Ah, the Americans! These screen adventurers, fast-food pilgrims and barbecue champions, often prepare to pack their bags for Europe with a mixture of curiosity and enthusiasm. But before losing themselves in the cobbled streets of Rome or tasting a croissant in Paris, they are immersed in a whirlwind of often surprising traditions. Whether it’s the sacred ritual of the road trip or the art of devouring a burger while listening to country music, each custom tells a unique story. So, fasten your seat belts and get ready to discover these fascinating American traditions which, who knows, could well influence their travels on the old continent!
An extraordinary physical preparation
Before packing their bags for the Old Continent, Americans don’t just choose a nice outfit and print their plane tickets. No no ! They embark on a real a physical training ! More and more American travelers are starting to walk for hours to familiarize themselves with European cobblestones. A trend ? The famous “Eurosummer walk”. On social networks, we can find videos which show the determination of some, who measure up to 25,000 steps per day before their departure.
This habit may seem exaggerated for Europeans who are used to taking more steps every day, but for Americans, it’s a real mission! They seek to prepare for intensive walking who awaits them in the old streets of Paris, Rome or Barcelona.
The importance of online advice
Social media is flooded with preparation tips and advice. Hashtags like #Eurosummerwalk are flooding TikTok, where influencers share videos of their energy-packed workouts. American travel blogs are also full of recommendations ranging from exercises to do to diets to follow. This shows how seriously they take their adventure.
Popular recommendations include:
- Increase your daily physical activity.
- Use a activity tracker to track progress.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Park far from your destination to walk a little more.
A walking culture still developing
It must be recognized that the culture of walking in the United States is not as anchored as in Europe. According to some studies, only 12% of trips are carried out on foot, compared to nearly 24% in the Old Continent. The Americans therefore manage to compensate for this trend by preparing intensively before setting foot on European soil.
This low walking rate is partly due to the design of American cities. Large metropolises are often spread out, which makes traveling on foot more complex and sometimes dangerous. The recent efforts of several cities to improve their pedestrian infrastructure bear witness to this.
A physical challenge worthy of the holidays
Participating in the Paris Olympic Games, for example, led to a wave of people preparing their bodies for this road trip. Americans represent approximately 30% of tourists who flock to the French capital for this monumental event. They intend to make the most of every moment, even if that means paying special attention to their physical condition.
This pragmatic and committed approach to travel planning shows how seriously Americans take their vacations. By adding a touch of a physical training During their adventures, they ensure that they can fully enjoy the beauties and challenges that Europe has to offer.
