Fame, I'm not sure what you're talking about. My niece spent a semester in Siena and traveled throughout Italy and went to as many nearby countries as she could while she was there.

My nephew and his best friend spend six weeks touring Europe after graduation.

My maid of honor spent three weeks touring Europe just before my wedding.

We just had dinner to celebrate a friend's birthday and his son told me that he was planning to go to China to teach English after graduation.

When we've gone to Italy, we often meet other Americans. I'm not sure why you think Americans don't travel to Europe.

BTW, I have to disagree with you about the money factor. We haven't been back to visit the family in Italy in several years because the airfare is about $1500 roundtrip per person.