Observation: Kentuckians don't seem to travel much. Why is that? (Louisville: rent, how much)

[EclecticEars]

This really is something that evokes my curiosity and exploration.

I hear about people from this state traveling to places like Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach, Florida, Cedar Point, and the Smokies for vacation. And when I've been to the Smokies, I've seen a lot of Kentucky license plates.

But let's draw away from the usual tourist destinations that attract every Joe Schmo and their grandma between Bangor and Birmingham. Even in more exotic, expensive and, shall we say, worldly or multicultural locales, I don't see many Kentuckians. Not even people wearing anything that symbolizes Kentucky (i.e.: UK, UofL, WKU, EKU, etc.) Not even automobiles with Kentucky license plates or any kind of Kentucky auto dealer decal.

Cases in point:
1. I have taken two trips to California in the last twelve months and put A LOT of miles and fought A LOT of urban, rush hour traffic during both trips. Not one Kentucky license plate, not even a dealer tag. I even saw license plates from Iowa, Mississippi, South Carolina and West Virginia, and a lot from Tennessee, Indiana and Ohio, for example, but not KY. I only met one Kentuckian while there and I figured as such b/c he was wearing a UK ball cap.

2. During other trips I've taken (i.e.: Texas, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, D.C.) I have noticed the same thing. When in San Antonio and New York, I only saw one Kentucky license plate each. Elsewhere in Texas and the aforementioned cities, nothing! Nowhere did I see any symbolism of Kentucky displayed by people.

I know I see many people from other locales indicated by the paraphernalia they wear (supporting, for example, Cal, Ohio State, Michigan, Tennessee, Rutgers, Texas, Oregon, etc.) Additionally, whenever I talk to people about having been to Chicago, D.C., L.A., San Fran, NYC, Atlanta, etc., I cannot tell you how many times I hear, "Well, it must be a nice place to visit" or "I've never (or ain't never) had the opportunity to visit."

I know that I enjoy traveling. The only place I've lived in Kentucky where much of the population is remotely worldly is Louisville. Are fellow Kentuckians so content with where they live that they see no need to travel? Or, do they just not have an interest? Or, can it not be explained? (Folks, I'm not being derogatory, this is a legitimate question.)

[Visvaldis]

Most can only travel as far as the ball of string in the trunk will allow. Once that string runs out, they have no choice but to follow it back home.

[InLondon]

Trolls have nothing better to do. Please go back under your bridge.....

Ridiculous posts that are actually flat out dumb.

Get a life for crying out loud....

[EclecticEars]

Originally Posted by InLondon

Trolls have nothing better to do. Please go back under your bridge.....

Ridiculous posts that are actually flat out dumb.

Get a life for crying out loud....

Ding dong, the program lives, the program lives, the program lives! (Where's IrishTom when you need him?)

If it has negative connotations and founded even somewhat on fallacy, feelings, or opinion, then yes it's trolling. When it is observation that, even if you can't statistically prove it, is based on experiences and interactions with people and things, then it's merely opinion or inquisitive.

(I just feel like using big words today! )

[easydoesit]

Originally Posted by EclecticEars

This really is something that evokes my curiosity and exploration.

I hear about people from this state traveling to places like Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach, Florida, Cedar Point, and the Smokies for vacation. And when I've been to the Smokies, I've seen a lot of Kentucky license plates.

But let's draw away from the usual tourist destinations that attract every Joe Schmo and their grandma between Bangor and Birmingham. Even in more exotic, expensive and, shall we say, worldly or multicultural locales, I don't see many Kentuckians. Not even people wearing anything that symbolizes Kentucky (i.e.: UK, UofL, WKU, EKU, etc.) Not even automobiles with Kentucky license plates or any kind of Kentucky auto dealer decal.

Cases in point:
1. I have taken two trips to California in the last twelve months and put A LOT of miles and fought A LOT of urban, rush hour traffic during both trips. Not one Kentucky license plate, not even a dealer tag. I even saw license plates from Iowa, Mississippi, South Carolina and West Virginia, and a lot from Tennessee, Indiana and Ohio, for example, but not KY. I only met one Kentuckian while there and I figured as such b/c he was wearing a UK ball cap.

2. During other trips I've taken (i.e.: Texas, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, D.C.) I have noticed the same thing. When in San Antonio and New York, I only saw one Kentucky license plate each. Elsewhere in Texas and the aforementioned cities, nothing! Nowhere did I see any symbolism of Kentucky displayed by people.

I know I see many people from other locales indicated by the paraphernalia they wear (supporting, for example, Cal, Ohio State, Michigan, Tennessee, Rutgers, Texas, Oregon, etc.) Additionally, whenever I talk to people about having been to Chicago, D.C., L.A., San Fran, NYC, Atlanta, etc., I cannot tell you how many times I hear, "Well, it must be a nice place to visit" or "I've never (or ain't never) had the opportunity to visit."

I know that I enjoy traveling. The only place I've lived in Kentucky where much of the population is remotely worldly is Louisville. Are fellow Kentuckians so content with where they live that they see no need to travel? Or, do they just not have an interest? Or, can it not be explained? (Folks, I'm not being derogatory, this is a legitimate question.)

Hard to imagine being able to make a conclusion based on your evidence

I think it really depends on income based on my experiences with fellow Kentuckians - people with less income, travel short distances & people with income, travel further. I'm sure the recession has affected many people's vacation funds.

Either way, just because people can't afford to travel places further away, it doesn't mean they don't enjoy travel. Who doesn't enjoy a nice break from home and work?

Also if you are looking for locals who previously lived in KY, I'm sure most will blend right in. If a Kentuckian moved to LA, you probably will find a mixed bag as to how many are really interested in keeping up with the goings on @ UK for example.

[EclecticEars]

The trips to Texas, New York, Atlanta, Chicago and D.C. were all before the economy went way south. In fact, Texas was nearly ten years ago and D.C. was more than ten years ago, both trips during a time of great economic prosperity. While I agree with easydoesit that economic means do affect peoples' abilities to travel, in the case of the people of Kentucky I just don't see them out and about much.

And, for Kentuckians that move to other places, they will blend in. And it will be a mixed bag as to how many care about the UK v. UofL rivalry, Governor Beshear's Governorship, the World Equestrian Games, etc. They won't generally do anything to stand out. I'm referring to the tourist-looking types that would wear something to support their home state or alma mater.

[HiBall]

Originally Posted by Visvaldis

Most can only travel as far as the ball of string in the trunk will allow. Once that string runs out, they have no choice but to follow it back home.

Vis...care to elaborate?

[HiBall]

Originally Posted by EclecticEars

The trips to Texas, New York, Atlanta, Chicago and D.C. were all before the economy went way south. In fact, Texas was nearly ten years ago and D.C. was more than ten years ago, both trips during a time of great economic prosperity. While I agree with easydoesit that economic means do affect peoples' abilities to travel, in the case of the people of Kentucky I just don't see them out and about much.

And, for Kentuckians that move to other places, they will blend in. And it will be a mixed bag as to how many care about the UK v. UofL rivalry, Governor Beshear's Governorship, the World Equestrian Games, etc. They won't generally do anything to stand out. I'm referring to the tourist-looking types that would wear something to support their home state or alma mater.

Ears...If YOU didn't see them, does that mean they wasn't there?

Besides, if it has been over 10 years since you were there...statute of limitation's have ran out, you have no case.

[Cattknap]

We and many of our friends in Kentucky travel quite a bit including, over the last 18 months, visits to Russia, Australia, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Holland, Dubai, Africa and China....so no, you wouldn't see our Kentucky license plates when you go to (ho-hum) New York or Chicago.

You know who really cares whether people travel or not...and yes, Kentucky is a place where there are many who are content and happy and don't feel a need to "travel" all the time. We travel, many of our friends travel, some don't - exactly what is your point? Travel by Americans both in and outside of America is way down because of the economy. Another thing - when we travel within the United States, we fly as much as we drive so no KY license plate following us around when we fly and rent a car.

[Visvaldis]

Originally Posted by HiBall

Vis...care to elaborate?

Easy. Luke ties one end of the string to the bumper of the old Dodge Charger (which sits on blocks on the front lawn of waist high weeds). Granny, holding the other end of the string, sits in the family pick-up, and off they go. When the string runs out Granny elbows the driver as a signal to stop. They have to decide to go without any guidance or to follow the string back home.
I wonder how much string is needed to get to Panama Beach?