Few U.S. Residents Leave the Country ... and Many do not Leave their States!
@DeborahDiane (40053)
Laguna Woods, California
December 18, 2018 11:24am CST
Recently, I read a shocking statistic. Nearly two-thirds of US citizens do not have a passport. Approximately 11 percent of US citizens have never left the state where they live.
It is, of course, possible that some of the US citizens without a passport may have traveled to Canada, Mexico and countries in the Caribbean in the years before passports were required in order to visit those places.
However, it appears that the majority of US citizens have never gone to Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, Australia or the Middle East. In fact, it also appears that many Americans spend most of their lives pretty close to home, remaining either in their own state or only going to nearby states.
No wonder so many US citizens are suspicious of foreigners, non-Christians, and people of different races.
Travel is one of the ways we learn how much other people are like us, regardless of their race, religion or nationality. Travel helps us see how small our world really is. Travel opens our eyes, our hearts and our minds.
I hope someday I am able to post an article about how well-traveled most Americans are. But, sadly, that is not true today.
Personally, I have traveled to all 50 states in the United States, lived for six months in Mexico, traveled to Canada on several occasions, and been to the countries of Jamaica, Bermuda, Great Britain, France, Germany and Switzerland. I would love to travel even more, but my husband has a lot of health issues which makes travel difficult.
Where have you traveled?
15 people like this
16 responses
@LadyDuck (458006)
• Switzerland
19 Dec 18
I had noticed when I visited, all those who asked us "where are you from?" could not figure out where "Monte-Carlo" was, some asked if it was in Spain, others in Italy, I think that only a couple of people guessed right and one even knew that it was the smallest state after The Vatican. We were impressed.
5 people like this
@LadyDuck (458006)
• Switzerland
20 Dec 18
@DeborahDiane 
That old man that we met in old town San Diego had never traveled, but he knew more about Europe than many Europeans do.
That old man that we met in old town San Diego had never traveled, but he knew more about Europe than many Europeans do.2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40053)
• Laguna Woods, California
20 Dec 18
@LadyDuck - Some people are well-read, at least, and that helps them to have a wider understanding of the world. I loved your story about the old man in San Diego.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40053)
• Laguna Woods, California
20 Dec 18
@LadyDuck - I think that is wonderful that some Americans knew that information. To be honest, I knew Monte Carlo was small, but I did not realize it was the smallest country other than the Vatican. That is fascinating! Thanks for telling me.
2 people like this
@xFiacre (12595)
• Ireland
20 Dec 18
@deborahdiane I’d find it unbearable to be confined to my little island even though I love it dearly and keep returning to it.
3 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40053)
• Laguna Woods, California
20 Dec 18
@xFiacre - Even though I love where I live, I think it would be unbearable to be confined to my area and never leave it. It is nice to see new places.
1 person likes this
@maclanis (2357)
• Belgium
18 Dec 18
Wow, I can't believe so many Americans have never even left their own state. I've been to a lot of European countries, but I haven't been outside it. I've been to Belgium (where I live), the Netherlands, Luxembourg, UK, Sweden, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Malta, Croatia, Greece, Poland, Czech Republic and Turkey. I think that's it!
2 people like this
@maclanis (2357)
• Belgium
20 Dec 18
@DeborahDiane It's definitely easier for me to travel abroad than someone in the US, because Europe is just so small.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40053)
• Laguna Woods, California
20 Dec 18
@maclanis - Yes, and I'm glad that you have taken the opportunity to visit a variety of countries.
@DeborahDiane (40053)
• Laguna Woods, California
20 Dec 18
@maclanis - Yes, I was shocked that so many Americans have not even left their own state. I am impressed by how many countries you have been too ... the most of anyone who has responded to this post, so far.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325709)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Dec 18
Travelling certainly opened my eyes and broadened my outlook. I wonder what the stats are for Australia? We have such a mix of nationalities I think perhaps the percentage of those who have travelled overseas would be higher. And, if you want to travel anywhere here, then you virtually have to go overseas. 
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40053)
• Laguna Woods, California
20 Dec 18
@JudyEv - I think that people in most of the modern countries travel outside their own nation more than many Americans do. As you say, anyone who wants to travel in Australia almost has to leave the country and go overseas! And Europeans constantly travel to other countries.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40053)
• Laguna Woods, California
20 Dec 18
@JudyEv - Yes, that is true. I think that people on the East Coast are more likely to visit other states, at the very least, because so many of our Eastern States are much smaller than the Western States. I think it is good for everyone to travel when they can, and get to know people who are different from them.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325709)
• Rockingham, Australia
20 Dec 18
@DeborahDiane Perhaps America is such a bit country anyway that travelling anywhere seems a big deal.
1 person likes this
@JohnRoberts (109857)
• Los Angeles, California
18 Dec 18
I have been to the majority of states plus Canada, Mexico, the UK, France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Sweden.
3 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40053)
• Laguna Woods, California
20 Dec 18
@JohnRoberts - You have traveled to about the same number of countries that I have. That's wonderful! I think it does enhance our lives when we have traveled!
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40053)
• Laguna Woods, California
18 Dec 18
@CarolDM - I hope you are able to travel more in the future. We have a fascinating country with lots of interesting history.
2 people like this
@CarolDM (203454)
• Nashville, Tennessee
18 Dec 18
@DeborahDiane I have said many times how much we have to see her win the US without leaving the country. I hope I win the lottery one day and can hit the road.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40053)
• Laguna Woods, California
20 Dec 18
@CarolDM - I hope you get to hit the road one of these days, too.
@changjiangzhibin89 (16533)
• China
20 Dec 18
That does surprise me ! I never have thought that most people there like to stay close to the family hearth.But then,I haven't gone abroad either so far . I had been to many parts of China before retirement,due to having business trip.I think that travelling provides us with a useful window on the world.
1 person likes this
@changjiangzhibin89 (16533)
• China
21 Dec 18
@DeborahDiane Yes,Mylot is a great place to promote mutual understanging of the people from the different parts of the world.I have known a lot of things here that I didn't know before .
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40053)
• Laguna Woods, California
21 Dec 18
@changjiangzhibin89 - Me, too!
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40053)
• Laguna Woods, California
20 Dec 18
Yes, I agree that traveling provides us with a window on the world, even if we just travel to different parts of our own country. I think sites like MyLot are also a great opportunity to get to know people who are different from us ... and discover how much we all have in common.
1 person likes this
@jstory07 (134433)
• Roseburg, Oregon
20 Dec 18
@DeborahDiane My Dad was in the Army so the army paid for everything.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40053)
• Laguna Woods, California
20 Dec 18
@jstory07 - Judy, that is wonderful! What an exciting adventure that would be!
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40053)
• Laguna Woods, California
20 Dec 18
@jstory07 - That's great. The military has given many families the ability to see the world.
@DeborahDiane (40053)
• Laguna Woods, California
20 Dec 18
@valmnz - I am sure you are right that not everyone wants to travel and it is not necessary to lead a meaningful life. In addition, it is not possible for everyone to travel. However, I do think travel helps to decrease the amount of prejudice in the world, and that is beneficial.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (95136)
• Marion, Ohio
18 Dec 18
I am a homebody. I have been to a couple of other states. But just wanted to get back home.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40053)
• Laguna Woods, California
20 Dec 18
@wolfgirl569 - I have to admit that no matter where I travel, there is no place like home. I always like to get back home.
@noni1959 (9886)
• United States
28 Dec 18
I love to travel. Unfortunately, the only international has been to Mexico twice. Cabo Azul and Ensenada. I want to go to Italy, Bavaria, Sweeden, Norway, Canada, and England. I have a passport and have a global entry so can go precheck and get through the long customs much faster. I hope to visit someplace soon I can use it.
1 person likes this
@noni1959 (9886)
• United States
29 Dec 18
@DeborahDiane I've used it for pre check to get through security fast but not for international yet. I hope soon.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40053)
• Laguna Woods, California
30 Dec 18
@noni1959 - I hope it all works out the way you want. I have a US pre-check card and, I agree, it sure makes it easier when we can go through security fast.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40053)
• Laguna Woods, California
29 Dec 18
@noni1959 - It sounds like you have prepared yourself well for a long trip. I hope you get to use that global entry soon! Good luck to you!
1 person likes this
@Morleyhunt (21737)
• Canada
18 Dec 18
I'm not a huge traveller...also not American. I travel in the US and Canada. I have been in the Netherlands and in Germany. Someday I may travel farther, but for the next twelve months it will all be in North America..
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40053)
• Laguna Woods, California
20 Dec 18
@Morleyhunt - It sounds like you have gotten out of your home country and done some travelling. It doesn't need to be constant. I think it is wonderful you have traveled at all.
@DeborahDiane (40053)
• Laguna Woods, California
20 Dec 18
@Courage7 - You are right that a lot of people do not even know what is on the next street over. They live in their own little bubbles and rarely get to know people who are different from them. It causes a lot of problems in the world, I think. Good for you for traveling to those places.
1 person likes this
@KOLAMsegaran1 (4137)
• Bekasi, Indonesia
18 Dec 18
Maybe I have to travel abroad first, so that I can give you a word of your status,
Because before I never went there, so I don't know what to answer,
But I really like the status you make, and I think this is a great story that you did
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40053)
• Laguna Woods, California
20 Dec 18
Thank you. I hope you do get to travel in the future.
1 person likes this
@KOLAMsegaran1 (4137)
• Bekasi, Indonesia
20 Dec 18
@DeborahDiane yes, maybe I will try it
1 person likes this
@maximax8 (31053)
• United Kingdom
6 Jan 19
I live in the United Kingdom in the part which is called England. I have been to Australia twice and many Australians take time out of their usual routine to go around a lot of Australia. It is a large country so it takes them sometime. I have met a lot of Canadians on my travels and also a lot of German travellers. I have seen an older American man overcharged at every border. It was one or two in the currency for everyone else and 50 for him. It is sad to think many American adults have never even left the state they live in. I know America has 50 states. I have visited California and Hawaii. In the Americas I have visited Canada, St Lucia, Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Brazil and Uruguay. I have visited all of Europe except Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. In Asia I have visited Turkey, Israel, Jordan, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. I have visited Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, French Polynesia, the Cook Islands and Fiji. In Africa I have visited Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, the Seychelles, South Africa and Kenya. My disabled son is in wheelchair and I still manage to travel.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40053)
• Laguna Woods, California
8 Jan 19
@maximax8 - I am totally in awe of you and all the places you have traveled. I have met very few Americans who have come close to traveling that much. Good for you! I have heard Americans are often overcharged in foreign countries. That is a shame, because it makes some people even less likely to travel.
@moffittjc (118435)
• Gainesville, Florida
22 Dec 18
I have been to just about every corner of the earth. I agree with you wholeheartedly that traveling the world helps us learn about other people and other cultures. It has helped me learn to be tolerant and accepting of people who are different from me. I also realized growing up in south Florida (where so many people from all over the world live) that I was much more open to different cultures and beliefs than other friends who lived in places where there was no diversity.
I think everybody should travel the world, but I also understand that not everybody can afford to. But for those that can't, sites like myLot are also good ways to meet people from around the world and broaden their horizons!
1 person likes this
