[whiletruefork]

It's easier now to travel then it has ever been before. I can wake up in the US and decide to have dinner in Paris.

This versus having to tough a weeks long voyage across the Atlantic followed by months in wagons crossing unfriendly territory where I might die Oregan Trail style.

Sure, airports could be better. But if you think the difficulty of airports now outweights the benefits of travelling I am surprised our ancestors ever left their huts.

[martey]

I think kylec was talking about leisure travel. People did not immigrate to the United States (or emigrate to Oregon) because they wanted a vacation, but because they wanted a better life. As a result, the mental calculus is different.

Also, one could argue that international travel in February 2001 was significantly easier and less stressful than a similar trip today.