How travelled do you have to be to qualify as ‘well travelled’?

[rockingthekasbah]

I work in the travel industry a little bit and obviously travel. Someone from a friendship group has always been a bit grumpy about this and mentioned to me the other day that I was very lucky to be ‘well travelled’. I mean, I’ve been to a lot of places but don’t consider myself well travelled. I’ve never been to Asia or Australia, for instance, but have done all of Europe several times and most of the US.

so what would most people consider to be ‘well travelled’?

Off the top of my head, been to the non holiday destination countries

Everyone goes to Europe and florida

But maybe countries in Asia, the non popular Caribbean islands, same with south America and parts of africa like Kenya on safari x

Yes, some off key Caribbean, safari in Africa, some parts of North Africa, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama

I'd say at least to all the continents as a bare minimum, and then several countries within each continent ideally. Certainly not just widely around Europe and the US as that's pretty much what everyone does these days.

So, either Australia or New Zealand
One or two African countries
China, Japan or Thailand
Moscow or St Petersburgh
Middle East such as Israel, Jordon, Egypt (strictly African I know but culturally more middle Eastern), Dubai, etc.

No, I wouldn't consider you to be well travelled based on your list.

I think it's more about being culturally aware and knowledgeable.
You can travel all around the world, stay in idenitkit 5 star hotels eating the same, surrounded by very much the same people with very much the same lives.
Or you can travel to a handful of countries, immerse yourself in culture, history, art and languages and be far more travelled, if that makes any sense.

The term 'well-travelled' carries connotations about depth of experience, like being culturally aware, adaptable and open to new experiences. So, someone could travel to 50 countries and still not be considered 'well-travelled' if they remain in tourist bubbles and avoid meaningful engagement. In contrast, someone could spend time in a much smaller number of places enveloped in local culture and be considered 'well-travelled'.

Whatever the case is for you, I'd recommend avoiding people who are 'grumpy' about you enjoying life.

🤣🤣🤣🤣

This is pure mumsnet

It's the travel equivalent of telling parents of two year olds who can read that their child isn't exceptional.

Enjoying taking someone down a peg

Some people have said this about me. I haven't been to hundreds of countries (haven't been to Thailand or the Caribbean or South America for instance although would like to) but have been to some off rather off the beaten track or far away places. Some for work or to learn the language or with local friends

I think it depends on context and the company you’re in. What counts as ‘well travelled’ in one social circle may not be in another as obviously factors such as age, finances and time come into it. What counts as well travelled for a teen would be different compared to what is well travelled for a retiree for example, similarly what counts as well travelled within the working classes will be different to what counts as well travelled to somebody with millions in the bank to spend on travel.

@MolkosTeenageAngstactually very good point. Mid to late 40s here. But I still think lacking!

Oh, no this had no subtext of a dressing down. OP asked, and I answered. She appears to also agree that she doesn't consider herself well travelled.

OP - out of interest, is that how you took my comment?

@Hillrunningi do not think you were being condescending.

This is so funny and a classic MN situation - 50 countries isn’t well travelled unless you’ve done it right!

Moscow or St Petersburgh

Good luck with that.

I think some people see frequent travel and think well travelled.

I've been to less touristy parts of US, large parts of Europe inc places like Croatia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Thailand and Africa (spent a long time in Africa) and India.

So not so much everywhere but I feel well travelled as very different culturally. Would love to go Aus/NZ/Japan/South America.

i agree

Perfectly possible until a few years ago and will be perfectly possible again in the future.

If you’ve done ALL of Europe several times I’d say that is well travelled.

I think well-travelled means someone who has been to a lot of countries and has maybe lived or worked in other countries. Someone who has visited 30 countries for city breaks or all-inclusive holidays is not as well travelled as someone who has been to 15 countries but has lived in a couple and been off the beaten track a bit. Difficult to describe really.

@Lisbeth50yes I do see your point and think you’re correct. Embracing the culture and learning basic parts of the language

I think I’m well-travelled as I lived overseas for 25 years (four different countries) and have also visited a few areas/countries that are not frequently visited eg Bhutan, Kyrgyzstan and Tibet.

My DH is well travelled, last count was 130 countries. All of the South American countries, did the Trans Siberian railway, Cook Islands, camped in Tanzania. His sister was a yachtie when younger and has sailed across the Atlantic a couple of times. They both speak 3 extra languages. I have been to about 20 countries, compared to them it doesn’t seem like much.

Their Grandparents travelled to Russia when it was highly unusual due to the Cold War but his Grandfather was a top civil servant who did some diplomatic duties.

Interesting question. I've been to loads of places over 5 decades. Ship from home in Australia to England via New Zealand, Pacific islands, Panama, Curacao, Azores. Multiple trips to all European countries. America east coast. Argentina. Paraguay. Israel. Morocco. Baltic capitals cruise inc St Petersburg. Scandinavian countries. Carribbean cruises. New Zealand. But all on a fairly superficial level so not what I would call 'well travelled'. Speak passable French and now learning Spanish.

I have crossed the Atlantic a few times. Ditto pacific

It’s one of those relative things!

I’ve been to about 14 countries, most of them in Europe, but also several longhaul destinations including Peru, Kenya, Namibia, Australia and Indonesia. Some of these trips have been for several months. This might not be loads of travel for some people, but in my social circle I am well travelled.