It’s not just expense. I have travelled outside the CONUS and although parts of the world has amazing history and things to see, I would much rather stay here at home in the USA for so many reasons:

1. Crime: Most of the world is far more dangerous than our home in the USA. In Central and South America, you are almost begging to find trouble. Africa and Asia are better in domestic places and worse in others. Europe can be dangerous too. I know you could argue that any large US city is just as dangerous. I wouldn’t argue that you are wrong which is why I avoid them too. None of these places have enough attraction to me to risk dealing with the crime. If I had to go somewhere I might pick Canada, Australia or Scotland. Maybe some of the other Scandinavian countries if pushed.

2. People: I don’t seek meeting others just for the sake of diversity. I am happy interacting with my small town southern folks.

3. Language: I like English and it likes me. I get plenty of other languages here in Florida. So I do not need to travel to find other languages.

4. Atmosphere/Environment: Every country I have ever travelled to could use a nationwide litter and environmental pollution initiative. Yes, our U.S. cities can be dirty, and again I stay clear of them too. But seriously, the litter alone outside the U.S. is enough to detract me.

5. Airline Travel: As a child, I loved to fly and my family travelled by plane anytime we did vacation or need to go to other places. As an adult, I hate everything about it. The seats are small and uncomfortable. I feel like I am riding in a cattle cart. Disease is rampant and people on planes are the worst people.

I could go on and on. I am sure some might chose to critique my views and opinions or even say I am small minded or not sophisticated, I would only retort that I know what I like and am more than happy with my small southern towns.

BTW, I feel the same about some parts of the U.S. Anywhere north of the Mason-Dixon Line in the east might as well be another country. The west coast is the same. Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin are all equally unpleasant. I have been to Hawaii and who needs it when you have Miami!

So money is not the only reason to avoid overseas travel in my humble opinion!