Traveling in XI did take some time at first when you had just started the game. But that makes since: you have to travel somewhere by foot (or choco) at least once before you can instantly teleport there.

After you had gained some levels and advanced in game (chocobo licence, enough rank for airship pass, teleport spells, outpost missions, sky teles etc. etc.) it became a lot faster and was just fine in my opinion.

Preypacers post was really good, agreed 100%!