I agree that it's not realistic to expect cross-continent trips to be common, but I think there is a real difference in the west of the USA vs most of Europe. I

I agree that it's not realistic to expect cross-continent trips to be common, but I think there is a real difference in the west of the USA vs most of Europe. In the American central and western areas, things are more spread out and driving everywhere is the expectation such that it affects how cities and suburbs are spaced, while Europe grew mostly before the automobile, and towns and cities are closer together and more compact. Yes people cross borders in Europe, but mostly when they live in a border area. People aren't making 300km trips to cross a border very often, but 50km, sure.