Good question, Leslie. While I don't find it THAT much more expensive to travel within the U.S., it does seem that I get get a much nicer, and more centrally-located, place to stay in, for example, Paris, Rome or Barcelona (my three favorite European cities) than I can in Boston, San Francisco or New Orleans (my three favorite U.S. cities.) <BR><BR>Since I'm on the west coast, flights to Europe are undoubtedly more than they are from the east coast. While I've gotten some great deals on airfares to Europe, especially during the off-season, I recall few fares that have been close, or less, than, say, a fare from Seattle to Boston. But, obviously, if I flew from Seattle to San Francisco, that would be a LOT less expensive than flying to Paris. <BR><BR>I love a lot of places in the U.S. and try to take a trip -- if only a short one -- within the U.S. at least once a year. I haven't been since 1996, but for a number of years in the late '80s and early '90s, I used to go to New England in autumn to see the spectacular display of colorful leaves. This past Christmas, my girlfriend & I had a great trip, driving, to scenic southwest Colorado (Durango, Ouray, and Telluride.) <BR><BR>

Here you go, Kate, maybe this will help you understand my reply: <BR>eth·no·cen·trism (thn-sntrzm)<BR>n. <BR>Belief in the superiority of one's own ethnic group. <BR>Overriding concern with race. <BR><BR>See, Ross was apologizing because in his mind, saying that someone only bathes a few times a week is an insulting thing to say to someone. But that is because he thinks his (American) way is superior. If one believes that bathing only a few times a week is the best way, then who is Ross to apologize for the perceived insult?<BR><BR>Oh, Kate. I just don't know how to explain it to someone like you. Just because someone states a fact, does not make them insulting someone. But to apologize for someone's stating that fact is to act superior and, in my opinion, very smug.<BR><BR>Regarding dirty pubs, oh, come on. You just lost your argument by saying that you have been there several times and have never seen a dirty pub. Come on. If you can't be honest on this issue, then your opinion really doesn't hold any weight.

Marni people were talking about England being dirty and this being a negative. Ross pointing out the ignorance of these remarks does not make him ethnocentric I think now that you have pulled out the old websters you know that. Oh come on. I don’t know where you went on your trip but that was my experience but I would not go to eat in a pub in a place like Camden lock area, or Earl’s court. Here it would be like expecting fine dining at a truck stop.

Well, I haven't been doing the world travel thing for that long (I made my first trip to Ireland 3 years ago), but aside from expense, I travel to Europe for the people, culture and history. Granted I haven't made it out of English speaking countries yet, but I will.<BR><BR>I find the cleanliness in Great Britain and Ireland to be fine and yes, compare London to say, Gary Indiana and you'll see London as VERY clean. I don't care, BTW, how often they bathe.<BR><BR>When you stop at a farmhouse in Ireland or even ask a person on the street in Cork City for directions, you'll find someone who really wants to help you get where you're going. I've never had someone just stare at the ground and keep walking.<BR><BR>The opportunity to see all of that history and enjoy another culture is the main draw. I might as well apologize before someone says, "all that culture, and you've only been to Great Britain and Ireland". Hey give me a chance. I'll get there.<BR><BR>I live in Colorado, so a vacation in the mountains is a 1 hour drive for me, so I've got all the natural beauty I can handle at my fingertips....and I take advantage of it regularly. I've also been to about 75% of the states in the US. Now it's Europe's turn and the cost is no more than say, going to Disneyland. No offense by the way.<BR><BR>I'd like to congratulate most of the people in this group for it has remained unbelievably civil. I've seen people get downright angry because they didn't like the format someone used to post an itinerary. There have been a few rough comments about cleanliness and Ross didn't have to apologize to the entire European community for the few skewed comments of a few contributors. Europeans no doubt have some skewed opinions of the US. That's OK, we'll just keep trying to understand each other.<BR><BR>Thanks for the thread!<BR><BR>Bill<BR>

Bill: I think you will understand Ross's angst when you start to mix on your trips. I have been traveling for the better part of 20 years I do think we need to hold each other accountable for irresponsible judgments we voice freely. Many places have had their hands filled with simpleton remarks and expectations that we should think about. Their frustrations with us are not born out of thin air and you will no doubt get an ear full at some point. I am not saying that we need to walk around with apology just that we need to talk about this. It may seem silly to discuss them openly but I think when we start to think about this sort of thing perhaps we can change behaviors and attitudes. Why do any of this not about being PC it is about paving the way for a better reception on any Americans next trip.<BR><BR>I myself am always in struggle between U.S and the world. I always feel that I should pick the least assessable countries while I am younger and stronger. Many times this excludes the U.S and Europe. I always think of traveling in the U.S as something I should do in retirement. Although, I don’t know if I will want to visit a dude ranch in my seventies. I still long to see: the Northern Lights, Grand Canyon and Golden Gate Bridge. <BR><BR>Finding cultural differences is a huge pull for me. I enjoying noting everything is happening there that way as I am living my life here this way. Sometimes a place won't be too different culturally as in Europe but there will be a architectural beauty that I have not found at home. In general I pack for far and away and hope for the best, can’t judge too much on anyone else’s choices especially if they like traveling on U.S. soil but this is what I have found.<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>

I have traveled solo in both Europe and America. I find it expensive period. But the freedom to explore any interest or chose a place to eat without arguement is worth any price. Europe is more pedestrian friendly but I doubt the term "roadtrip" elicits the same excitement(or groans) in a European as it does in an American.

A great thread, one of the classic golden oldies, even if it is not really all that old.<BR><BR>With real discussion, real opinions, real examples and real names. From almost everybody who makes good and regular contributions here.<BR>

I agree, Kelsey. <BR><BR>But, to the original question, I think it's much cheaper to travel in the US rather than flying to Europe.<BR><BR>Southwest airlines alone can get you to most major areas in the US for $99.00 each way. I live in California and they routinely offer flights for $39.00, or less, to anywhere in California, Azizona, Nevada...LA to Las Vegas is being pushed now for $19.00 each way! Airfares are the same whether you're traveling alone or with others.<BR><BR>Hotels are getting more expensive, to be sure. But you can often get great deals at the so-called budget hotels, like Day's Inn, Comfort Inn, etc...with breakfast.<BR><BR>Theatre and Music venues vary in price depending on who or what is performing. There are plenty of inexpensive, or free, places and performances to see if you look around a bit.<BR><BR>Cleanliness...I think all big cities have their filth and mess. We're just more accustomed to seeing it here in the US because we know where it is.<BR><BR>I don't think money is the issue here. Many people view Europe as an old world, romantic destination, and that's correct to a point...and they equate this as being better. They see the US as familiar, and are aware of the daily shootings, government scandals, etc...It's just more of the same daily news here.<BR><BR>Plus the sheer size difference makes the US difficult to grasp. There's more to see and do here...and in Europe...than any of us can possibly experience in our lifetimes.<BR><BR>When I travel I expect to be met with the good, bad and the ugly. It's all part of the adventure.<BR><BR>http://www.jimtardio.com