Determining Which Type of Travel is Best For You: International or Domestic Travel
Knowing whether to choose international or domestic travel is hard enough on its own, but COVID has made things even tougher. So which type of travel is right for you? And how do you know? Let’s look at the Pros and Cons of both International and Domestic Travel!
International Travel – Pros
So you want to see the world. GREAT! Me, too! But it’s not like you just wake up in the morning and think, “I’m going to go to England today.” Or maybe you do, but I certainly don’t! It will take time, money, research, and planning!
Meet Incredible People
When you travel, you will meet all kinds of people from all walks of life. These people will have different dreams, aspirations, values, experiences, stories, and more! When you travel internationally, you can meet people where you travel, and you may meet people you are indirectly traveling with, like on a group tour, for example.
Explore Somewhere New
This one is fairly obvious, but needs to be said. Your local Metroparks may have great hiking trails or nature preserves, but there is something special about, say, hiking Machu Picchu. Sometimes, you’ll visit somewhere you’ve dreamt about your whole life. And sometimes, you’ll step outside of your comfort zone and discover something new about not only the world, but also yourself!
Have an Adventure and See the World
I’ve always been a fan of adventures. The Lord of the Rings, Treasure Island, the Call of the Wild: these were some of my favorite books growing up. So why not have an adventure of your own?
See the Beauty that Lives All Over the World
Maybe you want to see the sunrise over the Mediterranean, or take an African Safari on the Serengeti. Whatever your heart’s desire, there is so much beauty in the world. Travel and see some for yourself!
International Travel – Cons
Unfortunately, International travel is not for everyone. So let’s explore some Cons of International travel.
The Cost is HIGH
So unfortunately, traveling isn’t free. And traveling abroad is no exception. Not only do you need to pay for transportation, lodging, and food, but, depending on where you go, you may need passports and visas and inoculations, as well as these days, COVID testing. So the cost can add up quickly.
It’s Exhausting
To be sure, all travel can be exhausting. But when you’re traveling all over the world, you can encounter several different time zones in one day. So the phrase “I need a vacation from my vacation” is not all that inaccurate.
There’s Potential Danger
Yes, there’s potential danger in literally everything, but some parts of the world are just not safe. Make sure to do all the necessary research and be smart!
You Might Have to Go Home Again
And, worst of all, this “vacation” thing might end, and they will expect you to go back home one day! They won’t just let you stay indefinitely!
Here Is a Taste of Where You Can Go!
paris
singapore
peru
Domestic Travel – Pros
So what about domestic travel? There is a ton of natural beauty to see right here at home, so let’s not overlook it!
More Affordable than International Travel
Despite the price of gas, it is still more affordable to drive cross-country, exploring the National Parks, than it is to fly off to Europe. And transportation isn’t the only thing that makes domestic travel more affordable! Lodging can be cheaper, food can be cheaper, and some places, like U.S. National Parks, are low in cost, if not free, to visit.
No Cultural or Language Barriers
It’s not likely that traveling within the United States will be hindered by language or cultural barriers, which is a plus! Sometimes it’s hard to know all the etiquette and rules of a location overseas. And it’s true, we do not all speak the same language!
Easier to Plan Domestic Travel with Friends
Either traveling with friends or visiting with friends at their home, domestic travel is easier to plan with friends than International travel.
Support Local Economies and Businesses
There are so many areas in the U.S. that rely on tourist economies to survive. Domestic travel keeps that money here, bolstering the people that live in touristy areas nationwide.
See the Beauty of THIS Country
Yes, the world is beautiful, but that does not mean there isn’t a ton of beauty right here at home! The Grand Canyon, Hawaii, Yosemite, Crater Lake, Lake Tahoe, there is plenty of beauty right here!
Domestic Travel – Cons
You take the good, you take the bad, right? So what could be bad about traveling domestically?
No New Cuisines
American food is American food, whether it is plant-based, deep fried, or raw. You won’t be getting too far out of your comfort zone by picking another big chain restaurant located in another part of the country!
No New Cultures
Just like with cuisine, you won’t be heading into new cultures inside the U.S.
It is Harder to Disconnect from Real Life
Going off the grid in International travel is much easier. You can simply just not buy an International plan from your cell phone provider. Simple as that. But here, it’s much harder to completely and totally disconnect.
Here is a Taste of Where You Can Go!
Oregon
jackson hole, wyoming
washington, D.C.
Contact me to talk about all your International or Domestic Travel!