Do you ever get asked why you are not traveling in the USA?

This is an interesting article related to your post (fortunately, I don't get asked that question). It references a recent study "2017-2018 Portrait of American Travelers" that found that a whopping 85% of American vacations are domestic, up from 78% the prior year. I suspect that's why you keep getting asked this question (birds of a feather...). People are more comfortable doing as others do, not getting outside their comfort zone. I do think short vacations, some unfounded fear of "safety" overseas, and economic uncertainty has a lot to do with it.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/16/travel/road-trips-in-the-united-states.html
https://www.mmgyglobal.com/news/news-2017–2018-portrait-of-american-travelers

I do think it is worth exploring off-the-beaten paths right under your nose (many folks don't even realize all the treasures they are passing up that are close by where they live, wherever that may be). I actually have to remind my parents that they should explore wonders in their own state (CA) more often instead of flying off outside the country. I love American road trips myself, and the national and state parks are unbeatable. I know this is a European-centric forum, but it's also worth exploring the big world outside of Europe too.

It's interesting to note that there are plenty of places around the world, Europe included, that are much less expensive on a per day basis (and the food is better to boot) than say a trip to Florida or California in the winter. US hotels have consolidated to the point where the lodging prices in places like Nashville, Charleston, Seattle, etc. are just ridiculous. For those prices I can do much better in another country (of course the airfare offsets that, but still...).

My answer to that question is " I have been in all 50 states and all the provinces of Canada." Now we still travel in the US. Last year we took a 5 week trip to the west coast (I live in Pennsylvania) and have just finished a 3 week trip to Florida. This spring we will spend 5 weeks in England. No reason not to travel overseas and in the US.

I hope it is not folks you consider friends that ask you that. If so they sound jealous; and sometimes it is better not to tell people that you are going somewhere; People can be scared and/or jealous about international leisure travel. You are one of the lucky ones with job flexibility. I work in academia so it is not unusual to have a month of off. Time is moving so fast so keep doing whatever makes you happy. and it is easier to travel far flung places when you are younger.

More often I get the question "How can you travel for so long?" as we take two-month trips to Europe now. We do not have pesky jobs, but I know the questioner is really wondering how we afford such travel.

We do have a few places we'd still like to go in the U.S., other than to visit family, but we have been so many places in the U.S. over the years, now that we have "discovered" Europe (a mere 8 years ago when I convinced my husband to fly over the Atlantic) we are making up for lost time.

Plus, I despise car travel and adore trains.

I explain that I've finally reached the point in my career that I have the time to travel internationally since I have been with my company for a long time and I have a substantial amount of vacation time, compared to most people in the USA. I'm also lucky that my company doesn't lump vacation and sick time together, so I don't have to be paranoid about using time off.
I'm also single and no kids. So, I can go where I want to and the internet makes planning international travel easy.

Plus, I've lived around the USA, so I've seen a lot of it. Back in my younger days, I often did 3-4 days domestic trips since I didn't really have the budget nor the time off that would need to be allocated for an international trip.

Now, I live in Chicago and there's just not much of interest that's nearby. So, to get to anyplace of interest requires a flight. Also, I'm a city guy. I'm happy that the USA and Canada offer endless natural beauty, but it just isn't of interest to me.

Also, I hate to drive. There aren't many cities in the USA that have decent public transit. Uber has made it easier to use private car transportation in many USA cities, but most USA cities still have way too much sprawl.

Our response is, "Because we can and we want to." "When we are limited to the wheel chair and/or our walkers, we will travel the US because the anti-disability act will take care of us.

PS -- A couple versions of this question has been asked before. I guess it comes down to how important the approval of others is to you. At our age most of the older family members are gone so they don't ask questions anymore. In our immediate circle of friends one other couple travels as frequently as we do so it really is not a point of discussion other than, "Where are you going next??" A couple of cousins roll their eyes from time to time but who cares? We are comfortable with our decisions and don't really feel a need to justify it to anyone.

"No reason not to travel overseas and in the US."

Money and time are the main reasons. Not many have the luxury of doing it all, so it comes down to choice. Since we started going back to Europe (always my first choice) about seventeen years ago, we went once a year for while, two times twice. Now every two years, alternating with the US for the last several years (changed a bit of money when the Canadian dollar was on par or close to it). Off to Cape Cod again this year. I love central Virginia.

tgreen, when we get asked this question, and we do, it often seems that the person asking thinks we are somehow being disloyal or even unpatriotic. Our usual response is that we do still travel in the US, but have reached a stage in our lives where we want to learn more about what is going on in the rest of the world. We love taking car trips and visiting state and national parks, and try to take a trip in the US at least once a year.

But we also love encountering new cultures, soaking up the history and art of Europe. I don't think people who ask this are envious; I think most of them are simply curious. We answer cheerfully and truthfully that as much as we love the USA, we appreciate how our understanding of our own society has been deepened by our exposure to others.

Personally, I feel I am not really travelling unless I fly over an ocean.

TG or Jane, just tell them you not interested in getting shot or mugged while traveling.

I've lived in the USA my entire life (so far), so I've traveled it well. Usually, those who have asked me that question, haven't been able to travel far from their home state for whatever reason, so they are still thinking about travel in the USA. I have friends/acquaintances from all economic groups. I am very lucky to have been able to travel throughout my life and I will not look down on people who have been unable to do so because of finances, responsibilities, illness, bad luck or have not lived in a local culture that has encouraged them to do so.

At this point there are only a few places left in the US to which I'd like to travel that I haven't been to already, and, unfortunately, there are so many states to which I will no longer travel. I tend to vote with my pocket book. However, my answer is never to cut the other person off...that's rude. I usually just say that I've been fortunate to have already seen most of the US and then I ask them what is on their list to see in the US and the pleasant conversation goes on from there. I'm just lucky with my life so I would not torment anyone for their statements because they have had a more difficult, etc. life.

Edit: It strikes me that there is a certain snobbery in some of these answers, rather than the ability to have a nice conversation with someone who is just asking a question as one does in civil conversations. That's how conversations work. Neither party needs to be better than the other party...just different interests, abilities, etc.

People who ask that question don't really want to know your answer.

I have traveled a fair amount in the US of A and I can proudly say that I have never been shot or mugged.

My pockets didn't get picked in Barcelona and refugees have never bothered me elsewhere in Europe.

For the most part, I am "saving" trips in the USA for the time when my husband and I are too feeble to fly to Europe.

Curious. I have never been asked, and people I know would be thrilled if they could get a month off and manage the finances of a trip like that ...

Sensibility of the community you're in?

I already do quite a bit of travel in the U.S. for both business and personal in addition to international travel, so I don't get asked why I'm not traveling in the USA. Most often, I'm asked questions about whether I find international travel much more pricey than domestic travel. I've pointed out that I'm often able to secure airfare that is cheaper to Europe than it is to California.

I'll pass on telling people I travel in Europe because "I don't want to be shot or mugged" if I travel in the United States. I've traveled plenty within the U.S. and lived and worked in multiple major cities. Comments like that just perpetuate the stereotype held by those who live their comfy middle class lifestyles in gated suburban communities that American cities are bad and dangerous places and should be avoided at all costs. Or that one is crazy to want to spend any time in an American city because it's just like the Wild West and you instantly increase your risk of being held up at gunpoint for your valuables or being caught in the crossfire of a drug deal gone bad if you spend time in an urban area.

I don't get that exact question so much anymore. When I do get it, I only have to start listing the places in North America I have been for them to get it. I have had some people say they want to see America first. Yet they make no effort to do that either.

My favorite incredulous questions (with my responses) are about:

traveling alone when my husband chooses not to go -- it's much cheaper because I pay for our travel

how I have the time -- I'm retired

how I have the money -- I always lived below my means, saved and invested wisely

how I can board my dog -- he loves staying at Creature Comforts Pet Resort.

Oddly, to me anyway, the most common question is, "Are you taking a cruise?" My "no" response and that I'll probably never take one usually draws silence, blank stares and occasional curiosity about how you can travel to Europe without taking a cruise.

With travel, as with most things, people do what they want to do.

We travel in the USA for particular events or purposes for short tips up to a week and have seen a great deal of the country as a result.
We have always traveled for about a month at a time overseas and that is the thing most people ask me about.
"A whole month?!?! ", then they look at me suspiciously. THAT is what gets people the most in my experience. The next question is how can we afford it? Then comes how can we take that much time off?
The answer is the same for all three questions. We plan ahead, then we buy an airplane ticket.
I will buy our plane tickets as soon as the price is in range, up to 9 months ahead, the sooner the better, because it commits us as far as how long we will be gone and financially because, "Darn, we already paid for everything so this or that isn't possible, can't change our tickets", plus it spreads out the expense.
I go without stuff so I can travel. Everytime I take my lunch to work or skip a movie I didn't really care about seeing, I think about my next trip. I have gotten so that I measure what I spend my money on against a day of travel, travel often wins. I have a seperate savings account I won't let myself touch, unless we risk ruin or one of the pets are going to die without me tapping it, which did happen once.
So many people don't realize travel is within their reach.
As Hunter S Thompson once said, "Buy the ticket, take the ride."

I don’t think I’ve been asked that question, but I would say that much of it I saw when I was younger (I’ve been to 48 states and most Canadian provinces.) Very fortunate to have had that opportunity. What I do sometimes say is that, living on the East Coast, it’s often as cheap to fly to London, Paris or Dublin than to some places in the U.S. I’m also a little fascinated that some people will spend gobs of money on a Disney World trip yet they think that Europe is somehow so much more expensive/exotic than a week’s trip in Florida.

Personally, I feel I am not really travelling unless I fly over an ocean.

I agree Norma!

I've never been asked that question but if I ever am, I now have plenty of really good answers thanks to all your replies!

We sometimes use a US getaway to hunker down for a few days and plan our upcoming European trip with fewer distractions...I'd never tell that to someone asking me the OPs question though.

My stock answer is that I have traveled a lot in US, but I find traveling in Europe or elsewhere in the world more of an an adventure. I realize there will be a time when I won’t be able to travel outside of the US because of age related issues, especially the long flights. When that occurs, I will travel more in the US.

I will be leaving for NZ and Australia in two days and will see how much I like the 16 hour flight on the way back. There are 7 airplane flights on our tour. Ugh!

Yes, early on, we were asked that question by friends and coworkers. They couldn't fathom why we go to Europe when there's a perfectly good continent to explore right here. It took me a while to learn to explain that we've already seen a good part of Canada and enough of the US to satisfy ourselves for now.

We are focussing most recently and for the foreseeable future on Eastern Europe, and when I mention the next plans are for Country X or Y or Z, I get blank stares, followed by "why are you going there", or "what's the point of going there", as if there has to be some earth shattering reason. Because I know they can't comprehend the answer, my generic response is for the food, culture, architecture, blah, blah, blah and judging by their blank stares by this time, they couldn't care less. So, I've stopped caring about what they think.

I also get this question and I think the question stems from a couple of directions -as Jane I think mentioned, being unpatriotic as well as the the questioner being too intimidated to travel somewhere radically different with another language, customs, food etc. not to mention figuring out transportation.

I’ve tried the I’ve been to lots of places in the US and have decided the easier way to fob them off is to say I need to travel to hard places now when I can and save the car trips until later. It’s just better to stop that whole conversation than to let it continue. The Rick Steves meet up group we have is also a support group, lol!! NO one is going to ask why?? Mostly it’s Where are you going next?

I’ll also add that I, too, see US prices skyrocketing. I’m pretty familiar with lodging in and around Yellowstone and in park and gateway city lodging is almost pricing mid budget families out of the picture. No joke, I can get a hotel in a favorite area of Paris or London for less than West Yellowstone MT.

I've never been asked why I travel to Europe only, "isn't it expensive," and "how can you stay more than three weeks?" The answers are, excepting the flight costs (and even than gets affordable from time to time), and barring a couple countries, it's no more expensive than traveling in the US; and we have stayed in the same jobs long enough to have a lot of vacation time.

We do travel in the U.S. I've been in every state but Hawaii, Alaska, and Lousiana. Alaska and Louisiana. I don't know why Hawaii doesn't appeal to me, but it doesn't. Not much interested in the Caribbean either. I'd like to visit Asia and New Zealand.

I've had variations of this question before as well as the 'so you're going on a cruise' version as well.

My other half works in a job with generous vacation benefits, but because of staffing issues the most he can ever get off at a time is about two weeks. Once we stretched that to three weeks, but it's usually easier on him and his coworkers if we only do two weeks at a time. Compared to the vacation benefits of many Americans, that's way more than some people have to enjoy in paid time off.

But I also get the question - why are you going THERE - as if traveling THERE (aka anywhere outside the United States) is somehow unpatriotic. The most recent person to ask me that question was the guy driving the shuttle van at the airport who was taking us from our car drop off point to the terminal. ("Why on earth would you want to go all the way THERE? We have a whole country here you can see.") That one was a little awkward. The man was driving an airport shuttle. Surely we weren't the only people he'd ever seen who were traveling abroad.

We still travel domestically, of course. But there's a lot to see in this world, and I would like to see as much of it as possible while my eyes and arms and legs and head are all working as well as possible. Who knows? If I live to be 115, I may finally decide I don't want to do that overnight flight elsewhere. So I'd better do it now.

Back to the cruise question. I usually brush that one off with saying that my other half gets seasick, no matter how large the boat might be. And that is true. But the odd question then was when we told people we were going to Alaska (staying in the US!) and weren't taking a cruise there. ("Why would anybody go to Alaska and not take a cruise?") Rolls eyes.

Anyway, I try to gently deflect the question with a bit of humor, because in my experience the person asking that question doesn't always listen to my answer.

I do get that question asked from time to time.

My answer is that most of the places here simply don't interest me or are of very little interest, certainly not to the extent with places I have yet to see in France, (a ton of them), Germany, Poland, England, Finland.

The two top priority places here I want to go back again within a year or next are New Orleans and Wash DC, which I found super interesting culturally, historically, sociologically. That means repeat visits to DC. Going to London and staying there in B&B is cheaper than flying plus accommodations to Wash DC.

Any hint that not traveling in the US and preferring to travel to Europe smacks of being unpatriotic, I say, too bad, isn't it? There was a surprising conversation I had with a high school teacher ten years ago who questioned me why I was planning on seeing Paris again on my projected 9 week 2009 trip. "You've already been there." I said , "yes, I've been going back there since 1973."

From a different perspective we've been travelling to the US every summer for the last 8 years (last year was an exception, we opted for the South of France) mainly because we own several Marriott timeshare weeks and the vast majority of Marriott properties available to trade into are in the US. Typically we aim to locate ourselves within the vicinity of one of the national parks as that is what interests me most about the US (my wife is happy with an outlet mall or two) although this year I've acquiesced to the children's requests and begrudgingly booked Orlando for the Disney resorts. However because of generous holiday allowances in Europe (statutory 28 days in the UK not including bank holidays or additional leave through long service) and the cheapness of flights we often spend Easter, October half term and several long weekends in places throughout Europe.

We have been asked in the past why we keep going to the US and some people have expressed concerns about safety which I can understand as I certainly feel less safe in the US than in Europe but not to the extent that it would prevent me from returning, I'm simply more wary and conscious of my surroundings than I usually am. Yellowstone National Park is by far my favourite place I've been to and one that I would happily return to time after time. I was pleasantly surprised with Washington DC, it had a nice vibe and I didn't get to explore anywhere near what I wanted to so I certainly fancy a return. I'd like to explore more of the parks in Utah and also spend some time in the North West of the country however each time we return to the States we leave with a bit less desire to return. Putting aside the natural aspect of the country everywhere is becoming similar. I've driven for 6 hours and passed towns, malls, roadside stop-offs et. etc. and they're all the same, how many Taco Bell's can you have on one stretch of interstate!

I know of people who wouldn't consider travelling to the US based solely on US foreign policy which I find absurd but each to their own. There are Brits who return year after year to places like Blackpool, Benidorm, Sunny Beach or Magaluf, places where I would avoid at all costs, some people just like familiarity and if they can travel to Spain and still enjoy their all day breakfasts, watch the Permier League games and read their favourite newspaper whilst topping up their tan at the same time then that's what they'll do. The rest of us prefer to explore, experience different food and cultures so at the risk of sounding a snob I'm happy for the Benidorms, the Magalufs and the Blackpools to exist because at least then I know which places to avoid.

Nope, but people often remark that international travel is too expensive. These same folks frequently have many toys, dine/drink out several times a week, drive more expensive vehicles, etc. It’s about priorities.

JC - you hit on one of the reasons I love to travel internationally so much. The US is becoming so fun of chain stores and restaurants that every place looks like every other. I'm interested in our national parks and some major cities, but it is so much easier to get unique cultural experiences, food, architecture, etc. in every other country I've been to than it is here.

Pam - I've also found the same thing to be true about pricing. We went on a two week national park trip this summer to save money, lol! I obviously didn't do enough research first! Aside from saving on the flights, everything else was far more expensive than our trips to Europe. I'm not sorry I went, it was beautiful and full of astonishing scenery and wildlife, but the price of a pretty rustic room in the parks could more than pay for a really nice room in Paris or even London. I also find that the same people who say these things book the full Disney vacation, at thousands of dollars a week. So, I guess it's all a matter of priority.

A lot has been said here on this topic already but I think this needs to be said:

When I get this question, which I often do:

("Why on earth would you want to go all the way THERE? We have a whole country here you can see.")

Or its twin; "Why don;t you see your own country first?"

There is an undeniable odor of Xenophobia, jingoism and Provincialism on the questioner. As some have said there is also the thinly veiled questioning of your patriotism. I have absolutely no time for this question. I simply respond "Because I can" I think that this question is often a way to bait one into a political discussion. And with those folks I just end the conversation.

Now the above is very different from the other question about vacation time. Most Americans haven't grasped the idea of the fact that many people can WORK and travel at the same time. So many people are working via the computer wherever they are. Also many folks work in jobs that allow a lot more free time. And if you are retired you can do what you want. Sometimes this is an honest question borne out of true surprise. At other times it is a question borne of jealousy with a tint of the class fissures that are running through this land right now.

Nope. Seems like the people I know typically travel as much or more than I have, both domestically and overseas, and many of them have spent time living time there as well. If we say we're thinking of going to Germany, I'm likely to get someone reminiscing about how much they liked spending their weekends seeing more of Europe when they were posted to Ramstein.

I

My answer: Travel awakens us. The more foreign, the more awake, in my experience. I want to be awake. I have seen so much of the U.S. it is no longer foreign. Still beautiful and unique, not so foreign. Again, I want to be awake.

As others have said, I think the question stems from Provincialism, and maybe xenophobia, and financial questions.
As for the former, I have been thinking about what interests some in foreign travel while others don't have this drive (I do, my husband never did until I introduced him). My background predisposed me: one parent is a Dutch citizen (and has lived there since I was 13), my childhood community celebrated multiculturalism and international curiosity, my dad was/is an anglo/franco/italophile. My husband grew up in a small homogenous town in the midwest where immediate community was prized over difference and independence.

As for the finances, it is expensive, Most people do not stay in lodges at National parks (we never do) - they/we camp. But I have learned how to make it happen, in part by doing exactly what someone above said: plan ahead, prioritize foreign travel by weighing every expense and every penny saved against a day of travel, and maniacally seeking cost savings.

And yes, if we could live abroad, we would. Im still trying to figure out job placements for us so this can happen ;)

I've never gotten asked that actually. I do gets asked "How can you afford to do that?" or "You're going alone?".
I'm a fairly young female who prefers solo travels especially for trips I've been planning for awhile.

I actually do love traveling within the US and do that more frequently than going out of the country. I just do Europe if I have at least 2 weeks to do it, where the weather should be pleasant, and where there's a good deal on the flight (I recently found a roundtrip ticket from LAX to Zurich with great flight times at under $600...unheard of for the summer).

I find that the people who ask me that question are usually ones who either are fearful of international travel or cannot afford to do so. If they do travel they invariably have only ever been to Mexico or Hawaii for their trips, or only enjoy taking cruises. I've seen a fair amount of the US, but once I discovered how easy it was to travel solo in Europe I was hooked, always my first choice. The only places in the US that call to me are Cape Cod, Niagara Falls, and returns to Boston, New York City and Portland.

There is the saying from (I think) Kipling that "Who knows England that only England knows". In other words, travel abroad helps you understand your own country better - the things it does well and the things it could improve.

I don't recall anyone questioning our travels to Europe, but we sure heard a lot of comments about our plan to visit Yellowstone in the winter. BTW, Yellowstone in the winter is magnificent:)

To aarthurperry - In response to your comments - you have taken the words out of my mouth . I have encountered this question often in my nearly 72 years and have always been struck by the underlying , and not very subtle , jingoism inherent in the question . My hat is off to you , Sir .

It’s funny but the only time I recall being asked a very similar question, I was sitting on a deck of a friend’s home in Murren, Switzerland. A young Australian man who worked with my host asked me why we would come all this way when there was so much too see in the US. I just told him to soak in our surroundings at that very moment and he should be able to understand. The US Rockies are fabulous but nothing compares to the Swiss Alps. I agree that there are many great places to vacation here at home but the spirit moves me to travel to Europe at this time in my life.

Christa , I am also a lover of New England , and have traveled there frequently . The next time you plan to visit Boston , consider seeing the North Shore , and particularly Cape Ann . Give a look here - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Shore_(Massachusetts) and here - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Ann

Tamara - I hope you met some really interesting, awesome folks when you did your NP trip, hahahaha!!

MNAnnie - Yellowstone in winter is just breathtaking, isn't it? Really - even if you are from a snowy location, it's jaw-dropping.

I also get the " You're traveling to Europe ALONE?" I'm late 60's, started back with international travel in 2013 with Rick Steves tours and feel perfectly comfortable traveling solo and solo combined with group tours. I'm not going anywhere unsafe and that includes Paris and London, in spite of what TV news sometimes portrays.

We did travel the US first. It’s a varied, beautiful country that we still explore. We did not start traveling overseas until we were in our 40s. When asked “Why are you going to X” I typically respond because I haven’t been there.

At one time our trips to Oregon were questioned.

I get this question fairly often. I call it vacation shaming. I try to laugh it off and respond with a casual answer, but I'll be honest, I find it very annoying. When someone with an expensive camper and a boat tells me it must be nice to have the money to be able to vacation in Europe every other year, I don't even know how to answer!

"I call it vacation shaming."

RITA!!! That is brilliant!

The high cost of USA hotels and the relative lack of city center mid priced options is one thing I've certainly noticed., in addition to the tourist soaking taxes added to hotels and car rentals certainly takes some of the appeal out of USA travel for me these days. Most cities in Europe will have some version of a Premier Inn or an Ibis, located in the city center that won't bust the budget. In the USA, there are some places like Courtyard Marriott that offer a similar product, but they tend to be located in suburbs and often near soulless office parks.

As someone who doesn't get these questions (due to self-selection mostly and living in an area where there are a lot of well off people who travel the globe, and come from all over the world), I'm curious where do most posters get these questions from. Is it friends, aquaintances, interested strangers or family members? I'd be surprised if close relatives or friends would say something as rude as "why are you going THERE?" Most people are more humble than that, aren't they? I've never seen an instance of shaming like this.

My take is that if someone comes at the question in a weird way, it's a perfect opportunity to educate them but in a humble way, not a defensive one. Some people honestly don't know what's "out there" or what's interesting about country "x" and they don't mean harm, they are genuinely perplexed. Planting the seed with them or opening their mind seems like the best approach (assuming they have no financial barriers to travel and that it's only psychological). The US is certainly a great place to travel and it's not an "either/or".

Well, I live in Canada so no one ever asks me why I do not travel in the USA.

Well, only 24 hrs of comments, but it sounds like some have experienced these same questions. Fortunately, I have many more tell me they can't wait for our next trip so they may experience vicariously our trip thru our facebook photos. We don't publish a lot. My husband puts the nice travel shots and I take the more crazy shots. If you'd like to see our next trip private message me.
I love the comment that travel awakens me. Yes, I feel younger and more alive after our trips, even when we have a very hectic itinerary.
Whether you've been asked or not, it appears this is a group of folks that start planning their next trip before they have even left for the current trip.
Keep on traveling friends!

I’ve gotten the question from family and friends.

To answer the question Agnes had about who asks, for me it's always a co-worker. My friends all travel both domestic and international for vacations and business. More than half my family lives in Europe so they certainly don't ask questions.

I really don't feel my co-workers are trying to "vacation shame" either. For the most part, I feel like they ask questions to understand ballpark figures of what I am paying for airfare (they'd be leaving from the same airport) to go overseas, and I feel in their minds they want to understand if I feel more of a wallet pinch due to an exchange rate vs. just staying stateside. For some, it really is too much of a pinch for them - what might be affordable for me (I'm either traveling solo, with my boyfriend or with one of my friends that pays their own way) can be prohibitive to them if they have to times it by 4 to bring the spouse and kids. For others, they perceive it to be out of their grasp because they prioritize where they spend money differently. I work with a woman who always talks about how much she wants to visit Italy but feels she just doesn't have the money. I reminded her that earlier this year she showed me all these photos of the remodeling work she recently had a contractor do inside her house, as well as all the beautiful furniture she bought from Crate & Barrel for her bedroom and living room. I'm sleeping on an old Tempurpedic mattress keeping my fingers crossed we can hang onto it until its warranty runs out and then that's the year I may have to cut back on travel so I can replace it with a new one. She has a 65" smart tv, we've got a 36" flat screen (which was a hand-me-down from one of my friends who upgraded to a bigger screen). I'm not complaining - her house looks gorgeous like some magazine photo, and I could have something similar next week if that's what I really wanted, but then I wouldn't have the money for a beach house rental this summer, or a trip to Europe this fall. In terms of regrets, I don't think I will ever lay on my deathbed thinking "Man, we should have gotten that 65" tv to watch Netflix on!"

I have had that question asked of me by a friend (of over 40 years no less). Like other posters, we have been to many of the 50 states, we just spent a week last summer cruising Alaska and visiting Seattle. Heck, one of my brothers lives in Dodge City and we have been there a few times. We have also driven around Canada. But, our country doesn’t have the history we are looking for. Yes, there are beautiful mountains (Smokey) and beaches (Cape Cod) and quirky cities (Key West) which we love to visit and will continue. But for now, while we are still mobile and relatively youngish, we will travel to Europe each year until we retire and have more time.

Hey Norma, as your friendly neighbour in Niagara, how come you do not travel to the USA?

I get this question occasionally, but more often I get "Where (When) is your next trip?" When coworkers ask, I think they're just waiting for the goodies I bring back, LOL! Since I have been traveling almost exclusively with Rick Steves tours, and gradually expanding my horizons by adding solo days before and after, the variant question I get is whether I want to go to other parts of the world. Of course I do, but am waiting til I can find a good tour company, and have the time for even longer plane rides! I've seen quite a bit of the US as well, and will plan to see more once retirement arrives (it's on the horizon!). I did drive Route 66 from Flagstaff to Springfield, MO a few years ago and had a blast exploring the nooks and crannies and oddities...I'd like to do the whole route from Chicago, but I need to convince one of my nieces to come along as navigator.

I'm curious where do most posters get these questions from. Is it friends, aquaintances, interested strangers or family members?

The first time we traveled together outside the US, we had this question from EVERYONE we knew. Maybe because it was our first time going abroad? But our first trip was to Italy, and even people who don't travel much can appreciate that there is a lot to see there.

Then we started going other places. Costa Rica. Switzerland. The U.K. and Ireland. Italy again. Germany. Austria. Canada. And while it's still in the US, Alaska was also questioned as a travel destination after we said we weren't doing a cruise there. (Mount Denali. Hello!)

Now we only have the question every so often. It's usually from a couple of my other half's coworkers as well as one or two family members who have (to the best of my knowledge) never been outside the States.

And strangers like the airport shuttle bus driver.

Who are those asking that question? Some friends, but mostly those I regard as acquaintances. I was asked that question the first time I went over in 1971.

So once again I was asked ..."what is wrong with staying here (in USA)
and traveling?"

Maybe it has to do with where you live or your line of work. Nothing unusual about living in NYC and traveling overseas even for a long weekend.

In addition, I travel weekly for business across the US (an ocean certainly is not required for this businesswoman to know she is traveling these days) so going overseas on personal time is seen as a frequent flyer perk.

Last, and most importantly, why would people even ASK such a question? Don't people with whom you come into contact know to mind their own business?

@continental, "minding their own business"? - that must also be a NYC thing.

I've heard variations from friends, family, and co-workers along the same lines. Often it has a frowning judgment behind it, as in "why would you waste so much money?" aka, " you're a show-off". Or, "you fool, don't you know they hate Americans" or "they got terrorists killing people over there". Then there is a general fear of the unfamiliar - people, food, language - that just doesn't sound like a fun trip to some.

Mostly, its the money.

I have ben asked that question a lot. My answer is two fold:

1. I have traveled through the US a lot over the years both for work and vacations and continue to do so. While I have not seen all of the US, and doubt I ever will, I like experiencing other parts of the world.

2. I want to see most of the world while I am relatively young because I know as I get older it will become more difficult to take longer trips while having to deal with the health issues that may accompany aging.

"Because we want to and we can." It's our standard answer whenever our motivation is questioned. We have worked hard and saved wisely in order to have a comfortable retirement. Our 5 kids and their families are in 3 states, none here in Texas anymore. So we do travel domestically. Most people ask where are we going next!!

I've traveled from coast to coast by car multiple times, taking different routes and stopping to see what interests me in between, as well as business trips to many cities multiple times. I've been to Hawaii, U.S. Virgin Islands, Micronesia and American Samoa. I've yet to see Alaska but, for the most part, I've traveled more of the U.S. (as well as Canada and Mexico) than most people who might ask me the question.

People who ask that question don't really want to know your answer.
I agree with Stan

Nope, but people often remark that international travel is too expensive. These same folks frequently have many toys, dine/drink out several times a week, drive more expensive vehicles, etc. It’s about priorities.
Where I live it is standard operating procedure - buy big house, big trucks, boats, travel trailers, huge TV and than ask me how I can afford to travel so much- small house & s, no boat, truck or travel trailer

"I call it vacation shaming."

That is brilliant!!!

We love to travel. I like the comment that "travel awakens:. We love the BVI's and St John in the USVI AND we love Hawaii but this year we have two trips to Europe planned and one more next year. AND finally venturing to Asia via a cruise which is my favorite way to explore a region that "intimidates" me.

Pam - we got our own private RS style Yellowstone guide! She was pretty awesome ;)

^ ^ ^ @Tamara

I've heard variations from friends, family, and co-workers along the
same lines. Often it has a frowning judgment behind it, as in "why
would you waste so much money?" aka, " you're a show-off". Or, "you
fool, don't you know they hate Americans" or "they got terrorists
killing people over there". Then there is a general fear of the
unfamiliar - people, food, language - that just doesn't sound like a
fun trip to some.

Wow, that's pathetic. Sorry but it is. Let me guess....taking public transportation on a daily basis would blow their minds too! LOL

We get asked this by friends who don’t travel much even in the US. They think they do but return to the same places, like Florida. We do travel a lot yearly in the US too. We tell them we are curious and want to see as many places as we can while we are physically able. One person asked us why on earth we had traveled to Cuba? Because we want to learn and are curious! Others ask why we traveled to Communist countries. Again, because we are curious to see them and learn about what it is really like in those places. This year we will travel in several areas of the US, Asia and Europe. Oh, and we get told we must hate where we live since we travel so much!

Last year we were lucky enough to have several trips. One was a week at Disney World. One was two weeks in Rome and Sicily. Guess which one people kept asking how we afford. And guess which one was actually more expensive. Yes, a week at DisneyWorld costs more than 2 weeks in Italy. Yet no one raises an issue with a family going to Disney. There’s this perception that international travel is expensive when it doesn’t have to be.

On why people don't mind their own business since they ask this question...point well taken, but they still will ask anyway.

On "don't you know they hate Americans?'....So what? Is that suppose to tell me something about going to Europe? Or, as Peggy Lee sang in 1969, "Is that all there is?"

I think it's more important to travel overseas when you're young than to save it for some future decade when you've explored the US. Overseas travel, especially to the "weird" countries, puts your own country into context that purely domestic travel can never do. This makes for better citizens and the sooner in life that happens, the better.

When our kids were little, we did travel in the US quite a bit. We took them to many national parks, many states, many cities. We have family in a number of places, and could stay with them. I personally have been to 45 of the 50 states.

Now we travel to Europe, because there are a ton of places there we have not been. It's the bucket list.

Fast Eddie:

Yes you are right and what America needs to do is encourage a "Gap Year" similar to that the Brits and Aussies do for kids between High School and College. Not only does it pay great dividends in personal growth but it also gives them a jump ahead in college compared to the other students who have never been anywhere.

"Remember, remember always that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists" FDR

Travel is the best antidote to Racism, Xenophobia, Exceptionalism and Nationalism. AAP

FastEddie, I do agree with you, but when we were young we truly could not afford to travel abroad. Our vacations were the 2 of us in a Volkswagen Beetle, with an ice chest full of food, and perhaps $25.00. We looked for parks with free or very cheap camping. Gradually we added camping equipment (a big day was when we actually bought a tent from Sears for 19.95!)

I did have the opportunity to visit the Soviet Union just before I got married, when I was still at least partially subsidized by my parents. A wonderful experience.

I just straight up tell people that the US is too intense for me for 12 months of a year; I have to get out and enjoy the cultures of Europe for at least one of them.

I don't know....maybe it's that I did a lot of traveling all over the US when I was a kid. I got bit by the travel bug early, but I just don't find the US as interesting as an adult. To each his or her own.

I recall an occasion when we arrived in Miami a few years ago and my youngest who was 8 at the time was excited when we came across a 7eleven store and insisted we went in. He didn't really know what one was but had heard so many references to them from watching TV, movies and on the internet that he just had to go in and see what it was all about. He quickly left clearly very disappointed!

My wife and I were also disappointed to discover that most Americans don't live in the huge houses with massive bedrooms that we used to see in the movies during our childhood in the 80's. We used to dream about having bedrooms that big!

My wife and I were also disappointed to discover that most Americans
don't live in the huge houses with massive bedrooms that we used to
see in the movies during our childhood in the 80's.

Have you been to Texas? They have some massive sized homes.
But no, since most population centers are along the coasts where land is quite expensive, you won't see 6,000 square foot homes everywhere.

JC - meanwhile, Im obsessed with "Escape to the Country" and dream of living in a little cottage in Somerset ;p

I do think it comes down to provincialism and xenophobia, and of course not understanding how to make overseas travel work financially. Seems like the people who get asked the question are predominantly from less diverse areas...

Nope. Its more "thats wonderful, I wish I could do that...but flying with the kids is too expensive"

I do both though. There is so much of this great country I need to see still but I'm getting some of Europe done while I'm young. My upcoming Ireland-France trip is probably going to be my last Euro trip for a little while. This summer I'm going to roam Montana and the Dakota's I think. Drive up to Yellowstone.

Most of the time my friends ask me why I haven't bought a boat, motorcycle or an RV like them. I tell them I rather spend my money traveling and I don't need a boat since they have one. No Europe trip this year, heading to Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks & a week with the 2yr old grandson in Washington & Vancouver. Switzerland and Paris are on the books for May/June next year.

I'm late getting into the discussion, but have a few thoughts to add. When talking to others about travels in Europe, I've been asked numerous times why I don't "travel and see my own country". I tend to just shrug it off and reply that there's a lot of history in Europe that I want to see, so that's my preferred vacation choice at the moment.

However, I can now say that I've made a trip to see more of Canada so will have a ready reply for the next person that makes that comment. I took a trip to the Maritimes last September, as that's been on my "bucket list" and it was also an appropriate destination on the occasion of Canada's 150th birthday.

Er no. ;-)!

If someone asks such a question, the best reply is "why do you ask?"

a 7eleven store and insisted we went in. He didn't really know what one was but had heard so many references to them from watching TV, movies and on the internet that he just had to go in and see what it was all about. He quickly left clearly very disappointed!

A Coca Cola Slurpee is the recovery beverage of the gods after sports practice. We used to get one every day on the way home from swim practice in my teen years, and it was pure awesomeness. No other pulverized ice product compares.

It would have been nice to travel more in our 20s, but we were too busy trying to dig ourselves out from underneath student loan debt. So now we're trying to make up for lost vacation times. Like a couple other people here, we're doing Utah national parks for our big summer trip this year. The popularity of the Big 5 there indicates just why I'm sitting on a reservation for the Homewood Suites in Moab that's more per night than the cash price of our favored Staybridge Suites in London generally runs. (I'm using hotel points and airline miles on other parts of the trip to bring the per day cost down to a more acceptable range,)

Seems like the people who get asked the question are predominantly from less diverse areas...

I think Jessica hit the nail on the head. The people who ask me this question are from where I grew up (or similar environment), in a Massachusetts, rural and all white town, even if it had many economic levels most of the culture was similar; not from my urban adult environment. Nonetheless, I turn the question into a polite conversation rather than a snobbish attack. I'm surprised at the attitude and narrow mindedness of some of the responses here. The people who asked me this question were also the less fortunate people who lived in my childhood town so I think when one has just enough money to get by, one thinks of a more practical vacation someday rather than flying over the ocean for vacation.

well no of course not.. being Canadian.. but of course there are folks that say " have you seen all of Canada yet" and my answer is.. Ive seen lots.. and will someday see more.. but right now I have the energy and health to see more of the world.

My wife and I were also disappointed to discover that most Americans
don't live in the huge houses with massive bedrooms that we used to
see in the movies during our childhood in the 80's. Have you been to Texas? They have some massive sized homes.

Yes although it was mainly Dallas/Fort Worth/Austin and some dusty outback called Lockhart which allegedly is the home of the best barbecue (the main reason we were visiting Texas!) so we didn't get to see the suburbs where I suspect most of these big houses are.

Occasionally, I am asked. And my answer is that I have enjoyed traveling both in the US and in Europe; that I have visited most places (though not all) in the US that I really want to see; and that there is history and culture in Europe that I find fascinating and especially enjoy seeing.

Actually, the question I am more frequently asked is whether I feel really safe traveling in Europe. And my quick answer to that question is I feel exponentially safer in Europe than at home.

Like many, I do some traveling in the US for business. And we can find the same restaurants in nearly every city in the country. I don't especially get excited over visiting mountains and national parks. I like cities and historical areas, so there are only a few places or events in the US I have not visited or attended that I still want to see. There are parts of New England that I have not visited. The events are frankly sports-related--I want to go one day to the Masters (even for a day) and the Army-Navy football game, and I enjoy watching baseball at Wrigley and Fenway. And I feel that one day I should walk the battlefield at Gettysburg. But I have largely seen the other parts of the country that I want to see. I can tolerate Las Vegas for at most two nights. I don't need to return to Disney World. I like the beach for only so long before boredom sets in, and because of skin issues, I have to be careful about the sun. And again, I am not a mountains or national parks person.

When we travel for pleasure in the US, we have two main rules: no Interstates, and no chain restaurants. Luckily we do get excited by national and state parks, mountains, deserts, and forests.

Richard, I think your thoughts about Gettysburg are spot on. It's an amazing place. Definitely haunted.

Richard
I understand and think much like you. There are some cities on the east coast I would like to visit again and spend more time and I can never get tired of NYC.
I was in Philly during the Army-Navy game this year, during the snow storm!!!! But I did not go because I was in Philly for other reasons. I have to say that you have never seen more polite, well mannered women and men than those who came to Philly for that game. This is probably the one thing that makes me proud of being American in this period of time. It is that we really do have some truly fine Americans coming up.

And I do get asked the safety question a lot, too. In the last 4 years, I only felt unsafe once. That was this last summer walking in Marseille. Too crowded and the crowds were very close to the streets. And unlike Paris, last year Marseille did not have as many police roaming the streets. Needless to say, we headed back to the hotel as fast after dinner as we could. This was also the day before Bastille day.

Many of you have a completely different set of friends given the kinds of questions asked or judgements made. And some of your responses sound very defensive as if you need to justify why you travel. I would assume if someone ask that question that they are naturally curious.

Frank, its that part of the original question: "why not travel in the USA?" that is important in this discussion, not just justification in traveling in general. In the words of some famous travel guy, "travel is a political act", and as we all see, anything political is a discussion topic full of judgment, and potential conflict, even with friends and family.

I would assume if someone ask that question that they are naturally curious.

That's a kind assumption, but in my personal experience that is not the rationale behind the question. At least, not in my neck of the woods. ;-)

No, no, Frank. Curiosity has nothing to do with it. It is a question designed to put a guilt trip on the traveller for not travelling in the USA and a suggestion, just a hint, of lack of patriotism. It is also evidence that the questioner feels somewhat afraid to go to foreign shores. There be dragons. Dragons that speak foreign languages.

I think some posters here are making assumptions about the intentions of those asking the question. Without knowing the questioner or actually hearing the question, and the context in which it's being asked, you can't know why they asked it. It could be that the one asking the question is making an inference that you're unpatriotic to travel outside the US, or it could be a completely innocent question with a desire to actually know your reasons for foreign vs domestic travel.

anything political is a discussion topic full of judgment, and potential conflict, even with friends and family.

No, Stan; especially with friends and family!

I have a relative who used to ask why don't we see America first. He does not enjoy getting out of the routine like my wife and I do, likes to stay in his comfort zone that's where he is coming from. I understand, we each have our own ways of living and that's o.k.

He has probably only visited four states and I have visited twenty-seven. To be clear, that does not make me superior, just if you enjoy something you wish other people could enjoy it to. But we all enjoy different things and that's o.k. Some people love exercise, some hate it, etc. I may have visited more countries than states, so on one level it might be a fair question.

Actually it scares me to get out of my comfort zone too, but I do it anyway.

When on occasion I am asked, I determine whether the question is completely innocent, a possibility I don't rule out, depending on the questioner. It may well be an entirely innocent question. If I conclude it is an innocent question, then I answer in a polite and respectful manner.

Now, if I sense the question based on the questioner is one that is sarcastic, negative, implying the patriotism or the lack of it factor, then my tone changes. Do I get these types of questioners, rarely but it does happen. I throw it back at them, ie what are they afraid of? Foreign languages (it is exactly what I want to deal with in Europe...foreign languages), getting lost, not knowing what to do (How do others know what to do?) Unpatriotic preferring to go overseas, spend your money there instead of here (a pity, isn't it?)

The safety factor, rudeness, and all the other fairy tales I have heard...(is that a deterrent? deal with it))

I go because I am curious. Do I need another reason?

Ok this is sorta related to the topic. My cousin, who turns 50 this year, has never had to work and has millions of dollars and doesn’t travel much at all. I invited her to Ireland this year, at first she said yes, now she has bailed with her excuses. She has been to Europe (twice) and a few places in US and Costa Rica (twice).
I just can’t understand it. Rich and loads of time!!! What a dream to a travel bug like me!

While increased financial resources definitely have a practical bearing on one's ability to travel , a more important component is the desire to see and experience the things that travel provides , As the American writer , Dorothy Parker once wrote " The cure for boredom is curiosity , there is no cure for curiosity " .

We are traveling to Europe while our health and pocketbook allows.

When we get old and/or have mobility issues, we plan to travel more in North America. I traveled the U.S. extensively before retiring.

Along the lines of traveling in other countries, back in high school (granted, awhile ago!), I chose to study Russian. I got quite a few questions about why I was learning another language, especially since everyone knew we spoke German at home so this would be a third language. I replied with questions such as 'why study calculus, science, history' and 'why not'? It wasn't just about learning another language, it was to learn about another country/culture. I saw a lot of not being interested in what's going on outside of what we know and our own borders.

This thread is so interesting to me because Ive never been asked this, and moreover, it would never occur to me that people do ask this! My friends and family all travel, or wish they could. Shows how sheltered I am ;)

@ diveloonie....Queen Victoria married her cousin, so.....

Yep, been asked a few times. Also, "Don't tell me, you are going to Europe again! Why don't you want to see the US?"

I relay the experience I had in Vernazza, Italy when I saw a tour group walking up the street which included a couple people using walkers. Why would I wait to travel and then find I waited too long? That made me very grateful we put travel a priority in our lives.

I also had someone tell me one time that if you don't travel abroad it's like you've only read the first page of the book. Once you read the first chapter you want to keep reading.

Going to the SF Travel Group tomorrow -- nobody asks that question there. Just "how was your trip ?" and "where are you going next ?"

Laura B, that's why we love our Tulsa Area Travel Group.