15 Things Americans Don’t Realize Are Luxuries
Let’s face it: Most Americans have no clue how good they’ve got it when it comes to ease and convenience. What might seem like everyday necessities for us are actually considered luxuries that many others can only dream of.
Whether it’s the ability to have our favorite meals (or really anything, for that matter) delivered to our doorstep within minutes, or the simple, small joys that come from sipping an ice cold beverage, here are 15 luxuries that Redditors say Americans take for granted.
1. Air Conditioning and Window Screens
“When I lived in Geneva, I was on a 6th floor walk up flat and no A/C. I was in for a very unfortunate surprise when the weather got warm and I opened the windows only for bugs to swarm in. No screens! How was I supposed to sleep in a hot bedroom and I can’t even open my tiny window for some air flow?! Awful.” –u/emmers28
2. Free Public Libraries
“The American public library system is very advanced. It’s also, generally speaking, free to use.” –u/cashmerecat999
3. Street Cleaning
“Regular street-sweeping. You won’t notice it until you go somewhere without it.” –u/emoyer68
3. Drinkable Tap Water
“We’ve got so much potable water that we use it in our toilets.” –u/Ancguy
4. Garbage and Sewage Disposal
“[Garbage] and sewage are the two biggest things most of the developed world takes for granted in my opinion. Without these two things, we’d live in a much stinkier and more disease filled environment.” –u/troutpop
5. Dryers
“My partner and I had serious discussions about trying to ship an American washer/dryer set to Germany.” –u/tcwagner92
6. Drinks With Ice
“I went to Europe for the first time recently. I didn’t realize how much I love, and have taken for granted, cold ice water at restaurants.” –u/orangejuice456
7. Free Public Bathrooms and Toilet Paper
“No toilet paper in public restrooms in South Korea. Everyone carries packs of tissues with them.” –u/RepFilms
8. Electricity
“I deployed to a few countries in Africa and saw young groups of kids studying at night using the street corner lights.” –u/dcgradc
9. Big Grocery Stores
“I didn’t even realize it myself (I mean they’re such a common, everyday thing) until a friend of mine from overseas went to a grocery store and was flabbergasted. She was just amazed that you could walk into a huge store and food was EVERYWHERE. I assured her it was no big deal but she insisted it was.” –u/ThinkingMonkey69
10. Running Hot Water
“Grew up off grid, and hot water from the tap meant you had to have the water pump working and you had to have water in the catchment. Plus propane for the water heater, so hot water wasn’t a guaranteed thing. Been living in ‘real’ houses for the last 15 years and every time I turn on a hot shower, I’m still thankful.” –u/ChipotleLaw
11. National Parks
“Having well preserved natural areas in close proximity is a miracle for me. Really appreciate those.” -u/smallboy06
12. Being Able To Travel Freely
“Traveling to other countries (most countries) visa free. As someone who lives in a developing country, the hassle, the frustration, and the cost of applying for a visa just to travel to countries is excruciating.” –u/AvantGarde327
13. Owning Multiple Cars
“Owning a separate car for every driver in a household.” –u/AllenRBrady
14. Quality Mexican Food
“Unless you truly live in the middle of nowhere, access to good Mexican food is basically guaranteed.” –u/brief_interviews
15. Internet Access
“Internet. For some reason everyone seems to think it’s a basic need.” –u/ShoeLace1291