The Happiness Function

Americans have access to many liberties. But there are still certain things lacking that the rest of the world enjoys. Here are 16 very American things the rest of the world does not do.

1. Lack of Walkable Cities

It’s no secret that U.S. cities aren’t very pedestrian friendly, unlike other global capitals like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and London where you can roam leisurely and still see plenty. 

The lack of walkability is even more inconvenient for locals, some of whom live in apartment complexes that lack proper sidewalks to access nearby grocery stores. Having to drive to cross the street seems silly. Hopefully, better city planning in the future can help.

2. Terrible Healthcare Costs

Access to affordable healthcare is another thing lacking. Meanwhile, many other countries enjoy practical medical support. It’s a fundamental human need and right after all, and should therefore be more attainable for all citizens.

3. Drink Soda Without High Fructose Corn Syrup

In the USA, many name-brand soda pops contain high fructose corn syrup, while in many European, Central, and South American countries, soda does not.

4. Don’t Enjoy Homemade Delicious Bread

Bread outside the USA is hailed as being much better. Do you agree?

5. Not Multilingual

It’s a long-running joke that the easiest way to identify someone as an American is by their inability to speak any other language except English. There’s some kernel of truth to that, especially when you consider how many global populations are fluent in two or more languages, plus English.

6. Tipping

In the U.S., tipping is customary because workers in the service industries earn far less than the federal hourly minimum wage. Cash tips from customers help to make up for the shortfall in income. In other countries, tipping is practically unheard of and is considered taboo.

7. Higher Drinking Ages

The minimum age to drink alcohol in many countries ranges from 16 to 20 years of age. Several countries don’t even have an established minimum drinking age. The U.S. is one of a few places requiring adults to be at least 21 years old before they can legally drink alcohol.

8. Lack of Accessible Public Transit

Having the ability to travel without a car because of easily accessible, efficient, and affordable public transit is one of the virtues of living outside of the U.S. American public transit systems are robust in larger urban areas like New York City, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. They are nonexistent in more rural parts of the country.

9. Limited Free College Education

Many countries in Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia provide tuition-free education for those pursuing an education after high school. Some places in the U.S. offer post-secondary education at no charge, but those programs are few and far between.

10. Less Maternity and Paternity Leave

Numerous contributors identify the progressive maternity and paternity leave policies of some European Union member states. Depending on the location, new parents can stay home with their children until they turn two years old while receiving anywhere from 70 to 90 percent of their salary.

When the parents return to work, they can enroll their children in free or low-cost childcare subsidized by the state. In America, the standard is for new mothers to receive six weeks of maternity leave; some organizations offer paternity leave, but it’s not a widespread practice.

11. Do Not Eat Poutine

For anyone unfamiliar with poutine, it’s a Canadian dish of French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. Someone on the thread extols the perk of having “poutine at basically every restaurant, even McDonald’s.”

12. Limited Understanding the Metric System

Most of the world utilizes the metric system, measuring things in grams, liters, and meters. Only a few countries, including the U.S., continue using the imperial system, measuring things in ounces, pounds, and inches.

13. Limited Access to Certain Car Models

Despite America’s strong car culture, specific vehicle models available for purchase overseas are unavailable in the U.S., laments an American poster on the thread. Strict laws on auto imports make it too expensive for consumers to purchase such vehicles from other countries.

14. Lack of Premium Chocolate

According to one participant, the highest quality chocolate candy in the world is found anywhere except in the U.S.

15. No Legal Speeding

One of the fringe benefits of living in Germany is the Autobahn, where drivers can legally speed down the highway, writes a commenter.

16. No Drinking in Public Places

American jurisdictions have strict regulations on drinking alcohol in public places. In Europe, the laws are more relaxed, with someone describing how they “enjoy a nice beer on a public square. Not in a roped-off beer garden or special place. Just out in the crowd as part of a free public.”

15 Countries That Serve up the BEST Street Food Experiences

There’s something about the vibrance of street food, the richness in flavor, and the rawness of surrounding cultural scenes. Not only is street food more affordable for travelers, but it grants a more authentic experience since this is where natives also gather and convene.

With that said, here are 15 countries serving up the best street food experiences, as voted on by an online foodie forum.

15 Countries That Serve up the BEST Street Food Experiences

15 Incredible Places in the U.S. You Might Not Have Realized Were UNESCO Sites

There’s nothing better than discovering there’s even more to a place than you thought. Whether you know it or not, these 15 incredible places in the U.S. are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and all worth visiting.

15 Incredible Places in the U.S. You Might Not Have Realized Were UNESCO Sites