I first traveled to the United States of America four years ago, and I liked it so much that I've been back every year since. My home country of Australia and the States have much in common—we mostly have pop culture and globalization to thank for that! That being said, I noticed a few things when traveling in the USA that properly wiped me out.
On the other hand, there were several aspects of life in the States that I dearly wished my country would adopt—like the prices for electrical goods and Halloween! Here are some thoughts I've had when traveling in the USA, and if you're a foreigner like me, you've probably thought the same thing at one point or another.
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5 Thoughts
"Tipping. I just don't get it."
This would be top of the list for many foreigners worldwide who have traveled through the United States. In my native country, tipping isn't customary. Bar and wait staff are paid reasonably decently, and employers are expected to pay their wages. You may leave a dollar or two if a meal or service is exceptional, but that's about it.
So, coming to America and hearing that tipping was not only expected but made up most workers' wages was a surprise. As it was not a form of social etiquette I was accustomed to, I was as confused as they came. I felt lost figuring out how much to tip, especially in circumstances outside of restaurants and bars.
I once got my nails done in Atlanta and had no idea I had to tip the staff in addition to paying for the service. Thankfully, I had an American friend there who told me it was done; otherwise, I would have just walked out the door!
If you grow up with tipping, it's ingrained, and you do it automatically; it's the norm. From an international perspective, the whole thing looks pretty confusing.
"Why is everything here so much cheaper than in my country?"
Here is another reason America annoyed and delighted me, but for different reasons. Shopping in the States was a lovely experience. Everything was so much cheaper here than in my home country.
The first time I flew over, the Australian dollar was more valuable than the US dollar. I shopped so much that I had to buy another suitcase to take home. Whoops. The delight, however, soon turned to anger. Why were we paying out the nose for the same things in Australia? It just didn't seem fair.
Then I moved to London and discovered that everything was more expensive there. My anger was slightly mollified. To this day, I consider my vacations to the USA primarily shopping trips, and I always arrive with a relatively empty suitcase.
"Driving on the right-hand side of the road. Fear."
There's a reason why I haven't gone on my epic road trip across the United States yet - I find driving on the right (or, for me, the wrong) side of the road incredibly daunting. I always look for a train or bus ticket. That way, I can enjoy the epic countryside without the added stress of driving.
I'll eventually have to bite the bullet and get over it. I love road trips, and the USA offers some pretty good ones. Not to mention the appeal of driving in almost any other country in the world - Australia is in the minority in that regard!
"Halloween is the best holiday ever. Why isn't it a bigger deal in (insert country here)?"
I've always loved Halloween, thanks to my early appreciation for all things macabre (I mainly blame the Goosebumps books for this fascination). However, it wasn't ever a big deal in Australia. There would be a half-hearted attempt to sell Halloween chocolates at the local supermarkets and maybe a scary(ish) movie on TV, but that would be about it.
I was always so jealous of my American counterparts, getting to dress up and go Trick or Treating, or later on attending rad parties every year. Although Halloween is starting to catch on in Australia and the UK, as a fully-fledged adult, I think it's too little, too late!
"I could live in New York, Austin, San Francisco, etc."
I've been to eleven of the fifty American states and have stepped foot in many of its cities. More often than not, I end up utterly enamored with whichever place I happen to be in. When this happens, I usually start to envision what my life would be like there.
I can imagine catching the subway to work every day in New York, spending the weekends at Barton Springs pool in Austin, or rollerblading in San Francisco. Yes, some of these activities are rather touristy, but then again, I am only passing through as a traveler.
I love many things about the States and am amazed by other factors. Yet, that's the appeal of the place. It is a country full of surprises, and I hope to revisit it again and again.
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carrickbuss says
Hi LC!
Interesting perspective. Your comment about driving on the right side of the road is funny - I have the same fear of doing it on the left! (chuckle). I suppose that's part of why we're so easily addicted to travel - all of the nuances, adrenaline, fears, and sensory overload combine to create really awesome memories and a sense of accomplishment.
Great post - thanks for sharing!
Carrick
LC Haughey says
Thanks Carrick! Oh, I so wish I lived in a country that drove on the right side, it would make my life so much easier when travelling! Hopefully conquer that fear one day (the last time I tried, I popped the clutch in the middle of nowhere in Iceland, haha). Thanks for your comment!