What don't you or wouldn't you miss if you left the USA? For how I see the UK as an American abroad, check out this video next: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qaZmoCPLCs8.html
I am so tired of the tipping culture here...especially now that 25% (or more) is standard and sometimes mandatory. Places that shouldn’t be asking for tips are now asking for them. I wish establishment owners didn’t burden their patrons with this. Pay fair wages to employees. If everyone in the US stood up to this nonsense the businesses would be forced to change.
There was a restaurant in New York that banned tipping and instead just added it to the prices on the menu so that the staff would get a living wage. Trade dropped drastically even though the customers weren't paying a cent more. The owner had to end the trial or go bust. Customers only look at the prices on the menu.
Totally. It is a factor of employers who do not want to pay a living wage. They lay the guilt on us. It is becoming common to hear, They cannot live without your tips...! I am not talking bout waters/waitresses.I am talking about counter personnel who ring up an order. Or some such.
Totally agree with you. Employers in the US are too cheap to pay a living wage to their employees. Why should customers, eating out, have to subsidize a servers wages because the employer won't pay them a living wage.
Plus at every road junction swinging in the wind you have identical ads for Arby’s Roast Beef, Subway, the latest local Chevy retailer flogging this seasons best truck deal etc etc
The car culture is one of a number of things that is bringing this country down. We've been bought and sold by the car/oil industry. Almost all towns/cities in the U.S. used to be connected by rail service. Then the car industry decided that wouldn't do and fast forward, you can see old train tracks threading many areas - overgrown with weeds. Really sad. Every year there are upwards of 40K fatalities due to car accidents. What kind of country doesn't see that as a problem and do something about it immediately and encourage mass transit investment?
I heard of one US city where bridges over new roads to new housing areas were built deliberately low so that buses couldn't use the roads. This forced the owners of the new houses to use a car as the only alternative. The car industry also had a big hand in destroying the streetcar/tramcar companies to boost car ownership.
Fast food is in Europe too. People need to just learn how to cook again. I think the Pandemic helped people rediscover good food just by cooking at home.
@@nahha9529 yes, there's fast food in Europe as well, but it's better than the fast food crap in the US, plus you have tons of small, family owned restaurants where you can choose from at a very affordable price compared to the US.
@@LisaSoulLevelHealing I'm in South Lake Tahoe and there is no direct bus to Vegas. Have to go North to Reno first. For Sacramento/SF, there is only ONE bus a day and you get to SF around 8pm, meaning you have to get a hotel room right before going to bed.
@@TravelingwithKristinYou have huge conflict in Europe every now and then, as a result we have a huge size of Bosnian refugees where I stay. U.S has problems just like any other country but these refugees thrive here in this Midwest metro area where cost of living is not as high as in Florida, California, New York. It is a bigger " travesty " for most of Europe if Putin blows up the ZZNP in Ukraine. Radiation fall out, prices of food and energy will go up, currency depreciation, huge refugee problem, as I said war or conflict would always occur in Europe. Are you heading to Costa Rica if Putler decides to light up the biggest nuke plant in Europe?
What a lovely insightful video. It warmed my heart to hear that you were able to chose not to follow the crowd into the corporate world but instead have followed your dreams. I hope you know that your videos with your lovely style bring a lot of joy to lots of people and hope they give you a sense of purpose and satisfaction . Take care Kristin.
I've been outside of the USA for over 10 years now. I don't miss the horrible healthcare system in the USA, the high property taxes, the bad GMO/insecticide filled food, the billboards/fences, the cost of living, the social tensions, television everywhere, bad fluoridated tap water, glysophate filled wine, car culture and more. I live in the Andalucían mountains in Spain and I don't think I will ever go back to the USA.
Every time I travel abroad it reminds me how many issues I have in the USA but at the same time how many blessings. Every individual is different, so there is no perfect country. I am considering moving back to my country or living abroad at some point in the future mostly because of the cost of living and division here. It's sad but I'm hopeful we can turn this trend around in the next 10 years.
Why would you miss racism, greed, people sleeping on the street, mass shooting, hunger, politician who have no sense of morality, a media that works to divide and incite anger and division, rather than instill comfort and hope ? Why would you miss a society that promotes greed and ignorance ? You are very smart to leave...Do what you can to make youreself a better person and help the world become better 🙂 And I love your videos !
Don't worry because greed in America will be a thing of the past and America reduced to a third world country, as we struggle to feed, house and provide an education for the poor migrants coming into the US. 300,000 in the December alone. I am sure you will want to come back and help us to improve the lives of all these people through governmental wealth redistribution schemes.
I wouldn't mind helping improve the lives of people who are running for their lives rather than continue to support unethical and criminal people trying to keep them out.
Most of the things you list were so bad for my mental and physical health in the US, I almost ended up killing myself. I had to leave to reset. It took me about 6 months to ''detox'' from it all. 5 years later, no regrets.
Good for you dear, I'm truly happy for you, most people would have not taken the risk that you took, real people and less stress in the UK, I hope you agree. 5 years, wonderful.
@@rbnhd1144 thank you. I love life here. Honestly it is Britain's nature, gardening, and walking culture that's been a lifesaver. There is nothing better for my mind than getting out on the walking paths, putting one foot in front of the other, and admiring the stunning scenery at the same time. You have to drive for ages in the states to get somewhere you can do this on public land. There are no public footpaths. Problem is you're working yourself to exhaustion and don't even have the energy for it when you have a little time off. The people in the North are particularly humble, and generally very considerate. I haven't spent much time in the South, perhaps I'd like it there less.
I’m sure the chance of being gunned down in a grocery store has gone down for you exponentially. The U.S. is a very scary and dangerous place to live right now.
been travelling Europe for 6 months, across 13 countries. have not been threatened or harassed once. it's way safer out here no question. much more respect as well. walked the streets at night alone in many countries even Bulgaria. currently in Albania now and no issues. it's night and day compared to most major american cities.
Gun violence statistics and numbers are real. And more states are allowing anyone over a specific age to open carry - with no training. Gun violence is real is this country, not a figment of media imagination. BTW, i grew up on a farm, have been trained to shoot safely since age 8, have a concealed carry license - and I’m worried about the loose cannons here with tempers, no self control, and a firearm on their hip with no safety training whatsoever.
The common thread in all of this is unregulated capitalism; the principle that profit is more important than people that seems to govern America. In the UK we're vigorously resisting the creeping introduction of the same toxic ideology
I miss my layovers in Guatemala. As a Flight crew , I always picked over other countries, people are so welcoming and friendly! Something very rare to find in the USA.
As a Canadian, totally agree with all of your observations, especially health care. Nobody understands why Americans put up with the inequality of a system that denies healthcare to its citizens. Our healthcare is far from perfect, but I don't have to open my wallet walking into a hospital. But, all of your other points, we deal with too. Came back from Asia, and just shake my head how far North America is behind, and falling quickly. Very sad actually.
Maybe, it's because we can see any Doctor when we need to,,, or have elected surgeries anytime we "want" to... and we get to chose our own doctor and have the surgery without a big wait!!
Americans put up with all these things esp the healthcare system because we are kept ignorant of the rest of the world. Americans have no idea that anything can be done better than what they experience, and big interests prefer it that way. And we are also among the most heavily propagandized society on Earth.
@@jjohn4874 This may be true, but we have to pay $2,000 (on the low end) to $9,000 out of pocket before our insurance will kick in. Women are telling me it costs $15,000 out of pocket to have a baby these days. When I had my kids in the early 1990s it was free. Our health care costs are out of control. I work in the health care system.
You are spot on about everything you said. Grew up in Europe and moved to the US 20 years ago and I still can’t wrap my ahead about these things. However, where I’m originally from salaries are ridiculously low and and economy still owned by some families that give privilege for them and their friends and if you are not in the circle you will be struggling all your life. So my question to you and most of you living outside the US is, how do you make your living? Are you living outside with American salaries or local salaries? Because that was what made me come back to the US when we took a 2 year break.
We have the attractive Corfe Castle ruin here in Dorset, just up the road from you, in world terms. So much nicer than billboards! I love ❤ Cornwall, and Devon is pretty neat too en route. 🤗🤪🙋♀️
You nail frustrations about the US that I forgot I had. I’d also like to add all the personal injury attorney ads…it all seems to say that hospitals and companies in the US are in the business of exploiting and perpetuating misery.
Kristin, thanks for your observations about the USA. These are things I wish I could not miss about the US. But hey, I'm here. The thing is Americans have taken on the identity of consumers. Consumers of useless and overpriced medications. Consumers of shallow and destructive politics. Consumers of tasteless industrialized food. I keep hoping it will change.
And I hate to say this - adding to the negativity- but I am a senior and that hope that one lives by finally becomes the reality: It "ain't" gonna happen". - it gets worse. I am ready to leave the US even as a senior and truly believe my mental health would improve immensely.
In addition to all your excellent observations, I would add, bluntly: Daily Homicide Reports. I tune in the local news every morning and, inevitably, there will be a lead story summarizing overnight shootings, stabbings and body counts. I haven't traveled enough to assert that this is "uniquely American"...but I suspect it is.
as a little kid I wondered this silently to myself- why the news was SO heavy and graphic and gruesome...why not other positive stuff? And why graphic descriptions?
In America it's more prevalent. But all media is meant to disenpower people with FEAR. Don't watch the news anywhere. It's not smart. And it doesn't add anything to your life.
It is in not uniquely American but other rich developed countries don’t have this problem and lots of poorer countries undeveloped countries are also safer
been travelling Europe for about 6 months now. 13 countries. scouting places to live. haven't used a car. love the culture of europe especially Spain and Bosnia. will try to negotiate with the job I have lined up to work overseas
I have been living in Brazil for 22 years. For the Lion´s share of those years I wanted to return to the USA, but that has changed in the last 4 -5 years. From everything I see everyday on news channels, RU-vid and other assorted things (like Karen/airline/cop videos) the US seems like a hateful society, filled with ignorance, entitlement, overwhelming materialism where everything seems about money and possessions. I used to be so proud of our country, but now I am ashamed- and keep in mind I am in BRAZIL - not a paradise, with it´s own set of problems- but the hatred and intolerance is less, family is number one and most people seem to realize life is for living
I visited my cousin in Boston, MA in 1993. TV news then was full of shootings and murders, live was the funeral of a police officer that had been shot. One story was chap shot his girl friend and baby in the street. Shocking.
We have property rights in US and wouldn't even think of having our Federal government come in and tell us what we could and couldn't do as far as billboard advertising. The laws regulating billboards are all local, as they should be.
Everything you said I agree with¬...what I am always shocked by is the aggressive drivers...everyone is in a competitive hurry. The other is that I realize what a weapon a car is. Strange thoughts that I never have outside of the US because I never ever have to think of CAR.
You are spot on regarding all the comments you have made . Love your channel as you are so insightful and so accurate with your observations. Enjoy travelling a bunch and you provide lots of great , useful knowledge.
Bill boards and large signs along the road are another side effect of US towns built solely around cars. Few people walk so shops and advertisers have to make oversized signs that can be read from cars. Europe doesn’t have small towns with 8 lane highways through them.
I’ve lived in Thailand for 6 years and I recently visited the US for the first time since before Covid. Having viewed the US through the media for such a long time I was expecting the worst but what I experienced was shocking normal from what I remembered. I was in the San Francisco Bay Area for one week and just outside Atlanta for one week. What I realized that you could be a tourist for a couple of weeks and easily miss the reality.
Good old US capitalism, took $1k to Tland for a 3 week trip knowing I’d be treating a lot of people to dinners..but..came back with $600 and was surprised because my own estimates were off but, of course, it was a very nice feeling 🙏🏻✈️
Kristin, Would you consider doing a video for solo women seeking to retire abroad? I would like to try another place but not sure where to start. I've watched RU-vid vids on Portugal, France, England, Thailand. But it's hard to know which is best.
We live in an expensive place in Washington State, about 25% more than Seattle. We don't travel extensively, but we spend a couple months each (northern) summer on our boat in Canada and three months during the (northern) winter in New Zealand, where it is (conveniently) their summer. Neither of those places are known for inexpensive costs of living. But we have figured out one key that reduces our costs in both Canada and New Zealand. We simply live like middle-class citizens of those countries,.not as tourists. We estimate that alone results in savings of 25% from what we would incur if we lived as tourists most often do. Net/net our overall cost of living is about 35% less in both countries than at home. One example: in New Zealand we eat and drink like the Kiwis do. Lots of seafood and some great lamb. We buy Aussie wine (like the Kiwis do). It's just as good as Kiwi wine and much cheaper in New Zealand. (We can actually buy Kiwi wine in the USA and Canada for less than in New Zealand. Go figure that one.) We play a LOT of golf and belong to a golf club at home. The total annual cost of membership is roughly $3,000, and our club isn't high-end. It is a nine-hole course with dual tee boxes. In New Zealand, we belong to a club with two 18-hole courses, including one that has hosted the New Zealand Open tournament several times. Our "summer membership" there costs about US$750 (for two). That provides unllimited play on excellent tracks and a wonderful social base with other golfers. There are countless other ways to save without diminishing your lifestyle if you simply pay attention. If anything, we live a better lifestyle in New Zealand than in the USA.
Love your videos! Agree with everything! I was in 6 countries this year and dang the reverse culture shock was strong when I came home. Even in Bern, the groceries seemed cheaper than the US. Gas was not cheaper - I will say that, but there are so many alternatives to driving - I don't see that as a barrier to life. In the US, if we had to pay $9/gallon that would be monthly rent money for some people's commute. The most obvious change, when I got back, was a lot of advertising etc. that push a general dissatisfaction with life. Sigh . . . we are so busy trying work hard to buy happiness and relaxation - we are missing it.
I also don’t miss the politics in the US but the flip side of that is that I love not talking politics with expats here in Thailand. Because it doesn’t come up in conversation here I get get to meet and make friends with a much wider spectrum of interesting people that I never would have met in the US.
@@georgecooksey8216 In case you haven’t noticed there are people in the US they don’t really talk to each other. We do talk to each other here. There is plenty of international diversity in the expat community here. It turns out it is a lot easier to meet fellow expats. I lived 60 years in the US. I put in my time. Time for something new.
@@martypoll Glad you are happy and hope you have planned for the fact that Medicare will not cover you overseas. I believe it's a gross generalization to say that "people don't talk to each other" for a country so large, diverse and dynamic as the US. I'm not even sure what you are referring to other than perhaps politics. The US has always been a place of very robust public political debate - the noise is, in my view, a barometer of the health of a democracy - and it's always been that way from the first election ever held. Loud, boisterous, contentious, and yes often obnoxious. I tune most of it out - and I respect those who have different views than I do. We're all individuals and citizens of a great country with more in common than not. Good luck..
Know what I miss about Europe? The trains, the old architecture, the different food, the espresso, the people, not knowing the language (I actually prefer to not even hear what other people are talking about), the way it smells, the graffiti. Everything.
Me too!!!🎉 It's a lighter world when you don't have to listen or care what everyone is talking about. The ignorance filter is bliss!!❤ I prefer to enjoy my own thoughts.
I always find it amazing that some Americans can drive from age 15. In most of Europe it's 18. In the UK it's 17 but the test is quite difficult (I was 19 when I passed) and a lot of people just don't bother getting a licence.
I grew up in Ireland, but have lived in the USA most of my life. I always found Ireland more expensive than the USA, but maybe thats just me. Ive also spent time in Mexico, Thailand, Laos, (over a year during the plandemic) Vietnam and Malaysia which are all much much more affordable..as long as you are making Western wages. I live in California, which is a very beautiful state, but it has become impossible to live in unless you are making a lot of money or you inherited wealth. I am almost homeless here, I live outdoors in a truck. I became disabled a few years ago and ended up in this situation. Its not all bad, I make the best of it, but I cant afford housing. There are lots of conveniences I miss when Ive been overseas, mostly certain products that are easy to find here whether it be clothing or supplements or anything else that I need and can get via online shopping or a local store. I miss a good burger or steak when Im in Asia, and California weather is hard to beat. The food in the USA is pure poison though, sugar and pesticides. We definitely have a lot of problems here and the cost of living is high, but there are also some very affordable places to live, its a big country. Its sad to see the country deteriorating though. Nowhere in the world have I seen the homeless conditions so bad. Some of it has to do with drug use, but it is also not just that, it is the exhorbitant cost of housing due to greed and the never ending printer of the Federal Reserve.
What is preventing you from moving back to Ireland? I would guess a plane ticket would be a big cost but I have been living in Ireland from Michigan for 17 years and don't find anything more expensive except housing.
@peggygraham6129 Ireland has a housing problem also, and I like warm weather, Ireland is cold and damp. But mostly the cost of housing and living, my $1000 a month income wouldn't cover the cost of living there whereas it would in Asia.
@@peggygraham6129He said he finds Ireland more expensive to live ! It's true Ireland is not a cheap place to live !! Irish people told me they don't feel they are rich,although the country is rich now !!💜🥁🐉🎤🎶✈️💞
Thanks Kristn for this video! You are an outstanding and beautiful human being. You are very observant and spot on with your analysis. Probably why your videos are so popular :)
Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm thrilled that you enjoyed the video and found the analysis helpful. Your support means a lot to me @brianjones5033! 😊
Agree with all that you mentioned...I'm in a rural small town in Mexico but I must say that despite Mexico being notoriously loud with parades and music and parties and celebrations from time to time I don't miss the constant noise I always heard in the US from blowers and mowers! From rural mountain towns in Georgia with tractors and chainsaws and bushogs to riding mowers to Atlanta landscape crews to Florida EVERYWHERE I feel like it was always Mow Blow Go day somewhere. Of course I've got the water guy song, the orange juice guy, the donut horn, the watermelon yeller---but it's all better than gas powered lawn equipment
Interesting. In the dominican republic there was always a load of noise from a man shouting on the street, it turned out he was shouting for people who have scrap metal. EVERYDAY! So noisy with motorbikes. I could never live there
Here in the UK there are very strict controls on the placing of roadside advertisements, especially in places where they are likely to distract drivers. There are a few greedy idiots who will try to flout the rules by dumping old trailers in fields by the motorway with advertising on them, but they usually get prosecuted in the end. I'm always gleeful when I see one that's been blown over, thus creating a bigger headache for the greedy landowner.
I don't get your logic. It's the farmers land he can do what he wants. You don't have to look at the trailer sign. Keep your eyes on the road and find other things to complain about!
No he cannot. Roadside advertising requires planning permission, and using trailers in fields is a blatant attempt to evade planning laws. It's only lawful to advertise on a vehicle if its primary purpose is as a vehicle, so a trailer in a field is not lawful. The law exists to prevent unnecessary distractions and accidents and to avoid eyesores in the landscape.@@voice.of.reason
It's a field. It's the farmers land. It is not a sign. It's a trailer (mobile) with a sign on it that just happens to be visible at times to the motorist. Not illegal. It's attitudes like yours that really spoil the UK. You must live a very sad life if that is all you can complain about, there are far worse things happening in this country, like the knife crime all over the UK, especially Croydon!@@davidjones332
You pretty much nailed it for me, everything you say is really true especially the Drugs, add to that Medicare ads, When I'm in the UK I feel safer, less stress, better drivers, no tipping, food also seems tastier, TV ads are seconds not 5 minutes and no begging.
The pharmaceutical commercials that kill me are the ones that don't even tell you what they're for. "Ask your doctor about (fill in the blank)." And that's it. That's the commercial. Unbelievable.
You've just walked along a lovely , pretty and quite road in complete heaven with nothing but beautiful greenery and birdsong ! Apart from that bike and a siren
I just left South Asia, and I’m in Canada now visiting family. We get all the American TV here. I was just telling my friend here how strange it is to see so much pharmaceutical ads on TV. And the political environment it’s too much! Your absolutely right about reverse culture shock!I find it hard to fit in to my own homeland after living abroad so long. Although I think we are a bit better off than the US, but Canada is too close.y tied to our big brother down south, it’s scary.
I feel the food thing so much! If i'm not feeling well and can't cook my options are literally just burgers or burgers. In any other country the options would be endless. I can eat out every meal in China for a week without leaving my block and have something quick, healthy and different for each and every meal.
I love your point of view and videos. I will be leaving the US in the next year, and I simply can't wait. One thing I've noticed in my travels is that being vegan in any other country besides the US is super easy. I just returned from Tuscany, Italy and even in the smallest medieval villages there would be incredible vegan restaurants, gelaterias, and more. Even in Canada I never have to worry about finding food. In the US, even in so-called "progressive" cities, you can't even get a vegan pancake for breakfast, which is the easiest thing to make. I'm sure it must have something to do with the choke hold the meat and dairy industry has on the country. Ugh. Anyway, so happy you're enjoying Manchester! :^)
I've lived in Istanbul for 8 years and the city spans 2 continents divided by a body of water that are connected by a modern train system that adds new lines every year.
I'm traveling all over France this year learning the language. It's easier for me to be healthier, mentally physically and socially, so I'm here every month or so for 10 days.
America could be a wonderful country, if only they caught up with much of the rest of the world.....and I don't mean that in a derogatory way. Been there twice, 1990 and 1996, and thoroughly enjoyed it, and met some great people, especially in Oregon.
Everything feels a little old fashioned in America like the archaic banking and tax system, the transport, the work life balance, the healthcare system, religion infesting everything
You asked about the absence of billboard advertisements along the side of main roads in the UK. Advertising here is controlled by part of our Town & Country Planning legislation. There's a long list of regulations. Some minor adverts, like a sign up to 1.2sq metres outside a public hall or church, or the fascia sign above a shop, are granted what is called "deemed consent" and there are also exemptions up to a certain size for temporary signs involving fairs, concerts, and elections. But the bigger signs do need permission and the local council can refuse permission for them on the grounds of either (a) amenity or (b) highway safety. You will I am afraid see an increasing number of unauthorised signs, as councils are strapped for cash and haven't got the staff or money to prosecute against all of them; but on the whole the system is quite effective.
The number of billboards depends on the state. You'll see more the closer you are to a city. Four states prohibit all billboards: Maine, Vermont, Alaska and Hawaii. If you drive out west through rural Wyoming and Montana you won't see them. We do have the *choice* to mute or turn off the television during commercials. As someone who works in health care, people just Google their ailments and medications (they don't need TV ads, they have social media ads). You can get generic acetaminophen, ibuprofen, Benadryl, etc at the Dollar Store. Many common prescription medications cost $4.00 at Wal-Mart, Target, etc. I agree with you about politics. It gets maddening here.
As an American, I've grown weary of all the baked-in racism every where. The latest I'm hearing is punctuality. If you show up on time to your appointments, you are probably racist. Maddening. My wife and I are applying for our passports within the next few weeks. We're anticipating exploring Europe within the next year.
I am so desperate to leave , leaving in few months with no plan where to go !!! have a thousand thought !! I spent 10 years in the US and can't agree more with everything you say
Norway is cheaper than the US??!!? Mind blown, I lived in Norway for a while and compared to the UK it was roughly twice as expensive. Great content keep it up❤
@@antjee NORWAY is twice as expensive as you are not taxed on your income the government makes its money from taxation of goods, mostly imports so food, alcohol pretty much everything YOU PURCHASE is twice the price, for example in dollars a Big Mac meal was about $20 in UK about $6, a bottle of UK whiskey about $70 UK around $25 and a meal in reasonable restaurant about $100 UK about $40
@gmdhargreaves Are you sure Norway has no income tax? Only taxing goods and services would be very regressive as it would hit lower income citizens who have, perforce, to spend a much higher proportion of their income on food, clothing, etc. This would result in the poorer citizens paying a higher proportion of their income in tax than the richer. I don't believe that this can be true as Norway scores highly in the areas that lead to a good quality of life, and one of the most important of these is equality.
@@52power I never payed tax on my income working for a software company for the best part of 2 years and was payed much better than I would have been I London, Norway doesn’t really have poor people, only those that choose through life choices to be homeless, and even those are well looked after. Yes it’s a system that works, you use free education to get a great job and pay your taxes through buying goods it makes sense too me and… for me makes Norway a great place to live, the poorer people are those that don’t work but still live less than crude lives compared to all other countries
Oh I hear you 1000%, you are so right about every one of those points. 👍🏼👍🏼 good for you, for getting out there and seeing the world from a balanced viewpoint.
The politics and political talk here in the US drives me nuts! All it does is that it divides people, and it sadly has affected some people in my family. That would be one thing I would not miss at all if I were to move away. I also can't stand all the pharmaceutical commercials here either, so I know your pain, lol! That's one of the reasons why I enjoy getting to travel - it's a great escape from all of that! Great video Kristin!
One of the things that really resonates was not what you said but the clip of you sitting in a garden with friends all having a laugh. I'd consider it too mundane to warrant a clip, but that you did shows how much different the pace of life must be. Keep up the great videos, looking forward to when you get a bit more out and about in the North.
I agree on the robocalls, constant bombardment of commercials and ads and the politics in your face a lot in America. I love America but I have travelled to other countries and find it very refreshing to experience other cultures and points of view.
We left the United States thirteen years ago. Living in Portugal now and living a great life. And I have to admit, the health care here is much more affordable and great too!
I've been living in Costa Rica for five months, and I'll be going back to the US next week for a few months before I come back here again. The cost of living is so much less here. The eight things you covered in your video are things I am not looking forward to.
Hello Kristan, hey, be careful. We don''t have much space left in the UK for the big influx of USA people hearing you and rushing to live here. But appreciate your views. Thanks for your videos. My daughter and her family live in Vero Beach, Florida.
I’ve visited every US state, most Canadian provinces and six of seven continents. I lived one year overseas courtesy of the US Army. I considered moving abroad but found it too expensive. I could not replicate my home (Annapolis, MD area) for a reasonable cost. The taxes are almost extortionate. My health care costs are reasonable. I agree about the advertising on all forms of media. I do enjoy the transit systems in most of Europe as opposed to the US. That being said I enjoy the freedom of having my own three vehicles to travel at my own pace and schedule. Food and restaurants seem to be expensive. My age and status as a retiree from another generation may account for my differences. I am always happy to return home but then I also look forward to traveling again. At this stage of my life we prefer to fly business and stay in four star properties.
As a Brit who has visited the U.S. the thing that struck me was that it seemed legitimate that everything was uninhibitedly commercialised and marketed in some instances in ways that to us Europeans just didn't seem legitimate. That seems particularly true of health which we think of as the responsibility of a caring society toward those who suffer misfortune.
I will not miss the crazy temperature swings. In the middle of the USA it can be 80f during the day and drop to the 50’s f at night. I can’t wait to get closer to the equator and into a climate that is 81 f at night but only up to 89 f during the day.
Car culture. My aunt lives is a manufactured city in Florida. There is NO public transportation, there are almost no sidewalks, and it is filled with old people! It must have the highest population of 90+ year old's driving anywhere in the world! Insane!
Meaning what? I can assure you British people do talk about politics. As for "subjects", do you think that because we have a monarchy we are somehow not allowed to talk about politics? That is simply not true. If you believe that King Charles somehow controls or restricts freedom of speech you are so wrong. The monarchy is a constitutional one, not an absolute one. The King has no political power. He doesn't rule the UK, he merely reigns. He doesn't order the population about. The UK is ruled by the elected government, not by the monarch. I am as free to talk about politics in public as you are. By the way, my British passport states that I am a citizen of the UK, not a subject of the monarch. Do some research in future.
I don't miss feeling a lack of safety walking around. I don't miss chauvinism. I don't miss the "roughness" society can have (someone being rude and aggressive for no reason). I don't miss how most Americans don't understand give-and-take in a conversation. I DO miss how convenient everything is and the opportunities to do things to entertain oneself (spas, massages, adult classes, etc.). I do miss getting easy access to everything one needs for one's day-to-day. For example, if I am looking for eyeliner or a plastic container of a certain size here, it can be VERY hard to locate something that works! I do also miss how friendly Americans can be.
I don’t really miss tv when I am abroad, I agree with you about fast food (sooo looking forward to those garlic potato chips I found in the CZ Whalen I get there later this month). Overall I’m looking forward our overseas vacation starting at the end of the month and getting away from my job for a couple of weeks.
Some time ago I was asked " what do McDonald's sell ? " Of course I said burgers etc , but was told no it's toys because the children like the toys so are hooked and they make the parents take them there !!!!
Ray Croc used to tell his staff that they were a property company; McD owns the real estate and they franchise out to local operators (who do have to adhere to a very strict system!).
Great list Kristin and I agree the US is so expensive and we seem to get much less than our friends in Europe. Prime example in addition to houses/apartments and food is healthcare. Had an infection in Paris a couple of years ago and paid out of pocket for 2 doctor vists + phone consult + drugs. Total cost = euro 80.
The only way to evaluate the "cost of living" in a country is RELATIVE to the INCOME. It sounds like Kristin here has an American income, and pretty much anywhere else is going to look cheap because she isn't WORKING in the LOCAL ECONOMY.
You are very welcome lovely lady, hopefully you will have many more enjoyable adventures while you are in England , who knows it may encourage you to stay Permanently.😊😊⚘️⚘️ If you haven't visited the North East ,Try Beamish, Durham Cathedral plus try a dip in the good old North Sea. Even though I'm not living up North I am originally from Newcastle and we are a very friendly bunch.
The political news didn't occupy everyones minds before Trump. The US always had people in charge who could at least be trusted not to end the world, so you didn't HAVE to worry.
I don't know if this is true, but I always thought that in the US some things used to be cheap, at least compared to Finland, I mean consumer goods and fast food for example, and gas for cars (and cars themselves), but then essential services were expensive, like health care, child care, education, all kinds of insurances etc., But recently I've seen a lot of reporting about how those previously quite inexpensive things in the US have become quite costly, and in some cases on par and even exceeding the price levels of Finland for example. And that's wild! I mean now the things that previously were expensive in the US are even more expensive or unaffordable and the things that were inexpensive are either neutral or expensive. Strange times 🤷🏻♂️
Going on 10 years as an expat. I don't miss the approach to life/quality of life in the US. I don't remember the last time someone asked me what I do for work. I get asked about my hobbies/travels all the time.
We do have roadside billboards here and there both on the open road and in cities (at least in the West Country and the Highlands) - its just not ubiquitous like it is in North America.
This was such a wonderful list! I think most of us (Americans) really think this is the way it is everywhere. And perhaps because of that perception, we assume it's somehow 'natural,' so we're quick to dismiss great ideas that would correct some of these issues.
@@TravelingwithKristin Nicely stated of course! And if the sickness is isolation, the cure is travel. For those of us who can't, your channel at least allows for some vicarious perspective taking which is sorely lacking. Thanks so much and cheers!
That move back to Costa Rica after finishing business school was a very good one. Saved yourself from fulfilling the brainwash of Corporate lifestyle. So much on offer for free in the world when you detach from the programmed mindset of the good *successful* citizen.
Kristin, how do you find such a good place? I'm browsing and finding a few things, but that just reinforces my amazement at the find you've got. Well done! I'm glad you are happily ensconced in Manchester. The number 2 city is still only a medium-size city by US numbers. London has over 9 Million people, while No. 2 Manchester has less than 600,000 people, but it's a powerhouse by almost any measure--from the Industrial revolution to soccer to the arts. Your daily environs are enviable there!
