Planning a vacation to Europe? No doubt you have some expectations about your upcoming journey.
Perhaps you are someone who admires stunning architecture and expects to spend your days exploring world-renowned museums for artwork. Or you could go to Europe to meet interesting people, relax on the beach until sunset and dance at night at a local club. Regardless of your European vacation preferences, you are sure it will be awesome!
But wait a minute. Have you thought about your cultural expectations?
Many European tourists plan their activities and assume that everything else is "like America". If so, think again! Europe and America are very different in landscape, climate and history, they are also very different culturally. Europeans and Americans had different ideas about etiquette, time, personal space, personal property management, and language.
For anyone planning a trip to Europe, here are the "cross-cultural conflict" areas that Americans traveling in Europe often encounter. Making you aware of these differences will help you to have a fun, entertaining and educational European holiday without cultural misunderstandings!
Personal space and take a look at the world map. Which is smaller: America or Europe? That's true - Europe. But there are still a lot of people out there, which means they're used to small places!
American living standards are very high. We are accustomed to king-size beds and bathrooms that can accommodate multiple people at one time,
I have to admit that I'm impatient to have to wait more than fifteen minutes in a restaurant in America. Once the food arrives, I can get out the door in half an hour!
In Italy, however, a dinner filled with conversation, laughter and great food lasts up to two hours! I laugh when I hear other Americans asking why the food has not arrived yet. Waiters are given the opportunity to taste the food without them knowing.
Similarly, shops and businesses in Spain are closed for the afternoon break. In the UK, a handyman may want to chat with you before repairing that pipe.
Most Europeans do not share the American compulsion to "save time" by doing everything quickly. So leave your watch when you are on vacation in Europe. After all, it's a holiday!
Quality
I often hear complaints about the quality of home appliances and amenities in Europe, especially from people who rent villas or apartments. "The furniture is old!" Every time I hear someone say that I become a millionaire. Or "bathroom pipe needs to be replaced."
In today's society we hope to see something new, to look new, to behave new. If it's not, we'll throw it away.
But think of the person who grew up when he was depressed. Our grandfather lined up old coffee cans with extra nails and pieces of wire. He sat in the same chair every night until he died. Nothing was wasted, nothing was thrown away if it could be fixed.
So if the furniture seems a little worn out, or the sink is clogged, think before you complain. Is it the result of quality neglect and decay, or is it the result of careful, conscientious work without wasting anything?
Consider it an educational experience; You can also learn from a more traditional lifestyle.
Language
As an American, I'm often jealous of Europeans who choose a bottle of milk in the store just like you. For me, it was a lofty battle!
Since learning three or four languages in our country is not a cultural requirement or an educational requirement, most Americans feel the same way. Yet, some Americans still believe that everyone in Europe should speak English!
Just as you or I suffer because of French tourists who expect everyone in America to speak French, Europeans are often annoyed by Americans with this mentality.
Even if you probably do not learn a new language before your vacation, you can learn some useful phrases. It is considered polite and guaranteed to get a more positive response. When you try to use their language, Italian or French, they may pretend to be ignorant, usually assist you with your pronunciation- and then communicate with you in English!
The right attitude
Finally, keep in mind that the standards and customs you meet when traveling in Europe are not wrong. They are just different. If you travel with the right perspective, you will get a richer, more authentic and eye-opening experience. Anyone knows? Your European vacation can change the way you see the world.
But if you live in a spacious French cottage or Italian villa, be prepared for smaller spaces than you used to. The bedroom and bathroom are more compact, as is the size of the bed. Single and double beds are equally cramped. The kitchen does not accommodate your whole family!
So think of it as an opportunity to get closer to your travel companions. Think about sharing a bathroom in Italy as an exercise in collaboration. Stay comfortable with your spouse in that French double bed. Be ready to laugh as you adjust. Get creative and have fun!
Etiquette
The common misconception of Europeans is that they are "rude". Of course, they think of us as well!
Keep in mind that rudeness is mostly a cultural concept when you travel in Europe. Anyone who looks blunt and naughty can express friendship and concern for your well-being. The waiter will try to help you by telling you what to order because you do not know the language. The difference in "personal space" is that the person cutting in front of you may not even notice that you are in line!
Also, you can freely discuss issues that are forbidden in your community elsewhere and vice versa. In America, we think it's very rude to comment on a person's weight. This is not true everywhere in the world!
So when going to Europe, keep a tight grip on your nature. A good way to achieve this is to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. Just choose not to get angry. If you can roll with the punches, you will enjoy your vacation more, and you will be better travel companions
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