But some corners of Europe feel surprisingly familiar–not because they look like home, but because they share pieces of the American experience. If you’re an American traveler looking for a European destination where the cultural transition feels a little smoother, these five countries stand out.

1. Ireland: The Closest Connection. Ireland probably has the strongest cultural and emotional connection with America. Millions of Americans trace their ancestry to Ireland, and that history still influences the relationship between the two countries.

The shared language helps, although some Irish accents can be difficult to understand, but it’s the social atmosphere that often surprises visitors. Ireland’s reputation for friendliness, storytelling, humor, and personal warmth feels especially comfortable to many Americans.

Ireland also has a strong affinity to the United States through its great outdoors, technology, business, and investment. It blends old-world traditions with a hopeful, entrepreneurial outlook. And like Americans, few people are more friendly, chatty, and giving than the Irish.

2. United Kingdom: The Closest Cousin. The United Kingdom is perhaps the easiest European landing spot for Americans. The obvious reason is language. Navigating a pub menu, chatting with locals, or figuring out a train schedule doesn’t require translation.

But the similarities go deeper. The U.S. and UK share legal traditions, political history, popular culture, and a long-running partnership on the world stage. American movies, music, television, and business have a natural home here, just as British culture has shaped generations of Americans.

The differences are part of the charm: smaller cars, older neighborhoods, historic villages, and a stronger pub culture create a distinctly British experience without feeling completely unfamiliar. But unlike the Irish, the British are more reserved and guarded when it comes to opening up to Americans, even though their terrible fun in small talk encounters. 

3. Netherlands: The Open-Minded Innovator. The Netherlands feels familiar in a different way. It shares America’s appreciation for trade, entrepreneurship, and innovation. For centuries, the Dutch have looked outward, building a culture shaped by commerce and international exchange.

Today, the Netherlands is one of Europe’s most globally connected countries. English is widely spoken, cities are highly international, and there is a strong emphasis on individual freedom and personal choice.

Of course, the Dutch way of life is not American. Bikes often replace cars, cities are compact rather than sprawling, and public transportation plays a much larger role. But the spirit of openness and opportunity feels remarkably recognizable.

4. Switzerland: Independence and Self-Reliance. Switzerland might seem like an unlikely comparison, but it shares some values Americans often appreciate: local control, independence, and personal responsibility.

Its federal system gives significant power to regions, much like the relationship between U.S. states and the federal government. Switzerland also has a strong entrepreneurial culture, high incomes, and a reputation for efficiency.

The scenery is different from anything in most of America–dramatic Alps instead of wide-open highways–but the sense of self-reliance and pride in local communities feels familiar.

5. Norway: Similar Lifestyle, Smaller Scale. Norway earns its place on this list through lifestyle rather than history. Like many parts of America, Norway values outdoor recreation, personal freedom, and a connection to nature.

It is a wealthy, innovative country with a high quality of life and a culture that values independence. Hiking, skiing, fishing, and time outdoors are also central parts of everyday life.

The biggest difference is Norway’s social model. Compared with the United States, Norway has a much larger safety net, higher taxes, and greater government involvement in healthcare and education.

These five countries reveal why Europe can feel both comfortable and surprising to Americans, while still highlighting many of the continent’s differing values–namely stronger social systems, a lot less cars and roads, stricter gun laws, and more regulatory “red tape” in everyday life. They offer just enough familiarity to feel welcoming, but plenty of old-school delights to remind Americans why crossing the Atlantic is still worthwhile.

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.