12 American Things That Make Britain Feel Surprisingly Small

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When you compare the vastness of America to Britain, you really notice the size difference. From the huge distances between cities to the enormous shopping centers, everything in the US seems to be on a larger scale. Here are 12 things typical in America that make Britain seem surprisingly small.

1. Interstate highways

Imagine driving on a road that stretches for thousands of miles, connecting multiple states and cities. That’s what interstate highways in the US are like. These roads make it possible to drive from one end of the country to the other. In Britain, the longest motorway is much shorter, and you can drive across the country in a matter of hours. The sheer scale of American interstates emphasizes the vast distances and the convenience of traveling long distances by car.

2. Six-lane roads

In America, even regular roads can be massive. It’s not unusual to find six-lane roads in and around cities. This makes the traffic flow better and can handle more cars at any time. In contrast, roads in Britain are generally narrower and sometimes you can find yourself in a tight squeeze even in many urban areas. The size of these roads in the US highlights the scale and spread of American urban planning.

3. Huge shopping centres

The shopping centers in America are like small cities! They feature stores, restaurants, and entertainment options in massive buildings with ample parking. In Britain, while there are large shopping centers, they are generally smaller than their American counterparts. The size of these malls in the US provides a one-stop shop for your every need and desire under one roof, reflecting the convenience and consumer culture.

4. Cities hundreds of miles apart

In the US, major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco or New York and Washington D.C. are hundreds of miles apart. This is a stark contrast to Britain where major cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham are much closer together. The distance between American cities underlines the vast geographic spread of the country, making air or long car travel more of a necessity than a choice.

5. States larger than entire European countries

Many US states are larger than entire countries in Europe. For instance, Texas and Alaska are each bigger than many European nations combined. This size difference is striking when you consider the scale of governance and regional variation within a single US state compared to European countries.

6. Long-distance school trips

In America, it’s common for school trips to involve traveling across several states, often taking several hours or even days. In Britain, school trips are much shorter, usually confined within the country and often just to nearby locations. The American approach to school trips reflects the country’s large scale and the educational opportunities presented by its diverse environments and landmarks.

7. Multi-hour daily drives

It’s not unusual for Americans to drive multiple hours each day for work or school, particularly in rural or suburban areas. In Britain, such long daily commutes are less common, with much of the population living closer to their workplaces. The prevalence of long drives in the US again highlights the spread and scale of residential and commercial areas.

8. Domestic flights for ordinary journeys

Due to the vast distances between cities, flying is often the most practical way to travel around the US. In Britain, domestic flights are less common as distances are shorter and other forms of transport like trains or cars are more feasible. Regular flying in the US for domestic travel points to the large distances and time-saving preferences.

9. Giant parking lots

American parking lots can be so large that they almost require a map to navigate! This is in sharp contrast to the typically smaller parking spaces available in Britain. The size of these lots in the US is necessary to accommodate the higher volume of cars and the preference for driving personal vehicles.

10. Restaurants with enormous premises

Many restaurants in the US have vast dining areas, often accommodating hundreds of guests at a time. In Britain, restaurants tend to be smaller. The large size of American restaurants caters to the style of dining out popular in the country, where eating out can be as much a social gathering as a meal.

11. Road signs measured in miles to distant cities

Road signs in the US often display distances to cities that are hundreds of miles away. This isn’t as common in Britain, where signs typically show shorter distances. The American road signs reflect the long distances commonly traveled and the scale of the country’s highway network.

12. Neighbours living miles apart

In many parts of the US, especially in rural areas, it’s normal for neighbors to live miles apart. In Britain, even in most rural areas, neighbors are usually only a short distance away. The American phenomenon of living far from neighbors highlights the country’s vast open spaces and the privacy many people enjoy.