Tess

I'd love to go to Europe someday and New Zealand is absolutely on our list but first we want our kids to appreciate and know about their own country. I think it's appalling that many schoolchildren can't even identify 10 states if given a blank map of the U.S. (I read that somewhere). We're so lucky to live in such a diverse land--the only states our kids haven't been to are those in New England (next year, maybe?). Then...onward to New Zealand!

Patty

I agree with gualalalisa. I think a lot of it has to do with how you're brought up. My family has always traveled a lot and I started traveling internationally at a very young age. I wouldn't think twice about going abroad for a long weekend as it just seems perfectly normal to me. My husband however didn't have a passport until after we met. I don't think it's because of any fear or concern but rather it was never a priority growing up in his family. He's actually very adventurous and we go everywhere now. But even today my in-laws haven't been outside of North America. They're going to Europe with us for the first time this fall but only because we invited them. They wouldn't have gone on their own. My mother-in-law is very excited about the trip but I don't think my father-in-law is too thrilled. He loves Hawaii and would prefer to just spend all of his vacations there.