Perhaps you’re the kind of person who expects to spend your days admiring amazing architecture and prowling world-famous museums for masterpieces. Or maybe you’re going to Europe to meet interesting people, relax on the beach until the sun goes down, and dance the night away in a local club. Regardless of your European vacation priorities, you certainly expect it to be wonderful!
But stop a moment. Have you thought about your cultural expectations?
Many European vacationers plan their activities and accommodations with the assumption that everything else will be “like America. ” If so, think again! Just as polish deli. Europe and the US are different in landscape, weather, and history, they are also very different culturally. Europeans and Americans have different ideas about manners, time, personal space, personal property maintenance, and language.
So for anyone planning a vacation to Europe, here are a few “cross cultural conflict” areas that Americans traveling in Europe often encounter. Making yourself aware of these differences can help you have a fun, enjoyable, and even educational European vacation that is free of cultural misunderstandings!
Personal Space
Take a glance at a map of the world. Which is smaller: the us or Europe? That’s right– Europe. But there are still a lot of people there, which means they’ve gotten used to smaller spaces!
American standards of living are very high. We’re used to king size beds and bathrooms that can accommodate several people at a time.
But unless you’re staying in a massive French chateau or Italian villa, be prepared for spaces to be smaller than you’re used to. Bedrooms and bathrooms will be more compact, as will bed sizes. Single and double beds alike will be narrower. Kitchens won’t be able to accommodate your entire family!
So consider this an opportunity to get closer to your traveling companions. Think of sharing a bathroom in Italy as an exercise in cooperation. Get cozy with your spouse in that French double bed. Be willing to laugh as you adjust. Get creative and have fun!
Manners
A common misperception of Europeans is that they are “rude. ” Of course, they think the same thing about us!
Remember when you’re traveling in Europe that rudeness is largely a cultural perception. Someone who seems blunt and nosey may be expressing friendship and concern for your well-being. A waiter who tells you what to order may be trying to help, since you are unfamiliar with the language. Differences in “personal space” mean that someone who cuts in front of you may not even understand that you were in line!
Also, subjects which are taboo in your community may be freely discussed elsewhere, and vice versa. In the us, we consider it incredibly rude to comment on a person’s weight. This isn’t true everywhere in the world!
So, when traveling in Europe, keep a firm grip on your temper. A good way to achieve this is to give everyone else the benefit of the doubt. Just make the choice not to get angry. If you can roll with the punches, you’ll enjoy your vacation more– and you’ll be a better traveling companion.
Time
I have to admit that i get impatient if I have to wait longer than fifteen minutes at a restaurant in the us. After the food comes, I can be out the door in half an hour!
In Italy, however, a dinner filled with conversation, laughter, and great food can last two hours! I smile when i hear other Americans asking why the food hasn’t arrived yet. Unbeknownst to them, the waiters are offering them the opportunity to savor the meal.
Likewise, shops and businesses in Spain close for an afternoon siesta. In the uk, the handyman may want to chat with you before repairing that pipe.
Most Europeans do not share the American compulsion to “save time” by doing everything quickly. So when you vacation in Europe, leave your watch behind. After all, this is a vacation!
