Europeans invented low-cost travel. Many don’t stay at a hotel for several weeks; ever hear of hostels, pensiones or B&Bs? All invented in Europe. There are very cheap flights and even cheaper bus services throughout the continent. Package tours can also be very, very affordable. And many families rent a vacation home for a month or two, splitting the rent among several participating friends and relatives. Because vacations - and travel - is something they value, Europeans also find ways of making it affordable.
Are B&B’s a cheap way to travel for several weeks? I generally find them more expensive than even a moderate hotel. Can’t imagine adults considering spending long weeks in hostels, crammed in with several family members, or RV parks as relaxing and enjoyable. Maybe when you’re younger. Give me a shorter vacation with peace, quiet, and less people around. Now that’s relaxing.
In the US B & Bs are often more expensive. In the UK, and other nations that adopted the tradition, they’re often the most economical option. Same with pensiones.
As for hostels, they were always meant for younger travelers. (Although, there are now hostels that also offer private rooms with bathrooms.) I brought them up as an example of low-cost travel alternatives that began in travel-loving Europe.
Whether or not they will share a room or flat is very culture specific. Yes, many European B&Bs are much cheaper than a hotel, for those willing to go 3 stars or lower. My D had a fabulous experience at a hostel in Spain, all age ranges, incl families- and I did plenty in Europe, at various ages.
I just keep racking my brain at this notion all Europeans are travel loving. So many of my friends there are much more into what to me is more formal travel- the package plans, everything neatly sewn up. Or staying with family.
^^ True, LF. But it was the Europeans who invented travel as we know it today. The first guide books, the first travel-for-travel’s sake (as opposed for commerce/colonialism) accounts and published journals, the extended stay in spas and sanatoriums (sanatoria?) for “health” reasons – all that started in Europe in the 18th -19th century. Now, they didn’t often travel FAR, far by American standards. But back then, a trip from London to, say, Rome was a major expedition across several cultures.
The package plans are popular because they’re cheap. Americans love them too, our version of them - Cancun is a great example. Yanks certainly do like their all-inclusives!
Ha, go back far enough and they invented all sorts of things. And there is somewhat a “same mindset” about the package plans, some lack of adventurousness. Remember, that German agent almost wouldn’t book our flight to Turkey because I was going to book the hotel on my own. (Turned out to be a fabulous small place where everyone mingled in the evenings. No Tripadvisor back then.)
This is just me, but from travel sites, I think Australians, New Zealanders, South Africans and Dutch are more willing to go off script.
True about Australians and New Zealanders (though the former apparently have a terrible reputation as rowdy partiers) – I spent some time in Asia and met many of them. They explained their culture of extended travel as partly due to their isolation: it was so expensive to fly out of Australia to just about anywhere, that when they went, they went for a nice long time to justify the colossal costs. My husband is in the international travel-related business. He’s cautious about Australians (two of his Aussi clients impregnated local women during their stay and had to be hounded for child support, lol) but likes the Dutch, as all northern Europeans. They’re almost always fluent in English and have a good grasp of other languages. Very international folks.
Post #146, I agree with your husband, I went out on a date with an Australian and I’m too cautious about Australians. I live New Zealanders, they are much more gentlemen, even the ones that raise cattles for a living. It must be the kangaroo thing.