Jim K

This is going to sound stupid, but the reason I first went to Europe and the UK was to see a few sites that the mythical 007 was at. I discovered it was fun and have made other trips subsequently to places unrelated to James Bond. I suppose one of 007's secret missions is to encourage tourism!

Snoopy

To get away from what I see everyday . . .

RzzzA

I second Snoopy's comment...it's always healthy to get out of the norm of everyday life; it'll put a lot of things in perspective and provide you with fresh outlooks on life and people!<BR><BR>PEOPLE motivate me to travel...our differences in culture, language, lifestyle make travel all the more interesting!<BR><BR>Oh, and we mustn't forget the FOOD...that's an adventure all to itself!<BR><BR>

Pearson

To remind myself how good we have it over here in the good ole US of A. I like Europe but nothing beats coming home.

europeangirl

Right, I like the US, but nothing beats coming home!<BR>Because it's home!!

Michelle

Ever since I was a child and heard my grandparents' and parents' stories, I've wanted to go to Spain and Italy to &quot;find my roots&quot;. I have and it has been great!!<BR><BR>A Thought:<BR>A friend's grandparents immigrated from Tuscany. The family goes back often to visit. She asked her grandfather how could they leave such a beautiful place? He told her she was seeing it on a full stomach. On an empty stomach, it doesn't look so beautiful.

susanna

The above posted a zinger!!! Most of us w/ european heritage are here because it was so difficult to make a good living in the respective co's and America held promise; we also theoretically offered freedom of speech, religion, and a democratic government. I'm very proud of my roots, but I'm aware that my mother would probably be cleaning fish for a living if her dad hadn't left N. Ireland at the turn of the cent. we are able to travel because we have the money, but those we visit aren't always able for lack of the $ resources. However, the irony is that there is usually a slower pace, a greater appreciation for life in Europe w/ less emphasis on money and status than here. i think of French/afghani friends in paris with good educations who raised 3 dtrs in a highrise w/ a tiny kitchen and 3 small bedrooms. Most of us can probably boast large comfortable homes w/ yards, by comparison, and a great deal more world exploration than those we visit. it's humbling.

xxx

What appeals to me the most is that it is so non-American.

curious

Curious as to why you're only asking Americans why they travel to Europe?