People who don’t (or won’t) travel

extra gravy · 21-01-2020 01:30AM

I've only started travelling more in my 30s as in my 20s I wasted all my money on nights out and general galivanting! I think I appreciate it more now though. Lots more places on the bucket list and have a holiday fund on the go all the time.

XxMCRxBabyxX · 21-01-2020 01:31AM

I love travelling. Am constantly planning my next trip or dreaming of places to go.

A friend thinks travelling is "pointless" though. She calls it a waste a money and prefers to but designer clothes and overpriced (to me) houseware.

I completely don't get it and would far rather blow my money on a big trip abroad than in a weekend in Kildare Village but I'm me and she's her.

Charlie19 · 21-01-2020 01:36AM

Please think of your carbon footprint when booking the next flight. Six flights a year per person and after that you get tax penalties.

JupiterKid · 21-01-2020 01:37AM

I started the thread because I was genuinely interested in why some people don't travel, even if they have the means to comfortably do so.

I'm not mocking or looking down on those who don't travel, and although I love to travel myself, 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.

No need to get offended by the thread!

mrslancaster · 21-01-2020 02:01AM

Charlie19 wrote: »

Please think of your carbon footprint when booking the next flight. Six flights a year per person and after that you get tax penalties.

What? Is that some new tax i've never heard of? How does that work, is it charged by airlines & how do they know how many flights you had

Strumms · 21-01-2020 02:20AM

mrslancaster wrote: »

What? Is that some new tax i've never heard of? How does that work, is it charged by airlines & how do they know how many flights you had

Yes, it’s pie in the sky. Impossible to police, illegal to police, it’s a non runner. No government department in entitled to know how many flights we take, how many kilometers we drive, know what electricity you use, if you are vegan, vegetarian or carnivore. That’s big brother shît otherwise.

Junkyard Tom · 21-01-2020 02:32AM

Out foreign isn't Cork like.

bodhrandude · 21-01-2020 03:17AM

I've been lucky to be part of some trad acts playing gigs around Europe, the box player I play with is from Denmark so I've played there about 3 or 4 times, Norway, Sweden, Italy, Switzerland, Germany as well as London and various parts of Scotland. I've also went travelling with my sister and family to the South of Spain and to Istanbul in Turkey. My next trip is to Prague for my nephews stag night in early June. So you could say I have a bit of the travelling bug, its nice playing gigs to international audiences.

Witchie · 21-01-2020 05:09AM

I suppose my wanderlust is down to my genes as my parents have been all over the world. In the 60s and 70s my dad was in a band who toured the US, Canada and UK. We moved to Canada when I was a baby and back to Ireland when I was 4.

Then my dad became a veteran athlete and travelled the world with the Irish team. I spent months in Canada and the US again as a child and adult and saw quite a bit of Europe in my teens.

Now, am in my 4th year of being in Asia. I started by backpacking but now live in Malaysia and just take off for a few weeks or a month or so to nearby countries when I feel like it.

I love travelling and if was rich would do a lot more.

Perse....you don't need to backpack in SEA. I now take my Wheely suitcase and stay in budget, but comfortable hotels and love it.

tuxy · 21-01-2020 05:17AM

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.

Graces7 · 21-01-2020 05:29AM

That you see different opinions as "being offended" is revealing!

Try the phrase " personal choice"? Equal personal choice.

I see no need to travel. In my young day camped through Europe and Scandinavia.. Since coming to Ireland, have deeply explored here ( wondering how well folk know their own country?) and now I am home and stay home.
Far far better things to do with limited money and even were money un limited, still far better things to do with it

I can see places here online without the fuss and weariness. Not been offisland for well over a year and totally happy with that.

Staying still is great. It really is. Maybe folk here get bored easily?

JupiterKid wrote: »

I started the thread because I was genuinely interested in why some people don't travel, even if they have the means to comfortably do so.

I'm not mocking or looking down on those who don't travel, and although I love to travel myself, 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.

No need to get offended by the thread!

Witchie · 21-01-2020 05:30AM

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.

Thanks to the league of Ireland, myself and my kids have been in every county in Ireland bar Kerry. Didn't have any games there so never bothered. Will rectify that soon though as my Malaysian boyfriend wants to visit there next time he comes to Ireland.

Graces7 · 21-01-2020 06:18AM

Kerry is OK ( lived there many years) but Mayo beats it hands down. Kerry is too touristy now. Loved Killarney and the trad farms at Muckross were my second home.

Mayo has more pure Irish than anywhere else. And more history

Witchie wrote: »

Thanks to the league of Ireland, myself and my kids have been in every county in Ireland bar Kerry. Didn't have any games there so never bothered. Will rectify that soon though as my Malaysian boyfriend wants to visit there next time he comes to Ireland.

tuxy · 21-01-2020 06:22AM

Yes Mayo is great if you want less touristy than Kerry. West Cork is also a great option.

Graces7 · 21-01-2020 06:37AM

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...

tuxy wrote: »

Yes Mayo is great if you want less touristy than Kerry. West Cork is also a great option.

Gretas Gonna Get Ya! · 21-01-2020 06:39AM

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 have done a bit of travelling for a couple of years after finishing college, but these days I'm very happy in my own little world and local community.

My grandmother always used to say that anyone who was easily bored, was usually a boring person... And I think she was dead right about that one...

Spending thousands on trips and holidays every year, just to keep yourself busy and avoid boredom, is a very inefficient use of both your time and money... not to mention the effects on the environment of all those air miles clogging up the skies with frankly needless journeys!

But to each their own I suppose... if you gotta do it, you gotta do it... hopefully you are getting something out of it. But I don't see the evidence of this in my experience anyway!

GingerLily · 21-01-2020 07:17AM

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 have done a bit of travelling for a couple of years after finishing college, but these days I'm very happy in my own little world and local community.

My grandmother always used to say that anyone who was easily bored, was usually a boring person... And I think she was dead right about that one...

Spending thousands on trips and holidays every year, just to keep yourself busy and avoid boredom, is a very inefficient use of both your time and money... not to mention the effects on the environment of all those air miles clogging up the skies with frankly needless journeys!

But to each their own I suppose... if you gotta do it, you gotta do it... hopefully you are getting something out of it. But I don't see the evidence of this in my experience anyway!

I'm glad someone finally mentioned the environment, long haul flights are very heavy for your carbon footprint!

21-01-2020 07:29AM

GingerLily wrote: »

I'm glad someone finally mentioned the environment, long haul flights are very heavy for your carbon footprint!

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.

FTA69 · 21-01-2020 07:38AM

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 have done a bit of travelling for a couple of years after finishing college, but these days I'm very happy in my own little world and local community.

My grandmother always used to say that anyone who was easily bored, was usually a boring person... And I think she was dead right about that one...

Spending thousands on trips and holidays every year, just to keep yourself busy and avoid boredom, is a very inefficient use of both your time and money... not to mention the effects on the environment of all those air miles clogging up the skies with frankly needless journeys!

But to each their own I suppose... if you gotta do it, you gotta do it... hopefully you are getting something out of it. But I don't see the evidence of this in my experience anyway!

Yeah well your granny was wrong to be honest. The world is a massive place filled with amazing sights, different people, different cultures and a wealth of experiences to be had. To explore and to see new things, different languages and ways of living etc is a desire that has been rooted in people since time immemorial.

I'm happy with my job and my life in London, I also am happy (and lucky to be able) to travel around different places. If you're content with spending every day in the same gaff and like the familiarity of that then crack on, it's your life at the end of the day but don't make assumptions about people for wanting to explore things beyond a 'local community'. Different people like different things and there's plenty of unfair assumptions people could make about you based on what you wrote above.

Gretas Gonna Get Ya! · 21-01-2020 08:02AM

FTA69 wrote: »

Yeah well your granny was wrong to be honest. The world is a massive place filled with amazing sights, different people, different cultures and a wealth of experiences to be had. To explore and to see new things, different languages and ways of living etc is a desire that has been rooted in people since time immemorial.

I'm happy with my job and my life in London, I also am happy (and lucky to be able) to travel around different places. If you're content with spending every day in the same gaff and like the familiarity of that then crack on, it's your life at the end of the day but don't make assumptions about people for wanting to explore things beyond a 'local community'. Different people like different things and there's plenty of unfair assumptions people could make about you based on what you wrote above.

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!

GingerLily · 21-01-2020 08:07AM

[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?

21-01-2020 08:09AM

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 · 21-01-2020 08:13AM

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 · 21-01-2020 08:24AM

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 · 21-01-2020 08:26AM

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

Graces7 · 21-01-2020 08:31AM

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 · 21-01-2020 08:33AM

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 · 21-01-2020 08:58AM

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 · 21-01-2020 09:04AM

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 · 21-01-2020 09:17AM

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).

People who don’t (or won’t) travel

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