Anyone else lost excitement for travel?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Silly question, but super crowded + super expensive, more than ever before, how are all these other people getting $$? Where are they all coming from?

"Travel hacking" with credit card points is a popular strategy nowadays. You can easily cover the cost of flights and hotels, and just have to pay for food, activities, etc.

In Europe, it’s mostly Chinese tourists (before the pandemic and they’re now starting to come back), Americans and Indians. The sheer amount of people is overwhelming to small European destinations. I really miss the 90s ((
The explosion in tourism is in large part driven by the massive growth in the global affluent classes. Tourists now come from all over the world. I remember when I went to Kazakhstan (talk about off the beaten path) and encountered a family group from Brazil. Brazil! Airfare is as cheap as it's ever been when adjusting for inflation. When you go to any of the popular global tourist destinations, Americans are only a small minority of the total tourist population. When I remember back to the 1990s, most tourists in Europe seemed to be either Europeans, Americans or Japanese. But now they are really from all over the world.

In Europe, it’s mostly Chinese tourists (before the pandemic and they’re now starting to come back), Americans and Indians. The sheer amount of people is overwhelming to small European destinations. I really miss the 90s

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Silly question, but super crowded + super expensive, more than ever before, how are all these other people getting $$? Where are they all coming from?

"Travel hacking" with credit card points is a popular strategy nowadays. You can easily cover the cost of flights and hotels, and just have to pay for food, activities, etc.

In Europe, it’s mostly Chinese tourists (before the pandemic and they’re now starting to come back), Americans and Indians. The sheer amount of people is overwhelming to small European destinations. I really miss the 90s ((
The explosion in tourism is in large part driven by the massive growth in the global affluent classes. Tourists now come from all over the world. I remember when I went to Kazakhstan (talk about off the beaten path) and encountered a family group from Brazil. Brazil! Airfare is as cheap as it's ever been when adjusting for inflation. When you go to any of the popular global tourist destinations, Americans are only a small minority of the total tourist population. When I remember back to the 1990s, most tourists in Europe seemed to be either Europeans, Americans or Japanese. But now they are really from all over the world.

In Europe, it’s mostly Chinese tourists (before the pandemic and they’re now starting to come back), Americans and Indians. The sheer amount of people is overwhelming to small European destinations. I really miss the 90s

You're right, PPs. I remember Europe from the 1970s (I spent 4 years in several European countries as a teen) when the only people who could afford to travel there were other Europeans (mostly from western and Northern Europe), Americans, and the odd Japanese tourist and when t you just wouldn't see the crowds that you do now. As a PP correctly said, the growth of global affluence has definitely led to an explosion in tourism. I would also add to that the role of social media in turning overseas travel into a marker of higher social class and "sophistication" and creating aspirations surrounding global travel akin to those that attach to coveted consumer goods. Basically, what we're seeing is the commodification of culture and tourism. The downside is that today's tourist experience loses most of its authenticity and local cultures are forever transformed in an attempt to meet tourist fantasies and expectations which are, in turn, driven by social media. I have roots in S. Europe and have watched this process intensify over the years as locals scramble to keep up with tourist expectations created by Instagram and TikTok. I'm at a stage in life where I can afford to go anywhere and spend many thousands on individual trips, but I have lost the desire to do so because it's all so fake and crowded.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Silly question, but super crowded + super expensive, more than ever before, how are all these other people getting $$? Where are they all coming from?

"Travel hacking" with credit card points is a popular strategy nowadays. You can easily cover the cost of flights and hotels, and just have to pay for food, activities, etc.

In Europe, it’s mostly Chinese tourists (before the pandemic and they’re now starting to come back), Americans and Indians. The sheer amount of people is overwhelming to small European destinations. I really miss the 90s ((
The explosion in tourism is in large part driven by the massive growth in the global affluent classes. Tourists now come from all over the world. I remember when I went to Kazakhstan (talk about off the beaten path) and encountered a family group from Brazil. Brazil! Airfare is as cheap as it's ever been when adjusting for inflation. When you go to any of the popular global tourist destinations, Americans are only a small minority of the total tourist population. When I remember back to the 1990s, most tourists in Europe seemed to be either Europeans, Americans or Japanese. But now they are really from all over the world.

In Europe, it’s mostly Chinese tourists (before the pandemic and they’re now starting to come back), Americans and Indians. The sheer amount of people is overwhelming to small European destinations. I really miss the 90s

You're right, PPs. I remember Europe from the 1970s (I spent 4 years in several European countries as a teen) when the only people who could afford to travel there were other Europeans (mostly from western and Northern Europe), Americans, and the odd Japanese tourist and when t you just wouldn't see the crowds that you do now. As a PP correctly said, the growth of global affluence has definitely led to an explosion in tourism. I would also add to that the role of social media in turning overseas travel into a marker of higher social class and "sophistication" and creating aspirations surrounding global travel akin to those that attach to coveted consumer goods. Basically, what we're seeing is the commodification of culture and tourism. The downside is that today's tourist experience loses most of its authenticity and local cultures are forever transformed in an attempt to meet tourist fantasies and expectations which are, in turn, driven by social media. I have roots in S. Europe and have watched this process intensify over the years as locals scramble to keep up with tourist expectations created by Instagram and TikTok. I'm at a stage in life where I can afford to go anywhere and spend many thousands on individual trips, but I have lost the desire to do so because it's all so fake and crowded.

It’s really awful, I agree. It can’t be said here though, the moderator once made an unpleasant comment about me when I said something to the same effect, and on top of that, he totally misinterpreted me. Suffice it to say, there are too many inexpensive ways to travel within Europe (RyanAir), and global wealth has increased - both factors have really destroyed many destinations in Europe. I’m from Europe too and we don’t have too many tourists- not from the U.S. and those who come are generally very cultured and pleasant. The vast majority of tourists are from Asia, Middle East (starting late June), and ofc Europeans. Christmas and July/August, you can’t even walk around the city center anymore because of all the crowds. Forget about going to a favorite cafe, restaurant etc. You can’t even have coffee without reservations as tourists line up outside for a table.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I traveled a lot when I was younger and lived abroad as an expat in my 20’s. Now that I am married and have kids I seem to have lost that desire/spark for travel. Don’t get me wrong, I love trip planning but the world is just so much more global now and every small town has ethnic restaurants, Amazon gives us access to random special international products we could want and it seems like we do the same novelty things on every trip with the kids whether it’s horseback riding, random museum, going for dim sum, going white water rafting or surf lessons. Some of the big bucket list trips for me are just out of budget/not realistic w young kids like an African safari or Galapagos. Anyone feel this way? The last two times we dropped a considerable amount for us …$10k+ on a trip (again with a family of 4 this is a nice trip, not extravagant) I wish we had just put it towards an exciting house project.

Late to the thread - but, same. I live abroad for 10 years in my 30's/into my 40's and had my two children during that time. I distinctly remember being in Istanbul, pregnant with my second, and miserable because it was a miserable pregnancy, and thinking, that's it, I'm done with travel for awhile. I got over it somewhat, but when we finally moved back to the states I found I have little interest planning expensive trip that end up being more stressful than enjoyable. My husband has also become a grumpy old man type, so that makes it even less of a draw.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Silly question, but super crowded + super expensive, more than ever before, how are all these other people getting $$? Where are they all coming from?

"Travel hacking" with credit card points is a popular strategy nowadays. You can easily cover the cost of flights and hotels, and just have to pay for food, activities, etc.

In Europe, it’s mostly Chinese tourists (before the pandemic and they’re now starting to come back), Americans and Indians. The sheer amount of people is overwhelming to small European destinations. I really miss the 90s ((
The explosion in tourism is in large part driven by the massive growth in the global affluent classes. Tourists now come from all over the world. I remember when I went to Kazakhstan (talk about off the beaten path) and encountered a family group from Brazil. Brazil! Airfare is as cheap as it's ever been when adjusting for inflation. When you go to any of the popular global tourist destinations, Americans are only a small minority of the total tourist population. When I remember back to the 1990s, most tourists in Europe seemed to be either Europeans, Americans or Japanese. But now they are really from all over the world.

In Europe, it’s mostly Chinese tourists (before the pandemic and they’re now starting to come back), Americans and Indians. The sheer amount of people is overwhelming to small European destinations. I really miss the 90s

You're right, PPs. I remember Europe from the 1970s (I spent 4 years in several European countries as a teen) when the only people who could afford to travel there were other Europeans (mostly from western and Northern Europe), Americans, and the odd Japanese tourist and when t you just wouldn't see the crowds that you do now. As a PP correctly said, the growth of global affluence has definitely led to an explosion in tourism. I would also add to that the role of social media in turning overseas travel into a marker of higher social class and "sophistication" and creating aspirations surrounding global travel akin to those that attach to coveted consumer goods. Basically, what we're seeing is the commodification of culture and tourism. The downside is that today's tourist experience loses most of its authenticity and local cultures are forever transformed in an attempt to meet tourist fantasies and expectations which are, in turn, driven by social media. I have roots in S. Europe and have watched this process intensify over the years as locals scramble to keep up with tourist expectations created by Instagram and TikTok. I'm at a stage in life where I can afford to go anywhere and spend many thousands on individual trips, but I have lost the desire to do so because it's all so fake and crowded.

It’s really awful, I agree. It can’t be said here though, the moderator once made an unpleasant comment about me when I said something to the same effect, and on top of that, he totally misinterpreted me. Suffice it to say, there are too many inexpensive ways to travel within Europe (RyanAir), and global wealth has increased - both factors have really destroyed many destinations in Europe. I’m from Europe too and we don’t have too many tourists- not from the U.S. and those who come are generally very cultured and pleasant. The vast majority of tourists are from Asia, Middle East (starting late June), and ofc Europeans. Christmas and July/August, you can’t even walk around the city center anymore because of all the crowds. Forget about going to a favorite cafe, restaurant etc. You can’t even have coffee without reservations as tourists line up outside for a table.

PP here. Hopefully locals in your country will start pushing back against overtourism, as they have done in Barcelona and Amsterdam. I didn't even mention one of the seriously negative effects of overtourism, which is the explosion of airbnbs and their negative effect on local housing markets--basically they are pricing rentals out of reach for locals. I'm starting to seriously consider how my travel choices impact local communities.

[Anonymous]

As I age, I find I’m more interested in cruises. I get just enough excitement and seeing new places, but it’s very easy and I get to truly relax and be pampered.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Silly question, but super crowded + super expensive, more than ever before, how are all these other people getting $$? Where are they all coming from?

"Travel hacking" with credit card points is a popular strategy nowadays. You can easily cover the cost of flights and hotels, and just have to pay for food, activities, etc.

In Europe, it’s mostly Chinese tourists (before the pandemic and they’re now starting to come back), Americans and Indians. The sheer amount of people is overwhelming to small European destinations. I really miss the 90s ((
The explosion in tourism is in large part driven by the massive growth in the global affluent classes. Tourists now come from all over the world. I remember when I went to Kazakhstan (talk about off the beaten path) and encountered a family group from Brazil. Brazil! Airfare is as cheap as it's ever been when adjusting for inflation. When you go to any of the popular global tourist destinations, Americans are only a small minority of the total tourist population. When I remember back to the 1990s, most tourists in Europe seemed to be either Europeans, Americans or Japanese. But now they are really from all over the world.

In Europe, it’s mostly Chinese tourists (before the pandemic and they’re now starting to come back), Americans and Indians. The sheer amount of people is overwhelming to small European destinations. I really miss the 90s

You're right, PPs. I remember Europe from the 1970s (I spent 4 years in several European countries as a teen) when the only people who could afford to travel there were other Europeans (mostly from western and Northern Europe), Americans, and the odd Japanese tourist and when t you just wouldn't see the crowds that you do now. As a PP correctly said, the growth of global affluence has definitely led to an explosion in tourism. I would also add to that the role of social media in turning overseas travel into a marker of higher social class and "sophistication" and creating aspirations surrounding global travel akin to those that attach to coveted consumer goods. Basically, what we're seeing is the commodification of culture and tourism. The downside is that today's tourist experience loses most of its authenticity and local cultures are forever transformed in an attempt to meet tourist fantasies and expectations which are, in turn, driven by social media. I have roots in S. Europe and have watched this process intensify over the years as locals scramble to keep up with tourist expectations created by Instagram and TikTok. I'm at a stage in life where I can afford to go anywhere and spend many thousands on individual trips, but I have lost the desire to do so because it's all so fake and crowded.

It’s really awful, I agree. It can’t be said here though, the moderator once made an unpleasant comment about me when I said something to the same effect, and on top of that, he totally misinterpreted me. Suffice it to say, there are too many inexpensive ways to travel within Europe (RyanAir), and global wealth has increased - both factors have really destroyed many destinations in Europe. I’m from Europe too and we don’t have too many tourists- not from the U.S. and those who come are generally very cultured and pleasant. The vast majority of tourists are from Asia, Middle East (starting late June), and ofc Europeans. Christmas and July/August, you can’t even walk around the city center anymore because of all the crowds. Forget about going to a favorite cafe, restaurant etc. You can’t even have coffee without reservations as tourists line up outside for a table.

Among the big changes from the 1990s are the arrival of the budget airlines for cheap flights within Europe and the opening up of the old eastern bloc. Now all Europeans all over the continent can easily fly to any big or small city for mini breaks. Which they do all the time, it seems.

[Anonymous]

Traveled and lived extensively with 3 kids in tow in my 20s-40s. One was born in Europe. Finally relocated back to US in 2020. I miss the golden days of travel. Before smart phones were a thing, back when the ADAC giant atlas was our map, back before low air fare made travel affordable to the masses. Right now I'm enjoying staying put and vacationing at my beach house whenever we can. I'm hoping airfare goes up, tourism slumps, and then I'll travel again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As I age, I find I’m more interested in cruises. I get just enough excitement and seeing new places, but it’s very easy and I get to truly relax and be pampered.

Yuck. I cannot imagine being stuck on a sailing portapotty with 50k or more strangers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As I age, I find I’m more interested in cruises. I get just enough excitement and seeing new places, but it’s very easy and I get to truly relax and be pampered.

Yuck. I cannot imagine being stuck on a sailing portapotty with 50k or more strangers.

The small Viking cruises are highly regarded and while I would have mocked cruises in the past I'm now seeing the virtues of them. I think they are in my future.

[Anonymous]

I enjoy traveling, but I prefer to travel alone or with one or two of my children now. I am very glad we traveled as a family, but now that the youngest is going to graduate from college and the other children have their own independent lives, I just want to do whatever I like. Dh and I have a different style of traveling, and the thought of doing all that planning and negotiating exhausts me now.

[Anonymous]

Family recently went on a Disney cruise. Suffered a bad bedbug problem which followed them home.

Disney cruises have taken a nose-dive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Family recently went on a Disney cruise. Suffered a bad bedbug problem which followed them home.

Disney cruises have taken a nose-dive.

TROLL

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Family recently went on a Disney cruise. Suffered a bad bedbug problem which followed them home.

Disney cruises have taken a nose-dive.

Which itinerary was this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Family recently went on a Disney cruise. Suffered a bad bedbug problem which followed them home.

Disney cruises have taken a nose-dive.

Name the ship