25 Things Exclusive To America That You Wouldn’t Find In Europe
Things found only in America that Europeans don’t have.
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There are a few things that feel intrinsically American and can’t really be found anywhere else. Even if you travel across other nations, you won’t find these particular features as they exist only on US soil.
Recently, Redditors online shared their observations of things that exist solely in America and don’t appear in Europe. From yellow school buses to unlimited coffee refills, some standout features have become common sights across all fifty states. We’ve rounded up some of the most popular suggestions, things you’re unlikely to see anywhere but the USA, and collected them in the gallery below.
Image source: dustofdeath, OaklandImages/Envato (not the actual photo)
Redwood forest.
Jerseygirl2468:
One of the best experiences of my life was going to Muir Woods. I truly had no idea until I stood there and experienced it for myself.
Image source: JackC1126, martinm303/Envato (not the actual photo)
The Grand Canyon. It really is that grand.
valthonis_surion:
Similarly the Great Lakes are pretty great.
Image source: Timely_Title_9157, This Old House (not the actual photo)
Forced air hvac systems.
oboshoe:
really?
what do europeans use?
sir_mrej:
Volunteer air
Image source: Grandmakk13, SundryPhotography/Envato (not the actual photo)
Yosemite.
ThrustersToFull:
I thought I was prepared for Yosemite. I looked at photos, I watched documentaries. But NOTHING prepares you for seeing it for the first time in person. It was winter when I went for the first time - 1 January 2022 to be exact - and I was simply blown away by the scale and beauty of it.
Image source: Echo6Romeo, edb3_16/Envato (not the actual photo)
Land. A lot of it.
TiresOnFire:
Japanese citizens who visited the US in the early days of WWII tried to warn the government of how much land we had to sustain ourselves. Also our industrial abilities were quite impressive at the time.
Wrathchilde:
In Europe, 100 miles is far. In America, 100 years is old.
Image source: Hendospendo, wirestock/Envato (not the actual photo)
Wilderness.
The vast majority of woodland in europe is managed woodland, or not original and grown intentionally. America, however, has vast swarthes of land that have never been touched by human hands.
TheMerryMeatMan:
And it's all thanks to some of our earlier presidents realizing how valuable and important that undeveloped wilderness would be, and pushing for the adoption of the National Park System to make sure that since of our natural wonders could be carefully monitored and protected.
Teddy Roosevelt is a standout figure in that regard, but Yellowstone was passed under Grant's presidency, so he deserves solid credit there too.
Image source: Royals-2015, wirestock/Enavto (not the actual photo)
The National Parks in the US are spectacular.
Ace_of_Clubs:
Not just national parks, but national forests, national monuments, and state parks deserve a shout out as well!
Im an avid backpacker and have been lucky enough to explore some really beautiful and remote places.
aribobari1313:
The coolest part is that our National Parks system was the first and inspired other countries to do the same! My Spanish girlfriend even learned about that in her tourism degree.
Image source: GingerFaerie106, mblach/Envato (not the actual photo)
Giant Redwoods. The Redwoods National Forest in northern California is one of the most mystical, beautiful, majestic, ancient places I've ever visited. It felt SACRED like there really were forest elves and tree ents protecting that place.
Breathtaking. I simply wanted to walk until I got lost, then just stay lost forever. It transformed me to a time of innocence, wonder, open to curiosity about the world. Around every bend in the trail, we'd buzz with anticipation. Because any grand adventure could waiting ..even a fairy tea party.
Image source: Equivalent_Smoke_608, MargJohnsonVA/Envato (not the actual photo)
Tipping culture
0tter_gaming88:
As a american you don't want it TRUST ME
jakisdebil5:
thank god europe doesn't have that
Image source: MeatSauce-Apocalypse, LightFieldStudios/Envato (not the actual photo)
The largest prison population per capita of any first world nation.
Image source: ClaireBlack63, karandaev/Envato (not the actual photo)
One thing that always stands out to me is how obsessed Americans are with credit scores. It affects everything here, renting, phone plans, even jobs sometimes. In a lot of Europe it’s way more chill and not this giant number hanging over your life.
Also free refills and ice in every drink feels super American once you’ve been away for a bit. You don’t realize how normal that feels until it’s gone.
Image source: AmigoDelDiabla, crazyphotography/Envato (not the actual photo)
Ice in their the complimentary water at a restaurant.
BunchaaMalarkey:
I Germany, if you ask for free tap water they deliver 100ml of water in a glass, and seem to hate you for it.
In the US they give you free ice water refills all day without skipping a beat.
The free water situation in the US is way better than what I've had in Europe. At least mainland. I haven't actually been to the UK.
TheStorMan:
You might get a few small cubes in a glass. In America the drink will be 90% ice.
Image source: toughbubbl, AZ-BLT/Envato (not the actual photo)
A huge variety of biodiversity without crossing borders. You could be within driving distance of many just in California alone.
raindorpsonroses:
I am 2.5 hours or less by car from desert, alpine forest and lakes with snow and skiing in the winter, rolling hills with oak trees and sycamore, riparian river/creek habitats, marsh wetlands, beautiful swimming and surfing beaches with the vast Pacific Ocean. At my house it’s only a few days per year that the low temperature is lower than 8C/ 46F or the high temperature is above 30C/ 86F. It’s not terribly dry or humid in my area. It doesn’t surprise me that the cost of living is so high because California is a pretty wonderful place to live, especially if you love the outdoors!
Image source: Ill_Self_8964, Beachbumledford/Envato (not the actual photo)
Florida man.
MohawkElGato:
He’s pretty entertaining that’s for sure
TinKnight1:
trust me, that's one thing humanity has, no matter where you go.
Florida man is only known so well because of the sunshine laws.
Image source: MonsieurAK, christening/Envato (not the actual photo)
The Americans with Disabilities Act.
1peatfor7:
Oddly enough I first noticed this while on vacation in Las Vegas. I had a broken foot and was able to rent an "old people scooter" from the hotel. It made my trip much more bearable. I drove it down the strip sidewalk and all around the hotel lobbies.
Image source: Walmartian_Beta, InSinkErator Europe (not the actual photo)
Garbage disposals, apparently.
An English guy once asked, "Is it true you have a little blender in your sink to chop up the food bits and send them to the sewer because you're too lazy to walk over to the trash bin?".
oldpuzzle:
Tbh that’s what I as a European was most excited about when I lived in the US for a bit! The first time I realised I had a disposal in my sink it was such a “OMG I KNOW THIS FROM TV!” moment.
Image source: Aggressive_Survey318, MegiasD/Envato (not the actual photo)
Medical debt.
perrygoundhunter:
I can tell you are American
Because most nations with public healthcare do not cover eyes, feet, ears, as well as having public options
Also insulin and crutches, wheel chairs and mobility aids….also dental
I know Canadians who have gone bankrupt
Image source: Cast_Last_LA, HiGoochieMama (not the actual photo)
Free refills.
The_Truth_Believe_Me:
32 ounce soda cups at restaurants
GaylicBread:
Some restaurants have this but it isn't very common. Nandos and TGIFridays come to mind.
Image source: mrthalo, Angelov1/Envato (not the actual photo)
Yellow school buses! I've had a lot of European friends ask me if they're real or just something from the movies, apparently a lot of them think they're on in movies or shows. I've had friends from Asia ask the same thing as well haha!
D-Alembert:
I got to ride in one last year. In one of those observations that are "duh" obvious in hindsight but an unexpected surprise at the time: the seats (and legroom) are all child-size!
I was a bit too tall to fit :)
Image source: Fritzkreig, denis257/Envato (not the actual photo)
Football, not that one, but the weird shaped ball one!
Image source: Captain_Moose, getflyscreen4060 (not the actual photo)
Screens on our windows so we can open them without letting the bugs in.
Abrakafkingdabra:
Genuinely can't comprehend how lots of places in Europe both don't have AC and don't have window screens. You'd think not having the former would logically lead to having the latter
Image source: SadForever-, Image-Source/Envato (not the actual photo)
Cowboys lol what makes me say that is because when my husband went to Germany he was at a bar and one of the locals asked him where he was from and he told them he was from Oklahoma and they said oh wow are you a cowboy? and then after conversation ensued, my husband came to realize that Germans seem to really like Cowboys, especially women. lol.
Image source: bad_wolf1, wolfhound9111/Envato (not the actual photo)
Like really good fall of the bones bbq. ?.
doyer_bleu:
And Cajun food!
LtDarthWookie:
100% our food is incredible. And BBQ is one of the best. Give me a brisket and I'll be happy.
Image source: Lethean_Waves, wirestock/Envato (not the actual photo)
The right to hang a pair of bear arms in our homes. Its written very clearly in our constitution.
Seabass_87:
I accidentally lobbied for the right to bare feet, now our state doesn't allow shoes.
#1
Image source: dustofdeath, OaklandImages/Envato (not the actual photo)
Redwood forest.
Jerseygirl2468:
One of the best experiences of my life was going to Muir Woods. I truly had no idea until I stood there and experienced it for myself.
#2
Image source: JackC1126, martinm303/Envato (not the actual photo)
The Grand Canyon. It really is that grand.
valthonis_surion:
Similarly the Great Lakes are pretty great.
#3
Image source: Timely_Title_9157, This Old House (not the actual photo)
Forced air hvac systems.
oboshoe:
really?
what do europeans use?
sir_mrej:
Volunteer air
#4
Image source: Grandmakk13, SundryPhotography/Envato (not the actual photo)
Yosemite.
ThrustersToFull:
I thought I was prepared for Yosemite. I looked at photos, I watched documentaries. But NOTHING prepares you for seeing it for the first time in person. It was winter when I went for the first time - 1 January 2022 to be exact - and I was simply blown away by the scale and beauty of it.
#5
Image source: Echo6Romeo, edb3_16/Envato (not the actual photo)
Land. A lot of it.
TiresOnFire:
Japanese citizens who visited the US in the early days of WWII tried to warn the government of how much land we had to sustain ourselves. Also our industrial abilities were quite impressive at the time.
Wrathchilde:
In Europe, 100 miles is far. In America, 100 years is old.
#6
Image source: Hendospendo, wirestock/Envato (not the actual photo)
Wilderness.
The vast majority of woodland in europe is managed woodland, or not original and grown intentionally. America, however, has vast swarthes of land that have never been touched by human hands.
TheMerryMeatMan:
And it's all thanks to some of our earlier presidents realizing how valuable and important that undeveloped wilderness would be, and pushing for the adoption of the National Park System to make sure that since of our natural wonders could be carefully monitored and protected.
Teddy Roosevelt is a standout figure in that regard, but Yellowstone was passed under Grant's presidency, so he deserves solid credit there too.
#7
Image source: Royals-2015, wirestock/Enavto (not the actual photo)
The National Parks in the US are spectacular.
Ace_of_Clubs:
Not just national parks, but national forests, national monuments, and state parks deserve a shout out as well!
Im an avid backpacker and have been lucky enough to explore some really beautiful and remote places.
aribobari1313:
The coolest part is that our National Parks system was the first and inspired other countries to do the same! My Spanish girlfriend even learned about that in her tourism degree.
#8
Image source: GingerFaerie106, mblach/Envato (not the actual photo)
Giant Redwoods. The Redwoods National Forest in northern California is one of the most mystical, beautiful, majestic, ancient places I've ever visited. It felt SACRED like there really were forest elves and tree ents protecting that place.
Breathtaking. I simply wanted to walk until I got lost, then just stay lost forever. It transformed me to a time of innocence, wonder, open to curiosity about the world. Around every bend in the trail, we'd buzz with anticipation. Because any grand adventure could waiting ..even a fairy tea party.
#9
Image source: Equivalent_Smoke_608, MargJohnsonVA/Envato (not the actual photo)
Tipping culture
0tter_gaming88:
As a american you don't want it TRUST ME
jakisdebil5:
thank god europe doesn't have that
#10
Image source: MeatSauce-Apocalypse, LightFieldStudios/Envato (not the actual photo)
The largest prison population per capita of any first world nation.
#11
Image source: ClaireBlack63, karandaev/Envato (not the actual photo)
One thing that always stands out to me is how obsessed Americans are with credit scores. It affects everything here, renting, phone plans, even jobs sometimes. In a lot of Europe it’s way more chill and not this giant number hanging over your life.
Also free refills and ice in every drink feels super American once you’ve been away for a bit. You don’t realize how normal that feels until it’s gone.
#12
Image source: AmigoDelDiabla, crazyphotography/Envato (not the actual photo)
Ice in their the complimentary water at a restaurant.
BunchaaMalarkey:
I Germany, if you ask for free tap water they deliver 100ml of water in a glass, and seem to hate you for it.
In the US they give you free ice water refills all day without skipping a beat.
The free water situation in the US is way better than what I've had in Europe. At least mainland. I haven't actually been to the UK.
TheStorMan:
You might get a few small cubes in a glass. In America the drink will be 90% ice.
#13
Image source: toughbubbl, AZ-BLT/Envato (not the actual photo)
A huge variety of biodiversity without crossing borders. You could be within driving distance of many just in California alone.
raindorpsonroses:
I am 2.5 hours or less by car from desert, alpine forest and lakes with snow and skiing in the winter, rolling hills with oak trees and sycamore, riparian river/creek habitats, marsh wetlands, beautiful swimming and surfing beaches with the vast Pacific Ocean. At my house it’s only a few days per year that the low temperature is lower than 8C/ 46F or the high temperature is above 30C/ 86F. It’s not terribly dry or humid in my area. It doesn’t surprise me that the cost of living is so high because California is a pretty wonderful place to live, especially if you love the outdoors!
#14
Image source: Ill_Self_8964, Beachbumledford/Envato (not the actual photo)
Florida man.
MohawkElGato:
He’s pretty entertaining that’s for sure
TinKnight1:
trust me, that's one thing humanity has, no matter where you go.
Florida man is only known so well because of the sunshine laws.
#15
Image source: MonsieurAK, christening/Envato (not the actual photo)
The Americans with Disabilities Act.
1peatfor7:
Oddly enough I first noticed this while on vacation in Las Vegas. I had a broken foot and was able to rent an "old people scooter" from the hotel. It made my trip much more bearable. I drove it down the strip sidewalk and all around the hotel lobbies.
#16
Image source: Walmartian_Beta, InSinkErator Europe (not the actual photo)
Garbage disposals, apparently.
An English guy once asked, "Is it true you have a little blender in your sink to chop up the food bits and send them to the sewer because you're too lazy to walk over to the trash bin?".
oldpuzzle:
Tbh that’s what I as a European was most excited about when I lived in the US for a bit! The first time I realised I had a disposal in my sink it was such a “OMG I KNOW THIS FROM TV!” moment.
#17
Image source: Aggressive_Survey318, MegiasD/Envato (not the actual photo)
Medical debt.
perrygoundhunter:
I can tell you are American
Because most nations with public healthcare do not cover eyes, feet, ears, as well as having public options
Also insulin and crutches, wheel chairs and mobility aids….also dental
I know Canadians who have gone bankrupt
#18
Image source: Cast_Last_LA, HiGoochieMama (not the actual photo)
Free refills.
The_Truth_Believe_Me:
32 ounce soda cups at restaurants
GaylicBread:
Some restaurants have this but it isn't very common. Nandos and TGIFridays come to mind.
#19
Image source: mrthalo, Angelov1/Envato (not the actual photo)
Yellow school buses! I've had a lot of European friends ask me if they're real or just something from the movies, apparently a lot of them think they're on in movies or shows. I've had friends from Asia ask the same thing as well haha!
D-Alembert:
I got to ride in one last year. In one of those observations that are "duh" obvious in hindsight but an unexpected surprise at the time: the seats (and legroom) are all child-size!
I was a bit too tall to fit :)
#20
Image source: Fritzkreig, denis257/Envato (not the actual photo)
Football, not that one, but the weird shaped ball one!
#21
Image source: Captain_Moose, getflyscreen4060 (not the actual photo)
Screens on our windows so we can open them without letting the bugs in.
Abrakafkingdabra:
Genuinely can't comprehend how lots of places in Europe both don't have AC and don't have window screens. You'd think not having the former would logically lead to having the latter
#22
Image source: SadForever-, Image-Source/Envato (not the actual photo)
Cowboys lol what makes me say that is because when my husband went to Germany he was at a bar and one of the locals asked him where he was from and he told them he was from Oklahoma and they said oh wow are you a cowboy? and then after conversation ensued, my husband came to realize that Germans seem to really like Cowboys, especially women. lol.
#23
Image source: bad_wolf1, wolfhound9111/Envato (not the actual photo)
Like really good fall of the bones bbq. ?.
doyer_bleu:
And Cajun food!
LtDarthWookie:
100% our food is incredible. And BBQ is one of the best. Give me a brisket and I'll be happy.
#24
A robust general aviation culture and system. Ok I know it’s a bit niche, but there it is. It’s live in the middle of nowhere east Texas and there about 3 places within an hour where I can take flying lessons or just rent a small airplane if I want to go fly and have a pilots license and we have hundreds, maybe even thousands, of public and private airports. Image source: poser765#25
Image source: Lethean_Waves, wirestock/Envato (not the actual photo)
The right to hang a pair of bear arms in our homes. Its written very clearly in our constitution.
Seabass_87:
I accidentally lobbied for the right to bare feet, now our state doesn't allow shoes.DE
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