How many countries has your teen been to?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:29 countries


13,15 and 18 years.
Attend public school

Wow. Are you ever home?

[Anonymous]

19
Canada
Mexico
Barbados
Jamaica
Panama
UK
France
Spain
Denmark
Norway
Sweden
Germany
Czechia
Austria
Italy
Greece
Turkey
Japan
China

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:15 and 11 yo. Japan, s Korea, Taiwan, china, Thailand, Australia, uk, France, spain, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, turkey, Italy, Greece, Monaco, Canada, Vatican City, Indonesia. Mostly because we lived abroad when they were young. I don’t think the number of countries means anything. Going to Thailand and spending the whole time at a resort doesn’t really expand the mind as much as going to New Orleans or Boston and walking around the city and learning about their history. We have done a few trips to resort-y areas of se Asia, and when we stay at a resort only, it feels Disney-fied, even when you venture out on day trips. Kind of like going to Jamaica and just hanging out at the resort and going on a field trip to the waterfalls with other tourists.

I don’t get people who go to another country and stay in a US hotel resort on the water with all vacationers, mostly Americans.

Our last trip was Puerto Rico and we rented a house in a residential neighborhood. Shopped in the local grocery stores and small restaurants that was all local. We actually stayed in the neighborhood Bad Bunny grew up, a working class neighborhood.

Even going to Paradise Island I had to rent a car to drive around. We went to grocery stores in the area and women would ask for money. I always give money. It won’t affect me in any way and it might help the women get what they need. Our next trip is Spain.

Unfortunately the Ivy admissions skipped over our age group in the family. Maybe next generation either that or it ended with the generation above my husband and me. And I thought almost every child was in the 99th percentile. No?

You don’t understand? Because they are going to enjoy weather and service and beaches, not to play act like they are a local. That’s not a vacation. It’s something snooty people do.

We are the last people anyone would call snooty. I enjoy the weather and beaches in Florida, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard. But if I’m in a country different than the US it’s interesting to get out of the tourist areas and see how people live. No one’s acting like they’re local unless some of our South American relatives (Colombia, Argentina) come with us. They help us to go off the path but keep it safe. We get to talk to a whole lot of people we wouldn’t have opportunities to at a Marriott in Argentina.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Only Canada, Spain and soon England, for mine. Very few people in our orbit travel overseas on a regular basis, so we try to keep even these few trips on the down low.

You are embarrassed that you are (extremely limitedly) showing your kids the world? I’d find a new orbit.

My orbit’s great. But the amount of money that it costs to take these trips is completely out of reach for the vast majority of people. My kids know that travel is special, not something to take for granted. We would not do well in crowds trying to one-up each other with their lavish vacations, but great if that works for you.

Total cost of our recent week in Colombia was $1500. Including flights, rooms and food. I get that some families can’t afford that, but not a huge percentage here. If you are doing any beach weeks in the US, you aren’t saving money, you are choosing comfort over enrichment. The amount we learn on these trips is incredible, and I love hearing what my friends have learned on theirs. It isn’t about one upping, it is about exposure, growth and experience. Hopefully your kids will learn these lessons elsewhere as you are clearly failing to teach them.

Where did you go? It’s amazing how many people are smart enough to find these kind of deals. My daughter’s friend has a boyfriend with a house in one of the Colombian cities, I forget which one. I have no idea what his ties are to Colombia.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Only Canada, Spain and soon England, for mine. Very few people in our orbit travel overseas on a regular basis, so we try to keep even these few trips on the down low.

You are embarrassed that you are (extremely limitedly) showing your kids the world? I’d find a new orbit.

My orbit’s great. But the amount of money that it costs to take these trips is completely out of reach for the vast majority of people. My kids know that travel is special, not something to take for granted. We would not do well in crowds trying to one-up each other with their lavish vacations, but great if that works for you.

How sad for you and your children. Your attempt at a dig in your last sentence is ironic — you would fit in very well, actually.

Huh? I honestly don’t understand what is sad for my kids. We take fun trips, they love traveling. It’s not a secret or anything, but they would probably not ask friends “how many other countries have you been to?” because the answer from most of them would be zero. For me, I don’t talk about where we go on vacation with my coworkers, because the vast majority of them can’t afford to go overseas. It’s just basic humility. Some of you all are really out of touch.

My flight to Costa Rica was likely less than you spend on gas a week.

You flew to Costa Rica for under $50?

Flights to Costa Rica can be $99.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Only Canada, Spain and soon England, for mine. Very few people in our orbit travel overseas on a regular basis, so we try to keep even these few trips on the down low.

You are embarrassed that you are (extremely limitedly) showing your kids the world? I’d find a new orbit.

My orbit’s great. But the amount of money that it costs to take these trips is completely out of reach for the vast majority of people. My kids know that travel is special, not something to take for granted. We would not do well in crowds trying to one-up each other with their lavish vacations, but great if that works for you.

Total cost of our recent week in Colombia was $1500. Including flights, rooms and food. I get that some families can’t afford that, but not a huge percentage here. If you are doing any beach weeks in the US, you aren’t saving money, you are choosing comfort over enrichment. The amount we learn on these trips is incredible, and I love hearing what my friends have learned on theirs. It isn’t about one upping, it is about exposure, growth and experience. Hopefully your kids will learn these lessons elsewhere as you are clearly failing to teach them.

How many in your family and how much were flights? Lodging? Food? For a family of four I don’t see how that would even cover one flight.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:15 and 11 yo. Japan, s Korea, Taiwan, china, Thailand, Australia, uk, France, spain, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, turkey, Italy, Greece, Monaco, Canada, Vatican City, Indonesia. Mostly because we lived abroad when they were young. I don’t think the number of countries means anything. Going to Thailand and spending the whole time at a resort doesn’t really expand the mind as much as going to New Orleans or Boston and walking around the city and learning about their history. We have done a few trips to resort-y areas of se Asia, and when we stay at a resort only, it feels Disney-fied, even when you venture out on day trips. Kind of like going to Jamaica and just hanging out at the resort and going on a field trip to the waterfalls with other tourists.

I don’t get people who go to another country and stay in a US hotel resort on the water with all vacationers, mostly Americans.

Our last trip was Puerto Rico and we rented a house in a residential neighborhood. Shopped in the local grocery stores and small restaurants that was all local. We actually stayed in the neighborhood Bad Bunny grew up, a working class neighborhood.

Even going to Paradise Island I had to rent a car to drive around. We went to grocery stores in the area and women would ask for money. I always give money. It won’t affect me in any way and it might help the women get what they need. Our next trip is Spain.

Unfortunately the Ivy admissions skipped over our age group in the family. Maybe next generation either that or it ended with the generation above my husband and me. And I thought almost every child was in the 99th percentile. No?

You do know Puerto Rico is an American territory and citizens are US citizens? So you stayed in a working class neighborhood of Americans. How exotic.

Then you are bragging about driving around the exotic Bahamas and giving money out to people? Offensive and weird.

I knew someone would mention that. Yes PR is American. It has its own culture and their primary language is Spanish. America hasn’t done a thing to improve their living conditions. The “ mainland” Americans stick to the Hyatts and marriotts that are all on top of each other.

Who said anything about exotic? And it’s not offensive to say when you leave these all inclusive resorts in the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Haiti, you’re going to meet residents of these islands and they will probably ask for money. Too many people pretend they don’t see them.

Where do you stay at beach islands? Holiday inn?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mine:

New Zealand
Australia
Fiji
Japan
Singapore
Korea
Russia
Senegal
Uganda
South Africa
Botswana (day trip from South Africa so maybe doesn't count)
Namibia
England
France
Belgium
Switzerland
Germany
Italy
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Mexico
Canada
Greenland
Iceland
Antarctica (not a country, but...)
Bahamas
Texas.

Texas? Is this a joke??

It WAS a country and some Texans would like it to be again.

Do we count England and Scotland separately, even though they carry the same passport? How do we qualify territories? If they compete as a separate nation for the Olympics, like Puetro Rico, are the separate countries? Do they have to be recognized by the UN? So many questions. What are the rules of this game?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:15 and 11 yo. Japan, s Korea, Taiwan, china, Thailand, Australia, uk, France, spain, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, turkey, Italy, Greece, Monaco, Canada, Vatican City, Indonesia. Mostly because we lived abroad when they were young. I don’t think the number of countries means anything. Going to Thailand and spending the whole time at a resort doesn’t really expand the mind as much as going to New Orleans or Boston and walking around the city and learning about their history. We have done a few trips to resort-y areas of se Asia, and when we stay at a resort only, it feels Disney-fied, even when you venture out on day trips. Kind of like going to Jamaica and just hanging out at the resort and going on a field trip to the waterfalls with other tourists.

I don’t get people who go to another country and stay in a US hotel resort on the water with all vacationers, mostly Americans.

Our last trip was Puerto Rico and we rented a house in a residential neighborhood. Shopped in the local grocery stores and small restaurants that was all local. We actually stayed in the neighborhood Bad Bunny grew up, a working class neighborhood.

Even going to Paradise Island I had to rent a car to drive around. We went to grocery stores in the area and women would ask for money. I always give money. It won’t affect me in any way and it might help the women get what they need. Our next trip is Spain.

Unfortunately the Ivy admissions skipped over our age group in the family. Maybe next generation either that or it ended with the generation above my husband and me. And I thought almost every child was in the 99th percentile. No?

You do know Puerto Rico is an American territory and citizens are US citizens? So you stayed in a working class neighborhood of Americans. How exotic.

Then you are bragging about driving around the exotic Bahamas and giving money out to people? Offensive and weird.

Is the air thin on your soap box? Or does the level of smug emanating from your skin make it thick?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mine:

New Zealand
Australia
Fiji
Japan
Singapore
Korea
Russia
Senegal
Uganda
South Africa
Botswana (day trip from South Africa so maybe doesn't count)
Namibia
England
France
Belgium
Switzerland
Germany
Italy
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Mexico
Canada
Greenland
Iceland
Antarctica (not a country, but...)
Bahamas
Texas.

Texas? Is this a joke??

Joke? I don’t know? I listed Southern Maryland earlier in the thread. I was serious, kind of.

Well I missed yours but Texas isn't a country. Op asked how many countries your kid has been

I agree, but plenty of Texans would love to secede and become their own country. I say let them try it. I give them a year until they come crawling back.

Texas is still not a country. Lets keep on topic.

Yes, please. Let's call the Topic Police right away..... unless that's you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:15 and 11 yo. Japan, s Korea, Taiwan, china, Thailand, Australia, uk, France, spain, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, turkey, Italy, Greece, Monaco, Canada, Vatican City, Indonesia. Mostly because we lived abroad when they were young. I don’t think the number of countries means anything. Going to Thailand and spending the whole time at a resort doesn’t really expand the mind as much as going to New Orleans or Boston and walking around the city and learning about their history. We have done a few trips to resort-y areas of se Asia, and when we stay at a resort only, it feels Disney-fied, even when you venture out on day trips. Kind of like going to Jamaica and just hanging out at the resort and going on a field trip to the waterfalls with other tourists.

I don’t get people who go to another country and stay in a US hotel resort on the water with all vacationers, mostly Americans.

Our last trip was Puerto Rico and we rented a house in a residential neighborhood. Shopped in the local grocery stores and small restaurants that was all local. We actually stayed in the neighborhood Bad Bunny grew up, a working class neighborhood.

Even going to Paradise Island I had to rent a car to drive around. We went to grocery stores in the area and women would ask for money. I always give money. It won’t affect me in any way and it might help the women get what they need. Our next trip is Spain.

Unfortunately the Ivy admissions skipped over our age group in the family. Maybe next generation either that or it ended with the generation above my husband and me. And I thought almost every child was in the 99th percentile. No?

You do know Puerto Rico is an American territory and citizens are US citizens? So you stayed in a working class neighborhood of Americans. How exotic.

Then you are bragging about driving around the exotic Bahamas and giving money out to people? Offensive and weird.

I knew someone would mention that. Yes PR is American. It has its own culture and their primary language is Spanish. America hasn’t done a thing to improve their living conditions. The “ mainland” Americans stick to the Hyatts and marriotts that are all on top of each other.

Who said anything about exotic? And it’s not offensive to say when you leave these all inclusive resorts in the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Haiti, you’re going to meet residents of these islands and they will probably ask for money. Too many people pretend they don’t see them.

Where do you stay at beach islands? Holiday inn?

Lol. We don’t do all inclusive resorts because I find them tacky and crowded and we prefer the culture of cities. Our last beach vacations were at The Ritz in Naples and Sarasota. I’ve been to Puerto Rico, the territory of the US, I dont need you to explain it to me. Here is your cookie for giving money to people in other countries and feeling like its something heroic you need to mention.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mine:

New Zealand
Australia
Fiji
Japan
Singapore
Korea
Russia
Senegal
Uganda
South Africa
Botswana (day trip from South Africa so maybe doesn't count)
Namibia
England
France
Belgium
Switzerland
Germany
Italy
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Mexico
Canada
Greenland
Iceland
Antarctica (not a country, but...)
Bahamas
Texas.

Texas? Is this a joke??

It WAS a country and some Texans would like it to be again.

But we are talking about today.

Do we count England and Scotland separately, even though they carry the same passport? How do we qualify territories? If they compete as a separate nation for the Olympics, like Puetro Rico, are the separate countries? Do they have to be recognized by the UN? So many questions. What are the rules of this game?

I would say England and Scotland are separate countries. Same with Wales and Northern Ireland. I think you are making it too complicated. I would be impressed if anyone visited all the territories and I would count those

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m surprised these lists aren’t longer and more diverse, honestly.

Oh go take a hike Susan.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seriously- how are you people affording college after all of this travel?

My kids have been to Canada, UK, and Italy. We haven’t gone overseas since the pandemic.

Travel can be extremely cheap if you know how to do it. Sounds like you don’t and you certainly aren’t teaching the skill to your children.

Not PP but can you enlighten me? Bc travel has not been cheap for a while. Share your secrets!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Only Canada, Spain and soon England, for mine. Very few people in our orbit travel overseas on a regular basis, so we try to keep even these few trips on the down low.

You are embarrassed that you are (extremely limitedly) showing your kids the world? I’d find a new orbit.

My orbit’s great. But the amount of money that it costs to take these trips is completely out of reach for the vast majority of people. My kids know that travel is special, not something to take for granted. We would not do well in crowds trying to one-up each other with their lavish vacations, but great if that works for you.

How sad for you and your children. Your attempt at a dig in your last sentence is ironic — you would fit in very well, actually.

Huh? I honestly don’t understand what is sad for my kids. We take fun trips, they love traveling. It’s not a secret or anything, but they would probably not ask friends “how many other countries have you been to?” because the answer from most of them would be zero. For me, I don’t talk about where we go on vacation with my coworkers, because the vast majority of them can’t afford to go overseas. It’s just basic humility. Some of you all are really out of touch.

My flight to Costa Rica was likely less than you spend on gas a week.

You flew to Costa Rica for under $50?

Flights to Costa Rica can be $99.

Sooo… double what I spend on gas per week. But sounds reasonable, for sure. I guess I am a bad parent for not taking my kids to Costa Rica.