The Happiness Function

Are you curious about things Europe has perfected that America has not? Here are 15 prominent examples people are dying to share, from the practical to the whimsical.

What would you add?

1. Bathroom Stalls

Many people appreciate European bathroom stalls, designed to provide more privacy than American stalls. Someone says that they have never understood why American stalls are built with significant gaps between the doors and walls, which allow people to see directly into the stall.

A Londoner jokes it’s for the “looky-loos.” But seriously, what do the stalls have such huge gaps?

2. Pay-To-Use Restrooms

On another note, this difference isn’t a good one. Many point out their frustration with pay-to-use restrooms in Europe, stating that it’s a risk they’re unwilling to take. People find it ridiculous to rely on their shame to not soil themselves and believe restrooms should be accessible to all. “Give me a lavatory or give me death,” they proclaim.

Americans have free toilet access, and Europeans agreed it’s better — but with their stalls.

3. Fresh Bread

The superiority of good bread in Europe compared to the U.S. is mentioned by many and is something I’ve heard several times on my travels.

4. Fair Pay for Food Service Staff

In Europe, service staff is paid a fair wage, and the public is not expected to supplement their income through tips. Several echo this sentiment and mentioned that the European hospitality industry seems to have a different culture regarding tipping.

5. Tax Inclusion on Goods

One European says they need help understanding why American stores don’t include taxes in their prices, which can make it difficult to calculate the final cost of an item.

Another person from Europe replies that they had experienced the same confusion and frustration, especially when traveling to different states with varying tax rates.

6. Well-Funded Public Education System

One person from Europe praises the well-funded public education systems in Europe, noting that many countries include post-secondary education in their system, unlike the American system. However, they also note it is odd to them that the public education system in the U.S. does not pay their teachers better or provide students with adequate supplies.

7. Walkable Cities

Another individual points out the need for more pedestrian infrastructure in some American towns and cities, citing an example of living in an apartment complex without proper sidewalks or pedestrian crossings to walk to a nearby grocery store.

The inconvenience of driving to cross the street highlights the need for better planning and implementation of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure in the U.S.

8. Good Cheese

There was no objection in the forum about which place has better cheese – and Europe wins. It might be due to differences in the production and regulation of cheese or simply a matter of taste.

9. Working Rights

Many Europeans were shocked to learn that paid time off is also used when Americans cannot work due to sickness. One person states that they found it strange that no laws regulate work time in the U.S. and that private companies decide whether holidays are days off work.

10. Social Safety Net and Public Programs

Unlike the U.S., where there is often a need for such support, Europe has a solid social safety net and public programs.

11. Unexploded Ordinance From World Wars

Someone adds that they worked in the commercial fishing industry in Alaska. They said there are specific islands and ports where they cannot wander off-road due to the unexploded ordnance from World War II.

The person highlights a stark difference between Europe and America regarding the remnants of war, as many parts of Europe were heavily affected by WWII and have since been reconstructed and safe for civilians.

12. Good Public Transportation

Several people state that good public transportation is something Europe has that America does not. Many European cities have efficient and affordable public transportation, including buses, trams, and trains, making it easy for residents to get around without a car.

13. Regulations on Rent Raise

A person expresses surprise upon learning about the regulations on how much rents can be raised in some European countries. In America, landlords have been reported to increase rent by whatever they want!

14. Affordable Healthcare

Additionally, many point out that Europe has affordable healthcare, which can be a massive difference from the American healthcare system. In many European countries, healthcare is seen as a fundamental human right funded through taxes, making it more accessible and affordable for all citizens.

15. Christmas Markets

I know it’s August but no one does Christmas markets like Europeans. Their Christmas markets are a unique and exciting experience. America should adopt the concept by having winter markets with bratwursts, similar to American summer farmers and flea markets.

15 of the Weirdest Things People Have Ever Eaten While Traveling

There are many weird and wonderful things to experience while traveling, especially regarding food.

It’s always good to try something new, and below are 15 foods that travelers have tried and tested.

15 of the Weirdest Things People Have Ever Eaten While Traveling

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 European Cities an American Can Live Comfortably for $2500 USD/Monthly

When you think of the great European cities, Prague, Paris, Vienna, and Munich might be among the names that come to mind. But, as phenomenal as the European cities with the highest appeal are, they may be better vacation spots than homes if you’re looking to live on $2,500 per month or less.

We have uncovered 15 culturally vibrant, modern, and reasonably priced European cities that you could call home (if only for a month) on an average salary.

15 European Cities an American Can Live Comfortably for $2500 USD/Monthly

15 Most Dangerous Cities in the World Where Crime Rates Are Off the Charts

There are many ways to measure the danger of any given city—robberies, physical assaults, and even the number of fatal work accidents. However, there is one universally-accepted metric for gauging danger: violent crime rates and property crime rates. Based on recent statistics, here are some of the most dangerous cities around the world (not in any particular order).

15 Most Dangerous Cities in the World Where Crime Rates Are Off the Charts

Once is Not Enough: 15 Destinations Travelers Want to Visit Again

Even though there are 193 countries and two independent nations, some destinations keep calling us back time and time again. Whether because of the people, the food, or the beautiful views, there are some places travelers always return to.

Once is Not Enough: 15 Destinations Travelers Want to Visit Again

Where indicated, some images courtesy of Depositphotos.com.

Source: Reddit