Is Fodors a replacement for us to be able to discuss travel plans?
Jun 24th, 2004, 12:16 PM
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Is Fodors a replacement for us to be able to discuss travel plans?
When I was working I found that I loved to discuss my travel plans with friends, co-workers, etc. Especially as the day grew near.
Does anyone find that Fodors gives us a necessary relief from "boring" associates, etc. with our travel plans?
I think it's something to consider. My friends were always happy to hear about it, but it seems that didn't necessarily apply to co-workers.
I don't want to start anything here, but it seems fair to say that my female co-workers (since I didn't work with any men) grew tired of it pretty quick. I got the hint and kept it to people to cared to hear about it.
I am happy to say I no longer work in an office with a bunch of women. I am very happy to work at home.
Just curious if this is one of the many reasons travel boards have become so popular.
Thanks
Does anyone find that Fodors gives us a necessary relief from "boring" associates, etc. with our travel plans?
I think it's something to consider. My friends were always happy to hear about it, but it seems that didn't necessarily apply to co-workers.
I don't want to start anything here, but it seems fair to say that my female co-workers (since I didn't work with any men) grew tired of it pretty quick. I got the hint and kept it to people to cared to hear about it.
I am happy to say I no longer work in an office with a bunch of women. I am very happy to work at home.
Just curious if this is one of the many reasons travel boards have become so popular.
Thanks
Jun 24th, 2004, 02:36 PM
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I think that you may be on to something.
I don't know if it is necesarily a male or female thing - I work with mostly men and they aren't all that interested in discussing the details of people's vacations either.
I think it may be the work environment. Overworked people wish they could take trips and are maybe a bit resentful of people who can. People who can't afford trips - maybe the same thing.
I don't know if it is necesarily a male or female thing - I work with mostly men and they aren't all that interested in discussing the details of people's vacations either.
I think it may be the work environment. Overworked people wish they could take trips and are maybe a bit resentful of people who can. People who can't afford trips - maybe the same thing.
Jun 24th, 2004, 02:56 PM
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You choose your friends and naturally you have things in common. In most cases you can't choose your co-workers. We all come to this site because we love to travel, share our stories and help each other.
For this reason, when I worked in an office, one thing I tried to remember when talking about my vacation plans was that we all had different means and circumstances. Younger ones with small children had different interests, some were strapped financially and couldn't travel and some had so many committments to aging parents, pets etc. it was impossible for them to get away.
If someone asked, I would tell them my plans, but not give any details unless we were particularly close. I remember one older woman who always seemed particularly resentful when vacation plans were brought up. Who knows what was going on in her life, but it was evident that travel was not something within her means.
For this reason, when I worked in an office, one thing I tried to remember when talking about my vacation plans was that we all had different means and circumstances. Younger ones with small children had different interests, some were strapped financially and couldn't travel and some had so many committments to aging parents, pets etc. it was impossible for them to get away.
If someone asked, I would tell them my plans, but not give any details unless we were particularly close. I remember one older woman who always seemed particularly resentful when vacation plans were brought up. Who knows what was going on in her life, but it was evident that travel was not something within her means.
Jun 24th, 2004, 03:31 PM
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Yes, I have to agree with both replies. I guess that's why I finally learned to shut my mouth about it. Or at least only discuss it when someone asked.
I have a friend whom I've known for about 6 years and in that time, she's been to Las Vegas for 6 days to visit her sister.
I guess some people don't share our passion about it. Personally, I've had the bug since I can remember, the anticipation, excitement, sleepless night beforehand, etc.
Different strokes....
Happy Travels!
I have a friend whom I've known for about 6 years and in that time, she's been to Las Vegas for 6 days to visit her sister.
I guess some people don't share our passion about it. Personally, I've had the bug since I can remember, the anticipation, excitement, sleepless night beforehand, etc.
Different strokes....
Happy Travels!
Jun 24th, 2004, 03:52 PM
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I'm sad to say that I have very few personal connections with people who share my passion for travel. I was SO excited about our anniversary trip to Italy this past May, but it seemed every time it came up in conversation, no one would ask any details. I was bursting to talk about it--hence my addiction to Fodors. You all are good listeners. 
Jun 24th, 2004, 04:01 PM
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Yes! I come here on purpose to "talk travel." I do have friends at work who also love to travel, so that's our favorite topic. However, there are others who don't enjoy talking about it and/or are not interested, so I don't discuss plans with them. There are always a few people who start in with things like, "well, if I didn't have (fill in the blank), I guess I'd get to travel too." I certainly don't like to talk travel with them! Although, I have an overwhelming urge to point out that I save my money so I can travel and make choices about how and where I spend money in other areas of my life--it's not like someone else is paying for my trips.
I've also got family and friends who like to talk travel and there are those that I know only ask, "How was your trip?" to be polite and they could really care less. So, I always answer "great!" and then ask them how they're doing and let them talk about themselves. It's usually easy to figure out who you can and can't talk about trips/travel plans with, so I love coming to this board. Thank goodness for Fodors!
I've also got family and friends who like to talk travel and there are those that I know only ask, "How was your trip?" to be polite and they could really care less. So, I always answer "great!" and then ask them how they're doing and let them talk about themselves. It's usually easy to figure out who you can and can't talk about trips/travel plans with, so I love coming to this board. Thank goodness for Fodors!
Jun 24th, 2004, 05:15 PM
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I don't discuss my travel with co-workers (just went back to work) because they don't give a rat's patootie about my travel.
As Jayne stated, different people have different financial situations and talking about vacations can stir up resentment.
Also, how boring is it when someone wants to enthrall you with their trip? I know my eyes are glazing over and I'm thinking how much cheaper/better/fabulous it would have been with me planning.
In a nutshell, aside from the basics, I don't discuss my travel. Even if I'm going somewhere that sound exotic or expensive, it is usually a very cheap trip involving points and miles.
As Jayne stated, different people have different financial situations and talking about vacations can stir up resentment.
Also, how boring is it when someone wants to enthrall you with their trip? I know my eyes are glazing over and I'm thinking how much cheaper/better/fabulous it would have been with me planning.
In a nutshell, aside from the basics, I don't discuss my travel. Even if I'm going somewhere that sound exotic or expensive, it is usually a very cheap trip involving points and miles.
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Jun 24th, 2004, 05:31 PM
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Yes, I totally agree with all of you. Discussing travel is similar to discussing pets or children; until you've had them, experienced them or fallen in love with them (!) it is very difficult to understand and commiserate with others! And it's also difficult to discern whether the blank stare is from boredom ~ or jealousy! Thank God for Fodors!
Jun 24th, 2004, 06:42 PM
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Audra, I think you hit the nail on the head....When my kids were babies I could discuss all the aspects of bowel movements, spit up, crying sleep patterns etc. etc. with my friends who shared those same mundane interests! If others don't have any interest in travel I am sure they think it is boring to listen to us go on about it. Loving to travel as much as I do I have a hard time not understanding how others don't feel the same way. To me it would be like saying I never wanted to eat in a new restaurant or see a new movie. My in-laws think it is "a hassle" to travel and say it is just easier to stay home!
Jun 24th, 2004, 08:46 PM
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I think some of us are just adventurous souls and others simply are not.
Perhaps we've got ants in our pants. Maybe we are eager to learn about other people, places, customs, etc.
Personally, I just NEED the whole experience, from the early stages of planning right up to the dreadful unpacking and loathsome laundry.
Then before the blues hit, it's time to journal, scrapbook, trip reports, etc. Then to begin thinking of what will be the next great adventure.
With so much concern today with the world, it sure seems preferable to me to be thinking about the next adventure.
I remember returning home from our 2nd cruise which happened to be the week of the tragedy of 9/11. For nearly 6 months I really didn't want to leave the house. All I could do was watch the news.
Well, to some degree, I'm sure we can all remember.
So what do we do? We live, we love, we work, we hope and yes,we travel!
I'm not sure what just got in to me, but that felt nice. Hope somebody else feels this way. I suspect many of us do.
Anyhoo, I'm sure it's not the "ants" after that little philosophical journey.
Good night all!
Perhaps we've got ants in our pants. Maybe we are eager to learn about other people, places, customs, etc.
Personally, I just NEED the whole experience, from the early stages of planning right up to the dreadful unpacking and loathsome laundry.
Then before the blues hit, it's time to journal, scrapbook, trip reports, etc. Then to begin thinking of what will be the next great adventure.
With so much concern today with the world, it sure seems preferable to me to be thinking about the next adventure.
I remember returning home from our 2nd cruise which happened to be the week of the tragedy of 9/11. For nearly 6 months I really didn't want to leave the house. All I could do was watch the news.
Well, to some degree, I'm sure we can all remember.
So what do we do? We live, we love, we work, we hope and yes,we travel!
I'm not sure what just got in to me, but that felt nice. Hope somebody else feels this way. I suspect many of us do.
Anyhoo, I'm sure it's not the "ants" after that little philosophical journey.
Good night all!
Jun 24th, 2004, 09:16 PM
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I also learned the hard way that friends and family don't want to hear about your great adventure. I showed my vacation photos to one of my friends and his only comment was "all you have to show for it is a bunch of photographs".
Since then I never bring up my travel adventures and never offer up my photos. It all has to do with jealousy. For my latest trip I told my co-workers that I was going to a nearby town to visit relatives. They were so perfectly fine with that. Losers.
Since then I never bring up my travel adventures and never offer up my photos. It all has to do with jealousy. For my latest trip I told my co-workers that I was going to a nearby town to visit relatives. They were so perfectly fine with that. Losers.
Jun 24th, 2004, 09:18 PM
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Very few people at work understand my passion for travel. I tell very few people at work what my plans are. And, I'm thinking I'll adopt my husbands approach.
My husband never leaks a word about where we are going. It's kind of funny when he gets back from a trip and they ask what he did on his vacation, he says something like I hiked the Inca Trail in Peru, or spent the time in Paris... whatever.
Some of my friends do understand because they have the wanderlust also. My husband certainly does. I love Fodors for the broad perspective I gain from others who share a passion for travel.
It's fabulous!
- Sharon
My husband never leaks a word about where we are going. It's kind of funny when he gets back from a trip and they ask what he did on his vacation, he says something like I hiked the Inca Trail in Peru, or spent the time in Paris... whatever.
Some of my friends do understand because they have the wanderlust also. My husband certainly does. I love Fodors for the broad perspective I gain from others who share a passion for travel.
It's fabulous!
- Sharon
Jun 25th, 2004, 03:55 AM
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Reply to jor,
I have to agree somewhat with your insightful observations about travel talk with friends and family.
In contrast, in cases where the friends and family have visited the same location one is trying to share, they seem much more receptive to it.
However with coworkers, I have found that those that have never been to the destinations, are very interested in photos and travel info. In my case this may be because most of my coworkers are not native to US.
I have to agree somewhat with your insightful observations about travel talk with friends and family.
In contrast, in cases where the friends and family have visited the same location one is trying to share, they seem much more receptive to it.
However with coworkers, I have found that those that have never been to the destinations, are very interested in photos and travel info. In my case this may be because most of my coworkers are not native to US.
Jun 25th, 2004, 04:19 AM
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Since I'm new to Fodors I have offered more advice than I have asked for and I have not really shared any vacation experiences yet.
At work I find that vacation talk is just like any other subject in that some people are interested and others are bored and don't understand why anyone would travel as much as I like to do. I know everyone is glad when I leave for vacation because my pre-vacation talk bores them to tears. I am fortunate in that we have a small group who love to share vacation experiences. I love Las Vegas while others share their Aruba or Italy vacations.
On the gender issue - I don't know. I'm male and my to vacation co-workers are female.
At work I find that vacation talk is just like any other subject in that some people are interested and others are bored and don't understand why anyone would travel as much as I like to do. I know everyone is glad when I leave for vacation because my pre-vacation talk bores them to tears. I am fortunate in that we have a small group who love to share vacation experiences. I love Las Vegas while others share their Aruba or Italy vacations.
On the gender issue - I don't know. I'm male and my to vacation co-workers are female.
Jun 25th, 2004, 06:06 AM
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I find that most people are interested in WHERE I'm going, but certainly not in the details, which I keep to a minimum.
Does anyone have friends/family who have tried to FORCE them to watch their vacation movies? Take a lesson!
Does anyone have friends/family who have tried to FORCE them to watch their vacation movies? Take a lesson!
Jun 25th, 2004, 06:18 AM
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Leona,
That's so true about the vacation movies! Luckily we are now in the age of high technology. What I've done for my last couple of trips is upload my digital pictures to shutterfly.com and send out an email letting everyone know they are available for viewing if they wish. Those who are interested can see them on their own timetable, and if others don't have any interest in looking, I'll never know.
That's so true about the vacation movies! Luckily we are now in the age of high technology. What I've done for my last couple of trips is upload my digital pictures to shutterfly.com and send out an email letting everyone know they are available for viewing if they wish. Those who are interested can see them on their own timetable, and if others don't have any interest in looking, I'll never know.
Jun 25th, 2004, 08:35 AM
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The answer to your question is --yes.
Very few people have a strong passion for travel. They don't have the concept of the excitement, vitality, and intellectual stimulation that comes with traveling to far-off places and seeing differet cultures. Many of those who do are concentrated here.
Very few people have a strong passion for travel. They don't have the concept of the excitement, vitality, and intellectual stimulation that comes with traveling to far-off places and seeing differet cultures. Many of those who do are concentrated here.
Jun 25th, 2004, 08:48 AM
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I've certainly had my good and not so good moments here. But it now is certainly clear; thank God for Fodors!
It may be saving friendships, marriages and probably jobs!
I think we should officially make today, June 25th, 2004 "NATIONAL FODORS DAY"!!!!
Okay, I need a weekend....
It may be saving friendships, marriages and probably jobs!
I think we should officially make today, June 25th, 2004 "NATIONAL FODORS DAY"!!!!
Okay, I need a weekend....
