This is an interesting point of view, and almost exactly the opposite of mine. I also travel a lot and I love it. I travel in order to experience new cultures,

This is an interesting point of view, and almost exactly the opposite of mine. I also travel a lot and I love it. I travel in order to experience new cultures, people, food and drink. The last thing I want to see when I have traveled half way across the world is something that I see on my own freaking street. The smallest and most remote places in the world seem to have widely available wireless internet access in lots of coffee shops, pubs, restaurants and bus terminals. I'd much rather support the local, little guys when travelling. It's usually cheaper, tastier and you meet many more amazing people inside. You're right in saying that Starbucks is consistent, but for me half the fun of travelling is playing menu roulette and seeing what you end up with. I do understand the occasional need for a "taste of home", a haven of comfort if you will (In my case, hunting for a full English breakfast after days of eating fish and rice). I guess the line between "a recognizable, familiar, and reliable brand" and "overarching corporate crusher of culture" seems a little blurred to me.