“Regulated Rent Prices!” 15 Things Europe Has Perfected That America Has Not

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

napoli icecream italy

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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

Europe travel vacation fun summer woman dancing in freedom with arms up happy in Oia, Santorini, Greece island. Carefree girl tourist in European destination wearing red fashion dress.

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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

Tourist woman visit architecture of Chicago she walking Lincoln Park near lake. Chicago, Illinois, USA.

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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

Tourist man with hat riding on camel background pyramid of Egyptian Giza, sunset Cairo, Egypt.

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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

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Source: Reddit

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Zobia Shazi

6 Comments

  1. Joel on July 3, 2023 at 3:09 pm

    Florence was our first stop in Europe 30 years ago. My wife was 4 months pregnant with our first. To this day, I remember how Florence made me feel. I am delighted for anyone who has lived their whole life in America and has the opportunity to relocate especially in Europe. There are almost too many places from which to choose. Our dream is to spend the rest of our retired lives looking for the perfect spot. Hopefully, we will never find it. It is so much more about the journey.

    • Ashlee Fechino on July 4, 2023 at 10:23 am

      Thank you for sharing, Joel. We totally agree. Safe travels.

  2. Lia on May 20, 2023 at 5:17 am

    I live in Florence, Italy, and these are all true! Many of them are exactly the reason I moved here from Southern California. Also because I am of Italian blood and Florence is the most beautiful city in the world to me. Besides that, I can afford the rent. I don’t need a car and that expense. Public transportation is awesome, but in fact, one can walk from one side of Florence to the other. The food IS incredible with a lot of fresh food markets. I went to the emergency room for a very bad cut and it cost me NOTHING, And people are pretty healthy, one reason being they relax and take life easy. Lunch is 2-3 hours. I see people my age and older walking and riding bicycles everywhere. The school system is outstanding. And let me add one very important one the article didn’t mention – I FEEL SAFE. I am a 70 year old woman and I have no fear walking my dog day or night. My very old charming apartment (it was once the servant quarters for the wealthy Strozzi family) is a FORTRESS. No one is getting in here uninvited! And I don’t worry that I may get shot going to the city center.

    • Ashlee Fechino on May 21, 2023 at 1:31 pm

      Thank you for sharing this with us. Congratulations on this beautiful time in your life.

    • DIANNE PEZZINO on May 27, 2023 at 10:20 am

      it is a lovely city you are so fortunate to live there.

  3. Burt Randall on April 9, 2023 at 1:01 pm

    This is an informative article.

    Thanks, Ashlee & Pablo !!

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