Why is travel such a big part of our lives?

[Anonymous]

I say this as a true free spirit, having traveled extensively and lived several places, too.

But why do we do it, on such a large scale, and so much? It’s expensive, tedious, bad for the environment, logistically challenging, and sometimes (frequently?) the locals would really rather we weren’t there.

[Anonymous]

You’re boring me.

[Anonymous]

Most people do not travel much, for the reasons you mention. It's still the purview of the wealthy and a marker of wealth.

[Anonymous]

Because we work so many hours and sit in so much traffic that our local region is stressful and we desire escape.

[Anonymous]

Why did you decide to travel, OP? I'm curious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Most people do not travel much, for the reasons you mention. It's still the purview of the wealthy and a marker of wealth.

You live in a bubble. A little travel outside your bubble would give you a reality check.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most people do not travel much, for the reasons you mention. It's still the purview of the wealthy and a marker of wealth.

You live in a bubble. A little travel outside your bubble would give you a reality check.

What is reality? The everyday humdrum rather shabby lifestyle of the poor who can't afford to travel, whether in poor urban neighborhoods or poor towns in rural areas? Or the wealthy, who do travel widely and broadly, even if they learn little from it? Which of the two groups live in a bubble?

Reality check =/= travel in any meaningful way.

[Anonymous]

I've traveled all over the world and country. I just enjoy all the different things you can do and see.

[Anonymous]

I travel because I like to see and experience new places with my own eyes/self. It feels good inside. Thrill seeking. Curiosity fulfilling.

[Anonymous]

We travel because we can. We like seeing other places. We have the disposable income. It's not complicated.

[Anonymous]

Be the change you want to see.

[Anonymous]

Plenty of people don’t. Constant international travel is extreme in DC.

In NYC, friends and coworkers did not travel as much or as widely as my DC friends. NY friends went to Europe once a year ish, maybe also Caribbean. DC friends are always off to Asia, Africa, middle east, etc.

And outside of the coastal elite centers, travel is even less common. The majority of Americans don’t own a passport.

[Anonymous]

Selfishness.

[Anonymous]

Depends on your mindset. Plenty of immigrant babysitters sock away enough earnings to visit their home country every year. Most of us somehow afford whatever priority we have.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

The majority of Americans don’t own a passport.

This was true in the past but is no longer true, with passports needed for land and sea entry. Instituted post-9/11.

https://www.americancommunities.org/who-owns-a-passport-in-america/#:~:text=Nationally%2C%2056%25%20of%20American%20adults,own%20a%20passport%20and%20why.