Is this true? only 5% of americans have passports?

[exp]

Man, there are a lot of insults being flung around this thread at people who don't like to travel. I have to ask: SO WHAT? Who gives two sh!ts if some folks prefer to stay in a single geographic locale?? They don't enjoy moving around so they choose to spend their lives in a different way than you...I hardly think anyone is justified condemning them for appreciating a more regional lifestyle.

do you think Americans travel to places outside of the US more often than Europeans travel to places outside of Europe (not just outside their home country)?

Yes, I too am LOL at the myth of The European as a sophisticated world traveler.

 

[FrancesBeansRevenge]

In some parts of Europe if your mind wanders for 20min while driving you've just crossed 3 countries.

The US is HUGE... add Canada and Mexico to that and you have how MANY square miles to visit and people to meet? Much different than any country in Europe.

PS: Nice source czar. A bitter host of a failed game show. That reeks of credibility

 

[chickendinner]

Does not surprise me at all.

 

[Nemesis77]

Originally posted by: b0mbrman
Here's a question...do you think Americans travel to places outside of the US more often than Europeans travel to places outside of Europe (not just outside their home country)?

Not necessarily. I mean, culture in different parts of Europe can be vastly different. France, Italy or Spain are nothing like Finland or Sweden for example. So there's not as great need for us to go outside of Europe if we want to check out a different culture, since Europe is filled with countries with different cultures. Same applies to scenery as well (well, the scenery is valid for USA as well).

I mean, think about it. The culture in Europe varies from hot-blooded latin culture of Italy and Spain, to more reserved culture of Finland and Germany. From kingdoms to republics. From british cuisine to italian and spanish cuisine. From huge mountains of Austria to vast forests of Finland. And while you are travelling through those places, the language changes. I think USA is culturally more similar in different parts of the country (with some exceptions, like Hawaii). While you might notice the difference in culture if you moved from Alabama to California, it would still be the same american culture deep down. If you moved from Italy to Finland, you would notice the difference in about 5 seconds.

 

[Rakkis]

What documents does one need to visit Hawaii?

I would assume a passport is not necessary since I haven't heard otherwise. I would be sure of that if you didn't have to fly over international waters to get there.

 

[elanarchist]

Wow, surprising statistic. I guess I am a huge exception to most of you. My last US passport had more pages put it in twice, in the end it was about 60 full pages of visas and stuff. My current US passport has had more pages put in only once, although it too is getting crowded with entry visas, reentry visas, permits, and what-not.

 

[Czar]

Originally posted by: FrancesBeansRevenge

PS: Nice source czar. A bitter host of a failed game show. That reeks of credibility

thats why I asked

 

[Linflas]

Originally posted by: reitz
I don't have one, and I've never travelled outside the US or Canada, so I've never had the need for one. That 5% number doesn't surprise me...anyone know what the percentage for Canadians is? I'm guessing it's not that different.

Forgive my obvious ignorance, but how does one go about actually getting a passport? How much does it cost? How long does it take to get it?

The State department are the folks that handle passports for the US. The total cost excluding the photo's is $60.00 for age 16 and above.

 

[b0mbrman]

Originally posted by: Nemesis77

I mean, think about it. The culture in Europe varies from hot-blooded latin culture of Italy and Spain, to more reserved culture of Finland and Germany. From kingdoms to republics. From british cuisine to italian and spanish cuisine. And while you are travelling through those places, the language changes.

I can see that many cultures and more on one city block of San Francisco

But I understand what you're saying...

 

[AFSOC_Commando]

I've had a passport for over 37 years, Been to over 30 Countries... Only needed it 3 times in all my travels...

If your not going to travel for what ever reason, then don't get one... If you hope to travel and save a little cash then get one and plan on using it.

People in other countries are not really all that different I have found, But their History is worth visiting....

But then I have also been to about 30 US States and didn't get to visit what I wanted to see in the states.... There is ALOT of things to do right here with-in the US borders.... Then of course there are US territories and such not to include Alaska and Hawaii

You could spend years and thousands of dollars just visiting the national parks in our country....

So why bust the chops of folks whom are happy here? I have met many people in other countries who had money that had No plans or interests in visiting the USA.... They keep busy just seeing what they can with-in their driving range.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: Rakkis
What documents does one need to visit Hawaii?

I would assume a passport is not necessary since I haven't heard otherwise. I would be sure of that if you didn't have to fly over international waters to get there.

Hawaii is the 50th State of the USA. Just bring money (and your credit card).

 

[glen]

wow, I'm surprised so many here that dont have passports, I always thought from all the time wasted reading the forum that realy many here had traveled all over the world

I have a feeling this forum represents one standard deviation or more above average in money and travel.

 

[lesch2k]

sounds true

 

[DAPUNISHER]

I travel to surf so I have a passport

 

[Adul]

i have a passport

 

[eplebnista]

I don't have one.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Wouldn't surprise me. I know too many people who haven't ventured outside the Southeast much less to another continent.

*GTa <-- Has had a passport since he was born!

 

[rahvin]

I mean, think about it. The culture in Europe varies from hot-blooded latin culture of Italy and Spain, to more reserved culture of Finland and Germany. From kingdoms to republics. From british cuisine to italian and spanish cuisine. From huge mountains of Austria to vast forests of Finland. And while you are travelling through those places, the language changes. I think USA is culturally more similar in different parts of the country (with some exceptions, like Hawaii). While you might notice the difference in culture if you moved from Alabama to California, it would still be the same american culture deep down. If you moved from Italy to Finland, you would notice the difference in about 5 seconds.

US culture varies from the bananna republic in southern florida, to the laid back southern californian, to the strict southern baptist to the workaholic northeastern seaboard to the politically connected DC area. It varies from mormon culture to vegas culture, it varies from western cowboy culture to midwest farming. The US contains within it's borders representatives of every nation on earth as citizens.

Sure we all speak the same language but frankly the Euro's are stuck up if they think that traveling around europe makes them more cultured that americans visting and traveling the vastness of our own country.

 

[eddytan]

Originally posted by: baffled2
I dunno, I always keep my passport up to date, it's the gold standard in ID,plus you can leave
the country anytime which can come in handy for unexpected hot vacation deals

Yep, always have my passport ready for those deals. Hey, why do I need to save? My wife and I make decent wages, no kid, very low mortage, no car loan, and fat retirement accounts. I do about 2 major trips every year, each would last from 9 to 21 days. For people who says that US is big enough, yes, it is true but it's all the same. You see the same stuffs all over US, starbuck, chili's, pottery barn etc. But when you venture out, then you notice the difference. Hey, they don't even understand you and vice versa. Experience different culture (food, language etc). But that's the fun of traveling. Hope you all will at least go to Europe to see the world. Heck, just go to Mexico, what I mean is that go visit interior Mexico like Mexico City or Oaxaca. It's not your typical Cancun anymore there but a real Mexican culture. Give it a try and you still don't need a passport if you don't stay too long there. Bon Voyage!

 

[308nato]

Originally posted by: rahvin

I mean, think about it. The culture in Europe varies from hot-blooded latin culture of Italy and Spain, to more reserved culture of Finland and Germany. From kingdoms to republics. From british cuisine to italian and spanish cuisine. From huge mountains of Austria to vast forests of Finland. And while you are travelling through those places, the language changes. I think USA is culturally more similar in different parts of the country (with some exceptions, like Hawaii). While you might notice the difference in culture if you moved from Alabama to California, it would still be the same american culture deep down. If you moved from Italy to Finland, you would notice the difference in about 5 seconds.

US culture varies from the bananna republic in southern florida, to the laid back southern californian, to the strict southern baptist to the workaholic northeastern seaboard to the politically connected DC area. It varies from mormon culture to vegas culture, it varies from western cowboy culture to midwest farming. The US contains within it's borders representatives of every nation on earth as citizens.

Sure we all speak the same language but frankly the Euro's are stuck up if they think that traveling around europe makes them more cultured that americans visting and traveling the vastness of our own country.

That my friend was very well said.

 

[BoberFett]

I have mine, got it a couple years ago. I was supposed to go to Ghana for work, but unfortunately that never happened.

I'd love to travel overseas, but as has been pointed out, lack of money is the deciding factor issue not lack of interest. I'd guess that's true for a lot of people. Your average family can't afford to spend 20% of their years income to travel. That's just unrealistic.

 

[thebestMAX]

Got mine!

Love to use it for ID in airports along with my concealed weapons permit. Always brings on the stupid questions.

You would be surprised how many times I have used it and the person requesting a picture ID didn t know what it was!!!

 

[Electric Amish]

Originally posted by: baffled2

Originally posted by: Skoorb
That's sad staying in the US because you think no other country has anything to offer.

There's no place like home but traveling is soo much fun ! I've had some awesome,really cool
experiences in other countries and like to travel whenever I get the chance

I hate to travel!

Here's my list of times I've actually left Utah....

1) Age 10: Cali/Disneyland
2) Age 12: Cali/Disneyland
3) Age 18: Island Park, Idaho
4) Age 24: New Brunswick, New Jersey for business. First time on an airplane.
5) Age 25: Island Park, Idaho
6) Age 26: Las Vegas, Nevada for business, Second time on an airplane.
7) Age 27: Princeton, New Jersey for business, Third time on an airplane.
8) Age 28: Island Park, Idaho
9) Age 28: Denver, Colorado. LAN party

Pretty exciting, huh?

Why would I need or want a passport?

amish

 

[thebestMAX]

For New Jersey!

 

[optimistic]

Why don't you put a poll up? I like polls

Be sure to state "an active passport" not expired. I'm sure everyone has expired passports.