Tourists Speak Up About What Surprised Them Most When Visiting the United States

Walking somewhere simple can become surprisingly difficult in parts of America. A store might look close on a map but sit across a highway, behind a huge parking lot, or along a road with no safe sidewalk. For visitors used to compact towns, everyday errands can feel strangely built against pedestrians.

Much of modern American development grew around cars, especially after World War II. Suburbs expanded, highways spread, and shopping centers were designed for drivers rather than walkers. In many areas, zoning separated homes from stores and offices, which made driving the easiest or sometimes only practical option.