10 Little Things About Americans That Seriously Annoy the Rest of the World

Photo of author

By Samantha Collins

Growing up, I remember being indoctrinated with the idea that America was superior to the rest of the world. However, after traveling, I quickly learned that wasn’t the case. Numerous other countries find Americans to be inferior and laugh at our confidence in being the best. Here are several things the rest of the world finds annoying about Americans.

8. Ordering Water Incorrectly

Waiter-serving
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

When dining out, you’ll often hear Americans say, “I’ll just have water.” They expect it to come at no cost. In other places like Europe, the waiters will ask you what type of water you want, and they’ll answer either sparkling or tap water. When asking for water in America, tap is what you’ll get unless you specify otherwise, but keep in mind that you can’t drink tap water from all locations.

9. Americans Are Too Loud

Woman-using-mobile
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

When people from outside the country visit places like New York, they’re shocked by the number of people loitering on the streets and having full-blown conversations on their speakerphones. Foreigners who live outside of the United States don’t loiter and they don’t have loud conversations during their commute!

10. Americans Drive Too Much

Businessman-driving-car
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

When foreigners find out how much Americans drive, they’re shocked by the time and the long distances traveled. While every country has its roads, you don’t notice just how anti-pedestrian the United States is compared to other parts of the world. When living in the suburbs across the nation, so close to major roads, walking seems like an undesirable option, but in other parts of the country, the same distance away from major roads is a cakewalk to its locals.

Cascading Paradise: 10 Magical Waterfalls You Can Actually Swim In

Summer is that time of year when many outdoor enthusiasts travel outdoors to find a refreshing place to take a dip after a long hike. Yes, you could jump into a chlorinated pool; however, there’s nothing like jumping into a swimming hall surrounding an abundance of natural beauty. Read below as we discover 10 magical waterfalls you can actually swim in.

Cascading Paradise: 10 Magical Waterfalls You Can Actually Swim In

Boomers Living The Dream: Visit These 11 Must-See Destinations Retirees Can’t Get Enough Of

Carving out a comfortable retirement can be difficult, but it’s worth the effort for those who want to make the most of their golden years. The freedom of being able to hop on a plane or take a road trip whenever and wherever you please is an enticing prospect for retirees to look forward to, even if it means having to save up for a while. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back beach getaway, an active outdoor adventure in the mountains, or a bustling city to explore, these 11 must-see destinations will make your retirement dreams come true.

Boomers Living The Dream: Visit These 11 Must-See Destinations Retirees Can’t Get Enough Of

11 Cool Things A Traveler Can Do When Visiting A New Destination

Whenever I visit a new country, I somewhat see it as a fresh painting, alive with vibrant colors, textures, and narratives yet to be discovered. Each nation has a unique set of activities to do and things to buy and believe me, there’s nothing quite like these rituals travelers in an online forum recommended for each new country you visit.

11 Cool Things A Traveler Can Do When Visiting A New Destination

Mailing Clothes Instead of Checking Bags: The Bizarre Trend That’s Catching On

Airlines tend to lose luggage, and although they issue customers with handy security checking tags, luggage handlers are human and make mistakes. My friend once waited two weeks to reunite with her lost luggage, and staying in a foreign country stranded without your clothes is not a great feeling. To combat those instances, travelers mention why they mail their bags to their destinations instead of checking their luggage.

Mailing Clothes Instead of Checking Bags: The Bizarre Trend That’s Catching On

Your Children Will Thank You When You Visit These One of These 11 Kid-Friendly Travel Destinations

Traveling as a family is more than just a leisure activity. It’s an exciting journey filled with discovery, bonding, and memorable moments that children carry into adulthood. That’s why finding a place your kids will also love should be a priority. Users from an online forum say that beyond the hustle and bustle of urban places, the world is filled with family-friendly spots that provide immersive experiences for kids and relaxation for parents.

Your Children Will Thank You When You Visit These One of These 11 Kid-Friendly Travel Destinations

2. Wear Pajamas Out in Public

Woman-wearing-pajamas
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

While venturing around an American college campus, it’s not out of the norm to see college students wearing their pajamas in public. Whether it’s to run to the store for a late-night snack or attend class, Americans care more about being comfortable than their appearance—or so it seems. If you live in the suburbs and get too dressed up, you may even get a side eye from your neighbors, whereas, in other countries, people always get dressed up when they leave the house.

3. Fast Food Jumbo Options

Mc-Donald-Big-Mac
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

When visitors from outside the United States visit, they find it odd that almost every fast-food restaurant offers jumbo options to its customers. Even with its small, medium, and large sizes, the United States still has the largest McDonald’s portion sizes in the rest of the world. Americans even weirdly expect refills anywhere they go, whereas other countries don’t give free refills, which accurately explains the obesity rates in the United States.

4. Tipping When You Go Out To Eat

Waitress-getting-tipped
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

When dining out in the United States, it’s customary to tip anywhere from 15% % to 20% when receiving exceptional service in a restaurant. Foreigners visiting from outside the United States are often confused when dining out and are expected to leave their waitress a tip. In many other countries, service workers are paid a living wage, so it shocks them when they find out that Americans make less and often even need to split their tips.

5. Advertising Prescription Drugs

Advertising-medicine
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Another thing that strikes foreigners as odd is that Americans advertise prescription drugs during almost every commercial break. One minute, you see a happy couple taking a stroll down the sidewalk, and the next, they’re promoting a medication with a long list of side effects. Once they begin to ramble through the list of side effects, you can only imagine the look on their faces.

6. Ordering Coffee To-Go

Woman-driving-car-drinking-coffee
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

This may or may not seem surprising, but ordering coffee to-go originated in the United States and still seems unusual for people from other parts of the world. You may have noticed, but if you’ve ever visited other parts of the world or even watched a film, you’ve probably noticed the locals sitting down and enjoying a hot cup of coffee from a ceramic cup. What better way to enjoy coffee than over peaceful conversation?

7. Keeping Eggs in the Refrigerator

Woman-taking-eggs-out-of-refrigerator
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

This one may shock many, but eggs are seldom stored inside the refrigerator outside of the United States. Americans put their eggs into the refrigerator because of how they’re washed (which isn’t even needed in the process) and remove the egg’s protective layer. But almost everywhere else in the world, eggs can sit on your kitchen shelf or counter.

8. Ordering Water Incorrectly

Waiter-serving
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

When dining out, you’ll often hear Americans say, “I’ll just have water.” They expect it to come at no cost. In other places like Europe, the waiters will ask you what type of water you want, and they’ll answer either sparkling or tap water. When asking for water in America, tap is what you’ll get unless you specify otherwise, but keep in mind that you can’t drink tap water from all locations.

9. Americans Are Too Loud

Woman-using-mobile
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

When people from outside the country visit places like New York, they’re shocked by the number of people loitering on the streets and having full-blown conversations on their speakerphones. Foreigners who live outside of the United States don’t loiter and they don’t have loud conversations during their commute!

10. Americans Drive Too Much

Businessman-driving-car
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

When foreigners find out how much Americans drive, they’re shocked by the time and the long distances traveled. While every country has its roads, you don’t notice just how anti-pedestrian the United States is compared to other parts of the world. When living in the suburbs across the nation, so close to major roads, walking seems like an undesirable option, but in other parts of the country, the same distance away from major roads is a cakewalk to its locals.

Cascading Paradise: 10 Magical Waterfalls You Can Actually Swim In

Summer is that time of year when many outdoor enthusiasts travel outdoors to find a refreshing place to take a dip after a long hike. Yes, you could jump into a chlorinated pool; however, there’s nothing like jumping into a swimming hall surrounding an abundance of natural beauty. Read below as we discover 10 magical waterfalls you can actually swim in.

Cascading Paradise: 10 Magical Waterfalls You Can Actually Swim In

Boomers Living The Dream: Visit These 11 Must-See Destinations Retirees Can’t Get Enough Of

Carving out a comfortable retirement can be difficult, but it’s worth the effort for those who want to make the most of their golden years. The freedom of being able to hop on a plane or take a road trip whenever and wherever you please is an enticing prospect for retirees to look forward to, even if it means having to save up for a while. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back beach getaway, an active outdoor adventure in the mountains, or a bustling city to explore, these 11 must-see destinations will make your retirement dreams come true.

Boomers Living The Dream: Visit These 11 Must-See Destinations Retirees Can’t Get Enough Of

11 Cool Things A Traveler Can Do When Visiting A New Destination

Whenever I visit a new country, I somewhat see it as a fresh painting, alive with vibrant colors, textures, and narratives yet to be discovered. Each nation has a unique set of activities to do and things to buy and believe me, there’s nothing quite like these rituals travelers in an online forum recommended for each new country you visit.

11 Cool Things A Traveler Can Do When Visiting A New Destination

Mailing Clothes Instead of Checking Bags: The Bizarre Trend That’s Catching On

Airlines tend to lose luggage, and although they issue customers with handy security checking tags, luggage handlers are human and make mistakes. My friend once waited two weeks to reunite with her lost luggage, and staying in a foreign country stranded without your clothes is not a great feeling. To combat those instances, travelers mention why they mail their bags to their destinations instead of checking their luggage.

Mailing Clothes Instead of Checking Bags: The Bizarre Trend That’s Catching On

Your Children Will Thank You When You Visit These One of These 11 Kid-Friendly Travel Destinations

Traveling as a family is more than just a leisure activity. It’s an exciting journey filled with discovery, bonding, and memorable moments that children carry into adulthood. That’s why finding a place your kids will also love should be a priority. Users from an online forum say that beyond the hustle and bustle of urban places, the world is filled with family-friendly spots that provide immersive experiences for kids and relaxation for parents.

Your Children Will Thank You When You Visit These One of These 11 Kid-Friendly Travel Destinations

1. Cheerleading at Sport Venues

Cheerleaders
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

In other countries, avid sports fans see competitiveness and cardio as a recipe for winning, but here in America, they need to throw Cheerleaders into the mix. It wouldn’t be possible to win games without cheerleaders dancing in cute outfits, so when people from other countries see cheerleaders, even on television shows, they think of it as highly inappropriate. However, they don’t realize that cheerleading has become a competitive sport involving dancing and gymnastics.

2. Wear Pajamas Out in Public

Woman-wearing-pajamas
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

While venturing around an American college campus, it’s not out of the norm to see college students wearing their pajamas in public. Whether it’s to run to the store for a late-night snack or attend class, Americans care more about being comfortable than their appearance—or so it seems. If you live in the suburbs and get too dressed up, you may even get a side eye from your neighbors, whereas, in other countries, people always get dressed up when they leave the house.

3. Fast Food Jumbo Options

Mc-Donald-Big-Mac
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

When visitors from outside the United States visit, they find it odd that almost every fast-food restaurant offers jumbo options to its customers. Even with its small, medium, and large sizes, the United States still has the largest McDonald’s portion sizes in the rest of the world. Americans even weirdly expect refills anywhere they go, whereas other countries don’t give free refills, which accurately explains the obesity rates in the United States.

4. Tipping When You Go Out To Eat

Waitress-getting-tipped
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

When dining out in the United States, it’s customary to tip anywhere from 15% % to 20% when receiving exceptional service in a restaurant. Foreigners visiting from outside the United States are often confused when dining out and are expected to leave their waitress a tip. In many other countries, service workers are paid a living wage, so it shocks them when they find out that Americans make less and often even need to split their tips.

5. Advertising Prescription Drugs

Advertising-medicine
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Another thing that strikes foreigners as odd is that Americans advertise prescription drugs during almost every commercial break. One minute, you see a happy couple taking a stroll down the sidewalk, and the next, they’re promoting a medication with a long list of side effects. Once they begin to ramble through the list of side effects, you can only imagine the look on their faces.

6. Ordering Coffee To-Go

Woman-driving-car-drinking-coffee
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

This may or may not seem surprising, but ordering coffee to-go originated in the United States and still seems unusual for people from other parts of the world. You may have noticed, but if you’ve ever visited other parts of the world or even watched a film, you’ve probably noticed the locals sitting down and enjoying a hot cup of coffee from a ceramic cup. What better way to enjoy coffee than over peaceful conversation?

7. Keeping Eggs in the Refrigerator

Woman-taking-eggs-out-of-refrigerator
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

This one may shock many, but eggs are seldom stored inside the refrigerator outside of the United States. Americans put their eggs into the refrigerator because of how they’re washed (which isn’t even needed in the process) and remove the egg’s protective layer. But almost everywhere else in the world, eggs can sit on your kitchen shelf or counter.

8. Ordering Water Incorrectly

Waiter-serving
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

When dining out, you’ll often hear Americans say, “I’ll just have water.” They expect it to come at no cost. In other places like Europe, the waiters will ask you what type of water you want, and they’ll answer either sparkling or tap water. When asking for water in America, tap is what you’ll get unless you specify otherwise, but keep in mind that you can’t drink tap water from all locations.

9. Americans Are Too Loud

Woman-using-mobile
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

When people from outside the country visit places like New York, they’re shocked by the number of people loitering on the streets and having full-blown conversations on their speakerphones. Foreigners who live outside of the United States don’t loiter and they don’t have loud conversations during their commute!

10. Americans Drive Too Much

Businessman-driving-car
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

When foreigners find out how much Americans drive, they’re shocked by the time and the long distances traveled. While every country has its roads, you don’t notice just how anti-pedestrian the United States is compared to other parts of the world. When living in the suburbs across the nation, so close to major roads, walking seems like an undesirable option, but in other parts of the country, the same distance away from major roads is a cakewalk to its locals.

Cascading Paradise: 10 Magical Waterfalls You Can Actually Swim In

Summer is that time of year when many outdoor enthusiasts travel outdoors to find a refreshing place to take a dip after a long hike. Yes, you could jump into a chlorinated pool; however, there’s nothing like jumping into a swimming hall surrounding an abundance of natural beauty. Read below as we discover 10 magical waterfalls you can actually swim in.

Cascading Paradise: 10 Magical Waterfalls You Can Actually Swim In

Boomers Living The Dream: Visit These 11 Must-See Destinations Retirees Can’t Get Enough Of

Carving out a comfortable retirement can be difficult, but it’s worth the effort for those who want to make the most of their golden years. The freedom of being able to hop on a plane or take a road trip whenever and wherever you please is an enticing prospect for retirees to look forward to, even if it means having to save up for a while. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back beach getaway, an active outdoor adventure in the mountains, or a bustling city to explore, these 11 must-see destinations will make your retirement dreams come true.

Boomers Living The Dream: Visit These 11 Must-See Destinations Retirees Can’t Get Enough Of

11 Cool Things A Traveler Can Do When Visiting A New Destination

Whenever I visit a new country, I somewhat see it as a fresh painting, alive with vibrant colors, textures, and narratives yet to be discovered. Each nation has a unique set of activities to do and things to buy and believe me, there’s nothing quite like these rituals travelers in an online forum recommended for each new country you visit.

11 Cool Things A Traveler Can Do When Visiting A New Destination

Mailing Clothes Instead of Checking Bags: The Bizarre Trend That’s Catching On

Airlines tend to lose luggage, and although they issue customers with handy security checking tags, luggage handlers are human and make mistakes. My friend once waited two weeks to reunite with her lost luggage, and staying in a foreign country stranded without your clothes is not a great feeling. To combat those instances, travelers mention why they mail their bags to their destinations instead of checking their luggage.

Mailing Clothes Instead of Checking Bags: The Bizarre Trend That’s Catching On

Your Children Will Thank You When You Visit These One of These 11 Kid-Friendly Travel Destinations

Traveling as a family is more than just a leisure activity. It’s an exciting journey filled with discovery, bonding, and memorable moments that children carry into adulthood. That’s why finding a place your kids will also love should be a priority. Users from an online forum say that beyond the hustle and bustle of urban places, the world is filled with family-friendly spots that provide immersive experiences for kids and relaxation for parents.

Your Children Will Thank You When You Visit These One of These 11 Kid-Friendly Travel Destinations

Leave a Comment