It goes beyond "Americanization". Cynics, or conspiracy theorists, would argue that there is a plan at play to erode all traces of uniqueness and specificity in Europe, and in "Europeans" as different people, in order to turn everywhere into a bland, 'standard' part of the EU.

But beyond that I think it's a bit silly to ignore the economic advantages America has. Much of Europe has sky-high youth unemployment which takes a serious toll on the mental health of those people and strains family relations as well.

Housing is much more expensive, especially given the small size of most housing. And of course, salaries are much, much lower, especially net salaries given the higher rates of taxation as well.

I guess many of these things aren't as apparent to a travel writer because he doesn't live here, and if he does, he probably brings his American money with him.