We were really poor in the 1980's. My husband received a check for something work related; maybe a grant because he had been unemployed and got a job, something. It was for $800. He gave it to me and told me to go to Italy. Our idea of a vacation previous to this was to drive to the coast (3 hours) and sleep at his sister's house, then turn around and come home the next day. THat's when i first got to Europe. while many of us really cannot afford to travel, i do believe a lot of it is priorities. You can save money for a trip or you can save money for a bike. Or bike events. or or or. Crankin, I do know the mentality that you are describing, it cracks me up. I grew up on the east coast, so I recognize it. Most the people I knew had been to NY NJ and PA. period. That was the whole world to them.
I am typically a very frugal traveler I do not spend on hotels and I rarely eat out. Yep, it's kind of like it was when we were poor. I am sleeping at cousin's and friends' houses when i go next week. For others of you who are not blessed with friends and relatives in Europe, there are home exchanges, warm showers and um drat, I can't think of the other one. You don't have to spend a fortune on travel. But bottom line, this country we live in is huge and has lots to offer right around here.
WHen my sons were in highschool, their orchestra took them to Europe. Oh that was expensive. THere were fund raisers, but bottom line, Donald and I had to cough up a lot of dough for two kids. We wondered how our petulant teenaged sons would show their appreciation upon their return. Oh brother, we never should have worried. THey came home and gave us hugs and went on and on about how wonderful the trip had been for them. It opened their eyes to the world. Both have traveled since. They are international travelers and are both more sophisticated for it.
I used to love to fly, but circumstances have made flying at the least unpleasant, and airports downright miserable. But at least for me,it's worth it.

Shootingstar, I will post a few more paintings by the weekend.