34 PM	#16
Rockstar In the Brig Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Zendia Bar & Grill Posts: 12,614 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	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 Last edited by Rockstar; 02-26-09 at 01:26 PM.

02-26-09, 01:01 PM	#17
Rockstar In the Brig Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Zendia Bar & Grill Posts: 12,614 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	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. Last edited by Rockstar; 02-26-09 at 01:29 PM.

02-26-09, 01:23 PM	#18
GoldenRivet Subsim Aviator Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 8,726 Downloads: 146 Uploads: 0	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 __________________

02-26-09, 03:30 PM	#26
Sailor Steve Eternal Patrol Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: High in the mountains of Utah Posts: 50,369 Downloads: 745 Uploads: 249	I think Neal nailed half of it, and AngusJS mentioned the other half, though I disagree a little. I think time and money are the two main factors involved. I can drive to California in a day, and to New York in three. I can't afford to fly anywhere, and overseas is out of the question without special planning and saving. There is much I have never seen, and though I would love to probably never will. Semi well-to-do Americans go to the tourist spots in Mexico, or for a cruise in the Caribbean. The rest of us go to Disneyland. __________________ “Never do anything you can't take back.” —Rocky Russo

02-26-09, 08:19 PM	#28
Platapus Fleet Admiral Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 19,388 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 0	If I want to mingle with people from countries from all over the world, all I have to do is travel through the United States. I have one story that illustrates how difficult it can be for a foreigner to comprehend how large the US is. There I was no $hit in Korea. I had made friends with this Korean Businessman and he was planning on visiting the United States. He was asking me about the US and he was amazed that I, while rather well traveled, had not visited every state in the US. When I tried to explain to him how big the US was he was clearly having problems really comprehending how huge our country is. I had to point out that we had individual states that were larger than his entire country and at first he did not believe it. I explained that He could drive the entire length of his county in less than 5 hours. There are states where this won't get you half way across. He was shocked that many Americans have not visited all 50 states. I told him it was a rarity to visit all the states and that some people plan a retirement "grand tour" to see their own country before they die. It can be difficult to imagine how big a country like the US or Canada is if you have never been there. __________________ abusus non tollit usum - A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right.

02-26-09, 01:39 PM	#20
Rockstar In the Brig Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Zendia Bar & Grill Posts: 12,614 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	Remember when you wore your Sunday best when travelling by air? You could even stretch your legs! I took a flight to Hawaii not too long ago 10 plus hours of living like a sardine confined in a tin. Not fun at all or relaxing, next time I'll take a boat.

02-26-09, 01:45 PM	#21
Bewolf Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	Well, there is a certain anti americanism observeable, Europe not beeing an exception. And yes, it may very well happen that americans get involved or asked about politics and taken responsible for the actions of their governments in debates, that may indeed happen. But spitting, murder, kidnapping? I seriously do not think there needs to be any fear of that, at all.

02-26-09, 02:39 PM	#23
Max2147 Seasoned Skipper Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 714 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I should preface this by saying that I've been to all seven continents (including Antarctica). A big reason most Americans don't travel abroad is distance. Unlike Europeans, we can travel a long ways from home and still be in our country. This does two things. First, it means that you can experience a lot more without leaving our country. Second, it makes traveling abroad much more difficult. A continental European can get in their car, drive a few hours, and be in a different country. They probably won't even need a passport, and they only have to pay for gas. Just watch some of those epic BBC Top Gear races - in one Clarkson drives starts in Britain, takes the train to France, then drives through Belgium, Holland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway in about a day. Meanwhile, to to anywhere besides Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, an American would have to catch an 8+ hour plane ride, costing hundreds if not thousands of dollars.

02-26-09, 03:06 PM	#25
longam Admiral Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,014 Downloads: 26 Uploads: 0	We just like it here.........

02-26-09, 05:07 PM	#27
Fish Eternal Patrol Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Netherlands Posts: 1,923 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	If I was an American citizen, and lived up here I stay there the rest of my live.

02-26-09, 08:52 PM	#29
Kapt Z Grey Wolf Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ...somewhere in the swamps of Jersey. Posts: 909 Downloads: 157 Uploads: 0	I wish I could travel abroad more myself. Heck there are whole states in the US I have never been too. I was lucky enough to study abroad in the UK for about 6months back in the 80's. That was GREAT because you had the time to not only do some traveling, but actually sit in class with people who were not Americans and get to know them and what made them tick. Seeing natural and manmade wonders is fun and exciting, but it pales compared to interacting with people who have different(sometimes radically different) points of view and to do that on their 'turf' not mine. There were only a few of us studying abroad in those days, now it is a requirement for your degree at my alma mater. That's a good thing.