Traveling in the USA is an adventure unlike any other. Even seasoned European travelers often arrive with expectations based on movies, media, or popular guidebooks—only to discover that reality is very different. From city layouts to cultural norms, the United States contains countless details that surprise visitors.
As someone who lives and writes about the USA, I’ve noticed recurring patterns in what Europeans notice first. These surprising things about traveling in the USA often highlight aspects of American life that locals rarely think about—things Americans take for granted.
-
Distances Are Much Larger Than They Appear
One of the most common surprises for Europeans is the sheer size of the country.
In Europe, cities are often close together, and it’s easy to travel between countries in a few hours. In contrast, driving from Los Angeles to San Francisco takes roughly six hours, and a flight from New York to Miami can feel like crossing continents.
This is one of the unexpected things about America that can make planning a trip challenging for Europeans. Understanding distances and travel times is crucial for traveling in the USA for Europeans.
-
Tipping Is Everywhere
In Europe, service charges are often included, and tipping is minimal. In the USA, it’s very different.
Restaurants, taxis, hotel staff, and even tour guides expect tips. Many Europeans are caught off guard by the standard 18–22% in restaurants. Not budgeting for tips is one of the things Europeans find strange in America, and it’s something Americans don’t realize about their country—because tipping is so ingrained in daily life.
-
Gasoline Prices Are Surprisingly Low
For Europeans, gas stations in the USA can be shocking. Fuel costs are often a fraction of European prices, and many stations operate on a self-service model with card-only pumps.
This is one of the things Europeans find strange in America, especially if they plan to drive between cities. Understanding fuel costs is part of traveling in the USA for Europeans, particularly when exploring off-the-beaten-path USA cities.
-
Portions Are Huge
Food culture in the USA surprises many visitors. Portions at restaurants are generally much larger than in Europe, and many dishes are designed to share—or take home as leftovers.
This leads to both delight and confusion. Sharing meals or asking for smaller portions is common for European travelers in the USA, highlighting a cultural difference many Americans take for granted.
-
Convenience Stores Are Everywhere and Very Different
Convenience stores in the USA aren’t just about snacks—they’re often small grocery hubs, gas stations, and coffee shops combined. Europeans are often surprised by how frequently these stores appear and how varied their offerings are.
It’s one of the unexpected things about America that shows how daily life is structured differently from Europe.
-
Cities Can Feel Very Car-Oriented
Many European visitors are used to walking or public transport in cities. In the USA, even urban areas can feel designed for cars rather than pedestrians.
Smaller towns may have no sidewalks, and public transport outside major cities is limited. This is a consistent surprising thing about traveling in the USA for Europeans and a reminder of what Americans don’t realize about their country.
-
Friendly Strangers Are the Norm
One of the more pleasant surprises is the friendliness of Americans. Europeans often comment on casual greetings, helpfulness in shops, and a general openness.
While Europeans might find this unusual at first, it’s part of daily life in the USA—a thing Americans take for granted but something visitors notice immediately.
-
Taxes Are Often Added at the Register
In the USA, the price on the tag is usually before tax, which is a common source of surprise. Sales tax varies by state, and it’s rarely included in the price. Europeans used to all-inclusive pricing often find this confusing.
This is one of the things Europeans find strange in America, particularly when budgeting for traveling in the USA for Europeans.
-
National Parks Are Incredible and Accessible
Europeans often expect “big nature” only in remote destinations. The USA offers huge, easily accessible national parks close to cities, many with extensive visitor facilities.
This accessibility and scale are surprising things about traveling in the USA, giving visitors opportunities for wildlife, hiking, and scenic views that differ from European experiences.
-
Regional Differences Are Huge
Finally, Europeans are often amazed at how different regions feel. The culture, food, language, and even daily habits change dramatically between states.
From the historic streets of New England to the relaxed beaches of California or the desert landscapes of Arizona, these contrasts are part of what surprises Europeans about the USA. Many unexpected things about America are tied to these regional differences.
Final Thoughts
For European travelers, the USA can feel both familiar and completely foreign. The surprises—both practical and cultural—highlight aspects of American life that locals often overlook. From tipping and portion sizes to distances and regional differences, understanding these differences helps Europeans enjoy their trip more fully.
Recognizing things Americans take for granted and anticipating surprising things about traveling in the USA allows visitors to plan smarter, travel more comfortably, and appreciate the diversity of experiences the country offers.
