#1
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
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.
#3
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.
The top way to make the most of any trip is to set your ego, expectations, and assumptions aside and embrace open-mindedness. The entire point of travel is to experience new things. And you’ll miss out on the awesome experience if you constantly complain that things abroad are different from what you have back home. Instead, it’s best to be as flexible and respectful as you can. That’ll help you meet new people, be liked by the locals, and get to grips with your destination on a deeper level.
GoAbroad suggests that every tourist should do some research before visiting a new place. “This will help you pack appropriate clothes, find out about the regional laws or entry requirements, and know what to expect.”
What’s more, you’ll get to grips with the local culture and customs and how to respect them.
#4
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.
#5
valthonis_surion:
Similarly the Great Lakes are pretty great.
#6
In the meantime, you may want to consider eating, shopping, and staying locally. Top-tier hotels and chain restaurants are great, sure, but you might not get the full experience there. And if you want truly authentic food, you have to be willing to eat as the locals do.
You should embrace that same adventurous mindset not just when it comes to food, but day trips, too. Don’t just visit the same touristy sites that everyone floods to. Explore a bit further. Go off the beaten path. Ask the locals for some non-obvious recommendations.
And naturally, as a tourist, you shouldn’t be littering or damaging anything on your trip. Leave every place you visit the way you found it, or better.
#7
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.
#8
0tter_gaming88:
As a american you don't want it TRUST ME
jakisdebil5:
thank god europe doesn't have that
#9
oboshoe:
really?
what do europeans use?
sir_mrej:
Volunteer air
What do you think, Pandas? From your perspective, what are some of the most noticeable things that Americans have that Europeans don’t, and vice versa?
What do you think are the biggest upsides of life in North America and Europe? What countries do you hope to visit this year? Tell us all about it!
#10
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.
#11
#12
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.
#13
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
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 :)
#15
#16
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.
#17
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.
#18
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
#19
#20
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.