When did this become the norm?

[Anonymous]

I absolutely hate all of the logistics of traveling and fail to see why others love it so much. The packing and unpacking, finding travel sized containers, how and what to pack on the carry ons, the horrid plane food, the dirty public bathrooms, the electrical adapters, uncomfortable beds, jet lag, other travelers …I just find it all so tedious and annoying as hell.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When do you think it become the norm for people to travel so aggressively? I feel like everyone we know travels for every school break and for long periods in the summer (like 2-3 weeks in Europe). These aren’t small driving trips either. The families we know go from very expensive ski vacations (have you ever added up the cost of flights, lodging, lift tickets, gear rentals, etc. for family of 4-5 to ski for a week in CO or UT? It’s nuts) in the winter to luxury beach vacations in the Caribbean for spring break. Or, if they want to “mix it up,” they’ll do Costa Rica for spring break and an African safari for their summer trip.

I looked up the price for the villa rental a friend stayed in and the private boat tour they did and it was not cheap. And again then add in flights, food, etc. for 4-5 people. Then like I said they’ll go on a long trip this summer too which will probably be even more expensive due to the length of the stay.

We live in an affluent suburb so I understand I live in a bit of a bubble. However, I grew up in a similar bubble and I really don’t remember this, do you? Back when I was a teen, people traveled much less. Even rich families stayed home more. They might take one “big” trip and then a less expensive beach trip drivable somewhere on the East Coast rather than 4 trips to international destinations.

1) rich are richer than ever,
2) social media means you’re fully aware of everything they do
3) dovetailing on two, bragging about everything you do has been normalized by social media and reality TV
4) dovetailing on two and three, intense pressure to keep up and belong when you see and hear everyone else taking lavish trips. it’s a status and class symbol

The thing is, it’s not just the ‘rich’ doing this, it’s MC and UMC, even poor people are taking cruises and going to Bahaman resorts. Yes, poor people, people on welfare must also try to project an image of worldliness and sophistication. Have you seen cruise passengers?

Everyone is trying to keep up and project an affluent image they see on social media and reality TV. Even those who can't afford it. It's been pounded into people's heads you are a loser, boring, uninteresting, broke, recluse, and low class if your family doesn't travel. People spend HOURS EVERY SINGLE DAY scrolling on social media seeing this content from attractive influencers and their network.

[Anonymous]

Mindless consumerism. The masses are sheep. Pissing their money away and often racking up debt for “experiences.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Travel has become a “bigger” part of life, particularly for middle and upper middle class, during the last 10-15 years. I don’t think the cultural shift should be viewed negatively like OP suggests. There is no point pining for the way of the world in 1985. Things change. It’s okay. Book a trip.

I don’t really want to, I don’t find long connecting international flights with my annoying kids appealing, sorry. I would rather go to the nearest beach alone and just enjoy quiet and solitude. However, when I socialize with others I tend to be viewed as an outcast or weirdo if I state my true feelings, so I decide to just politely listen to all of their travel adventures. My kids hear about friends going abroad and want to know why we don’t go. I simply don’t want to, I have already and am old and tired. It’s anticlimactic now, it’s more of a nuisance than anything.

Your problem, not other people's problems. Trust me when I say no one cares if you aren't traveling and people aren't judging you for not going to Europe.

You can send your kids on travel programs and school travel groups if you want to do that. When they're older they can travel on their own dime.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Travel has become a “bigger” part of life, particularly for middle and upper middle class, during the last 10-15 years. I don’t think the cultural shift should be viewed negatively like OP suggests. There is no point pining for the way of the world in 1985. Things change. It’s okay. Book a trip.

I don’t really want to, I don’t find long connecting international flights with my annoying kids appealing, sorry. I would rather go to the nearest beach alone and just enjoy quiet and solitude. However, when I socialize with others I tend to be viewed as an outcast or weirdo if I state my true feelings, so I decide to just politely listen to all of their travel adventures. My kids hear about friends going abroad and want to know why we don’t go. I simply don’t want to, I have already and am old and tired. It’s anticlimactic now, it’s more of a nuisance than anything.

So don’t go, but don’t try to dictate what others do. I’m not on Facebook, Insta, or TikTok, so I don’t travel for clout. I just to love to see new places. Variety is the spice of life.

[Anonymous]

This was the norm where I grew up. Caribbean for spring break, ski in the winter, beach house or Europe in the summer. I think social media and the internet has made this lifestyle more visible, and especially compounded with the anti-snob snobbery/pressure our generation puts on each other against owning material things (or maybe it’s anti-Boomer backlash), more people follow it and aspire to it since it’s a more socially acceptable way to spend your money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This was the norm where I grew up. Caribbean for spring break, ski in the winter, beach house or Europe in the summer. I think social media and the internet has made this lifestyle more visible, and especially compounded with the anti-snob snobbery/pressure our generation puts on each other against owning material things (or maybe it’s anti-Boomer backlash), more people follow it and aspire to it since it’s a more socially acceptable way to spend your money.

Honestly this seem like boring travel. If you’re just going to Europe and the Caribbean, you’re not very adventurous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This was the norm where I grew up. Caribbean for spring break, ski in the winter, beach house or Europe in the summer. I think social media and the internet has made this lifestyle more visible, and especially compounded with the anti-snob snobbery/pressure our generation puts on each other against owning material things (or maybe it’s anti-Boomer backlash), more people follow it and aspire to it since it’s a more socially acceptable way to spend your money.

Honestly this seem like boring travel. If you’re just going to Europe and the Caribbean, you’re not very adventurous.

NP here. Your comment is the theme of this whole thread and why new travel norms are out of whack. Maybe PP prefers Europe and the Caribbean? Maybe they're not looking for adventure? If this is what they like and this is what makes them happy, why should anyone else care? If you're happy place is Ocean City, MD and Shenandoah, VA, that's great for you and who is anybody else to judge? FYI, the wealthiest person my family ever knew would vacation every year in Fenwick Island, DE. That's where there vacation home was and that's where they were happy. They had the means to go anywhere in the world- traveling on private jets, staying at the poshest most exclusive hotels/resorts, but they chose Fenwick Island. FYI, their family car was also a Ford Taurus. I will not name this person, who has passed away, but it's a very recognizable family who most in DC would know.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This was the norm where I grew up. Caribbean for spring break, ski in the winter, beach house or Europe in the summer. I think social media and the internet has made this lifestyle more visible, and especially compounded with the anti-snob snobbery/pressure our generation puts on each other against owning material things (or maybe it’s anti-Boomer backlash), more people follow it and aspire to it since it’s a more socially acceptable way to spend your money.

Honestly this seem like boring travel. If you’re just going to Europe and the Caribbean, you’re not very adventurous.

NP here. Your comment is the theme of this whole thread and why new travel norms are out of whack. Maybe PP prefers Europe and the Caribbean? Maybe they're not looking for adventure? If this is what they like and this is what makes them happy, why should anyone else care? If you're happy place is Ocean City, MD and Shenandoah, VA, that's great for you and who is anybody else to judge? FYI, the wealthiest person my family ever knew would vacation every year in Fenwick Island, DE. That's where there vacation home was and that's where they were happy. They had the means to go anywhere in the world- traveling on private jets, staying at the poshest most exclusive hotels/resorts, but they chose Fenwick Island. FYI, their family car was also a Ford Taurus. I will not name this person, who has passed away, but it's a very recognizable family who most in DC would know.

So? They’re boring. Rich doesn’t mean interesting, or better, or more cultured. It just means rich.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This was the norm where I grew up. Caribbean for spring break, ski in the winter, beach house or Europe in the summer. I think social media and the internet has made this lifestyle more visible, and especially compounded with the anti-snob snobbery/pressure our generation puts on each other against owning material things (or maybe it’s anti-Boomer backlash), more people follow it and aspire to it since it’s a more socially acceptable way to spend your money.

Honestly this seem like boring travel. If you’re just going to Europe and the Caribbean, you’re not very adventurous.

NP here. Your comment is the theme of this whole thread and why new travel norms are out of whack. Maybe PP prefers Europe and the Caribbean? Maybe they're not looking for adventure? If this is what they like and this is what makes them happy, why should anyone else care? If you're happy place is Ocean City, MD and Shenandoah, VA, that's great for you and who is anybody else to judge? FYI, the wealthiest person my family ever knew would vacation every year in Fenwick Island, DE. That's where there vacation home was and that's where they were happy. They had the means to go anywhere in the world- traveling on private jets, staying at the poshest most exclusive hotels/resorts, but they chose Fenwick Island. FYI, their family car was also a Ford Taurus. I will not name this person, who has passed away, but it's a very recognizable family who most in DC would know.

So? They’re boring. Rich doesn’t mean interesting, or better, or more cultured. It just means rich.

You don't have to travel to be cultured.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This was the norm where I grew up. Caribbean for spring break, ski in the winter, beach house or Europe in the summer. I think social media and the internet has made this lifestyle more visible, and especially compounded with the anti-snob snobbery/pressure our generation puts on each other against owning material things (or maybe it’s anti-Boomer backlash), more people follow it and aspire to it since it’s a more socially acceptable way to spend your money.

Honestly this seem like boring travel. If you’re just going to Europe and the Caribbean, you’re not very adventurous.

Really? You find all of Europe boring? I can see not being into the Caribbean, but Europe is pretty diverse.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This was the norm where I grew up. Caribbean for spring break, ski in the winter, beach house or Europe in the summer. I think social media and the internet has made this lifestyle more visible, and especially compounded with the anti-snob snobbery/pressure our generation puts on each other against owning material things (or maybe it’s anti-Boomer backlash), more people follow it and aspire to it since it’s a more socially acceptable way to spend your money.

Honestly this seem like boring travel. If you’re just going to Europe and the Caribbean, you’re not very adventurous.

Really? You find all of Europe boring? I can see not being into the Caribbean, but Europe is pretty diverse.

Face it, most people are not going to Montenegro or Lithuania, they are traveling the well-worn path of London-Paris-Rome. If they’re really feeling wild, they might hit Barcelona, or even Athens, but they will complain about how dirty it is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This was the norm where I grew up. Caribbean for spring break, ski in the winter, beach house or Europe in the summer. I think social media and the internet has made this lifestyle more visible, and especially compounded with the anti-snob snobbery/pressure our generation puts on each other against owning material things (or maybe it’s anti-Boomer backlash), more people follow it and aspire to it since it’s a more socially acceptable way to spend your money.

Honestly this seem like boring travel. If you’re just going to Europe and the Caribbean, you’re not very adventurous.

NP here. Your comment is the theme of this whole thread and why new travel norms are out of whack. Maybe PP prefers Europe and the Caribbean? Maybe they're not looking for adventure? If this is what they like and this is what makes them happy, why should anyone else care? If you're happy place is Ocean City, MD and Shenandoah, VA, that's great for you and who is anybody else to judge? FYI, the wealthiest person my family ever knew would vacation every year in Fenwick Island, DE. That's where there vacation home was and that's where they were happy. They had the means to go anywhere in the world- traveling on private jets, staying at the poshest most exclusive hotels/resorts, but they chose Fenwick Island. FYI, their family car was also a Ford Taurus. I will not name this person, who has passed away, but it's a very recognizable family who most in DC would know.

So? They’re boring. Rich doesn’t mean interesting, or better, or more cultured. It just means rich.

You don't have to travel to be cultured.

It certainly helps.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This was the norm where I grew up. Caribbean for spring break, ski in the winter, beach house or Europe in the summer. I think social media and the internet has made this lifestyle more visible, and especially compounded with the anti-snob snobbery/pressure our generation puts on each other against owning material things (or maybe it’s anti-Boomer backlash), more people follow it and aspire to it since it’s a more socially acceptable way to spend your money.

Honestly this seem like boring travel. If you’re just going to Europe and the Caribbean, you’re not very adventurous.

NP here. Your comment is the theme of this whole thread and why new travel norms are out of whack. Maybe PP prefers Europe and the Caribbean? Maybe they're not looking for adventure? If this is what they like and this is what makes them happy, why should anyone else care? If you're happy place is Ocean City, MD and Shenandoah, VA, that's great for you and who is anybody else to judge? FYI, the wealthiest person my family ever knew would vacation every year in Fenwick Island, DE. That's where there vacation home was and that's where they were happy. They had the means to go anywhere in the world- traveling on private jets, staying at the poshest most exclusive hotels/resorts, but they chose Fenwick Island. FYI, their family car was also a Ford Taurus. I will not name this person, who has passed away, but it's a very recognizable family who most in DC would know.

So? They’re boring. Rich doesn’t mean interesting, or better, or more cultured. It just means rich.

You don't have to travel to be cultured.

It certainly helps.

Not really. I've traveled to plenty of countries. Maybe I'm more cultured for it, maybe I'm not? I certainly don't care and anybody I meet certainly doesn't care, or want me to brag about how cultured I am because I hopped on a plane.

My grandfather was a voracious reader and never traveled. He had the means to travel, but as a product of the depression, he saw it as unnecessary. Through his books, he was more "cultured" than me or most people I've met.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This was the norm where I grew up. Caribbean for spring break, ski in the winter, beach house or Europe in the summer. I think social media and the internet has made this lifestyle more visible, and especially compounded with the anti-snob snobbery/pressure our generation puts on each other against owning material things (or maybe it’s anti-Boomer backlash), more people follow it and aspire to it since it’s a more socially acceptable way to spend your money.

Honestly this seem like boring travel. If you’re just going to Europe and the Caribbean, you’re not very adventurous.

NP here. Your comment is the theme of this whole thread and why new travel norms are out of whack. Maybe PP prefers Europe and the Caribbean? Maybe they're not looking for adventure? If this is what they like and this is what makes them happy, why should anyone else care? If you're happy place is Ocean City, MD and Shenandoah, VA, that's great for you and who is anybody else to judge? FYI, the wealthiest person my family ever knew would vacation every year in Fenwick Island, DE. That's where there vacation home was and that's where they were happy. They had the means to go anywhere in the world- traveling on private jets, staying at the poshest most exclusive hotels/resorts, but they chose Fenwick Island. FYI, their family car was also a Ford Taurus. I will not name this person, who has passed away, but it's a very recognizable family who most in DC would know.

So? They’re boring. Rich doesn’t mean interesting, or better, or more cultured. It just means rich.

You don't have to travel to be cultured.

It certainly helps.

Not really. I've traveled to plenty of countries. Maybe I'm more cultured for it, maybe I'm not? I certainly don't care and anybody I meet certainly doesn't care, or want me to brag about how cultured I am because I hopped on a plane.

My grandfather was a voracious reader and never traveled. He had the means to travel, but as a product of the depression, he saw it as unnecessary. Through his books, he was more "cultured" than me or most people I've met.

Look, I’m sure you are crazy about your grandfather because he’s your grandfather, but I guarantee that most people would not consider him super cultured. You are biased.