American Travelers Share Their Surprising Observations in Europe

Traveling abroad can be a remarkable experience, often filled with unexpected moments of cultural discovery. Many Americans visiting Europe have shared their experiences, highlighting peculiarities that left them both amused and bewildered. While anticipating cultural differences is one thing, witnessing them firsthand can often be a completely different story. Here are some noteworthy observations that stuck out to these travelers.
#1 You guys just have doctors.
One traveler recounted a time when they fell ill while in Germany. Upon entering a pharmacy, they were greeted not just by a pharmacist but by a qualified doctor who promptly prescribed medication without charging for the consultation. The cost of both the appointment and the medication was surprisingly low compared to what they were accustomed to in the United States, where healthcare can often be prohibitively expensive.
#2 Referring to Europe as one country.
Another traveler noted the frequent American misconception of viewing Europe as a single entity rather than a diverse collection of individual nations, each with its own culture and customs.
#3 The punctuality of the train system.
Many expressed amazement at how well-connected and timely European train systems are compared to those in the U.S.
#4 Turbo-charged cashiers at Aldi.
The speed and efficiency of cashiers at Aldi stores in Europe also caught the attention of American travelers, who were astounded at how quickly transactions were processed.
#5 Outdoor dining culture.
Americans were surprised to see people in France and Germany enjoying meals or coffee outdoors, even in less-than-ideal weather conditions. Observing how they often found themselves alone inside while others braved the elements was a cultural revelation.
#6 Driving habits in Italy.
Having lived in Italy for three years, one traveler was taken aback by the local driving culture, describing it as chaotic and often reckless, with speed limits being largely disregarded.
#7 High-quality gas stations in Switzerland.
During a trip to Switzerland, a traveler noted the unexpectedly high standards of cleanliness and comfort found at gas stations, remarking that they could even eat off the floor.
#8 Direct communication in Eastern Europe.
Experiences in Serbia highlighted a different approach to communication, where directness was perceived as a norm. One traveler shared a humorous yet stark contrast between how a nurse in the U.S. would handle a patients fear of blood compared to a more blunt approach in the Balkans.
#9 Limited personal space.
Another observation was the close quarters people lived in, which was a significant change for someone from rural Pennsylvania.
#10 Cultural differences in children's programming.
A traveler who lived in the Netherlands recalled being struck by a Sesame Street Live poster that depicted Big Bird as blue, which was a surprising revelation to them and their Dutch friends.
#11 Restaurant service pace.
Experiences at restaurants varied greatly, with some Americans puzzled by the slower pace of service, including long waits for checks, which contrasted sharply with the fast-paced dining culture in the U.S.
#12 Tea kettles in England.
Travelers also noted that many hotel rooms in England come equipped with electric tea kettles, a feature that is not as common in American accommodations.
#13 Affordable beer in Germany.
In a light-hearted observation, one traveler noted that beer was often cheaper than bottled water in Germany, a point that resonated with many.
#14 Open windows in Italian homes.
Staying with a host family in Italy left one traveler astonished by the lack of screens on large open windows, which was a foreign concept that raised safety concerns.
#15 Sunday closures in Germany.
Living in Germany revealed many locals' frustrations with Sunday closures of most shops, which may be inconvenient for some visitors.
#16 Unique window designs.
One newcomer to Germany mentioned the peculiarities of German windows, which they found different and intriguing compared to what they were used to.
#17 Pay-to-use public restrooms.
An unexpected expense travelers often encountered was the need to pay to use public restrooms, adding a unique twist to their travel budget.
#18 Close personal interactions.
Americans also noted a lack of personal space in Germany, with people standing quite close during conversations, a stark contrast from the social etiquette they are used to.
#19 Grocery costs in Switzerland.
A traveler from Spain expressed surprise at the significant difference in grocery prices in Switzerland, which were dramatically higher than in their home country.
#20 Multilingualism in Romania.
Experiences in Romania highlighted the impressive language skills of locals, with many individuals being fluent in multiple languages, leading to vibrant conversations and deep cultural exchanges.