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Post by LetsGo on Apr 17, 2018 17:53:19 GMT -8
Hello,
I wanted to hear some opinions on this topic from people who travel a bit. My friend's girlfriend and I had a discussion recently about traveling. Actually, her and my wife have a very similar view about traveling. Come to think of it a lot of people I know probably feel this way (I live in central VT). Anyway, I have always enjoyed traveling around, seeing new places, etc but many of the people around me are afraid to travel outside of the United States. For instance, the day after my friend and I had this conversation, she read a news article about a Christian who had gone to another country and was taken hostage recently. So she used this as an example as to why it is so very scary to go see the world.
My point is, her and my wife (and most of my family and friends) see one damn news article and make up their minds based on that. Tens of millions of people travel to other countries every year, but my friends hear about a bad experience now and then, and make up their minds on the subject based on that. To even mention traveling to a foreign country you get a strange look and a snide comment.
I don't get it. Am I wrong?
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Apr 17, 2018 21:01:40 GMT -8
Obviously, there are places where it's dangerous to travel, some where it's particularly dangerous right now to be from the US. But most places are pretty safe, and to dismiss the idea of traveling *anywhere* because of one incident in one place is crazy! You can tell them I said so  |
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Apr 18, 2018 8:59:06 GMT -8
^^What she said.^^ Traveling only opens the eyes to what the rest of the World is like. If all of us just stayed home, we'd only know what we could see in our city. Other countries have so much to offer in culture, foods, scenery, etc... To deny ourselves the opportunity to experience any of that is to live life wearing a blindfold because we were afraid to look at the sun.
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tomas
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Post by tomas on Apr 18, 2018 10:22:22 GMT -8
Sadly, only about 36% of Americans own a passport (according to Google) which seems to jive with what I have heard in the past. Your experience isn't too far off of mine, many of my friends have not traveled at all and most of those were to either Canada or to a resort in Mexico or the Bahamas. I don't know if it's fear of trying something different, the fixation on 'bad stuff' that you mentioned, or simply a complete lack of interest in seeing something different.
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foxalo
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Post by foxalo on Apr 18, 2018 11:52:45 GMT -8
I have only traveled to Jamaica and soon Canada. Next year will be Europe! I can't wait! I fear very little in life. Travel is very low on the list whether domestic or abroad of things I fear.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Apr 18, 2018 20:25:04 GMT -8
I'll admit I get a little nervous about 3rd-world (or sort of almost used to be 3rd world) travel, not so much because of big dangers, as because of the hassles of managing safe food and water (and the consequences of failing to do so well enough. I really hate major digestive distress).
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Apr 19, 2018 7:41:48 GMT -8
There are parts of all major U.S. cities which are unsafe. I've been to several countries. You need to understand the culture, speak at least a little of the language, and be polite. Really no different than any other place in the U.S. The CIA Factbook has lots of good info. Also check with the State Department. www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/I'd be willing to bet that someone has been murdered in your town or one close to you. Ask them if they think they should move because of that. Or never go to that town/city again. If all else fails, just go solo. That's what I do. |
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Post by outbac1 on Apr 20, 2018 18:45:26 GMT -8
Perhaps they should look around their own country. If one were to look at the US news, one would probably not want to visit there. I'd be willing to bet that someone has been murdered in your town or one close to you. Ask them if they think they should move because of that. Or never go to that town/city again. This is so true, everywhere. One just needs to pick and choose and do their homework. I don't think there is anywhere I wouldn't go. Some just are not near the top of my list. |
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Post by hungodd94 on May 9, 2018 0:59:33 GMT -8
It's called accident for reasons. You can only avoid the accidents only if you can predict the future, why do people have to focus only in one negative example while there're millions of people often go to oversea every year without anything happned to them ? Or maybe it's just a reason that people made to excuse themselves on seeing something new
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Post by Campfires&Concierges on Jun 17, 2018 15:00:07 GMT -8
Sadly, only about 36% of Americans own a passport (according to Google) which seems to jive with what I have heard in the past. Your experience isn't too far off of mine, many of my friends have not traveled at all and most of those were to either Canada or to a resort in Mexico or the Bahamas. I don't know if it's fear of trying something different, the fixation on 'bad stuff' that you mentioned, or simply a complete lack of interest in seeing something different. I used to also feel this was a travesty, but I think travel is very personal and who cares what anyone else does or says? If you want to travel overseas, do it. If your neighbor/BFF/Aunt/etc doesn't want to, don't judge them. Our country is amazing and has more landscapes, cultures and cuisines than anyone could explore in a lifetime, so deciding to explore one's own country, especially one as vast as the US, is not something to sneer at. (This coming from a travel blogger who loves traveling overseas) |
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Jun 17, 2018 16:09:11 GMT -8
I've traveled a little: Scotland, Italy, Kenya, Amsterdam, Quebec, Banff, Cozumel, ... I still like traveling and hiking in the US. Plenty to see and do here. That said, Iceland is in my future. Yellowstone is in July.
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Lani
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Post by Lani on Jun 17, 2018 17:48:27 GMT -8
Go go go go go go go!!!
I have been to France, China, Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Peru. When you travel, things don’t always go according to plan and so you are forced to think in the fly - which is a great skill to have! It is the best for helping you see your culture, values, and community in a totally new way.
And. The FOOD. Try new things! You’ll find something that will blow your mind!
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Post by Campfires&Concierges on Jun 17, 2018 21:34:04 GMT -8
And. The FOOD. Try new things! You’ll find something that will blow your mind! yes! I am NOT an adventurous eater, but I've found food tours to be one of my favorite things to do when traveling. I get to sample a little bit of all different kinds of food, and it's usually accompanied by a walking tour with a bit of history. I wrote about some of my favorite food tours: www.campfiresandconcierges.com/food-tasting-tours/I know some people see tours of any kind as super touristy, but I've actually found it's a great way to meet locals (the guides) and find out what it's like to live someplace. They also usually have great recommendations for places to eat and drink. |
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Jun 18, 2018 4:02:11 GMT -8
We've now done a food tour in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Similar food, as expected, but different places to talk about. I enjoyed them both.
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Post by burntfoot on Jun 27, 2018 6:04:49 GMT -8
I've also traveled extensively in the Pacific and in Asia. In fact, I lived in India for a year.
I can think of 3 bits of advice for you:
1. Don't act like an American. Overseas, Americans have the reputation of being loud, rude and bossy (having to get their way).
When I traveled, I tried to stay as unobtrusive as possible, so as to not draw attention to myself. My skin color already attracts enough attention; no need to add to that. When I lived in India, we only had power for 4 hours a day (7-11 PM). I didn't complain. Internet was sporadic. I didn't complain. Unusual rains in Ladakh saturated the roof of my apartment causing instant waterfalls inside. I didn't complain. I took it as a compliment when there were inconveniences and the principal of the school I was teaching at said that most Americans would have had a fit.
2. Observe the culture, and do what the locals do (or don't). Where I lived, it was a Buddhist area that was very conservative. Long pants and shirt sleeves were common. Public Displays of affection were non-existent. Yet, it amazed me that most tourists were oblivious to the culture around them. My best story was the time I was in a Buddhist monastery in Zanskar in the early morning when the monks were doing their morning chants. While I was in there 2 French ladies came in wearing short shorts. A couple of monks actually snickered a little before they caught themselves and their composure.
3. Get out and see some non-tourist areas. Yes, the beach areas are fun. But, I enjoyed going where the locals went, even if I had to fore-go a beach from time to time. My favorite was Kota Tingge waterfall park in Malaysia. I crossed the border from Singapore, and was mobbed by taxi drivers wanting to take me (an obvious tourist) to the Desiru beach. I declined, but they refused to take me to Kota Tingge. I was the only white face on that bus, something I've gotten used to. At that park were myself, 3 Japanese tourists and about 150 locals.
4. Try to see things as the locals see them. During the year I was in India, the United States attacked Iraq for the second time (2003). From their perception, it was a horrible act that we did. The could understand us going into Afghanistan following 911. But, going after Sadaam Hussein when there was no concrete evidence of weapons of mass destruction was not understandable over in India - even by non-Muslims. I was the lone American at their midnight candlelight vigil the night before we attacked, which surprised others there. Later, I gave up trying to argue with others in these Backpacker forums who were all pro-US in that attack. Mainly because these were people who never been out of the country, except possibly Canada.
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