Over 50 million international visitors visit the U.S. each year, lured by iconic landmarks, breathtaking wildernesses, historical sites, and the mix of different cultures. While certain attractions seem obvious, some aspects of American life unexpectedly appeal to tourists. Here are the 18 most surprising things non-Americans love about the “land of the free.”
Supersized Everything
If there’s one thing America has a lot of, it’s space, especially compared to countries like the UK or Japan. Tourists often love the spectacle and novelty of everything from supersized portions at restaurants to sprawling shopping malls and mega-stores like Costco. Many are awed by the scale of such places and the sheer abundance of products and choices on offer.
The National Park System
The National Park Service reports visitor numbers of over 3 million people a year across 400 parks all over America. While some of these are domestic visitors, tourists adore visiting such protected wild spaces and enjoy the outdoor activities, stunning scenery, and unique wildlife on offer. Many tourists come to the U.S. specifically to visit parks like Yosemite and Yellowstone.
Regional Differences
The U.S. is so huge and varied that it caters to every visitor’s taste, from snowy ski trips and ranch stays to big-city adventures packed with cultural delights. Many visitors appreciate how each region offers a unique flavor, from the laid-back beach vibes of LA to the historical charm of New England and the vibrant music scene of New Orleans.
The Open Road
Driving across the U.S. from coast to coast takes around 45 hours, with minimal stops, and much of the road will be long and empty—providing total freedom! Renting a car and embarking on a road trip is an American experience many visitors love, especially those from crowded cities. Stopping along the way to view quirky towns and rural scenery is much enjoyed.
Casual Dining
American casual dining offers every possible cuisine at affordable prices. Many tourists appreciate the low cost of comfort food from classic diners and the huge variety of snack options available, particularly in big cities. The Street reports that several casual restaurant chains, including Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, and Applebee’s, are also especially popular.
Coffee Culture
While coffee is drunk in vast quantities worldwide, no one does coffee shops like the Americans! Coffee shops have become an integral part of life in the U.S., offering a place to relax, socialize, and get work done. Tourists appreciate the wide variety of coffee drinks and brewing methods catering to every possible preference, while the casual atmosphere makes them feel welcome.
Theme Parks
While America’s theme parks are world-famous, many tourists are awe-struck by the sheer scale and attention to detail in parks like Disney World, Busch Gardens, and Universal Studios. They are frequently impressed by the fully immersive experiences, cutting-edge technology, and gigantic size of these entertainment complexes.
The ‘Can-Do’ Attitude
The “American Dream” has fostered a national attitude of perseverance, optimism, and entrepreneurial spirit that many visitors admire. This “can-do” attitude is often apparent when they interact with locals in the service industry or strangers they meet, and they appreciate the willingness of people to help each other out. This positive energy can even be infectious!
State Fairs
Other countries may have similar events, but a state fair is a truly American experience that most tourists find novel and exhilarating. The unique, deep-fried delicacies, quirky contests, unexpected farm animals, and fun carnival rides provide a sense of wonder and celebration that makes for a quintessentially American cultural experience most visitors love.
The Public Library System
According to Statista, there are over 9,000 public libraries in America, offering the community a place to borrow books, use free Wi-Fi, participate in educational programs, hold events, or even have movie nights! Visitors from countries lacking such a multifaceted system are impressed by the welcoming atmosphere and easy, affordable access to various services.
Street Food
Anyone who lives in the U.S. knows that American street food goes beyond mere hot dogs and pretzels. Food trucks offer various international flavors, from tacos and Korean BBQ to gourmet burgers and vegetarian options. Visitors are often surprised and delighted to find hot, low-cost food on street corners and rave about the convenience, variety, and delicious taste.
Tipping Culture
While tipping isn’t something all foreigners appreciate, it’s a world-famous American cultural experience many are happy to participate in, if only for the novelty factor! Many tourists also appreciate knowing exactly which percentage of the bill or fare is expected and being able to reward service workers, like waiters, hotel staff, and taxi drivers, appropriately.
College Towns
Many American cities are home to vibrant college towns that offer a blend of youth culture, artistic expression, and intellectual curiosity that is unique to such places. Visitors to U.S. cities often find such places uniquely entertaining and interesting and enjoy exploring the colonial architecture, lively music scene, and diverse restaurants found in university hubs.
The Volunteer Spirit
Volunteerism is very common in American culture, yet many foreigners don’t experience it in their own countries, or at least not to such an extent. Tourists often marvel at community gardens, animal shelters, soup kitchens, and disaster relief efforts that are manned and operated by helpful souls who generously donate their time and resources to a good cause.
Thrift Stores
Gitnux reports that the popularity of thrift stores (used by 18% of Americans) isn’t matched elsewhere, with places like the UK seeing a decline in ‘charity shops’ and second-hand bookstores. Visitors frequently love the ‘treasure trove’ experience, especially those who are vintage clothing enthusiasts, antique collectors, or simply bargain hunters.
Cultural Diversity
As a country built by immigrants, the colorful cultural diversity of the U.S. is something many visitors love to immerse themselves in. They enjoy trying a range of different cuisines, hearing various languages, and getting involved in cultural celebrations that originate all over the world. Visitors are often surprised by American society’s sheer number of ethnicities and religions.
Craft Beers
American craft breweries have exploded in popularity in recent years, meaning that the variety and quality of original beers on offer here often surpass that of other countries. Many U.S. breweries use unique, local ingredients or strains of hops, and some even offer tours and tastings, allowing tourists to have fun while enhancing their trip and learning about the brewing process.
Remoteness
Many foreigners come from cities or countries that do not have excessive amounts of space, even in rural areas. The sheer scale of the U.S. means they’re often awed by the silence and remoteness of wild places and rural areas and enjoy the feeling of being so far away from other people, with no obvious signs of civilization in sight. For some, it’s a near-spiritual experience!
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