Let me count the ways:

1. Extended vacations

Americans are arguably the hardest-working people on Earth. That’s a strength worth preserving.

But after traveling extensively throughout Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia, I’ve become convinced that we could benefit from taking longer vacations — without sacrificing our work ethic. Many countries regularly grant workers four to six weeks of paid vacation, and some cultures practically encourage extended summer breaks.

The result isn’t laziness. It’s rejuvenation.

People return to work refreshed, families spend more time together, and individuals pursue hobbies, adventures, and personal growth. Americans don’t need to become less productive. We just need more opportunities to unplug and recharge before burnout becomes a lifestyle.

2. Japanese cleanliness

Few travel experiences have impressed me more than visiting Japan.

The streets are spotless. Public transportation is pristine. Parks, sidewalks, and public spaces often look as though they were cleaned moments before you arrived.

What’s remarkable is that there aren’t trash cans everywhere. Instead, cleanliness is viewed as a shared responsibility. Communities, schools, businesses, and individuals all contribute to maintaining public spaces.

The lesson isn’t merely about cleanliness. It’s about ownership.

When people view their neighborhoods, parks, and cities as extensions of their own homes, everybody benefits. America could use a little more of that collective pride.

3. Prices that include tax and tip

“I love paying more than the listed price when it comes to taxes and tips,” said no one ever.

For reasons that remain mysterious, Americans continue to tolerate a pricing system that rarely tells consumers the actual cost of anything.

A $20 meal isn’t $20. A $50 purchase isn’t $50. A hotel room, concert ticket, or rental car often ends up costing considerably more than the advertised price.

Meanwhile, many countries simply display the final price upfront.

Imagine that.

No mental math. No surprise fees. No awkward tipping calculations. Just transparent pricing that allows consumers to know exactly what they’re paying before they reach the register.

It’s one of those small travel conveniences that feels revolutionary every time I experience it abroad.

4. Slow cafe culture

Many Americans eat lunch at their desks, consume breakfast while driving, and drink meals from protein shakes between appointments.

In much of the world, that sounds insane.

From France and Italy to Spain and Argentina, meals are often viewed as social events rather than logistical necessities. People linger. They talk. They laugh. They connect.

Food isn’t merely fuel.

It’s family time. Community time. Friendship time.

Research consistently shows that shared meals strengthen relationships, improve mental health, and reduce stress. Yet many Americans treat eating as something to finish as quickly as possible.

We could all benefit from slowing down occasionally and remembering that some of life’s best moments happen around a table.

5. Public farting in China

Stay with me here.

One of the more amusing cultural differences I’ve encountered involves attitudes toward bodily functions. In China, farting in public is generally considered a normal bodily function and is often met with indifference rather than offense, particularly in casual settings. While not intentionally encouraged, it is much less taboo than in many Western cultures and is frequently ignored when it happens in public.

Now, I’m not suggesting America launch a national campaign promoting public flatulence. But there is something refreshing about recognizing that humans are, well, human.

Many cultures are far less anxious about natural bodily functions than Americans tend to be. Sometimes a little less embarrassment and a little more acceptance might make life easier for everyone involved.

Honorable Mention: Roundabouts

Ironically, one of my favorite foreign habits was actually invented in America. Compared to traditional traffic lights (another American invention), roundabouts speed traffic, lower fuel costs, and reduce car accidents. Let’s use more of them.

Blake Snow contributes to fancy publications and Fortune 500 companies as a bodacious writer-for-hire and seasoned travel journalist to all seven continents. He lives in Provo, Utah with his wife, five children, and one ferocious chihuahua.