Living in the United States comes with freedoms and opportunities, making it the envy of many others worldwide. As incredible as this country is, some privileges that Europeans enjoy aren’t available here. When an online community was asked to name which European customs they would like to see come to America, their answers will have you nodding in agreement.
1. Paid Time off From Work
Numerous community members admire the generous paid time-off policies offered in European countries. The amount of vacation time, PTO, maternity, and paternity leave varies by country. It’s admirable to see some societies are enlightened enough to recognize the importance of paid leave from a job. Everyone benefits when employees feel they’re working to live and not living to work.
2. Chairs for Cashiers
In the U.S., it is customary for cashiers in retail stores to remain standing throughout their shifts. In Europe, cashiers are allowed to be seated during their shifts. There’s no reason to make cashiers stand for hours on end. It’s an outdated practice that serves no use except to make them uncomfortable. This is an idea whose day has come, America.
3. Cafe Culture
Americans have a long-running love affair with coffee. Still, in many European countries, cafes that serve coffee are more than just a pit stop on the way to the office. They are an integral part of the town and the overall culture. A world traveler in the discussion describes how their favorite places to visit are European cities with cafes in the town center.
4. Lemon Fanta
Fanta soda is a significant part of American beverage culture, especially Fanta Orange. While certain soda flavors are available in the United States, one soda lover is on an endless quest to find lemon-flavored Fanta, which they can’t find here but can readily find in European countries. They claim it’s the best soda they’ve ever had.
5. The Autobahn
Specifically, according to a reader in the thread, the portions of the Autobahn where the driving speeds are unrestricted. There are highways in the U.S. with speed limits well over 70 miles per hour, but that’s nothing compared to the rush some drivers feel when they can go as fast as they want to and not worry about getting a speeding ticket.
6. Bidets
While some American bathrooms are equipped with bidets, they are far from the norm. In Europe, they’re considered a regular part of restrooms. Americans who have used bidets swear by them, as their usage is regarded as an essential sanitary practice. Fans of bidets say that once you use them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t install one in your bathroom sooner.
7. Afternoon Siestas
Made famous in Spain, where siestas are an integral part of the culture, the idea of taking a long nap in the middle of the workday is unthinkable stateside. However, many American worker bees wouldn’t have a problem breaking up their day with a little snooze, even if they must be in the office a little longer to complete their shift.
8. No Tipping
In the U.S., wait staff typically earn an hourly wage well below the set minimum. Most of their income is derived from tips. In Europe, service industry employees are well compensated for their work. Hence, tipping them is optional and generally frowned upon in most places. If you’re not a fan of tipping, then insist on servers earning a living wage.
9. Universal Healthcare
The overwhelming majority of European Union countries offer their citizens universal healthcare coverage, which provides a critical safety net in the event of a catastrophic injury or illness. While the Affordable Care Act of 2010 has helped millions access comprehensive health insurance, the U.S. still lags behind Europe in providing equitable access to healthcare.
10. Walkable Cities and Mass Transit
Many American cities require a car to get where you must go because the destination is too far away or unsafe to walk to. Many European countries, which are much older than the U.S., have perfected the art of walkable cities or implemented exceptional, modern mass transit systems that are the next best thing to owning a car.
More From Savoteur
Am I the only one who sometimes questions the American dream? With issues like expensive healthcare and rampant homelessness, believing you’re living the dream life is hard. Someone on an internet travel platform asked Americans for common things that Europe residents have that they consider a luxury. Here are their best answers.
10 Things Europeans Have Everyday That Americans See as a Luxury
10 Cities People Refuse to Ever Visit Again
Fargo, North Dakota, is somewhere I will never visit again. The food is delicious, especially the wild rice soup, but Red River Zoo gives me the creeps. I felt like I was entering a cult considering all the head mounts of deer and buffalo decorating the walls as we peered into the enclosure of red pandas. Travelers on a popular internet forum share their least favorite travel experiences below.
10 Cities People Refuse to Ever Visit Again
Top 10 Countries With the Absolute Worst Cuisine in the World
Have you encountered a country of terrible foods in your traveling endeavors? You’re not alone. After someone asked travelers, “What country has the worst cuisine overall?” These are the top-voted responses.
Top 10 Countries With the Absolute Worst Cuisine in the World
15 of the Worst Cities in America To Avoid at All Costs
The United States is home to many of the most beautiful natural wonders of the world. Unfortunately, it’s also home to cities in steep decline due to increases in poverty, homelessness, and violent and property crimes.
While there are many safe towns and cities in the U.S., some online users from a social media discussion board believe there are some you should avoid.
15 of the Worst Cities in America To Avoid at All Costs
The Most Famous Person In Your State Will Surprise You
When you think of certain states, famous residents immediately come to mind. From The Oracle of Omaha to Jon Bon Jovi, Prince, or Will Smith, their names are synonymous with their home states. But what about the other states in America? Take a look at The Most Iconic Person from Each State to see if you agree with our picks!
The Most Iconic Person From Each State
