Read, Watch or Listen

American travelers shared their surprising experiences in Europe on AskReddit. Observations included socialized healthcare, carbonated water as the default, escalator etiquette in London, and long road trip perceptions. Other cultural differences noted were paid public restrooms, varying floor installation practices in rentals, the lack of ice in drinks, comma usage as a decimal separator, and differing attitudes towards American politics. Further points of contrast included accessibility for disabled individuals, ground floor numbering, sauna customs, and food-related practices like serving uncut pizzas and mayonnaise on fries. Despite rising costs, Europe remains a popular destination, although American tourist numbers are predicted to decline slightly in 2025.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.