People who don’t (or won’t) travel

GingerLily

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I spend around four euro a week on petrol for my 125cc scooter. That's my only vehicle usage. How many air miles does that give so I'm even with someone commuting an hour each way in their diesel Audi?

Genuine question.

Thats up to you to calculate, but less then someone who cycles to work anyway

Are you concerned about the impact your transport and travel choices have on the environment?

NewbridgeIR

I know someone who turned down a year in Australia with his mates because he “didn’t want to miss Fair City”. This was around 1997 or so.

UI_Paddy

I'm 28. I like travelling, I wouldn't do it as extensively as other people I know as I also like home comforts but I always get away at least once a year for a change of scenery.

I've been to the USA a lot as my dad used to go there for work, and while I was in college I spent my year abroad in Canada.

I've also been to the UK many times, various Mediterranean holidays (Tenerife, Ibiza, Cyprus) and an inter-railing trip where I visited France, Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria. Few other places I've been to include Slovakia, Poland, Spain, Portugal, Malta, Greece, Italy, Holland and Sweden.

So mostly been around the block in North America and Europe. I've always wanted to go to Australia, so will probably go there someday, China, Japan, and some places in South America, maybe Africa and Thailand would be nice too.

FTA69

Gretas Gonna Get Ya! wrote: »

Last time I checked, this was a place for opinions... and that's exactly what I gave here - my honest opinion. And it wasn't based on nothing either, it was based on my own life experience and the that of others too!

You can make any assumptions about me you wish to, doesn't bother me one iota... I'm very comfortable in my own skin, and don't get easily offended by others opinions or assumptions. (Even if they are very wide of the mark)

I think my grandmother was correct, and very wise to recognise it too... but then she was someone who was fascinated by everything around her - even the things that other people would consider mundane and ordinary!

And I don't just explore my local community btw... the mind is a huge vast expanse for exploration too. And with the internet, it's possible to explore far more things than you could ever hope to squeeze into a two week backpacking trip abroad. (trust me I've tried)

Nothing against travelling - like I said I've done plenty in the past myself - but I still maintain my viewpoint, that a lot of people are lost and confused and bored in their lives... and perhaps trying to fill that gap with obsessive travelling. I think this does describe quite a lot of people to be honest.

But same to you buddy... crack on if you're enjoying your life. I always hope that people can find what they're looking for in this life!

I didn't make assumptions about you, I said that you were coming to the conclusion that travelling is largely rooted in a sense of boredom or weak triviality and that it was an unfair supposition. It's a generally lazy assumption to come to and would be the equivalent to someone reading your post and then saying "ah she's boring and stuck in a parochial mindset" or something.

Now I'm not saying that's the case, I don't know you from Adam. The point I'm making is that people simply have different desires and perspectives on what a fulfilling life consists of. I don't see the need to compartmentalise different strokes into some sort of personality type for better or worse.

PsychoPete

I've never left ireland and I don't plan on leaving ireland

Graces7

it is the ( or won't ) in the title that is the real problem. It is judgemental not fact finding . Travelling never enters many folks heads.
Different folk, different lives.

seannash

JupiterKid wrote: »

I understand perfectly why some opt not to travel abroad. I am genuinely interested in the reasons why people don't like to travel abroad.

But you understand perfectly why someone doesn't want to travel but are asking why people dont travel??

Irish_rat

Travelling doesn't interest me a great deal. Although in 10 years time could go full hog to Asia to get away from consumerism and narcism. The Conservative way of life can be very restrictive too certainly different to 90's Ireland.

seamus

Gretas Gonna Get Ya! wrote: »

I've always felt a bit sorry for people who seem obsessed with travelling... it's like they're not really content or happy within themselves and the simple things in life don't hold their interest for long!

Anyone I have known that is obsessed with travelling, they all seem to have the same thing in common... they are very easily bored in everyday life, and actually seem somewhat depressed when they're not either going on some trip or at least planning the next one! (And certainly seem very down when they return home)

I'd generally notice this too. Those who travel a lot seem to lack direction. They make plans about going to live in a particular country, and six months later they're home, saying that they're home for good. They get a part-time job and six months later they're off again with some other plan to live somewhere else. And six months later, same again.

I've never had wanderlust and even from my teenage years I knew I wouldn't live anywhere except Ireland. I'm fairly easygoing and prefer a quiet life. The idea of landing in a foreign country with a rucksack and spending a month trying to get set up and familiarised, doesn't sound like fun.

I've left the country plenty of times. For no particular reason I haven't gone very far east or south, and with young kids I definitely won't even be thinking of doing that for 15-20 years. Plenty of places in Europe though to do short breaks. Nobody seems to go up to Scandinavia, it's all trips down to the warmer countries.

pconn062

I've done a bit of traveling in my time, nothing wild or crazy but have been around Europe and to the states once. I enjoyed it but I haven't left Ireland since 2017 and don't intend to do so in the near future anyway. Flying is incredibly bad for the environment and unfortunately I can't get past that so I don't fly. My personal desire to go somewhere shouldn't out weigh the damage of flying, particularly long haul flying. Most people call me small minded or a hippy due to that, but that's fine. I find it strange that people can't see the connection between the destruction of many of the destinations they want to travel to and the massive amount of wasteful flying done. Australia at the minute being a prime example.

(So called bull sh*t "business" travel is the worst for this).

Feisar

Graces7 wrote: »

When I knew I was moving last time, I had a wish list and highest on it was Mizen head or nearby. Had lived near Enniskeane 4 years, and Beara etc are lovely

Just something about Mayo for me. when I was first in Ireland nearly 20 years ago, I rented near where I am now. Happy to be back. Less touristy , less highly populated and very friendly and relaxed.

A place like Downpatrick Head...

Was down in Beara last year, lovely spot. My Dad is from the wilds of Sligo, I always felt something magical about the west coast. Like one could almost believe in Tír na nÓg.

Hector Savage

JupiterKid wrote: »

What is the story with people who have travelled very little or who are not fond of leaving their own country, sometimes not even leaving their city or county?

I understand if it’s a case of ill health or limited finances - but these days, with air travel so affordable, the world - or at least most of Europe - is literally there for the taking in. I know the term “travel broadens the mind” is a bit of a cliche, but from personal experience, I think it is very true.

I travelled quite a bit in my 20s in addition to living in the States for a year, and as a person with wanderlust I plan to visit every continent (including Antarctica) by the time I am 65. Japan, New Zealand and South America are very high up on my places to visit wish list in the near future.

It seems these days most Irish people under the age of 40 are very well travelled, and nearly everyone has travelled abroad, often for holidays in the Mediterranean and/or to another European country.

So, do you know anyone who has never been out of the country, or only just to the UK (including Norn Iron). Or are you yourself a person that has hardly ever - or never - travelled abroad?

And if so, why?

You should be happy, we need more people like this with the state of the world , climate change and overpopulation, last thing we need is more planefuls of fat americans wrecking everything.

Look at places like the Skelligs, Cliffs of Moher, blaskets .... once places of incredible beauty ruined by coach fulls of fat kernts with selfie sticks.

Hector Savage

Feisar wrote: »

Was down in Beara last year, lovely spot. My Dad is from the wilds of Sligo, I always felt something magical about the west coast. Like one could almost believe in Tír na nÓg.

Used to be before it became like las ramblas in Barcelona...

Snails pace

Everyone is different. I was in oz for a while, came home. Doing my own thing and just haven't the money at the moment. I holiday in Ireland, throw a few bits in the car and go to random spots for a few days. I'd like to go back to oz, New Zealand and see Europe and the U.S. I'll get there over the next few years. I have a few friends who are always travelling, spend every penny they have on it and little money to do anything else.

One eyed Jack

JupiterKid wrote: »

So, do you know anyone who has never been out of the country, or only just to the UK (including Norn Iron). Or are you yourself a person that has hardly ever - or never - travelled abroad?

And if so, why?

It’s just not something that’s ever appealed to me to be honest. Like throughout the thread there are posters that you can see get really excited by the prospect of their next adventure or holiday or whatever, and while I’m excited for them (my friends that have travelled the world at least or are from other countries), I’ve just never been as enthusiastic about it as they are. I love hearing about their travels though and where they’ve been!

It’s looking like I may have to travel for work in the near future and I’m not relishing the prospect, but I’m not terrified by it either. My boss came over from London at the weekend (he’s Italian, based in London but lives out of a suitcase), and I took him to the local tourist pub, traditional Irish music and dancing, the works. He was fascinated by the whole experience, at one point wanting to know how old the accordion was and did everyone play an instrument, question after question, he wore me out with questions :pac:

I had to laugh yesterday in the barbers, there were a group of travellers in and while one lad was getting his hair cut, the other lad joked “do you take travellers cheques?” :pac:

It’s that kind of humour I’d miss that I probably wouldn’t understand the equivalent of it in other cultures. They have their own indigenous humour that probably doesn’t translate if you’re not from there or haven’t grown up with it.

sasta le

If i had loads of money i would
And i find these well travelled people are bores and sheep
Iceland appeals but every Niamh and Darragh is gonna be there

Hector Savage

sasta le wrote: »

If i had loads of money i would
And i find these well travelled people are bores and sheep
Iceland appeals but every Niamh and Darragh is gonna be there

Actually Iceland doesn't have much Irish, I guess the weather puts them off - loads of spaniards tho ... ****ting all over the national parks ....

Seriously ****ty toilet paper and piles of midden all over the shop - all from the Spanish tourists, the locals are getting really really ticked off...

Aisling(",)

When I met my boyfriend he was mid 20's and didn't have a passport. I thought it was mad that he hadn't been on a holiday or trip since his early teens.

He's since gotten one and we've been on a few holidays which hes enjoyed but I'd say if it wasn't for my push he'd still be happy to stay put. I tend to go on 3/4 trips a year some with friends or work if not him.

I've seen a decent bit of Europe, some US and Canada and south Africa. I like to go on holidays but the thoughts of extended periods of travelling IE 6 months doesn't suit me.

I doubt I'll ever live anywhere outside Ireland properly. I don't like it being too warm (above early 20's) or too cold (below freezing). I'm like Goldilocks I want it just right!

Strumms

tuxy wrote: »

Then there are people who have traveled the world but have almost never left Dublin while at home in Ireland.
I find that equally as odd, Ireland has loads to offer too.

Yes and no.... one thing it hasn’t got to offer is the weather (in general) only about a third of the year ‘can’ be warm to pleasant but rain is never far away and another thing is just how fûcking expensive it ‘can’ be or is for some accommodation especially that good weather peak time. Getting in with a good travel agent is a money saver and you can be away in the sun in January say the canaries, beaches, sun on your back, good food and relaxation...I’ll be doing that in a couple of weeks, one family member I’m going with who hates flying....”what about a few days in Westport ?” I’m thinking... right, Westport in January ! vs the Canaries, beach, white sand, t-shirt weather, great food, get your fûcking head read !

Traveling in Ireland has always been poor bang for your buck for the most part all things considered, especially when you appreciate the value, weather and experiences available only short flights away.

duffman13

tuxy wrote: »

Then there are people who have traveled the world but have almost never left Dublin while at home in Ireland.
I find that equally as odd, Ireland has loads to offer too.

Funnily enough this was me to an extent. Never really had an urge to travel and ended out in Asia on the way to Oz for work and ended out doing a fair whack. I'm from Dublin and bar nights out and trips with the lads to Galway etc I'd seen nothing of Ireland. Meeting people from all over the world telling me how stunning Ireland was made me fairly embarrassed tbh.

Ireland, in particular the west coast is one of the most amazing places in the world. Skellig Michael literally took my breath away and I usually spend at least a week of my hols in Ireland it's well worth it. People will make you think it's expensive but B&Bs over hotels and it's a very cheap break. Still do a bit of travel abroad and have a bucket list but you could do a lot worse than exploring Ireland.

Lollipops23

I've seen a reasonable amount of the world, lived away for a year etc. I'm happily settled in Ireland now, but there's still plenty I want to see.

Never understood those who don't travel at all- even for a bit of sun. Each their own I suppose!

stoneill

I like the being in new places bit of holliers, I don't like the traveling bit of holliers.

BarryD2

For some familiarity breeds contempt and for others familiarity breeds content Also as Patrick Kavanagh put it, 'the undying difference in the corner of a field'. In other words you can see the entire human condition without going further than your own locality. Just open your eyes and look about. What more do you need, learn by 'travelling'?

Thelonious Monk

I used to like it, at least I think I did. I was lucky enough to live in a few countries so I'm grateful for that.
Now I can't really be bothered that much, I'd be happy to get to somewhere warm once a year as unfortunately Ireland doesn't get a summer!
A couple of years ago I was in Central America and being a big stand out rich gringo amongst all the poverty just didn't sit right with me. I've also seen some beautiful places ruined by mass tourism.
Also annoys me people who think they're better than tourists because they're "travelling". No, you're just another bloody tourist!

sbsquarepants

Just horses for courses. It's hardly news that different people like different things!

sbsquarepants

NewbridgeIR wrote: »

I know someone who turned down a year in Australia with his mates because he “didn’t want to miss Fair City”. This was around 1997 or so.

:D

This is very probably the saddest thing i have ever heard!

Stateofyou

Deleted User wrote: »

Isn't it wonderful that we are all different

It's funny that, when talking about Irish people who don't travel it's a wonderful thing we are all different. I've lost count how often I've read or heard American's slagged off for the same thing, no allowance of being different or for the fact their country is massive is taken into account. Total hypocrisy!

Strumms

BarryD2 wrote: »

For some familiarity breeds contempt and for others familiarity breeds content Also as Patrick Kavanagh put it, 'the undying difference in the corner of a field'. In other words you can see the entire human condition without going further than your own locality. Just open your eyes and look about. What more do you need, learn by 'travelling'?

You don’t necessarily have to learn anything, although you might !, you book, go, enjoy, experience... the place, the people the change of scenery beauty, and way of life, you don’t travel to simply see the human condition, “hey let’s book a week in Seville, I’d like to see the human condition there”... Kavanagh was a fantastic poet and writer, he was also violent and wildly unpredictable btw, a bad drunk, not quite the bastion of culture and intelligence, that I’d be willing to hang my hat on every word and opinion....

Thelonious Monk

Stateofyou wrote: »

It's funny that, when talking about Irish people who don't travel it's a wonderful thing we are all different. I've lost count how often I've read or heard American's slagged off for the same thing, no allowance of being different or for the fact their country is massive is taken into account. Total hypocrisy!

One doesn't need to leave one's country to have a knowledge of what's going on in the world. It's the perceived general ignorance of world affairs from your average American that people usually mock, which probably isn't helped if they don't leave the country, but I don't think that's necessary for anyone.

meeeeh

I've done a bit of travelling, I like it. However the whole broadens the mind stuff is overstated. It's perfectly possible to spend all the time in the same type of resort hotels, eat in the same type of restaurants, shop in the same shops and drink in the local Irish Pub. I know quite a few people who travel quite a bit and are perfectly oblivious what countries they are visiting really are like.

Anyway personally I think the whole broadens the mind thing is best done when you are young, backpacking and looking for cheap hostels (or living and working somewhere). If nothing else you'll meet people from different countries. A 14 days lying in the sun in Spain, making sure you pick the resort frequented by Irish does not broaden the mind.

Cantona's Collars

I know lads a lot younger than me who wont go outside their own town let alone go abroad.
Just content being stuck in a rut of pints at the weekend and working to get money for pints. I asked them that when they are older and someone asks what they did when they were young free and single will they just answer "drank pints and played FIFA"
There's retired people I know who are in a similar rut,never went anywhere through their working lives and are now at a stage that they won't go anywhere even though they have the chance to,kind of institutionalised and going to their graves having barely seen outside their county.

sasta le

I find all these well travelled people very boring they are like sheep do the same places and things
If i have to hear about South America or Thailand again

I've traveled a bit on summer holidays (a lot of Europe and the US), honeymoon and around Europe and to the US also on business trips but at the same time I can take or leave it.

I've gone years without going on a foreign holiday and I'm usually as well pleased to spend time off at home or go somewhere in Ireland for a few days (drinking good Guinness for a few days rather than p*iss lager). I just don't really get the big desire some people have for travelling and certainly "going travelling" i.e. going off for a few months slumming it sounds like hell to be honest and I'd never even have considered it.

While I can afford it I also see it as a bit of a waste of money, it's over in a week or two, you are often more tired than before you went and you have spent a load of money and have little to show for it. Id see buying a new piece of tech as a much better use of the cost of two weeks away.

One eyed Jack

I didn’t want to be the arsehole that points out the the OP argues that travel broadens the mind, yet they can’t understand why other people don’t want to travel.

There’s something of a contraction there.

Stateofyou

Thelonious Monk wrote: »

One doesn't need to leave one's country to have a knowledge of what's going on in the world. It's the perceived general ignorance of world affairs from your average American that people usually mock, which probably isn't helped if they don't leave the country, but I don't think that's necessary for anyone.

It's not that. I'm specifically referring to American's not traveling. Only yesterday my family were at a small get together with a few other couples, and someone mentioned their perception of American's who don't bother getting passports because they don't travel. Then not traveling is correlated with a lack of wordly education. It's an extremely common opinion.

I know many people from all backgrounds who travel just to stay on the resort and sunbathe and get the drinks in. Social media post is up of sand, sea and cocktails, done and dusted. Wouldn't say those who have passports + travel particularly educate themselves either. My sister is driven demented with her in laws in that regard. She has stopped going with them on joint holidays because they're expected to stay on resort and participate in what the family is doing. Sunbathing, eating and drinking. She's on the outs with her inlaws now!

LirW

I think openly stating that you don't enjoy travelling is some sort of taboo, people tend to think you're dense.
Good friend recently travelled to the US (California) with his parents and he hated it. He sees it as a waste of money and holds the opinion that it you want to see the Grand Canyon you can also look at the thousands of pics online, it doesn't make a difference. I respectfully disagree and I tend to connect wonderful memories with going places.
But if someone doesn't enjoy it, no point in making a big deal out of it.

I also find travel freaks annoyingly opinionated. I feel what puts many people off certain places is the common consensus that there's only one real way to experience certain destinations. People often aren't given the chance to explore their preferred way of travelling.

If someone simply enjoys staying in all-inclusive resorts, there's nothing wrong with it. Wouldn't be my preference but hey, I don't have to do it.

My only bugbear is party tourism, since it often severely impacts the wider local area and community. But again, I choose to not support it.

SusieBlue

Strumms wrote: »

Traveling in Ireland has always been poor bang for your buck for the most part all things considered, especially when you appreciate the value, weather and experiences available only short flights away.

Yep, absolutely. I was looking to book a weekend away in Killarney for the end of this month because I love it there. Plenty to do and see, and I love the Torc Waterfall walk.
At time of booking, the hotels were priced circa €190/€230 per night! Which I just couldn't justify for a rainy January weekend.

Instead I am going to Liverpool for 3 nights, flights and a lovely well situated apartment are costing me a grand total of €92.
Albert Dock, Sefton Park and the Beatles Museum will keep me busy.
I just couldn't justify spending the bones of €500 for two nights in a hotel, and that's before petrol money, food and drink costs come into the equation.
Ireland is a total rip off.

meeeeh

I like going around Ireland. Frankly there is no point stating how well traveled someone is when they don't know the country they live in. Plenty of places can be also done in a day or staying in cheaper accommodation.

FTA69

Getting wedding invitations in Ireland always give me palpitations.

ancapailldorcha

FTA69 wrote: »

Getting wedding invitations in Ireland always give me palpitations.

I've three this year.

LirW

meeeeh wrote: »

I like going around Ireland. Frankly there is no point stating how well traveled someone is when they don't know the country they live in. Plenty of places can be also done in a day or staying in cheaper accommodation.

I think it's a beautiful country and I'm pretty bothered by not having seen enough of it. But depending on where you live, some parts simply aren't as accessible. For me for example the West will always be far because the best routes to get there are still pretty awkward.

Strumms

SusieBlue wrote: »

Yep, absolutely. I was looking to book a weekend away in Killarney for the end of this month because I love it there. Plenty to do and see, and I love the Torc Waterfall walk.
At time of booking, the hotels were priced circa €190/€230 per night! Which I just couldn't justify for a rainy January weekend.

Instead I am going to Liverpool for 3 nights, flights and a lovely well situated apartment are costing me a grand total of €92.
Albert Dock, Sefton Park and the Beatles Museum will keep me busy.
I just couldn't justify spending the bones of €500 for two nights in a hotel, and that's before petrol money, food and drink costs come into the equation.
Ireland is a total rip off.

Liverpool, while I’ve only been twice is insanely good value for everything in my experience...and brilliant fun, tremendous nice and genuine people.

So the guts of 500 euros for a weekend in Killarney, i love it there too but nothing to love about being absolutely ripped off like that.

FTA69

FTA69 wrote: »

Getting wedding invitations in Ireland always give me palpitations.

To be honest a good p*ss up weekend at a wedding is better than any holiday imo.

FTA69

ancapailldorcha wrote: »

I've three this year.

F*ck everyone one of them off. By the time you have hotels, drink and present etc shelled out for you're usually €4-500 in the hole for the sake of a p*ss-up in some bloody hotel somewhere. I've three this year in the UK and one of them is going to cost me a bomb.

FTA69

Ivan Wet Terrain wrote: »

To be honest a good p*ss up weekend at a wedding is better than any holiday imo.

It reallly isn't lad. I love a drink up as much as the next man and to be fair I'd great craic at a Jewish wedding in Liverpool this month I got invited to. But I'd get a week in Morocco for the price of some weddings I've been to in Ireland.

Drinking is good craic, but it's all much of a muchness at the end of the day isn't it. All the nights are pretty much the same.

sbsquarepants

Ivan Wet Terrain wrote: »

To be honest a good p*ss up weekend at a wedding is better than any holiday imo.

Jesus no, i hate weddings!

sbsquarepants

LirW wrote: »

He sees it as a waste of money and holds the opinion that it you want to see the Grand Canyon you can also look at the thousands of pics online, .

:D

I suppose not everyone is bothered about scenery, i love it myself mind.

Ever see the film "In Bruges"?. There's a tower that Brendan Gleeson is trying to get Colin Farrell to climb up.

"Why?"
"There's a great view from the top"
"Of what? Down here? Sure i can see that fine from here"

I actually went to Bruges after seeing the film and checked out the view from that tower. Colin was right! Bruges is gorgeous, but the tower is hardly worth climbing the steps for.

road_high

Airyfairy12 wrote: »

I also dont find people who have traveled any more or less interesting than people who haven't, that said ive been on dates with well travelled men and they all have one thing in common, they talk about themselves like theyre Columbus or something, listing off all the destinations theyve been too, it can be boring to listen to.

The absolute pain in the arse "travelled" types- i think we've all been in the company of these clowns and it's a lot more painful to listen than just boring!!

SusieBlue

I hate to be *that* person but looking at a picture of the Grand Canyon and actually seeing it in person can't even be compared. Its breathtaking.
Now if you're the kind of person who finds nature and scenery boring then of course you aren't going to be bothered by it, but saying looking at a picture is the exact same experience is crazy talk.

road_high

Strumms wrote: »

Liverpool, while I’ve only been twice is insanely good value for everything in my experience...and brilliant fun, tremendous nice and genuine people.

So the guts of 500 euros for a weekend in Killarney, i love it there too but nothing to love about being absolutely ripped off like that.

Wouldn't stop at that- by the time you get there, buy food, a few drinks, a bit of shopping or a massage you're looking at the guts of €1000 before you know where you are.