“A/C Won’t Kill You”: 39 Things Americans Take For Granted That Europeans Should Learn From

A great part of traveling is not only learning how people “do things” elsewhere but perhaps even taking a few solid ideas home. The internet is chock-full of examples of things Americans could perhaps learn, but it’s also worth considering the reverse, what could other’s learn from the states?

Someone asked “Is there anything you think Europe could learn from the US?” and people shared some ideas Europeans might want to borrow. So get comfortable as you scroll through, if you happen to not be American, maybe take some notes and upvote the best posts. Be sure to comment your own thoughts and experiences below.

#1

Image credits: Southern_Name_9119

#2

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#3

I'm too tired for serious answers so I'm going to go with: how to make BBQ. I don't mean grilling, I mean proper BBQ. Texas and KC and both Carolinas and whatever else. All the BBQ. With sides.
SheenPSU:
Add Tex-Mex to the list. They’d benefit immensely from some good ass Tex-Mex.

Image credits: NotHisRealName

#4

Image credits: thesk1geek

#5

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#6

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#7

Being friendly to strangers.

LilithXCX:
Brit here, now living in the US. I was just chatting to a lovely stranger on the train and discussing how much more friendly people are here.

Image credits: JMe-L

#8

I'd say they could learn to air their dirty laundry better. There always seems to be a simmering problem that they just don't talk about unless they get drunk. Maybe they need to get drunk more often.

FellafromPrague:
My man, if we were any more drunk, we'd all be dead.

Image credits: OhThrowed

#9

The Americans with Disabilities Act or the ADA. The United States is one of the most accessible nations for those with disabilities. When I went abroad I was shocked as to how impossible it would be to get around if you weren’t fully able. And weed legalization of course.

DeadSharkEyes:
Every time I go to Paris, I wonder how the hell people with disabilities get around. All the buildings are old as shit and have steep steps and sharp edges.

KazahanaPikachu:
They don’t get around. Especially in Paris, it’s rare for me to see someone in a wheelchair, on crutches, etc. I always wondered why, and it’s probably because they don’t go out much in the first place...because it’s too difficult!

Image credits: StarksFTW

#10

Free water at restaurants and smoking less tobacco are the first things that come to mind.

MiketheTzar:
And free soda refills!

Image credits: JadeDansk

#11

#12

A A/C won’t kill you specially on summer.

TrillyMike:
I get that most of the time they don’t need AC, but one place that absolutely needs it is the Tube in London. It's hot as hell on those damn trains!

Image credits: Bear_necessities96

#13

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#14

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#15

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#16

I have a lot of family and friends in Europe and have been fortunate to have traveled to a majority of European countries. One of the biggest complaints I have is there seems to be more pressure to conform and not stand out as much. The USA accepts individualism so much more.

liberated-dremora:
I have recently befriended a French woman who moved to my city. Taking her out with my friends for Halloween was a real trip. She was SO STRESSED about being in a costume in public. She wouldn't take public transit by herself, wore a big coat to cover up what she was wearing while outside, and talked a bunch about not wanting her doorman to see her dressed up. The real kicker is that her costume was just a '60s hippie dress. Like, she could have worn it any day of the week, and nobody would have batted an eyelash.

Image credits: Tori1987

#17

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#18

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#19

The USA has generally better toilets and showers. Sorry, it's true.

sjogerst:
And charging money to use a public bathroom is an inhuman, undignified concept.