
International travel is a common occurrence for many Americans, with 71% of US adults having travelled abroad at some point in their lives, according to a Pew Research Center survey. However, this varies widely across demographic groups, with income, education, age, and race being significant factors. In this context, it is interesting to compare international travel trends in the US with those in the rest of the world. For instance, compared to Americans, people in many European nations are more likely to have travelled to five or more countries, with 88% of Swedes having done so. Additionally, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international travel in America and worldwide is also worth examining, as travel restrictions caused a significant decline in the number of US citizens travelling overseas.
What You'll Learn
America's love for big portions and cheap gas
America's love for large portions is well-known. From pancakes as a side dish to 14-patty cheeseburgers, Americans are known for their supersized meals. This preference for excess extends beyond food, with the country boasting over six million kilometres of roads and highways, more than any other country. The SUV trend also originated in America, with its citizens favouring big cars to fill those gigantic highways.
This love for excess is also evident in the dairy aisle of American supermarkets, where milk is sold in larger quantities than in other countries. This may be due to Americans' relatively high per capita consumption of milk, ranking third in the world.
When it comes to fuel, Americans are always on the lookout for cheap gas. Gas prices are a significant concern for many Americans, with some driving a lot for work or otherwise travelling long distances. The GasBuddy app, for example, helps users find the best gas prices in their state and offers exclusive deals and discounts.
America's affinity for large portions and cheap gas is just one aspect of its unique culture. Other notable differences include the country's preference for sanitising everything, its use of complicated measurement systems, and its ranking as one of the lowest in terms of vacation time offered among "advanced economy" nations.
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Differences in eating habits
Eating habits differ greatly between the US and the rest of the world. In the US, 60% of citizens are overweight or clinically obese, and the country has the highest obesity rates in the world. This is in part due to the quality of the food supply, which contains additives and chemicals that are banned in other countries.
Europeans, for example, do not allow known or suspected carcinogens in their food. The US allows the use of Potassium Bromate and Azodicarbonamide, which have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. The US also permits the use of yellow dyes 5 & 6, red dye 40, blue dye 1, and caramel colouring, which are linked to neurological problems, allergies, brain cancer, ADD, and ADHD, and are banned in several European countries.
The regulatory approach to food quality also differs between the US and Europe. Europe operates with a "better safe than sorry" approach, pulling products off the market if they are believed to be harmful. In contrast, the US operates under an "innocent until proven guilty" model, relying on the companies producing the products to prove their guilt.
As a result of these differences in food quality and regulation, American food companies produce healthier versions of their products to sell overseas. For example, companies like Heinz, Quaker Oats, and Mountain Dew have less chemically-altered products for European markets.
In addition to differences in food quality and regulation, there are also cultural differences in eating habits between the US and other countries. Americans tend to favour processed and packaged food, with 31% more packaged food consumed than fresh food. In comparison, the Spanish and French consume similar rates of packaged food, but more of it is dairy and baked goods.
Americans also tend to eat larger portions and eat more quickly than their counterparts in other countries. In France, for instance, meals are often broken into courses of small portions, allowing people to feel full before overeating. French people also view mealtimes as a social occasion, eating with others and taking their time to enjoy their food.
In other countries, such as Brazil, South Africa, China, and Japan, people are encouraged to eat slowly and in groups. Eating together is also a common practice in Brazil, where the government has recently released a new food guide that encourages the consumption of traditional meals featuring rice, beans, corn, and fresh vegetables.
In summary, differences in eating habits between the US and the rest of the world include not only the types of food consumed but also the way in which food is sourced, prepared, and enjoyed. While Americans tend to favour processed and packaged food, eaten quickly and often on-the-go, people in other countries, such as France and Brazil, prioritise fresh, high-quality ingredients, slower eating, and social mealtimes. These differences contribute to the varying obesity rates between the US and other countries, with the US having the highest obesity rates in the world.
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Work-life balance
Americans tend to spend a large chunk of their lives at their jobs, ranking next to last in vacation time offered by countries with advanced economies. This also extends to maternity leave, where the USA ranks second to last among 21 "advanced economy" nations.
This work-heavy culture may contribute to the fact that Americans are less likely to travel internationally compared to citizens of other countries. While 71% of Americans have travelled abroad at some point in their lives, this still leaves almost a quarter (27%) who have not. There are also significant disparities in travel habits across different demographic groups in the US. For example, income plays a role, with 48% of those earning less than $30,000 a year not having left the country, compared to 28% of those earning between $30,000 and $79,999, and only 10% of those earning $80,000 or more. Education level also seems to be a factor, with 37% of those with some college education or less not having travelled internationally, compared to only 7% of college graduates. Gender is another factor, with women (32%) being more likely than men (22%) to have never travelled outside the US. Finally, race plays a role, with Black Americans being much less likely to have travelled abroad (49%) than White (75%) or Hispanic (73%) Americans.
These statistics suggest that socio-economic factors play a significant role in determining Americans' ability to take time off work and travel internationally. The high cost of travel, lack of paid vacation time, and other financial constraints may contribute to these disparities.
Additionally, American work culture may influence the destinations that Americans choose to visit. For example, when Americans do travel, they often seek out exotic or far-flung locations for their vacations. This could be because Americans have less vacation time to utilise, so they want to make the most of it by visiting places that are very different from their everyday lives. It is also worth noting that the US has a strong road trip culture, with many Americans choosing to explore their own country by car, rather than travelling internationally.
In conclusion, while Americans do travel internationally, their work-life balance, financial constraints, and other socio-economic factors may impact the frequency and nature of their travels when compared to citizens of other countries.
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Gun laws
> "A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
While the right to bear arms is constitutionally protected, it is not unlimited. The US Supreme Court has upheld firearms restrictions, such as bans on certain weapons and concealed carry, as well as prohibitions on the sale of guns to specific categories of people. Federal law forms the basis of firearm regulation, but individual states and cities can impose further restrictions.
Despite these measures, the US has the highest homicide-by-firearm rate among the world's most developed nations. People in the US are ten times more likely to be killed by guns than in other developed countries, and mass shootings occur almost daily. In response, some have called for stricter gun laws, with countries like Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Spain, and the UK often cited as examples to follow.
Australia
In 1996, Australia experienced a mass shooting that took 35 lives. Just 12 days later, the government drafted the National Firearms Programme Implementation Act, which restricted the private ownership of high-capacity semi-automatic shotguns, semi-automatic rifles, and pump-action shotguns. The government also confiscated private weapons through voluntary surrender and mandatory buyback programs. Since then, there hasn't been a mass shooting in Australia. Today, Australian gun license applicants must provide a "legitimate reason" for their application and undergo mandatory background checks, including criminal, mental health, physical, addiction, and domestic violence checks.
Canada
Canada's gun laws are set by the national government, with the provinces, territories, and municipalities able to supplement them. Canada's gun laws have often been driven by gun violence, such as the 1989 Montreal engineering school shooting that killed 14 students and injured over a dozen others. Firearms in Canada are divided into three classes: non-restricted, restricted, and prohibited. It is illegal to own a fully automatic weapon unless it was registered before 1978. Individuals must obtain a license to buy guns and ammunition, and certain firearms must be registered.
France
In France, the amount of ammunition allowed in a person's home is limited. To buy a gun, one must have a hunting or shooting sport license. There are also restrictions on the total number of firearms an individual can own, and background checks are mandatory.
Germany
In Germany, anyone under 25 must pass a psychiatric evaluation to buy a gun.
Italy
To secure a gun permit in Italy, one must establish a genuine reason to possess a firearm and pass a background check considering criminal and mental health records.
Japan
Japan has incredibly restrictive gun laws, and obtaining a gun involves a rigorous process. Gun owners must have a license, which is heavily regulated by the National Police Agency. Handguns are banned, and firearms are extremely rare. Penalties for disobeying gun laws are strict and seem to discourage gun use overall.
Norway
Norway is known for its tough gun laws and low gun homicide rates, although ownership rates are high. To obtain a gun license, applicants must be at least 18 years old, specify a "valid reason" for gun ownership, and obtain a government license.
Spain
Spain has extensive requirements for gun ownership, including exams, background checks, and mental health checks. Police may also inspect firearms at any time.
United Kingdom
Handguns are illegal for private citizens in the UK. A gun-related tragedy in Dunblane, Scotland, in 1996, prompted the country's strictest gun laws yet, including a ban on handguns with few exceptions and a temporary gun buyback program.
Solutions for the US
While some call for a ban on all firearms in the US, this is not a likely scenario and has not worked elsewhere. However, there are potential solutions that could be adapted from other countries' approaches:
- Banning assault weapons, as in Australia.
- Reducing the number of rounds people can own, as in France.
- Conducting thorough research and data analysis, as in Japan.
- Raising the standards for who can own a gun, as in Spain.
- Adding new restrictions on gun ownership, as in Canada.
- Requiring gun registration and licenses, as in Canada and Australia.
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Travel restrictions
When it comes to international travel, there are a number of considerations that Americans need to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to check the travel restrictions and entry requirements of your destination country. Some countries may require proof of return or onward travel, a visiting address, and sufficient funds for your stay. It is also essential to have the correct travel documents, including a valid passport, and any required visas or travel authorizations. For example, the United States requires eligible travellers to obtain an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departure.
Another important consideration is health requirements. Depending on your destination, you may need to provide proof of vaccination or undergo specific medical tests. Contact tracing may also be required, such as providing your contact information to the local health authorities. Additionally, some countries may have specific restrictions on medication, so it is important to declare any personal medication upon arrival.
When travelling with children, special documentation may be needed, such as documentary evidence of your relationship and a letter of consent from the child's parent or legal guardian if they are not present. It is also important to always carry proper identification that matches the information on your travel documents.
In terms of cultural differences, Americans should be aware that other countries may have different social norms and customs. For example, in many countries, it is customary to remove your shoes when entering a house. Additionally, public toilet stalls in the United States may have smaller doors with gaps, which can be surprising for travellers from other countries.
Lastly, when it comes to transportation, most countries primarily use manual transmission vehicles, whereas in the United States, automatic transmissions are more common. This is an important consideration if you plan to drive during your travels.
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Frequently asked questions
The number of Americans travelling abroad has fluctuated over the years. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of US citizens travelling overseas fell below 10 million. However, in 2023, there was an increase of over 10 million in the number of Americans travelling internationally compared to 2022.
The US is the wealthiest country surveyed in terms of gross domestic product per capita, but about half of the other countries surveyed have higher rates of international travel. For example, Sweden and the Netherlands have much higher rates of international travel, with nearly all respondents in a survey saying they had travelled to another country.
According to a 2024 survey by MMGY and the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), American travellers are motivated by cultural curiosity, personal safety, and multi-destination journeys. They prioritise safety and experiencing different cultures and cuisines. They also prefer traditional hotels and resorts over other types of accommodations.
International travel generates significant revenue for various industries in the US, including transportation carriers, hotels, and restaurants. In 2000, travel expenditures by international visitors to the US amounted to $82 billion, while Americans spent about $18 billion less on their international trips.