Where you live greatly impacts your lifestyle, opportunities, and what constitutes ‘normal’ in your everyday life. For some Europeans, things they consider standard or universal may be deemed ‘luxurious’ by the average person in the US. Here, we have compiled a list of 17 things Europeans have in their lives that Americans may view as a special or unique luxury.
Bidets
Tired of wasteful, inefficient, and dry toilet paper? So were many Europeans! World Population Review reports, “Italians use bidets most among Europeans and even have laws that mandate the inclusion of these fixtures in homes.” Not only are bidets less wasteful than TP, but they’re more hygienic- yet surprisingly, they remain a rare feature in American bathrooms.
Universal Healthcare
Imagine not worrying about getting sick or injured, no matter your financial situation. In Europe, access to healthcare is considered a basic human right, so the state often offers healthcare to its citizens. Many Americans would consider not having to worry about insurance coverage a significant luxury!
Excellent Public Transport
Efficient, reliable, and affordable public transport is a reality for many Europeans, particularly those in big cities. Euronews even reports that Luxembourg (the wealthiest country in the EU) has been offering free public transportation for all for the past three years. That’s hard to imagine for most US citizens, who typically rely on personal vehicles.
Paid Vacation Time
Compared to their American counterparts, European employees get far more weeks of paid vacation annually. France offers 31 days of PTO a year, compared to only 10 for citizens in the US. This significantly improves mental health by giving Europeans more time for travel, hobbies, and quality time with family/friends.
Historic Architecture
Native Americans didn’t build permanent structures out of stone, so pre-1700s architecture is rare in the US, says Print. In contrast, European cities are adorned with medieval churches, ancient monuments, and centuries-old buildings that make them both beautiful and interesting. Many Americans envy such a well-preserved physical history.
High-Speed Trains
High-speed rail networks, like the Eurostar and TGV, provide many Europeans with an alternative to more expensive and polluting air travel. Such trains are fast and efficient and often take scenic routes through picturesque landscapes- plus, they have much more space and comfort than your average airplane cabin.
International Travel
America may be culturally diverse, but it doesn’t have Europe’s rich history and its small number of different countries, all in close proximity to each other, making it easy for Europeans to explore neighboring cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. For Americans, international travel is a luxury many cannot afford due to the cost and distance involved.
Affordable Education
Many European countries have a more inclusive approach to higher education and offer subsidized, low-cost study to lower-income citizens and international students. Research.com explains that, in contrast, the average American student accrues vast debts in order to receive a decent college education.
Smaller Portions
Okay, so it’s not exactly a luxury, but it brings enormous health benefits! European dining emphasizes quality over quantity, savoring nutritious food rather than absorbing maximum calories. According to Medium, smaller meals make Europeans less at risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease compared to Americans, who are used to eating bigger portions.
Multilingualism
While not valid for the UK, mainland Europeans are typically at least bilingual, with many speaking several languages from neighboring countries. Such linguistic talents are envied by many US and UK citizens, who typically grow up speaking only English.
Café Culture
Coffee culture exists on both ‘sides of the pond,’ but it is a much more relaxed and leisurely affair in the cafes of Europe. There, conversation over a coffee is more common than in the fast-paced takeaway coffee shops of the US, where convenience and time efficiency are often the most critical factors.
Countryside Villages
While the average American would associate quaint European villages with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and breathtaking countryside as a luxurious vacation option, many Europeans can easily experience such places. Visit Europe states that even the busiest European cities like Paris are close enough to the countryside for day trips.
Efficient Public Services
European countries are known for providing efficient public services, like reliable garbage collection and consistent maintenance of public spaces. Many Americans would consider this a luxury because their local services tend to be less streamlined and more inconsistent.
Adequate Paid Maternity Leave
Eurodev informs us that maternity leave “lasts 14 weeks minimum (2 of which are mandatory) and is compensated at least at the national sick pay level.” In contrast, the US has no federal laws that dictate how long mothers are entitled to spend with their newborn and recovering from birth.
Public Transportation Etiquette
Compared to American subways, trains, and buses, Europeans tend to be more polite and respectful commuters, adhering to an ‘unwritten code’ of conduct when using public transport. This certainly makes the experience more pleasant and may be considered a luxury for Americans using crowded, less orderly US transit options.
Wellness Retreats
Europe offers several so-called ‘wellness retreats’ that provide relaxation, rejuvenation, and mindfulness amongst idyllic surroundings, like forests and mountains. Escaping to a retreat to improve their mental health is feasible for a European but almost impossible for the average American- with high costs and travel times and a lack of PTO.
Heritage Preservation
With organizations like UNESCO, important European history is often well preserved and meticulously researched, ensuring that historical sites are taken care of for future generations. Unfortunately, US sites have frequently been neglected or damaged, destroying irreplaceable heritage.
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