15 European Practices that Baffle American Travelers
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According to Condor Ferries, In 2022, the top five outbound destinations for American travelers were Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, South America, and Central America. In 2023, Japan was the most searched-for international destination for flights, and Michigan was the most searched-for domestic destination.
Even as traveling allows for discovery, it also brings about those moments of culture shock that can be as enlightening as they are confusing. If you’re an American traveling to Europe, you’ll find that many things Americans find no-brainers are entirely foreign to Europeans.
These are 15 European customs that often bewilder American people–and the accompanying stories behind them.
Work-Life Balance in the European Approach
In Europe, the work-life balance is not just a buzzword; it’s a reality. Eurostat report says that Europeans work fewer hours on average than Americans. The difference is seen in things like the two-hour lunch break taken by people in Spain and France.
While the length of the break is in addition to the practice, it’s also about the philosophy of taking time to enjoy a meal and get rested before going back to work. August brings many European businesses–including doctors’ offices–into vacation mode, much to the frustration of Americans who can’t find services when they need them.
The Art of the Leisurely Meal—Dining Etiquette
Eating out in Europe is challenging because it’s an experience, not a meal. Many restaurants wait until around 8 p.m. to open their doors for dinner, and 10 p.m. is not unusual. And it’s an art, especially in countries like France, where you can spend hours eating.
Americans who are used to fast service are used to having to adjust to this leisurely pace. Tipping isn’t the norm either in Europe, leaving Americans unsure of what to do when the bill reaches the table. The small but significant cultural shift is that there is no ice water—it’s lukewarm water.
Public Behavior Drinking and Breastfeeding in the Open
In many European cities, public drinking is a norm–enjoying a beer at the park is a fun pleasure, not a legal offense. Similarly, public breastfeeding without covers is widely accepted—a practice that may surprise Americans accustomed to more privacy in such matters.
The relaxed attitude toward nudity extends to beaches and pools, where children often swim unclothed—a sight that can catch American visitors off guard.
The Scale of European Infrastructure: Size Matters
People can be surprised by the size, especially in the infrastructure. The car sizes and streets are smaller in Europe, and the parking spaces are about half as large as in the US.
Air conditioning, even in soaking weather, is less common, unsettling American notions of comfort. The kicker is that eggs are not refrigerated in Europe, or at least according to different food safety regulations.
Navigating European Road Driving Differences
Europe, most especially Italy, can be a hair-raising driving experience. Vehicles often pass close to pedestrians and other obstacles in an aggressive manner that might not seem normal to many Americans. This can be jarring on those narrow cobblestone streets.
Quirky Festivals and Unique Traditions
Europe is a continent rich with traditions that range from the whimsical to the bewildering. For instance, there’s Switzerland’s sausage tossing festival, during which sausages and bread rolls are thrown from the town hall windows to children below.
Moldova’s Bear Dance is an attempt to ward off evil spirits. Participants dress in bear skins and dance to the beat of drums and flutes. However, these customs are peculiar and very dear to local culture.
Social Norms Direct Communication Styles
Many European cultures–think the Dutch and Germans, for example–favor direct contact and less nuanced talking than we might say in the United States.
Sometimes, that can sound blunt to Americans, but it’s another time-sensitive way of being honest and efficient with your conversation.
Unattended Babies and Naked Toddlers: Child Rearing Practices
According to Business Insider, in Denmark, where this is perfectly normal, babies can be seen sleeping outside in strollers. At the same time, parents eat inside the café—a practice that might make people in the U.S. raise their eyebrows.
In Germany, small children also often bathe naked on public beaches, with a more relaxed attitude towards nudity.
August Hibernation → Seasonal Shutdowns
In Europe, the idea of ‘summer vacation‘ has become increasingly meaningful, especially in the southern countries where all of August often means a period of rest time for many professionals.
But this is a far cry from the American work ethic, where a worker’s vacation time can also be absorbed with work obligations.
Leisure Activities and Public Conduct
In Europe, leisure is approached very differently. European public spaces are filled with long walks, public performances, and communal activity, creating community.
We can see this with Luxembourg’s hopping procession, a rhythmic tradition dating back centuries in which participants hop through medieval streets.
Culinary Contrasts: Exploring Food Culture
The diversity of European cuisine matches the diversity of languages. There is simply no such thing as an average European dinner.
While Americans may be accustomed to certain dishes, the European versions can differ significantly in ingredients and preparation methods. For instance, pasta in Italy is often served al dente, which might surprise those used to softer textures.
Celebrating with Style Festivals and Pageantry
From historical events to seasonal changes, Europe celebrates it all with Festivals. When Europeans celebrate, they don’t hold back.
Take the Puck Fair in Ireland, where a wild goat is proclaimed king. Or Spain’s Tomatina, a giant tomato fight.
Environmental Awareness Gaps in Green Initiatives
The speed at which environmental consciousness spreads worldwide is a reality; only the approach varies.
The U.S. still lags behind many European countries in embracing recycling and sustainable living (single-use plastics are everywhere). Eco-conscious travelers will notice this contrast when traveling between continents.
Navigating Local Bureaucracy and Understanding the System
Newcomers will find that dealing with European bureaucracy can be a test of patience, especially if it involves paperwork and procedures. This is very different from their American systems.
Understanding the local mechanisms is necessary if you want a smooth experience, from healthcare and banking to anything.
Cultural Exchange: What We Learn from Each Other
These behaviors may seem strange at first, but they reflect the values and priorities of someone who believes that they are proper. Travel sessions with these customs can deepen our sense of the world and allow us to return with views that enrich our lives.
Europe allows one to visualize a textile of various distinguished and homogenous cultures. Some may puzzle the American traveler at first, but they also provide a glimpse at some of the distinct ways societies express their values. Travelers can transform surprises into enriching views through a curious and respectful approach.
Taking a seat at a local festival or partaking in a slow European dinner is only one way to gain from stepping just a bit out of your way–culturally speaking. Cultural exchange programs will give a window into Europe that spills out of a vibrant European way of life.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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