"I confess that it frustrates me that many Americans were apparently fine with Trump’s corruption and lawlessness, the incredible cruelty, and all the rest — but now that the cost of gas is going up, these same folks are losing their shit." YES--EXACTLY! AMEN, BROTHER!
Right?? I was going to echo that same line. "I was fine with the racism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, and climate destruction, but ME paying too much for gas and groceries is TOO FAR." Really, people?
It's REALLY REALLY hard not to think, "Wow, you really must be a terrible person with absolutely no moral code at all." But I know that's not helpful to say out loud.
The sad thing when it comes to travel is that the rich will always be able to travel... But this will restrict how many young people might be able to take a gap year, and how many older people might be able to feel comfortable enough to do some traveling in their retirement. It's unfortunate that the people who are profiting the most off of this war will not be affected by it.
Yes, exactly. Overtourism is very very real, but people don't understand how extraordinary that last three decades have been -- how, for the first time in history, non-rich people are traveling for leisure.
I see that silver lining too! Thanks for putting this out there. We can at least learn to be more mindful and efficient with our energy consumption. And we may never return to being wasteful afterwards.
Every time I return from Europe to the US, I think, IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY. And yet, it's not going to change much in my lifetime, let's be real. I hope to be able to afford traveling -- I appreciate the thought that perhaps prices will go down if tourists are staying home. It seems to me that prices are higher here (I'm currently in Italy -- my happy place) than just six months ago. And, I will always support more energy efficient and sustainable development. Thanks for your positive post.
Me too. And I agree with you -- I used to think Americans would eventually "wake up," but now I don't think they ever will. It has me wondering if mass transit projects even make sense in the USA, since we don't have the density to support them, and they're soooooo expensive. Then again, so are freeways!
Thanks for reminding us that the planet has finite resources and as managers of those resources, we need to re evaluate what us humans are doing and how we interact with each other. It is unfortunate that overtourism has created some regions that may no longer be accessible to some due to cost.
I learn all kinds of new vocabulary from you and Michael!
Much food for thought here. We return to the states next month, all I can think is how grateful I am that I had the chance to take time for a sabbatical, the news just keeps getting worse but thanks for a different perspective.
Another thoughtful reflection on this issue, Brent. The frustration with Trump’s administration and the war is hopefully reaching a tipping point where the ugly gerrymandering won’t be able to stop a change in November. We shall see. Interesting thoughts on the possible positives outcomes for communities and travelers. It would be wonderful if SOMETHING good came from this mess. Thanks!
Hard lessons and outcomes sometimes come at a cost, and the fuel issue is a great example. As was COVID, as you pointed out. We started traveling in 2019 and though COVID did impact our travels, we dealt with it in Mexico and started again as soon as travel opened up. And it was great for a while as airplanes were less full, rooms were more available, more negotiable, and able to be booked more last minute, plus our destinations were not as crowded. Eventually the world caught up, and the outcome is what it is. But our view is that EVERYTHING is what it is, and we just roll with it, make consessions where we must, and live with the Reality.
Great article! I've been thinking of some of these unintended consequences myself, but you've put them into much better focus.
I was curious when you said "This is partly due to rising disposable income, especially in America..." because it seems that there are fewer and fewer Americans with disposable income to travel, especially internationally. Maybe it's in our perception and locations, but if anything I see many more people from other nationalities traveling than I do Americans. At least since the pandemic. You probably have data backing up your assertion but I just wanted to mention what I've observed.
You're right -- we see lots of non-American travelers too. I think several things are going on. Big picture, the entire world has grown much much richer in the last thirty years, but Americans have grown the richest by far. But, of course, that wealth is distributed very very unequally, especially in America. So you have a 20% of America that is doing SPECTACULARLY well, and they're the ones who traveling so much (and buying these uber-expensive premium airline seats!). Other countries have wealthy too, though. And it's ALSO true that, at least until very recently, the world's middle class was finally able to enjoy leisure travel too.
I have heard from several sources that LUXURY travel really is fueled mostly by America. Obviously, there are exceptions -- and the world is a very big place. But I had the owner of one European luxury boat company say, "80 to 90% of our customers are from America.)
As I understand it, the wealth is out there, but the world's wealth is concentrated in America even more than ever before. (But as always, I could be wrong!)
Seeing more of Canada is definitely a "thing" here. The Canadian Federal Government has, for two years now, discounted or temporarily cancelled park, museum, and family travel fees. America is no longer a summer destination. Some of us hope that changes in the future. In the meantime there is a HUGE AND INTERESTING country to explore here. That said, my partner and I are blessed (financially) and can still travel overseas.
We recently upgraded one of our cars to an all-electric vehicle, and BOY did we pick a good time to do that, as it turns out. It's a great car, too! Doesn't feel underpowered at all for city driving. I bet others are looking into this option lately. (ETA: No, it is not a Tesla. LOL.)
As for American cities and their lack of walkability—hear hear! But also, I do have a sliver of hope, because Amsterdam used to be overrun by car traffic, and they consciously and deliberately changed their ways (i.e., their roads and rules). Now it's all about bikes and pedestrians there. It can be done!
This is so funny. We just got a (partially) electric car too! Yes, very good timing!
In America, there have been too many things working against "livability" (including American attitudes!). But if energy prices stay high, that could change!
Yeah, I can definitely picture it happening in some American regions (e.g., many cities around Puget Sound) much sooner than in others (e.g., the giant urban-sprawl areas around many Texas cities). I expect others, like perhaps L.A., might have the willing attitude, but more of an inherent challenge because of existing sprawl. It'll be interesting to see what these economic pressures result in!
In the past six weeks I’ve visited Cinque Terra, Lake Como/Milan, Rome, Sicily, Naples, Madrid and some other places. I’ve been very surprised how every place is crowded with tourists (except maybe Turin). I’ve also not received any anti-American sentiments.
"I confess that it frustrates me that many Americans were apparently fine with Trump’s corruption and lawlessness, the incredible cruelty, and all the rest — but now that the cost of gas is going up, these same folks are losing their shit." YES--EXACTLY! AMEN, BROTHER!
Even this really really understates how much this drives me crazy. LOL
Right?? I was going to echo that same line. "I was fine with the racism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, and climate destruction, but ME paying too much for gas and groceries is TOO FAR." Really, people?
It's REALLY REALLY hard not to think, "Wow, you really must be a terrible person with absolutely no moral code at all." But I know that's not helpful to say out loud.
I find it really affirming to hear others say it out loud!:-)
It's so true.
lol - I mean, we get to THINK it, but, yeah. I suppose we ought to be coming up with some more diplomatic type of things to say out loud.
The sad thing when it comes to travel is that the rich will always be able to travel... But this will restrict how many young people might be able to take a gap year, and how many older people might be able to feel comfortable enough to do some traveling in their retirement. It's unfortunate that the people who are profiting the most off of this war will not be affected by it.
Yes, exactly. Overtourism is very very real, but people don't understand how extraordinary that last three decades have been -- how, for the first time in history, non-rich people are traveling for leisure.
I am here for the walkable cities all day long!
Me too!!!
I see that silver lining too! Thanks for putting this out there. We can at least learn to be more mindful and efficient with our energy consumption. And we may never return to being wasteful afterwards.
Let's hope so! I do think this could finally spur a big shift.
Every time I return from Europe to the US, I think, IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY. And yet, it's not going to change much in my lifetime, let's be real. I hope to be able to afford traveling -- I appreciate the thought that perhaps prices will go down if tourists are staying home. It seems to me that prices are higher here (I'm currently in Italy -- my happy place) than just six months ago. And, I will always support more energy efficient and sustainable development. Thanks for your positive post.
Me too. And I agree with you -- I used to think Americans would eventually "wake up," but now I don't think they ever will. It has me wondering if mass transit projects even make sense in the USA, since we don't have the density to support them, and they're soooooo expensive. Then again, so are freeways!
Depressing about prices in Italy...
Thanks for reminding us that the planet has finite resources and as managers of those resources, we need to re evaluate what us humans are doing and how we interact with each other. It is unfortunate that overtourism has created some regions that may no longer be accessible to some due to cost.
It's a long hard conversation that we've been putting off too long.
“Death destination.”
“Slomads.”
I learn all kinds of new vocabulary from you and Michael!
Much food for thought here. We return to the states next month, all I can think is how grateful I am that I had the chance to take time for a sabbatical, the news just keeps getting worse but thanks for a different perspective.
Your timing is probably very good. And thank you!
Another thoughtful reflection on this issue, Brent. The frustration with Trump’s administration and the war is hopefully reaching a tipping point where the ugly gerrymandering won’t be able to stop a change in November. We shall see. Interesting thoughts on the possible positives outcomes for communities and travelers. It would be wonderful if SOMETHING good came from this mess. Thanks!
Thank you. Yes, I am very very very very sick of living in interesting times.
Well said!
Hard lessons and outcomes sometimes come at a cost, and the fuel issue is a great example. As was COVID, as you pointed out. We started traveling in 2019 and though COVID did impact our travels, we dealt with it in Mexico and started again as soon as travel opened up. And it was great for a while as airplanes were less full, rooms were more available, more negotiable, and able to be booked more last minute, plus our destinations were not as crowded. Eventually the world caught up, and the outcome is what it is. But our view is that EVERYTHING is what it is, and we just roll with it, make consessions where we must, and live with the Reality.
It's a good philosophy. And yes, I think COVID prepared us long-termers for almost anything, didn't it. Life always goes on, for better or for worse.
(Honestly, I think we're still feeling the effects of COVID in many many ways.)
Hi Brent,
Great article! I've been thinking of some of these unintended consequences myself, but you've put them into much better focus.
I was curious when you said "This is partly due to rising disposable income, especially in America..." because it seems that there are fewer and fewer Americans with disposable income to travel, especially internationally. Maybe it's in our perception and locations, but if anything I see many more people from other nationalities traveling than I do Americans. At least since the pandemic. You probably have data backing up your assertion but I just wanted to mention what I've observed.
You're right -- we see lots of non-American travelers too. I think several things are going on. Big picture, the entire world has grown much much richer in the last thirty years, but Americans have grown the richest by far. But, of course, that wealth is distributed very very unequally, especially in America. So you have a 20% of America that is doing SPECTACULARLY well, and they're the ones who traveling so much (and buying these uber-expensive premium airline seats!). Other countries have wealthy too, though. And it's ALSO true that, at least until very recently, the world's middle class was finally able to enjoy leisure travel too.
I have heard from several sources that LUXURY travel really is fueled mostly by America. Obviously, there are exceptions -- and the world is a very big place. But I had the owner of one European luxury boat company say, "80 to 90% of our customers are from America.)
As I understand it, the wealth is out there, but the world's wealth is concentrated in America even more than ever before. (But as always, I could be wrong!)
Seeing more of Canada is definitely a "thing" here. The Canadian Federal Government has, for two years now, discounted or temporarily cancelled park, museum, and family travel fees. America is no longer a summer destination. Some of us hope that changes in the future. In the meantime there is a HUGE AND INTERESTING country to explore here. That said, my partner and I are blessed (financially) and can still travel overseas.
I totally support this boycott! But yes, Canada is WONDERFUL.
We recently upgraded one of our cars to an all-electric vehicle, and BOY did we pick a good time to do that, as it turns out. It's a great car, too! Doesn't feel underpowered at all for city driving. I bet others are looking into this option lately. (ETA: No, it is not a Tesla. LOL.)
As for American cities and their lack of walkability—hear hear! But also, I do have a sliver of hope, because Amsterdam used to be overrun by car traffic, and they consciously and deliberately changed their ways (i.e., their roads and rules). Now it's all about bikes and pedestrians there. It can be done!
This is so funny. We just got a (partially) electric car too! Yes, very good timing!
In America, there have been too many things working against "livability" (including American attitudes!). But if energy prices stay high, that could change!
(ALSO NOT A TESLA!)
😂 I see the occasional Cybertruck around, and just think, really, dude? In this city?
same!
Yeah, I can definitely picture it happening in some American regions (e.g., many cities around Puget Sound) much sooner than in others (e.g., the giant urban-sprawl areas around many Texas cities). I expect others, like perhaps L.A., might have the willing attitude, but more of an inherent challenge because of existing sprawl. It'll be interesting to see what these economic pressures result in!
This is such a well written post. You reflect what so many of us are thinking. I appreciate the hints of a positive spin.
Thank you! Yes, I'm trying... At the same time, the misery this is causing and going to cause... Oy!
In the past six weeks I’ve visited Cinque Terra, Lake Como/Milan, Rome, Sicily, Naples, Madrid and some other places. I’ve been very surprised how every place is crowded with tourists (except maybe Turin). I’ve also not received any anti-American sentiments.
Italian tourism has been off-the-charts for years now, and yet it always surprises me too!
Good to know about the anti-Americanism! (To be clear, that's what I'm predicting if Trump's war causes a global recession.)
Good post. Agree
Thank you!