Anyone else lost excitement for travel?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Meeting people in other cultures isn’t something Amazon can replace.

But I do understand.

Those people do not care about meeting you. What does meeting strangers for a few moments, that you will never see or speak to again do for you or your children?

If you want to visit new places and see the world, that’s fine and well. But people make me cringe when they talk about “going where the locals go”, “meeting the locals”. The inhabitants of other places and cultures are not there for our entertainment.

I agree that it’s cringe. Do some think Germans vacationing in the U.S. impress others by going where “the locals are?” Instead of going to NYC, L.A, Grand Canyon, they go to Gaithersburg, Indianapolis and Little Rock so they can interact with “real” Americans!!!

[Anonymous]

I’ve been on truly fabulous vacations. But I’m always so relieved to get home to my own bed and my own space and stuff. I’m realizing now in my 40s that the life I’ve built here at home for my family is so cozy and comfortable, and trumps any vacation we take. It’s so peaceful here.

Changes of scenery for a few days every once in a while are nice, but after 5-6 nights we’re good and happy to head back home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Meeting people in other cultures isn’t something Amazon can replace.

But I do understand.

Those people do not care about meeting you. What does meeting strangers for a few moments, that you will never see or speak to again do for you or your children?

If you want to visit new places and see the world, that’s fine and well. But people make me cringe when they talk about “going where the locals go”, “meeting the locals”. The inhabitants of other places and cultures are not there for our entertainment.

Can you say it louder for the people in the back? As a non-American, it makes me cringe when people act like other countries and cultures are lessons to be had for them (and their children). I remember reading on DCUM someone say that she (or he) appreciated going to a developing country bc it exposed her kids to how “other people” live. How freaking condescending. And these are the same people who make fun of people for liking Disney or “basic” destinations. They are the worst types of tourists. Insufferable.

[Anonymous]

I love to travel. Didn’t get to do much of it in my 20s and very early 30s because I didn’t have the money. But now I get on a plane any change I get. I’ve now been to all 50 states and 22 countries (only 2 in Europe - most are in Asia and Africa) and I live for my next trip.

But all this museum talk on this thread. That’s the last thing I want to do in another country. Too boring and usually too expensive (I grew up here with the free museums so there’s that) and I’m more into outdoor activities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Meeting people in other cultures isn’t something Amazon can replace.

But I do understand.

Those people do not care about meeting you. What does meeting strangers for a few moments, that you will never see or speak to again do for you or your children?

If you want to visit new places and see the world, that’s fine and well. But people make me cringe when they talk about “going where the locals go”, “meeting the locals”. The inhabitants of other places and cultures are not there for our entertainment.

Can you say it louder for the people in the back? As a non-American, it makes me cringe when people act like other countries and cultures are lessons to be had for them (and their children). I remember reading on DCUM someone say that she (or he) appreciated going to a developing country bc it exposed her kids to how “other people” live. How freaking condescending. And these are the same people who make fun of people for liking Disney or “basic” destinations. They are the worst types of tourists. Insufferable.

When people act uppity about Disney, etc and say they prefer going to Europe to expose their children to other cultures, I take it to mean that they don't have that much experience going to Europe and exposing their children to other cultures. I mean, unless you're going to see stuff like the Eiffel Tower or the canals in Venice, then you're just going to like, restaurants and walking around shops. That won't make you cultured. In fact, going to see the tourist things, ironically, makes you more cultured because then you understand the symbols and artifacts of that culture and can get a better sense of their cultural identity. Going to eat pasta in a far flung village isn't that great. We have to do it because that is where our relatives live, but I would really question the parenting of a person who drags their children onto a 10 hour flight for that "experience." Take the kids to Disney, omg.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Meeting people in other cultures isn’t something Amazon can replace.

But I do understand.

Those people do not care about meeting you. What does meeting strangers for a few moments, that you will never see or speak to again do for you or your children?

If you want to visit new places and see the world, that’s fine and well. But people make me cringe when they talk about “going where the locals go”, “meeting the locals”. The inhabitants of other places and cultures are not there for our entertainment.

I agree that it’s cringe. Do some think Germans vacationing in the U.S. impress others by going where “the locals are?” Instead of going to NYC, L.A, Grand Canyon, they go to Gaithersburg, Indianapolis and Little Rock so they can interact with “real” Americans!!!

The Germans go to Disney, and they go to Hard Rock. They understand the assignment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been on truly fabulous vacations. But I’m always so relieved to get home to my own bed and my own space and stuff. I’m realizing now in my 40s that the life I’ve built here at home for my family is so cozy and comfortable, and trumps any vacation we take. It’s so peaceful here.

Changes of scenery for a few days every once in a while are nice, but after 5-6 nights we’re good and happy to head back home.

Agree with the bolded. We’ve visited most places on our bucket list. But still travel once or twice a year for changes of scenery and weather. Always happy to return home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Meeting people in other cultures isn’t something Amazon can replace.

But I do understand.

Those people do not care about meeting you. What does meeting strangers for a few moments, that you will never see or speak to again do for you or your children?

If you want to visit new places and see the world, that’s fine and well. But people make me cringe when they talk about “going where the locals go”, “meeting the locals”. The inhabitants of other places and cultures are not there for our entertainment.

Can you say it louder for the people in the back? As a non-American, it makes me cringe when people act like other countries and cultures are lessons to be had for them (and their children). I remember reading on DCUM someone say that she (or he) appreciated going to a developing country bc it exposed her kids to how “other people” live. How freaking condescending. And these are the same people who make fun of people for liking Disney or “basic” destinations. They are the worst types of tourists. Insufferable.

When people act uppity about Disney, etc and say they prefer going to Europe to expose their children to other cultures, I take it to mean that they don't have that much experience going to Europe and exposing their children to other cultures. I mean, unless you're going to see stuff like the Eiffel Tower or the canals in Venice, then you're just going to like, restaurants and walking around shops. That won't make you cultured. In fact, going to see the tourist things, ironically, makes you more cultured because then you understand the symbols and artifacts of that culture and can get a better sense of their cultural identity. Going to eat pasta in a far flung village isn't that great. We have to do it because that is where our relatives live, but I would really question the parenting of a person who drags their children onto a 10 hour flight for that "experience." Take the kids to Disney, omg.

Nope, my child does not like the Disney. Different strokes.

[Anonymous]

I get tired of packing and suitcases. I just do not like doing it anymore. It is a hassle to try and remember to pack up everything you need for yourself and every member of your family. And unpacking is just as cumbersome. Living out of a suitcase at the lodging sucks too.

Then the washing when you get home. Hoping you and your kids didn’t leave anything behind in whatever hotel or rental you just came from. Hoping there were no bedbugs or other pests brought home with you. It takes us a week just to decompress and get re-situated after a trip.

I’m over it.

Now what would be nice is a second home where we could just go and not have to worry about packing or the unknown. Sigh. Unfortunately that’s not in the budget just yet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Meeting people in other cultures isn’t something Amazon can replace.

But I do understand.

Those people do not care about meeting you. What does meeting strangers for a few moments, that you will never see or speak to again do for you or your children?

If you want to visit new places and see the world, that’s fine and well. But people make me cringe when they talk about “going where the locals go”, “meeting the locals”. The inhabitants of other places and cultures are not there for our entertainment.

Can you say it louder for the people in the back? As a non-American, it makes me cringe when people act like other countries and cultures are lessons to be had for them (and their children). I remember reading on DCUM someone say that she (or he) appreciated going to a developing country bc it exposed her kids to how “other people” live. How freaking condescending. And these are the same people who make fun of people for liking Disney or “basic” destinations. They are the worst types of tourists. Insufferable.

When people act uppity about Disney, etc and say they prefer going to Europe to expose their children to other cultures, I take it to mean that they don't have that much experience going to Europe and exposing their children to other cultures. I mean, unless you're going to see stuff like the Eiffel Tower or the canals in Venice, then you're just going to like, restaurants and walking around shops. That won't make you cultured. In fact, going to see the tourist things, ironically, makes you more cultured because then you understand the symbols and artifacts of that culture and can get a better sense of their cultural identity. Going to eat pasta in a far flung village isn't that great. We have to do it because that is where our relatives live, but I would really question the parenting of a person who drags their children onto a 10 hour flight for that "experience." Take the kids to Disney, omg.

Nope, my child does not like the Disney. Different strokes.

The poor things have never been. You sanctimoniously deprive them of an experience they’ll likely enjoy. You probably would too, if you do it right.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Meeting people in other cultures isn’t something Amazon can replace.

But I do understand.

Those people do not care about meeting you. What does meeting strangers for a few moments, that you will never see or speak to again do for you or your children?

If you want to visit new places and see the world, that’s fine and well. But people make me cringe when they talk about “going where the locals go”, “meeting the locals”. The inhabitants of other places and cultures are not there for our entertainment.

Can you say it louder for the people in the back? As a non-American, it makes me cringe when people act like other countries and cultures are lessons to be had for them (and their children). I remember reading on DCUM someone say that she (or he) appreciated going to a developing country bc it exposed her kids to how “other people” live. How freaking condescending. And these are the same people who make fun of people for liking Disney or “basic” destinations. They are the worst types of tourists. Insufferable.

When people act uppity about Disney, etc and say they prefer going to Europe to expose their children to other cultures, I take it to mean that they don't have that much experience going to Europe and exposing their children to other cultures. I mean, unless you're going to see stuff like the Eiffel Tower or the canals in Venice, then you're just going to like, restaurants and walking around shops. That won't make you cultured. In fact, going to see the tourist things, ironically, makes you more cultured because then you understand the symbols and artifacts of that culture and can get a better sense of their cultural identity. Going to eat pasta in a far flung village isn't that great. We have to do it because that is where our relatives live, but I would really question the parenting of a person who drags their children onto a 10 hour flight for that "experience." Take the kids to Disney, omg.

Nope, my child does not like the Disney. Different strokes.

The poor things have never been. You sanctimoniously deprive them of an experience they’ll likely enjoy. You probably would too, if you do it right.

Nothing to do with sanctimony. Child does not like Disney. What can I say.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nope. I cannot relate to this thread at all. I love travel and never get sick of it. I was not able to travel for years (aside from driving to the beach for a long weekend) due to COVID and my mom's illness and death. Now, I jump on a plane at every chance I get and am always thinking about the next trip.

Sounds like you don’t have kids

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The problem you describe with always doing the same things you could do at home is a problem due to your choices and not due to travel itself.

I don’t like TSA or cramped airline seats, but I like to see new places.

I would not spend time riding horses or surfing in another country. I’d want to see the museums, eat local food, talk to residents and shopkeepers who live there, and experience new things.

I think there’s two camps of people answering. A family traveling is going to have a very difference experience than a single traveling w a partner or friend. It’s not comparable in the slightest. No one with kids can afford to just leisure around and talk to shopkeepers

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Traveled from ages 25-40 or so even with young kids. It was fun but really tiring. Novelty of new spots does wear off with age.

With growing wealth, we have now realized that we like going to the same four or five places, and no need to explore weird crazy off the beaten path things. We like good food, a bit of luxury, manageable touring.

So we generally travel to the same 4-5 destinations, and have even bought a place in one of these international locations.

My suggestion is find your spots. Settle down there.

You can still explore but in a more manageable way, especially with family in tow.

If you have the means/interest, explore r/FATTravel

Thanks, I’ll check it out. We did buy a vacation house out west to ski I never really saw myself as someone that would choose to go back to the same place so often but it just made sense and the kids love it. It’s comfortable with young children. I do want to explore more but I’m just tired. I’m open to suggestions that would be a good fit for us. Travel has just gotten so $$ for what you get. - OP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No I still like to travel. But I have somewhat lost my appetite for long multi-city jaunts with multiple flights, trains, hotels etc. Before kids DH and I used to travel like that and it was fun but now I. am. tired. I just don't have the energy to do all that anymore. I still want to go places but now we keep it simple.

Yes, this is exactly how I feel, tired.