How does anyone afford to travel now?

[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.

[Anonymous]

The number of international tourist arrivals increased from roughly 445 million in 1990 to almost 1.5 billion in 2019. There’s no getting away from the fact there has been an astronomical increase in tourism worldwide, particularly fueled by the growth of a massive middle class in countries like China and India.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The number of international tourist arrivals increased from roughly 445 million in 1990 to almost 1.5 billion in 2019. There’s no getting away from the fact there has been an astronomical increase in tourism worldwide, particularly fueled by the growth of a massive middle class in countries like China and India.

And the US middle class who have greatly expanded their travel in the same time frame. I grew up working class and didn’t get on a plane until I was an adult. That’s no longer true for many people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The number of international tourist arrivals increased from roughly 445 million in 1990 to almost 1.5 billion in 2019. There’s no getting away from the fact there has been an astronomical increase in tourism worldwide, particularly fueled by the growth of a massive middle class in countries like China and India.

And the US middle class who have greatly expanded their travel in the same time frame. I grew up working class and didn’t get on a plane until I was an adult. That’s no longer true for many people.

This. I flew maybe four times up until I was 18 years old. I’ve lost count how many times my own kids have been on a plane in the same timeframe.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The number of international tourist arrivals increased from roughly 445 million in 1990 to almost 1.5 billion in 2019. There’s no getting away from the fact there has been an astronomical increase in tourism worldwide, particularly fueled by the growth of a massive middle class in countries like China and India.

And the US middle class who have greatly expanded their travel in the same time frame. I grew up working class and didn’t get on a plane until I was an adult. That’s no longer true for many people.

This. I flew maybe four times up until I was 18 years old. I’ve lost count how many times my own kids have been on a plane in the same timeframe.

PP here. I don’t know if it’s a good thing that my kids are so much more well-traveled than I was at their age? It’s surely worse for the environment, with everybody is flying more.

[Anonymous]

I rarely traveled as a middle class kid in a large family - we camped a few times and went one time “back east” to see grandparents. One church ski trip and one special trip with an aunt.

I did not feel comfortable travelling with my kid until my salary got to around 200k+. Even so we do cheaper domestic stuff like Williamsburg and Disneyworld using hotel points. My ex who has never gotten a salary over 125k travels more extensively- as far as I can tell, he begs money from his mom or spends his 401k.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We’re another family making a bit under $2K but tend to drive old cars, no Starbucks, don’t eat out much, etc. Most of our family travel is driving a few hundred miles and staying with family. And we do a lot of cheap trips.

For example, our beach trip most years is camping at Assateague for a couple of nights, while eating sandwiches and hot dogs cooked over the fire. We once did a 5 day trip to Toronto, Niagara Falls & surrounding areas for less than $1,500 for 4 people including everything down to snacks and parking cost. We take the train to NYC at a non-peak time, booking hotel & train tickets months ahead, which saves a lot of money.

That said, every few years we do a bigger trip (out west or overseas). But we still do it on a budget as much as possible.

Most people who aren’t living in poverty/are financially stable could afford to travel a little, even if it’s camping or one night in a cheap hotel, if they prioritize it. The choices aren’t spend $15K for two weeks in Europe, or stay home.

This is the way. In the DC area there are so many cheap destinations that just take the tiniest bit of planning (like cheap train to NYC). Plus with kids, they will have just as much fun camping as in Europe.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The number of international tourist arrivals increased from roughly 445 million in 1990 to almost 1.5 billion in 2019. There’s no getting away from the fact there has been an astronomical increase in tourism worldwide, particularly fueled by the growth of a massive middle class in countries like China and India.

And the US middle class who have greatly expanded their travel in the same time frame. I grew up working class and didn’t get on a plane until I was an adult. That’s no longer true for many people.

Similar. Grew up firmly middle class (and not DC’s glorified version). Flew the first time when I was 13 with my grandmother (who paid for it) and we took our first “flying” family vaca when I was 18. Everything else including FL trips was done via driving.

Now my parents fly all the time - if they took a driving vacation it would be uncharacteristic. But their income hasn’t risen (I actually think they’re making a lot less adjusted for inflation)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The number of international tourist arrivals increased from roughly 445 million in 1990 to almost 1.5 billion in 2019. There’s no getting away from the fact there has been an astronomical increase in tourism worldwide, particularly fueled by the growth of a massive middle class in countries like China and India.

And the US middle class who have greatly expanded their travel in the same time frame. I grew up working class and didn’t get on a plane until I was an adult. That’s no longer true for many people.

Similar. Grew up firmly middle class (and not DC’s glorified version). Flew the first time when I was 13 with my grandmother (who paid for it) and we took our first “flying” family vaca when I was 18. Everything else including FL trips was done via driving.

Now my parents fly all the time - if they took a driving vacation it would be uncharacteristic. But their income hasn’t risen (I actually think they’re making a lot less adjusted for inflation)

I feel like air travel is less expensive comparatively now?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The number of international tourist arrivals increased from roughly 445 million in 1990 to almost 1.5 billion in 2019. There’s no getting away from the fact there has been an astronomical increase in tourism worldwide, particularly fueled by the growth of a massive middle class in countries like China and India.

And the US middle class who have greatly expanded their travel in the same time frame. I grew up working class and didn’t get on a plane until I was an adult. That’s no longer true for many people.

Similar. Grew up firmly middle class (and not DC’s glorified version). Flew the first time when I was 13 with my grandmother (who paid for it) and we took our first “flying” family vaca when I was 18. Everything else including FL trips was done via driving.

Now my parents fly all the time - if they took a driving vacation it would be uncharacteristic. But their income hasn’t risen (I actually think they’re making a lot less adjusted for inflation)

I feel like air travel is less expensive comparatively now?

It certainly seems that way when you look around the airport and the plane.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The number of international tourist arrivals increased from roughly 445 million in 1990 to almost 1.5 billion in 2019. There’s no getting away from the fact there has been an astronomical increase in tourism worldwide, particularly fueled by the growth of a massive middle class in countries like China and India.

And the US middle class who have greatly expanded their travel in the same time frame. I grew up working class and didn’t get on a plane until I was an adult. That’s no longer true for many people.

Similar. Grew up firmly middle class (and not DC’s glorified version). Flew the first time when I was 13 with my grandmother (who paid for it) and we took our first “flying” family vaca when I was 18. Everything else including FL trips was done via driving.

Now my parents fly all the time - if they took a driving vacation it would be uncharacteristic. But their income hasn’t risen (I actually think they’re making a lot less adjusted for inflation)

I feel like air travel is less expensive comparatively now?

Absolutely. Deregulation in 1978 is why.

https://www.travelandleisure.com/airlines-airports/history-of-flight-costs

"between 1990 and 2016, the domestic price per mile to fly decreased by 40 percent "