Comments on: Is visiting America just for old people?

By: Andy Jarosz

Andy Jarosz — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 21:48:58 +0000

Thanks to Erica and Ashley for sharing your experiences. Sounds like you both have some great trips coming up in your back yards (almost!) – maybe it’s a blessing in disguise that so few people visit these parks, as the feeling of isolation and solitude is one of their main attractions.

By: Ashley

Ashley — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 19:54:51 +0000

I think America does just as bad a job of advertising travel to its citizen as it does abroad. Whenever I’m planning a trip, traveling within the States doesn’t even come to mind. It wasn’t until this year, when I took a road trip through Utah, that I started to reconsider how I think about traveling here. I bought a guide to the national parks of the west when I got back, and am hoping to travel within my country as much as I do abroad. I’ve lived in California my whole life and never visited Yosemite(!) – so I think some changes need to be made.

By: Erica

Erica — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 18:50:21 +0000

I sadly admit that Shaun and I have visited more places outside the US than inside. Shaun lived in Arizona for most of his life and never visited the Grand Canyon. This Sept we’re fixing that, going on a roadtrip, making several stops to camp, and taking a plethora of pictures. I’m a fan of the Southwest and I’m going to make sure that we can get in as much as possible – even to the point of throwing out the TomTom and using a paper map!

Cheers!

P.S. Great choice of places!

By: Sophia Dembling

Sophia Dembling — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:01:33 +0000

I’m so surprised to read this, considering how many Europeans I meet when I travel the United States. The U.S. does make travel easy for older people, but as you point out, it also provides some pretty stunning outdoor activities as well as great and varied urban nightlife. Sure, you can lumber through the National Parks in an RV, but you can also backpack into the wilderness, far from everyone. I’m an American and have traveled internationally but I’ve also been exploring the United States for more than 30 years and I still feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface.

By: Andy Jarosz

Andy Jarosz — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:05:29 +0000

Thanks for the comments. Barbara, your trip sounds fantastic! I look forward to reading about it as you travel. How long will you go for?
That’s the thing Anil. The US tourist authorities have such an amazing product, yet few people in the world are aware of what is on offer outside of the big cities and Disney. But then maybe that’s because those places are the ones in demand…

By: Anil

Anil — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:41:16 +0000

The US does such a terrible job of marketing itself. Really one of the best places to travel in the world.

By: Mick @ house to rent in France

Mick @ house to rent in France — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:11:31 +0000

America and Canada have some of the most diverse environments and landscapes in the world, not to mention wildlife and the beautiful forests, especially in Canada. I am not old and I would love to go there someday.

By: Barbara at Hole in the Donut Travels

Barbara at Hole in the Donut Travels — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:03:08 +0000

I really had to laugh when I read this. I’m an American and even I said this recently. I am preparing for several months of long-term travel as I write this. Originally, I had planned to spend a year or so traveling around the U.S. in a van-sized RV. But the lure of overseas travel was just too strong. I head out in mid-February for Mexico, Central & South America. I decided that I can do the RV thing when I am to old to do things like hike the Inca Trail to Macchu Pichu. My only saving grace is the fact that I have traveled extensively around the U.S. and I agree with you that there are thousands of beautiful places right here, many of which can only be seen with a little effort.

By: Andy Jarosz

Andy Jarosz — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:58:04 +0000

Thank you to all for the valuable comments. I’m glad there are others who share the view that America can be great for all ages (even 83 year olds!)
It’s always true that we seem reluctant to explore the places that are closer to our own home. I have to admit to not knowing many parts of the UK as well as I should.

By: Moab Utah

Moab Utah — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:28:54 +0000

The Colorado River helped carve Grand Canyon, Arizona and is the southern border of Arches National Park, Utah. Enumerable Tour Operators of Europe offer rafting, 4×4, canyoneerying, horseback riding as options to travel in the rugged west. While river running advanced with European (German and Italian) adventurers of the late 1970s and early 1980s in Utah’s Cataract Canyon of Canyonlands National Park, the longer camping trips have paled. It appears that everyone in the world desires to do more in less time. Presently the 4 hour tours rafting, 4 wheeling, horseback riding, jet boating have found popularity with touring French and Dutch families. The Colorado River also flows into Canyonlands National Park, a little jewel, that is far more accessible than Grand Canyon with half day tours and every bit as scenic.
Inevitably, the grandpa brings his entire family back for a longer rafting/camping trip, as he remembers fondly those early days with his new bride or fiance, before children, and how remarkable those intimate moments were. And I have personally rowed an 83 year old Belgian man on the Colorado River. Adventure just has to be a part of a person’s fabric and adventure definitely takes time.