Have you ever dreamt of flying off to destinations unknown? Caught yourself daydreaming about a place that you can only imagine visiting? Well, if you have, you’re not alone.  Most Americans have travel to an international destination as one of the top things they want to accomplish before they die.  With this being said, why then is it that only approximately 25% of Americans have passports as compared to 60% of Canadians or 75% of Europeans? Basically, Americans are homebodies.

Honestly, it’s not quite clear why this discrepancy exists.  Some experts believe it’s just a general fear of traveling that causes Americans to stay in their native land or perhaps it is the language barrier.  One thing is for certain, those Americans that limit their travel experiences to only the 50 states, Canada and Mexico are truly missing out on some incredible life experiences.

Europe is filled with wonderful places of historic significance and incredible samples of architecture not to mention a full variety of cultural experiences from museums to incredible art galleries that line the top tourist cities in Europe.  And as incredible and popular Europe is Australia offers many wonders as well.  This tropical paradise has exquisite events and happenings as well as culture and eclectic landscapes that provide breathtaking experiences and some of the most incredible National Parks and creature adventures that you will ever experience.  From the Eiffel Tower to the Great Barrier Reef you will find that this planet offers international travelers some amazing, life changing experiences.  International travel provides individuals with a better sense of all cultures and a better understanding of the world as a whole which really allows you to gain a greater understanding for the world in which you live.

One of the primary reasons that American’s give for their desire to travel closer to home is the incredible things that the United States itself has to offer with experiences that are quite unique and varied they find that whether they are skiing in the Colorado mountains or surfing off the coast of California that this country is diverse enough to give American’s what they want without ever leaving the states.  Unfortunately, even with how regionally diverse the U.S. is the experience from region to region is not varied enough for some and those looking for more find that international travel provides them with a unique understanding of the world that only international travel can provide them with. 

Domestic travel can be both exciting and fun but if you really want to make your dreams come true and have some life experiences that well exceed anything that can be done in the United States then consider traveling abroad and broadening your horizons.  Traveling abroad is something that everyone in America should do at some point during their lifetime. Driving yourself with a car rental while on vacation can often afford more experiences. You only live once so apply for a passport and consider taking off to destinations unknown.  You will be glad you did!