The more I travel internationally, the more I appreciate traveling within the United States. That wasn’t the outcome I expected when I started spending so much time overseas, but it has become increasingly obvious over the years. Travel has a funny way of highlighting things that I once took for granted.
What America Gets Right About Travel
As America marks its 250th birthday, I’ve been thinking less about monuments and fireworks than something much more ordinary: getting from one place to another.
It’s easy to overlook because most of us simply expect it, but America is an extraordinarily easy country to explore.
I’ve driven through lonely stretches of the desert where I didn’t see another car for half an hour. I’ve watched the sun rise over the Atlantic and set over the Pacific on the same day (and vice-versa). I’ve flown over Alaska, wandered through the Lower 48, and stood in Hawaii marveling at how all of this somehow belongs to the same country.
The geography is impressive, but what also stands out is how accessible it all is.
A driver’s license, a tank of gas, or an airline ticket is often all that’s required. Crossing thousands of miles doesn’t mean changing currencies, figuring out whether your phone will work, or navigating another language. The logistics fade into the background, leaving you free to enjoy the journey itself.
That freedom extends beyond geography.
Many countries reward meticulous planning. America has its share of places that demand advance planning, especially during peak season, but it still feels possible to wake up on Thursday, decide you need a change of scenery, and leave on Friday.
The infrastructure makes that kind of spontaneity possible. The same is true in the air.
Americans love complaining about airports and airlines…and there are often valid grounds for doing so. Flight delays, crowded and aging terminals, and barking TSA agents enforcing outmoded carry-on restrictions all detract from travel.
Even so, the United States has built one of the most remarkable domestic aviation networks in the world. Hundreds of communities have scheduled air service, and it’s possible to travel between almost any two cities with just a single connection.
That network quietly makes exploration possible on a scale few countries can match.
Perhaps what I appreciate most isn’t the infrastructure itself, but the culture surrounding it.
Americans travel, even if it is just domestically. We think little of driving eight hours for a weekend or flying across the country for a wedding. Exploring our own country isn’t considered unusual or extravagant: it’s simply part of life.
That wasn’t something I fully appreciated until I began spending so much time overseas.
Most countries have something they do exceptionally well. For example, Japan’s rail system is extraordinary and Singapore has built what is arguably the world’s finest airport. America doesn’t need to win every comparison. What it does remarkably well is make an enormous, diverse country surprisingly easy to experience.
As the United States turns 250, that’s one of the things I’m most grateful for. The freedom to wake up almost anywhere in America and know another unforgettable destination is well within reach may not be as visible as a monument or as dramatic as fireworks. But it is one of this country’s greatest gifts, and not one that should be taken for granted. Travel is part of what makes the United States feel like a country rather than just a collection of states. It helps explain why, over time, “The United States are” gave way to “The United States is.”
I’m offering a series of upbeat essays reflecting on America’s 250th anniversary this week.
Marvellous.
I’m all in favour of US Citizens remaining at home.
So is the rest of the world. Americans are some of the rudest people I have met in my life. You think the world revolves around you. It does not, and we do not owe you anything.
how about chinese tourist definetly worse
It must be difficult to live with so much vitriol and negativity. I wonder who brainwashed you to feed such hatred of the USA. Yet, if someone said such a thing about any other country, you seem the type who would roast them immediately.
Go Away, Stay Away. North Korea is calling.
LOL .. +1
Only the nasty ones
Hi James,
I am sorry that you are so unhappy with your own life that you have to characterized millions of people in such a poor perspective. We are happy to take our riches elsewhere.
This is a very nice take Matthew, and I appreciate your upbeat attitude shift from the past couple of weeks that seemed to be crapping on many things happening in America or with our leadership. It’s also nice to get some non-AI generated (or heavily enhanced) content from You.
On the topic of traveling in America, I’d add a few more things that I think set us apart from other countries (I’ve been to 127, familiar with many cultures).
Affordable, accessible, perfectly fine lodging that’s easy to book and deal with in just about any part of the country. I’ve had plenty of issues around the world just trying to get a decent hotel, whether it be booking woes, insane predatory pricing because they can, or sub-par accommodations.
Generally, most parts of our country are welcoming to visitors. I’ve been to all 56 US states, territories, and DC. Never once did I feel like I was not welcomed, not offered kind service, or able to get a reasonable meal and drink. Speaking of food, regional food and beverage (including the experience) is so vast in the US, from a Wisconsin supper club to a NY Michelin starred restaurant, we’re very lucky in this regard.
Lastly, our national parks system is a thing of beauty. Not just visual beauty, but operationally and logistically. It’s simple goal of making the natural beauty of our country accessible to anyone who wants (sometimes with a fee, which is reasonable), on the scale it does is unmatched in my opinion. The principal on which the system was founded and continues to operate is amazing. My favorite example (one that many have probably not heard of), is Gates of the Arctic National Park. It only sees about 10,000 visitors annually, compared to 11.5M to Great Smokey Mountains (the most visited park in the US). But its importance to preservation of the unique and rugged features of its landscapes are still given top billing and funding continues.
America is far from perfect, but we do a lot of things right, and as you mention, enabling and embracing travel as a Society is certainly one of those.
Also, our architects seem to be the only ones in the world capable of designing and building decent bathrooms. I’m looking at you, EU and UK.
This is wild to say when most East Asian bathrooms are a century ahead of our average American restroom
Amen! Great post!
Thank you!
Wunderbar liebling!
“Southern California, where the American Dream came too true.” – Lawrence Ferlinghetti –
Perhaps the most convenient way to explore the beautiful, proud and unique America is still to make the most efficient use of its air travel system… Incidentally, may lasting peace reign in America and the rest of the world!
“History Of the Airplane
And the Wright brothers said they thought they had invented
something that could make peace on earth
(if the wrong brothers didn’t get hold of it)
when their wonderful flying machine took off at Kitty Hawk
into the kingdom of birds but the parliament of birds was freaked out
by this man-made bird and fled to heaven
And then the famous Spirit of Saint Louis took off eastward and
flew across the Big Pond with Lindy at the controls in his leather
helmet and goggles hoping to sight the doves of peace but he did not
Even though he circled Versailles
And then the famous Yankee Clipper took off in the opposite
direction and flew across the terrific Pacific but the pacific doves
were frighted by this strange amphibious bird and hid in the orient sky
And then the famous Flying Fortress took off bristling with guns
and testosterone to make the world safe for peace and capitalism
but the birds of peace were nowhere to be found before or after Hiroshima
And so then clever men built bigger and faster flying machines and
these great man-made birds with jet plumage flew higher than any
real birds and seemed about to fly into the sun and melt their wings
and like Icarus crash to earth
And the Wright brothers were long forgotten in the high-flying
bombers that now began to visit their blessings on various Third
Worlds all the while claiming they were searching for doves of
peace
And they kept flying and flying until they flew right into the 21st
century and then one fine day a Third World struck back and
stormed the great planes and flew them straight into the beating
heart of Skyscraper America where there were no aviaries and no
parliaments of doves and in a blinding flash America became a part
of the scorched earth of the world
And a wind of ashes blows across the land
And for one long moment in eternity
There is chaos and despair
And buried loves and voices
Cries and whispers
Fill the air
Everywhere”
– Lawrence Ferlinghetti –
Delusional and ignorant. Despite his claim to travelling internationally, it seems like he’s never actually been anywhere.
Claims? Read the 13K articles in the library here…
On social media, there is a lot of anti-Americanism, even authored by Americans. I suspect some of them are Russian bots.
America is a decent country but there is some anti-social behavior, like graffiti.
No, derek, Russian-bots and trolls mostly promote internal conflict and division; however, they have their hands full as Ukraine attacks deep into Russian territory and fuel shortages are starting to affect everyone across Russia. So, no, I doubt Russia is promoting as much ‘anti-American sentiment’ these days; if anything, they were promoting pro-Trump, anti-Kamala/Biden/Hillary rhetoric (‘price of eggs’) for a while, but, like I said, I suspect even they are preoccupied in mid-2026. One can only hope Putin’s days are numbered.
As an American I’m grateful for the fact that whenever I am out and want to take a leak, I can do it without have to pay for it! In this country, there are multitudes of choices like gas stations, convenience stores, fast food, grocery etc…. tons of choices. Try doing that in Europe like Italy or France….
Wonderful article, thank you. I am a 30 year United Captain but also spent time flying for Emirates, Etihad, and Gulf Air, and have been fortunate to travel to 189 countries on all 7 continents. Yes, there are so many wonderful things to go, see, do all over the world, but now that I am back in the US (and a bit older) the more I enjoy exploring my own back yard. When flying over this beautiful country of ours, I often reflect on how far (and easy) travel has become across the nation, as well. My grandmother was born 16 years after the completion of the Trans Continental Railroad. Before then, it took 2-6 months to trek across the country (or several months in a ship down and around South America…and in either case, the journey was by no means guaranteed. After the railroad linked the coasts, that travel time was reduced to about 7 days…that was a staggering achievement, and in those days, it was viewed in a similar vein as to how Americans saw the moon landing about 60 years later. Even in the 1920s, if you wanted to drive across the country, the journey took 3-6 weeks, as there was no freeway system. The advent of the airplane greatly shortened it, but it still took 2 days on those old Ford Trimotors and flying was reserved for the wealthy few. In those days, airplanes could only fly during day, VFR conditions and passengers had to travel by train at night. United’s own Boeing 80A Trimotor service from Chicago to California in the early 30s took 20 hours with 18 stops along the way! Later, the DC-3 shortened the journey to just 15 hours and 3 stops, but again, it was still the domain of the very wealthy. Fast forward just 35 years from the DC-3, and Americans could cross the country in just 5-6 hours in jet comfort, and at a much lower cost. Even in the 70s and 80s though, the major airlines offered only 2-3 non stop coast to coast flights. Today, flights leave hourly and passengers can fly at a fraction of the cost…and in a sign of just how routine it has become, people will take to social media and complain like there is no tomorrow if their flight is an hour late (I am not discounting their frustrations…I understand they have connections to make, events to attend, etc, and I hate to see them delayed just as much as any other pilot…I only point this out to indicate just how commonplace, and safe flying has become). How breathtakingly far we have come in 100 years!! While I enjoy the ease and comfort of flying across the country for pleasure, some of my most enjoyable trans continental journeys have been on Amtrak…get a bedroom compartment, grab a nice bottle of wine, and just enjoy watching the country unfold before you!
That’s funny.
After Every trip to or via the US, I am thankful for SIN Changi airport 😉
That said, LAX TBIT is all right except for the silly horseshoe shape of the airport.
Great perspective. Thanks, Matthew, and happy Independence Day!
I appreciate your view, but respectfully I have to disagree. Each time I travel abroad, it’s a reminder of all the things we get wrong.
Yes, it’s easy to get around the USA… as long as you don’t mind driving long distances. What we miss though is how easy it is to get around *without* a car abroad! Hopping on a high speed train in Europe or Asia is so much better than having to always drive or fly. Want to get around the city? Apart from a handful of cities, our cities are not made for exploration on foot or outside of a vehicle. Even some of our most transit/walking friendly cities are way behind many European and Asian cities there, and it also reflects in the urban fabric of the places here
Don’t get me wrong: there are times when a road trip is warranted, like when you’re visiting our beautiful national parks. But for that to basically be required in most parts of the country… sucks.
To each their own I guess.
You make a fair point, but the US is spread out so much more than a Western European nation and it also wasn’t destroyed during WWII, giving many cities the chance to smartly rebuild from scratch.
Your top two comments basically say that it’s better to visit a small, compact, country than a large spread out one. Which is a comparison between apples and oranges. I wonder if you’d make the same critique of Australia though.
I spent most of the 21st century vacationing outside the US. Summers in Europe, winter in Australia/NZ. Then, COVID hit. So, road trips. I had forgotten how fun it is to get up, drive for a while, have lunch in a new town, drive some more, and eat and sleep in another new town. Since I decided to stop working as COVID declined, I now could be anywhere I wanted at any time. So, Europe and Oceana returned, but I’m still spending 7 weeks a year traveling the US.
BTW as a guy who spends >6 months a year outside the US, let me say that Americans are not held in low regard in my experience. Yes, many outside the US have a low opinion of Trump and American politics in general. And, they will admit that some Americans are a bull in a china shop. But, they are not blind to the big picture. Americans who find they are constantly held in contempt outside the US might want to consider it’s not about their being American, but what type of person they are. And, those in Europe who think all Americans are jerks, maybe you bring out something negative in people.
May I introduce you to the EU? We also have a common currency; our phones also work everywhere; we have genuine, U-wide, low cost air travel; we have rail but worthy of the name; and, funnily enough, we have plenty of airport hubs here too
you forgot to mention the drivers licence itself, in europesan countries it can cost in total a few thousand dollars, take months and even good drivers fail tests, i know the counter arguement the problem is it doesn’t show in the stats
also as bad as US airports are they dont compare to FRA, BRU, FCO and the like
not to mention extreme ridiculious covid travel bans/lockdowns
Matthew, I have to agree with you. We love to travel international, see other cultures, enjoy their features, cuisine, etc. That said, the USA is the easiest country to travel. Just hop in your car and go. Or…..catch a flight, without needing your passport (even Canada asks for that for domestic flights).
As you said, it’s just the only country where you can decide to go somewhere and just go without a bunch of planning. Accomodations, flights, services: all are plentiful. Some places have gotten to be crowded enough that you need to plan ahead (Yellowstone, Disney, etc) but they’re the exception. And even those places used to be immediately accessible too. So yes, you’re so right. Traveling domestically anis a lot less stressful than any other country. And it’s not just because we’re American. My wife is originally from a Latin American county and we’ve traveled extensively there. It’s a heck of a lot harder to do a 100 mile domestic journey there than a 1,000 mile road trip is here. Good to reflect on these things and appreciate what we have.
Happy 4th, Matthew! thanks for the great website you give to us all! Great article!
but… “We think little of driving eight hours for a weekend…” speak for yourself 😉
Considering I drive between LA and Palm Springs so often I can do it with my eyes closed and often on the same day, long car trips are no longer daunting for me!
Matthew, there’s nothing wrong with taking pride in your country, and happy 250th, indeed; however, other than a few bright spots, like the new LGA, new EWR Terminal A, new MSY, new BNA, new Acela NexGen, etc. there’s still a lot of improvements needed at-home, physical infrastructure and public policy (like an EU-261 equivalent for the US). Just saying, celebrate, but we got a lot of work to do. Places like China are building new airports and new cities in what feels like overnight. No time to be complacent. Hope we will have better leaders soon who actually invest in such improvements.
As much as I admire the efficiency of the Mainland, it comes at the cost of civil liberties and property rights…a trade I am not willing to make.
But I agree that we have a lot of work to do! Our work toward a more perfect union is never done.
Awesome post Matt. And a great 4th of July tribute. I loved it. Many, many, spot on points.
Well stated! Unfortunately most major domestic media will never acknowledge or publicize.
Great perspective, Matthew! As someone who’s traveled to over 50 countries, I’ve had the exact same realization. The sheer scale, spontaneity, and ease of exploring the US is unmatched no passports, currency exchanges, or language barriers required.
I’m pretty sure other countries allow their citizens to travel domestically, if that’s your point here.
Really interesting perspective. One of the things I like about travel outside the US is learning to navigate the friction (how do I buy a subway pass? will my phone work when I cross a border? etc.). This is probably not experienced as such by the locals in the places I visit, so I wonder if visitors to the US experience it the way you describe. Example: it’s my understanding that CBP is not really enamored of vague travel plans, foreign tourists without hotel reservations or predetermined addresses and itineraries. So while we can travel the whole country without much advance planning or thought, not sure if that’s as true for non-residents. Also while we have a national material infrastructure (roads, internet) we have plenty of regional cultural variations that we navigate easily because we understand them. I would not approach a service delivery issue or a law enforcement situation in New York or Boston the same way I would in Dallas or Montgomery. So maybe your broader message is – don’t take your home country for granted. Which I totally agree with.