The February issue of The Costco Connection has a short article by "travel guru" Rick Steves that’s all about "how travel can help bring the world together." He sounds like a Slow Traveler when he advises people to engage in "thoughtful travel" where you become a "temporary local."
But there's one part that really surprises me - he says that 80 percent of Americans don't even have a passport. I never would have guessed that the number was that high. Hard to believe that there are so few of us traveling outside the USA.
Comments (6)
Given how difficult it is to obtain one I don't doubt it! *smile*
Posted by Jerry | February 18, 2008 4:44 PM
Posted on February 18, 2008 16:44
Funny! You might have something there, Jerry. I hadn't even thought about that- I was one of the lucky ones who got my passport back in the "good ole days" when it was quick and easy.
Posted by Annie | February 18, 2008 6:15 PM
Posted on February 18, 2008 18:15
I remember being surprised when I heard this statistic myself, but not long ago it was even lower. I think one reason it is going up is that Americans now need a passport to go to Mexico.
Posted by Chiocciola | February 18, 2008 7:51 PM
Posted on February 18, 2008 19:51
The last time I was in the Houston Airport trying to get my passport scanned in the automatic check-in machine, the Continental person was all annoyed with me because all I had was a passport with me. She couldn't understand why I didn't have my driver's license. Now I always thought a passport trumped a license!
Posted by girasoli | February 19, 2008 2:20 AM
Posted on February 19, 2008 02:20
I have to use my passport to get my driver's license renewed. We have this cryptic 6-point system (different documents worth different points) and the easiest thing to have is your passport.
Also, since last year's fiasco with passports, the turn-around time has improved dramatically.
Posted by Kim | February 19, 2008 11:11 AM
Posted on February 19, 2008 11:11
I never would have thought it would be difficult
Posted by angie | February 19, 2008 12:21 PM
Posted on February 19, 2008 12:21