Eating bugs might not fit your idea of a good meal in North Carolina, but in many cultures outside of the United States, these critters are dietary staples. Ants, crickets, and yes, even tarantulas can be surprisingly tasty treats. Considering their numerous health benefits and minimal environmental impact, perhaps it’s time for North Carolinians to…
You know how your parents taught you to look people in the eye when you speak with them and ask questions about their lives? It turns out some of those manners that make you look like a total angel in the United States could come off as rude or awkward in certain other parts of…
Every country has its quirks, and Canada is no exception. From rules about witchcraft to tree climbing, the Great White North seems to have found all sorts of things it would rather not permit. Of course, Canada isn’t alone in this. Almost every nation has at least a few laws that don’t make sense; most…
The majority of us bring the usual suspects on planes—laptops, books, snacks, maybe a jacket for the air conditioning. But there are some bold individuals who show up with truly bizarre carry-on items. From live animals to entire kitchens, the world of strange airport luggage is apparently abundant. What strange items have you seen passengers…
When you think about the American South, what comes to mind? For many non-Southerners, the South conjures images of small towns, fried foods, and a slow-paced lifestyle. While some stereotypes may exist for a reason, many have become unfair portrayals of a diverse, thriving region. Even the most accurate stereotypes can’t apply to every state,…
Are you taking a trip from Pennsylvania to the United Kingdom and want to be well-received there? If so, don’t share this fact with your new Londoner friends: American English is older than British English. The reason? Original British settlers arrived in America speaking their native tongue. Not too long after, upper-class citizens in England…
Do you have a flight coming up out of Montana? Make your time in the airport less stressful by familiarizing yourself with some guidelines to get through the TSA checkpoint faster. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict rules about what you can and cannot bring with you through security at the airport. Knowing these…
Sometimes, a fresh perspective helps us notice things we overlook. Millions of foreigners visit the United States each year, and just like when Michigan residents travel abroad, they often leave with observations. After more than a decade of living and traveling abroad, here are some of the most intriguing “typical American” things that non-Americans have…
Window passengers get the view. Aisle passengers get the legroom. And you? You get stuck in the middle, shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers and nowhere to lean. Whether you’re flying out of Florida or heading there for vacation, one truth remains: the middle seat is a test of patience, posture, and personal boundaries. It’s not just about…
Most Hawaiian residents can’t imagine not showering in the morning, replacing their hand sanitizer with perfume, or deciding not to wear deodorant. As these 14 habits show, America’s concept of “good” hygiene isn’t universal. 1: Squatting Over Sitting With the possible exception of public restrooms, Americans typically don’t squat to relieve themselves and tend to…
