Americans fear solo travel
Sep 13, 2017, 5:00 pm
#16
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Interesting takes on this. The comfortable solo travelers tend to see many other solo travelers. But I would surmise this is because they avoid places where the massed American contingent go (Times Square for example)
The American Plan travel system does constitute the bulk beyond US shores. Its main function is to allow its tour patrons to see and take pictures all while in the familiar bubble of food, beverage, & accommodations. Not to mention never needing to deal with all those who refuse to speak "American"
Of course that has been my observation over decades.
The American Plan travel system does constitute the bulk beyond US shores. Its main function is to allow its tour patrons to see and take pictures all while in the familiar bubble of food, beverage, & accommodations. Not to mention never needing to deal with all those who refuse to speak "American"
Of course that has been my observation over decades.
Sep 13, 2017, 5:08 pm
#18
Join Date: Nov 2013
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I'd argue it is more ignorant to suggest one needs to meet all Americans to make general statements about Americans.
Sep 13, 2017, 5:15 pm
#19
Join Date: Jun 2011
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I'm just wondering what was the purpose of this thread was, anyway.
And remember: Italians often travel in groups because they're so sociable. French people often travel in couples because they're so romantic. Spaniards/Greeks/Scandinavians/WhatHaveYous often travel with families because they have such strong, healthy family ties. But Americans often travel with other folks because they're paralyzed by fear.
And remember: Italians often travel in groups because they're so sociable. French people often travel in couples because they're so romantic. Spaniards/Greeks/Scandinavians/WhatHaveYous often travel with families because they have such strong, healthy family ties. But Americans often travel with other folks because they're paralyzed by fear.
Sep 13, 2017, 5:19 pm
#20
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Join Date: Mar 2008
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Not 323 million, as only 30% of Americans even have a passport so at least not internationally LOL! 
This is based on my own personal sample size...that is how statistics work, they don't poll every single person. My sample size is now large enough that I can come to some conclusions, probably sampling around at least a 1000 people and 99% of them avoided solo travel, expressed a terrible aversion to it, expressed shock that I travel alone or have arrived to a place alone.
This is based on my own personal sample size...that is how statistics work, they don't poll every single person. My sample size is now large enough that I can come to some conclusions, probably sampling around at least a 1000 people and 99% of them avoided solo travel, expressed a terrible aversion to it, expressed shock that I travel alone or have arrived to a place alone.
Sep 13, 2017, 5:21 pm
#21
Join Date: May 2014
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I find these survey results odd as I have not witnessed this "global trend" much myself in 51 years of travel. And as far as I'm concerned the further away from a gaggle of Americans I can get is where I want to be. But it's nice to hang out with someone from your own country, if only for a beer or 10; it's also more interesting to immerse yourself in another culture which is my preferred habit, typically by myself since the family does not travel well.
Sep 13, 2017, 5:29 pm
#22
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I do notice a general hesitation on the part of most of the population to step outside the "comfort zone" of America. However in my solo travels I have run into other solo American travelers as much as Europeans/Australians/Israelis, etc. Also, I see a lot of solo American domestic travelers. Therefore I find the theory that "Americans fear solo travel" imprecise at least.
Sep 13, 2017, 5:53 pm
#24
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Sep 13, 2017, 5:57 pm
#25
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Sep 13, 2017, 6:04 pm
#26
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As someone who mostly travels solo, at least when visiting Europe, I had the impression that Americans, and Anglos in general, were more likely to travel solo than most other nationalities. Whether staying in hostels or decent hotels I rarely ever encounter lone southern Europeans (they always seem to be couples or large groups) but plenty of north Europeans and people from the English-speaking countries. Maybe the latter are just more individualistic (not judging it positively or negatively) and less group-oriented than most other people in the world?
Sep 13, 2017, 6:10 pm
#27
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Sep 13, 2017, 6:31 pm
#28
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I went on a tour in Western Australia. There was 20 of us. Me, and 9 couples....all Australian and this really cute French girl. From that sample size, I was able to draw the conclusion that Australians fear traveling in Western Australia alone. Interestingly enough, the French girl was able to conclude from her sample size that all American solo travelers are old gay men. Funny how that all works.
Sep 13, 2017, 6:36 pm
#29
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,203
As a primarily solo US citizen traveler, I agree with the thread's title. Traveled to 52 countries and have run across very few solo US citizens. And my immediate family and most of my friends think I am nuts to travel solo.
I, for one, strongly prefer to travel solo. My timetable - do what I want when I want!
I, for one, strongly prefer to travel solo. My timetable - do what I want when I want!
