20 Things That Are Normal In Europe That Americans Are *Seriously* Missing Out On In The US
A while back, we wrote a post where Reddit users revealed things that are popular in Europe that they wish were more popular in the US. In the comments, readers shared more things they think Europe is doing better than the US, and it's wildly interesting. Here are some of the top submissions from the article that people found the most eye-opening:
1."In many European countries (especially in Scandinavia), new moms get a package of baby stuff for free. Also, you get paid maternity leave, and fathers can apply for that, too. You also get paid summer leave and other paid holidays. And when you retire, the government gives you a small amount of support every month."
"It's not much, and the amount depends on how much work you have done and how much money you have earned previously."
2."The fact that it's not normal for Americans to be able to go everywhere by foot and public transport or go grocery shopping around the corner seems so absurd to me."
"We need more cities that allow you to do your daily business without being forced to use a car. In many parts of Europe, you can easily walk from your home to the next grocery store, as homes for living and business buildings are mixed."
3."Healthcare (it always shocks me how my American friends tell me they cannot go to the doctor because of the unbelievably high prices, while I could even get many operations for free), education, gun laws, safety in general, being safer financially (at least here in Germany), and much more."
"To be honest, I always wanted to live in the US because, especially as a child/teenager — I thought of that typical American lifestyle seen in the movies and TV shows — but now I am a bit glad to be born in Europe. I still want to stay in the US for a year or so because it would be interesting to see how it is there compared to how Europeans see it."
4."In Czechia, every summer in squares, you can find multiple sun beds where you can lie on — and it's nice because you have cafés, markets, and people buy drinks and then go and lie on them. And the best part is all minding their own business and not just staring at the passers-by."
5."Good train travel. One of my favorite things about living in Europe is being able to travel to other countries by train with little to no fuss. It's quick and efficient, and you can get some great deals on tickets at certain times of the year. Onboard amenities are good, too."
"Public transportation is the number-one thing I wish we had more in the western US. It's okay along the Eastern Seaboard, but only a few spots in the West have anything decent. A fast rail system connecting all the major US cities would be life-changing for so many people."
6."The US realllllly needs to rethink our public bathroom situation with the stalls that barely provide any privacy and the acoustics that just bounce back the symphony of sh*ts during rush hour."
"The first time I used a completely closed stall in Europe, I was culture-shocked. Why don't we have this?! Why???"
7."Being bilingual. It's more common than not that people in Europe know multiple languages. I wish that was the norm here in the US. I feel like an uncultured oaf when I travel abroad and can't even attempt to speak the languages of the countries I visit."
8."Doner kebab. I lived overseas, and places that serve it are everywhere. Here in the US, it's more of a specialty thing, though maybe it depends on location. We have more stuff like Taco Bell, McDonald's, etc."
9."Lack of billboards everywhere. You get advertised to WAY less in Europe."
10."Europe has a completely different tipping culture. Tips should be given for exemplary service, if you liked the way you were serviced, or if you just wanted to say thank you for doing such an amazing job from that person. Being expected to tip every time loses its actual value. And, more importantly — pay the customer-oriented people a normal wage! These people have one of the hardest jobs out there by dealing with lots of obnoxious jerks all day."
11."Halloumi cheese! I split my time between Sweden and the US, and it's so hard to part with halloumi burgers when I go back to America."
12."Communal spaces. I lived in Barcelona for over a month earlier this year, and I loved all the plazas/squares. It’s nice to have a place to go that isn’t work or home where you have no expectations to perform or pay for food and drink."
"Coming back to LA, I went on a walk on my lunch break and wanted a place to sit after walking for about 30 minutes. The one place to sit was a bus stop, and I was honked at/shooed off only a few minutes after sitting there. In Europe, it seems like they actually care about people’s day-to-day lives and the living conditions of the city. In the US, all planning is done with profit/productivity in mind."
13."More vacation time. I get four weeks, so I consider myself lucky."
14."Black and red currants — both as a fresh fruit and as a flavor."
15."Food restrictions on all the high fructose corn syrup and other crap that companies get away with putting in our food."
16."More cycling. Here in Denmark, there is a strong cycling culture, and where I live, I am saving up for a bicycle with a motor due to some places being a bit rural, having lots of strong wind, and the elevation being not as flat."
17."Not just Europe, but Japan, Korea, and Thailand...it's those food stalls on the street. I'd rather have that than other fast food."
18."Kinder Surprise Eggs!!!"
19."Narrow car lanes. The US could use a road diet."
And finally...
20."Bidets. The Great Toilet Paper Crisis led me to get one — I can't believe I lived without it for so long. A clean and fresh butthole is a joyful thing."
Well. What are some other things that are popular in Europe that YOU think the US needs more of? Let us know in the comments below!
Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
