After spending seven weeks traveling abroad, Jim Nelles, a U.S. Navy veteran and supply chain consultant, has returned to America with a renewed appreciation for his home country. During his travels, which included a mix of work and vacation, he encountered various aspects of life in other countries that made him reflect on what he values most about the United States.
Nelles, who has written for several prominent publications, shared his experiences in a recent opinion piece. He expressed his pride in America, emphasizing that it remains the greatest country in the world. He humorously critiqued some common international inconveniences, starting with the quality of toilet paper. He found the options in places like China, Germany, and France lacking, suggesting that American brands like Charmin Ultra Soft should be standard worldwide.
He also addressed the challenges of shower design in Europe, where half glass shower curtains often lead to water pooling on the floor. Nelles pointed out the inadequacies of air conditioning in many European hotels, claiming that it often fails to provide real relief from the heat. He expressed frustration over the lack of ice in drinks outside the U.S., noting that requests for ice often result in lukewarm beverages.
Another point of contention for Nelles was the lengthy check-in and check-out processes at international hotels. He questioned why these procedures take so long, especially when they often require redundant information like a credit card that has already been processed.
Despite his criticisms, Nelles acknowledged that there are things the U.S. could learn from other countries. He suggested adopting a high-speed highway system similar to Germany’s Autobahn, which would require stricter driving regulations in the U.S. He also proposed eliminating the tipping culture, arguing that service should be included in the price. Lastly, he advocated for U.S. hotels to offer complimentary food and drinks in lounges, similar to practices in other countries.
As America approaches its 250th birthday in 2026, Nelles believes there is work to be done, but he remains confident in the nation’s standing. He concluded that, despite its flaws, America is still the best place to be.
