I’m an American who spent 6 months residing in Europe. Here are 5 life-style modifications I’ll be taking again with me to the US.

• As an American who spent six months living in Europe, I observed plenty of life-style variations.

• I plan on taking some points of life in Europe again house with me.

• I’ll not let the climate have an effect on my plans and hope to search out extra small adventures near house.

It’s no secret that Europeans and Americans have very totally different life. From purchasing habits to sports activities preferences to work culture, we frequently fall onto totally different ends of the spectrum.

I skilled these variations firsthand as an American traveling around Europe for six months, spending time in locations just like the UK, Czech Republic, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.

Here are the 5 European life-style selections I’ll be integrating into my life within the States.

I’ll not let the climate damage my plans.

I’m fortunate to have sunshine a lot of the 12 months in my house state of Colorado. Because of this, although, I have a tendency to speak myself into staying house when the climate is wet, windy, and even overcast.

When I used to be within the UK, nevertheless, wet days had been a traditional a part of life. I did not need to waste time following my “nice weather or bust” mindset, so I began watching the locals.

For instance, that they had quality rain jackets and carried waterproof casings to go over their backpacks or luggage to maintain them dry.

I adopted their lead and invested in a extra heavy-duty raincoat, and I rapidly discovered that with correct preparation, the chilly and rain aren’t dangerous in any respect. The moody climate typically added to the general ambiance of the day.

I’m going to make an effort to search out extra adventures close to my hometown.

When I journey, I actively attempt to accumulate probably the most experiences in an space, from museums and landmarks to native occasions. However, I really feel responsible about not at all times doing this at house.

It’s much like the cliché that some born-and-bred New Yorkers have by no means been to the Statue of Liberty.

Some of my favourite experiences in Europe weren’t the grand, well-known monuments, however the quirky issues I encountered in small cities.

I cherished seeing a statue of a goat king in Kerry, Ireland, and stumbling upon an older couple giving an alphorn live performance in a Swiss village.

I’m sure there are related gems near my hometown, and now I’m decided to search out them.

I’ll be embracing the concept that much less is extra.

Many of the Europeans I met had been fantastic at having a “less is more” mindset. They owned fewer issues, like garments and decor objects, and acquired much less meals without delay than I did within the US.

They appeared to have a distinct perspective about shopping for issues normally. Part of that is possible as a result of European residences are usually smaller than American homes.

After purchasing much less whereas overseas, I’m going to attempt to preserve that behavior stateside.

Using two duvets as a substitute of 1 comforter is a recreation changer.

In my marriage, I’m referred to as the “blanket hog” — although that is nonetheless hotly debated on my finish. So, when my husband and I walked into an alpine cabin and noticed two neatly folded duvets over the mattress, he was ecstatic.

We encountered this a number of instances all through our journey, and I need to admit, having my very own fluffy blanket to cuddle into was fairly good. The cover covers are additionally means simpler to scrub than a comforter.

I’m excited to proceed following soccer.

Americans nonetheless have not embraced soccer the way in which different nations have. Though I’ll at all times be a diehard American soccer fan, being in Europe for the UEFA European Championship opened my eyes to simply how electrifying soccer could be.

From the crew chants and bitter rivalries to the epic watch events, I’ll be setting my alarm to look at some main video games from throughout the pond.

This story was initially revealed on November 7, 2024, and most not too long ago up to date on September 19, 2025.

Read the unique article on Business Insider