Thank you Emma! I appreciate your time and taking the time to engage - I enjoy it! Not at all "exam looking" 😊😂 -- ask away anytime!
I think that notion carries a lot of weight and is plenty valid. It may have improved over say the last 50 years - BUT I think most outside of the US travel more.
Here's my .02 (which is entirely a personal opinion and for anyone else coming in to weigh in - I divulge I haven't research what I'm about to say):
The US is such a large country in an of itself that even within its border - each region could be different countries. In the 25+ years that I lived in the US we were the exception having moved to 5 different states between school and then work reasons. Therefore if even moving to another state within the US is rare, you can see how when it's time to vacation - why not just go visit these "foreign" places...so I feel most Americans (again I don't know the numbers, so please don't hold me to this) - vacation in the US. There is plenty to see - they can go see the Grand Canyon and great National Parks, or beaches in Florida or Carolinas, or experience the night life of Vegas or NYC...there really is so much to see. I think its expensive - and many Americans just cannot afford to travel abroad.
Building a stable and prosperous life in the US requires extensive planning and a lot of saving. And yet - the US bombards its citizens with constant messages to: spend! Most Americans are in heavy debt - it's quite sad actually, with most retirees unable to retire or living solely off social security.
So by the time they get to the age where they have the time to travel or see the country - they can't. They just can't afford to.
The American populace lives in the security and stability of a country that allows them to live in bubble - but such bubble works against them mentally.
They are unaware of how things can be done differently and even better at times. Yet for the most part they don't need to go searching for it elsewhere. They have all they need.
It's a good thing- and bad. Double-edge sword, IMO.
Many of us born in 3rd world nation grow up with some notion of "dreaming" of a better life -- in the "better nations" -- so we are preprogrammed to look beyond our border. Well, not pre-programmed - just open to it.
Yet many of us grow up loving our nations, but keenly aware of the shortcomings that hamper progress.
So we get out - wanting to see how it's done elsewhere. Like learning - the more you see, the more you realize you don't know - and the more you want to see more.
Every American that I've ever spoken to who has left - every time says: I want to travel more!
It's fascinating really. Sorry for the long-winded answer.
(I typically will even edit my comments...but for the lack of time today - I'm not going to re-read...so pardon any errors above!!!)
Have a great one Emma!!
