Colorado so you can visit me lol. Honestly anywhere to your heart's content and where your passions lie and what sites you love and culture is where you should be and go. Just let us know what your passions are n we'll guide you in the right areas.
We obviously want to do the more ‘obvious’ tourist states, (Florida, California, Hawaii) but we also want to go to a state that is different and quirky. Colorado is one of my top places to visit. From what I’ve seen, it’s stunning!
@@millie0804 Be prepared to spend a lot of money for Hawaii. I’m a big Florida fan but the Mountian states (Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Montana) are going to be the most beautiful. If you come in the winter though, Florida and the southeast are best
Measuring distance? Most American's actually measure distance in time. My grocery store is a 10 minute drive. My parents live 40 minutes away. My in-laws live 10 hours away. Our planned vacation this summer is 26 hour drive.
To piggy back on this comment and to expound on how big the US is: I live in Dallas, TX and I used to make day trips to Round Rock, TX multiple times a week. If someone asked me how far the drive is? "Oh about 3-3.5 hours, if traffic is good." And fun fact: El Paso, TX is closer to California than it is to Dallas. (It's about a 9 hour drive to EP from DTX.)
Sometimes its because of traffic patterns. The distance is always the same, but the drive time varies. You call a friend from the road and may say "I'm 20 minutes out" (meaning time to destination) or "I'm 45 minutes out" it just depends on the time of day.
I also think part of it is that Americans have an innate appreciation for heritage as well. I think that’s why we ask other Americans where they’re “from” (which can OBVIOUSLY come off as rude since it’s often phrased like they aren’t American). On the whole, I believe we’re very interested in the diverse heritage that surrounds us. It’s too bad that this has turned into a negative discriminatory topic rather than a celebration of heritage :/
The south is nothing like the north, east or west coast. Each region, and state for that matter, is different. You can’t just visit one state or area and say “America” in general.
I'm ALWAYS willing to stop and listen! But I'm a very friendly person, when I was much younger we lived in Italy for two years, maybe that's why I kind of a "touchy, huggy type" and I prefer things that way however most Americans have their personal " bubble " around them and I certainly respect it ( I AM an American!). And I am certainly not always "touchy", depends on who it is, WHERE I am- large cities and I'm pretty darned reserved. Regarding his comment on cigarettes - I'd venture to say he's a non- smoker but if you should have the misfortune of finding yourself in CA ( hey, I used to live in LaJolla, a beautiful. place), the peeps there are a bit uh, different, if someone lit up there the one who lot up would probably be calling for bail money. I'm pretty much a live and let live kind of person and generally speaking I find Californians are the same way- as long as you live and think the same as them. And hate to say that but it's true. Uh, as far as hotels go, well in general the more you spend the nicer it'll be! DO partake in the local food though it's not as though all places HAVE any local food that's special. The places that do though- oh yes, definitely! And in general I don't care for chain restaurants ( except In n Out Burger!) so do ask locals, just try to be certain you're in a nice part of town when you ask! As far as DONT'S in the U.S., well how long are you going to be here? Depending on what part of the country you start, you can pack in a LOT or if you prefer a more leisurely pace ( well I don't mean you need to go at breakneck speed!)- I now live in Colorado and it really is a beautiful state, I live at the foot of Pikes Peak ( well not RIGHT at the foot) and there can be a lot to do here but if you're not the " outdoorsy" type AND depending on time of year, it can be a lot of fun or it can be " ok, we've been here 2 days, what next"! I am certain a lot of people would disagree with that comments but that my opinion. Fantastic snow skiing! This gentleman is correct about mass transit- unless you're in a large city there isn't any, in Italy we took trains EVERYWHERE - not so here. Again, depending on where you want to go and if you're comfortable driving on the wrong side of the road (!) you might want to rent a car. We have a lot of lousy drivers here so beware of you do!!!
Dont step out of your cars if you get pulled over. US Police have you remain in your vehicle for the traffic stop. If you get out, they usually interpret it as aggression.
All police here are Armed, there are a lot of regular citizens that are carrying as well, depending on where you are in the U.S. you may see folding knives on the belt or sticking out of pockets, some of us carry fixed bladed knives in sheaths on our belts. And, firearms, there are areas that you may see open carried pistols, and you may notice odd bulges in the clothing, and, Yup, it may be a gun........ Me, I always have a .45 on me, even sitting here while watching and responding to RUclips videos.
In America, there is a big difference in "Personal Space" when talking to a person in a city that is used to being closer to people in elevators and such compared to someone in the country.
American here... Not all American's respect personal space. I think it's a good policy, no matter where you are, to respect people's boundaries, and those boundaries can be very personal, rather than universal. When I was in a shopping mall, a stranger who worked at a massage place came up to me and put his hands on my shoulders to rub them (note that I have a neck injury from an old auto accident, and he actually hurt me). I don't care where you are from, where you live, you should never do that to any stranger.
I was a history professor at a small university and I used to tell my students that the US is a group of 50 different countries bonded together into a Republic. Each State (country?) has its own culture, dialect, idioms, etc. So basically you are going to see a little of everything....also he makes a great point about eating....ask the local sales clerk, etc., "where would YOU go to eat if you were going out?" You will find some amazing restaurant and foods.
What a unique vantage point and fresh use of the RUclips medium! A young couple from England (yes, the largest country in the United Kingdom, or U.K.) and our favorite and most-trusted allies, sharing important elements of what it means to "see" America and Americans differently than the current political lense. Our Flag, Star Spangled Banner, the military protection we provide the world since WWII, and tips on traveling to our United [individually unique] States. Well done!!
@@georgemartin4963 Yep. Most people seem to have forgotten about that. The US is a republic of states. The states are supposed to hold the power. The constitution specifically spells out what the federal government can do, and anything not specifically spelled out, is left to the states to determine for themselves. This is lost lately with the federal government deciding that they get to make all the rules.
Understand that cultures are wildly different from region to region. Here in my home state of Kentucky we're known for "southern hospitality" and people are generally extremely friendly and talkative. But in a large city like NY or St. Louis people are more brisk and cold, doesn't mean that they don't like you it's just they're probably in a hurry.
Mostly have to be careful who's next to you in Ny or in Cities cause you don't know who's gonna run up on you or just turn around and knock you out or do something bad.
I’d say DON’T forget about the ‘fly-over states’ in the Midwest (Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas etc). There’s actually a lot of incredible scenery and a variety of cultures, great food and the nicest people!
Yep. I lived for 4 years in an RV and loved traveling those states. BBQ in Kansas was amazing. Discovering St.Louis had their own kind of pizza was as awesome as finding the kindest baseball fans in America. South Dakota has Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, and a decently short drive to Devil's Tower.
Moved to the midwest. Im a lifer now.. It is so nice; and im a cheap ass so I cant lie; the prices is a huge thing for me. There are amazing state and federal parks and you can go and enjoy with out seeing any other people some days. It blew my mind when I figured that out. No where I ever went on the west coast was like that. I also experienced some way different traditional culture that i wasnt aware of. Pretty cool stuff. (Lutefisk is nasty though, dont let anyone convince you other wise.) 😂
If you're visiting the deep south: -Don't EVER turn down an act of generosity, such as a local offering a meal. Turning them down will give the impression of being extremely rude or shady. -Don't bring a lot of warm clothes for a winter trip. Just because it's winter doesn't mean it will not get up to 80F-100F degrees (27C-38C degrees) often. -Don't be unprepared for lots of humidity. Places like the Floridian panhandle or the swamps of Louisiana often times reach an excess of 80%+ humidity _year round._ If you're visiting the mid-west: -DON'T underestimate bad weather. A simple thunderstorm can be a breeding ground for tornadic activity in the right conditions. You should always stay on top of potential disaster threats using weather updates and being diligent with locating shelter points if necessary. (Stay away from windows, seek the innermost and most structurally sound room of the building if a proper shelter is not available.) If you're visiting Texas specifically: -Don't make fun of literally everything being shaped like Texas or having the Lone Star symbol. From hotel waffles to even ceramic tiling on sidewalks and buildings, Texans are very proud of their state and show it.
i live in kentucky.. and the weather is so unpredictable here. we have experienced all four seasons in one week. but this place is absolutely beautiful. and yes about the south. Sothern hospitality is very real even here.
Yeah, no. I'm not going to accept food willy-nilly from a complete stranger, and I don't like people doing things for me out of the blue without knowing what their intentions are.
Yes!! Especially the deep south. People from france come to my hometown (a very small port town, its like a pit stop off of highway 90) during the end of the december and complain about how they're too overdressed for the weather down here lmao
As an American, my mother always said “ If you don’t have enough money to tip don’t eat out make your own food”. I agree with y’all on the cigarettes, none of my business what you do with your body. I’ve got to say I love how y’all are taking an interest in our beautiful Country. Sending love from Appalachia ♥️🇺🇸🙏🏽 May God Bless you.
I’m a Brit and have lived in the U.S.A for over 30 yrs. My experience is that people in the south are much friendlier than the north, seems like the northerner’s are always in a rush,the south is more laid back. I suggest starting in Florida and travel the lower southern states as far as your time allows. Take in the beautiful beaches on the way and stay away from tourist traps,meet the real south by choosing restaurants that are small local dining options. Get talking too locals, they are the ones with advice on where too go and what to see. You will also find your money will go further in local venues. They are always fascinated by the British accent and all seem too have British in their ancestry. Enjoy.
Also, in my own personal experience the Northerners tend to be the ones who are very loud talkers and for some reason feel the need to correct everything you say, as if they know every detail on every subject in existence!
I live in Texas. We do tend to ask where someone is from…especially if they have a different accent. It seems like we love British & Australian accents.
I definitely consider tips “mandatory.” Sure, it’s not illegal to skip, but it’s extremely awkward when you’re with someone who doesn’t tip. You’re usually considered a jerk if you don’t tip. Cigarette opinions differ person to person. I think they’re nasty but I have neighbors who smoke. It’s definitely not as strange as he’s making it out and it is illegal in doors (in most places I think.. could differ by state.)
I've still found pubs that allow indoor smoking, though I disagree with that decision. However, I have never been choked out by an Electronic cigarette or vapor mod so I also disagree on banning their use the same way as cigarettes (apart from tobacco-flavoured juices, those still stink). I also highly agree tipping is a mandatory thing for myself, though I don't view it as mandatory; rather I see it as a kind gesture for reception of exceptional service, and sometimes tip more to waiters/waitresses that seem to be in a bad mood because it could make their day much better and prevent the next person from receiving less than exceptional care.
Most definitely. I’m Mexican-American and hate the fact that my family doesn’t tip, or tip less than 10%, I feel like it’s a punch in the servers face.
you also have to realize that some places do not pay servers and wait staff min wage. they will pay a lower amount because they make their money from tips.
@@brandonparker4243 They have to pay minimum wage, unless the amount of money they get from tips would earn them higher than minimum wage. They cannot legally get paid less than minimum wage.
I pay tips based on quality of service. If they do a good job, they get 10% - 15%. If they do a REALLY good job, 20% - 25%. Horrible job = don't tip. T.I.P.S. = To Insure Proper Service (yeah, I know it really should be "ensure" not "insure" but hey, it's a cool acronym).
Here's an example of how the personal space thing is different between the UK and the US. When watching The Great British Bake-Off, at the end of each episode, they all sit next to each other in chairs and they are literally thigh to thigh and shoulder to shoulder touching each other. In most areas of the US, that is a very uncomfortable closeness...even for family or close friends.
It's their cars. And their restaurants. And they live on an island. And especially their cars, where you sit shoulder to shoulder. I remember driving on the M1 through a construction zone. Remember that in the USA the standard highway lane width is 12 feet, residential lanes are at least 9 feet, and U.S. cars are appropriately wide. Warning signs in the construction zone said "Left two lanes narrow to 8 feet 8 inches. Right lane narrows to 6 feet 6 inches (No Trucks)." And nobody slowed down! No matter what major highway or country road we were on, I always felt I was on a racetrack because there was so little clearance. Coming back and driving in the States was positively sedate.
Hmm. I suppose. If you've never lived in a city that would be true. Warning: Do not go to any cities, at all. And definitely don't take any public transportation, especially during rush hour.
@@marigeobrien I actually live in Houston the 4th largest city in the US and ride public transportation to work everyday. You have a point, when needed, such as crowded situations in public transit or the famous Houston Rodeo, we’ll cram up next to each other, though not very happily. 😂 However, when it is possible, we chose personal space in most situations. Like in my example there’s plenty of space for the contestants to have a few more inches between the chairs, but they chose not to and it’s always stuck out to me as unique. Not bad, but definitely different than what I’m used to seeing.
@@angelawood8502 I agree with this 100%. I found this profoundly noticable when I came back from living in a foreign country for quite some time. We were on a flight to a regional airport. The flight was very empty. Each person chose to sit in there own section of the aircraft. I laughed and asked if everyone was afraid of germs to which people looked up and smiled and then went on reading.
My American family’s first trip to Italy when I was A kid in the 80s, my mom tipped the bellboy at the hotel, he literally lost his mind with glee, we were flabbergasted!
Honestly, for me, the only thing that would be offensive is if you don't tip unless you have a horrendous service experience. And you never punish your server if the food has an issue.
I tip no matter what as someone who lives in the US. I do not punish sever for food, I will complain to the management for that but a server who does all they can I will not skimp on the tip. Now if the server is bad (not busy to being short staffed) I will leave something but it will be maybe pennies if bad enough to indicate I am not happy and I did not forget.
@Beesley In the US, tipped employees are paid as little as $2.13 per hour by the employer. The majority of their income is paid by the customer through tips.
Exception though when the server brings the wrong food. They are responsible for ensuring the proper food is served. When orders are screwed up the error may have been made in the kitchen but the server is who I gave the order to and who will bring it to the table. Their job is to take the order properly and ensure it is delivered properly.
THIS. And I usually tip 20% or even more depending on service (drink refills are important!), if the day is a holiday, etc. And, just to be clear, there is no upper limit either. Jackie Gleason, an American actor from the early days of TV, once said that if the service was especially good, he would ask the server what their largest tip ever was, and double it. Myself, I once tipped $50 on a $15 meal - that was on Christmas day, as the lady worked her tail off. I'm not saying you have to do THAT, but where I live, servers are paid a base salary of around £2 an hour. Clearly, tip money is critical to servers and it's also a motivation to do a good job.
@@Chordonblue I have no problem with this a small cafe in my town a 80-100%+ plus tip is not uncommon at all but they earn and i have no problem paying it. I think it goes all back if they have control of it and always do what they can then it is an easy answer. I will always tip well
The cigarette thing he was talking about is definitely over exaggerated other than don’t do it in store or in a restaurant etc. you can buy cigarettes at any gas station as long as you’re 21 or over, yes some people are like that about cigarettes but as long as you be respectful about it and find a smoking area or just try to keep the smoke away from people you’re fine And yes we only have 50 states, be sure to visit other places other than just tourist towns, you’ll have a totally different experience
Smoking in doors is illegal here in Wisconsin. People voice political opinions here. He exaggerated the smoking thing expressing his opinion. Respect his, but smoking outside is ok.
It was def a little over exaggerated, but considering he was talking to a non American audience, he was pretty spot on. Smoking is way more common and accepted (both indoors and out) outside the US so it’s important for foreigners to understand that while it’s legal, there will be more restrictions compared to what they may be used to and it’s generally looked down upon.
With regards to tipping, it goes deeper than just tipping for food service. We very much have a tipping culture and tips are very much welcome in a lot of the service industry. Tip the taxi driver, the hotel doorman, coffee barista, or even the landscaper etc.
I tip the guy at the hotel who gets a taxi for me, the housekeeping staffer who brings extra towels, the staffer who brings our luggage down, the valet - for EACH in and out and at the end of our stay. I budget minimum $100USD for a 3 night stay for tips to hotel staffers. It's bitten me a few times though! The word seems to go out that you'll tip nicely regardless of service.
It also depends on where you do it. Smoking right outside the door of a building is considered rude most places, but as long as you're somewhere that people can avoid walking through the smoke, most people don't care. Smoking is really quite common in some areas of the country and very taboo in others.
It's less the smoking and more the location you choose to smoke at. If you just do it within air space of others ( like at a bus stop or waiting in line etc) then yeah, nobody is gonna like ya. But if you remove yourself or move down wind most won't care that much, your lungs and what not.
For the beginning, and even for some of the stuff pertaining to the 13 etiquettes for tourists video you did, there’s a big difference between urban and rural America. Most of us country folk can even feel overwhelmed when going into a city. So personal space, and smiles, and stuff like that is much more true in rural America
I would say that personal space varies on the situation when it comes to Urban areas. While we're known for being more open to people being in our space, that's only because we tolerate it. There's only so much space to have when being in urban areas, but when we are out in the open we can really value our space and don't like when people get in it. I speak from my own experiences from living in an urban area.
@@jamester3484 Good points. Also, say in instances where there is loud music or conversations around you there is more allowance to move a little closer into someone's personal space. And now that I think about it this might also involve not quite facing straight at a person as you talk to them so closely. Often the feeling that your personal space is being invaded has to do with someone "sticking their face right up in your face"! (At least this seems to apply in my experience.)
Technically DC is a federal district with Puerto Rico being a territory. We actually a ton of other territories people forget about like Guam, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and then all the other smaller ones with super low populations or nobody lives there or they're just military bases.
I would suggest a do’s and dont’s list for each region of the US. There are things in the South you might not get away with in the North, and vice versa. For example, in parts of the South, is customary to make eye contact with total strangers and to even speak to them beyond a simple greeting. Avoiding eye contact and small talk with strangers might give the wrong impression that you are “up to something”. But in other parts of the country, making eye contact and engaging in conversation with stranger might be off putting.
This is a really good point. My family are all Southerners, so I grew up with Southern mannerisms. Living in a northern Midwest city, people often think I have a Southern accent and find my mannerisms too affectionate or strange. It's just another wonderful example of all of the diversity we have here.
Southerners tend to be more open and overtly friendly. I live in a small Southern town that gets a lot of tourists from other parts of the US. Within our town, we greet each other when passing by on the sidewalk, even if we do not know one another. It is just a part of being friendly. I can instantly tell if someone is a Southerner or not by simply saying Good Morning or Good Day. Southerners will almost always reply in kind. People from big cities or from outside the South will look at me like I am crazy.
I have a toddler in the south(NC) and I swear every time I go out my daughter has to have convos with several people every time we go to the store. I’m from Florida and that can happen but generally speaking I notice a lot more friendly eye contact in the south. People in Florida with occasionally smile but usually people keep more to themselves. Might be because it’s more diverse so a lot of customs are coming together so less of a standard of one way to be so you encounter it all.
I grew up in Iowa and Minnesota. If you make eye contact with someone on the street, it's polite to smile and nod or at least say hello. So sometimes ppl will avoid eye contact so they don't have to do that. But generally speaking, it's fairly common to call out "hello" to someone across the street or for someone to do the same to you if they happen to be in a good mood that day. At the very least, smiling at others when out is basic courtesy - even if it's that quick smile-grimace thing. But apparently if you do that out East, ppl act like you're weird. lol
These are good points in this reply chain. I would say overall big cities tend to be more off putting when engaging with strangers in public and in small towns expect more conversation and eye contact. Most everyone is friendly if you are courteous when asking for assistance. In Texas you might want to turn up the charm even in larger cities they tend to expect engagement with strangers in public. It would almost be rude not to engage with people in a restaurant that were sitting at a table in close proximity to your own. You also want to use your words when you are in Texas. Even excusing yourself to go to the restroom will be like telling a story about where you are headed. People use long drawn out story telling communication, because everything is truly "Bigger in Texas".
"Touching" is different from people/group/location to p/g/l. In the South people are more "touchy feely" (friendly) than other regions of the country that can be more standoffish
For the speech distance--there's a difference between people who are trying to sell you something or hand you pamphlets are one thing, but the regular conversation distance is roughly arm's length. (I believe that's not so much of a problem for the British. I think it's probably part of our British roots, honestly. But other cultures often have conversations at a distance that, to Americans, seems weirdly intimate.) In cities where you get shoved into a train car like sardines, the general behavior is to pretend the other person is not in your bubble--read a newspaper or look away--and don't engage. It's kind of a way to create the space in an imaginary way.
Pretty much this. I think that first bit of advice applies more to middle eastern visitors. I used to work in a place where we got a lot of them due to the mosque across the road and guys from certain countries over there would like pat your shoulders and be right up in your face in normal conversation. It was a normal cultural thing for them, but puts most Americans on edge.
@@christopherkortum5535 That's good information to know. I was not aware of that. I've traveled with the US Air Force but never really engaged with people in those countries, especially in Saudi Arabia. We were told not to leave the compound except in organized groups and not get separated from one another, and especially do not under any circumstances touch any of the women. We didn't go many places!
Don't get close enough to smell the other person's breath. Don't touch or push anyone when you want to get by someone who is in your way. Just say "excuse me". Repeat more loudly, if necessary.
It depends on the individual. Most people like to keep people at arm's length when talking. However, I've run into a lot of people who get so close that it seems like they are going to try to crawl into your pocket.
If you must touch an American to get their attention, the most acceptable location is on the shoulder or the arm, perhaps the upper back. Avoid the torso, head, and legs. Tap lightly and say something like "Excuse me, Sir". This is true in the Chicago region. I can't speak for the rest of the USA.
One thing to add to my British brothers and sisters- Don't say "you alright?" to Americans and Canadians (when saying hi) - It's kind of insulting - It's like asking someone if there is something wrong with them. (I am Welsh - i went to Wales and my cousin said - You alright? I was like why - what did i do? I was a bit thrown off). FYI
I heard “you alright” for the first time in my life in Manchester England a few years ago for the first time. At first it was said so fast I was a little confused (you talking to me??) but then, and to your point, I was like i’m fine why do you ask?? Lol
I’m a life long Southerner and “You doin’ ok?” or something similar is a very common greeting, even to people you don’t know. I’ve never heard of anyone being offended by it.
@@adrianmunoz45 yes I believe that’s our only territory bc they are allowed to vote in presidential race. Maybe they are also counting Washington DC as a state instead of a city. IDK lol
@@MeOhMyOh2324 I don’t believe they get to vote for the president, and they dont have representation in congress. They chose to not become a state in order to maintain a certain level of independence.
My oldest daughter and I drove cross country from Georgia to visit my parents in Arizona. It took 3 days (Stopping at night), almost 2 of those were driving across Texas. From forests to deserts. It’s beautiful the whole way.
Yes. Half way from where we lived in Del Rio, Texas to my parents home in southern Indiana, is just outside of Dallas, Texas. Btw, my parents decided not to make the drive. 🤣
You can spend a month just traveling around Texas and not see all it has to offer. The Lone Star state has an amazing story. The pride of the citizens is beyond legendary! The mix of cultures that made it what it is, impressive. Remember the Alamo!
Tip from a Floridian that has seen a lot of European tourists underestimate these temperatures. Don't visit the southern half of the states during Spring, Summer, or Fall. Especially places like Disney World. The best result is heat exhaustion/heat stroke, the worst is just randomly bursting into flame. Haha
I would say tipping feels very mandatory for most people living in the U.S. Unless your service is absolutely terrible a tip is generally expected and it is often considered rude to not tip. Especially since many servers in the U.S only earn tips and don’t get paid hourly.
US citizen here, and tipping is not mandatory. However...it is considered rude not to tip. And, if you re-visit a business where you previously did NOT tip, the employees will remember you and you will probably receive the WORST service.
@@williammarchand253 Usually it's tourists from other countries who don't know that they should tip. But, if you visit Japan, they get insulted if you try to tip them. In their culture they view it as charity.
@@starbrand3726 The only time I have failed to tip is when I've had service so horrendous that I never want to go to that restaurant again. Example - I'm allergic to something. I tell the server to check with the kitchen that it's not an ingredient in the food I intend to order. They say it's not, I eat it, and then I have an allergic reaction. If I had a more serious allergy I could've ended up dead! Or waiting for the check for so long (30+ minutes after I finish eating) that I have to go to the front and flag down the entry staff.
Cigarettes are a pretty hard "no" in America. We recently raised our legal age to buy tabacco from 18 to 21. Smoking is outright banned in most restaurants and indoor places. Even outdoors, you might encounter some resistance if you're not in a designated smoking area that is clearly marked.
Depends on where you’re at. Smoking is not allowed indoors most places here(tobacco stores, and strip clubs are exceptions). But smoking outside nobody will ever tell you not to. Kentucky for reference
I think cigarettes are very much accepted as a very common occurrence in smaller towns, bigger cities it’s kinda frowned upon. Really depends on the area. A lot of what the man in the video has to say rings very true. I absolutely love living in the USA but the politics make me want to travel far far away 😂
@@brianabc83 no, or maybe leave a tiny tip. However if the restaurant builds it in to the bill (I think they have to disclose it to you ahead of time) then I don’t think you can avoid it but you might be able to get it reduced by talking with the manager about the poor service.
Feel like majority of americans are fairly laid back so youre pretty safe with not offending anyone. Just the politics and gun ones are really only ones to avoid. But he does bring up good point. When you start planning your trip pick a region and try to stay a night or two per city and move around to get the most out of your trip whether it be the south east or west cost or by us folk in the midwest. Personally I plan my trips around national and state parks but im kinda a sucker for a good hike
Some of the most friendly, helpful people I’ve ever met have been in New York City. My sister’s new neighbor from Utah was shocked when my Connecticut brother-in-law came over and welcomed him to the neighborhood. A Midwestern colleague was amazed by the hospitality we showed him when he met with us in New Haven and we took him on a tour of the city and to dinner at an Italian/seafood restaurant-he had no idea of the rich Italian culture in the area.
I am shocked at any of the amazingly rare times I've ever met a polite helpful person in the north east. I mean like its so rare it actually gives me a TIA if it happens.
If yall come back to America I would personally recommend North Carolina! It is 1 of the only states to have beautiful beaches and mountains ! It has many historical towns in some parts and really big cities like Charlotte or Raleigh in other areas and it also has a very diverse population and the people for the most part are kind . Its definitely 1 of a kind.
Yes visit Asheville and Biltmore and the Blue Ridge Mtns as well as the Outer Banks and Cape Hatteras. My mother is from NC. We have the beaches and mountains here in California, but NC is one of the most beautiful East Coast states...
I really like these videos with Millie. You’re both great and The combined commentary is really solid. It’s like you have a podcast and are just chatting.
I would recommend going to New England in the fall for its beautiful fall foliage. A lot of early American history and coastal towns. Seafood galore. I would then go to the southwest for the Grand Canyon, a slew of national parks with stunning, unusual beauty, Las Vegas. I would also recommend the southeast for Charleston & Savannah with their old southern charm.
In Washington State, it's now 21 to purchase both cigarettes 🚬 and alcohol 🍸 . Plus, no smoking is allowed inside public buildings or within 25 feet of an entrance
Most places in the US are "smoke-free". In Pennsylvania a bar can have smoking only if they don't serve food. Casinos in PA allowed smoking, but because of the virus it's mandated as non-smoking. I'm sure it varies from state to state, and local areas.
Dive Bars allow smoking indoors in PA but not bigger bars. Since the pandemic, Valley Forge Casino allows indoor smoking but Parx Casino, last I went, still haven't let smoking back in, but we're planning to soon.
Yeah, even in places where smoking is allowed, I would say that if someone has an issue with it, that is not seen as abnormal, at least compared to other places. Like if everyone is outside, waiting for the bus, someone may ask you to put out a cigarette or move away from them, which is very different from what I have seen in Europe and South America.
I can only disagree with the first 2 points the third I agree with. I'm a New Yorker originally but have since moved. I can't tell you how many Americans ( not foreigners) have no idea that New York State has absolute wilderness areas, it's not just a massive city. Go on to Texas or Alaska then we can talk about vast distance. Even California is 1500 or so miles north to south.
I'm British living in America for 24 years. These places are all fun. East NY. DC, Savannah, Miami. Mid West. Chicago. Minneapolis. South West. Dallas. Austin. San Antonio, New Orleans West. Las Vegas, LA, San Fran. Seattle.
It is crazy that you can’t buy alcohol until you’re 21 here, but you can join the military at 18, sometimes younger. Both choices can change or end your life.
kind of but the military is a guided risk and alcohol isnt guided at all because you can black out and not know what you did. so i would say alchohol can be way more dangerous and risky.
@@Enzelon nope, I don’t think many 18 year olds know the reality of war. Know that they could possibly take the lives of others, including children. Not buying that at all.
@@queenofkings7453 honestly doesn't really matter either way to me was just pointing out how when u join the military you are atleast guided by others and aren't just blindly jumping into the "deep end" so to speak... also just adding for the hell of it but joining the military doesn't just lead to fighting.. you can join as a chef or priest even... also the majority of solders never even see battle unless a big war is going on and the people that join during those times tend to know they are getting into something dangerous.... I graduated 9 years ago and had multiple friends join the military over all branches and all are out of the military now and none have had to see combat. Just my thoughts on the matter nothing more.
One thing I started doing with my friends and co-workers from overseas is making sure they see a live sporting event. Even if they're not into that particular sport, they end up loving the atmosphere. Especially something like college football or college basketball..really almost any large college event, especially when the teams are rivals. I'm not too keen on the NBA lately, but I remember taking a co-worker from Japan to a Bulls game once and she absolutely loved it. I think she was fascinated by the cheerleaders and crowd mostly, but it was funny seeing her leave at the end of the night with a huge smile on her face and a bunch of 'Bulls' memorabilia. e.g. shirt, hoodie, etc.
Definite must-do. College games are cool, but anything professional is gonna be a blast. It really doesn't matter who's playing, professional games are going to be an unforgettable experience. From the tail-gaters to the crazy fan costumes, the cheers and theatrics, etc. You're gonna spend a lot of money, but the experience will be next level and something that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
That's a great suggestion! My husband and I went to a Yankees vs Dodgers game at Yankee Stadium a few years ago. We love baseball (go Cardinals!) but aren't big fans of either team. The atmosphere was amazing! Apparently no one told the Dodgers fans they moved out of Brooklyn in 1957. :) That rivalry was so strong. It was a blast!
The ‘52 states’ confusion is something I’ve run into when I’ve traveled overseas myself. It’s always because they see that common image of the lower 48 states and think that represents 50, then they want to add on Hawaii and Alaska to come up with 52.
Hard to imagine where 52 comes from. The US has 50 states, 5 territories (Puerto Rico, Samoa, Virgin Islands, Guam, and Mariana Islands), and the District of Columbia. I guess there has been some talk over the years of adding DC and PR as states, but it's never got very far.
The large land of USA is huge for sure. I have finally hit my 49th out of the 50th states. Last sept I went on an Alaska cruise which is my 49th state. In nov planning to go to Hawaii which will be my 50th state. This has taken me since I was a child till now to do and I am in my 40's so hope that helps in context. Now if your in a job where they pay for the travel and your job requires it, that would be different but, your not going to these states to enjoy it. Like a politician would be an example of a job that would require it. I visited all the states as I did not because I had to but, because I wanted to and it took me years.
I know y’all went to New York but I would advise against letting it take too much of an effect on your view of the country lol NYC is so much different from the rest of the country. You could say that about a lot of places, actually. LA, Vegas, NYC, even whole states like Florida and Texas are so different that even the rest of us Americans might have a decent bit of culture shock when we visit.
Agreed: from Atlanta, Georgia but have lived in Texas, Southern California, and 6 other states in THIS country, and those specific two were their own things...though California was far better suited to my wife and me than Texas ever could've been.
1-The south is more friendly, 2-The fall and spring is the best time to visit, 3-You can’t smoke in public places within so many feet from the building, 4-Everything is much more expensive on the west coast, 5-It would take a very long time to see the US. It’s very big so choose where you want to go carefully, 6-Water is free in 99% of most restaurants as well as refills on non-alcoholic drinks, 7-Crime and homeless people are prominent in large cities like NYC, San Francisco, Los Angelos, Chicago etc 8- Dialect and slang can make it hard to understand people sometimes especially in the southern states most particular in Louisiana and and parts of Georgia 9-transportation in large cities are better than smaller ones. Most people in small and midsize cities use automobiles but crowding and parking is impossible in big cities. 10-never talk politics. There is a big divide in the USA. I have traveled in the US and Europe and have learned that good manners and kindness go a long way with most people.
To further complicate distances, in some Midwestern states like Ohio, Michigan, and West Virginia - it's not uncommon to measure distance by time i.e. "Oh I live an hour south of Cleveland" or "I'm just thirty minutes from the airport". This is obviously a very subjective measurement that depends on weather, traffic, etc.. But still used pretty frequently in the region.
This is very true. I've lived in 4 states, and Michigan is the only one where everyone says they study an hour away, not 50 miles away. The other places I've lived were Maryland, Virginia, and Florida, and I never heard measuring distance by time there ever.
Rule of thumb, when someone uses time as a measurement of distance, base it off the local highway speed limit, if something is supposedly 2 hours away and the speed limit is 75 miles an hour, assume it's about 150 miles away.
Pennsylvania reporting in. We use a mix of distance and time. I frequently tell people I am an hour and a half north of Philadelphia, instead of 63.3 miles north northwest, or the mall is 15 minutes away.
@@Infrared01 I've lived in Florida all my life and i have to say it's pretty mixed. You might get one person who might say the distance in miles and another who might say distance in time. My family and a lot of people I've gone to school with have measured distance in time, but if it comes to a place in the state that we don't know then we use miles.
The cities are a different world than the rest of the Untitled States when you do come back I recommend coming to Appalachia to get the best experience
@@jamiekrtkmp It's definitely a thing. The same is true for a lot of people in the Midwest. Calling someone a liar is basically an invitation for a fistfight, and a lot of those corn-fed midwestern boys aren't afraid to throw down in a brawl.
With regard to tipping I have always felt that the server, worker, etc must earn their tip. Yes it would be extremely rude to not tip at all but reducing your tip based on service is an obvious way of telling the server they didn’t earn the customary 15-20%. I’m a former server and always gave my all because I wanted to earn a good living. It’s a good way to set work ethics. Great videos & you’re a cute couple. Thanks y’all from Northern Virginia!
The cigarette thing is less so the region, and more like where you are in public. Like if you wanna smoke, do it away from other people. Like smoking in a public park while walking around or right outside a store is kinda frowned upon sometimes.
It definitely depends where you are as well. In some places it's much more frowned upon, whereas in others like Vegas smoking indoors is still allowed. It varies a lot from region to region, and often even city to city within a state. Things are usually much different in the bigger cities than in the surrounding smaller towns and rural areas.
1) is talking about some cultures that like to shake hands endlessly, kiss cheeks, hug, etc. Don't do that. 2) Seattle to Miami is a similar distance as London to Baghdad. It's a HUGE area, either choose one region or fly city to city. 3) Sales tax doesn't just very by state, but by address based on a combination of county, city, district, state. 4) tipping is expected for sit down restaurants and personal services like a taxi. Counter ordering is an optional tip and many won't ask. Barista and bartender are the counter-order exceptions. Oh, if you don't finish a meal, ask for a box, it is routine for restaurants to send home leftovers of you don't finish as they will have to toss it if you don't want it, and serving sizes are usually larger than most other countries. 5) if you smoke, follow the lead of locals. Most places ban indoor smoking. You will be carded to buy them. I would not recommend marijuana even if it is kinda legal where you visit because it is still illegal federally, and I believe in the UK as well-- the legal risks to you as visitors are significant. 6) Ditto alcohol, public drinking is discouraged and sometimes illegal except in parks and places where it is served. Being drunk (and not just having a drink) in public is illegal. Use cans and not glass for picnics, etc. 7) time is a fine measurement for distance And if you can figure out a way to do it, your volume, her's, and the video's are all different.
Hey Y'all! Clay from Fort Worth, Texas here. I have to say I absolutely love y'alls videos!!!! The only thing I can say is, each area is completely different!! New York, New York and Fort Worth, Texas are completely different in just about every single way!! Y'all should totally come visit Texas!!!
Texas is a the 'Americanest' of all the States. Something for everyone there. Super friendly, proud-but-humble, and a great counter to California's nuttiness. :)
My dream is to visit the UK! Your country has such a long and rich history. My goal is to see where the great writers lived and the great historical and architecturally beautiful structures and buildings and the beauty of the landscapes.
Lol the driving thing is so true 🤣 my dad lived about 45-an hour away one way and we would drive that way all the time without second thought…an 1 and 30 min drive doesn’t feel bad either!
"That's why it's so cheap to go out and eat in the U.S." I don't know if i've ever heard anyone actually say that before. I'ts definitely not cheap to go out to eat. I'd say at a normal restaurant for 2 people expect to spend around $50.
you've probably never heard an AMERICAN say it's 'cheap to eat in the U.S.' because we're accustomed to the low pricing, but think it's high relative to the average wage. For foreigners who are not accustomed to seeing subsidized, non-imported prices for meals and VAT and wage expectations, it looks like it's free. My cousin took his family to europe about 3 years ago and every post on FB from him during their visit was lamenting the INSANE food prices.
the greeting part really depends on the person. where i've always lived in texas, it's always been "how are you?" "i'm alright, yourself?" "doing good" something similar to that is common place. it's purely regional and based on who you're talking to, but i feel like it's more common to see this sort of introduction
Don't expect the weather to be the same and take care when traveling to different parts of the US during different times. If you visit Disneyland in the summer in Cali, be prepared for temperatures to reach over 100 F. Also Florida and other states the southern side have certain times of year where storms are more likely including hurricanes. Be sure to pack the right clothing and do your research before heading out.
Definitely. I live in the southeast, but my accent is more midwestern and I always get comments on my accent and asking where I’m from even though I’m still just ‘from’ the US.
The driving thing is something that always amazes me. Last year I drove from Pennsylvania to the middle of Florida. It took 21 hours. (With stops for gas and food, and a couple extenuating circumstances). That’s just one straight non stop drive. And whereas that’s far, it’s not amazing to most Americans, because most of us have done something similar
My friend and I went on a road trip this past summer and went to half of the states in 2 1/2 weeks. We drove a total of 8,529 miles (13726.09 kilometers) . We got to see lots of national parks like Yellowstone, Mt Rushmore, Death Valley, the Grand Canyon and so much more. So it’s definitely possible to see a lot of the US in one trip, but be prepared for 10+ hour drives 👌🏻👌🏻
Be advised if you decide to visit " Yellowstone National Park < which is huge> , remember that whole area sits upon a monstrous supervolcano. To date it is more than 40,000 years overdue for a enormous eruption....It is expected to be a extinction level event for a large part of the world.< Be sure to call ahead just to be sure its...safe . Before you go there.. I live close to it.. Its not so bad,............I mean , one big boom and its over........
Reacting to a “How are you?” depends on what part of the country you’re in. Here in Wisconsin, especially rural, we expect an answer to that greeting, even if it’s rote. “How are you?”, “I’m fine, and you?” is the norm in the Midwest.
Here in Oregon the towns along the coast are approximately 30 minutes from each other. this is because it's the distance you could travel by horse in a day
I will add that in general, southern states have friendlier people. Every time I visited northern states people were in general a lot more rude. Also to get a feel for the general area get out of the city and check out the small rural areas. It's like night and day when you get away from the metropolitan areas.
I'm from MN and know that people from here are very cliqueish. we are also suspicious of new people and wouldn't necessarily accept them right away. This is all couched in the famous passive aggressive Minnesota Nice.
I am from Maine. Most of the people here are so nice and giving. We'll go in a privately owned shop by the sea and come out with gifts that the owner has given us. We have lovely conversations with wait staff and they remember what we like to eat the next time we come in. They give us extra helpings of seafood. Maybe it's me but I LOVE living here!
Agreed! But now the northerners are moving south and raising our taxes and living costs. They are buying up our houses so real Southerners are homeless--living in RVs, camping out, or living in their cars or with relatives.
What is really surprising about the US is how culturally and ethnically diverse some areas might be, where some areas appear to have no cultural diversity at all. And where we do have more diversity, rarely do people cross the invisible lines. To me it is unfortunate that we don't mix all that well here.
When we took our last trip, just drove out west. We met some friendly folks in a gas station. We didn't have the money to post up anywhere and they gave us shelter for a few weeks. They didn't accept our money, so we hid it in their freezer. We didn't have enough money to get back home and someone offered to give us a tank of gas against our protest. I love this country. Just pay it forward. Also, I don't like being touched, but after so many fallen, we hug and let each other know we love them on each interaction. Maybe it's a generational thing.
here in CA, one of the more stricter places in regards to cigs: we now have to be 21 for both cigs and alcohol (still18 to enlist). We've got a nearby city (Laguna Beach) that doesnt allow cigarettes in public. we do have no indoors, no children in cars. cigs are sold at any gas stations, grocery stores, convenience stores, etc. theyre available everywhere, but theyre are just not desired around - many see the smoke as a "i didnt choose to inhale that, do it where you arent affecting others.
Servers in the US absolutely count on the 15-20% tips to earn a living. It is impossible for servers to live on the salary alone. It is so common in the US for patrons to tip that establishments will only pay members of the service staff something like $7 per hour. Perhaps it's more now. But the point is that they don't even make minimum wage on salary.
Buuut...tipping is still based on an expected level of service. You are expected to tip, but you are also expecting to get service worth a tip. If someone gives you bad service, don't feel bad about not tipping. That's part of being in the service industry...service.
A good way to sample the local cuisine is visit a city when they are having a "Taste of (city name)". Usually a street is closed to vehicles for a day and the local restaurants set up booths to serve samples from their menus.
I've lived in three regions in the US. I was born and raised in New England. Spent 16 years there then moved to Florida in my junior year of high school and then moved to the pacific northwest at age 20. I'm 42 now. The place I've loved the most and I did spend a year traveling the entire lower 48 states is idaho. It is extremely underrated by everyone. However it is extremely beautiful and wide open. You get a little of everything here. You get hot dry summers but cold snowy winters. There are many mountain ranges to see and many national forests and plenty of fishing hiking and other fun things to do. It's just underrated. The biggest don't in America don't get arrested under any circumstances. The legal system is long and drawn out. It can take years to clear a case
You will still find a few small towns and rural areas in some states where you will have smoking areas in restaurants and smoking is allowed in bars. For the most part that is a thing of the past though. The 52 state thing I have never understood because we have 50 states plus territories and the District of Columbia. However we have a lot more territories than just two. Examples: US Virgin Isles and American Samoa.
I'm assuming the 52 state thing comes from people thinking that the mainland has 50, plus Alaska and Hawaii, making 52. I think that it's easier to remember 50+2 than 48+2. The comical, and kind of sad, part is that there are a lot of Americans that think that there are 52 states.
If people are allowed to vote for president from that area it should be included as a state, but that would crowd up that flag full of stars wouldn't it. I think that is the only reason for the official keeping of the 50. People like the flag the way it is. Adding more "official" states would add more stars,& it hasn't been changed in a long time so if it is not broke don't fix it type of thing.
@@ericbowens874 people should be able to vote in Virginia or Maryland. Was DC should never be a state. The only reason that ever comes up is commie democrats know that that city would vote democrat. As far as 52 goes a lot of people think of Puerto Rico and Guam.
I've heard some people say that when they picture the US in their mind they think of the continental US as 50 states (when it's really just 48), then mistakenly add Alaska and Hawaii as 51 and 52.
Next time you visit NYC, make sure to have lunch at PJ Clarke's in Battery Park City (downtown, near the World Trade Center) - and eat outdoors if the weather is nice - you'll get a nice view of the Hudson River, Statue of Liberty, etc., and the burgers are great.
When she says “Just tell me how many hours.” It made me think about, that’s how I (and almost everyone I know) tells trip time (in hours). American here, I currently live in Southern CA and I can tell you how long it takes me to go certain places vs the mileage. Like visiting my friends in San Diego will take 3-5+ hours depending on traffic through LA and Orange Counties. Or visiting my in-laws for lunch or dinner was about two hours each way. Or that visiting family near Sacramento will be about a 6-8hour drive etc. I couldn’t tell you exact mileage unless I looked it up honestly. Edit for: #Tilltheend lol
In the US it is illegal to purchase/ possess tobacco or alcohol under 21 as of 18 months ago anywhere in the US except for Native American reservations.
Fun fact: if you Google: Who Invented the Imperial System? This comes up The United Kingdom The United Kingdom overhauled its system of measurement in 1826, when it introduced the imperial system of units. This resulted in the two countries having different gallons.
My husband and I drove from Texas to Maine and we zig zagged to hit as many states as possible. We drove through 22 states and it was an incredible experience, even though it was also exhausting.
A group of Korean guys were visiting my home town in the states, but got lost (before GPS). We ended up finding their hotel for them in a phone book (yes I'm old), calling ahead, and then walking them there. They thought we were going to rob them or something, so they were very surprised. We even offered them to join us at dinner.
I was watching a TV series called "Sleepy Hollow" with a character names Ichabod Crane who was an officer in the U.S. Revolution. He awakens in the 21st century... His newfound partner, Abigail, buys him a donut or pastry or something. He looks at the receipt and notices a 10% sales tax was added. He's outraged, pointing out that they fought a war over a 2% tax on tea!
If anyone is looking for a place to visit in the US I would highly recommend South Louisiana. It is very rich in culture and it is very unique to anywhere else. Also if you have a love for food you will not find better food anywhere else in the country. People literally come from all over the world just for the food. They also have very unique attractions such as swamp tours and people are generally nicer here in the deep south. Remember south louisiana and north louisiana are like 2 separate countries make sure to come to the south part of the state which is anything below the I10 corridor.
The smoking thing is definitely true. People will freak out when you light up a cigarette. They could be on the other side of the parking lot and start coughing the second you light it.
"Don't smoke in the USA. It's totally verboten." This is absolute nonsense. No, you are not permitted to smoke in most outdoor (and all indoor) public spaces, indoor restaurants or bars (and even that depends on where you are - there are a plethora of restaurants and bars in more rural areas that don't give a shite whether or not you're smoking, as long as you're not bothering anybody...how utterly American), but the idea that you should just leave your Dunhills on the dresser back in Mayfair for fear of being ostracized by the entirety of American people is crap.
Agree with this. You obviously can't do it inside, but smoking is plenty common no matter where you live, although probably more common in rural areas.
Don’t smoke around me. I live in Houston and it’s not common at all. You have the right to smoke as long as you’re not imposing your habits on strangers.
I thought he was going to say not to smoke in America because our cigarettes have (used to have) more nicotine and additives than European cigarettes. I don't know if that's still true.
Really depends more on who you hang out around. In SF with the health nut/ woke crowd they may give you static for smoking, but potheads and regular class workers don’t give a shit.
mm no it’s definitely not total nonsense and certainly depends on where you’re from. smoking is obviously normal but where i’m from in the US if i were to see a group of ppl lounging outside smoking me & ppl i know would frown at that mosty bc it stinks 😷. i’d never have friends that smoke cigarettes either. and my view is totally different from yours probably & others. so it’s varies
I would recommend watching videos on each State, each has its own history, monuments, landscapes, festivals, and style to the same dish most often. I also recommend going to an American Football game, NFL, or College.
It's worth pointing out that each state is really like its own country and it really is best to look at them like that, even if there are regional similarities. NYC for instance is completely different from the South or from the Great Plains. Also, we're a super diverse nation that gets more immigrants coming in than anywhere else on the planet by a large margin so having non-native born people, whether it's people just visiting or people who are staying, is not unusual to us. As long as y'all aren't being crazy disrespectful or rude, you shouldn't have any problems. Also, a lot of Americans have a thing for the Brits and British culture in general. Y'all are our mother country after all.
The British is not and has not Ever been America's "mother country'... who ever told you this is outright lying to you. America was settled by people of the World. All peoples of Europe, Africa, Asia, Mexico, Canada, Central America, South America, etc. etc.... No Your History.
@@traveler142 I do "no my history." We were settled by a lot of different peoples and nations(I did mention we were a super diverse nation) but they still are our mother country because they are who we broke off from. There is of course influence from everywhere because of that diversity but the core of our society such as political principles, traditions, and especially language are derived out of the UK(albeit with some obvious changes in all 3). Don't forget that British is not just the English too. The, Scotch-Irish(these are the Ulster-Scots for any Europeans reading this), played a massive role in the culture of the South for instance. Also, even though those other nationalities brought pieces of their own cultures into our society, they also largely assimilated into the existing culture as well which is largely British-derived. Yes, we're diverse and so is our culture but even with that, the core of it is still British.
When you cross state lines, be sure to exhale the air of the state you are leaving, then inhale the air of the state you are entering so the air doesn't get mixed.
@@traveler142 The 13 original colonies were a part of the British Empire and were administered by the British. Hence the term "mother country". I think we already know that America has been settled by people from all over the world.
@@mkay1957 the 13 original colonies that gained their Independence through a War does Not make up the Country of America... You do realize that America is so much more than those original colonies... right...? The British Empire is nothing more than a Stain in American History... They brought a Virus to this Nation that unfortunately has Never left.
One thing to note is that most healthcare bills are very negotiable, especially at an Urgent Care (like a cheaper ER). It's only super expensive if you pay the asking price.
...or use the Emergency room for something that can easily be tended to at the Urgent Care. Other countries that don't pay for their medicals up front or in hand, don't really understand how their health care system really works, how much of their taxes goes to paying for medicals...that aren't theirs and may never be theirs...and never mind those that have to fight to be allowed to get life saving tests/treatment from a panel that may or may not be willing to spend that money on you...some never actually get the treatments. At least in the U.S. you won't get turned away, typically..and someone always ends up footing the bills, but not necessarily through tax payers' coffers.
@@sewreese8179 Yeah those are all good points, and it's pretty ridiculous that you need to have the knowledge to go to Urgent Care instead of ER (actually even THAT decision depends on your insurance), and on top of that ambulances cost a TON on top of that in around 80% of the US (SOME are publicly funded) and on top of that ambulances won't take you to any urgent care 95% of the time. As a side note I really miss the days where Classical Liberalism was a popular ideology... I hate conservatism but I also hate neoliberalism, and there's no middle ground to be found nowadays.
Not paying the asking price is exactly what insurance companies do, so it's in your best interest to do that as well 🙂It's part of why healthcare costs so much. They artificially inflate the price from the genuine market value because the person receiving the healthcare is expected to use insurance to pay it, and therefore will not even know how much it actually cost. This means for people without insurance who don't know they should haggle, it IS way expensive.
Urgent Care isn't covered on most travel insurance purchased outside the USA. And it still seems very pricey and picky on who they can treat A waste of time to be honest
In a lot of US state, they have a lower wage for “tipped employees”.. often as low as $3.00/hr or lower. The tips are supposed to make up the gap between that and the federal minimum wage for non-tipped employees
And servers (at least) get taxed according to the tips the federal government assumes they're making, whether or not they actually were tipped that amount.
South dakota has some great things to see and do like cosmos things defy nature like a ball rolling up hill a chair sits on a wall ect. Deadwood is full of history from the old west and still has the western theme lots of nature Rushmore is here plus many other things to see and do
Where should we go on our next trip to the USA? Comment down below 👇🏼 ❤️
Colorado so you can visit me lol. Honestly anywhere to your heart's content and where your passions lie and what sites you love and culture is where you should be and go. Just let us know what your passions are n we'll guide you in the right areas.
We obviously want to do the more ‘obvious’ tourist states, (Florida, California, Hawaii) but we also want to go to a state that is different and quirky. Colorado is one of my top places to visit. From what I’ve seen, it’s stunning!
Northeast USA is rich with colonial history. Boston would be a good city to visit. Good public transit and lots of attractions.
Colorado, a few nights in Denver then go stay in some of the mountain towns. Need to rent a car.
@@millie0804 Be prepared to spend a lot of money for Hawaii. I’m a big Florida fan but the Mountian states (Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Montana) are going to be the most beautiful. If you come in the winter though, Florida and the southeast are best
Measuring distance? Most American's actually measure distance in time. My grocery store is a 10 minute drive. My parents live 40 minutes away. My in-laws live 10 hours away. Our planned vacation this summer is 26 hour drive.
So true!
It's about 4 hours to Florida from Atlanta.
To piggy back on this comment and to expound on how big the US is:
I live in Dallas, TX and I used to make day trips to Round Rock, TX multiple times a week. If someone asked me how far the drive is? "Oh about 3-3.5 hours, if traffic is good." And fun fact: El Paso, TX is closer to California than it is to Dallas. (It's about a 9 hour drive to EP from DTX.)
Sometimes its because of traffic patterns. The distance is always the same, but the drive time varies. You call a friend from the road and may say "I'm 20 minutes out" (meaning time to destination) or "I'm 45 minutes out" it just depends on the time of day.
Right, we hardly ever think about how many miles something is we go by time over here in the United States.
Don't get offended when anyone asks, "Where are you from?" It is legitimate curiosity and we LOVE accents.
Agreed. We Americans have a huge love for accents.
Unfortunately, I think now it's considered racist or ethnicity shaming or (insert whatever offends you) to ask where somebody is from. Its sad.
I also think part of it is that Americans have an innate appreciation for heritage as well. I think that’s why we ask other Americans where they’re “from” (which can OBVIOUSLY come off as rude since it’s often phrased like they aren’t American). On the whole, I believe we’re very interested in the diverse heritage that surrounds us. It’s too bad that this has turned into a negative discriminatory topic rather than a celebration of heritage :/
so true i asked this all the tine mainly because i think your an awesome person
I agree with everyone on this thread so far
The south is nothing like the north, east or west coast. Each region, and state for that matter, is different. You can’t just visit one state or area and say “America” in general.
And rural areas are nothing like the big cities.
Exactly. It would be like visiting Rome and saying, "Europe," in general.
Soooo very true.
America is 50 different countries. Don't like where you are? Drive a few hours in any direction.
@@steamedhams7396 Yep, and the Major 'City Centers' are like a Different Country compared to Small/Medium Cities, suburbs, and Rural Areas.
In the South, "How are you?" is almost always a genuine question. If you want to talk about it, we'll usually stop and listen.
Yes! I agree.
Agreed!
From Texas, and I agree!
I feel a lot of Americans if we aren’t super busy we’d stop and listen lol
I'm ALWAYS willing to stop and listen! But I'm a very friendly person, when I was much younger we lived in Italy for two years, maybe that's why I kind of a "touchy, huggy type" and I prefer things that way however most Americans have their personal " bubble " around them and I certainly respect it ( I AM an American!). And I am certainly not always "touchy", depends on who it is, WHERE I am- large cities and I'm pretty darned reserved. Regarding his comment on cigarettes - I'd venture to say he's a non- smoker but if you should have the misfortune of finding yourself in CA ( hey, I used to live in LaJolla, a beautiful. place), the peeps there are a bit uh, different, if someone lit up there the one who lot up would probably be calling for bail money. I'm pretty much a live and let live kind of person and generally speaking I find Californians are the same way- as long as you live and think the same as them. And hate to say that but it's true. Uh, as far as hotels go, well in general the more you spend the nicer it'll be! DO partake in the local food though it's not as though all places HAVE any local food that's special. The places that do though- oh yes, definitely! And in general I don't care for chain restaurants ( except In n Out Burger!) so do ask locals, just try to be certain you're in a nice part of town when you ask! As far as DONT'S in the U.S., well how long are you going to be here? Depending on what part of the country you start, you can pack in a LOT or if you prefer a more leisurely pace ( well I don't mean you need to go at breakneck speed!)- I now live in Colorado and it really is a beautiful state, I live at the foot of Pikes Peak ( well not RIGHT at the foot) and there can be a lot to do here but if you're not the " outdoorsy" type AND depending on time of year, it can be a lot of fun or it can be " ok, we've been here 2 days, what next"! I am certain a lot of people would disagree with that comments but that my opinion. Fantastic snow skiing! This gentleman is correct about mass transit- unless you're in a large city there isn't any, in Italy we took trains EVERYWHERE - not so here. Again, depending on where you want to go and if you're comfortable driving on the wrong side of the road (!) you might want to rent a car. We have a lot of lousy drivers here so beware of you do!!!
Dont step out of your cars if you get pulled over. US Police have you remain in your vehicle for the traffic stop.
If you get out, they usually interpret it as aggression.
And keep your hands resting on the steering wheel until otherwise instructed.
If they ask for your license and registration and proof of insurance tell them where it is and that you are about to reach for it
All police here are Armed, there are a lot of regular citizens that are carrying as well, depending on where you are in the U.S. you may see folding knives on the belt or sticking out of pockets, some of us carry fixed bladed knives in sheaths on our belts.
And, firearms, there are areas that you may see open carried pistols, and you may notice odd bulges in the clothing, and, Yup, it may be a gun........
Me, I always have a .45 on me, even sitting here while watching and responding to RUclips videos.
@@RiverRatWA57 i walk with my 9 wherever I go
@@chiapets2594 As do I will my 45, even hottubbing 👍👍👍
In America, there is a big difference in "Personal Space" when talking to a person in a city that is used to being closer to people in elevators and such compared to someone in the country.
Amen. We don't play about our personal space in the country 😂
@@alexanderhanksx my basic rule of thumb is arm's length. If I can reach you, then you're too close. Lol
I think it’s more so how Europeans try that kiss cheek thing. We don’t do that.
@@alexanderhanksx same all over the world dude
American here... Not all American's respect personal space. I think it's a good policy, no matter where you are, to respect people's boundaries, and those boundaries can be very personal, rather than universal. When I was in a shopping mall, a stranger who worked at a massage place came up to me and put his hands on my shoulders to rub them (note that I have a neck injury from an old auto accident, and he actually hurt me). I don't care where you are from, where you live, you should never do that to any stranger.
I was a history professor at a small university and I used to tell my students that the US is a group of 50 different countries bonded together into a Republic. Each State (country?) has its own culture, dialect, idioms, etc. So basically you are going to see a little of everything....also he makes a great point about eating....ask the local sales clerk, etc., "where would YOU go to eat if you were going out?" You will find some amazing restaurant and foods.
That point is essential if you want to understand the United States and its history.
So you actually taught them something useful, instead of Communism, which has killed 100's of Millions people but is embrace by the Youth.
What a unique vantage point and fresh use of the RUclips medium! A young couple from England (yes, the largest country in the United Kingdom, or U.K.) and our favorite and most-trusted allies, sharing important elements of what it means to "see" America and Americans differently than the current political lense. Our Flag, Star Spangled Banner, the military protection we provide the world since WWII, and tips on traveling to our United [individually unique] States. Well done!!
@@georgemartin4963 Yep. Most people seem to have forgotten about that. The US is a republic of states. The states are supposed to hold the power. The constitution specifically spells out what the federal government can do, and anything not specifically spelled out, is left to the states to determine for themselves. This is lost lately with the federal government deciding that they get to make all the rules.
@@jasonshumate6456 Wow.... what an embarrassingly ignorant comment to make. I know *you* probably aren't embarrassed, but I'm embarrassed *for* you.
Understand that cultures are wildly different from region to region. Here in my home state of Kentucky we're known for "southern hospitality" and people are generally extremely friendly and talkative. But in a large city like NY or St. Louis people are more brisk and cold, doesn't mean that they don't like you it's just they're probably in a hurry.
Mostly have to be careful who's next to you in Ny or in Cities cause you don't know who's gonna run up on you or just turn around and knock you out or do something bad.
I’d say DON’T forget about the ‘fly-over states’ in the Midwest (Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas etc). There’s actually a lot of incredible scenery and a variety of cultures, great food and the nicest people!
Yep. I lived for 4 years in an RV and loved traveling those states. BBQ in Kansas was amazing. Discovering St.Louis had their own kind of pizza was as awesome as finding the kindest baseball fans in America. South Dakota has Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, and a decently short drive to Devil's Tower.
Not really
Nahhh
Missouri is a good one, I’m from there. Go to lake of the Ozarks in the summer
Moved to the midwest. Im a lifer now.. It is so nice; and im a cheap ass so I cant lie; the prices is a huge thing for me. There are amazing state and federal parks and you can go and enjoy with out seeing any other people some days. It blew my mind when I figured that out. No where I ever went on the west coast was like that. I also experienced some way different traditional culture that i wasnt aware of. Pretty cool stuff. (Lutefisk is nasty though, dont let anyone convince you other wise.) 😂
If you're visiting the deep south:
-Don't EVER turn down an act of generosity, such as a local offering a meal. Turning them down will give the impression of being extremely rude or shady.
-Don't bring a lot of warm clothes for a winter trip. Just because it's winter doesn't mean it will not get up to 80F-100F degrees (27C-38C degrees) often.
-Don't be unprepared for lots of humidity. Places like the Floridian panhandle or the swamps of Louisiana often times reach an excess of 80%+ humidity _year round._
If you're visiting the mid-west:
-DON'T underestimate bad weather. A simple thunderstorm can be a breeding ground for tornadic activity in the right conditions. You should always stay on top of potential disaster threats using weather updates and being diligent with locating shelter points if necessary. (Stay away from windows, seek the innermost and most structurally sound room of the building if a proper shelter is not available.)
If you're visiting Texas specifically:
-Don't make fun of literally everything being shaped like Texas or having the Lone Star symbol. From hotel waffles to even ceramic tiling on sidewalks and buildings, Texans are very proud of their state and show it.
i live in kentucky.. and the weather is so unpredictable here. we have experienced all four seasons in one week. but this place is absolutely beautiful. and yes about the south. Sothern hospitality is very real even here.
As a Texan, I will literally fight and kick out somebody if they make fun of my Texas shaped pasta...
@@Chibbs.E Hell yea brother
Yeah, no. I'm not going to accept food willy-nilly from a complete stranger, and I don't like people doing things for me out of the blue without knowing what their intentions are.
Yes!! Especially the deep south. People from france come to my hometown (a very small port town, its like a pit stop off of highway 90) during the end of the december and complain about how they're too overdressed for the weather down here lmao
As an American, my mother always said “ If you don’t have enough money to tip don’t eat out make your own food”. I agree with y’all on the cigarettes, none of my business what you do with your body. I’ve got to say I love how y’all are taking an interest in our beautiful Country. Sending love from Appalachia ♥️🇺🇸🙏🏽 May God Bless you.
@everglow if you want to smoke....smoke outside...I don't care what you do with your body BUT I DON'T WANT TO INHALE your smoke ❗
#2 YES. Many of our states are as large as many European countries. A silhouette of Texas placed over Europe covers most of the battles of WW2.
I’m a Brit and have lived in the U.S.A for over 30 yrs. My experience is that people in the south are much friendlier than the north, seems like the northerner’s are always in a rush,the south is more laid back. I suggest starting in Florida and travel the lower southern states as far as your time allows. Take in the beautiful beaches on the way and stay away from tourist traps,meet the real south by choosing restaurants that are small local dining options. Get talking too locals, they are the ones with advice on where too go and what to see. You will also find your money will go further in local venues. They are always fascinated by the British accent and all seem too have British in their ancestry. Enjoy.
Also, in my own personal experience the Northerners tend to be the ones who are very loud talkers and for some reason feel the need to correct everything you say, as if they know every detail on every subject in existence!
@@Lady_Quistis I'm a Northerner and I agree! But my therapist says I am improving, except for the loud talking, that's just in the genes!
I live in Texas. We do tend to ask where someone is from…especially if they have a different accent. It seems like we love British & Australian accents.
Note . British accent means RP 😉
@@SpartanOfFinance 🤣
I definitely consider tips “mandatory.” Sure, it’s not illegal to skip, but it’s extremely awkward when you’re with someone who doesn’t tip. You’re usually considered a jerk if you don’t tip. Cigarette opinions differ person to person. I think they’re nasty but I have neighbors who smoke. It’s definitely not as strange as he’s making it out and it is illegal in doors (in most places I think.. could differ by state.)
I've still found pubs that allow indoor smoking, though I disagree with that decision. However, I have never been choked out by an Electronic cigarette or vapor mod so I also disagree on banning their use the same way as cigarettes (apart from tobacco-flavoured juices, those still stink). I also highly agree tipping is a mandatory thing for myself, though I don't view it as mandatory; rather I see it as a kind gesture for reception of exceptional service, and sometimes tip more to waiters/waitresses that seem to be in a bad mood because it could make their day much better and prevent the next person from receiving less than exceptional care.
Most definitely. I’m Mexican-American and hate the fact that my family doesn’t tip, or tip less than 10%, I feel like it’s a punch in the servers face.
you also have to realize that some places do not pay servers and wait staff min wage. they will pay a lower amount because they make their money from tips.
@@brandonparker4243 They have to pay minimum wage, unless the amount of money they get from tips would earn them higher than minimum wage. They cannot legally get paid less than minimum wage.
I pay tips based on quality of service. If they do a good job, they get 10% - 15%. If they do a REALLY good job, 20% - 25%. Horrible job = don't tip. T.I.P.S. = To Insure Proper Service (yeah, I know it really should be "ensure" not "insure" but hey, it's a cool acronym).
Here's an example of how the personal space thing is different between the UK and the US. When watching The Great British Bake-Off, at the end of each episode, they all sit next to each other in chairs and they are literally thigh to thigh and shoulder to shoulder touching each other. In most areas of the US, that is a very uncomfortable closeness...even for family or close friends.
Agreed!!! Funnily my family is from the UK (our blood) and we get comments all the time that we are to touchy. 🤣 It's been generations!!
It's their cars. And their restaurants. And they live on an island. And especially their cars, where you sit shoulder to shoulder. I remember driving on the M1 through a construction zone. Remember that in the USA the standard highway lane width is 12 feet, residential lanes are at least 9 feet, and U.S. cars are appropriately wide. Warning signs in the construction zone said "Left two lanes narrow to 8 feet 8 inches. Right lane narrows to 6 feet 6 inches (No Trucks)." And nobody slowed down! No matter what major highway or country road we were on, I always felt I was on a racetrack because there was so little clearance. Coming back and driving in the States was positively sedate.
Hmm. I suppose. If you've never lived in a city that would be true. Warning: Do not go to any cities, at all. And definitely don't take any public transportation, especially during rush hour.
@@marigeobrien I actually live in Houston the 4th largest city in the US and ride public transportation to work everyday. You have a point, when needed, such as crowded situations in public transit or the famous Houston Rodeo, we’ll cram up next to each other, though not very happily. 😂 However, when it is possible, we chose personal space in most situations. Like in my example there’s plenty of space for the contestants to have a few more inches between the chairs, but they chose not to and it’s always stuck out to me as unique. Not bad, but definitely different than what I’m used to seeing.
@@angelawood8502 I agree with this 100%. I found this profoundly noticable when I came back from living in a foreign country for quite some time. We were on a flight to a regional airport. The flight was very empty. Each person chose to sit in there own section of the aircraft. I laughed and asked if everyone was afraid of germs to which people looked up and smiled and then went on reading.
My American family’s first trip to Italy when I was A kid in the 80s, my mom tipped the bellboy at the hotel, he literally lost his mind with glee, we were flabbergasted!
Honestly, for me, the only thing that would be offensive is if you don't tip unless you have a horrendous service experience. And you never punish your server if the food has an issue.
I tip no matter what as someone who lives in the US. I do not punish sever for food, I will complain to the management for that but a server who does all they can I will not skimp on the tip. Now if the server is bad (not busy to being short staffed) I will leave something but it will be maybe pennies if bad enough to indicate I am not happy and I did not forget.
@Beesley In the US, tipped employees are paid as little as $2.13 per hour by the employer. The majority of their income is paid by the customer through tips.
Exception though when the server brings the wrong food. They are responsible for ensuring the proper food is served. When orders are screwed up the error may have been made in the kitchen but the server is who I gave the order to and who will bring it to the table. Their job is to take the order properly and ensure it is delivered properly.
THIS. And I usually tip 20% or even more depending on service (drink refills are important!), if the day is a holiday, etc.
And, just to be clear, there is no upper limit either. Jackie Gleason, an American actor from the early days of TV, once said that if the service was especially good, he would ask the server what their largest tip ever was, and double it. Myself, I once tipped $50 on a $15 meal - that was on Christmas day, as the lady worked her tail off.
I'm not saying you have to do THAT, but where I live, servers are paid a base salary of around £2 an hour. Clearly, tip money is critical to servers and it's also a motivation to do a good job.
@@Chordonblue I have no problem with this a small cafe in my town a 80-100%+ plus tip is not uncommon at all but they earn and i have no problem paying it. I think it goes all back if they have control of it and always do what they can then it is an easy answer. I will always tip well
The cigarette thing he was talking about is definitely over exaggerated other than don’t do it in store or in a restaurant etc. you can buy cigarettes at any gas station as long as you’re 21 or over, yes some people are like that about cigarettes but as long as you be respectful about it and find a smoking area or just try to keep the smoke away from people you’re fine And yes we only have 50 states, be sure to visit other places other than just tourist towns, you’ll have a totally different experience
Smoking in doors is illegal here in Wisconsin. People voice political opinions here. He exaggerated the smoking thing expressing his opinion. Respect his, but smoking outside is ok.
It was def a little over exaggerated, but considering he was talking to a non American audience, he was pretty spot on. Smoking is way more common and accepted (both indoors and out) outside the US so it’s important for foreigners to understand that while it’s legal, there will be more restrictions compared to what they may be used to and it’s generally looked down upon.
With regards to tipping, it goes deeper than just tipping for food service. We very much have a tipping culture and tips are very much welcome in a lot of the service industry. Tip the taxi driver, the hotel doorman, coffee barista, or even the landscaper etc.
but only if they deserve the tip.
Make sure you tip your dealer when you are gambling.
I tip the guy at the hotel who gets a taxi for me, the housekeeping staffer who brings extra towels, the staffer who brings our luggage down, the valet - for EACH in and out and at the end of our stay. I budget minimum $100USD for a 3 night stay for tips to hotel staffers. It's bitten me a few times though! The word seems to go out that you'll tip nicely regardless of service.
The smoking issues depends on what state you live in. In Maine the buying age, for cigarettes, is 21. People do frown on public smoking as well.
The smoking age is 21 nationally now actually, Maine was just ahead of the curve on that one lol
It also depends on where you do it. Smoking right outside the door of a building is considered rude most places, but as long as you're somewhere that people can avoid walking through the smoke, most people don't care. Smoking is really quite common in some areas of the country and very taboo in others.
It's less the smoking and more the location you choose to smoke at. If you just do it within air space of others ( like at a bus stop or waiting in line etc) then yeah, nobody is gonna like ya. But if you remove yourself or move down wind most won't care that much, your lungs and what not.
That's the age now for everyone.
For the beginning, and even for some of the stuff pertaining to the 13 etiquettes for tourists video you did, there’s a big difference between urban and rural America. Most of us country folk can even feel overwhelmed when going into a city. So personal space, and smiles, and stuff like that is much more true in rural America
I would say that personal space varies on the situation when it comes to Urban areas. While we're known for being more open to people being in our space, that's only because we tolerate it. There's only so much space to have when being in urban areas, but when we are out in the open we can really value our space and don't like when people get in it. I speak from my own experiences from living in an urban area.
@@jamester3484 Good points. Also, say in instances where there is loud music or conversations around you there is more allowance to move a little closer into someone's personal space. And now that I think about it this might also involve not quite facing straight at a person as you talk to them so closely. Often the feeling that your personal space is being invaded has to do with someone "sticking their face right up in your face"! (At least this seems to apply in my experience.)
Technically DC is a federal district with Puerto Rico being a territory. We actually a ton of other territories people forget about like Guam, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and then all the other smaller ones with super low populations or nobody lives there or they're just military bases.
I would suggest a do’s and dont’s list for each region of the US. There are things in the South you might not get away with in the North, and vice versa. For example, in parts of the South, is customary to make eye contact with total strangers and to even speak to them beyond a simple greeting. Avoiding eye contact and small talk with strangers might give the wrong impression that you are “up to something”.
But in other parts of the country, making eye contact and engaging in conversation with stranger might be off putting.
This is a really good point. My family are all Southerners, so I grew up with Southern mannerisms. Living in a northern Midwest city, people often think I have a Southern accent and find my mannerisms too affectionate or strange. It's just another wonderful example of all of the diversity we have here.
Southerners tend to be more open and overtly friendly. I live in a small Southern town that gets a lot of tourists from other parts of the US. Within our town, we greet each other when passing by on the sidewalk, even if we do not know one another. It is just a part of being friendly. I can instantly tell if someone is a Southerner or not by simply saying Good Morning or Good Day. Southerners will almost always reply in kind. People from big cities or from outside the South will look at me like I am crazy.
I have a toddler in the south(NC) and I swear every time I go out my daughter has to have convos with several people every time we go to the store. I’m from Florida and that can happen but generally speaking I notice a lot more friendly eye contact in the south. People in Florida with occasionally smile but usually people keep more to themselves. Might be because it’s more diverse so a lot of customs are coming together so less of a standard of one way to be so you encounter it all.
I grew up in Iowa and Minnesota. If you make eye contact with someone on the street, it's polite to smile and nod or at least say hello. So sometimes ppl will avoid eye contact so they don't have to do that. But generally speaking, it's fairly common to call out "hello" to someone across the street or for someone to do the same to you if they happen to be in a good mood that day. At the very least, smiling at others when out is basic courtesy - even if it's that quick smile-grimace thing. But apparently if you do that out East, ppl act like you're weird. lol
These are good points in this reply chain. I would say overall big cities tend to be more off putting when engaging with strangers in public and in small towns expect more conversation and eye contact. Most everyone is friendly if you are courteous when asking for assistance. In Texas you might want to turn up the charm even in larger cities they tend to expect engagement with strangers in public. It would almost be rude not to engage with people in a restaurant that were sitting at a table in close proximity to your own. You also want to use your words when you are in Texas. Even excusing yourself to go to the restroom will be like telling a story about where you are headed. People use long drawn out story telling communication, because everything is truly "Bigger in Texas".
"Touching" is different from people/group/location to p/g/l. In the South people are more "touchy feely" (friendly) than other regions of the country that can be more standoffish
Many cities and states have zero tolerance for indoor smoking even in bars.
I also find it rude when people smoke standing directly in front of the entrance to restaurants and stores/shops.
@@JamesS.254 that's why it's supposed to be illegal closer than 25 feet. Cigarette smell is awful.
That depends on the region of the US. Lots of places in the south you can still smoke in the bars, and at out door eating places.
For the speech distance--there's a difference between people who are trying to sell you something or hand you pamphlets are one thing, but the regular conversation distance is roughly arm's length. (I believe that's not so much of a problem for the British. I think it's probably part of our British roots, honestly. But other cultures often have conversations at a distance that, to Americans, seems weirdly intimate.) In cities where you get shoved into a train car like sardines, the general behavior is to pretend the other person is not in your bubble--read a newspaper or look away--and don't engage. It's kind of a way to create the space in an imaginary way.
Pretty much this. I think that first bit of advice applies more to middle eastern visitors. I used to work in a place where we got a lot of them due to the mosque across the road and guys from certain countries over there would like pat your shoulders and be right up in your face in normal conversation. It was a normal cultural thing for them, but puts most Americans on edge.
@@christopherkortum5535 That's good information to know. I was not aware of that. I've traveled with the US Air Force but never really engaged with people in those countries, especially in Saudi Arabia. We were told not to leave the compound except in organized groups and not get separated from one another, and especially do not under any circumstances touch any of the women. We didn't go many places!
Don't get close enough to smell the other person's breath.
Don't touch or push anyone when you want to get by someone who is in your way. Just say "excuse me". Repeat more loudly, if necessary.
It depends on the individual. Most people like to keep people at arm's length when talking. However, I've run into a lot of people who get so close that it seems like they are going to try to crawl into your pocket.
If you must touch an American to get their attention, the most acceptable location is on the shoulder or the arm, perhaps the upper back. Avoid the torso, head, and legs. Tap lightly and say something like "Excuse me, Sir". This is true in the Chicago region. I can't speak for the rest of the USA.
When I worked restaurants, tips were 60-80% of my wage. So yes, it's a big difference for us.
One thing to add to my British brothers and sisters- Don't say "you alright?" to Americans and Canadians (when saying hi) - It's kind of insulting - It's like asking someone if there is something wrong with them. (I am Welsh - i went to Wales and my cousin said - You alright? I was like why - what did i do? I was a bit thrown off). FYI
I heard “you alright” for the first time in my life in Manchester England a few years ago for the first time. At first it was said so fast I was a little confused (you talking to me??) but then, and to your point, I was like i’m fine why do you ask?? Lol
I’m a life long Southerner and “You doin’ ok?” or something similar is a very common greeting, even to people you don’t know. I’ve never heard of anyone being offended by it.
Don't ask what you are doing to Brits . It makes us think we are doing something wrong
We clam up and start being more guarded
yeah, it is like a way of asking someone "Do we have a problem?"
I’ve never thought anyone thought we had 52 states. Mind blown
It may be the reason that we have territories. Idk how many territories we have but ik for sure Puerto Rico is one of our territoriess.
@@adrianmunoz45 yes I believe that’s our only territory bc they are allowed to vote in presidential race. Maybe they are also counting Washington DC as a state instead of a city. IDK lol
@@MeOhMyOh2324 maybe lol, and puerto rico is able to vote? I was always taught it wasnt.
@@adrianmunoz45 well now I’m not 100% sure lol bi do know I see them represented at the presidential conventions so maybe that’s all I’m thinking of
@@MeOhMyOh2324 I don’t believe they get to vote for the president, and they dont have representation in congress. They chose to not become a state in order to maintain a certain level of independence.
My oldest daughter and I drove cross country from Georgia to visit my parents in Arizona. It took 3 days (Stopping at night), almost 2 of those were driving across Texas. From forests to deserts. It’s beautiful the whole way.
Yes. Half way from where we lived in Del Rio, Texas to my parents home in southern Indiana, is just outside of Dallas, Texas. Btw, my parents decided not to make the drive. 🤣
You can spend a month just traveling around Texas and not see all it has to offer. The Lone Star state has an amazing story. The pride of the citizens is beyond legendary! The mix of cultures that made it what it is, impressive. Remember the Alamo!
It is often said by non Texans the biggest thing in Texas is their ego.
😬
Tip from a Floridian that has seen a lot of European tourists underestimate these temperatures. Don't visit the southern half of the states during Spring, Summer, or Fall. Especially places like Disney World. The best result is heat exhaustion/heat stroke, the worst is just randomly bursting into flame. Haha
U can't smoke inside...most states it's atleast 15 ft from front door... All the bars have outdoor smoking areas
I would say tipping feels very mandatory for most people living in the U.S. Unless your service is absolutely terrible a tip is generally expected and it is often considered rude to not tip. Especially since many servers in the U.S only earn tips and don’t get paid hourly.
US citizen here, and tipping is not mandatory. However...it is considered rude not to tip. And, if you re-visit a business where you previously did NOT tip, the employees will remember you and you will probably receive the WORST service.
It might not technically be mandatory but it basically is I mean idk anyone who hasn’t tipped before
@@williammarchand253 Usually it's tourists from other countries who don't know that they should tip. But, if you visit Japan, they get insulted if you try to tip them. In their culture they view it as charity.
@@starbrand3726 The only time I have failed to tip is when I've had service so horrendous that I never want to go to that restaurant again.
Example - I'm allergic to something. I tell the server to check with the kitchen that it's not an ingredient in the food I intend to order. They say it's not, I eat it, and then I have an allergic reaction. If I had a more serious allergy I could've ended up dead!
Or waiting for the check for so long (30+ minutes after I finish eating) that I have to go to the front and flag down the entry staff.
@@matthewblackwood9653 Absolutely. Tipping should be mandatory, but NOT when you receive terrible service.
@@starbrand3726 Well no, what **should** be mandatory is the businesses paying a living wage ;)
Cigarettes are a pretty hard "no" in America. We recently raised our legal age to buy tabacco from 18 to 21. Smoking is outright banned in most restaurants and indoor places. Even outdoors, you might encounter some resistance if you're not in a designated smoking area that is clearly marked.
I don't think there are designated smoking areas in many places anymore.
It depends on the state as to whether or not you can smoke in a hotel room etc.
@@jchesney2535 in my area at least they're are in parks
Depends on where you’re at. Smoking is not allowed indoors most places here(tobacco stores, and strip clubs are exceptions). But smoking outside nobody will ever tell you not to. Kentucky for reference
Who can afford cigarettes nowdays anyway? Over 100 dollars a carton, that's a big NO!
I think cigarettes are very much accepted as a very common occurrence in smaller towns, bigger cities it’s kinda frowned upon. Really depends on the area. A lot of what the man in the video has to say rings very true. I absolutely love living in the USA but the politics make me want to travel far far away 😂
Polite, educated people don't smoke.
@@jchesney2535🤣
Cigs are less and less seen...in S america, i see so few ppl smoking. And those who do tend to buy a cig at a time, not a pack.
I would look at tipping here as something that’s mandatory . Obviously the percentage can change based on quality of service
Tipping isn’t mandatory but some restaurants add it in (especially in tourist areas) and you would expect to have it added in for a large party.
What if the service is really bad do you still tip?
Maybe at a nice restaurant but you never normally tip for fast food
@@brianabc83 no, or maybe leave a tiny tip. However if the restaurant builds it in to the bill (I think they have to disclose it to you ahead of time) then I don’t think you can avoid it but you might be able to get it reduced by talking with the manager about the poor service.
@@mashedt8rs290 sit down restaurants only
Feel like majority of americans are fairly laid back so youre pretty safe with not offending anyone. Just the politics and gun ones are really only ones to avoid. But he does bring up good point. When you start planning your trip pick a region and try to stay a night or two per city and move around to get the most out of your trip whether it be the south east or west cost or by us folk in the midwest. Personally I plan my trips around national and state parks but im kinda a sucker for a good hike
I'd add religion, salary, and any kind of ethnic or racial jokes.
I'd avoid talking about abortion, too
I avoid the US period and live 5 miles from the border! People are becoming nuts down there lately.
Yeah right...? that first one was a little weird.
@@TracySmith-xy9tq that’s pretty much anywhere...
Some of the most friendly, helpful people I’ve ever met have been in New York City.
My sister’s new neighbor from Utah was shocked when my Connecticut brother-in-law came over and welcomed him to the neighborhood.
A Midwestern colleague was amazed by the hospitality we showed him when he met with us in New Haven and we took him on a tour of the city and to dinner at an Italian/seafood restaurant-he had no idea of the rich Italian culture in the area.
I am shocked at any of the amazingly rare times I've ever met a polite helpful person in the north east. I mean like its so rare it actually gives me a TIA if it happens.
If yall come back to America I would personally recommend North Carolina! It is 1 of the only states to have beautiful beaches and mountains ! It has many historical towns in some parts and really big cities like Charlotte or Raleigh in other areas and it also has a very diverse population and the people for the most part are kind . Its definitely 1 of a kind.
The outer banks of NC are one of the US's most historic and beautiful places
Agree lived in Charlotte NC for 25 years. Miss it so much. Now live in central Texas.
Yes visit Asheville and Biltmore and the Blue Ridge Mtns as well as the Outer Banks and Cape Hatteras. My mother is from NC. We have the beaches and mountains here in California, but NC is one of the most beautiful East Coast states...
@@yodservant yes absolutely , thank you, Cali is amazing too but nc is home and remember your always welcome back here ❤
@@vickyb9918 your always welcome back lol
I really like these videos with Millie. You’re both great and The combined commentary is really solid. It’s like you have a podcast and are just chatting.
As someone who lives an hour away from Orlando, Florida I totally agree not to depend on public transportation!
The South in general, tbh
I would recommend going to New England in the fall for its beautiful fall foliage. A lot of early American history and coastal towns. Seafood galore. I would then go to the southwest for the Grand Canyon, a slew of national parks with stunning, unusual beauty, Las Vegas. I would also recommend the southeast for Charleston & Savannah with their old southern charm.
New England in the fall will show you colors you never thought nature could produce.
In Washington State, it's now 21 to purchase both cigarettes 🚬 and alcohol 🍸 . Plus, no smoking is allowed inside public buildings or within 25 feet of an entrance
Here in Oregon its 21 for both as well.
And that’s why your state is going to the wolves along with Oregon , nanny state.
@@kari8187 I agree completely!!! I hate Oregon and am planning on moving to Texas soon where they have much more freedom like no mask mandates
Most places in the US are "smoke-free". In Pennsylvania a bar can have smoking only if they don't serve food. Casinos in PA allowed smoking, but because of the virus it's mandated as non-smoking. I'm sure it varies from state to state, and local areas.
I don't know of many bars in PA that allow smoking. Maybe "Bob's Bar and Live Bait" does.
Dive Bars allow smoking indoors in PA but not bigger bars. Since the pandemic, Valley Forge Casino allows indoor smoking but Parx Casino, last I went, still haven't let smoking back in, but we're planning to soon.
Smoking is pretty divisive and almost ALL food places say no. Usually there is a place to smoke just not promoted.
Yeah, even in places where smoking is allowed, I would say that if someone has an issue with it, that is not seen as abnormal, at least compared to other places. Like if everyone is outside, waiting for the bus, someone may ask you to put out a cigarette or move away from them, which is very different from what I have seen in Europe and South America.
You can smoke in some of Idaho bars too and the casinos as well.
I can only disagree with the first 2 points the third I agree with. I'm a New Yorker originally but have since moved. I can't tell you how many Americans ( not foreigners) have no idea that New York State has absolute wilderness areas, it's not just a massive city.
Go on to Texas or Alaska then we can talk about vast distance. Even California is 1500 or so miles north to south.
From California, and we’ve driven a ton around the state, but it’s mostly highways. My fave is driving across Montana & seeing the “Big Sky.”
I'm British living in America for 24 years.
These places are all fun.
East
NY. DC, Savannah, Miami.
Mid West.
Chicago. Minneapolis.
South West.
Dallas. Austin. San Antonio, New Orleans
West.
Las Vegas, LA, San Fran. Seattle.
It is crazy that you can’t buy alcohol until you’re 21 here, but you can join the military at 18, sometimes younger. Both choices can change or end your life.
kind of but the military is a guided risk and alcohol isnt guided at all because you can black out and not know what you did. so i would say alchohol can be way more dangerous and risky.
@@Enzelon nope, I don’t think many 18 year olds know the reality of war. Know that they could possibly take the lives of others, including children. Not buying that at all.
@@queenofkings7453 honestly doesn't really matter either way to me was just pointing out how when u join the military you are atleast guided by others and aren't just blindly jumping into the "deep end" so to speak... also just adding for the hell of it but joining the military doesn't just lead to fighting.. you can join as a chef or priest even... also the majority of solders never even see battle unless a big war is going on and the people that join during those times tend to know they are getting into something dangerous.... I graduated 9 years ago and had multiple friends join the military over all branches and all are out of the military now and none have had to see combat. Just my thoughts on the matter nothing more.
I have always felt this way as well
@@Enzelon your thoughts are great. We can disagree! If we all think the same it would be a boring and crazy world🤣
One thing I started doing with my friends and co-workers from overseas is making sure they see a live sporting event. Even if they're not into that particular sport, they end up loving the atmosphere. Especially something like college football or college basketball..really almost any large college event, especially when the teams are rivals. I'm not too keen on the NBA lately, but I remember taking a co-worker from Japan to a Bulls game once and she absolutely loved it. I think she was fascinated by the cheerleaders and crowd mostly, but it was funny seeing her leave at the end of the night with a huge smile on her face and a bunch of 'Bulls' memorabilia. e.g. shirt, hoodie, etc.
Definite must-do. College games are cool, but anything professional is gonna be a blast. It really doesn't matter who's playing, professional games are going to be an unforgettable experience. From the tail-gaters to the crazy fan costumes, the cheers and theatrics, etc. You're gonna spend a lot of money, but the experience will be next level and something that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
That's a great suggestion! My husband and I went to a Yankees vs Dodgers game at Yankee Stadium a few years ago. We love baseball (go Cardinals!) but aren't big fans of either team. The atmosphere was amazing! Apparently no one told the Dodgers fans they moved out of Brooklyn in 1957. :) That rivalry was so strong. It was a blast!
The ‘52 states’ confusion is something I’ve run into when I’ve traveled overseas myself. It’s always because they see that common image of the lower 48 states and think that represents 50, then they want to add on Hawaii and Alaska to come up with 52.
the 52 comes from the 50 + Washingon, DC and Puerto Rico
@@RobertMJohnson not in my experience.
52 cards in a deck. Just IDIOT teachers through the years
@@RobertMJohnson no Guam and Puerto Rico are territories people like to add as states. I’ve never heard anyone want to add DC as a state.
Hard to imagine where 52 comes from. The US has 50 states, 5 territories (Puerto Rico, Samoa, Virgin Islands, Guam, and Mariana Islands), and the District of Columbia. I guess there has been some talk over the years of adding DC and PR as states, but it's never got very far.
The large land of USA is huge for sure. I have finally hit my 49th out of the 50th states. Last sept I went on an Alaska cruise which is my 49th state. In nov planning to go to Hawaii which will be my 50th state. This has taken me since I was a child till now to do and I am in my 40's so hope that helps in context. Now if your in a job where they pay for the travel and your job requires it, that would be different but, your not going to these states to enjoy it. Like a politician would be an example of a job that would require it.
I visited all the states as I did not because I had to but, because I wanted to and it took me years.
I know y’all went to New York but I would advise against letting it take too much of an effect on your view of the country lol NYC is so much different from the rest of the country. You could say that about a lot of places, actually. LA, Vegas, NYC, even whole states like Florida and Texas are so different that even the rest of us Americans might have a decent bit of culture shock when we visit.
No kidding I moved from Alabama to Texas and it was a huge shock
Agreed: from Atlanta, Georgia but have lived in Texas, Southern California, and 6 other states in THIS country, and those specific two were their own things...though California was far better suited to my wife and me than Texas ever could've been.
NYC especially right now is dangerous.
Hell, even NYC from tourist NYC is different. Not to mention the actual state of NY.
I live in upstate ny...the Adirondacks...nothing like nyc. The state has several regions that are all different than others
1-The south is more friendly,
2-The fall and spring is the best time to visit,
3-You can’t smoke in public places within so many feet from the building,
4-Everything is much more expensive on the west coast,
5-It would take a very long time to see the US. It’s very big so choose where you want to go carefully,
6-Water is free in 99% of most restaurants as well as refills on non-alcoholic drinks,
7-Crime and homeless people are prominent in large cities like NYC, San Francisco, Los Angelos, Chicago etc
8- Dialect and slang can make it hard to understand people sometimes especially in the southern states most particular in Louisiana and and parts of Georgia
9-transportation in large cities are better than smaller ones. Most people in small and midsize cities use automobiles but crowding and parking is impossible in big cities.
10-never talk politics. There is a big divide in the USA.
I have traveled in the US and Europe and have learned that good manners and kindness go a long way with most people.
To further complicate distances, in some Midwestern states like Ohio, Michigan, and West Virginia - it's not uncommon to measure distance by time i.e. "Oh I live an hour south of Cleveland" or "I'm just thirty minutes from the airport". This is obviously a very subjective measurement that depends on weather, traffic, etc.. But still used pretty frequently in the region.
This is very true. I've lived in 4 states, and Michigan is the only one where everyone says they study an hour away, not 50 miles away. The other places I've lived were Maryland, Virginia, and Florida, and I never heard measuring distance by time there ever.
Rule of thumb, when someone uses time as a measurement of distance, base it off the local highway speed limit, if something is supposedly 2 hours away and the speed limit is 75 miles an hour, assume it's about 150 miles away.
Same for Texas! We don't measure by miles most the time.
Pennsylvania reporting in. We use a mix of distance and time. I frequently tell people I am an hour and a half north of Philadelphia, instead of 63.3 miles north northwest, or the mall is 15 minutes away.
@@Infrared01 I've lived in Florida all my life and i have to say it's pretty mixed. You might get one person who might say the distance in miles and another who might say distance in time. My family and a lot of people I've gone to school with have measured distance in time, but if it comes to a place in the state that we don't know then we use miles.
The cities are a different world than the rest of the Untitled States when you do come back I recommend coming to Appalachia to get the best experience
Just avoid the cities, in general. That's where all the crime is, and very little of the culture.
Don''t call someone in the south a liar unless you are prepared to defend your honor.
Lmao what?
@@jamiekrtkmp It's definitely a thing. The same is true for a lot of people in the Midwest. Calling someone a liar is basically an invitation for a fistfight, and a lot of those corn-fed midwestern boys aren't afraid to throw down in a brawl.
@@andercrash3602 They need to grow up. Nobody solves anything that way anymore.
I'm cornfused.
@@jchesney2535 I'm not advocating it, I'm simply stating that it happens.
With regard to tipping I have always felt that the server, worker, etc must earn their tip. Yes it would be extremely rude to not tip at all but reducing your tip based on service is an obvious way of telling the server they didn’t earn the customary 15-20%. I’m a former server and always gave my all because I wanted to earn a good living. It’s a good way to set work ethics. Great videos & you’re a cute couple. Thanks y’all from Northern Virginia!
The cigarette thing is less so the region, and more like where you are in public. Like if you wanna smoke, do it away from other people. Like smoking in a public park while walking around or right outside a store is kinda frowned upon sometimes.
It definitely depends where you are as well. In some places it's much more frowned upon, whereas in others like Vegas smoking indoors is still allowed. It varies a lot from region to region, and often even city to city within a state. Things are usually much different in the bigger cities than in the surrounding smaller towns and rural areas.
In California, smoking is illegal everywhere, even outdoors; at the beach, the ballpark, or just walking down the street.
Going to alaska for a fishing trip is by far an experience you will never forget.
to add alaska or hawAki will jut about double your costs.everything has to be imported
1) is talking about some cultures that like to shake hands endlessly, kiss cheeks, hug, etc. Don't do that.
2) Seattle to Miami is a similar distance as London to Baghdad. It's a HUGE area, either choose one region or fly city to city.
3) Sales tax doesn't just very by state, but by address based on a combination of county, city, district, state.
4) tipping is expected for sit down restaurants and personal services like a taxi. Counter ordering is an optional tip and many won't ask. Barista and bartender are the counter-order exceptions. Oh, if you don't finish a meal, ask for a box, it is routine for restaurants to send home leftovers of you don't finish as they will have to toss it if you don't want it, and serving sizes are usually larger than most other countries.
5) if you smoke, follow the lead of locals. Most places ban indoor smoking. You will be carded to buy them. I would not recommend marijuana even if it is kinda legal where you visit because it is still illegal federally, and I believe in the UK as well-- the legal risks to you as visitors are significant.
6) Ditto alcohol, public drinking is discouraged and sometimes illegal except in parks and places where it is served. Being drunk (and not just having a drink) in public is illegal. Use cans and not glass for picnics, etc.
7) time is a fine measurement for distance
And if you can figure out a way to do it, your volume, her's, and the video's are all different.
Hey Y'all! Clay from Fort Worth, Texas here. I have to say I absolutely love y'alls videos!!!! The only thing I can say is, each area is completely different!! New York, New York and Fort Worth, Texas are completely different in just about every single way!! Y'all should totally come visit Texas!!!
Texas is a the 'Americanest' of all the States. Something for everyone there. Super friendly, proud-but-humble, and a great counter to California's nuttiness. :)
My dream is to visit the UK! Your country has such a long and rich history. My goal is to see where the great writers lived and the great historical and architecturally beautiful structures and buildings and the beauty of the landscapes.
Lol the driving thing is so true 🤣 my dad lived about 45-an hour away one way and we would drive that way all the time without second thought…an 1 and 30 min drive doesn’t feel bad either!
"That's why it's so cheap to go out and eat in the U.S." I don't know if i've ever heard anyone actually say that before. I'ts definitely not cheap to go out to eat. I'd say at a normal restaurant for 2 people expect to spend around $50.
lunch is around $35, Dinner = $100, with a bottle of wine
It depends. Chain restaurants tend to be more expensive than the local places. Plus, the local places have better food...
you've probably never heard an AMERICAN say it's 'cheap to eat in the U.S.' because we're accustomed to the low pricing, but think it's high relative to the average wage. For foreigners who are not accustomed to seeing subsidized, non-imported prices for meals and VAT and wage expectations, it looks like it's free. My cousin took his family to europe about 3 years ago and every post on FB from him during their visit was lamenting the INSANE food prices.
I rarely pay more then 25 for 2 people. Not sure where you're eating.
@@nicholasjh1 Sadly this is changing fast, restaurant prices have skyrocketed and service has diminished severely in the past year.
the greeting part really depends on the person. where i've always lived in texas, it's always been
"how are you?"
"i'm alright, yourself?"
"doing good"
something similar to that is common place. it's purely regional and based on who you're talking to, but i feel like it's more common to see this sort of introduction
Don't expect the weather to be the same and take care when traveling to different parts of the US during different times. If you visit Disneyland in the summer in Cali, be prepared for temperatures to reach over 100 F. Also Florida and other states the southern side have certain times of year where storms are more likely including hurricanes. Be sure to pack the right clothing and do your research before heading out.
As for culture, do expect different accents actually. Depending where you go the accent changes.
Definitely. I live in the southeast, but my accent is more midwestern and I always get comments on my accent and asking where I’m from even though I’m still just ‘from’ the US.
On the East Coast, especially, there are usually many different accents just in a few square miles of wherever you are.
The driving thing is something that always amazes me. Last year I drove from Pennsylvania to the middle of Florida. It took 21 hours. (With stops for gas and food, and a couple extenuating circumstances). That’s just one straight non stop drive. And whereas that’s far, it’s not amazing to most Americans, because most of us have done something similar
...I have driven from NE PA to Orlando...24 hours..an easy ,but long trip
@@raymo6795 easy depends on circumstances lol hitting a deer, getting pulled over, and getting 1 hour sleep in 36 hours makes it less easy
@@NejiijeN ..perhaps a black cat crossed your path early in your voyage 🐈⬛..Merry Christmas Daniel🎅🎄
drove about 15 hrs from virginia to tennessee & 11 hrs from virginia to northern PA
Orlando to Tamaqua, PA. Left at 4 PM on a Friday, and had to be back to Orlando 7 AM Tuesday.
My friend and I went on a road trip this past summer and went to half of the states in 2 1/2 weeks. We drove a total of 8,529 miles (13726.09 kilometers) . We got to see lots of national parks like Yellowstone, Mt Rushmore, Death Valley, the Grand Canyon and so much more. So it’s definitely possible to see a lot of the US in one trip, but be prepared for 10+ hour drives 👌🏻👌🏻
Some hotels are no longer offering free shuttles after covid. Call the hotel and confirm they offer shuttles to save transportation costs
Right on! I did 9,345 miles in 51 days last year. We may have passed each other. Enjoyed every minute.
Be advised if you decide to visit " Yellowstone National Park < which is huge> , remember that whole area sits upon a monstrous supervolcano. To date it is more than 40,000 years overdue for a enormous eruption....It is expected to be a extinction level event for a large part of the world.< Be sure to call ahead just to be sure its...safe . Before you go there.. I live close to it.. Its not so bad,............I mean , one big boom and its over........
Reacting to a “How are you?” depends on what part of the country you’re in. Here in Wisconsin, especially rural, we expect an answer to that greeting, even if it’s rote. “How are you?”, “I’m fine, and you?” is the norm in the Midwest.
The rural/city divide is pretty consistent on a micro and macro level.
Here in Oregon the towns along the coast are approximately 30 minutes from each other. this is because it's the distance you could travel by horse in a day
I will add that in general, southern states have friendlier people. Every time I visited northern states people were in general a lot more rude. Also to get a feel for the general area get out of the city and check out the small rural areas. It's like night and day when you get away from the metropolitan areas.
I'm from MN and know that people from here are very cliqueish. we are also suspicious of new people and wouldn't necessarily accept them right away. This is all couched in the famous passive aggressive Minnesota Nice.
I am from Maine. Most of the people here are so nice and giving. We'll go in a privately owned shop by the sea and come out with gifts that the owner has given us. We have lovely conversations with wait staff and they remember what we like to eat the next time we come in. They give us extra helpings of seafood. Maybe it's me but I LOVE living here!
Agreed! But now the northerners are moving south and raising our taxes and living costs. They are buying up our houses so real Southerners are homeless--living in RVs, camping out, or living in their cars or with relatives.
What is really surprising about the US is how culturally and ethnically diverse some areas might be, where some areas appear to have no cultural diversity at all. And where we do have more diversity, rarely do people cross the invisible lines. To me it is unfortunate that we don't mix all that well here.
People used to try and integrate. They don't anymore.
When we took our last trip, just drove out west. We met some friendly folks in a gas station. We didn't have the money to post up anywhere and they gave us shelter for a few weeks. They didn't accept our money, so we hid it in their freezer. We didn't have enough money to get back home and someone offered to give us a tank of gas against our protest. I love this country. Just pay it forward.
Also, I don't like being touched, but after so many fallen, we hug and let each other know we love them on each interaction. Maybe it's a generational thing.
here in CA, one of the more stricter places in regards to cigs: we now have to be 21 for both cigs and alcohol (still18 to enlist). We've got a nearby city (Laguna Beach) that doesnt allow cigarettes in public. we do have no indoors, no children in cars. cigs are sold at any gas stations, grocery stores, convenience stores, etc. theyre available everywhere, but theyre are just not desired around - many see the smoke as a "i didnt choose to inhale that, do it where you arent affecting others.
Servers in the US absolutely count on the 15-20% tips to earn a living. It is impossible for servers to live on the salary alone. It is so common in the US for patrons to tip that establishments will only pay members of the service staff something like $7 per hour. Perhaps it's more now. But the point is that they don't even make minimum wage on salary.
In the south it's $3-$4 an hour we don't have union's for restaurant employees
Buuut...tipping is still based on an expected level of service.
You are expected to tip, but you are also expecting to get service worth a tip. If someone gives you bad service, don't feel bad about not tipping. That's part of being in the service industry...service.
A good way to sample the local cuisine is visit a city when they are having a "Taste of (city name)". Usually a street is closed to vehicles for a day and the local restaurants set up booths to serve samples from their menus.
I've lived in three regions in the US. I was born and raised in New England. Spent 16 years there then moved to Florida in my junior year of high school and then moved to the pacific northwest at age 20. I'm 42 now. The place I've loved the most and I did spend a year traveling the entire lower 48 states is idaho. It is extremely underrated by everyone. However it is extremely beautiful and wide open. You get a little of everything here. You get hot dry summers but cold snowy winters. There are many mountain ranges to see and many national forests and plenty of fishing hiking and other fun things to do. It's just underrated. The biggest don't in America don't get arrested under any circumstances. The legal system is long and drawn out. It can take years to clear a case
You will still find a few small towns and rural areas in some states where you will have smoking areas in restaurants and smoking is allowed in bars. For the most part that is a thing of the past though.
The 52 state thing I have never understood because we have 50 states plus territories and the District of Columbia. However we have a lot more territories than just two. Examples: US Virgin Isles and American Samoa.
I'm assuming the 52 state thing comes from people thinking that the mainland has 50, plus Alaska and Hawaii, making 52. I think that it's easier to remember 50+2 than 48+2. The comical, and kind of sad, part is that there are a lot of Americans that think that there are 52 states.
I live in the most populated city in Virginia and nearly every single bar I've ever been to has a smoking section.
If people are allowed to vote for president from that area it should be included as a state, but that would crowd up that flag full of stars wouldn't it. I think that is the only reason for the official keeping of the 50. People like the flag the way it is. Adding more "official" states would add more stars,& it hasn't been changed in a long time so if it is not broke don't fix it type of thing.
@@ericbowens874 people should be able to vote in Virginia or Maryland. Was DC should never be a state. The only reason that ever comes up is commie democrats know that that city would vote democrat. As far as 52 goes a lot of people think of Puerto Rico and Guam.
I've heard some people say that when they picture the US in their mind they think of the continental US as 50 states (when it's really just 48), then mistakenly add Alaska and Hawaii as 51 and 52.
Ok, I can see why they get to 52 with your explanation. Obviously wrong, but not completely unreasonable to come to that conclusion.
The other cause I've seen is some foreigners think Guam and Puerto Rico get counted as states, when they are territories.
Next time you visit NYC, make sure to have lunch at PJ Clarke's in Battery Park City (downtown, near the World Trade Center) - and eat outdoors if the weather is nice - you'll get a nice view of the Hudson River, Statue of Liberty, etc., and the burgers are great.
Tipping is typically 20% at a dine-in restaurant. For drinks in a bar I usually tip a $1 a drink.
When she says “Just tell me how many hours.” It made me think about, that’s how I (and almost everyone I know) tells trip time (in hours). American here, I currently live in Southern CA and I can tell you how long it takes me to go certain places vs the mileage. Like visiting my friends in San Diego will take 3-5+ hours depending on traffic through LA and Orange Counties. Or visiting my in-laws for lunch or dinner was about two hours each way. Or that visiting family near Sacramento will be about a 6-8hour drive etc. I couldn’t tell you exact mileage unless I looked it up honestly.
Edit for: #Tilltheend lol
The trip from SD to LA is 2 hours.
In the US it is illegal to purchase/ possess tobacco or alcohol under 21 as of 18 months ago anywhere in the US except for Native American reservations.
I genuinely thought this was only an Ohio thing. Wow!
This is how we think of travel in the South too. it is almost always expressed in time rather than distance.
@@scottbilger9294 Sure, usually, if you don't get stuck in bad traffic lol.
If you're trying to correct my timing, I don't live in LA so...
Fun fact: if you Google: Who Invented the Imperial System? This comes up
The United Kingdom
The United Kingdom overhauled its system of measurement in 1826, when it introduced the imperial system of units. This resulted in the two countries having different gallons.
Canada had 5 quarts to the gallon while U.S. gallons are 4 quarts.
America actually uses "US Customary" units, not imperial.
My husband and I drove from Texas to Maine and we zig zagged to hit as many states as possible. We drove through 22 states and it was an incredible experience, even though it was also exhausting.
The South is very friendly and hospitable.
A group of Korean guys were visiting my home town in the states, but got lost (before GPS). We ended up finding their hotel for them in a phone book (yes I'm old), calling ahead, and then walking them there.
They thought we were going to rob them or something, so they were very surprised. We even offered them to join us at dinner.
I was watching a TV series called "Sleepy Hollow" with a character names Ichabod Crane who was an officer in the U.S. Revolution. He awakens in the 21st century...
His newfound partner, Abigail, buys him a donut or pastry or something. He looks at the receipt and notices a 10% sales tax was added. He's outraged, pointing out that they fought a war over a 2% tax on tea!
Lol. I loved that show.
LOL. the difference is that that tax goes to OUR country. Of course, we have little say in what is done with it....
If anyone is looking for a place to visit in the US I would highly recommend South Louisiana. It is very rich in culture and it is very unique to anywhere else. Also if you have a love for food you will not find better food anywhere else in the country. People literally come from all over the world just for the food. They also have very unique attractions such as swamp tours and people are generally nicer here in the deep south. Remember south louisiana and north louisiana are like 2 separate countries make sure to come to the south part of the state which is anything below the I10 corridor.
The smoking thing is definitely true. People will freak out when you light up a cigarette. They could be on the other side of the parking lot and start coughing the second you light it.
"Don't smoke in the USA. It's totally verboten."
This is absolute nonsense. No, you are not permitted to smoke in most outdoor (and all indoor) public spaces, indoor restaurants or bars (and even that depends on where you are - there are a plethora of restaurants and bars in more rural areas that don't give a shite whether or not you're smoking, as long as you're not bothering anybody...how utterly American), but the idea that you should just leave your Dunhills on the dresser back in Mayfair for fear of being ostracized by the entirety of American people is crap.
Agree with this. You obviously can't do it inside, but smoking is plenty common no matter where you live, although probably more common in rural areas.
Don’t smoke around me. I live in Houston and it’s not common at all. You have the right to smoke as long as you’re not imposing your habits on strangers.
I thought he was going to say not to smoke in America because our cigarettes have (used to have) more nicotine and additives than European cigarettes. I don't know if that's still true.
Really depends more on who you hang out around. In SF with the health nut/ woke crowd they may give you static for smoking, but potheads and regular class workers don’t give a shit.
mm no it’s definitely not total nonsense and certainly depends on where you’re from. smoking is obviously normal but where i’m from in the US if i were to see a group of ppl lounging outside smoking me & ppl i know would frown at that mosty bc it stinks 😷. i’d never have friends that smoke cigarettes either. and my view is totally different from yours probably & others. so it’s varies
Now that ur 21, Vegas is cool with helicopter trips over the grand canyon. Great stuff to do for young couples.
Just budget enough to really do it right. I totally agree that the Vegas area has so much......
Vegas is great but to enjoy yourself its quite expensive!
I would recommend watching videos on each State, each has its own history, monuments, landscapes, festivals, and style to the same dish most often. I also recommend going to an American Football game, NFL, or College.
Those monuments aren't about history anymore though, just feelings.
California is cool because you can visit wine country, mountains, beaches, tourist places, and even deserts. It’s got it all in one large state.
It's worth pointing out that each state is really like its own country and it really is best to look at them like that, even if there are regional similarities. NYC for instance is completely different from the South or from the Great Plains. Also, we're a super diverse nation that gets more immigrants coming in than anywhere else on the planet by a large margin so having non-native born people, whether it's people just visiting or people who are staying, is not unusual to us. As long as y'all aren't being crazy disrespectful or rude, you shouldn't have any problems. Also, a lot of Americans have a thing for the Brits and British culture in general. Y'all are our mother country after all.
The British is not and has not Ever been America's "mother country'... who ever told you this is outright lying to you.
America was settled by people of the World.
All peoples of Europe, Africa, Asia, Mexico, Canada, Central America, South America, etc. etc....
No Your History.
@@traveler142 I do "no my history." We were settled by a lot of different peoples and nations(I did mention we were a super diverse nation) but they still are our mother country because they are who we broke off from. There is of course influence from everywhere because of that diversity but the core of our society such as political principles, traditions, and especially language are derived out of the UK(albeit with some obvious changes in all 3). Don't forget that British is not just the English too. The, Scotch-Irish(these are the Ulster-Scots for any Europeans reading this), played a massive role in the culture of the South for instance.
Also, even though those other nationalities brought pieces of their own cultures into our society, they also largely assimilated into the existing culture as well which is largely British-derived. Yes, we're diverse and so is our culture but even with that, the core of it is still British.
When you cross state lines, be sure to exhale the air of the state you are leaving, then inhale the air of the state you are entering so the air doesn't get mixed.
@@traveler142 The 13 original colonies were a part of the British Empire and were administered by the British. Hence the term "mother country".
I think we already know that America has been settled by people from all over the world.
@@mkay1957 the 13 original colonies that gained their Independence through a War does Not make up the Country of America...
You do realize that America is so much more than those original colonies... right...?
The British Empire is nothing more than a Stain in American History... They brought a Virus to this Nation that unfortunately has Never left.
One thing to note is that most healthcare bills are very negotiable, especially at an Urgent Care (like a cheaper ER). It's only super expensive if you pay the asking price.
...or use the Emergency room for something that can easily be tended to at the Urgent Care. Other countries that don't pay for their medicals up front or in hand, don't really understand how their health care system really works, how much of their taxes goes to paying for medicals...that aren't theirs and may never be theirs...and never mind those that have to fight to be allowed to get life saving tests/treatment from a panel that may or may not be willing to spend that money on you...some never actually get the treatments. At least in the U.S. you won't get turned away, typically..and someone always ends up footing the bills, but not necessarily through tax payers' coffers.
@@sewreese8179 Yeah those are all good points, and it's pretty ridiculous that you need to have the knowledge to go to Urgent Care instead of ER (actually even THAT decision depends on your insurance), and on top of that ambulances cost a TON on top of that in around 80% of the US (SOME are publicly funded) and on top of that ambulances won't take you to any urgent care 95% of the time.
As a side note I really miss the days where Classical Liberalism was a popular ideology... I hate conservatism but I also hate neoliberalism, and there's no middle ground to be found nowadays.
Not paying the asking price is exactly what insurance companies do, so it's in your best interest to do that as well 🙂It's part of why healthcare costs so much. They artificially inflate the price from the genuine market value because the person receiving the healthcare is expected to use insurance to pay it, and therefore will not even know how much it actually cost. This means for people without insurance who don't know they should haggle, it IS way expensive.
Urgent Care isn't covered on most travel insurance purchased outside the USA.
And it still seems very pricey and picky on who they can treat
A waste of time to be honest
In a lot of US state, they have a lower wage for “tipped employees”.. often as low as $3.00/hr or lower. The tips are supposed to make up the gap between that and the federal minimum wage for non-tipped employees
And servers (at least) get taxed according to the tips the federal government assumes they're making, whether or not they actually were tipped that amount.
and if they don't the employer makes up that gap. So..... tip according to service, good or bad.
South dakota has some great things to see and do like cosmos things defy nature like a ball rolling up hill a chair sits on a wall ect. Deadwood is full of history from the old west and still has the western theme lots of nature Rushmore is here plus many other things to see and do