Do you know people who have NO INTEREST in traveling?!?!
 

More food for thought... <BR> <BR>I was prompted to post this question after going through the tremendous response on the "wealthy" thread. Many people have talked about others they know who say they want to go but just can't afford it or can't take the time off. Perhaps they really want to go but just don't know how to make it happen. <BR> <BR>Then, it dawned on me that there are actually people who DON'T want to go. As unbelieveable as this sounds to us Travel Addicts, there are people who don't care. I know an older couple who have plenty of means but no interest in going anywhere but the U.S. They take lots of road trips but have only left the U.S. border once in all their years (and it wasn't Europe) <BR> <BR>I asked them why. They really didn't have much to say. They said they like seeing all the history of our country. I don't blame them for that but quite a bit of our history is over in Europe! You would think they would want to go at least once and see London and Paris is nothing else. Especially since they can well afford it. <BR> <BR>I also have a business associate who is going to Paris in the fall with a girlfriend because her husband just refuses to go. He wants to hike and water ski. That's it. Now, I'm not bashing these activies, I think that's fine but there is more to life than hiking and water skiing. At least, in my never to be humble opinion... <BR> <BR>So, do you know any people like this or am I the only one?

I absolutely know people who have no interest in travelling and what a shame that is. I don't mean that they have to go to Europe each time, but these are people who take two weeks off of work to go to the local beach. They certainly have the means as they both work and have no kids. But as I stated in the 'wealthy' thread, it all comes down to priorities. These people find that driving a new Lexus and doing all sorts of renovations on their home more important. Hey, nothing wrong with that if that's what you want to do. But don't berate those of us who would rather live modestly but travel, be it in the US or Europe or anywhere else. <BR>

To be fair, Lynn, I don't think someone who traverses this country can be said to have "No interest" in travelling. There is a wealth of wonders to be discovered on this continent and I wouldn't scoff at anyone who chose to do so. In some cases, I think that the idea of venturing is just really intimidating or overwhelming and it's just not "in" some people to try it. On the other hand...the true stay-at-homes...those who don't even bother to find out what treasures are beyond their own doorsteps, are a breed that I don't understand...and pity. But then, they usually are folks who can't see beyond the tip of their own noses, anyway, yes? (And I don't mean those who would dearly love to explore the nooks and crannies of this earth, but whose cirucmstances have denied them the means.)

oops, sorry. that was sposed to be "venturing...overseas"....

<BR>Hello Lynn <BR>Yes, I do know somebody who has no interest in travel, and it drives me crazy. As a kid, I always wanted to go places but my dad, the travel-avert, didn't want to. Consequently, we took day trips around southern Ontario. Not the most exciting thing, let me tell you. <BR>Oh well. Now that I'm a little older, hopefully I can see what I want! <BR>amber <BR>

Raeona - <BR> <BR>I am certainly not scoffing and don't mean to sound like I am. I agree that there are great things to see in this country. I just don't understand people who are so interested in history but have no desire to visit some of the most historic places in the world. Places that shaped the way of the world as we know it today. <BR> <BR>I guess these differences are what make life interesting and give us so much to talk about on this site! <BR> <BR>Here's to Your Next Trip!

I once had a friend who didn't just have no interest in traveling, but positively disliked it. And she was definitely not a narrow-minded know-nothing or xenophobe. She was extremely well-read, inquisitive, broad-minded, politically active, socially aware, knowledgable about history and sociology, etc. She just said that she was a homebody and was uncomfortable far from her nest. When her husband got a chance to work in London for three months and she was able to join him, she was far from thrilled. Well, I wouldn't bungee-jump or snowboard for love or money, so I guess we all have our comfort zones....

I was born in a southern state of Australia, came to a nothern state for a few years as a teenager with my parents. We returned south, where I worked, married and had my children. After a few years my husband children and I came back to this northern state to live and have been here 20 years. After the first couple of years my old school had a reunion which I attended, met up with old friends. I would say with the exception of two, none had ventured more than 100 kms in all those years. After 20 years, we are due to have another reunion this year, so time will tell if they have changed. I know one couple who don't want to, and certainly don't go out of their own area. I have noticed this with older northern state people in this 20 years. All my friends from the southern state have travelled far and wide. Younger ones now do venture overseas I will admit. What is the problem here? I was a fish out of water, 20 years ago, having travelled overseas a few times, moved interstate twice, travelled eastern and southern Australia and itching to go again. You will notice I have not mentioned states I want to go to this reunion, and come home in one piece. <BR>

<BR>Oh definately yes. And I am *totally bewildered* by this, I admit. I never will understand some people, I tell you. Take my parents for instance. My father went overseas once in his life...cause he was drafted and sent there. He never fought, he just typed reports but he hated the island he was on and has never been outside the states since. My mom never went further than a few local states. I also have some friends who *used* to say they had no interest in travel. Interestingly enough both later married someone who like travel so they both finally made it to Europe in their 40s...and loved it! One has been back 3 times since even. But I do know some folks hate travel which is something I will never understand. But then lots of people like TV which is another thing I will never understand.

One time, a person at work made the following statement when I asked her about her interest in travel. She said-"Why should I spend any money in something I would have nothing to show for."- <BR> <BR>Talking about materialistic....

All of you have struck a responsive chord: there simply are some people who do not wish to change. Growing up in Chicago, we had friends whose idea of a vacation was to go to a camp in Wisconsin. Year after year after year. When asked why they did not do something different, they would give us blank looks and say, "But we have ALWAYS gone up to the lake. It's a tradition." <BR>We have other friends who only will consider taking a holiday in another country where the language is English. Talk about people who are missing something! I recall asking one of these friends why this was so. Her response: "I did not like studying French in high school." Since there is no logic in this way of thinking, and the woman was living in the past, there was no room for discussion. Just let it go, and do your own thing! Enjoy! The capper came when we told friends that we were going to East Africa several years ago. Their response: "We can go to the zoo if we want to see animals...and think of the money we save." Sheesh.

Yes Lynn, I know someone who absolutely hates to travel: our own son, can you imagine? My husband and me are constantly speaking about "where shall we go next time" and the only thing he replies is "I'm not going with you". He is 16 now and the last years my mother took care of him when we were on holiday because vacationing with a child that absolutely WANTS TO STAY HOME, is not relaxing, not for us and not for him. <BR>But with a very bad summer behind us (1998 was wet, wet, wet) and our son being bored the whole school vacation (8 weeks) we have been able to convince him to go with us this summer to a warm and sunny place that we have mutually chosen. <BR>I wonder how it will be!

Lynn, Great topic! I know a lot of people who say they have no interest in traveling...usually they actually are busy raising families, so I'd say that's a good reason. My husband and I will be married 27 years in June and never were able to have children. We both grew up middle class and have lived in the same area all our lives. We have made traveling a big part of our lives. We've always felt the US is a great place and have seen a lot of it but we've tried to concentrate on foreign countries to sight see and to mingle with people and to learn about other cultures. We both feel that when we are older we concentrate on the US and see more of our own country. I think I get frustrated when people use the excuse not to go abroad because its better to see our own country first. I feel the world is ours so why not see it.

My husband is in the process of purchasing from a co-worker two roundtrip tickets on Icelandair for $300. The guy won them, but doesn't want them because his wife doesn't want to travel overseas because she doesn't want to fly over water. I can't even imagine living like that.

I think the operative words here are "no interest". I have several old friends and relatives who no longer travel because of health concerns and problems, but that does not mean that they are not interested in others who are still fortunate enough to see new places or that they have not gone places in years past. And I know people whose current economic circumstance precludes travel planning. In the former case, the travel-broadend mind set is till their; in the latter case, postponed by no means signifies theye have abandoned the idea. <BR>The few people I know who are finaicially able, but who rarely, if ever, travel, are limited in their outlook. I cannot identify with them because we have so little in common, so little in fact that once we get beyond the "hello" stage, I find it hard to talk with them about something other than the weather and perhaps the most recent football games. (I don't watch soap operas or Jerry Springer!!) <BR> <BR>As for not wanting to go to Europe, I can understand that. There is a lot to see in the United States. It is something of a trade-off for me to chose among my favorite National Parks of the West, Alaska, and Europe. This year I took a part-time job in retirement to have enough money for two major trips: one to Yellowstone and Glacier and one to Paris and the Alps. I really don't think people who travel widely in the USA are in the same league as people who confine their travels to trips across town, or who consider a trip to Dollywood to be a once in a lifetime endeavor, or who consider Las Vegas to be their only tourist Mecca. Those of us who venture to Europe and beyond seem more philosophical and inquisitive about our trips. We also seem to prepare more diligently and to have very definite travel objectives and goals. For comparison, read through the European forum, then scan the most recent 100 messages on the US forum and 50 on the Canada forum. I am willing to bet that you will notice a difference in the type of questions asked, and the depth of the responses. I am not trying to stir up a fight here, because I reply frequently to USA and Canada inquiries. <BR>But the three different forums do have a style and a tone of their own. Be interesting to read what others think on this issue. One thing is for sure, I don't recall seeing this type of philosophical exchange elsewhere. On no other forum have we had the Tacky Tourist, the Revenge of the Tacky Tourist, and the Anti Tacky Tourist Brigade! Fun reading! <BR> <BR>

Lynn, <BR> <BR>Love this question. I know MANY people who have no interest in traveling. They have enough money to travel and enough time off from work (or are retired) and have no desire to go anywhere. This simply amazes me. I have one friend who went to London a couple of years ago because a bunch of us love to travel and talk about traveling and she felt left out of the experience. I think she enjoyed the trip after she went but wasn't all that anxious to get there (i.e., she still wasn't packed the night before and all she worried about was that she didn't have the VAT forms to fill out in advance - and this is from someone who never shops). I have another friend who loves to talk about traveling but I can't get her to go anywhere (even NY city which is about 30 miles away). <BR> <BR>I think I used to try to convince people to travel because of the wonderful and varied experiences. But I don't bother any more. I figure if people have excuses why they don't travel they simply don't want to. With airplanes and popular places in Europe becoming so crowded I'm sort of glad that more people don't travel. <BR> <BR>I am very greatful to the woman I worked with who encouraged me to take my first trip to England when I was 20. She talked about Europe so much (she and her husband were stationed in several places while he was in the military) that I finally bought a suitcase, guidebook, and passport, booked a flight and went without any plans or hotels (much to my parents' distress). There were lots of problems (minor) that first trip but it was a learning experience that I wouldn't trade for anything...the people I met and places I went that no one else I knew had gone to. It was my first time on a plane and my first time on vacation without my parents. I was definitely an innocent abroad but returned home with memories I still have today. <BR> <BR>Adrienne <BR>

Lynne, what I think is sad is when one half of a couple wants to travel and the other half does not. My mother-in-law raised 5 sons while her husband travelled a lot on business. Then when all of the sons were out of the house, she said "let's go" and he said "I think not". Unfortunately theirs was a marriage where he held the purse strings, too. Another example I can think of that encourages the "do it now" attitude is my best friend's parents. When their 4 kids were all out of college, they planned to travel. But my friend's mom developed lupus right about then and couldn't do anything due to medical treatment. Travel now. Take your kids. Enjoy every moment. But somebody please tell me how to cure the fear of flying! <BR>

My partner is not interested in leaving Australia. He is content to go for holidays to his farm and play the farmer and shoot feral animals. His friends are the same. Mine all love travelling and I therefore go with my girlfriends and sometimes another male friend - we all have the same interests : history, archaeology, architecture, art, immersing ourselves in other cultures and an indefatigable wanderlust.

You might think that people in Europe are different : after all, we on average get 5 weeks' vacation, and within an hour's flight, you are able to choose between four or five countries. Well, if you look at the statistics, in France at least, you'll realize that 40 % don't take any vacation AT ALL (statistically, four days in a row out of your home, which isn't much). And among the remaining, 85 % take it in France. I don't know the figures for vacations taken outside Europe, but it should be something like 2 or 3 % ! As amazing as it sounds, I do know some Parisian yuppies who hardly ever travel for their vacation, except to see relatives. I used to be very judgmental towards those people, but I've been told so many times that I was intolerant and biased, that I am more politically correct now...

Another interesting topic. Unfortunately, as I said in the thread that prompted this one, I have known lots and lots and lots of people like this. If someone can't go, that is one thing. However, I have met so many people who simply just don't want to and who truly don't think they are missing out on anything. I frequent all the Fodors sites, and I have noticed the same things as Bob about the differences. The Europe forum is by far the most interesting. The Latin American and Asian are decent too, but the replies are much fewer, and the Latin American ones concentrate too heavily on the Mexican resorts sometimes. The U.S. forum gets a lot of replies, but the tone is different. Bob brought up another good point too. I think we face the same dilemma. I am an avid nature and travel photographer. How do I use two weeks of vacation a year to to Europe, Asia, Mexico, etc. and still see the beauty of the U.S. without waiting until retirement? It's a tough choice. Luckily, North Carolina has nice mountains and coastal areas to assuage some of the desire for nature subjects - good long weekend destinations. <BR> <BR>My wife works with someone who recently had (I emphasize had) to go to Germany recently (her first trip to Europe)to attend a wedding. She was not only concerned about how the German family her relative was marrying into would receive her, but she acted like she was going to another world. I don't think she did any real site-seeing while she was there. She must be petrified when my wife talks about our travels in China. <BR> <BR>Basically, I don't criticize people who feel this way. To each his own, but I do feel like they are short-changing themselves by not going out to experience other cultures. I cannot possibly imagine myself going through life like that.

Most notable among the people I know who have little or no interest in traveling is my EX-husband. No wonder, eh? (I was young and naive.) ...And I actually had someone say to me, 'Why would I go to Europe? I've seen all that on TV.' <BR> <BR>My son's school has a 'world fair' each year where each classroom is a different country, and they travel around the school with their passports. The teachers always ask for things from home to display during this. One year I took my expired passport with stamps from my '85 Europe trip. One teacher asked me where I'd been. I said, "Just part of western Europe." (A friend berated me for that 'pompous'--gee, I thought it was factual--response.) But the teacher said, "Just western Europe? I've never been out of Texas!" And I still wonder, Whose fault does she think that is?

My fiance just doesnt share my passion for travel. I will do just about anything to get myself back to europe at least once a year. I would probably be living there if he was more adventurous. I guess I'll have to settle for just visits. On a positive note though, I'm on my way to being a teacher and summers off means weeks in paris, i cant wait.

I have a couple of friends who have no real interest in travelling overseas. When asked, they don't really know why, they just don't care if they go. I don't think they would give up a free trip, but they certainly don't care enough to make it happen. I got back from my second trip to Europe 2 months ago and can't wait to go back again. Their attitude is unfathomable to me because I would like to visit every nook and cranny of the world if I had the time and money. But, they have interests that I don't share. So who am I to say boo?

My late mother and father-in-law had no interest in foreign travel. They had the money, the time, and (for many years) the good health. But they preferred staying in their own house up north in the spring/summer, and their own place in Florida in winter. They loved to play golf and go boating. They loved each other dearly, were married for over 50 years, and died within 2 years of each other. (She died last, of cancer, but I think it was hastened by a broken heart.) Their children all enjoy travel, in varying degrees. We all wondered why they didn't travel more, but they were happy, so it didn't really matter.

Yes, I know plenty of people who have no interest in traveling abroad. DO NOT ENCOURAGE THEM! It is crowded enough out there.

Lynn - <BR> <BR>You have definitely struck a chord here. Allow me to explain- as some of you know, I live in Germany (stationed with my military hubby). And in the 5+ years we've been here, you would not believe how many times I've heard people complain about how little there is to do here! I'm not making this up. We live only 4 hours from Paris, 4 hours from Switzerland, and 5 hours from Amsterdam, yet I know dozens of people who never leave the base during their entire 3+ years here. It's really sickening considering all of the unfortunate souls back home that will never have an opportunity to leave their home state, nevermind flying overseas. Unfortunately, my husband also falls into this category. Unless we are going somewhere with a beach and lots of sun, he refuses to travel with me. I haven't let that stop me, though. I've enjoyed many excursions and don't plan on leaving Europe until I've seen it all!

One reason why someone stationed in Germany may not be interested in what it offers is in where the essence of value comes from. Things easily acquired seem to have little value. Take for example the opportunities that the children have at schools. While there are tremendous variations depending on where they go, they have overall more opportunities than those went to schools during less presporous times in this century. While I regularly volunteer at a nearby school, I cannot notice how little values students place in the opportunities within their grasps. My daughter tells me about students in her French class how they proud themselves in saying "they can't make me learn anything." I am saddened by us adults having to pay tuition out of pocket and fight traffics to attend community college language classes at night across the town, coming home late at night. At least I have this opportunity where I live. I wish I can take their places attending all expense paid advanced language classes next to my house instead. <BR>

Well, my office mate is very defensive about my upcoming trip to Europe. I don't recall asking her why she wasn't going too, but she did take it upon herself to explain why she wasn't going :-) <BR>First off, her husband owns a business (hard to get away). Second, she says she likes her children to spend time with their cousins and form strong relationships rather than trotting around to places they can't properly appreciate. Gotta admit, there's logic in that! <BR> Third, not everyone has enough vacation/money to make a European trip worthwhile.

Well, I like that one ! <BR>Yes, it is true that some people don't care about traveling, and I'd say Bob is close to an answer : no interest. But why ? How come you can decide you're NOT INTERESTED !? <BR>It seems to me to be a matter of education. Adrienne said she was so greatful to the woman who encouraged her to travel. You can send a virgin traveler almost anywhere, but ask him/her to just try it once, and only if the personn didn't like it should he/she be encouraged to travel again. Other than that he/she will volunteer to more travel by himself with great pleasure ! <BR>Being french I've had a very hard time enjoying the us at first, even though I was almost fluent when I came here (I lived in NY till the age of 4). People ARE different, and we have such a HUGE prejudice against each other's countries, that, added to the real difficulties -languages, diets, fields of interest, etc...- it makes it very hard to appreciate. How many times have I seen my fellow froggies temporarily located on this side of the atlantic being snobish to those capitalistic materialistic americans ?!?! Well, I am being too french, but there is really something about americans -there are thousands of things a french will forgive any foreign guy but to us citizens. And I had to see the good part of it to like it, my skills were not enough to allow me to feel confortable at first, even though I had travel several times in Europe/Asia before. <BR>Now let's talk about americans disregarding Europe : I feel the "no-interest" syndrome is just due to a lack of interest for nice urban devellopement -you know what I mean, the little cafe in front of the church where everybody gathers at the end of the day, the cosy pedestrian downtowns, and other pretty neighbourhoods. Houses areas are nice here, but it seems to me that most of US is made of appartement complexes that all look the same, highways, and malls, malls, everwhere. Right, I'm not in the best place to say that : Dallas, Texas. I've seen others where it's much nicer. But it doesn't really seem to actually go towards more and more concern of building nice cities. It is so rare to see someone walking in the street -if it happens, it means the personn is lost, is doing a sport perfomance record, is or in trouble. Dallas is getting uglier every month, I can see it, and I don't think it's an exception. Now, if you were born in a big city like that, where outside town is just open land -so wide-, and TV just shows Europe as being : <BR>1/Old (who wants to live in an old house in the US ?) <BR>2/Small (same...) <BR>3/Alegdely intelectual and snobish <BR>4/Always on strike <BR>...Then why would one like to go there ? <BR> Our former american neighbourgs, who live a lovely house on the Hudson river north from NY, are very dynamic people, and I should say rich enough to spend the rest of their life abroad. The father is just scared about coming to France, he thinks he won't get an ATM to save his life. Meanwhile one of his 11 children got a chance to come to Europe as a kid, and currently lives in Geneva for he couldn't find a job in Paris, but he's so eager to get there, you can't imagine ! One "knows", the other one doesn't. <BR> Same for this collegue, young engineer who mainly drinks Budweiser while looking at football : he's being send to la Ciotat, Provence, south of France, and kept grumling since he learned it. He just doesn't know ! Why would he enjoy two jet-lags in 5 days in a country where he doesn't understand a word ? It's just like god : why follow him if it's just for pain ? No reason. But if you're educated -and you met him, and bla-bla-bla, there you'll become a christian. <BR> So after all, as I said, I see it as a matter of education. Indeed Europe has all the problems I mentionned, but it has great things that just makes you forget them ! If you know how great it is to live in a wonderfull city like, you won't keep thinking there nothing in the world but your hometown. And as soon as you get a chance to actually meet the people, it's getting fantastic. <BR>And it's the same on the other side : there are great things to enjoy being here. Ok, US government needs to improve (or start ...) an urban policy to prevent money from talking too much before the whole country is destroyed. And probably americans should be a bit more interested in philosophy. But still you can enjoy lots of things, and the good part of the "american way of life", once you've had a chance to see it, and you've made the effort to like it. I've had a hard time getting my hyper-anti-american wife to the conclusion that it's not that bad, and it's clear that I would never have reach that point without coming here. But now she likes it, she's no longer disliking americans, even the wild Texans -it's easier to like people in San Francisco, I don't know why... <BR>Now, if YOU are rich, try that : accept to reimbourse your shy fellows the trip if they don't like it. I'm sure if you take them to a place you know they will like it, you won't have to take a penny out of your pocket. <BR>Last thing : Thanks to all you american guys who flew overseas. It makes you so much different from the others. All the people I really liked here had seen parts of Europe -they're still deeply yankees and red necks, but something was opened, that made them even more interesting then many, many europeans. <BR>Again : EDUCATION !!!!!!!

Different strokes for different folks. Just think if EVERYONE travelled! Why, everything would be crowded, you'd never get a table in a restaurant, everyone would be more tolerant and understanding, people would accept averse conditions more calmly, Amtrack would be in the black, you'd always have to pay the rack rate....just imagine the havoc! People learning different languages! Boston Brahmins eating grits! Floridians having to buy mittens! Sakes alive, all hell would break loose! No no let's just leave everything just the way it is....

<BR>Message to Maira: <BR>My mother says the same thing. She says "Why spend all that money when all you have left are some pictures and memories'. Thank God of all the things I DID inherit from her, that attitude isn't one of them.

Great thread Lynn! Yes I do know someone who refuses to travel ANYWHERE, although I must admit I am thankful. Why...she's my cat sitter! Because she refuses to leave the confines of her apartment (with four cats and 2 hamsters), I can get up and go and never have to worry about my kitty! Every time I tell her about an upcoming trip I have planned, she starts talking about her one and only vacation (hideous cruise to the Caribbean taken YEARS ago) and how "no place is like home".