While I do agree there are many good places in the US, I think it's good to get out of the country as well as there are so many places to see.

I absolutely agree . I'm just saying I would avoid all countries where would have to watching over my shoulder aqll the time .I'm trying not to offend anyone here.Thee is something wonderful to be experienced everywhere in the world but is it worth the risk is my point !

I was just responding to your comment about there being enough in the US to keep someone busy for a lifetime. I know there are many people who are happy staying in the us and never traveling abroad. I'm just not one of them.

I understand .I'm not one of them.I would just choose the countries that I would feel safe in nothing more .I would'nt want to be a news story like the couple from Wisc.that were just carjacked and shot in Mexico,these were lifelong travelers down there!

singme, you asked "how is someone supposed to behave around you while traveling?"

That would seem fairly easy to answer. As in, not complain about everything, not be anti-social, mean, nasty, and no energy to go to all the fun places and do the fun activities. My father has the same issue with my mother, and that is why they take separate vacations. It's unforntunate, but sometimes that's the way it has to be.

I guess your best bet would be to travel with those who enjoy traveling as much as you do.

I love to travel always have. I am a scrooge with my vacation time so that i can have the time needed to be spontaneous. I travel alot alone due to the fact I ride a motorcycle and it's hard to get everybody on the same page when the time comes.

I search out resources such as youth hostels and connect with other people internationally for a place to stay. "Back to Basics Housing" it's called. It is open housing for the traveler. Works for me!

New and old. New places are fun, and old places freshen the memories and show changes.

The places that the government lists as "dangerous" may not actually be that way. Some of America's best friends are the most dangerous. Some of the "unfriendly" countries are the most fun. Thailand is cheap, fun, exotic, but can be dangerous, especially in Bangkok. New Zealand is the most fun, friendliest, safest possible.

The best way for an inexperienced traveler to "learn the ropes" is to travel with someone who knows the ropes. The second best way is to join a club that travels. The expense is far less than buying a tour package. Some of the best clubs are ski and scuba clubs that put together trips around the world. You will meet people who are experienced travelers and can later go on small non-club trips.

Generally speaking, women should not travel alone unless they are experienced and very careful. There are certain ways you learn to dress and act overseas or you "stick out".

Note many people who belong to ski and scuba clubs do not ski or scuba, they just go for the companionship and cheap trips. They often go "renegade" to maximize the use of their dollar.

Most larger ski clubs take one foreign trip each year. One of the most popular destinations is Italy. The trip usually consists of a few days in Rome before you go to one of the various ski areas and is a great place to start at a moderate price.

Check out a local club such as Baltimore.

http://www.baltimoreskiclub.com/trips/10/bormeo_italy.html

If you don't want to ski, the club will usually offer day bus trips to scenic destinations within a reasonable distance.

The dues nationwide for ski club membership are usually less than fifty bucks a year. In just a few monthly meetings, you can meet and learn from people who have traveled a LOT.