First-Time Travel to the USA? Unique American Travel Habits

Traveling to the USA for the first time?

Prepare for some uniquely American experiences that might make you raise an eyebrow or two. Here’s a fun, look at some everyday travel habits in the USA that differ from the rest of the world. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

1. Tipping Culture

Dining at a local diner in New York City, you'll likely be expected to leave a 15-20% tip. Common in around 40 countries including the USA. In Japan, tipping is not customary and can even be considered rude. The service charge is usually included in the bill.

2. Portion Sizes

Ordering a meal at an American restaurant, you might be surprised by the large portions, perfect for sharing or taking leftovers. Larger portions typical in about 10 countries, including the USA. In France, portions tend to be smaller and more refined, focusing on quality over quantity.

3. Customer Service

Visiting a retail store, you’ll often be greeted with a smile and an offer to help find what you need. High level of customer service emphasized in roughly 30 countries, including the USA. In Germany, customer service is more reserved and professional, focusing on efficiency.

4. Road Trips

Embarking on a cross-country road trip along Route 66, enjoying the freedom of the open road. Popular road trip culture in about 20 countries, including the USA. In the UK, road trips are less common due to the smaller size of the country and more reliance on public transport for long distances.

5. Drive-Thrus

Grabbing a quick coffee or even conducting a bank transaction without leaving your car. Prevalent in around 10 countries, including the USA. In Italy, drive-thrus are rare, and people prefer to enjoy their coffee leisurely at a café.

6. Domestic Air Travel

Flying from Los Angeles to New York is as common as taking a train between cities in Europe. Highly developed network in about 15 countries, including the USA. In Switzerland, the efficient rail system makes train travel more common than domestic flights.

7. Hotel Standards

Staying at a mid-range hotel in the USA, you’ll often find amenities like ice machines, cable TV, and coffee makers in rooms. Common in around 25 countries, including the USA. In many European countries, hotel rooms might be smaller and simpler, with fewer in-room amenities.

8. 24/7 Services

Need a snack at 2 AM? Head to a nearby 24-hour supermarket or diner. Available in roughly 15 countries, including the USA. Available in roughly 15 countries, including the USA. In Spain, many businesses close during the afternoon for a siesta, and late-night services are less common.

9. Credit Card Use

Using a credit card for everything from a cup of coffee to major purchases. High reliance in about 40 countries, including the USA. n Germany, cash is preferred, and many places may not accept credit cards.

10. Refills

Enjoying endless refills on your soda at an American restaurant. Free refills common in around 5 countries, including the USA. In the UK, free refills are rare, and you typically pay for each drink separately.

11. Public Restrooms

Finding free public restrooms easily at gas stations, shopping centers, and parks. Freely available in roughly 20 countries, including the USA. In many parts of Europe, public restrooms often charge a small fee.

12. Drinking Age

The legal drinking age is 21, making underage drinking less common in public venues. Drinking age of 21 in around 5 countries, including the USA. In many European countries, such as France, the legal drinking age is 18.

13. Sales Tax

Seeing a price tag and knowing that sales tax will be added at the checkout. Prices listed without tax in about 20 countries, including the USA. In Australia, prices are listed inclusive of GST, so what you see is what you pay.

14. Transportation

Renting a car to explore a new city, given the limited public transportation options. Limited public transport in roughly 10 countries, including the USA. In Japan, the extensive and punctual public transportation system makes car rental less necessary.

15. Car Dependency

Driving to run errands or even to visit nearby attractions, reflecting the car-centric culture. High car dependency in about 30 countries, including the USA. In the Netherlands, cycling is a popular and practical mode of transport, even for commuting.

16. National Parks

Visiting one of the many well-maintained national parks, like Yellowstone or Yosemite, for outdoor adventures. Extensive network in roughly 10 countries, including the USA. In the UK, national parks are more integrated into the countryside, often closer to populated areas.

17. Air Conditioning

Enjoying the cool air conditioning in hotels, restaurants, and shops during the hot summer months. Ubiquitous air conditioning in about 25 countries, including the USA. In the UK, air conditioning is less common, even in many public buildings.

18. Food Variety

Finding diverse food options, from Mexican to Thai to Ethiopian, reflecting America’s cultural melting pot. High diversity in around 40 countries, including the USA. In Iceland, the food variety might be less diverse, focusing more on traditional and local cuisine.

19. Fast Food Culture

Grabbing a quick meal from a fast-food chain like McDonald’s or Taco Bell, available almost everywhere. Strong presence in roughly 35 countries, including the USA. In Italy, fast food is less prevalent, with a greater emphasis on traditional, sit-down meals.

20. Hotel Breakfasts

Enjoying a complimentary breakfast at your hotel, ranging from simple continental options to full buffets. Complimentary breakfast common in about 30 countries, including the USA. In many Asian countries, breakfast might not be included, and if it is, it often features local dishes.

21. Online Reviews

Checking Yelp or TripAdvisor reviews before deciding where to eat or stay. Heavy reliance in around 30 countries, including the USA. In some countries, personal recommendations and word-of-mouth are more trusted than online reviews.

22. Drinking Water

Drinking tap water safely in most parts of the USA, often provided free in restaurants. Safe tap water in roughly 50 countries, including the USA. In India, tap water is generally not safe to drink, and bottled water is recommended.

23. Customer Feedback

Receiving a follow-up email asking for feedback after your stay at a hotel or meal at a restaurant. Common practice in about 30 countries, including the USA. In many Asian countries, direct feedback is less common, and businesses rely more on repeat customers and word-of-mouth.

24. Smoking Restrictions

Noticing strict smoking bans in indoor public spaces, including restaurants and bars. Strict laws in roughly 50 countries, including the USA.In Greece, smoking is more socially accepted, and enforcement of smoking bans can be more lenient.

25. Travel Rewards Programs

Joining frequent flyer and hotel loyalty programs to earn points and enjoy perks like upgrades and free stays. Common in about 40 countries, including the USA. In many African countries, such loyalty programs are less common and less utilized by the general public.

So, there you have it! A fun-filled guide to some of the most peculiar and uniquely American travel habits. Whether you find them charming or bewildering, they’re all part of the adventure when exploring the USA. Have fun!

By Bruce Andersen - Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1873211

Arches National Park, Utah, USA

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