“In America, everything is so big!”
This is the answer I’ve received countless times when I ask my international colleagues about their impression of America. Their response makes me chuckle because, on the flip side, I think everything is so small in other countries.
Indeed, in America everything is large. As a consequence, I have not always been prepared for what I’ve encountered when trotting the globe. Here are some funny stories of how “size” affected some of my trips, and how you can better prepare for your next international adventure:
The Mercedes sedan vs. Americans with luggage:
When planning a business trip, my colleagues and I often ask our local company to arrange an airport pick up. Of course, we tell the company how many are in the group, but countless times a lovely, really small, sedan-type taxi has shown up to greet us—and all of our bags.
My mind is etched with comical scenes of me buried in luggage up to my neck, or three to four grown-ups squeezed into the back seat (a la circus clown style). I can laugh now, but at the time, it was not funny. In some locations, locals advise us not to hail taxis so we have to grin and bear it.
Remember one important thing: When organizing car services abroad, specifically ask for a minivan, or disclose how big and numerous your bags are. Since my business trips often have me abroad for nearly a month, I travel with a lot of stuff. Unfortunately, my foreign hosts often grossly underestimate my transportation needs.
Is that the elevator?:
On one trip, my team and I arrived at our hotel in a Western European country—after a long flight—and made our way to the elevators. We pressed the button to go up, but when the doors opened, I could barely fit inside with my suitcase and computer bag.
We had to go up one at a time! While that was already a slight inconvenience, when the elevator arrived on the appropriate floor, we still had to go up a tiny and incredibly steep spiral staircase to get to our rooms!
My suitcase weighed over 70 pounds, and there was NO way I could drag it up on my own. After searching for help, I found the poor bellman who would eventually be sweating bullets as he dragged the caravan of goods that we three American women brought with us. I felt terrible, but it made me think what would someone in a wheelchair do in this place?
If you are handicapped and planning a trip, I suggest you call your hotel ahead of time and confirm the elevators are large enough to accommodate a wheelchair. Websites may say the hotel has an elevator, which is technically true, but it is important to confirm its size.
Can I have another, please?:
Years ago while visiting Japan, my colleague told me a story that really made me laugh. He recounted a trip he and his family took to a very famous U.S. theme park. He bought a soda and was shocked by what he received.
He squealed, “They gave me a BUCKET, not a cup, but a big BUCKET!” He then gestured with his hands how big the bucket was and shook his head in disbelief. I laughed so hard and then proceeded to tell him how I am often left hungry in Japan.
For instance, the coffee shop on the corner only sold half a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or half a bagel. Who from America could ever imagine that being possible! Keep in mind that many locations around the world do NOT have the same size portions as in America, especially for drinks. On my most recent trip, to my surprise, the waiter served me soda in tiny 1950s style glass bottles. I ended up drinking three bottles of soda just to quench my thirst.
If you are someone who likes to budget expenses for your travels, you may want to increase your food and beverage costs a bit, because you may need to spend more than you budgeted to be satisfied.
As always, I wish you Happy Travel!
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