14 Things That Are Normal In Europe That BARELY Exist In The US — Like, Americans Are Missing Out
The other day, Redditor u/lucasn2535 asked, "What's something popular in Europe that you'd wish would be more popular in the US?" People shared things that tend to be more common in Europe than the States, and as an American, I'm experiencing some serious FOMO right now. Here are some of the most fascinating responses:
1."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."
2."Walkable cities and efficient public transportation."
"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."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."
4."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."
5."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."
6."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."
7."More vacation time. I get four weeks, so I consider myself lucky."
8."Black and red currants — both as a fresh fruit and as a flavor."
9."Food restrictions on all the high fructose corn syrup and other crap that companies get away with putting in our food."
10."More cycling. Here in Denmark, there is a strong cycling culture, and where I live, I am saving up for a bicycle with motor due to some places being a bit rural, having lots of strong wind, and the elevation being not as flat."
11."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."
12."Kinder Surprise Eggs!!!"
13."Narrow car lanes. The US could use a road diet."
And finally...
14."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.
