In article .com,
Jay Honeck wrote:

The glamor of international travel is all but gone. Mary and I have
talked extensively about flying to Europe, but each time we consider
the agony of flying across the Atlantic with the kids in a cattle car
we decide to fly our own plane somewhere. Between the discomfort of
commercial flying, and the famously less-than-welcoming attitude of
many Europeans,

I can't argue with the agony of long flights in cramped quarters with
children, but have to disagree with the "less-than-welcoming attitude".
I've travelled in Eastern and Western Europe (as well as Africa and
Asia) and have rarely encountered anything but great hospitality. On
average, I'd rate the US near the bottom of the hospitality scale.
Smile, be polite, and roll with the punches and you and your hosts will
get along fine. The US offers great geographical variety, but it's more
of a treat to experience foods, languages, cultures, and goods well
outside what you're used to.

You haven't lived until you've tried to buy underwear at a South Korean
flea market on a Sunday night because the airline lost your luggage.
It's a hoot negotiating without the benefit of a common language with
a smiling guy who's eager to please and having as much fun with the
situation as you are. All this with background smells that let you know
your next meal is going to be a real adventure. :-)

--
Scott Post