REVERSE CULTURE SHOCK - Returning to the USA from Europe 

Have you had any similar experiences while traveling in Europe and then returning to the States? We'd love to hear your views, be sure to leave them below. Plus, did you see our new "It's Two Thirsty" gear Brian is Sporting? You can check it out here: brian-and-carrie.myspreadshop.com/

Biggest difference is that Europe is not a country but almost 50 countries each with their own language culture food styles etc.

It is clear from the comments that folks who have travelled and spent time in Europe have a new most positive perspective on qualities, balances and fulfillment of living.

100% agree tipping is out of control!

The bed/mattress issue is more of an airbnb issue. Most airbnbs across Europe are furnished from IKEA, so you get the cheap bed and cheap mattress. In people’s houses, you usually get something more similar to what you’d be used to in the US

Our 1st trip to Europe was in 2023 and I came back saying I felt safer in Germany than I do here in US and this year we’re headed to Italy🎉 and we walked and ate and enjoyed every minute without gaining a pound. I actually lost a few lb’s

In Europe, I love all the outdoor cafes and restaurants with tables and chairs set out in the plaza, and with people of all ages strolling by. In the US, restaurant patios are almost all enclosed with fences and gates, no dogs allowed, no drinks beyond this point, ect. We sure love our barriers.

If you’re living in a country in Europe, you’re going to know the bus and won’t have to navigate because you’re usually taking the same route over and over or walking the same way over and over, you even know the Shortcuts. Also, I find walking a pleasure in Europe, and when I visited there after I’ve been back to the United States, I came back weighing 10 pounds less even though I ate things like delicious cheese and chocolate croissants, simply because I walked and bicycled places, and this happened in less than three weeks !! Many Americans find at convenient to drive the car here and there, but in someways, I find it stressful because you need to navigate construction, navigate around poor drivers who change lanes without putting their signal on, watch for people driving while on their phone etc. so I found it relaxing when I could take a train or bus and just relax with my e-book or chat with my friend

As a person who resides in both Canada and Europe I agree with your observations completely. Quite honestly, when in Europe I enjoy the life style more. There is a world perspective in Europe where as in NA it is me, me, me. In NA "bigger is better" is what people want, where as in Europe people reside in smaller places but travel more. I thoroughly enjoy your travels and videos. Please keep it up and safe travels.

just sitting here in Malaga Spain watching you.. we are agreeing with all your observations… we love living in Europe for reasons you mentioned … . Enjoy your time with family as you recharge for your next adventure ❤

The smoking thing in europe is country dependant. Certain countries have smoking in closed spaces completely forbidden unless they have a separate area properly isolated and ventilated just for smokin -basically glass cages for smokers.

I've lived abroad for 25 years and totally agree on all your points. The currency issue , you forgot to mention everywhere you go in the States the listed price usually isn't the price you pay at the register, since taxes are added on, plus tip if it's a restaurant at the end. In Europe whether it's listed on the menu or on a a grocery store shelf, the taxes are already included. No need to figure it out at the till when you pay....Though the political stuff does exist, not as much as in the US, but it's there. However, it's easier not to pay attention, because it's usually in another language lol..Don't miss life there at all. I only go back to visit family, if it wasn't for family and banking reasons, I'd never go back...

It is kind of refreshing to see a mainstreamer take on the distinctions between the US and Europe. It drives all the more home my joy of having moved back to Europe and enjoy the daily blessing of living here instead of in mainstream US.

Thank you for that video. I cannot speak for the rest of Europe but smoking has been prohibited by law in virtually all enclosed and substantially enclosed workplaces and public places throughout the UK since July 2007.

You guys totally hit the nail on the head . Our society and culture here has become so dysfunctional , food over processed and artificial and us constantly being pushed to buy buy buy. There is a lot to be said for living abroad these days if one can make it work .I totally agree about the insane tipping culture here in the US. Grew up in South Africa and one tipped (and still do based on my trip this past Dec) 10% for outstanding service and its entirely optional . There is no expectation. Whereas here , you are expected to tip for a haircut, Starbucks coffee, using an Uber, handling your luggage at the airport, pouring you a beer at a bar and the list goes on. Time to Stop unnecessary tipping

I'm Canadian and returned home (not my choice) a few weeks ago. We lived in a small Tuscan hill village south of Siena. Bliss. I love Canada,but the quality of life in Europe is superior in many ways. As a foodie I know that food in gerneral is of far higher quality and cheaper in Italy. I'm off to Portugal and Spain in a few weeks. I may not come back.

This really resonated with me. My husband and I have been traveling full time for a year and recently came back to the states for the holidays. I agree with you on several points. The number of mentally ill and addicted people on the streets in the US is truly tragic, and low level crimes seem to be everywhere (shoplifting, car theft). We never looked over our shoulder while walking in Europe, but in the US we do. The restaurant prices are insane and the expected 20% tip makes it even worse. Not to mention that tips are now expected everywhere, for every service. We could get a full, delicious cafe meal in France for the price of a pizza and sandwich here in the states. And we had the same experience you did of having a server refuse a tip in Europe. We head back overseas in 6 weeks (Italy, UK, Norway) and I cannot wait. Thanks for your helpful videos!

Totally with you on this. We just went to Europe couple months ago for just 12 days. When we came back to the states we really felt down and sad. We miss the layback and walk ability everywhere. Going back in April to Spain to continue our search for our early retirement spot.

Europe is amazing and healthy! Mentally stable people and great life style! I can’t wait to get back

First time commenting here....love your personalities and laughed out loud a couple times. I've lived in Portugal since 2019, lived in Belgium for 3 years, and in France for a few months. I think visiting verses living here is quite different. I've never paid to use a bathroom. The washing machine...if it's going for 2 and half hours that's a setting issue. Mine is usually 30 minutes. Most places do not have a dryer, true. But we use drying racks and of course in Portugal the sun is always shining. Yes, we have memory foam mattresses and pillows. I stayed in a BnB for six months once and ended up going to Ikea for a memory foam mattress topper. BnB owners can be cheap. Water is valuable, that's why you pay for it. At campsites you can always tell when someone from one of the Scandinavian countries is showering beside you...1, the whole family is in the stall and 2.they turn the water off to lather up and then on again to rinse. Once you actually live here it's just part of your life to adjust and I certainly do love the pace. I visited the US in 2021 and had a stomach ache everyday after eating, people seem angry, my sister thought I was odd because I chose to walk places she would drive to lol, and I always used my own cloth shopping bags. The US citizen is taught that social programs are wrong, when here everyone has the same abilities to prosper. If you're not thinking about health insurance your mind set definitely changes. The minimum wage here and in the States is basically the same, but my God, the difference in being valued is so obvious. I don't miss the States. I did for about a year, but I wouldn't move back for anything. I can walk alone at night and swim alone at night as well. I do avoid Saturday hikes since the hunters are out, and I'd prefer not to be mistaken for dinner. Enjoy your travels and next time you are in Portugal I'll buy you a coffee!

So much of this is hitting home with us. We were traveling in Europe for 6 weeks, and loved it. The food was great, never gaining weight, no stomach issues. We walked everywhere, and used public transportation. There was always something to see and do. Even if it was just to walk around and admire the beautiful architecture. We retired early due to a disability, so we aren't able to travel full time due to financial restrictions, and some limitations. But that being said, we are trying to work out a way to travel for 3-4 months of the year. We have a home that we can age in place, but it is in a northern climate, which we would like to escape from. We have a solar hybrid system that currently requires attention to its batteries every 7 weeks, which also limits time away. Some choices you make in life...can limit your choices later.😊

We are avid vacation travelers who are launching into FT Nomad (SLOmad) travel in September. I can absolutely resonate with all of your observations. What I find as my own explanation is that in other areas of the world, even in huge cities, the lifestyle is still local community driven - taking transportation with your neighbors, local shops with neighbors, walking the area seeing the same people and having familiarity with them. Here in the US, I rarely see the people who live 50 ft from me, because I get in my car, I order online, I have items and food brought to me. I’m looking forward to slowing down, eating more healthfully, spending less and being a consumer of experiences instead of goods. Thx for a great video! PS- I like the hair update you’re both sporting!!!!

As a Dane, raised in Denmark, an also lived in Sweden for a few years, i agree wot a lot of what you are talking about, so I will focus on where my experince differ. Yes we dry the cloth on a clothing line, if the wether is nice, and we have time, it is better for the cloth, but we have always had a dryer, in the 35+ years I can remember, both in Denmark and Sweeden. In Denmark we have an excellent electrical grid, and I newer think about what aplainces i turn on.

I lived in Europe in the mid 80's for 3 yrs, honestly I did NOT want to come back to the states. It's about everything you mentioned, safety while going a walk, and transporation. What I really hated while there was seeing the U.S. shopping influence, i.e. McDonalds, Malls, etc. When I landed back in the states you could feel it, BOOM!! Billbords everywhere, the pulse and the marketing and the greed. Just having a conversation with an American is so different and difficult.

Because you said you want to hear, as both a traveler and a partner of a restaurant employee in the US, I understand the discussion about tips and think the statement that in some states the wages are close to living wage is not accurate. Here in NYC, servers, busser, bartenders are paid slightly over $10/hour which is no where near a living wage. Even if there are states where servera are paid minimum wage, it is shown over and over that people can not pay their bills with minimum wage, it is no where a living wage. I agree the whole tipping system in the US needs to change and it starts with paying an actual living wage to all staff and almost certainly raising the prices even more for the items (but maybe they can reduce the portion sizes some to help offset costs).

A strange contrdiction: In 'Murica there is SO much space that is influences your entire culture, yet you have to tear down potentially historic buildings to make room for new stuff, while in Europe they have much less space, yet manage to preserve their historic stuff. Regarding European health care in general: The biggest difference is simply that in Europe, price-gouging is NOT ALLOWED! You have an accident and need an ambulance? Affordable, if not free in most European countries. Drugs? Same applies, the national universal health care systems negotiate drug prices, Big Pharma does not get away with the exploitation they do in 'Murica.

Europe is a very diverse place. As a Norwegian I can say, most of us have heater for drying clothes. Tug in sheets and public smoking was banned back in 2003. I have experienced that quality on Airbnb various allot. Awsome video. US is a great country to, just small differences ☺️

Love Your Videos - Welcome Back! I am heading back too after 14 months (10 countries). And I am jumping back into my RV and hitting the road again, visiting places in the U.S. again with a very different perspective. I think I am much more open minded being around so many different cultures this last year+!!

We travel a lot too. It’s sad that a lot of Americans don’t get the privilege to travel. If they did, they’d realize we are being bamboozled. Free health care (better quality too), free education (better quality as well), better life/work balance, and a more global outlook so you aren’t fooled into thinking you’re the best… just a few things that many countries are better at (including some “developing” countries). The Americans telling you to leave are the same ones who have not left the country and are still in their fantasy world. Most people do not own a gun, aren’t anxious or depressed and don’t use drugs.. are very happy outside of America.

You guys have done a really great job summarizing my experiences abroad. And yes in the end there are advantages and challenges everywhere. We have looked at moving abroad and the family reactions especially those who have done little or no travel is interesting. No real information and yet the most hardened opinions. The feeling of safety in most countries is noticeable. Costs in North America are very high.

I lived most of my life in Chicago and never felt afraid. I have been pick pocketed twice in my life - both times in Paris! I have lived in Germany, and visited my German relatives often over the last 60 years. I choose to live here, presently in Portland, Oregon.

I spent last winter in Portugal, Spain and Italy. I literally ate and drank my way though a two month trip. I found the same thing as you, the foods that did not agree with me suddenly were a pleasure to eat. The walking and exploring allowed me to enjoy a true life experience and ended up loosing 8 pounds while there. You are also right about returning home, it seemed worst than when I left. More homeless, more unhappy people. I was in a coffee shop in Albuferia, Portugal 8 months and a local came up to me and asked me why Americans were fighting among themselves, they could not understand why in the Great Country of America we were not all happy to be there. I am heading back soon. Thank you for your content.

How dare you challenge the 30% tip on already inflated meal prices. 😀😀😀 I remember craving a Big Mac when my family returned to the U.S. from our time living in Greece when I was a kid. Definitely pros and cons for each. I think a lot of the differences are related to one of my favorite sayings, "In the U.S., 100 years is a long time; in Europe, 100 miles is a long distance." Insightful stuff as always, thanks!

Hello guys :) I had the chance to work a couple of months in the US (for a client, IT stuff) and the most unpleasant thing I found out right away was the lack of pedestrian sidewalks or walkways... Even if you had to walk like 5 minutes to a neighboring place, you needed a car because there are no walkways... at least in the places I visited on the Western coast... So having a car is not optional like here in Europe. Another thing that I found weird was the smiling culture, and the overall customer service. When eating out the staff came to present themselves, and then they continuously checked on us to see if we need anything else.. it was awkward for me to say the least :)... Now regarding your cons about Europe. The fact that you can hop in the car and go whenever you want in the US, the reverse is not true for Europe. I have a car, most people I know have cars.. I can hop in and go whenever I want...the difference is that I don't have to, for instance if the weather is bad and I don't feel like driving, I can take the bus. So it's just the fact that you are travelers, if you live here you can definitely get a car. Regarding smoking, you must have referred to a non-EU country, because in Romania and as far as I know in all the EU smoking inside is forbidden anywhere, including in service cars. Smoking is only allowed outside. Regarding the mattress and beds, the same, because you stay in hotels you won't get the best options unless you pay a fortune for luxury hotels. But at home we can buy whatever we want, dubiously. There are lots, I mean LOTS of different mattresses and beds available for purchase. Regarding the power, that's really strange, considering that the US is 110V and Europe is 230V. I never worry about the power like that, and I live in in older apartment. But maybe in other places there are problems. And about paid toilets, they are usually paid only for non-commercial places, like in a park for instance. If there's a business attached it's free. Like in a restaurant, gas station, theater, mall, movie place, cafes, etc, the toilet is free. Overall your comparison looks more like a tourist versus at home situation. Anyways, good video as usual from you guys, and although I'm not commenting often nowadays I watch your travels whenever I have time :) Cheers! 🍻🍻

I needed to hear this video. The differences between US and Europe confirms my disappointment in the corporate strangle on EVERYTHING...if we can't pay for it, we don't get it. This from the richest, most democratic (meaning "opportunity for all") country in the world where SO much more could be provided. Heartbreaking.

totally agree about the tipping! and now our local bakery is automatically charging a "credit card surcharge" even when paying with cash!! Cooking and eating at home is really the best for many, many reasons, not only for the price but knowing exactly what is in your food. Love your videos.....so well done.

I guess there is a difference between traveling and living in Europe or anywhere else for that matter. A lot of people live in big houses and have good size yards in Europe too. Beds, bathrooms and washrooms are also available in houses with a reasonable size. I do agree with what you are saying though and traveling using Air BnB can be a dicey. If I want a good bed when traveling I choose to stay in hotels. They typically have a much more uniform standard and ensures a good sleep. Good video. Thank you!

Another GREAT video! And while I almost never post superficial commentary... Carrie, your hair looks super! You really hit home talking about food allergies and reactions. I had to go gluten free a decade ago because I had developed such sensitivity (baked loads of bread in my youth), and after research have come to realize that the reason more and more Americans are developing gluten intolerances is because of big agriculture using glyphosate (Round Up) on all grains here, which basically means that we're all eating Round Up daily. Encouraged to think that when my travels begin and I get out of the US, I'll be able to enjoy baked goods again!

I am surprised that you did not see dryers in a laundry shop. We have almost everywhere dryers in the laundry, as well in many homes. Sometimes even within the same machine

We loved the option of a quiet train car. It was so nice, we could catch a nap, relax and it was respected by all.

I am from Norway, and I feel like norweginans feel a certain type of humiliation about working for tips. It is allowed to tip in Norway, but it is not expected. Especially now with only card payments we don't even round up to the closest 10, allthough some give you the option on the payment machine. To avoid the humiliating feeling about tips, and to make it a more communal thing, tips are collected in one bucket and shared between all floor level employees as an extra little encouragement on top of your already pretty good wage compared to most countries. About public bathrooms in Norway; some are free and some charge a fee, but you can always pay with credit card or other electronic payment. Last time i checked norwegian restaurants and cafees are not allowed to deny you use of their bathrooms, even if you are not a customer. They may not prefer it, but they can't deny you, and i think this was an act to prevent public urination, especially on weekends.

Great video! We are currently in Europe and have been here for the last 3 months. We agree with so many of the things that you pointed out. Coming from Canada, we have much of the same, Costco, drive thru, rat race culture as well and we find Europe so much slower, relaxing and although it is an adjustment, we really appreciate the vibe here. We were so happy to hear you comment on the pasta/bread situation (we find cheese doesn't bother us either like it does at home) . We feel the same and thought we may be crazy. But there is definitely a difference in their food processing. We also notice and love the fresh and in season veggie and fruit selections. Nothing much seems to be imported - so refreshing. Have a great time back home and we can't wait to see where your travels take you next! Cheers!!

Outside the US the custom is to shop for a few food items more frequently. The idea that you would make a big batch of food and eat it over several days and/or store some in the freezer is asomewhat strange idea outside the US. They eat food when they make it or maybe the next morning. Consequently grocery stores and fresh markets are available everywhere.

This is so spot on and makes me want to go on the road again. Hope your viewers are open to hearing this.

When we lived in Germany in the very late 90’s, I remember we could order popcorn and beer while we watched the very first Matrix movie sitting in very nice recliners. Also when we lived in New York City, we went to a very well known comedy club and this waitress asked us if there was something wrong with her service. She asked us why we gave her lower than 20% tip - and this was in 1998!

Excellent points and a must watch video for those who fantasize living in USA. The moment Brian said the word fastfood, RU-vid inserted an ad for chillies, "bottom less bowl of chips and soda", very healthy for big chain restaurants and pharmaceutical industries. Angry, poor, sick and sad society living in the richest country.

We wanted to leave a comment for a few reasons: We are enjoying your videos tremendously, we can relate to much of what you both said in this video, we've found pretty much the same except we rarely, if ever, turn the TV on in European rooms. The last reason to make a comment is that we recently posted some of our adventures in Spain & Portugal and really enjoyed reading the comments people made. We just wanted you to know your observations and information about your travels are very interesting and inspiring.

We certainly DO have fitted sheets here in Great Britain!!! And we use top sheets!!!

FYI Bulgaria and Romania will be part of the Schengen area from 31 March. Travelers without EU citizenship are advised to remember that stays in Bulgaria and Romania count towards time spent in the Schengen zone, which cannot be longer than 90 days in 180 days.

Love this video! We've been in Europe for about 7 weeks and agree with everything you said.

This was a very pleasant video that I enjoyed watching contrasting the many cultural things between a European versus an American lifestyle. I felt your comments using your own personal experiences was fair, valid and balanced and added to me staying engaged throughout. As a viewer from the UK, I wish you guys many more pleasant and happy experiences on your travels. Best wishes....

Carrie, your hair looks amazing: flattering color & cut.

We’re on our 6th slow travel location thru Europe, and can relate to many of your experiences.. However, we’ve rarely encountered electrical issues, and internet has overall been good. Also, we haven’t experienced grocery store closings on Sunday, in fact, the Lisbon Pingo Doce was a Sunday mad house! A thing we love are the European style windows and blinds. Safe travels!

@2:05 correction: infrastructure in the US was bulldozed and _re_built for cars. The US used to have walkable cities and one of the best and highly integrated public transit networks in the world, until it was deliberately destroyed in the 50s and 60s.

Terrific video that as a Canadian, hits the nail bang on! The transformation from our days growing up has radically changed and NOT for the better! Not to be completely negative (as I’m sure common sense and decency prevails still in much of NA), we are seriously concerned with current trends and directions (media coverage, the political behaviours, crime , attitudes etc.). Thanks guys!

Im Really pleased that you both got yourselves in a position to make this wonderful journey and added so many memories to your lives.

I lived in Europe all my life, different countries and I never had the problem with the electric system that you mentioned in the video. My guess is that, as you know, in Europe electricity is very expensive compared with the wages, the Airbnb hosts just limits the tourist Watts consumption somehow. The simplest way is to maintain on purpose weak electricity wires that don't support a bigger consumption other may have installed some kind of device that limits your energy consumption, things like that. Doing this, they win a bigger profit in their renting apartments to tourists business.

I am totally in agreement with you both. I was so happy with my first trip to Europe last year. We loved how much healthier even food in the store is less processed. Food was cheaper and better. Tipping in the US is RIDICULOUS. They even ask for tips at the drive through fast food Mexican restaurant near me, AND I am sorry but Tipping to pick up your coffee in a drive through??? I am driving to YOU??? It's awful and you feel like a pariah when you don't tip here.

This was a fun video to watch. I totally agree with everything you said. I've spent time in Europe, Asia and S. Africa and I feel like there is a lot we could learn from their slower pace of life.

Great video guys 🎉 I agree with you on all points ❤

Yes. I came back from Spain in September. In the US,except for NYC or other city downtowns, the walking goes way down because the infrastructure was never built for walkers outside of cities. And it almost feels like being a US citizen=being a consumer. It didn’t used to feel like it does now. Especially the consumer culture. It also feels drastically less social these days-especially compared to Spain. I wish it could change.

My daughter and I visited the UK years ago while I was vegan. I had many gut issues which caused me to cut out a lot of types of food but while we were traveling I gambled and had ramen. It was the best ramen I had and it did not give me a stomachache. The taste of the food was so much better and I didn't suffer from my gut issues which helped me to enjoy the food more. We walked to grocery stores, and pharmacies and to shop for clothes. I love to walk whether it's for leisure or with intention and I really missed it once we returned home.

We are so excited for our trip to Portugal in April! Loved your video topic!

Really exceptional summary and great observations indeed, everything is spot on🎉!

I tend to programme washing overnight so that the spin cycle ends in time for breakfast. I do have a dryer but when the weather's right, you can't beat outdoor drying

Hi, I'm French, currently in the UK. Shops closing on Sunday (or Monday) is true, but they can be open in the morning, or with shorter working hours (at least in France). In bigger cities you can find more shops open during Sundays About grocery, I disagree about small groceries. Yes we do go there more, and buy for 1 day or 2 (sometimes more) therefor we have fresher food and with less additive. I do plan what I'm going to cook in advance and just buy what I need for the meal. I do that to control my grocery budget. Also I don't like big crowd. Also it's possible to get "tyrenol" (paracetamol) from groceries. At least that's true in the UK (also in France but I forgot). Don't forgot we find groceries not too far away from a pharmacy (usually), so we plan our journey. We do have have dryers. Usually the washing machine can also dry the clothes. I do prefer just let my clothes dry from the hanger during sunny days (because drying can be expensive). If I'm in the hurry, I can do wash and dry in about 2h for a small quantity of clothes. About smoking, I can understand it's bothering but also they people who are smoking are in there right. However the bus driver who smoked in the bus, that's wrong and illegal. I hope he wasn't driving while smoking for you. About water in restaurants, it's actually free (at least in France/UK and other countries in Europe I've visited). You just have to precise that you want tap water. otherwise they will bring a bottle of water (like mineral water) and will charge you for it. In France tap water is usually in a glass bottle/jar. In the UK they usually bring you a glass of water (which you can ask to refill). Personally I prefer smaller living spaces. Less junks to sort out, easier to clean, more energy efficient than a big house for just 1 family. At least in France ,1 family home in the countryside are not "huge" but have a nice garden. In Europe the currency is mostly Euro, so the conversion is easy as you just have to remember 1 formula add 10% on the price you see to get it in USD. In that situation you don't have to be precise and get the right value, but rather have an idea. I do that all the time between Euro and Pounds. I can understand that it's nice to come back to your country speaking your language, but I my opinion it's also good to try to learn a bit of the language of the country you are visiting so you can communicate more easily with the locals (swearing words must be learnt first ^^).

Loved this video. Reminded me of my experiences traveling in Europe with students, but also coming back from my 2 year stay in Cape Town, SouthAfrica. I too was stunned at how much better the fruit and vegetables tasted outside of the U.S. I think we need to go back to farming practices of the past. We’re depleting our soil of nutrients, and flavor. -Elizabeth

I have been residing in Eastern Europe for about 3 years now and must say that you are spot on. I have returned to the U.S. twice and for a brief period and I feel myself getting homesick and ready to return to Europe.

100% agree on all points. I left Washington state in 2017. I'm headed back in June for a month to visit the kids but I would never live there again by choice. Have been living in Mexico but making the move to Thailand next year. And THAT hair! Fantastic.

Hi guys, Interesting video. You were spot on with your differences. You are 100% right about the tipping culture. it's out of control! I actually prefer the daily shopping for food. Not only is it fresh and has fewer preservatives, but it also supports local businesses and not large multinationals. As for walking everywhere, it's far healthier. After shipping my car from New Jersey to Spain, I soon realized that I did not need it. Now I use public transport and walk. Because I am over 60, a bus pass for unlimited travel in the city where I live costs 30€ per year. I also get 40% off Renfe train fares. You are correct about apartments being smaller than what people are used to in the US, but most of them come with a storage room either on the roof or in the basement. Regarding the electricity, most plans have different levels of kilowatt delivery. My guess is that Airbnbs always select the cheapest. Also, many old buildings have too many things connected to the same circuit. If you have, say the AC and oven going at the same time, it will trip the circuit. Before buying a place, I rented for a year, and when finally buying an apartment, the first thing I did was rewire the electrics with a separate circuit for the AC. Again, in Airbnbs, you will not have a dryer and, most likely, slow Internet as the owners buy the cheapest plan. When clicking on the video, the first thing I noticed was Brian's sweatshirt. Do you have an EU distributer? If not, I would have to pay 20% VAT on import duty. Anyway, good job. I will look forward to next weeks video.

Great summary of the differences! Thank you.

My first time in the US it felt like I was the company accountant. The customer has to figure out the taxes and the workers pay, sometimes there is a surcharge or airport taxes. Just make the price the price.

Canadians here. We don't travel to the US anymore because we need to rent a car upon arrival with very few exceptions. We don't even think about car rentals in the Caribbean or Europe. Great video.

We TOTALLY AGREE with you about the tipping!! It is SOOOOOO out of control here in the US and have thought it for quite some time! Loved this video. Such excellent info and my husband and I agree with your take on the “reverse culture shock”. We feel there are so many more positives being in Europe.

Awesome sweatshirt 🎉! Love the hair Carrie (you look great too Brian 😊). This really resonates with me as well. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and travels. Really enjoy your videos!

When I was in my teens, a visit to the U.S. (and there were many) was about the most exciting event in my life. I loved NYC for all its faults because it had such a energetic vibe. Sadly, all that’s gone now so I’ve no desire to go anymore. Of course there are still great places in the States but it’s just not for me now.

Pharmaceutical ads on tv in the USA really shocked me. It actually gave me anxiety!!

We just returned from a river cruise from Budapest to Munich. Love the culture. Incredibly safe and beautiful. Almost makes you look at the USA with disappointment over housing construction, community development, and so much more. I first had this experience when visiting Costa Rica. Incredible people. The USA is built around consumerism. It struggles without it now. Exploring the world is such a wonderful and enlightening experience.

I love your hair, Carrie! I agree with everything you said on this Video.

Everything you have described is spot on. We are headed back to Spain next month (we were there in July also); we are continuing our scouting of the Malaga area for our eventual move (late 2024, likely). However, I won't miss anything about the United States 😀

I totally agree on tipping. They even want to tip now for take-out! It's getting crazy.

Thank you for all your information you provide.

Love your videos…thank you, very informative.

Thank you for another great video. We are getting ready to become full time travelers and find your channel so informative. lol...we often talk about how we will get over not having Costco membership 😄

I have not traveled extensively as you have but I can certainly relate on a number of items that are different between Europe and the USA. Regarding not having a clothes dryer, one benefit of hang drying is clothes lasting longer vs being dried in a dyer each time. The lint cleaned out of the dryer represents deterioration. And I regularly tell friends and family how much more expensive it is to eat out overall in the USA compared to Europe. And the tipping - I don’t tip here when ordering and picking up my food at the counter.

Hi to you both, great explanation on the diffrence on Europe and USA.Great balance on your experience,and the beneffits on both sides!Just to back you up on tips,I could not agree with you more 20% tip is some times too much to be expected in advance,but if someone does deserve it I do not mind paying it but not to be mandatory...Thanks to you both, well done. Great video.

I have been enjoying your vlogs while planning trips to SE Asia from Australia. This has led me to subscribe to you guys. As a mature traveller, it is refreshing to get the brief from someone other than a 20 y.o Instagrammer. I really like your straight info style and international take rather than US centric. Thanks and I look forward to watching your travels further.

it’s true, at least in Germany and some other countries they close all the groceries and stores on Sunday you just plan in advance and if you really need something on Sunday, then what I do is go to the main train station because the grocery and a bookstore is usually open there. If I’m desperate, of course it cost a little more.

I agree that the tipping culture in the US has gotten out of control. The irony of it is that since Covid fast food restaurants have raised their starting wages tremendously. I don’t tip for counter service.

I enjoy your channel. Thank you for sharing your perspective. ❤

You both nailed it!!! I come from Europe and lived in US for several years. Tipping is most certainly out of control. I have taken control on this. Giving when its earned 👍 I love going home to experience exactly what you outlined and vice versa for USA. Subscribed 👍👊🍷

If I could talk my wife into moving to Europe I'd go tomorrow. Might just do that anyway :)

Some points that do not apply to France on the "not as good as US". At the restaurant you can ask for tape water which will not be charge. nobody can smoke in restaurants, shops, public buildings and offices. For shopping there are super and hyper markets in each town over 2000 people. They are huge with a lot's of choices, with fish place, butcher place, baker place, cheese place, parapharmacy where you can by stuff off the shelf, these are one stop hypermarkets where you can do all your grocery shopping, by 75 inch TV, rent power tools and many more. There are as well Amazon or other delivery company lockers...

I am an expat the City, NYer retired now and living in Japan. Both of you are right on about seasonal veggies and fruits, and not buying bulk.

Nice comments! Like your open mind and reflections :) In general, Europe has nearly as many countries, as states in the USA. Difference, many more languages and cultural differences compared to the relative homogeneous USA, except of course of some regional/dialect/habits/approaches! In other words, please keep up the good work for keeping an open mind, this is really admirable! take care on your travels!

Completely agree about the tipping in the USA. Visiting from the UK I was shocked when at the bottom of the bill it says suggested gratuity 20%, 22%, 25% etc!!

Just got back from the Netherlands where tipping was not expected ! So we ended up not tipping which was perfectly ok. We will be re evaluating our tipping practice here in the US. Also: the service is often better in Europe!

Excellent video! Thanks for sharing.

Love your hoodie! I agree with everything you said about the better things in Europe vs. US.

I am Norwegian and visited the USA in 2017. The restaurant visits were a provocative experience. I was told I had to tip a lot extra because the employees were paid so poorly. If that’t true, it’s incredibly rude! It is not my responsibility to pay the employees! Does no one own the reataurants in the USA? «Yes, of course it is». Oh well, but it is the owner’s responsibility /duty to pay the employees, not us who are guests!