Although I aim to inspire EVERYONE to travel--regardless of financial status, background, gender, you name it--I recognize that travel is still fairly inaccessible to a lot of folks. Even most, in some contexts. And though the internet has made travel easier to navigate, current economic headwinds and Covid-19 have served some pretty hefty barriers to jetting off. So, next time you meet someone who is a newbie to travel--or doesn't have any plans to travel at all--let's consider some of the factors that are keeping them grounded.
First off, money. Wages have stagnated and the purchasing power of the dollar (amongst most other currencies) is down. And if you live in the US--where healthcare costs can be crippling even if you have insurance, and education prices are astronomical--then you know how overwhelming the bills can be. Add to this skyrocketing energy prices amidst the war in Ukraine, and we have more expensive tanks of gas and heating bills. Interest rates are rising and rent prices are through the roof. Some people are focused on mere survival right now, and travel is a luxury.
Second, family. I take for granted that I have a healthy family, while others might be carers for an elderly and/or sick loved one. Taking a week off to travel is not doable when someone else's life depends on them. They might even be helping relatives with rent, school tuition, extracurricular fees, and more, so that compounds their financial stress.
Third, health. Travel is unfortunately not super democratic when it comes to accessibility for people who use a wheelchair or whose body size prevents them from comfortably traveling on an airplane. Some folks have health issues that necessitate they stay under close doctor supervision, go to the clinic for weekly treatments, or otherwise be prevented from going on a trip. People who have underlying conditions making them more susceptible to a nasty Covid-19 infection and long Covid also have reason to avoid travel. Everyone has a different comfort level with restrictions (or the lack thereof) surrounding Covid, and it's not on us to judge them. Imagine going on a solo trip abroad, catching Covid, and having to quarantine--or even seek healthcare--while not having the help of friends or family, not knowing the language, and having to spend more than budgeted for on a hotel and a flight change fee (not to mention food!).
Although I always encourage people to learn about other cultures and geography--especially in the US, where this isn't always a focus on the education curriculum--I understand that travel is sometimes not an option! If you fall under this umbrella, I would love to get your feedback. What kinds of changes would you like to see in the travel industry? Do you see yourself traveling in the future? And if you've not traveled much before and are looking to embark on a trip for the first time, what questions or concerns do you have? What are you most excited about? What're you most nervous about? Even the most seasoned traveler has something to learn--heck, even I still get nervous sometimes--and I value your commentary and insights, no matter how much or how little you've gotten out and about!
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