Choosing To Travel the U.S. And Not the World

Andrea is American and while we’re proud to say that between us we’ve seen quite a bit of the United States, the country still has so many amazing places that we’ve yet to explore. In today’s guest post, Paula Londe shares why she sticks to the States on her travelling adventures.

I’ll start with a telling joke:

What do you call someone who speaks two languages? Bilingual

What do you call someone who speaks one language? American.

With that reality/perception, why would I choose to “limit” travels to my native country and not get out and explore the world? Because as it turns out, there’s a lot to see and do in this great land. AND it’s spectacularly gorgeous. When they wrote songs about “purple mountains majesty” they were right; they just have better vocabulary than most of us normal folk.

Y Mountains

Cost is Always a Factor

My trips are 100% funded by my job, which is the case for most people, yes? Travel writers have the incredible opportunity to benefit from endorsed and compensated adventures. That makes international travel quite viable. But with my one-income household, every penny has to stretch a long way. And I like to travel. A lot. That’s not just a statement about my enthusiasm for travel, but also its frequency. I take five to six trips from Spring through Fall. Exploring the U.S. instead of the world makes this feasible. Some of my friends save up for one major trip every year or two. I think that’s fabulous. I also would go crazy waiting that long between excursions. And nobody wants that to happen.

A sunflower farm in Georgia

Getting to Know My Own Culture

One of the great treats of travel is to learn about a place’s culture, foods, traditions. Did you know that America has these, too? And amazingly they vary by region—and even within region! Go to an antique store or flea market to see what’s common across the country and what’s indigenous to the area. You’ll learn a lot in a fun setting, where you’ll also likely bring home at least one souvenir. This very practice of going to antique shows across the country has taught me that there was one ugly pattern of dishes sold in every state and no one wants it anymore. Can’t say I blame them! Don’t know how all those stores are going to get rid of them…

A farm in Arkansas

The Land beyond the City

Living in a city we lose sight of the stunning beauty that comprises America. The Grand Canyon, prairies, mountains, caverns. The roads and communities that lead to them and support them. It’s a chance to get out of your bubble world and see what else the country has to offer.

A waterfall in New Hampshire

The City beyond the Land

If you’ve seen one city, you haven’t seen them all. Whether you’re a country mouse who’s seen New York and now doesn’t want to go to San Francisco, or a city mouse who thinks you don’t need to see Philadelphia because surely it’s just like home. They do each have a museum with magnificent art, local history that impacts how America became the country we are today, and quirky stops like a Salt and Pepper Museum that just make you smile.     

A barn in Tennessee

But What ABOUT Seeing the World?

Go! There’s no one stopping you. But maybe first think about what lies in your back yard.

And if you’re lucky, you can do both!

Bio: Paula Londe is a marketing strategist during the week and avid photographer on the weekends. With a goal to visit all 50 states, she writes about her adventures and shares history, observations and laughter at Americana The Beautiful. Follow her on Twitter @AmericanaBtiful.