It’s a well-known fact that only about 40% of Americans own a passport. While that number is slowly increasing, it’s mainly because Americans are now required to have one for trips to Mexico and Canada. Even high-profile figures like Sarah Palin didn’t get their passports until much later in life, and she’s even implied that traveling is a luxury for the rich.
But why is it that, despite being one of the most powerful countries in the world, Americans often seem so disconnected from the rest of it? There are a few reasons.
1. Size and Self-Sufficiency
The United States is huge. It’s so big that many people think they don’t need to travel anywhere else. From beaches in Florida to the deserts of Arizona, America offers almost every type of landscape you could imagine. Many Americans believe that if they want to experience a tropical paradise or a snowy mountain, they can do it right in their own backyard. Why go to Thailand when Florida has the same beaches, right? This sense of having everything they need within their borders can make Americans feel like there’s no reason to travel abroad.
2. Fear of the Unknown
Another big factor is fear. Since 9/11, Americans have been bombarded with messages about how dangerous and hostile the rest of the world is. Terrorism, kidnappings, and violence are all heavily reported, creating an image of the world as a place to be afraid of. The media has played into this for years, focusing on violence and conflict both at home and abroad. Politicians have added fuel to the fire, suggesting that “the world hates us” and making Americans feel like they’re better off staying home.
This fear has become deeply ingrained in the culture. People often ask me, “Why leave the U.S. when it’s just as good here?” The perception is that the world is a dangerous place, and that’s a view only reinforced by the media and political rhetoric.
3. Cultural Ignorance
The third issue is cultural ignorance. Americans are often unaware of what’s happening outside their own borders. Our education system doesn’t prioritize teaching foreign languages or promoting global awareness, and the media rarely shows positive stories about other countries unless something bad happens. In fact, most schools teach Spanish, not because we’re interested in learning about Spain, but because of the large Spanish-speaking population here. This lack of education and focus on the rest of the world keeps many Americans from caring about what’s beyond their own country.
Some argue that America is just too far from the rest of the world, but that’s a weak excuse. New Zealand, for example, is far more isolated geographically, yet New Zealanders are encouraged to travel and experience different cultures. In today’s world, with airplanes, the internet, and social media, distance is no longer an obstacle.
4. Cultural Attitudes, Not Geography
At the end of the day, it’s not geography that keeps Americans from traveling—it’s culture. Yes, there are many Americans who do travel and seek to understand other cultures. These travelers come back and share their experiences, challenging the myths and encouraging others to open their minds. But even in more liberal areas, there’s still an attitude that the U.S. is the only safe, civilized place in the world, and that the rest of the world is a scary unknown.
The Irony
The irony is that America’s own actions helped create this world that many fear. Through its global influence, America has helped bring other nations like China, India, and Brazil onto the world stage. Now, many Americans are frightened by the world they helped shape and feel lost in it. Instead of seeking to learn more and understand these changes, there’s a tendency to retreat, building barriers rather than bridges.
Hope for the Future
But there’s hope. The younger generation of Americans, who grew up in the post-9/11 world, are more open to learning about and experiencing other cultures. They want to travel and see the world for themselves. I’m optimistic that, despite the current political climate, the future of travel and global awareness in the U.S. will improve—so long as we don’t shut ourselves off completely before then.
