“Americans don’t travel abroad” except for the 40 million who do every year…

America, the States, the US are all accepted short hand names for the United States of America.

It’s a disgusting shame to see the way you use America in your blog. Maybe you need to sorry for it, or even better: close this blog!

Cheers!!! (and please don’t delete this comment)

You know, reading through this, I saw a lot of facts…many Americans don’t have passports. And a lot of Americans don’t travel overseas. But while I read your points, all I could think of was: so?

Sure, I think the US can do a lot more to improve its education on foreign affairs and current events. But the biggest myth of travel is that it somehow makes people smarter, more cultured, or more interesting. Emerson said it best – you take all your issues and problems with you. As an American who has lived in four countries and travelled extensively, plenty of travellers I’ve met between the ages of 18-45 spent their time abroad living much as they would if they were in their home countries, or hanging out exclusively within their own country group. Many of them didn’t leave their comfort zones. Lots of them spent their money getting drunk. Meeting new people from around the world is a fantastic experience and I wouldn’t exchange it because that’s what I find exciting. But there are plenty of Americans who have interesting and fulfilling lives back home with people they’ve known their whole lives, or their families, and they don’t feel the need to pick up and go. Why is that a problem?

As far as ignorance, the racism I’ve encountered in Europe, China, Australia, South America and Southeast Asia is every bit as horrible as it is everywhere else. Sure, some people would say that political correctness is over the top in the US, but there are places where topics of racism and bigotry aren’t even part of the national vocabulary. And considering the breadth of American culture that makes it overseas (good AND bad), there’s still an amazing range of ridiculous stereotypes people have about us that make me wonder why everyone calls us an ignorant nation.

While Americans don’t do much travel internationally, something people in other countries don’t have as much of is a culture of is taking risks. Americans are more likely to celebrate success, be driven, and ambitious to make their goals reality. I know it sounds cheesy, but I’ve come to appreciate that from living in countries (both in Asia and industrialised world) where it’s frowned upon to start your own business, where people don’t have the gumption or opportunity to try something new, excelling and celebrating success is frowned upon, and where there’s less of a culture of risk-taking.

There’s plenty I dislike about the US. No universal healthcare, staggering student loans…I’m happy with my life overseas, but I can completely respect the fact that there are other Americans who are similarly happy with their lives and choices and I don’t think that makes them less than or more ignorant than me.

I couldn’t agree more.

Actually he said “takes up a whole continent” and I think he meant “spans a whole continent” which is geographically accurate.

Add Australia and New Zealand, as they are pretty tame (and English-speaking). Oh, and All-Inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico. Only the all-inclusive ones, as you don’t want to meet the locals on the street as equals, but only when they can only say to you (in English, of course) “Would you like more ice tea, sir?”

And yes, the Europeans don’t like us. If you say you’re from America, it’s one reaction, generally blase, but try saying “Texas” and see how your average European reacts!

Different strokes for different folks but it’s one thing to read about it, it’s another thing to see it first hand. Long island has beaches (I used to go to Jones beach as a kid) but a beach in Fiji is very different. Long Island may have a museum but nothing to match the Louvre in Paris. You don’t have to be a frequent traveler like me but it’s a huge world! I can’t understand how anyone could have ZERO desire to see any of it? Even my workaholic office friends still dream of places..

But whatever makes you happy, is OK with me.

When I am looking to relax, I go for a drive or just sleep. When I get vacation time from work I am usually just so exhausted that I just lounge around at home for a week and it’s great. If I want to learn about other places, cultures, etc., I will just read about it.