Updated: Jul 18, 2020
*A version of this article has been published on Sisters Traveling Solo
Hear me out! With no offense to globetrotters, I’ve always wondered why people travel either #domestically OR internationally. Many international travelers believe that the United States is not as exciting; leading them to travel globally. Contradicting these and other sentiments, one must travel both domestically and internationally.
Sentiment #1: “The United States is not as large as the rest of the world.”
#ClapBack: Well, the #UnitedStates is large too! If the United States were a continent, each state would be a country. Imagine adding 50 countries to the United Nations! Our states are loosely united, but are characterized by accents, history, laws, and food. Museums in each state are a perfect way to learn about the differences among #states.
As you travel within a state, the landscape even changes –dramatically!
New York City and Upstate New York are perfect examples:
For kicks, Miami and Naples, Florida:
Many people have traveled to 50 countries, but only 15 states! Did you know most Americans visit around 12 states in their lifetime and 10% do not actually visit another state? These stats unsettle me!
Not promoting #Americentrism, how can you apply your history to a global perspective without understanding it? The history presented by locals is incomparable to what textbooks present. It must be extended beyond our borders!
Sentiment #2: “Domestic travel costs a fortune. I get much more value traveling internationally.”
Clap Back: I’ve often thought: How is traveling to Puerto Rico much cheaper than traveling to Jackson, Mississippi?
One must consider distance and transportation.
Flying from New York to Europe is comparable to flying west. However, in right timing, I have flown to California for about $300.
In regards to other domestic transportation modes, a round trip flight from New York to DC can cost over $150, while an Amtrak costs about $50 each way and hopping on the Megabus costs about $50 (round trip).
Balance is crucial. Every international trip should be balanced out by a domestic one in order to step in and out of the #Americanmindset.
Sentiment #3: “I want to be able to try authentic international cuisine.”
Clap Back: We are a nation of immigrants; an “alphabet soup”. As such, one can find ethnic cuisine in unexpected places. For example, I was able to find an authentic Jamaican spot in Colorado Springs!
Sentiment #4: “Memories of United States travel are okay, but international travel memories become iconic.”
Clap Back:The United States has its own iconic monuments comparable to the Eiffel Tower or Big Ben. Sometimes, we lose sight that as we take off to see the world, millions of people are arriving to see our country. I am always reminded of this when I tour the United States and see a flood of Asians taking tons of pictures.
Sentiment #5: “People from other countries are just more interesting.”
Clap Back: In the simplest terms, that implies you (if you are an American) are not so interesting. If that is the case, I would work on that HAHA (too much shade?).
Welcome to the Franny the Traveler blog! I’m Dr. Franny, a national award-winning educator, entrepreneur, author, and Black travel enthusiast on a personal mission to make every destination a Black-owned destination. As I visit all 50 states and 50 countries by age 50, this Black travel blog is a growing collection of Black-owned city guides, itineraries, travel tips, and reflections on traveling while Black for the conscious traveler. I’m so happy you’re here!
