Bill McKee wrote:
> wrote in message
> news:2f2qm11fpmb91e1rvvqtt1aluba9fe1dca@4ax.com...
>
>>The per capita percentage of Americans that travel internationally for
>>pleasure is low compared to other western nations.
>>
>>This seems strange, given the relatively high standard of living and
>>disposable income of Americans.
>>
>>Although there has been a recent spike of US citizens obtaining
>>passports, thi sis mainly due to recent legislation and it is doubtful
>>the passports will increase the amount of travel outside North
>>America.
>>
>>Why is the international travel so low ?
>
>
> Big country. Lots to do and see here. Europe is actually a lot of small
> countries. So a 2 hour drive gets you international travel, while a 2 hour
> drive in California, does not get you out of the state. Statistics are
> marvelous aren't they?
I'm sure that's a large part of it. However, another factor is the
extreme unpleasantness of flying in the US these days, whether
internationally or domestically. This is partly because of the pervasive
and ineffective security measures, and partly because the airlines have
made air travel as horrific as they possibly could.
My wife and I flew extensively before 2001, going to lots of places
inside and out of the US. Since January 2001 (note: LONG BEFORE 9/11),
we have not boarded a plane. Until things change massively, we will NOT
be boarding any planes. |