I lived in the UK for 4 years before moving back to the US. Here are 10 things I miss after returning to America.

After living in the UK for four years, I’m convinced British television commercials are quieter than American ads, which often feature loud music, explosions, dance numbers, revving engines, and yelling.

To me, British TV commercials were slightly less blaring and never seemed significantly louder than regular TV programs.

This difference might be in my imagination, but I find myself reaching for the volume button during commercials in the US far more than in the UK.

I think there’s something about the coziness of a UK pub that can’t be replicated. My favorite Scottish pubs had low ceilings, carpeted floors, ancient wooden bars, and plenty of small cubbies you could huddle in over a pint with friends.

Many American bars range from sleek and chic to rustic and rowdy but I’ve yet to find one that feels as comfortable as our old “local.”

I thought the UK was more dog-friendly than many places in the US. According to a 2022 report from Revolent, Scotland even ranks as one of the best countries for pet owners due to the presence of animal-friendly offices and co-working spaces.

I often saw dogs hanging out beneath pub tables, in line with their owners at banks, or even quietly enjoying a movie at the cinema. We also found that hotels and Airbnbs in the UK were typically more accepting of dogs.

As someone who likes to pet other people’s dogs, it was nice to have plenty of opportunities to do so.

I found that portion sizes at UK restaurants and fast-food chains were usually smaller than in the US.

Since moving back to the US, I’m constantly surprised at how large even “small” menu items are. From coffee to french fries, it seems like everything in the US is big enough to share.

As someone who can tolerate only a hint of caffeine, I appreciated the option to buy what I thought was a truly small cup of coffee.

When I lived in the UK, I had access to cheap flights across Europe. We often found round-trip tickets to places like Italy, Spain, Belgium, and Sweden for less than $100.

Domestic flights in the US can be a few hundred dollars, and getting to Canada or Mexico may cost as much as a flight to Europe.

After the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and my move to the US, I realize how lucky we were to have had so many travel options.

This story was originally published on November 3, 2022, and most recently updated on November 1, 2024.