Why don't people travel abroad and around the world more?

Question

Everyone that I talk with values education. Society encourages college educations. But why don't people travel more? Traveling opens one's eyes and introduces fresh and new ideas. Most people enjoy going on trips and like to hear about other people's trips. Many would say that traveling is as important as any college course. So my question is: Why is it that more people don't travel?

Answer 1

First, it is obvious from your question that you are addressing it to those people who find themselves in societies which are rich enough to be able to consume higher level education and, ostensibly, to travel. I'm pointing this out because I think it is important to realize the perspective of the question. [Otherwise we could waste our time babbling about how ‘the farmers of North Korea can’t jump on a plane and, by implication, you are an *** for being so insensitive.’]

That said, I agree with your premise that travel is important. I think the main reason that people (can I correctly assume that this question is addressed mainly at college age students?) don’t travel is (1) lack of knowledge, (2) fear, and (3) laziness.

If you don’t know what an amazing thing travel is and how to get started then it is unlikely that you ever will make the extra effort to travel. If you do believe you should travel, and you don’t, then it seems you are either scared of something or lazy.

Regarding the fear factor – I think a lot of people assume that travel is more difficult and more expensive than it really is. It does require effort to learn about travel opportunities and deal with the uncertainties associated with different cultures, languages, and laws but none of these are insurmountable problems. I think the fear of not having enough money is a more real problem. The way travel is classically done does require extra money and often large amounts of it. That said, I have an American friend who had always wanted to see Europe, but didn’t have a lot of money, so he borrowed some money, flew to Europe, and worked at various jobs for 6 months while he saw the continent. After the whole ordeal he actually had more money than when he started. My point is that if one is resourceful and hardworking it doesn’t require much money at all by 1st world standards.

So if one has overcome their lack of knowledge (they know how to get started traveling and they believe they should) and the have dealt with their various fears then it seems the last major factor stopping someone from traveling is laziness. If you know you want to, you know how to, you know you can, and you don’t, then, logically, the only thing stopping you is your unwillingness to put in the effort. Of course, real world examples aren’t this simple. It is hard to just disconnect from everyday routines, especially as one gets older, and laziness can be absolutely wonderful. (I, for one, believe there are few things nicer than an occasional late night with a bag of popcorn and the TV remote.) But what I am trying to say is that if one is willing to put in the effort then very rewarding travel is possible for the vast, vast majority of the inhabitants of the wealthier countries.

(oh, and I think runestone's answer rocked.)

Answer 2

I completely agree with your opinion. Unfortunately, a lot of people are biased, and are afraid to see the world because they they are raised with certain beliefs (home is where the heart is, stuff like that) and they don't get out and experience the wonderful things that different cultures have to offer. Also, they can get too wrapped up in what they think the "right" path in life is (go to college, get married, start a family), and before they know it, their lives are almost over and they haven't experienced anything this great world has to offer. The final reason people don't travel more is financial situations. Most people don't realize that you can create an amazing trip on even a small budget, so they don't even try. Above all, the reason most people don't travel is that they don't have that fervor that some of us feel when the word "travel" is mentioned. They may be mildly interested in it, but not enough to save up money, plan a trip, and actually execute it.

Answer 3

Yeah it's interesting. People who've spent a lot of time around the world would not assume their own experiences are universal. Ever notice someone on Yahoo Answers automatically assume others are from the same country? When I travel, there were times when I thought there were too many people travelling, from all over the world.
You mentioned education. Have you ever seen busloads of Japanese students wearing uniforms travelling abroad with their school? I've seen them on every continent! What an education, eh? But then, those Japanese students are rich. I can't afford to travel more, no money :-(

Answer 4

When the people in a society can not afford health insurance and live from check to check travel is the furthest thing from their minds. Yes, I guess everyone would love to travel and see living history. I have traveled but not until my children were grown. It is with a lot of gratitude that I say that I enjoy good health. If I was not healthy I would be taking all kinds of expensive medicine and not be able to
go anywhere.

Answer 5

Maybe instead of wondering why people are not travelling around the world more, you might want to know the reason why people can't. Basically, it is due to these: financial, medical, mental and physical constraints. Do you know that a lot villagers in Northern Korea would spend their lifetime saving on this one and only trip to go to China to search and be reunited with their relatives or siblings? Do you know that a lot of severely handicap people can't see the world cause of their physical and health conditions that don't permit them to take long journey? It's just like given a chance, who would not want to be rich?

Answer 6

These are some of the reasons: International travel is expensive. Airlines continue to give poor service. Americans are more leery since 9/11. Most Americans don't have enough weeks of vacation.

I love to travel, but expense and long flights are problems.

Answer 7

hi! nicely "away we flow" is a action picture a pair of couple travling all around united statesa. and a few little bit of canado attempting to stumble on a place to settle, its exceptionally for like a romantic comedy yet no longer as a lot romance i think of. thats all i think of of , sorry i could no longer be of greater help :(

Answer 8

Most people just don't have the money or want to deal with another language or customs.

Answer 9

the answer is simple most people do not have the money, i would more, except i dont have the money.