Why is traveling such a big deal for people?

Disclosure: I've traveled and I've lived abroad in two different countries and been dozens of places outside of my 'home'. But I don't get this…

“Travel is fatal to prejuidce, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”
travel is expensive and cumbersome and energy intensive. if your worried about the roof over your head travel is the last thing on your mind and it gives pause for those up us trying to maintain a small energy footprint.