What is your opinion on the USA?

[Scotrail12]

The USA is revered by Americans as the best place in the world but I just can't understand why. I've just returned after a New Year holiday and spent a few of those days in the USA, first time since before the pandemic. For me, I think it isn't what it is cracked up to be (not the most free place and the customer service is nowhere near as good as they think it is) and IMO, Europe is so much more interesting to visit. I love that I live next to Europe and have so many great countries only 2 hours away by flight which are easily accessible. Whereas you have at least 7 hours over to the USA, with ESTAs, TSA security etc and there isn't as much to do or see when you are there (New York being an exception).

What is your opinion on the USA as a country? Have you visited? Do you find it an interesting place? Is it really the land of the free? Do they have the best service in the world?

 

[Wynd]

How much of it have you seen?

Its huge place, with a lot of varying culture. Its not easy to make a generalised blanket statement about it, as it can be very different depending on what state you find yourself in.

I can assure you that many US citizens do not hold it to be the best place in the world.

 

[Gloster]

I will only say that I have the same attitude to it as I used to hold about South Africa (and still hold about several other countries): it probably has many fine points and would be worth visiting, but I have no intention of going there under the present political system. I have held this attitude for most of my adult life.

 

[alxndr]

I’d like to see some of the landscape and natural features, but unfortunately that comes with having to interact with American society, which I have no desire to do. Some Americans are wonderful people, but as a whole they’ve created a country which contains many of the thing I dislike most.

The older I get the more differences I see between us, and the more broken I realise America is.

 

[johnnychips]

I will only say that I have the same attitude to it as I used to hold about South Africa (and still hold about several other countries): it probably has many fine points and would be worth visiting, but I have no intention of going there under the present political system. I have held this attitude for most of my adult life.

With the greatest of respect, don’t you think you are restricting yourself a lot? The most ‘unacceptable’ regimes I’ve visited have been China and Republic of Congo. I learnt a lot of how people live there and how the people do not see things from a western perspective. Incidentally, the two next ’want to visit’ places on my list are the USA and South Africa.

 

[Cdd89]

Europe is revered by Europeans as the best place in the world but I just can't understand why. I've just returned after a New Year holiday and spent a few of those days in Europe, first time since before the pandemic. For me, I think it isn't what it is cracked up to be (not the most free place and the customer service is nowhere near as good as they think it is) and IMO, the USA is so much more interesting to visit. I love that I live in the USA and have so many great cities only 2 hours away by flight which are easily accessible. Whereas you have at least 7 hours over to Europe, with ETIAS, security etc and there isn't as much to do or see when you are there (London being an exception).

 

[birchesgreen]

I haven't been but i would like to, problem is knowing where to start as the US is quite big i'm told.

 

[Snow1964]

What part of the States ?

I have been to Boston New England, Carolina’s, Chicago area, Alaska, Florida. All completely different with different cultural approach, pace of life. I suspect the south (Louisiana etc) and Rockies, and the mid-West will all be different too.

Is service better, yes in some areas, but not everywhere (but it is very mixed in UK too), my experience was service tended to be better in family and independent shops and restaurants. Chains (especially in big cities and tourist areas) seem to employ less motivated staff.

 

[duncanp]

The United States is in reality several different countries which happen to share a common government and currency.

New York City seems to exist in a bubble of its own, and many Americans feel it is not representative of the country as a whole.

Much like Paris in relation to France, and London in relation to the UK.

I think it is short sighted not to visit the US because you don't like the political system or the incumbent president. (Many people refused to visit whilst Donald Trump was in office) As an overseas visitor, you are not going to change the political system, and not visiting for this reason alone, you are harming those who work in tourist related industries.

The tipping system takes a bit of getting used to. It is strange to UK visitors, but I think you just have to accept that this is the way things are done over there, and when the bartender says that a beer costs $7, it really costs $8 with a tip included.

I have been to the US four times, and hope to go again later this year, on a trip delayed by three years due to COVID and its aftermath.

I will be visiting St Louis, Missouri whilst I am there, which is off the beaten trail for most UK visitors.

As in any country, it is worth taking time to visit somewhere away from the main tourist trails, so you can get an idea of the real nature of the country.

Even in New York City, I would recommend a visit to Staten Island, as it is a world away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Manhattan.

 

[Iskra]

I've been about 10 times now. It's nice in small doses, I'd never want to live there, although I feel that I could live happily in Canada just to the North.

It's a beautiful and varied country though, scenically they have it all. There are also a few cultural 'musts' there in my opinion- Disney, Vegas, San Francisco, LA, Miami, New York, Grand Canyon; Colorado, Nevada or California in general. The only place I feel I must now visit is Washington DC, but I'm not in a major rush to do so.

American people always tend to be very hospitable towards Brits and, they aren't all insular people who think the US is the be all and end all, I met one on Amtrak this year that I would describe as more European in outlook. I think those on the North Eastern coast tend to be a bit more 'European' in outlook.

 

[edwin_m]

As with all countries, there are many interesting destinations in the USA, though everything is bigger so they are more spread out than in Europe. Travelling on Amtrak (many years ago) I found fellow passengers were very willing to talk, which is generally not the experience in the UK.

At that time I did find some people were very ignorant about things that went on outside the country. If I did the same again I suspect that might now be worse, with the society becoming much more polarised. Outside the Northeast, California or a few other areas I think I'd be worried about getting into a conversation with someone who turned out to support one of the more far-right causes, and who might not be too happy if I ended up telling them them exactly what I thought of their views.

 

[duncanp]

Europe is revered by Europeans as the best place in the world but I just can't understand why. I've just returned after a New Year holiday and spent a few of those days in Europe, first time since before the pandemic. For me, I think it isn't what it is cracked up to be (not the most free place and the customer service is nowhere near as good as they think it is) and IMO, the USA is so much more interesting to visit. I love that I live in the USA and have so many great cities only 2 hours away by flight which are easily accessible. Whereas you have at least 7 hours over to Europe, with ETIAS, security etc and there isn't as much to do or see when you are there (London being an exception).

I don't know where you get the idea that "..there isn't as much to do or see..." whilst you are in "Europe".

Of course, if you live in the United States, then the flight times to most major US cities will be less than on a trans-atlantic flight.

The reverse is true for visitors from Europe to North America.

 

[Cdd89]

Ah, my flippant post was interpreted literally! (Serves me right, I suppose )

My intention was to highlight that the complaints raised by the OP are somewhat nebulous, and are thus more anti-travel than anti-USA (for example comments on visa protocols, airport security and places not living up to their hype) — such that almost all of them could be argued the other way around.

Most Americans do not hold passports despite extensive domestic travel and would probably argue similarly.

 

[SuspectUsual]

Outside the biggest cities America is fascinating and brilliant.

 

[DelW]

I've visited seven times for periods from a few days to a few weeks, over nearly forty years, mostly to east and west coasts. Almost without exception I've found individual Americans to be very friendly and welcoming, even if collectively they're apparently crazy. I have one acquaintance with whom I get on well as long as we avoid politics, since he's a staunch Republican. I also have family living in California, who have been fairly appalled by the Trump years.

It's a great place to travel around, with some fantastic scenery (and amazing railway operations). Travel with a hire car is pretty easy, and even in cities driving isn't generally difficult, though you have to be aware of differences from here, e.g. four-way-stop crossroads, and right turns being normally allowed against a red light. Parking is usually easy, and free outside bigger cities. Public transport is limited away from cities, though Amtrak is actually quite good if it happens to go where and when you want. Superliners are easily the most spacious rail vehicles I've ever been in, with seats like armchairs and massive legroom.

The gun culture is obviously a concern, but I've never seen weapons being worn openly other than by police. That said, I've never visited the mid-western states where it's likely to be more prevalent. I've never felt overly concerned about my personal safety, even around New York or LA.

I'd still like to get to Colorado and the Rockies, but I'm less keen on long haul travel than I was when I was younger.

(As an aside, my profile photo was taken in front of a Santa Fe F-unit in the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, well worth a visit)

 

[yorksrob]

Given the last year, I suspect that many Americans are aghast at our dysfunctional political landscape.

 

[43096]

Given the last year, I suspect that many Americans are aghast at our dysfunctional political landscape.

They need to have a look in the mirror, then! Never forget the attack on the Capitol, which reduced American democracy to the level of a tinpot dictatorship with a failed coup.

 

[edwin_m]

Given the last year, I suspect that many Americans are aghast at our dysfunctional political landscape.

I'd say it's worse over there - we've not had a mob storm Parliament (at least at the time of writing). The prevalence of guns and the attitude to their use among a significant fraction of the population means a disagreement is much more likely to turn lethal.

 

[yorksrob]

I'd say it's worse over there - we've not had a mob storm Parliament (at least at the time of writing). The prevalence of guns and the attitude to their use among a significant fraction of the population means a disagreement is much more likely to turn lethal.

There is that.

But they've not had a revolving door premiership without a general election, with the country continually on the verge of breaking apart.

Swings and roundabouts I suppose.

I'm not saying I'd rather their problems than ours. Rather glasshouses and stones etc...

 

[edwin_m]

There is that.

But they've not had a revolving door premiership without a general election, with the country continually on the verge of breaking apart.

Swings and roundabouts I suppose.

They've just had 15 rounds of voting to elect a Speaker of the House, which is the most significant position appointed by indirect election in the way our PM is. And due to the small Republican majority there and the factional splits within that party, McCarthy's position is probably at least as vulnerable as Sunak's. Triggering an election is an impossibility in America, as the constitution defines fixed terms.

 

[yorksrob]

They've just had 15 rounds of voting to elect a Speaker of the House, which is the most significant position appointed by indirect election in the way our PM is. And due to the small Republican majority there and the factional splits within that party, McCarthy's position is probably at least as vulnerable as Sunak's. Triggering an election is an impossibility in America, as the constitution defines fixed terms.

Rather like here then.

As I say, glasshouses and stones....

 

[coppercapped]

Given the last year, I suspect that many Americans are aghast at our dysfunctional political landscape.

The average American citizen has little or no knowledge of events outside the USA - or even in the next state. As to dysfunctional, have you noticed what has been happening in the USA over the past few years...? [1]

[1] As my contribution to the debate I would suggest that 'two party' political systems are less stable than 'multi-party' systems.

Discuss...

 

[yorksrob]

The average American citizen has little or no knowledge of events outside the USA - or even in the next state. As to dysfunctional, have you noticed what has been happening in the USA over the past few years...? [1]

[1] As my contribution to the debate I would suggest that 'two party' political systems are less stable than 'multi-party' systems.

Discuss...

I have indeed, but as mentioned, we should perhaps get our own house in order

 

[D6130]

Sadly, I haven't yet made it to the USA....mainly due to my wife's aversion to flying - and especially long-haul flying. However, our neighbours in Italy are a wonderfully friendly, hospitable and broad-minded middle-aged couple from a small town in Northern California. They are well-travelled - although not yet to the UK - and we have an open invitation to visit them. (an excuse to travel on the California Zephyr from Chicago to Emeryville?). My wife is threatening to visit her long-standing (almost 50 years) Japanese penfriend in October and I may go with her. If she manages to cope with that experience, I am hoping that I may be able to persuade her to go to the States next year.

 

[Sorcerer]

I've visited the US four times, but unfortunately that was only for Florida, specifically Orlando, and in some smaller parts Miami (mostly because it was cheaper to fly there) and Tampa for Busch Gardens, therefore I cannot say what it's like to visit the US as a whole country because it's not the least bit homogenous. I know for a fact that New York City will be a different experience to Orlando. That said I would definitely visit the country again, and so far the Americans are friendly people who like to make small talk. That's something to get used to if you're from a more introverted culture, but it's a nice little quirk in my opinion. So in terms of visiting, I definitely hold the United States in positive light.

But living there? That's a different story, because as a tourist you don't have to deal with some of the more negative cultural aspects such as maybe worrying about your child being shot at school (slight hyperbole I admit). In a more objective sense though the US is also lower on the Freedom House Index than most European nations and I personally believe that the Presidential system, appropriate for it's time, is inferior to the Parliamentary system. It's also pretty skewed in it's political leanings too because while for example Bernie Sanders is either praised/condemned as a socialist over there, over here he would be one of the more moderate Labour Party members.

So in short, it's definitely not the greatest country in the world, and it's political system and foreign policies over the years have been very dubious and questionable, and I am more than happy to stay in the UK, and if I had to move I'd probably opt for a few European countries first such as Norway or Switzerland. Even in the Anglosphere I'd move to New Zealand and possibly Canada before the US. That said, I would still definitely consider someone to be born there to be lucky since there are considerably worst places to live in the world.

 

[Iskra]

I've visited the US four times, but unfortunately that was only for Florida, specifically Orlando, and in some smaller parts Miami (mostly because it was cheaper to fly there) and Tampa for Busch Gardens, therefore I cannot say what it's like to visit the US as a whole country because it's not the least bit homogenous. I know for a fact that New York City will be a different experience to Orlando. That said I would definitely visit the country again, and so far the Americans are friendly people who like to make small talk. That's something to get used to if you're from a more introverted culture, but it's a nice little quirk in my opinion. So in terms of visiting, I definitely hold the United States in positive light.

But living there? That's a different story, because as a tourist you don't have to deal with some of the more negative cultural aspects such as maybe worrying about your child being shot at school (slight hyperbole I admit). In a more objective sense though the US is also lower on the Freedom House Index than most European nations and I personally believe that the Presidential system, appropriate for it's time, is inferior to the Parliamentary system. It's also pretty skewed in it's political leanings too because while for example Bernie Sanders is either praised/condemned as a socialist over there, over here he would be one of the more moderate Labour Party members.

So in short, it's definitely not the greatest country in the world, and it's political system and foreign policies over the years have been very dubious and questionable, and I am more than happy to stay in the UK, and if I had to move I'd probably opt for a few European countries first such as Norway or Switzerland. Even in the Anglosphere I'd move to New Zealand and possibly Canada before the US. That said, I would still definitely consider someone to be born there to be lucky since there are considerably worst places to live in the world.

Not really, 20,000 people died in US shooting incidents last year.

 

[duncanp]

Given the last year, I suspect that many Americans are aghast at our dysfunctional political landscape.

The American political system can be dysfunctional at times.

Especially when you have what they call "divided government" where the president is from one party, and Congress is controlled by another party.

Or where the two houses of Congress are controlled by different parties.

I can think of no other country in the world that has the "government shutdowns" that occur in the United States.

But a lot of people in America are critical of the "Washington bubble", in the same way as we in the UK criticise the "Westminster bubble".

However, you should not judge a country by its politicians.

The United States is well worth visiting and everyone should visit at least once if they get the chance.

Just learn the difference between US and British English, and whatever you do, don't ask ".where can I buy a packet of fags?.." if you want some cigarettes.

 

[yorksrob]

They need to have a look in the mirror, then! Never forget the attack on the Capitol, which reduced American democracy to the level of a tinpot dictatorship with a failed coup.

The American political system can be dysfunctional at times.

Especially when you have what they call "divided government" where the president is from one party, and Congress is controlled by another party.

Or where the two houses of Congress are controlled by different parties.

I can think of no other country in the world that has the "government shutdowns" that occur in the United States.

But a lot of people in America are critical of the "Washington bubble", in the same way as we in the UK criticise the "Westminster bubble".

However, you should not judge a country by its politicians.

The United States is well worth visiting and everyone should visit at least once if they get the chance.

Just learn the difference between US and British English, and whatever you do, don't ask ".where can I buy a packet of fags?.." if you want some cigarettes.

It interesting political system, in that it seems designed to get nothing done at all - Two years after a president is elected, there's an election in congress that effectively hobbles him !

I'd certainly like to visit one day, however not being much of a flier, I'd prefer it if there was a ferry !

 

[Ediswan]

I'd certainly like to visit one day, however not being much of a flier, I'd prefer it if there was a ferry !

Cunard do still offer crossings between between Southampton and New York. Not very frequent though. I used to work with somebody who used that route for business travel.

 

[coppercapped]

It interesting political system, in that it seems designed to get nothing done at all - Two years after a president is elected, there's an election in congress that effectively hobbles him !

I'd certainly like to visit one day, however not being much of a flier, I'd prefer it if there was a ferry !

You are right, the system was intentionally designed by the Founding Fathers to not permit any one person to have a continual personal monopoly on political power. They didn't want the equivalent of a George III to evolve...

And initially there was no concept of a 'President' - that came a bit later when it was realised that, among other things, the new United States needed a person as Head of State to represent them internationally.