The way of life in every corner of the world is different and unique as each has its own beauty and quirks. But those who have lived in both Europe and America can argue that there are some things America does better than Europe. Take this recent online discussion that triggered a conversation about the ways America trumps Europe.
1. The National Parks System
People are near-unanimous in praising the United States National Parks System. There’s nothing like it anywhere on Earth, and it’s a testament to the natural beauty found throughout America. “There just isn’t that much completely untouched wilderness in Europe,” admits one European. We have national parks here too, but a lot of them have farms and traditional villages on them — they’re just not allowed to be further developed except in a really limited way.
2. More Convenient Stores
Unlike in Europe, it doesn’t matter if you suddenly need a plunger, diet soda, or new headphones at three o’clock in the morning if you live in America. The abundance of convenient stores, complete with accessible hours and locations, gives America a leg up in the mind of the typical consumer.
3. Central Heating and Air Conditioning
Everyone can agree that the abundance of central heating and air conditioning definitively gives the U.S. the upper hand over most of Europe! “Heat waves hurt us in the United States, but at least we have central air conditioning,” says one man. “I remember seeing pictures of people in their birthday suits on patios trying to get away from that United Kingdom heat wave.”
4. Free Water
One of the most underrated aspects of American restaurant culture is access to free water. In Europe, due to plumbing systems in desperate need of modernization, restaurants and bars charge customers for bottled water since they can’t offer it for free through their tap system.
5. Beer
Nobody does beer like America! Offering easy-drinking light beer to ultra-bitter craft brews with high alcohol content, the United States is a beer-lovers paradise. Don’t get me wrong, Europe also produces quality beers, but the sheer volume of wonderfully different brews can only be found in the United States.
6. Free Public Restrooms
Many American visitors are confused by the public restroom situation in Europe. Shockingly, there are no free public restrooms! If nature calls, establishments require you to be a paying customer to use their facilities. This sharply contrasts with how things go down in the United States.
7. Safer Drop-Offs for Children at Schools
According to many parents, the American school system has one defining advantage over its European counterpart: its easy and safe drop-off system for kids. “I am jealous of U.S. schools’ drop-off and pick-up system,” confesses one woman. “In the United Kingdom, it’s utter carnage: Idiots parking on pavements, kids nearly getting run over, having to park half a mile away and walk them into school. Thankfully, my daughter is starting high school in September, and it’s within walking distance!”
8. Water Pressure
Nobody realizes how good American water pressure is until they take a trip overseas. One person puts everything in perspective by offering his simple review of European water pressure. “Dual citizen here,” he says. “In Europe, it feels like I’m standing under a watering can whenever I shower.”
9. Drive-Through ATMs
Thanks in no small part to the nature of their road system and urban planning, drive-through ATMs are hard to find in Europe. Comparatively, there are drive-through ATMs on every other block in America! This convenient access to cash is something that Europe would be wise to copy.
10. Service in Restaurants
Due to the overreliance on tipping in the United States, many Europeans report receiving much better service in America than at home. There’s something to be sad about a hard-working server or bartender willing to bend over backward to obtain a great tip!
11. Innovation
When it comes to technological innovation, no other area in the world can touch what the U.S. brings to the table. “You probably posted this on a device designed in America, using chips designed in America, running software accessing an American website over an internet which originated in America, running on infrastructure designed in America,” reveals one man. “None of this is accidental.”
12. Turning Right at Red Lights
The U.S. has mastered the art of logical traffic patterns! Turning right on a red light (safety-permitting, of course) is a wholly American amenity. Many Europeans confess this is the one aspect of American life they are jealous of!
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
