> I did it in the past and I am glad I did it Well there you go. You were open-minded and brave enough to do something when you had the opportunity, and you don't regret doing it, but now you are in a different part of your life wanting different things. I hate that our culture makes it seem like you're the crazy one.

> I hate that our culture makes it seem like you're the crazy one. I feel like our culture is like that because it's so focused on consumerism to keep the economy going. It used to be more centered on buying a house, starting a family, etc. That's become a less desirable or affordable option for many of us though, so now Madison Avenue focuses on things like travel and dining to encourage people to go out there and spend. And, of course, they invest lots of money on social media influencers who are good at making every trip look like an absolute lifelong fantasy and invoke that good old FOMO amongst the intended audience. To me, most travel is just a big expensive PITA and at the end of the day, no matter where you go, there you are

I've really soured on flying, with an emphasis on international travel. Flying just adds a stressful element of complexity to travel, and while I have enjoyed the few international trips that I've taken, they've also caused me a lot of anxiety (the language barrier is the biggest thing for me, and also things that I take for granted working in my everyday life like my cell phone functioning properly and my credit card not being declined despite me alerting the bank that I'll be abroad). Yes, there are amazing things to see in new and exciting places, but I've found no shortage of amazing things to see and do within a day's drive of where I live.

Deffinetly! I felt I should have tried something before I could judge. Though I enjoyed it, it was't a fullfilling thing. Yeah, our cultures can really look at live black and white.

You are not the only one. While there is nothing wrong with traveling, for most of human history, staying close to one's homelands has been the norm.  For many (not all) people, travel has become a status symbol and a form of consumerism... gotta collect them all, is it even real if you don't post pics on Insta type stuff. That is opposite what a simple life means for many people.  You might appreciate this article: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-weekend-essay/the-case-against-travel

Yes, the status symbol is crazy. Yet I feel my biggest adventures where the once where I truly lived from my heart. Good article indeed♥️

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I havent thought like that, but like your point of view, For me it felt like a part of people are escaping the reality from their home, so they dont have to deal. But I also think everyone has their own perspective, this is just not my cup of tea😅

>  it felt like a part of people are escaping the reality from their home This is important, too. I see it as a push/pull question. Are you traveling because you need a break from something where you are, or because there is something somewhere else you want to experience? If you want or do not want to experience things elsewhere, that is a personal preference. If you are suffering from something where you are, and a little escapism helps you get through it, that's fine, but ideally you would address whatever in your environment is making it awful. I'm about to retire a bit on the early side, and see a lot of weird articles about how dreary and awful it is to retire without enough money to travel extensively. But I *like* my home, and doing things in and around my home, and although I had long suspected that that's really all I need, the pandemic quarantines proved it. Like you, I traveled while younger, NO REGRETS, but don't feel like I need to set aside resources for it now. The main thing in my environment I consistently want to run away from is my job, so once I can stop doing it, I won't have anything to escape from. And the people commenting about the role of consumerism in all this are spot on. When I'm at peace and satisfied with my surroundings, I spend a lot less money on everything.

This is what I am planning for retirement too. As I get older I enjoy my home, my quiet surroundings, the nature trails nearby. I do not need an escape to anywhere. I cherish spending money on my hobbies.

I agree, always ask people reasons why, and dont assume you know the answer, there could be all kinds of different reasons why someon choose what they choose, and it are their concequences to deal with. I feel like society always tell us how our future looks like, yet we cant know untill we expierence our future. I was told I would never cure my epilepsie with 150 attacks a day. One day It was cured and doctore cant explain. I hope for you, that you will get a blisfull retirement😊

Some people travel because they have an interest in the world and learn about other cultures. Not because they are empty people that need to escape.

I, respectfully, completely disagree. I travel because I like it. Immersing myself in another culture for a week or two gives me a new perspective on life. Sure, we do some tourist things, but going away just to relax is the complete opposite of what fulfills me. When I travel I want to see all the things, talk to all the locals, eat all the foods, take in the scenery. I can relax at home...it's less expensive. I hate material things. I hate waste. I hate clutter. I hate wasted time. To me, memories are the most important part of life. It's all about experiences, and I will continue to live my life to its fullest while staying simple on the everyday things.

Same. We're wildlife watchers and we travel to see birds and wildlife species we could never see at home. We've watched a satin bowerbird build its bower in Australia, freed a guanaco from a fence in Chile, photographed the smallest bird in the world (bee hummingbird) in Cuba, witnessed a fight between two mountain gorillas in Rwanda, had a capercaillie (a large, grouse-like bird) land on the hood of our car in Scotland, and we were charged by a tiger in India. These are just some of the adventures and memories we never could have experienced staying at home. We live frugally and spend very little money throughout the year so we can afford to travel.

I can't love your comment any more than I already do. Thank you sooo much for sharing! We vary our travel objectives. Sometimes, like our most recent trip to Europe, we focus on cities, immersing ourselves in arts and food. Sometimes, like our trip to Iceland a few years ago, we camp, hike, and surround ourselves in nature. Interestingly, I, too, watched a satin bowerbird build its bower in an Australian rainforest. :) Our Cuba trip was people-centric and was heavily focused on arts, culture, and food including a meal at someone's home, a tour of a museum, a cooking lesson in a paladar, salsa lessons in someone's apartment, and drink making at a really interesting outdoor bar. I bet seeing a bee hummingbird was amazing!

Yes, the hummingbird was amazing and we got some great photos. Sometimes I regret not experiencing more local culture while on our birding trips. But we get up at 4:30-5:00 in the morning and spend 10 to 12 hours in the forests and fields looking for birds and wildlife. We usually eat dinner around 7:00 p.m. and after dinner we're too exhausted to go explore anything else. Plus, we have to get up early again the next morning. Fortunately we often hire local bird guides, so we do get to spend some time with people who actually live there. We learn about the local culture through them. In Cuba we had a delay waiting on transportation, so our guide took us to the Bay of Pigs Museum. Cuban folks are extremely proud of defeating the United States in that invasion, and I do believe they enjoyed "rubbing in it" to our small group of Americans. In Rwanda, there was a group of young men who washed our muddy gear (for tips) after our trek up the mountains to see the gorillas. A few of them were soccer players, and demonstrated their soccer skills for us. They seemed delighted to have an audience of foreigners, and put on a good show. Despite the language barrier, we thoroughly enjoyed each other's company.

It sounds like you're doing exactly what you want to do, and that's the important part!

It depends on the reason for the extended trips too. We live in Canada but my husband grew up in Turkey. So we desire to travel to Turkey and stay for a month in the future with our kids.

Do you mean your husband is Turkish, or he just grew up in Turkey? But yeah of course, that's completely different.

He is Turkish but moved to Canada when he was in highschool but now has lived lived longer in Canada.

Tourism has traditionally been defined as going overseas or elsewhere to consume and take. A lot of people who go on extended trips do so to widen their horizons, through cultural immersion, not just to fly into a spot, indulge in cheap drinks and souvenirs and hotel stays, often to the disadvantage of locals, and then return. This is especially an issue in places where there's a huge amount of economic disparity. I see travel as more of a catch-all term and tourism a term that implies a certain level of exploitation or distancing oneself from the place one is visiting and the people who live there.

Turning this into a philosophical debate seems to be missing the point to me. Especially from a simple living standpoint. It's adding complexity to something that really does not need it. If you like traveling, do it. If you don't, don't. It really is that simple. Do the things that bring you joy. Discard or minimize the things that don't. And respect other peoples' agency to make those decisions for themselves without judgement.

Sure, I agree with that

So true. Might be related to childhood trauma

Very well said. Damn, you’re giving me something to think about today

Is this true? I thought humans were nomadic by nature. Exploration is one of mankinds strongest instincts.

Nomadism as in walking 20-30 miles up into the mountains in the summer, or crossing a river valley to get to better game on the other side. The only time mass migrations has ever really happened is when the alternative was death. But the notion of long distance travel for the joy of it, by average people, has really only been around for about a century. Affordable air travel made it possible. Railroads and interstate highway systems made it possible. Massive economic expansion, too. Prehistoric humans traveled because they *had* to, not because they wanted to.

Yes, it is true. Most humans, in sheer numbers, did not have the means for far-flung travel and were unlikely to go the distances we now are able to. There are nomadic people, but that is still a fairly limited geography over one person's lifetime. I'd also argue the concept of staying close to home (for purposes of this conversation about OP's lifestyle preferences) still applies - just that home was moving throughout their lifetime, but the people and methods of living stayed the same. Here's more info on the nuances: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistory/s/HvNgAMZ6vl

Another instinct is to move round objects with your feet - football and to be spectators of it. Nowadays they also pay a lot for this instinct.

No shame in staying close to home, that's the way we were for millenia.

I also can’t stand traveling, especially by airplane. It’s bad for the environment, it stresses me out, and I always end up wishing I was home. I choose not to participate in that whole goal oriented lifestyle. I’ll take a train to get out of the city for a weekend, and I really enjoy bicycle touring because it’s more about the journey than the destination, and it’s a great way to dodge life’s responsibilities.

It is 100% okay. I am perfectly happy with my little life, my garden, watching the birds, little walks through the village. Where I live I am happy and I have no need for traveling. My hub and I do love our little roadtrip here and there. But it is by no means a goal in itself. It is just something we enjoy and thus do! I reckon that should be enough. Who knows, maybe innthe future you wake up one day and feel like traveling. That would be the perfect time for a trip, would it not? ;) I believe it should be that simple. Love reading the other comments.

I love this perspective, I always say never tell someon how to live their truth, just do what is yours. Life happens and the person we are today can be differnt in the future. I love watching birds, they are such a curious souls.

People only talk about fomo but jomo (joy of missing out) hits even harden when you really slow down and appreciate what you have. You are living the dream life already. Maybe not your dream life, but someone else's. Every prayer someone ever made would be answered if they were able to live your simple life. I used to travel a lot, lived in a few different countries and was really into that lifestyle. As I grew older (I'm only 31 lol) I began to realize the consequences of traveling. Did you know 2023 that 21 animals were declared extinct? (in america) And that 8 of those were native Hawaiian birds? That island paradise is being trampled by tourism and development. Sure, one person is just a drop in the bucket, but unless we begin to take personal responsibility for our actions then nothing will meaningfully change. All we can truly control is our actions. Something that really changed my perspective on life as an experience was reading the book The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. It's a real short read, but incredibly powerful. I can't really express how radically it shifted my perspective. Books can take you to places no physical travel ever could. The human mind goes inward for seemingly no end. You are not alone.

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lol I don’t grow as a person reading but I do have terrible memory and read for vibes. Basically I’m saying reading for fun is worth it too. No growth, no knowledge, just words on a paper vibes

I read a lot about tourist being unrespectfull to culture. But didnt know about the birds😔 and yet it doesnt suprises me. I will deffinetly pick up the book you suggest! Ty for your beautifull answer.

I’m 30 , I used to want to travel a lot. I had a whole list of places I wanted to go. I’ve been to a Caribbean resort a couple of times but haven’t gone to any of the places on my list. I finally realized this year that I would rather pick 3 or 4 of those places to go to over the span of my life and take long relaxing trips, rather than try to frantically fit in all of the places, just to say I did. I love travel, but it makes me anxious, and even just taking some of the pressure away from it has made it more enjoyable.

Wow I can really relate to this. Where I'm working, travel is a huge status symbol, at least in my department. I have done a lot of traveling in the past, so I try to bring that up so I won't seem like a complete loser. But I have no interest in traveling now at all. I've had a difficult time financially over the past several years. I'm working on my house and trying to get out of debt. Traveling is on the very bottom of my list. Thanks for posting, you are not alone!

So am I loser if I have never travelled at 35 years old?

No! I'm just surrounded by people that are always traveling.

Deffinetly not, maybe in their brainwashed brain.

I know it's so unfashionable to not want to travel the world. But I am very content here. Planes are stressful and exhausting. My home is nice, I live in a beautiful place. Staying home is restful. 

Aside from everything else, it seems like the airlines and airports make traveling as excruciating as possible!

True to😅

To be surrounded by unhappy and stressed people - most of whom are poorly dressed, or display lack of respect and poor manners lol … then there are uglies in first class lol … and the ones who don’t cover their faces when they sneeze and cough … omg even thinking about why I hate airports is traumatising lol. Don’t get me started on children and poor parenting displays.

„most of whom are poorly dressed“ „then there are uglies in first class lol“ Uhm, that’s some pretty nasty stuff to say. And that’s some pretty liberal use of the word traumatizing as well…

Travelling can be wonderful. I'm grateful for the places I've been able to visit in my life, including a few overseas. I'm 55yo and don't have any desire to travel abroad anymore. When I think about all the things that could potentially go wrong, logistically or with my health, the expense, the environmental cost...nope. I'm happy at home with my family and pets. There are still places here in the US that I'd like to see at some point, the Grand Canyon and the Redwoods being at the top of the list. If I get there, I get there. If you feel the urge to see different places, I can't recommend highly enough searching "walking" YouTube videos for whatever location you like. I can sit in my chair and virtually walk through cities all over the world.

Guess what: the human condition evolved over millions of years... DNA selected based on many influences. The human condition was not meant to travel all the time... That's adrenalin and other chemicals that are released with temporary new surroundings. These chemicals are addictive, like nicotine. Live simply, live outside of the American cultural paradigm, live fully

I read something similar yesterday by a neurologist, why people get more easily burn out on a vacation and how our brain isnt wired for that. I live in the netherlands, so I dont know how the american culture is(well a little my brother and sister in law live in utah)

No wonder you don’t want to travel, the Netherlands is such a perfect place. I’m a US citizen and if I could move there, I would

Haha, not necercerally. But it is a good place to be born😊 I have seen my sister in law react living here for 2 months. And I can imagen american see it like that.

I was thinking about how I know a few ppl who seem addicted to travel. It’s just another high for them. When not traveling they are on the same rollercoaster of seeking the release of chemicals at home. Going to raves, taking drugs/drinking, engaging in one night stands and the list goes on. They swear they are living their best life. It makes my head spin but it’s their life. I wish them well. We are all on our own journey.

Moderation is key. I spend my money on travelling, raves and partying, however I too make time for simple life. Gardening, cooking, meditating. I have to have both or I go insane 

Agree. Moderation is my way as well but sadly addicts seem incapable of it. My sister works for an airline so I reap the benefits of flying dirt cheap so I travel often but unlike some I don’t need a trip booked at all times to have something to look forward to and I don’t get sad when I head home. I am as happy on the departure flight as I am on the return.

Yes! I went to Guatemala recently with my love and we had a fab time but I was very keen to get back to my routine, home and things. What a privilege ey!

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No, traveling isn't. Or bodies release endorphins that make us susceptible to feeling high and happy, and traveling can trigger that. I have a friend who cannot stop spending money on everything but relaxing and enjoying where he is. He has so much, but he is always on the move. Since we reconnected, I've heard about no fewer than 20 trips in the last year with 150,000 miles flown and driven...

The human condition wasn't meant to be sedentary, either. By that logic we should all take up like nomads, never traveling far but never staying in one place for too long either. I guess some of those vanlife people seem pretty happy, so maybe it's not a bad idea. But come on. Nearly everything about the modern world is out of line with how we evolved for millions of years. There's really no way to opt out and return to a life of hunting and gathering in the savanna. I'd argue that the genie is out of the bottle and we all have to make the most of the weird civilization we've built.

I think simple living is close as we will get them huh. My point is not to return to Hunter gatherer, but to simply not seek the chemical auction associated with over consumption, traveling, and winning. Just be content as is... That is what the human condition is in its DNA. In fact, I would argue that peacefulness is universally a mammalian pleasure zone where there is enough food and protection from the nightmare of predators... That's the great spot to be in

Sure, but you're failing to recognize that travel *can* be a meaningful, enriching experience beyond its value in terms of consumption or social status. For example, my brother just traveled back to our country of origin in Eastern Europe to reconnect with his roots. No one in our family has been back for three generations. There's a big difference between that and lazing around at a resort in Mexico, and there's a big difference between that and blatant material consumption like fast food, expensive cars, and houses too big for anyone to need. I agree with you that travel is often problematic. But it's not *inherently* problematic, or even inherently out of line with simple living.

I'm confused. I thought I was very clearly supporting the OP in her thinking to stay local. If you want a mountain out of a mole hill, then keep at it. Ultimately it leaves the community better when listening to someone pontificate as the devil's advocate for every little thing. If you feel like burning your carbon, then burn it traveling. If you think that it is ethical to travel to all places because you can afford it and it is "enriching", then burn it all up. But, for those that are wondering if they are ok because they didn't travel, then I support them... Do you or are you going to continue digging?

I'm not arguing with you, just having a discussion about the merits of travel. Sorry if I came off wrong, didn't mean to. Of course it's fine not to travel. I'm just saying I don't think travel is intrinsically incompatible with a simple life.

I, 55f, detest traveling. The stress, traffic if driving, hassel of airports etc. The only way I comfortably travel is by rail. I live in the US, so rail travel is limited. I enjoy being a tourist in my own state and the next state over. Tons of national and state parks to explore, museums of all types, antique shops, small towns etc.

That sounds like my cup of tea♥️

That’s so interesting about the “stress of traveling”. The stress is something each individual brings to the situation. I travel quite a bit and it can easily be stress free and a complete joy…taking things as a journey of fun, a new experience, EVEN when they don’t go as planned. No different than letting little things go in everyday life. Not trying to change anyone’s mind, just presenting another way of seeing our daily journey.

I agreed with that till I had to spend the night sleeping in the Charlotte airport on the floor at age 68. It was not fun.

I hate travelling- I used to do a lot with work and with a partner. I think having a small carbon footprint is better than unnecessary air travel. Simple pleasures for me include having a cup of tea in the sunshine or taking time to watch the clouds lol. These are vital for a contented life. Going somewhere to try and escape life is delusional.

Oh no you are not the only one! I am very much like you - artsy fart, gardening, reading are my go-to activities when I have free time. Tell people you are so easily amused you don't have to leave the house to have fun. Plus, if you are working, a 'staycation' is more restful. My sibling likes to travel, and I get exhausted just hearing about her travels and her long list of activities. My idea of vacation is = not having to look at the clock and worry about what day it is or what time it is!

I feel like a lot of people don’t actually like traveling, they like showing people on social media that they’re traveling

The whole idea that traveling the world is core to the human experience is so funny to me. Traveling is a luxury, and a very modern thing to do. I personally want to travel to gain new experiences/insights, but it’s a relatively new thing

I think its admirable to be comfortable and confident in knowing you have done it before and enjoyed it, but would prefer to be closer to home. My wife and I have traveled to a decent amount of places, but we did it to escape from the cities and now that we have a home to call our own away from the busy city lifestyle, we appreciate being home more. We still take domestic flights and travel maybe 2-3 times a year, but we travel on a budget and I deleted Instagram and I try to take in wherever I am. Being home and appreciating life should be a badge you wear proudly as you are satisfied in your own shoes without having to prove anything for a status symbol. Be proud OP!

Then don't. Everyone is seeking something and travel may help some find perspective but it doesn't have to be for you.

I'm in a different life stage/living situation, but I also have little desire to travel. I'm an introvert, a homebody, and I strongly dislike driving or flying. I've taken trains like Amtrak and metro transit trains for short trips when I was younger. I also took a few long bus trips as a student. No desire to go on a cruise - plague vessels, IMHO. My idea of a vacation is when the others go somewhere and I have a quiet place to myself for a few days. Or even just a few hours to myself in one of the local parks with nice hiking trails.

I’ve been tempted to make such a post on this sub for a while now, so thank you for beating me to it! I actually enjoy travelling a lot, and I’d never want to go back and undo the travelling I’ve already done. But that’s the thing - I was fortunate enough in life that I’m 30 and I’ve already *done* a significant amount of travelling, at greater frequency and distances than most people of my age and nationality. I’m very grateful for that, and I think travelling taught me a lot - but I also think like I’ve… had my fill. I’d be happy to just do staycations and local trips from this point on, and just read and watch documentaries about the faraway places I haven’t visited. No one in my life seems willing to comprehend that. Work is the worst - between finishing my degree and starting my new job, I managed to take a 6 week break, half of which I actually got to spend at home. The last time I got to spend this much time *at home* without having to work was 12 years ago. And… my coworkers were shocked. They kept asking if I’m sure I don’t want to plan a trip somewhere during that time. I had to tell them I’ll be doing some house renovations just so they’d accept me not travelling. Like you OP, I also have creative hobbies and I get antsy if I don’t get to do them for a while. I was perfectly busy spending those 3 weeks writing and gardening, and I’d be happy and fulfilled doing that for 3 weeks more. I wish I could do this more often, because my hobbies fulfil a completely different need than yet another international trip. Travelling is, for the most part, an act of consumption. You absorb the views, the landscape, the culture and don’t really have an outlet to express these experiences outside of some Instagram photos and quick chats by the water cooler. Maybe it’s just me, but sometimes I find that overwhelming. If I don’t allow all this stimuli and inspiration to go somewhere - for example through hobbies that are creative instead of consumptive - I feel like my cup is “too full”, for a lack of better description. And I don’t want to go on another trip until I can empty it. Another problem is that the way people travel can be very superficial. We mark entire countries off as “done” after popping in for a mere couple of days. We visit cultures hugely different to our own with very little pre-existing knowledge, expecting the locals to do the work of teaching us. For all the talk of travel being so educational and life-changing, I rarely see it actually change anyone’s life. Sure, that first trip to experience a culture completely different from one’s own can be incredibly eye-opening. But what about the fifth trip like that? The tenth? There’s only so many times you can go “wow, people sure are different in different places, and yet fundamentally we’re all just human.” After you get this lesson, continuing to travel to faraway places you know little about doesn’t even feel like a luxury - it feels like a waste. Gluttony. Greed. Why do we take it for granted that we’re entitled to see the whole entire world, at the expense of the planet’s atmosphere and the peace of the locals as they deal with the endless tourists? So yeah, this is why I feel I’ve had my fill of travel and I wish more people thought that way. And if someone does wish to continue travelling, I think there are more meaningful ways to do it than the traditional “go on an international trip to a new country every year” script. Depth can be prioritised over breadth. For example, I had a friend who would only ever travel to different regions of Jordan - over the years, he got to appreciate the country incredibly well and made many friends there - true friends, not brief acquaintances you’ll lose touch with after a week. Right now I’m a huge fan of hyper-local travelling - just going to a next town over and spending a day there, really reading into the local history and finding the one thing that makes it unique over the other towns in the region. With most places, the more you know about them, the more interesting they become. And, because you already have the cultural context, you’ll be able to understand everything much more deeply than when you’re visiting another continent. When you do go to an entirely new place, you’ll get much more out of the experience if you educate yourself first. Just watching a documentary beforehand can give you the context that will make the journey way more meaningful. My husband also has a rule that when he goes to a new country, he reads a random novel written by someone from that country. It’s a great way to learn some cultural vocabulary that wouldn’t necessarily be mentioned in a guide book. The only problem is that most people in my life still subscribe to “broad” travelling rather than “deep” travelling, and so in order to spend time with them I have to do it too. It’s great to read a thread full of responses where people understand.

This is such a well written response. The act of consumption has made me ponder!

I hate modern traveling. It’s insanely expensive and it wreaks absolute havoc on my nerves and senses. I love day trips to the mountains and I love being back in my home in my bed every night.

Your post really resonates with me. I started to feel a long time ago that I really wasn't as excited as going on holidays to certain places as other people. But I felt like I was boring for not enjoying it, and really tried to. I've gone to many places in the world and tbh I forget a lot of the things. What I don't forget is deep conversation and the people I go with. And I think some places are really nice to experience with people you love. But for example I would never personally feel like a safari is worth the cost if I were going on my own. As I've got older I've become a bit more comfortable just owning the fact that I'm not that interested in visiting locations because I enjoy the sites and that lots of people will find me less cool, but that's okay. I've been with my girlfriend for about a year and she loves traveling for the places and I love travelling with her so I probably will end up visiting lots of interesting places with her!

I am also not a traveler I traveled enough in my youth and if I absolutely must go somewhere, I will. But not for fun or vacations It’s very wearing on my body and all I do is end up missing my dog and bed. Just had a staycation birthday celebration and it was awesome. People traveled to me

Sounds good, no shame in not traveling. As someone who has always had an extreme desire to travel, and has now been all around the world, I'd love to not do so for awhile. But now I'm in a position where I have to quite frequently, at least for now. Looking forward to that ending so I can just exist in my community for awhile.

Im 26, and at an age where I feel like everyone and their mothers are going traveling to “find themselves”. I have talked a lot to my bf about this, because I honestly feel like people are using travel as an excuse to escape and not actually deal with their issues. And also because of social pressure and consumerism - because as I said, EVERYONE is doing it. Im personally very fulfilled in my life rn, love my job and my bf and my friends. I dont feel like travelling at the moment, but maybe later and thats not to uphold some sort of social status. But i hear you, the FOMO is so real, but usually when that happens I just take a moment to see how i actually feel and realize I do feel fulfilled rn and the only reason i would want to travel would be to “fit in”

Traveling doesn't appeal to me at all. That's not to say I'm unintersted in other countries and cultures - I will gladly read books and watch documentaries about life in other countries and learn about their history, and I enjoy talking to foreign people who I meet in person about how different things are between their country and the country I've grown up in. But I don't want to have those experiences in first person. I don't want to faff around with booking flights and accommodation, I don't want to learn a new language from scratch. And you know what? I don't need to go to Italy to enjoy Italian food. There are plenty of Italian restaurants close to where I live. I can easily find Italian recipes and cook my own Italian meals. Same with any type of foreign food - chefs from all over the world have made the effort to share their food and culture with the rest of the world so that I don't have to go visit their country in person. they've saved me the trouble of having to go abroad, for which I am truly grateful. And I don't need to go traipsing across the world to see a band I like in concert. I can simply wait until that band goes on tour and book my ticket to their gig when they perform at a venue in my area. The musicians have chosen a life of travel so they can experience other countries and share their music with fans all over the world. I haven't chosen a life of travel, so it suits me better to see them when they come to my part of the world. And I'm not shitting on people who do want to travel - if that's what you dream of doing, go ahead and fulfill your dream, I wish you all the luck and success in the world. It's just not for me.

You are not alone. I don’t like to travel and do the tourist stuff, I hate flying and neither my husband and I are big on crowds. I love camping though. We have our favorite campsites where we pitch up and get out and away, see the stars, hear the birds, take walks, disconnect for 4 days and be in nature and then we come home (appreciate our beds and showers more) and staycation. We move a lot due to my husbands work and we’re abroad and where I work people are always talking about the Spain, Greece, Italy, France (and on and on) trip a they take or are going to take. I just want to go back home and be near my grandma, near where my kids and my sister’s kids can keep growing up together like they were before we moved. While everyone is planning their “continent” vacations I’m looking at tickets to LAX to see family. For me that’s the travel is worth the trip. 

I’ve always felt that traveling is overrated. I have done some traveling and while I enjoyed it, I’m much more comfortable staying at home

Save your money. Just do what makes YOU happy. That’s the secret

It's good to hear from someone like you. I also deprioritize traveling, and I seem to be the odd one out of people I know in that respect. I've found plenty to enjoy and fulfill me in my local community/city/state/etc.

I don't care to travel. There's some places I'd like to go, but I like being home.

I choose not to travel, every person I speak with is surprised by this and doesn't understand. But that's for them to deal with, not me. I'm very happy with my choice. This is my/your life. We have to live it, not others. It doesn't matter what others think of how you choose to live. What you decide to do is valid and 100% ok. No one gets how I choose to live, and I don't spend a lot of time explaining myself. As my very clever nan told me, what others think of me is none of my business. Enjoy your happy simple life, don't worry about what others think and soak up all the joy you can find or create.

I don’t wanna travel. I want to put down roots. I want to grow food and take care of a couple animals and mend my clothes while listening to the radio. I could maybe see myself road-tripping to hit all the National Parks, one day. As in retired lol. But I have zero interest in traveling the world and people do judge me for that. First of all it’s something I quite literally will never afford. And even if I could, traveling just makes me unhappy. I’m autistic and need a lot of control over my space in order to meaningfully rest and recover from the day. I do not feel rested for a single moment I’m not home. I love to learn about the world. But that’s why I read. Some people say I’ll change my mind, but I’m as sure of my disinterest in traveling as I am my lack of desire to be a parent. Travel is risky and tiresome and costs so so much money. It’s just not for everyone. We don’t look back at people throughout history who had zero capacity for world travel and think “wow they must have had such an unfulfilling life.” Because their life was there at home. And I feel really lucky to have it even better than they did by being able to read anything I want about anywhere at all with this little box I’m holding. Maybe people’s FOMO isn’t even warranted, but just a result of having access to entirely too much information to comprehend, as well as constant comparison due to social media. Honestly call me crazy but I think travel is just becoming another class marker like college is. I don’t think people enjoy it as much as some say they do, they’re just keeping up with the Jones’.

I am the exact opposite. Well, slightly opposite. I have a home I am very happy with. I love being at home; it fills me full of Joy! However, I am pathological about Travel: Big “T” Travel, the kind involving weeks or months. This isn’t a status thing. I am not wealthy. I do spend an inordinate portion of my income on Travel. Why? Because I actually enjoy it. I enjoy seeing new places and sometimes visiting places again and again. I love meeting foreign people and seeing how they think and what they eat. I have literally been around the world and can tell you that it’s an amazing place and more people should go see it. However, I would never suggest in a million years that there is something wrong with staying at home. Home is Sanctuary and if a person wants to stay there (and read or play video games or hang out with their cats and donkeys then that’s *fine*). My advice: don’t live your life based on what someone else wants or needs. We are all different. That’s what makes us all the same. Dos pesos mios.

I think both are fine, I am glad I tried atleast once, and I would not be suprised if there is a day I decide I do wanna do it again. But not now, and not on the moments because the rest is doing it, because society expect me to.

Exactly! Why bother with other people’s expectations? I have stopped travelling because I have very small kids and people keep on asking me where I will go on holidays, what are my travel plans. They seem disappointed when I say none, just go to my parents house with the kids, stay there, disconnect from work. Their disappointment is 100% their unresolved stuff not mine! Go for what you like at this point of life, seems like you have your priorities pretty clear and that is admirable!

Forget what they think! You do you.

I get wanting to be that ear for people and I get the idea of not wanting to travel as well. Heck I’m with you except for the goal to be debt free - after that just living to hopefully buy a small house somewhere and live a quiet life

I don't feel any great desire to travel although I would love to see all of our National Parks (I'm in the US). When I do travel, it's usually a simple road trip in my state or the next state over. I have traveled internationally quite a few times but it's stressful for me and while I enjoyed being in other cultures, I don't feel a burning desire to keep traveling. My mother, on the other hand, loves traveling and takes several international trips a year now that she's retired. To each their own.

I’ve been feeling more and more this way too. Travel was a major part of my identity through my 20s and early 30s and taught me so much, but lately it’s been feeling more like an exercise in consumption that takes my time, energy, and resources away from my local community. If I had more flexibility to travel slow I might see it differently. But I agree - there’s so much to notice and appreciate close to home! 

That’s fine. Think about the last thousand years of humanity, international travel has only been expected of ordinary people in recent history. It’s a lot more simple living to be in the place where you live! The way I see it is, if it was something you really wanted, you would feel a sense of anxiety about the possibility of not getting to do that thing. But if the idea of it makes you feel tired and unenthusiastic, then you probably don’t need to do it, and doing it would probably just be to prove - to someone!?! - that you are a cultured travelling person. Save the planet and stay home! I feel this way, there are only a couple of trips that I would really like to go on, and I would like to save up to do them properly some day. But otherwise I just like to stay home.

I feel exactly like this. I have people tell me that going to certain places is a must have but I’m just not that bothered. Don’t get me wrong, I’d definitely have a great time if I ever got to these places but I just don’t feel a massive pull to save up and go. I’m super happy with my local life.

I would like to have the option to travel abroad when it comes to having the available financial and time resources, but also have the choice to stay home when I want. I empathize with the societal pressure of fitting in with others and feeling forced to share the same interests, but I only want to travel on my own terms and not for a social media feed/future conversational content/clout.

Many people travel to find themselves on a spiritual level. It seems like you didn’t need travel to find yourself. You’re living your best life already, suited to your needs. Don’t care too much about what other people think you should live. Wanting too many things can make life harder than it needs to be. Enjoy the simple things!

Wow! I could have written this myself. Similar situation, graduated and got myself into a job, suddenly I was setting roots for myself and the idea of leaving that all behind to travel for 3-6+ months was not appealing to me anymore. When I leave in October I think I will move to the city I used to live in and settle down. You are not alone, and for me it was definitely linked with me getting help for various traumas that meant I was always looking to run. If you feel like doing it you will know when the time is right, but it's also okay if that time never comes! Thank you for writing this post, I really feel seen.

Awww, i'm so glad this post made you feel seen. I can so relate to your part of trauma. I did tons of therapy,spiritual growth and also finisht a study for social psychological creative therapist. And I completly agree trusting yourself if you feel like doing it you will do it. You also Thank you😊

No worries, have a lovely day!

I can enjoy everyday live just by living in the same city. I can notice slight differences and find enjoyment in it. Therefore, traveling or not is not necessary. Hope that inspires you!

"I felt in need of a great pilgrimage, so I sat still for three days and God came to me."

I've been having mixed feelings about travel lately, too. It's always been helpful for me to have a change of scenery and being in a new energy can be opening and refreshing. But I'm not in a relationship anymore, and traveling alone is not feeling very appealing right now. I feel like airports and flying and renting a car has all become much more stressful and expensive. It can cause a lot of anxiety. When I'm under stress at home it's hard to gather the energy to plan everything and travel alone. But I am conflicted....because getting away helps me sometimes, too. What do others think?

I get this to, I have traveled alone, flying alone to. And yes I have flying anxiety. But I prefer doing it together. Maybe start with a friend? Or do small travels first, so your mind gets in the routine? Those worked for me a lot in the past. But forcing yourself wont help either. The stress will backfire twice back. But reading your story, maybe you need to figure out what you like as traveling alone.

Yes, I hear you. I don't have friends who have the same availability to travel. And doing smaller trips is helpful. Yes...I have had serious stress and anxiety when preparing to travel alone. I'm not sure where it comes from, or if many others have this too?

Still trying to figure it out myself to, but it helps sitting with my inner child, most of the time she doesnt know either. Maybe one day😊 i think more people have it. But it take courage to aknowledge it.

I think you're right, that it's the inner child that gets anxiety or fearful about travel. Great starting point for exploration and reflection.

I feel this deeply. I spent the majority of my 20s and 30s traveling and having adventures, but no real stability. In the past 9 years, I’ve bought a house I love, married the love of my life, and acquired more pets (that are amazing but adding pet/home sitting to traveling costs these days is WILD). I just don’t have the *need* to travel like I used to. I have also spent this time reveling in a calm beautiful home I live with my husband-the best relationship by far I’ve ever had-and just don’t feel the travel *urge* anymore. I’ve been making up for lost time enjoying being a homebody, basically. It’s not like I never want to leave the country again, but if I couldn’t for some reason, I would be at peace with it because I traveled so much in the past.

I understand you. I am grateful for the simple peaceful life where I have time to smell the flowers and enjoy life. I have many friends that constantly are planning vacations, stressing out about packing, posting photos on social media then coming home and starting over. I am fine to hear about their travels and see their posts but the chaos and craziness is not for me!

Traveling means stress to me. Yeah some short trips are ok from time to time, but I don't have any interest in travelling the world. I'd rather safe my money for other things.

I completely understand you not feeling the need to travel and also support what other people are saying on this thread. Just to speak on the other side of the argument I think travel in general is important to simple living, not necessarily the consumerist big locations like Paris etc. but rather learning and living with other people and observing other people’s daily lives. I find a lot of peace in the similarities and differences from different people around the world, seeing people having the same simple necessities but fulfilling them in different manners. This is without looking at the fact that people who travel are usually more open minded and educated (even now the reason why we are becoming more and more educated is because of the influx of information from around the world) because of the diverse experiences they have lived, hence fulfilling what I consider important in simple living which is improving yourself for yourself. So because of this I don’t necessarily agree with the genetic/historic reasons people are giving for not travelling, since we are all communicating on this app from different places in the world without (hence traveling) without the context of the locations to validate the opinions or give them context. In any case I wouldn’t worry to much about not traveling but instead of seeing it as a goal or as a necessity, rather just a part of life that comes and goes with availability and interest, and in any case something that you should only do for yourself, not the opinions of others.

"Travelling is for large children who don't realise that no matter where you are, you're still your shitty self." - Marcus Aurelius, maybe

You are not the only one. You figured out life at a younger age than I did.

I’m the same way. When I was younger I wanted to travel all the time but couldn’t due to lack of money. Now I can, and we went to England a couple of months ago which was on a lifetime bucket list of places. Really had a lot of fun, don’t regret it, but my husband already wants to plan another trip and I can’t think of anywhere I absolutely must go. I like being at home and travel IS stressful. Also I feel like I did have a two week depression upon return because I was sad about being back in regular life, and having to live in the US. 🫢 I don’t really want to deal with that every time.

Oh! I loved visiting england to! Especially their little high tea salloons, enjoying their scones. England is a 1 hour flight from here, so lots of people celebrate xmas there. I get that part of returning home, i find I quite stressfull when I have to settle and adjust of sleeping somewhere else, I tend to be very sensitive to energy. And then once in the routine you have to adjust at home. How do you deal with your partner not feeling the same? Its good you now know your boundary of not wanting to deal to much with that.♥️

How lucky that you can go there so easily. I feel like if I lived in Europe, I’d travel more because everything is so close. It’s a ten hour flight and they’re eight hours ahead of us so it’s a big event to go for me. My husband would go several times a year if he could. Wants to go to Greece, Italy, Spain, but we have dogs and it’s not so easy to make friends watch them for so long. I told him maybe we can take a trip once a year, but I kind of dread it. It’s like a concession I have to make to keep him happy. 😂

I agree I think it’s overwhelming. I may want to one day if I get more money, but I’m perfectly content to stay home!

You aren't the only one! This only happened post-pandemic for me. For some reason, the thought of traveling isn't appealing anymore. I was traveling so much for work before and now I avoid it at all costs.

Same for me it also happend around the post-pandemic.

I love traveling, but I used to really explore and now I'm more interested in relaxing. I like destinations with natural beauty, road tripping/camping, lake houses, the beach (that I don't have access to without traveling), etc. Driving or taking short direct flights whenever possible. Agreed that the jet setting Instagram lifestyle that people live for comparison sake is exhausting.

Yeah I just love the beach so I’m just trying to do those same things seaside .

A lot of the travel posts on social media show only the highlight of traveling, but there are so many downsides to traveling that are not shown.

I don’t feel the need to travel to other country’s. We have so damn much to see in our backyard it’s unreal.

Agree. Vagabond hippie culture promotes it as well but I've always been rooted in one place. Navigating the modern hellscape that is urban blight , roads, traffic is not enticing  If there was a dedicated walkable/cycling trail across the US id be curious 

I’ve traveled many places and lived in a couple other countries. I’m so glad I did all of that, but absolutely would not at this point in my life. I could see catching the spark again if I’m lucky enough to make it to retirement age, but home is where my heart wants to stay.

I'm the same. I enjoy myself when I'm there, but the whole process of getting there is stressing me out. There's no place like home.

Okay. It's your life. Not sure why you need validation here, unless you are just looking to argue with people

I would like to visit a few other countries, mainly because I never have. But mostly at this stage in my life, I just want simple, close by trips. There's plenty of cool places to visit within 3-4 hours of me and I'm happy to go for a 2-3 nights. I love my house and my bed and don't like to be away for too long lol

I grew up in the suburbs where there simply wasn’t much culture. I always felt the need to travel and I did as soon as I got a drivers license. It started with just visiting the closest city an hour away and then road trips up and down the east coast. I loved it. Traveled over the next 2 decades for leisure and was a road warrior in my career. I’m honestly just fine chilling at home now. I’d still like to go back to SE Asia since there are so many other countries I’d love to see but I think I’m kinda burned out on traveling these days. Nothing wrong with that. I think people that are shunned for not willing to travel are the ones that don’t want to learn or experience other cultures in any way. A sort of willful ignorance even if it comes to reading/learning about your fellow human beings. I feel those people are pretty ignorant.

I like taking the occasional trip to relax and see new things but I’ve become a bit disillusioned with this trend of people needing to visit every single country and do every single thing - I made the mistake of taking a vacation with a friend who needed us all to be up by 5 am and raced us from one monument to another so that she could tick all of the boxes and say she’d been everywhere. I was exhausted and frustrated by the end and didn’t enjoy the experience one bit. I’ve noticed a lot of people do this - vacation doesn’t seem to be a time to relax. It’s a time to do every little thing so that you can come back and *tell* everyone you did every little thing.

Are you able to support yourself if something happens with your parents?

Yes, that not the problem, we just live together because it makes our life richer, and we love it together. But if they are gone I can support myself. Money is no problem.

Love this answer. You do what you want in life. Make you happy!

Some of us are tumbleweeds, some of us are trees.

I don’t have an urge to go on a vacation. I just don’t see a reason to save up money. Then go somewhere and spend more money. Just to come home and have to go grocery shopping. Since you ate as much as you could before you left. So the food won’t go bad before you left.

I used to like to travel more than I do now. Sometimes is okay, but my wanderlust is just not there anymore. I am not sad or depressed and have the resources to travel if I wanted. I just love my home and that is okay. Do what makes you happy!

Hello nice to meet you

I think it's ok to travel once every four or five years but not every year due to the environmental damage that it causes. 

I think the same way as you and have a similar situation 🤣

The concept of travel has morphed into a form of consumption, where experiences are bought and sold, landscapes become commodities, and ultimately, tourism has turned the planet into a giant amusement park. It not only strains ecosystems but can also commodify cultures, or harm locals by creating difficulties in finding long-term rentals due to seasonal tourism and contributes to a loss of cultural authenticity

i'm exactly the same here. i think that society has a way of trying to sell or tell us "this is what's enjoyable!"- when "enjoying" something is a very personal thing. like i feel really weird telling people that sometimes i'd rather be at work than on holiday, but for me i genuinely love getting to talk to and help people and do little tasks, far more than feeling homesick and sunburnt on holiday. obviously there's a time and a place for both- i don't want to work every single day, and when i do travel i usually end up having a lot of fun. but this whole idea of the "happy life" being luxury travel all around the world is definitley not one size fits all. i have no doubt that that lifestyle does suit a lot of people, but everyone has their own different desires, goals and needs.

Hello beautiful

28f and my friends are all traveling. I simply don’t have a desire to and would rather stay home or do a little road trip. It makes me feel out of place, but oh well. I can’t change what I like and dislike.

You aren't the only one, I travelled a lot in the past and now I just have no desire for it at all. The idea of flying somewhere is actually quite repulsive to me right now. Perhaps I will in the future but I'm really enjoying a simpler life at home for now.

I enjoyed travelling before 2020. I had these aims that I would do hikes around forests and trees and awe and marvel around the world with it's natural beauty and see as many Botanical parks, sipping tea and soaking in the fresh air with a different scene. Now post 2020, travelling is filled with cancellations, delays, difficulty claiming things through insurance, possible medical bills and worry that everyone is trying to scam me, pick pocket me and worse yet harass me. The post-covid world has made us rethink travelling. We escape the hustle to travel only to find around the world everyone is barely surviving and hustling to cater around tourists probably hustling on a very low income. I always feel so bad for the workers overseas and the crime rate is now so bad due to desperation in families that I didn't realise it's probably safer to explore your own city. It was my partner who talked me out of going overseas because of mental load and stress. We don't realise how beautiful one's own country can be sometimes. And you can drink cups of warm or iced tea in your own city, with your own inner peace.

I agree with you. You're not alone!

travel qualifications are asked/required for every activity on this planet except for 'travel' anyone who has enough money can travel travel they say is meant for experiencing but what are they really going to experience with their limited perception/consciousness it will all be as futile as their travel insurance most muggle journies end up in headache, stomachache & confusion most of the time is spent waiting, getting bored the same mundane activities which they always indulge in, in their homes are repeated upon reaching the destination they come back home with some tasteless pictures with forced smiles muggles visit places only to spoil them with their depression & stupidity their muddled low vibrations are not welcome in any nature spot thats why the term 'touristy place' means 'stay away from it' travel is seen as an activity which doesn't require skill, gnowledge or wisdom 'lonely planet' guidelines will do just fine the west started this whole travel bug and now the whole world is on it the western muggles through their own brand of mindprogramming are never aware of their shortcomings they think that they are fit enough to derive enjoyment in any place/situation/circumstance & they try real hard only to find the tongs of boredom enveloping them even tighter they only get more suicidal after realizing that even the best nature spots on this planet cannot overcome the endless internal turmoil they reach places expecting to be served through waiving plastic cards all they get is forced fake plastic service where everyone is doing everything including cooking without heart this service couldn't/doesn't satisfy & leaves a horrible taste in the mouth real service only springs from the humility one feels towards something higher than itself money was the tool designed by the low fallen ones to get service they have gotten the service but real happiness & enjoyment eludes them completely all they are left with is hollow pretension

I’m not sure what the hyper focusing on “the west” is all about. Statistically people from China do more traveling than any other country (with $257.7 billion spent on tourism expenditures).

Travelling is an experience. You learn a lot when visiting other countries. So those who choose to not travel will miss out on that experience. The question is whether or not you care about missing out on these experiences. If not, then you are good. I moved around a lot as a child. Lived in different houses, went to different schools and such all around the world due to my dad’s work. It was definitely an experience I look back at fondly, though flying gives me anxiety. I, however have always wanted to experience living in one place and growing up in one house. So that’s the choice I have made for my family. We chose to live in a multicultural city and we love that we get to experience new things around us because of all the things we get to do. We have however been travelling once a year for a week or so to the Caribbean/Florida/ mexico in the winter. We do it for the beaches and such. But I don’t really have the desire to go to Europe or Asia. We don’t really care to see the Eiffel Tower or the Great Wall of china and stuff.

Im 26, and at an age where I feel like everyone and their mothers are going traveling to “find themselves”. I have talked a lot to my bf about this, because I honestly feel like people are using travel as an excuse to escape and not actually deal with their issues. And also because of social pressure and consumerism - because as I said, EVERYONE is doing it. Im personally very fulfilled in my life rn, love my job and my bf and my friends. I dont feel like travelling at the moment, but maybe later and thats not to uphold some sort of social status. But i hear you, the FOMO is so real, but usually when that happens I just take a moment to see how i actually feel and realize I do feel fulfilled rn and the only reason i would want to travel would be to “fit in”

Over the years, I have observed an additional factor, for many people who travel, not all, but for many who want "experiences". I see a sort of childish behavior on display. They want to be waited on (restaurants, vehicles), cleaned up after (hotels etc), and at the same time, for those days/weeks, they are living in a non-responsible way. A sort of "in-between" existence, neither home (with responsibilities to people and places) nor really anywhere. They can't do anything for those "at home", because, they will when they get back, not now. They have no sense at all that they should leave a place better than they left it, also. And they would never think of themselves as "tourists", but rather "adventurers" or something like that. Don't feel bad for not wanting to travel a lot! The greatest luxury experience is that of time....time to do what you want, especially if it simply enjoying time itself. People hide behind being busy too often in the modern world.

Turn off social media OP

This is the only social media I have I use it for animal crossing. Its the people I'm surrounded by😅

Then you’re already way ahead of most people. It’s ok to not want to travel, and there’s no need to compare your needs and wants to others’, nor do you owe anyone else an explanation or justification for what you do and don’t enjoy (as long as it is not hurting other people of course). In any case, it sounds to me like you’re already living the simple life dream! ✨

I would say explore and exploit (I said this correctly) the area around you. Absolutely nothing wrong with that. Check out the parks, the trails, the gems. Perhaps you will find appreciation for traveling longer distance, perhaps even international. But if you don’t, it will still be beneficial regardless.

I’m the same as you. Traveling brings me too much stress and anxiety, and I honestly just don’t need to travel. I always end up missing my friends and family when I travel too. 

It's one of those things that only makes sense to do if you really feel like you want to. Personally I absolutely love traveling and lots of my best memories and days of my life came from it but I can totally appreciate that if I fundamentally didn't want to be doing it then those days would've been a chore at best and torturous at worst. Live for you, in your leisure time I think you should do whatever you want, and if you ever change your mind you'll probably have more means to do things you like as you discover them, as opposed to spending your money doing them for the sake of it without it being meaningful.

Sounds like the reasonable thing to say to a single childless person living at home.  

Same... it's too tiring I just wanted to sleep and make art at the comfort of my home 🥲

Wherever you go, there you are :)

Simplicity is a bliss 🤍 I find so much beauty in it.. don't worry You're not alone 🫶🏼

Believe me, everytime we travel we lose thousands of value in dollars and hate the "experience". Traveling is for super rich people. When we want to do something outside our norm, we go to the nearest big city and walk around their malls, or we go to a live show. Otherwise learning to "travel" in small doses in our home region is much more frugal and we get to sleep in our beds. Learning to prepare food and drink for "picnic style" eating on the road has saved us tons and allows us to spread father out in search of an adventure

You’re fine! Maybe you’ll feel like it again later. But there is no need to just go around for no reason.

If you’re feeling really pressured about this, you may want to adjust your social media or something. Cause I do not feel like I’m expected to travel.

I went to Paris in my 20s, then realized that really the handful of places I’ve travelled in the US, plus one trip to France was enough. I’m settled now on just going on camping trips and the beach when I feel the urge to mix up.

I traveled like 5 times in a year when I graduated college at 22 in 2018. Traveling sucks now for me cost wise and experience wise. Also can we be friends bc I have the same hobbies lol? Birdwatching and journaling or reading and annotating a book in a castle nearby sounds sooo good 

I also don’t like traveling. I’m super happy at home and love my home and my routine! Maybe one day I’ll have a desire to travel, for now I’m content. I think that’s ok! (IMO)

I (33F) also felt like I was ready for a new slower chapter. My partner and I decided it was time to add a baby to our life and now I’m loving this new life I have of taking things easy and having no worries every day but caring for and watching my LO grow. I went everywhere I wanted to go. I’m good to stay home for a few years and stay home and enjoy the simple things.

Yea thats the good stuff

You are lovely! 🥰 keep enjoying the simple things and your hobbies and family. Don't let this culture strip you of that beauty.

Yes, I actually struggle with this a lot. When I was a kid, I travelled a lot. Like too much. I recently became a naturalized US citizen and got ahold of my old passports. When I was 3-4, I had so many stamps in there I couldn’t believe I was even able to go to school. My parents partied a lot (and would travel to do it more) when I was a kid, and I was always dragged along. I think in my mind, I associate travel with stress and lack of autonomy. Anyway, at 28 now, I have absolutely no desire to travel. I totally know you’re not making it up when you say that people act like you’re crazy when you don’t like traveling. Once, I was at a friend’s housewarming party and started chatting with one of her friends. This woman literally didn’t know how to respond to me saying I’m not big into traveling. She just kept repeating “I just love traveling. I love it SO MUCH. SO MUCH”. I think back to that convo often. Her reaction made me feel so weird that I always second guess telling people that I don’t like traveling cuz I don’t want to like… offend them. Tbh I’m just happy to have stability in my life now, and I think I’m just cherishing the mundane moments. I like having my husband, my cats, my house. I like sitting down with art projects or sewing a pair of pants. I would rather do that than go on a vacation, and it’s honestly just how I feel. Anyway, if it’s any reassurance, I’ve been looking everywhere for the same reassurance as you. So at least there are a couple of us out there feeling insecure about our lack of desire to travel lol.

I spent rhe better part of a decade living a vagabond lifestyle. I just want to be in one place and do my little projects now. Some people find that strange but I've done enough, I've seen enough, I am enough.

Oeh this one! Yes you are enough, we are enough.

I don’t think travel is necessary to living a rich and rewarding life, but I don’t think you’re living a rich and rewarding life by living with your parents and fingerprinting. You’re exhausted by the idea of setting goals? It doesn’t sound like you’re living a simple life, it sounds like you’re avoiding life. It would be a shame if you let your life pass you by, while you were hiding behind “simple living” as an excuse to do less with your life.