REVERSE CULTURE SHOCK - Returning to the USA from Europe

Have you had any similar experiences while traveling in Europe and then returning to the States? We'd love to hear your views, be sure to leave them below. Plus, did you see our new "It's Two Thirsty" gear Brian is Sporting? You can check it out here: brian-and-carrie.myspreadshop.com/

Biggest difference is that Europe is not a country but almost 50 countries each with their own language culture food styles etc.

It is clear from the comments that folks who have travelled and spent time in Europe have a new most positive perspective on qualities, balances and fulfillment of living.

The bed/mattress issue is more of an airbnb issue. Most airbnbs across Europe are furnished from IKEA, so you get the cheap bed and cheap mattress. In people’s houses, you usually get something more similar to what you’d be used to in the US

In Europe, I love all the outdoor cafes and restaurants with tables and chairs set out in the plaza, and with people of all ages strolling by. In the US, restaurant patios are almost all enclosed with fences and gates, no dogs allowed, no drinks beyond this point, ect. We sure love our barriers.

Our 1st trip to Europe was in 2023 and I came back saying I felt safer in Germany than I do here in US and this year we’re headed to Italy🎉 and we walked and ate and enjoyed every minute without gaining a pound. I actually lost a few lb’s

100% agree tipping is out of control!

If you’re living in a country in Europe, you’re going to know the bus and won’t have to navigate because you’re usually taking the same route over and over or walking the same way over and over, you even know the Shortcuts. Also, I find walking a pleasure in Europe, and when I visited there after I’ve been back to the United States, I came back weighing 10 pounds less even though I ate things like delicious cheese and chocolate croissants, simply because I walked and bicycled places, and this happened in less than three weeks !! Many Americans find at convenient to drive the car here and there, but in someways, I find it stressful because you need to navigate construction, navigate around poor drivers who change lanes without putting their signal on, watch for people driving while on their phone etc. so I found it relaxing when I could take a train or bus and just relax with my e-book or chat with my friend

As a person who resides in both Canada and Europe I agree with your observations completely. Quite honestly, when in Europe I enjoy the life style more. There is a world perspective in Europe where as in NA it is me, me, me. In NA "bigger is better" is what people want, where as in Europe people reside in smaller places but travel more. I thoroughly enjoy your travels and videos. Please keep it up and safe travels.

I am Norwegian and visited the USA in 2017. The restaurant visits were a provocative experience. I was told I had to tip a lot extra because the employees were paid so poorly. If that’t true, it’s incredibly rude! It is not my responsibility to pay the employees! Does no one own the reataurants in the USA? «Yes, of course it is». Oh well, but it is the owner’s responsibility /duty to pay the employees, not us who are guests!

just sitting here in Malaga Spain watching you.. we are agreeing with all your observations… we love living in Europe for reasons you mentioned … . Enjoy your time with family as you recharge for your next adventure ❤

It is kind of refreshing to see a mainstreamer take on the distinctions between the US and Europe. It drives all the more home my joy of having moved back to Europe and enjoy the daily blessing of living here instead of in mainstream US.

The smoking thing in europe is country dependant. Certain countries have smoking in closed spaces completely forbidden unless they have a separate area properly isolated and ventilated just for smokin -basically glass cages for smokers.

Thank you for that video. I cannot speak for the rest of Europe but smoking has been prohibited by law in virtually all enclosed and substantially enclosed workplaces and public places throughout the UK since July 2007.

I've lived abroad for 25 years and totally agree on all your points. The currency issue , you forgot to mention everywhere you go in the States the listed price usually isn't the price you pay at the register, since taxes are added on, plus tip if it's a restaurant at the end. In Europe whether it's listed on the menu or on a a grocery store shelf, the taxes are already included. No need to figure it out at the till when you pay....Though the political stuff does exist, not as much as in the US, but it's there. However, it's easier not to pay attention, because it's usually in another language lol..Don't miss life there at all. I only go back to visit family, if it wasn't for family and banking reasons, I'd never go back...

You guys totally hit the nail on the head . Our society and culture here has become so dysfunctional , food over processed and artificial and us constantly being pushed to buy buy buy. There is a lot to be said for living abroad these days if one can make it work .I totally agree about the insane tipping culture here in the US. Grew up in South Africa and one tipped (and still do based on my trip this past Dec) 10% for outstanding service and its entirely optional . There is no expectation. Whereas here , you are expected to tip for a haircut, Starbucks coffee, using an Uber, handling your luggage at the airport, pouring you a beer at a bar and the list goes on. Time to Stop unnecessary tipping

I'm Canadian and returned home (not my choice) a few weeks ago. We lived in a small Tuscan hill village south of Siena. Bliss. I love Canada,but the quality of life in Europe is superior in many ways. As a foodie I know that food in gerneral is of far higher quality and cheaper in Italy. I'm off to Portugal and Spain in a few weeks. I may not come back.

Totally with you on this. We just went to Europe couple months ago for just 12 days. When we came back to the states we really felt down and sad. We miss the layback and walk ability everywhere. Going back in April to Spain to continue our search for our early retirement spot.

Europe is amazing and healthy! Mentally stable people and great life style! I can’t wait to get back

This really resonated with me. My husband and I have been traveling full time for a year and recently came back to the states for the holidays. I agree with you on several points. The number of mentally ill and addicted people on the streets in the US is truly tragic, and low level crimes seem to be everywhere (shoplifting, car theft). We never looked over our shoulder while walking in Europe, but in the US we do. The restaurant prices are insane and the expected 20% tip makes it even worse. Not to mention that tips are now expected everywhere, for every service. We could get a full, delicious cafe meal in France for the price of a pizza and sandwich here in the states. And we had the same experience you did of having a server refuse a tip in Europe. We head back overseas in 6 weeks (Italy, UK, Norway) and I cannot wait. Thanks for your helpful videos!