&quot;We have such a wonderful time and are on such a high after we come back that we can't help wanting to talk about our experiences. But nothing brings down a vacation high like disinterested family, friends, and co-workers.&quot;<BR><BR>That's what gave me that impression.<BR>

My father travels quite a bit now that he's retired, and I can tell you I've looked through every page of his 5' high stack of albums, yikes. I can see where someone less interested in travel than I am would have run away much sooner. <BR><BR>Funny thing is my dad complains about getting cruise trip reports from my cousin and her husband every year, ha.<BR><BR>I'm sure the reasons for people's interest, or lack of, is as varied as the people. <BR><BR>I personally think it's natural that you'd want to share your interest in travel and about your trips. And it can be disappointing when others close to you aren't as interested. (I've been there, lol.) I don't think it's a particularly egotistical reaction. Of course you want the people in your life to share what obviously brings you great pleasure.<BR><BR>At the same time, it's true, I have a hard time relating to interests in some of my loved one's activities.<BR><BR>At least I know my dad will never have the right to complain about me talking about any trip I take, or shrug off looking at my photos either, haha.<BR><BR>

I think it has to do with what people can relate to. if someone you know has gone to the same place you have they might be more interested in what you have experienced and can relate. however, if someone has not been to the places you have they will be less likely to relate. This has been my experience that i have encountered with the different friends/relatives.

In response to the original post on this thread, I have found that I, personally, quit showing interest in Europe after I came back from my 4th? trip. The world is a big place and how many times does one person want to go to Europe before exploring the rest of the world???<BR><BR>The same way that you may dismissingly view a Caribbean cruise, Cancun or other places near to the continental USA, I have come to dismiss Europe...at least for now.<BR><BR>Consequently, my last three major trips have been to China two years ago, South Africa / Zimbabwe last March and Chile last December.<BR><BR>While I have found that there is little interest from others in these trips, other than a little natural curiosity as to why I would choose these locales, I have not allowed it to dissuade me in the least.<BR><BR>To me, South Africa is the most beautiful country I have ever visited and I will be returning in three months for a stay in Cape Town, a weeklong safari at exclusive private game lodges and a stay in Johannesburg. I had originally thought of having a stopover in Europe but then I asked myself what the point was of stopping in Europe when all I really wanted was Africa.<BR><BR>I do admit that there is still a lot of Europe left for me to see. I will get back there again soon, possibly by the end of this year, but I was just grabbed by this topic for reasons mentioned in my first and second paragraphs.<BR><BR>I hope you enjoy all your travels and I do agree that we, as globetrotters, are very forunate and have a lot to be thankful for. Just don't limit yourself to one region of the world when there is such a big and beautiful world out there.