The New Manipulation of Leisure

I think that traveling has become more of a class issue than anything else. We do seem to judge intellect on how well traveled someone is and are impressed when our friends tell us about their latest vacations. But one thing that has always bothered me is that the people who have the ability to travel are obviously the ones with the most money. Even traveling on a budget costs a lot. Hostels aren't cheap and even discount flights add up. So when we are impressed that someone has traveled, we are really praising their privileged status. I know a lot of people at NYU who grew up with the luxury of traveling all over the world with their families. I am also lucky enough to have been able to travel in my life. But most people can't afford to go on a safari in Africa or cruise around the Carribean. We are taught to want to travel just like we are taught to buy clothes and books and everything else. And we are taught to admire people more when they can afford these things.

It's interesting that somewhere we had this shift from the government saying “recreational travel could make Americans better citizens” largely for economic purposes to now people saying recreational travel could make Americans better people. It is true that we parallel travel with intellect. I agree and disagree. I think the reason travel has this intellectual connotation is because it is one in being with being open minded.  I do think it's important for people to see the world outside of their home bubble, even if it's just a few towns over.  Traveling the world gives you an understanding for different cultures and humanity.  That said, I think someone who is well-read, but can't afford to travel could still be considered an intellectual.  It's a different means, but I still think novels are just as adequate to explore humanity.

I understand what you're saying about being brainwashed into traveling, but I was also kind of saddened by your decision to rethink your travel plans. There are always a million reasons not to go somewhere or see something or do something that could change your life--and the fact that the government wants you to go is just one more thing on that list. I think you should still throw your stuff into the back seat and drive away, and instead of feeling guilty about falling for some kind of trap, don't fall for it! Go to the places that aren't in the travel books, that don't have commercials on TV, that won't support this plot to turn us all into upstanding citizens. I've got this hippy cousin in Vermont who lives on a commune and spends most of his time spouting conspiracy theories and voting for socialists, and visiting him one summer was one of the craziest (in a good way) experiences of my life. One of the great things about traveling is you can take whatever you want out of it, even if that means avoiding American values and bunking with hippies.