12 Things Americans Consider Normal for a Family Holiday That Brits Would Find Exhausting

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When it comes to family holidays, Americans have a unique way of doing things that might leave some Brits a bit bewildered. Imagine packing up the car like you’re moving house, hitting the road before the sun comes up, and driving for hours just to start your holiday. Sounds intense, right? Well, that’s just the beginning. From crisscrossing states to visiting every relative along the way, American family holidays are packed with long drives, big plans, and little rest. Let’s explore what makes these holidays so distinctively energetic and why they might be a bit too much for our British friends!

1. Driving for ten hours in one day

Can you imagine being in the car for ten straight hours? For many Americans, this is just part of the holiday. This isn’t just about endurance; it’s about making the most of the time off. Families might drive from dawn till dusk to reach that amazing amusement park or scenic beach several states away. While it certainly racks up the miles, it’s seen as a good way to bond and see the sights, although by the end of the day, everyone might be a little too zapped to appreciate a beautiful sunset!

2. Visiting several states in one trip

If you’re spending your holidays in the U.S., why stop at one state when you can visit three or four? Many American families take advantage of their vast country by planning a route that hops from one state to another, collecting memories from each location. Whether it’s grabbing a peach in Georgia, riding a rollercoaster in Florida, or snapping photos by the Grand Canyon in Arizona, multi-state trips pack diverse experiences into one journey. But for someone not used to such ambitious itineraries, this can be quite tiring!

3. Packing the car with enough belongings for a small house move

Ever seen a car packed to the brim, with everything from beach gear and hiking boots to multiple suitcases and a cooler? That’s a common sight for an American family heading out on holiday. The idea is to be prepared for any activity, which means packing as if you won’t see home for weeks. While it’s practical to have everything you might need, the packing and unpacking process itself can be a holiday task on its own!

4. Getting up before sunrise to start a road trip

Who needs an alarm when you’ve got the excitement of a holiday to wake you up? Many American families start their road trips before the sun rises. The early start helps beat the traffic and cover a good chunk of distance with fewer stops. It feels productive and can make the rest of the day easier. However, for those who treasure a good lie-in, especially on holiday, this might seem a bit too much.

5. Driving hours just to reach the airport

Not every trip can begin right out the front door. Sometimes, getting to the airport itself can be a mini road trip. For many living in rural or suburban areas, the nearest airport could be several hours away. This drive is just the prelude to the actual holiday, making the travel day even longer. While it’s a necessary start to an exciting break, it’s definitely a tiring addition to the travel itinerary.

6. Changing hotels several times during one holiday

To see everything on that packed itinerary, moving between hotels becomes a part of the holiday rhythm. Staying in different hotels across various locations allows families to explore more regions without backtracking. However, unpacking and repacking at each new hotel can make it hard to feel settled and relaxed.

7. Spending entire days at enormous theme parks

Theme parks in America are not just big; they’re colossal! Families often spend whole days from open to close in parks, walking miles, waiting in lines for rides, and catching shows. It’s an adventure that promises endless fun and excitement. But, for anyone not used to the sheer scale and stamina required, a day in a theme park can feel like a marathon.

8. Covering hundreds of miles between attractions

Attractions are not always just around the corner. In the vast American landscape, families might travel hundreds of miles just to get from one tourist spot to another. This travel can take up a significant part of the holiday, turning days into road trip adventures. While it allows you to see diverse parts of the country, it definitely requires a love for long drives!

9. Visiting relatives along the route

Holidays are often a time to catch up with family, and many Americans incorporate family visits into their travel plans. This might mean a detour or a special stop to spend time with relatives. It’s a wonderful way to connect, but it can also add to the holiday hustle, making schedules tighter and travel times longer.

10. Planning stops around petrol, food, and bathroom breaks

With all the driving involved in American holidays, managing stops for petrol, food, and bathrooms becomes an art. Each stop needs to be well-planned to avoid detours and delays, especially in less populated areas where services might be sparse. It’s a logistical challenge that keeps everyone on their toes!

11. Treating a six-hour drive as a reasonable travel day

In many parts of the world, a six-hour drive might be considered a major trip. In America, it’s just a regular travel day. This approach stems from the large distances between places of interest and the widespread use of cars. It’s seen as perfectly normal to spend a good part of the day on the road, reaching new destinations or returning home.