Why dont Americans like to travel?

Question

Fewer than 20% of our country (the US) has passports
Why?!!?

*if you are an American please answer because its really weird that more than 80% has never traveled abroad!*

i understand there is a lot to do in this country, but it doesn't offer everything.

Answer 1

I am an American and I love to travel. Actually I am currently working in Japan and I am loving it here.

I think most Americans are just scared of what is "out there." I don't know. I just don't. More Americans need to get out and see the world.

Answer 2

I think there is a number of reasons Americans don't travel far. American does have a lot to offer. You can go see the deep blue Pacific Ocean or the turquoise blue of south Florida. Many great National Parks. Places to shop like New York, L.A., Chicago. The climates also vary. You can always find a place to go where the weather is warm or cold. Many families do travel within the country on holidays to visit family. Gas is cheap in the U.S. compared to the rest of the world, so many families do the "road trip". As a US Citizen you can cross the Mexican and Canadian borders without a Passport. That will change starting January 2007. I think you will see the number of Passports increase in the next couple of years. I love to travel, my wife is from Japan. We lived in Hawaii for two years. We are now living in Austin and arranging for the move to Japan. I think since 9/11 many people would rather stay on the ground. The best way to travel is to network with other people that like to travel the world, that way you will always have invitations to great places.

Answer 3

Really? Yikes...
Hmmm, I come from a family of big travelers, and we used to live in Europe, but -
Well, one thing that's a lot different about living in the States as opposed to living in Switzerland is that you can travel for miles and miles here and see all kinds of stuff (Grand Canyon, the desert, the Tundra, rainforests, casinos, history - whatever people travel to see - and even Canada and once Mexico, too!) without ever needing a passport. But, when we were in Switzerland, we used to take little weekend trips out to Germany or Italy, and every now and then we'd pop up to Britain through the Chunnel.... we even used to go to France specifically to go grocery shopping!
So, I don't think that really could be all of the reason, but traveling to different countries when you live in a place like Europe is way, way easier.
And hey, maybe 80% of Europeans have never been off the continent?

Answer 4

I know for me I love to travel.. however when I lived in America the expense of traveling was insane. Currently I reside in Germany and its amazing how cheap you are able to travel, we just got back from Ireland for a 4 day weekend for under 500 dollars.. including 2 plane tickets, a 4 star hotel room - it would of been 4xs that price if we were still in america.

Hugs Mel

Answer 5

Given the size of the US, 20% seems to be a lot of people traveling. Reaize that those going to Canada, Mexico, and the Carribian dont need passports.

Answer 6

I personally love traveling, but not everyone does. Some feel that there is much to see here in the states and don't feel the need to go anywhere else. Some would love to go, but can't afford to. Some don't want to fly, and so only take trips that involve driving.

Answer 7

I can't speak for the negative because I am one of the 20%. I LOVE to travel and experience different cultures, languages, people, and FOOD.

Answer 8

for a lot of people it is too expensive, and now with all the retarded restrictions of what you can take on a plane it is too much of a pain in the *** to fly anywhere

Answer 9

because they seem to consider America enough for them. it's a kind of self-sufficiency and they don't know what they miss. Europe is wonderful, for example!

Answer 10

Plenty to see and do in the US. Its a big place.