How does anyone afford to travel now?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The thing that really makes me laugh is that those who “travel” here all go to the same tired destinations and spend tons (miles or points or cash or whatever) to do it. We have been to all the big places, but now focus on really affordable out of the way places that are certainly more enjoyable and cheaper than even daily life in the USA. And they’re not filled with the mindless Instagram or DCUM UMC wannabe crowd.

Not for long.

With the multitudes of YouTubers and the advent of AI, these affordable out-of-the-way locations are swiftly becoming a thing of the past.

We are frequently amazed to be in an almost-unheard of place where we THINK we are the only tourists and everyone else is local, speaking the local language and then in walk other travelers taking videos and most assuredly blasting out information about how great this place is. Which means the hoards will soon be there too.

Yes, and also all those "really affordable out of the way places"? They are affordable and out of the way for a reason- because they are difficult to get to, or they aren't especially nice. Note how PP didn't give any examples.

PP here. Fair enough. This week, for instance, we are in a small town with a Christmas market today that would require a flight to Paris, a four hour train ride, and then a two hour drive into the mountains. We heard two American accents today, but that was it. But yes, the game isn not as fun as it used to be, that is true. But at least it’s not Iceland, Japan, Copenhagen, Cartagena, or whatever else fuels the DCUM crowd these days. We did those places ages ago

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The thing that really makes me laugh is that those who “travel” here all go to the same tired destinations and spend tons (miles or points or cash or whatever) to do it. We have been to all the big places, but now focus on really affordable out of the way places that are certainly more enjoyable and cheaper than even daily life in the USA. And they’re not filled with the mindless Instagram or DCUM UMC wannabe crowd.

Not for long.

With the multitudes of YouTubers and the advent of AI, these affordable out-of-the-way locations are swiftly becoming a thing of the past.

We are frequently amazed to be in an almost-unheard of place where we THINK we are the only tourists and everyone else is local, speaking the local language and then in walk other travelers taking videos and most assuredly blasting out information about how great this place is. Which means the hoards will soon be there too.

Yes, and also all those "really affordable out of the way places"? They are affordable and out of the way for a reason- because they are difficult to get to, or they aren't especially nice. Note how PP didn't give any examples.

PP here. Fair enough. This week, for instance, we are in a small town with a Christmas market today that would require a flight to Paris, a four hour train ride, and then a two hour drive into the mountains. We heard two American accents today, but that was it. But yes, the game isn not as fun as it used to be, that is true. But at least it’s not Iceland, Japan, Copenhagen, Cartagena, or whatever else fuels the DCUM crowd these days. We did those places ages ago

Oooh a Christmas market— you really are seeing something special that no one on DCUM has ever seen. 😂

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Growing up, it blows my mind when I had peers that have been to places like Japan or Italy. I know plenty of people who make six figures who can’t even afford to travel to Las Vegas. Most companies have cut funding for business travel because it’s expensive to pay for flights and hotels. If you have a family in any major city, I don’t know how on earth you can afford a house and kids and still be able to travel on top of that.

We live in a condo and before that rented so we could prioritize travel for our kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Growing up, it blows my mind when I had peers that have been to places like Japan or Italy. I know plenty of people who make six figures who can’t even afford to travel to Las Vegas. Most companies have cut funding for business travel because it’s expensive to pay for flights and hotels. If you have a family in any major city, I don’t know how on earth you can afford a house and kids and still be able to travel on top of that.

We live in a condo and before that rented so we could prioritize travel for our kids.

Where have typo taken them? Anywhere worth living in a small condo?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The thing that really makes me laugh is that those who “travel” here all go to the same tired destinations and spend tons (miles or points or cash or whatever) to do it. We have been to all the big places, but now focus on really affordable out of the way places that are certainly more enjoyable and cheaper than even daily life in the USA. And they’re not filled with the mindless Instagram or DCUM UMC wannabe crowd.

Not for long.

With the multitudes of YouTubers and the advent of AI, these affordable out-of-the-way locations are swiftly becoming a thing of the past.

We are frequently amazed to be in an almost-unheard of place where we THINK we are the only tourists and everyone else is local, speaking the local language and then in walk other travelers taking videos and most assuredly blasting out information about how great this place is. Which means the hoards will soon be there too.

Yes, and also all those "really affordable out of the way places"? They are affordable and out of the way for a reason- because they are difficult to get to, or they aren't especially nice. Note how PP didn't give any examples.

PP here. Fair enough. This week, for instance, we are in a small town with a Christmas market today that would require a flight to Paris, a four hour train ride, and then a two hour drive into the mountains. We heard two American accents today, but that was it. But yes, the game isn not as fun as it used to be, that is true. But at least it’s not Iceland, Japan, Copenhagen, Cartagena, or whatever else fuels the DCUM crowd these days. We did those places ages ago

Oooh a Christmas market— you really are seeing something special that no one on DCUM has ever seen. 😂

PP here. I would have thought so too. But it’s a whole different experience in a town of 5,000 far from any city.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The thing that really makes me laugh is that those who “travel” here all go to the same tired destinations and spend tons (miles or points or cash or whatever) to do it. We have been to all the big places, but now focus on really affordable out of the way places that are certainly more enjoyable and cheaper than even daily life in the USA. And they’re not filled with the mindless Instagram or DCUM UMC wannabe crowd.

Not for long.

With the multitudes of YouTubers and the advent of AI, these affordable out-of-the-way locations are swiftly becoming a thing of the past.

We are frequently amazed to be in an almost-unheard of place where we THINK we are the only tourists and everyone else is local, speaking the local language and then in walk other travelers taking videos and most assuredly blasting out information about how great this place is. Which means the hoards will soon be there too.

Yes, and also all those "really affordable out of the way places"? They are affordable and out of the way for a reason- because they are difficult to get to, or they aren't especially nice. Note how PP didn't give any examples.

PP here. Fair enough. This week, for instance, we are in a small town with a Christmas market today that would require a flight to Paris, a four hour train ride, and then a two hour drive into the mountains. We heard two American accents today, but that was it. But yes, the game isn not as fun as it used to be, that is true. But at least it’s not Iceland, Japan, Copenhagen, Cartagena, or whatever else fuels the DCUM crowd these days. We did those places ages ago

Don't understand why the focus on doing something different than other people. Who cares what "the DCUM crowd" is fueled by? Go somewhere if you want to, don't go if you don't want to. I get trying to avoid places that are extremely crowded, as a certain point it's just unpleasant no matter who is there. My rule for big cities is not to stay right in the tourist core because of that. But I went on a touristy boat ride in the Seine in Paris 2 years ago, and it was wonderful! It was near sunset, people were out and about throughout the city, and as the kids say, the vibes were excellent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The thing that really makes me laugh is that those who “travel” here all go to the same tired destinations and spend tons (miles or points or cash or whatever) to do it. We have been to all the big places, but now focus on really affordable out of the way places that are certainly more enjoyable and cheaper than even daily life in the USA. And they’re not filled with the mindless Instagram or DCUM UMC wannabe crowd.

I was wondering when the condescending “I’ve already been to all these places so now they are passé” poster would show up!

So you enjoyed them but no one else should?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The thing that really makes me laugh is that those who “travel” here all go to the same tired destinations and spend tons (miles or points or cash or whatever) to do it. We have been to all the big places, but now focus on really affordable out of the way places that are certainly more enjoyable and cheaper than even daily life in the USA. And they’re not filled with the mindless Instagram or DCUM UMC wannabe crowd.

I was wondering when the condescending “I’ve already been to all these places so now they are passé” poster would show up!

So you enjoyed them but no one else should?

PP here. Not necessarily. But there is a huge difference between what these places were like 30 years vs 10 years ago (not that much different) and 10 years ago vs now (completely different). I blame the social media. Either way, so many places are just no go now.

[Anonymous]

Before my in laws passed away they lived in another country so we used to take the kids abroad to different locations to see family. Wither we would meet at a halfway point or go directly to visit the family. We made it work but now I would rather not spend our money that way. We have friends that live all over the US and a summer house now, so we would rather spend our vacation with friends who aren’t local- either we go visit them on road trips or we host them. Kids will be in college in the next 5-7 years so maybe we will take them on an international trip or 2 before they graduate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The thing that really makes me laugh is that those who “travel” here all go to the same tired destinations and spend tons (miles or points or cash or whatever) to do it. We have been to all the big places, but now focus on really affordable out of the way places that are certainly more enjoyable and cheaper than even daily life in the USA. And they’re not filled with the mindless Instagram or DCUM UMC wannabe crowd.

Not for long.

With the multitudes of YouTubers and the advent of AI, these affordable out-of-the-way locations are swiftly becoming a thing of the past.

We are frequently amazed to be in an almost-unheard of place where we THINK we are the only tourists and everyone else is local, speaking the local language and then in walk other travelers taking videos and most assuredly blasting out information about how great this place is. Which means the hoards will soon be there too.

Yes, and also all those "really affordable out of the way places"? They are affordable and out of the way for a reason- because they are difficult to get to, or they aren't especially nice. Note how PP didn't give any examples.

PP here. Fair enough. This week, for instance, we are in a small town with a Christmas market today that would require a flight to Paris, a four hour train ride, and then a two hour drive into the mountains. We heard two American accents today, but that was it. But yes, the game isn not as fun as it used to be, that is true. But at least it’s not Iceland, Japan, Copenhagen, Cartagena, or whatever else fuels the DCUM crowd these days. We did those places ages ago

So you basically spent 18 hours to get to … a small town with a Christmas market? You’re doing it wrong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The thing that really makes me laugh is that those who “travel” here all go to the same tired destinations and spend tons (miles or points or cash or whatever) to do it. We have been to all the big places, but now focus on really affordable out of the way places that are certainly more enjoyable and cheaper than even daily life in the USA. And they’re not filled with the mindless Instagram or DCUM UMC wannabe crowd.

Not for long.

With the multitudes of YouTubers and the advent of AI, these affordable out-of-the-way locations are swiftly becoming a thing of the past.

We are frequently amazed to be in an almost-unheard of place where we THINK we are the only tourists and everyone else is local, speaking the local language and then in walk other travelers taking videos and most assuredly blasting out information about how great this place is. Which means the hoards will soon be there too.

Yes, and also all those "really affordable out of the way places"? They are affordable and out of the way for a reason- because they are difficult to get to, or they aren't especially nice. Note how PP didn't give any examples.

PP here. Fair enough. This week, for instance, we are in a small town with a Christmas market today that would require a flight to Paris, a four hour train ride, and then a two hour drive into the mountains. We heard two American accents today, but that was it. But yes, the game isn not as fun as it used to be, that is true. But at least it’s not Iceland, Japan, Copenhagen, Cartagena, or whatever else fuels the DCUM crowd these days. We did those places ages ago

So you basically spent 18 hours to get to … a small town with a Christmas market? You’re doing it wrong.

PP here. No, because we live in Europe already.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The thing that really makes me laugh is that those who “travel” here all go to the same tired destinations and spend tons (miles or points or cash or whatever) to do it. We have been to all the big places, but now focus on really affordable out of the way places that are certainly more enjoyable and cheaper than even daily life in the USA. And they’re not filled with the mindless Instagram or DCUM UMC wannabe crowd.

Not for long.

With the multitudes of YouTubers and the advent of AI, these affordable out-of-the-way locations are swiftly becoming a thing of the past.

We are frequently amazed to be in an almost-unheard of place where we THINK we are the only tourists and everyone else is local, speaking the local language and then in walk other travelers taking videos and most assuredly blasting out information about how great this place is. Which means the hoards will soon be there too.

Yes, and also all those "really affordable out of the way places"? They are affordable and out of the way for a reason- because they are difficult to get to, or they aren't especially nice. Note how PP didn't give any examples.

PP here. Fair enough. This week, for instance, we are in a small town with a Christmas market today that would require a flight to Paris, a four hour train ride, and then a two hour drive into the mountains. We heard two American accents today, but that was it. But yes, the game isn not as fun as it used to be, that is true. But at least it’s not Iceland, Japan, Copenhagen, Cartagena, or whatever else fuels the DCUM crowd these days. We did those places ages ago

Don't understand why the focus on doing something different than other people. Who cares what "the DCUM crowd" is fueled by? Go somewhere if you want to, don't go if you don't want to. I get trying to avoid places that are extremely crowded, as a certain point it's just unpleasant no matter who is there. My rule for big cities is not to stay right in the tourist core because of that. But I went on a touristy boat ride in the Seine in Paris 2 years ago, and it was wonderful! It was near sunset, people were out and about throughout the city, and as the kids say, the vibes were excellent.

I love to do touristy things because I am a tourist. If they suck, they don’t tend to last. Popular things are usually popular for a reason. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with doing obscure, off the beaten path things but it’s usually not for me. I have a mild physical disability and I don’t have an enormous travel budget. Maybe if I did I’d be more willing to take risks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The thing that really makes me laugh is that those who “travel” here all go to the same tired destinations and spend tons (miles or points or cash or whatever) to do it. We have been to all the big places, but now focus on really affordable out of the way places that are certainly more enjoyable and cheaper than even daily life in the USA. And they’re not filled with the mindless Instagram or DCUM UMC wannabe crowd.

Not for long.

With the multitudes of YouTubers and the advent of AI, these affordable out-of-the-way locations are swiftly becoming a thing of the past.

We are frequently amazed to be in an almost-unheard of place where we THINK we are the only tourists and everyone else is local, speaking the local language and then in walk other travelers taking videos and most assuredly blasting out information about how great this place is. Which means the hoards will soon be there too.

Yes, and also all those "really affordable out of the way places"? They are affordable and out of the way for a reason- because they are difficult to get to, or they aren't especially nice. Note how PP didn't give any examples.

PP here. Fair enough. This week, for instance, we are in a small town with a Christmas market today that would require a flight to Paris, a four hour train ride, and then a two hour drive into the mountains. We heard two American accents today, but that was it. But yes, the game isn not as fun as it used to be, that is true. But at least it’s not Iceland, Japan, Copenhagen, Cartagena, or whatever else fuels the DCUM crowd these days. We did those places ages ago

So you basically spent 18 hours to get to … a small town with a Christmas market? You’re doing it wrong.

PP here. No, because we live in Europe already.

Ha ha ha ha ha OMG of course

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The thing that really makes me laugh is that those who “travel” here all go to the same tired destinations and spend tons (miles or points or cash or whatever) to do it. We have been to all the big places, but now focus on really affordable out of the way places that are certainly more enjoyable and cheaper than even daily life in the USA. And they’re not filled with the mindless Instagram or DCUM UMC wannabe crowd.

I was wondering when the condescending “I’ve already been to all these places so now they are passé” poster would show up!

So you enjoyed them but no one else should?

PP here. Not necessarily. But there is a huge difference between what these places were like 30 years vs 10 years ago (not that much different) and 10 years ago vs now (completely different). I blame the social media. Either way, so many places are just no go now.

Well 30 years ago I was 12 and 10 years ago I was 32 and had small kids and little disposable income. Now is when I can afford to go and have the time. Sorry it doesn’t meet your high standards but I don’t want to go to some obscure Christmas market 4 hours from nowhere, I want to see Paris! Go talk down to someone else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The thing that really makes me laugh is that those who “travel” here all go to the same tired destinations and spend tons (miles or points or cash or whatever) to do it. We have been to all the big places, but now focus on really affordable out of the way places that are certainly more enjoyable and cheaper than even daily life in the USA. And they’re not filled with the mindless Instagram or DCUM UMC wannabe crowd.

I was wondering when the condescending “I’ve already been to all these places so now they are passé” poster would show up!

So you enjoyed them but no one else should?

PP here. Not necessarily. But there is a huge difference between what these places were like 30 years vs 10 years ago (not that much different) and 10 years ago vs now (completely different). I blame the social media. Either way, so many places are just no go now.

Well 30 years ago I was 12 and 10 years ago I was 32 and had small kids and little disposable income. Now is when I can afford to go and have the time. Sorry it doesn’t meet your high standards but I don’t want to go to some obscure Christmas market 4 hours from nowhere, I want to see Paris! Go talk down to someone else.

That’s fine. Go enjoy.