• Buc-ee's is a convenience-store chain with a cult following across Texas. 
• The chain serves as a super-sized highway pit stop complete with "world-famous" bathrooms, branded t-shirts, a beef jerky bar, a wide-ranging home decor section, and fresh-made fudge. 
• We visited Texas to see if Buc-ee's could live up to the hype, and were shocked by what we found. 

If you're on a road trip traveling through Texas, Buc-ee's looms large as a mythical highway oasis — and not just because of the endless signs along the road, telling travelers how many miles until the nearest location appears on the horizon. 

Much like Pennsylvanians worship at the altar of Wawa, the gas-station chain Buc-ee's is answer to hungry road trippers' prayers across the Lone Star State. 

Need gas? Buc-ee's apparently has it cheap! Food? Chefs say their breakfast tacos are some of the best! Clothing? Per sources, Buc-ee's t-shirts — featuring its iconic beaver mascot — are one of the trademarks of a cool Texas teen. 

Despite the Texan obsession, most of the world has never even heard of Buc-ee's. The chain, founded in 1982, has almost 40 locations. 

We visited Buc-ee's to see if it lived up to the hype. What we found was like nothing we'd ever seen before:

SEE ALSO: We visited convenience-store rivals Wawa and Sheetz to see which does it better — and the winner is clear

We rolled into the Buc-ee's parking lot well aware of the promise that "everything is bigger in Texas." But even the state's self-aggrandizing did not prepare us for what was waiting inside.

Walking into Buc-ee's was like wandering into a mix of a Walmart, a barbecue-centric deli, and the Texas tourism bureau, plus a dash of the Cracker Barrel general store.

The snack aisles carry the classic road trip rations, like trail mix, dried fruit, and candy — but on a scale unseen anywhere else in the country.

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

If you're anything like me, summer weekends are marked by a lot of lounging — on the warm sand, cool grass, or a park bench under a shady tree. While my body is relaxed, I like to keep my mind active, which means I'll always have the latest mystery or thriller in hand (and an icy-cold beverage in the other, of course). 

These fast-paced books are guaranteed to make the hours go by and make you wish there was more time in the day. From popular novels that are now hit movies, to just-released thrillers by authors you've never heard of, this list can carry you through the summer.

Enjoy the twists and turns of these 22 mystery and thriller books this summer.

Captions are provided by Amazon. 

"Ready Player One" by Ernest Cline

Buy it here on Amazon

Teenager Wade Watts has devoted his life to studying the puzzles hidden within this world's digital confines — puzzles that are based on their creator's obsession with the pop culture of decades past and that promise massive power and fortune to whoever can unlock them. 

But when Wade stumbles upon the first clue, he finds himself beset by players willing to kill to take this ultimate prize. The race is on, and if Wade's going to survive, he'll have to win — and confront the real world he's always been so desperate to escape.

"16th Seduction" by James Patterson

Buy it on Amazon here

Lindsay Boxer is learning to love again. After the picture-perfect world she shared with her husband, Joe, and their beautiful young daughter shattered under the weight of Joe's double life, Lindsay is determined to put the pieces back together. But before she can welcome Joe back with open arms, their beloved hometown of San Francisco faces a threat unlike any the city — or the country — has ever seen.

"The Fallen" by David Baldacci

Buy it here on Amazon

Amos Decker and his FBI colleague Alex Jamison are in Baronville visiting Alex's sister and her family. It's a bleak place: a former mill and mining town with a crumbling economy and rampant opioid addiction. Decker has only been there a few hours when he stumbles on a horrific double murder scene.

Then the next killing hits sickeningly close to home. And with the lives of people he cares about suddenly hanging in the balance, Decker begins to realize that the recent string of deaths may be only one small piece of a much larger scheme — with consequences that will reach far beyond Baronville.

With Wimbledon in full flow, what better time to look back at the incredible life of the tournament's most successful champion?

The former world number one is one of the most successful players of all time. He has won the men's singles tournament at Wimbledon alone eight times since 2003, as well as 20 Grand Slam singles titles all over the world.

The 36-year-old is not only one of the most talented athletes on the planet, but also the most profitable. Forbes named him the world's highest-paid tennis player in 2018, earning $77.2 million (£58.3 million) from professional wins and sponsorship deals with companies from Rolex to Credit Suisse.

That figure is only likely to go up, as the Swiss star just signed a deal with Uniqlo for a reported $300 million.

From tailored tennis rackets to Swiss mansions, here's how Federer makes and spends his fortune.

SEE ALSO: Everything tennis icon Roger Federer eats and drinks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

This is 36-year-old Roger Federer, the highest-paid tennis player in the world. He has an estimated net worth of $450 million (£340 million).

Source: Celebrity Net Worth.

Federer recently reached the finals of the Halle Open in Germany, where he lost to Croatian Borna Coric. He said he plans on taking it easy before Wimbledon starts.

Sources: Tennis Magazine.

Federer will be the top seed at Wimbledon, even though he's currently 2nd in the world in ATP's ranking — Rafael Nadal is currently ranked 1st.

Source: ATP.

SEE ALSO: A look at the daily routine of Benjamin Franklin, who didn't always follow his own 'early to bed, early to rise' advice

DON'T MISS: A look at the daily routine of Alexander Hamilton, who loved coffee and worked for marathon stretches of time

SEE ALSO: A look at the daily routine of John Adams, who woke before dawn, walked 5 miles at a time, and drank hard cider at breakfast

In a letter to his grandson, Washington acknowledged that an early wake-up could be "irksome."

Source: "George Washington: The Man of the Age"

Still, he added that "... the practice will produce a rich harvest forever thereafter."

Source: "George Washington: The Man of the Age"

Washington himself awoke early, frequently rising at dawn. He would start off his day with a meal of three small cornmeal cakes and three cups of tea, without cream.

Source: "George Washington's Leadership Lessons: What the Father of Our Country Can Teach Us About Effective Leadership and Character"

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Mentally, I'm a very organized person, but I've never claimed the same for my physical surroundings. The various apartments I've lived in over the years would never win any compliments or prizes for cleanliness, and I can chalk this reality up to a couple of reasons: lack of time and, more often than not, pure laziness.

I know logically that a clean living environment contributes to happier, more productive inhabitants, but like many people, I just hate cleaning. 

With so many rooms and appliances to clean, and a strong desire to do literally anything else with my time, I found a variety of tools and gadgets that will do most if not all the work for me. While a few of them may take some initial setup and getting used to, in the end they'll cut down on time and labor, and you'll definitely notice the difference. 

Keep scrolling to see how you can make your life a lot easier with these cleaning tools.

SEE ALSO: This $10 fix makes cleaning your dishes way more sanitary than what you're doing right now

A robot vacuum that connects to wi-fi

Earning our top pick for best robot vacuum, iRobot's three-stage cleaning system cleans several floor types, navigates around objects, responds to voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant, and runs for an hour of continuous cleaning. Its strong suction and effective spinning side brush along with its ability to be programmed and controlled from an app make it a worthy competitor to high-end bots. 

iRobot Roomba 690, $299.99, available at Amazon

A self-cleaning litter box

While cats are known to be more low-maintenance than dogs, you do still have to clean up after them. This futuristic litter box almost completely eliminates one of the more unpleasant tasks associated with being a cat owner by automatically separating the clean litter from the clumps and dropping the waste into a carbon-filtered drawer. It has a large entry for cats of all sizes and is ideal for multi-cat households. 

Litter-Robot III Open-Air Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box, $449, available at Amazon

Note: currently unavailable

A self-cleaning dog potty

Another gadget that makes cleaning up after your pets less of a hassle is this automatic potty for dogs under 25 pounds. Its adjustable timer automatically advances the highly absorbent pad once, twice, or three times a day, while the sensor ensures that the timer will never start while the dog is on the machine.

BrilliantPad Self-Cleaning, Automatic Indoor Dog Potty, $159.99, available at Amazon

Note: only currently available through third-party sellers

• Some colleges have a pretty decent track record when it comes to producing presidential alumni.
• Harvard University, Princeton University, Yale University, the College of William & Mary, West Point, and the University of Pennsylvania have all taught more than one student that went on to become president of the United States.
• But plenty of other schools have helped to mold the 44 people who went on to take the White House.

It's a question that any American history buff — or future White House hopeful — is bound to ask. Which college has the distinction of producing the most US presidents?

That'd be Harvard University. It's an unsurprising win, considering Harvard is the oldest school in the country.

But a number of other schools also happened to help shape the minds of the 44 men who served as president of the US. Ivy League institutions, small Christian colleges, and state research universities all made the list.

Keep in mind, these presidents didn't necessarily graduate from all of the schools on this list. A number, like the ever-nomadic William McKinley, John F. Kennedy, and Jimmy Carter, bounced around between a number of institutions due to financial reasons, health difficulties, or changing preferences. But the people who went on to become US presidents did study at an undergraduate level at all of these institutions.

But don't take any of this as an unabashed endorsement of collegiate-level study. Plenty of other presidents, including George Washington, never even attended college.

Here's a look at which undergraduate schools have produced the most US presidents:

SEE ALSO: From spending 7 years in prison to battling a yellow fever epidemic, here's what the Founding Fathers were doing before their act of rebellion made them famous

DON'T MISS: A look at the zodiac signs of all the US presidents

SEE ALSO: The 17 weirdest jobs of US presidents

Fordham University: One president

Donald Trump attended this Bronx-based Jesuit school before transferring to the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School.

According to "The Trumps: Three Generations of Builders and a Presidential Candidate," the president's sister Maryanne said that Trump chose to attend the college because "That's where he got in."

Occidental College: One president

Before attending Columbia University, Barack Obama studied for two years at Occidental College in Los Angeles.

Columbia University: One president

Obama transferred to Columbia University as a junior. There, he studied political science with a specialty in international relations, as well as English literature.

• John Adams served as the second president of the US.
• His daily routine varied a bit over the years.
• That's understandable given that, before he rose to the presidency, Adams worked as a lawyer, colonial delegate, commissioner to France, and vice president.
• Generally, though, Adams liked to make time in his daily life for long walks and lots of letter-writing.

John Adams had quite a career.

After graduating from Harvard in 1755, he worked as a schoolmaster in Worcester, Massachusetts. The role wasn't a great fit.

From there, Adams began studying law and was admitted to the bar in 1758. Over the years, Adams would become a legal powerhouse in New England.

He was also an early rebel against the Crown, writing essays criticizing measures like the Stamp Act and helping to prod the colonies into war with England.

Adams would become a crucial member of the Continental Congress. He helped draft the Declaration of Independence. He also teamed up with Benjamin Franklin to work as a diplomat in France.

After the war, Adams became the first-ever US vice president. In 1796, he was elected the second president of the new United States.

So what did this very busy Massachusettsan get up to all day?

David McCullough's "John Adams" includes plenty of details on what an average day looked like for this Founding Father.

Here's a breakdown of a day in the life of John Adams:

SEE ALSO: The 6th US president rose before dawn for his favorite morning habit: skinny-dipping

DON'T MISS: A look at the daily routine of Thomas Jefferson, who rose early, drank coffee, and wrote a lot

DON'T FORGET: A look at the daily routine of James Madison, who owned 4,000 books, was too embarrassed to be seen without a hat, and drank up to a pint of whiskey a day

Adams usually rose before dawn, beginning his day as early as 5 a.m.

Source: "John Adams"

As President, Adams typically ate breakfast at 8 a.m.

Source: "John Adams"

As a student at Harvard, Adams picked up one peculiar habit — drinking a morning "gill" of hard cider. He later wrote that he would "... never forget how refreshing and salubrious" he found the beverage in college.

Source: "John Adams"

There are some books that are just good reads, and then there are others that fundamentally change the course of American history.

Business Insider compiled a list of books — including novels, memoirs, nonfiction works, and photography collections — that led to policy changes or a larger awareness of political issues.

Here are a few literary works (organized by publication year) that moved the needle in powerful ways:

SEE ALSO: America's first lynching memorial is now open in the 'Cradle of the Confederacy' — take a look inside

"Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass" by Frederick Douglass (1845)

One of the most famous autobiographies by a former slave, "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass" documents Douglass' fight for his freedom and horrific abuse by slave-owners.

The book was not only important to the abolitionist movement in the US, but also in the Uk and Ireland, where Douglass delivered lectures and met with key anti-slavery figures.

"Uncle Tom's Cabin" by Harriet Beecher Stowe (1852)

An anti-slavery novel by author Harriet Beecher Stowe, "Uncle Tom's Cabin" tells the story of a slave in the 19th century who saves the life of a white woman named Eva. Her father purchases Tom, and from there, the novel depicts the brutal realities of slavery.

"Uncle Tom's Cabin" is widely credited with laying the groundwork for the American Civil War. At the same time, it contributed to the proliferation of harmful African-American stereotypes.

"How the Other Half Lives" by Jacob Riis (1890)

In the late 19th century, photographer Jacob Riis documented New Yorkers who lived in slums and squalid tenement buildings in "How the Other Half Lives." With his photos, he compiled graphic descriptions, sketches, statistics, that illustrated how low-income residents get by.

The photo collection inspired several reforms that improved conditions for the working poor, including the New York Tenement House Act and other legislation that set safety standards. It also served as a basis for future "muckraking" journalism.

• Travel + Leisure spoke with park employees at 26 of America's 417 National Park Service locations for tips on traversing the natural surrounds.
• Each park has different peak times to visit — for instance, Yellowstone is best in the spring or fall as the crowds are smaller.
• There were more than 6 million visitors to the Grand Canyon National Park in 2017.

Each of theNational Park Service's417 locations, from national parks and monuments, has unique sights and activities — that can be best appreciated with a few insider tips.

To help travelers get the most of out their next visit to one of the sites, 'Travel + Leisure' spoke to National Park Service representatives for the inside scoop on 26 locations. From the hidden gems you won't want to miss, the best time of year to visit and the biggest mistakes to avoid, here are tips from park rangers, chiefs, and public affairs officers.

SEE ALSO: 13 places with the bluest water in the world

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore — Michigan

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore's beaches and emerald forests are great to visit in the fall, according to chief of interpretation and visitor services Merrith Baughman. That's because the park's beaches are full of colorful fall leaves, temperatures are still warm enough for swimming, and the park is less crowded.

One hidden gem, Baughman said, is Port Oneida Rural Historic District, which is filled with turn-of-the-century farmhouses, beautiful views of Lake Michigan, and secluded beaches.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park — New Mexico

Those who want to see CarlsbadCaverns National Park's flying bats and blooming cacti, will want to visit in the spring or summer.

"Spring is fun because the desert is alive with blooming flowers and cacti — it's gorgeous," public affairs specialist Valerie Gohkle said of the scene.

One tip: Walk the Natural Entrance Trail to descend some 750 feet down Carlsbad Cavern. Gohkle says you'll miss 50 percent of the cavern's beauty if you take the elevator.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — Hawaii

Created by more than 70 million years of volcanic activity,Hawaii Volcanoes National Parkhas more than 155 miles of hiking trails, including the popularKilauea Iki Trail, a 4-mile hike that starts in a rainforest near the volcano's summit area and takes you on a 500-foot descent to see the Mars-like terrain of the Kilauea Iki Crater. As for views, nothing "compares to the jaw-dropping beauty of watching the sun rise over the Kilauea Caldera from the Jaggar Museum overlook, with the erupting lava lake glowing a mile and a half away, and the immense size of the caldera is revealed as the stars succumb to daylight," Jessica Ferracane, a public affairs specialist at the park, said.While this vantage point is the busiest location in the park come sunset, get there at 5 a.m., Ferracane said, and you'll feel as though you have the entire volcano to yourself. You'll want hiking boots, pants, and light rain gear when visiting the park since the crater's summit can get chilly, according to Ferracane.

• Fourth of July in America's most expensive vacation town — Southampton, New York — can be extravagant.
• Pool parties and fancy backyard dinners, anyone?
• These Instagram photos show how it's done.

Good company, delicious food, and plenty of sunshine: That's the winning formula for any summer vacation.

But in certain corners of the country, the summer soirées seem a bit more extravagant.

We turned to Instagram to find out how the most expensive vacation town in America— Southampton, New York — celebrates the Fourth of July.

The occasion is filled with pool parties, fancy backyard dinners, and beautiful views.

Scroll through the photos below to see for yourself.

SEE ALSO: The 21 best places to celebrate the 4th of July this year, ranked from most to least expensive

DON'T MISS: 10 cities where you can make 6 figures and still feel broke

Southampton, New York, is located on the East End of Long Island in the Hamptons.

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At least 5% of the homes in Southampton are occupied seasonally, and it doesn't come cheap. The median listing price for a home in the area is just over $1.5 million, making it the most expensive vacation town in America, according to Trulia.

Source: Business Insider, Trulia

The seaside town is a hotspot for travelers during the summer, especially for those looking to escape New York City for a long weekend.

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On the court, LeBron James has won four MVPs, three NBA championships, and is the sixth-highest-paid player in league history.

He is also the latest NBA legend to join the Los Angeles Lakers as he has agreed to a four-year, $154 million contract as a free agent.

Off the court, James is equally relentless. In late 2015, James signed a lifetime endorsement deal with Nike worth more than $1 billion — a move that was so big it is more like the merger of two corporations.

As a result of his success on and off the court, James has amassed amazing cars and houses and still has time for his surprisingly ordinary family. King James is also well on his way toward his goal of becoming a billion-dollar athlete.

Tony Manfred and Emmett Knowlton contributed to this report.

But James went all-in with the Lakers, signing a four-year deal that will keep him in Los Angeles until he is at least 37. Maybe he will finally buy an app on his phone.

With LeBron's new Lakers contract, he will join Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett in two years as the NBA's only $300 million players. By the end of the deal, his career on-court earnings would reach $387 million, the most in NBA history.

Read more: The 25 highest-paid NBA players of all time

LeBron also makes about $55 million per year off the court in endorsements. His estimated $86 million in total annual earnings is second among all athletes, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo.

Source: Forbes

It may be Independence Day, but there's nothing revolutionary about the way your 4th of July fireworks are made.

Fireworks have been built from a mix of explosive powder, chemicals, and glue for ages. The earliest fireworks shows date back more than a thousand years. 

But not all fireworks are built the same. You can't get a bright red firework to light up with the same elements inside as a blue or white one. That's because the color of a firework explosion depends on what kinds of elements are inside, from common metals to rarer minerals and even some salts.

Pyrotechnicians call these bursts of colored light "stars," and they're made of a mixture of fuel, oxidizer (to help fuel burn), color-producing elements (like aluminum or copper), and a binder (glue) packed inside a shell. That all gets fired high into the air before a time-delayed fuse spits fire onto the stars and they take off. 

California-based pyrotechnician and electrical engineer Mike Tockstein, who's prepping the Los Angeles Coliseum for a 4th of July show, told Business Insider that it takes days of pounding, digging, wiring, and "well over 10,000 pounds of equipment" to set up.

Before you peer up into the sky this Independence Day, take a look at some of the common elements that are making your celebration possible. 

SEE ALSO: A big solar storm could wreak havoc on GPS and everything else on your phone

Yellow fireworks are made from an element you might associate with the color white: Sodium.

You may think sodium belongs in your salt shaker. But burning-hot sodium produces a bright yellow explosion that's perfect for lighting up the sky.

Red fireworks come from a common element called strontium.

Strontium was used in the glass screens of a lot of old color TV sets, because it helped block x-rays from hitting us. The element has a yellowish color, but it burns red hot.

Green fireworks are a result of barium salts exploding in the sky.

Most green fireworks are made from barium nitrate, which is toxic to inhale, so it's not used for much else, though it can be an ingredient in grenades. 

Americans across the country celebrated Independence Day on Wednesday, ringing in the country's 242nd birthday with time-honored traditions like parades, barbecues, parties, citizenship ceremonies, and hot dog eating contests.

Though much of the country endured stifling temperatures — NBC reported that some 98 million people were under heat advisories or warnings — the celebrations went on.

Even before the annual nighttime fireworks were set to begin, Americans kicked off their Fourth of July festivities this year with a bang. Here's how the day unfolded:

SEE ALSO: 'I'm just thankful to be here in America': An asylum-seeker speaks out about narrowly escaping getting separated from his son

DON'T MISS: Millions of people around the world have fled their home countries and become refugees — here's what they go through to make it to the US

Revelers lined the streets in cities like Newberry, South Carolina, and Cape Cod, Massachusetts, to watch the parades go by.

Provo, Utah, kicked off the day by launching hot-air balloons into the sky at sunrise.

People decked themselves out in red, white, and blue — and US flags were draped just about everywhere.

• LeBron James is signing with the Los Angeles Lakers.
• Before James decided to sign with the Lakers, he purchased a home in Los Angeles for $23 million.
• The mansion is his second in Los Angeles and his third house overall.
• LeBron and his family of five can live in great comfort and style in the luxurious, newly-built palace.

The king of the NBA is now a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, but he won't have to look for a new house.

The star athlete spent $23 million on a brand new home in the swanky Brentwood neighborhood. The home is actually King James' second in LA, in addition to his house in Akron, Ohio. 

This purchase clashes with the image LeBron tries to create of the frugal basketball star. Perhaps the Cleveland Cavilers' forward is prudent with other purchases in order to afford his three mansions. 

When he played for the Miami Heat, James resided in a south Florida home he sold for over $13 million. His newest purchase is a 2017-built home that cost him slightly more than the $20 million he handed over for his first LA mansion.

Everyone — even non-sports fans — can appreciate the splendor of his new digs.

Check out LeBron's sweet buy, photos and information courtesy of Trulia:

SEE ALSO: The world's richest people are flocking to these 17 cities

DON'T MISS: The 35-year-old billionaire president of In-N-Out Burger is selling her California mansion for $19.8 million — here's a look inside

When LeBron isn't shooting hoops, he can feed house guests thanks to his custom chef's kitchen. With a combination of natural French oak and marble on the floor, LeBron can cook in great comfort. Or he can just hire a chef to make him a meal high in protein.

The hard oak floors are reminiscent of a basketball court. And if LeBron's legs get sore, there's an elevator that will take him to the rooftop terrace.

The James' home has eight bedrooms, so the starting five for the Cavilers can stay over when they're in town. The master suite has a massive walk-in closet and a private patio.

• Benjamin Franklin left behind detailed writings about his typical daily routine.
• His schedule varied over the years — as did his commitment to some of his own popular aphorisms.
• According to his fellow Founding FatherJohn Adams, Franklin didn't always follow his own advice in his later years.

Benjamin Franklin was a true Renaissance man.

After getting his start in the printing business, he went on to establish himself as a leading writer and political thinker in the English colonies in North America; invent the lightning rod, bifocals, and swim fins; make a number of crucial scientific discoveries; and help draft the Declaration of Independence and secure his country's' freedom from England.

The Founding Father got a lot done, so it's no surprise that he earned the unofficial moniker of "First American."

And it's definitely not a shock that he was pretty intentional about his time, according to his autobiography. 

Here's a breakdown of what Franklin's days looked like:

SEE ALSO: I followed Benjamin Franklin's daily schedule for a week, and the most rewarding part was also the most difficult

DON'T MISS: The turkey was never going to be the US national bird — here's the truth behind Thanksgiving lore

DON'T MISS: Visiting a modern-day salon where people discuss Ben Franklin's ideas showed me how valuable his insights can be 290 years later

You probably know the old cliche, which is popularly attributed to Franklin: "Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." According to his autobiography, the Founding Father did wake up early, rising at 5 a.m.

Source: Business Insider, "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin"

He would then wash up and practice positivity and gratitude by addressing "Powerful Goodness." This "Powerful Goodness" was Franklin's concept of God. The Founding Father was a Deist, meaning he believed in a higher being.

Source: Business Insider, "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin,"The Washington Post

Before 8 a.m., Franklin would also get down to business and do some reading.

Source: "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin"

• Many things that are common in the United States are nearly impossible to find in other countries.
• They include food items like peanut butter or Southern-style biscuits.
• They also include everyday items like mailboxes and red Solo cups.

There are many things that, for better or for worse, you can only find in America.

Common food items like peanut butter or Southern-style biscuits are nearly impossible to find in other countries, for example. The same goes for everyday sights like mailboxes, take-out boxes, and red Solo cups.

At least that's what I found in my travels to 25 different countries. With each new country I visit, from Costa Rica to the Philippines, I find more and more examples of things that I didn't realize were distinctly American.

Read on to see 16 things that you won't find outside the United States.

Peanut butter

Peanut butter is a staple of school lunches across America, but you'd be hard pressed to find it outside of the States. It was one of the food products I didn't realize I would miss until I was deprived of it. 

Although you may get lucky and find a jar at an international grocery store, peanut butter is one of those foods that non-Americans don't know what they're missing out on.

Cheerleading

Cheerleading is almost exclusively an American activity. Thanks to American movies and TV, many people in other countries are aware of cheerleading, but few have actually seen it in person. For now, it's part of what distinguishes sporting events in the US.

Take-out boxes

First-time visitors to the US are frequently shocked at the massive portion sizes offered in American restaurants.

While their surprise is justified, they may not realize that in the US, it's also very common for customers to take home leftover food in a take-out box. The practice isn't nearly as common in other countries.

• People love shopping at TJ Maxx for the "treasure-hunt" experience it offers. Its sister store, HomeGoods, offers a similar kind of experience. 
• TJX Companies' homeware business accounts for 30% of its sales overall. Its homeware offering in the United States is spread across three stores: HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, and most recently, Homesense.
• The retailer is doubling down on this category, opening more homeware stores across the US.
• We visited one of its HomeGoods stores outside Philadelphia and were extremely impressed by the shopping experience, especially the selection, price, and quality of the products on offer.

TJ Maxx's parent company is doubling down on its homeware business to boost growth. 

Off-price retail company TJX Companies runs two independent homeware stores: HomeGoods and Homesense.

HomeGoods has 690 stores in the United States, while Homesense is a brand-new concept with only four locations. Homesense is native to Canada and only hit US soil with a location in Framingham, Massachusetts, in 2017.

The company is now looking to grow both stores alongside each other. Homesense could eventually reach 400 locations in total, CEO Ernie Herrman told investors in a recent earnings call. 

HomeGoods, TJX's other homeware store, has been around much longer, since 1992. It stocks top home brands at prices that are generally 20-60% below department-store prices. 

During a recent visit to a TJ Maxx store in Pennsylvania, I stumbled across an attached HomeGoods store. This was my first experience shopping at HomeGoods, and while it should be noted that this store was pretty much brand-new — it opened in November — and therefore more likely to be a shining example of the chain, I left with a good impression. 

The only confusing part is knowing when to go to HomeGoods and when to go to Homesense — and how HomeGoods will differentiate itself without cannibalizing sales at its sister store.

Here's what it was like to shop at HomeGoods:

SEE ALSO: We shopped at TJ Maxx and Ross to see which was a better discount store — and the winner was clear

This HomeGoods store was part of a larger TJ Maxx store on the outskirts of Philadelphia. The store was almost brand-new — it opened in November.

The home sector is a big part of TJX's business, accounting for around 30% of sales, according to the company's CFO, Scott Goldenberg. Its homeware offering in the US is spread across three stores: HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, and most recently, HomeSense, a Canadian homeware store that was rolled out in the US in 2017.

The biggest confusion here is knowing where to shop for what. While management claims that the overlap between these stores is minimal, the line between them seems to be blurred.

"Just as our customers enjoy shopping both TJ Maxx and Marshalls, we are confident that loyal customers and new shoppers alike will be excited about shopping both Homesense and HomeGoods," HomeGoods President John Ricciuti said in a statement to the press at a Homesense store opening in 2017.

• With all of the national parks and natural wonders that the US has to offer, some of the best views are greatly underrated. 
• Portland Head Lighthouse, located in Port Elizabeth, Maine, is said to have been the inspiration for one of Henry Wadsforth Longfellow's poems. 
• Na Pali coast in Kauai, Hawaii, can be enjoyed by helicopter, boat, small plane, or an 11-mile hike.

Quick: close your eyes and picture a beautiful view.

Where do you put yourself? Looking out over tall, gleaming urban spires? Mammoth snowcapped peaks? Vast gashes in the earth?

Fortunately, no matter what your vision might be, you can probably find a view to match it somewhere in the US Inspiring vistas are ubiquitous and easy to find — they stretch from Hawaii to Maine.

Still, in our search for America’s best views, it was only natural to draw heavily from beautiful sites in the National Park system. Of course, we’re not alone in our desire to experience and celebrate views inside these protected areas: in 2015, more than 305 million people sought inspiration in America’s national parks, including some 15 million who witnessed the iconic views in California’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

But the best views in America don't only showcase national parks — they incorporate the magic twinkle of city skylines, the fortitude of rocky coastlines, and breathtaking discoveries found on easy walks, rugged hikes, and scenic drives across the nation. Anyone who’s experienced the dramatic drops around Big Sur, California, or basked in the glimmer of New York City’s skyline will certainly agree.

And uplifting views don’t necessarily start with tall buildings or plunging cliffs. Just ask anyone who’s witnessed the 360-degree panorama of nighttime lights on the National Mall in Washington, DC.

Fortunately, the best views in America aren’t going anywhere. From canyons and coastlines to peaks and parks, Americans have a proud history of preserving their special places for future generations.

But that doesn’t mean you should wait to see them. Put these gorgeous spots on your bucket list and start making travel plans.

Sunrise Point

The otherworldly landscape of Bryce Canyon’s towering sandstone hoodoos, natural arches, staircases, and canyons leaves an indelible impression no matter where you stand. Sunrise Point has incomparable views of the fire-hued, mostly limestone rock formations, which are the remnants of an ancient lake that covered western Utah. Visitors can take an easy hike from Sunrise Point to wander among the hoodoo giants along Queens Garden Trail.

Insider tip: Unfortunately, the hoodoos are eroding (at a rate of two to four feet per 100 years), so see them while they’re still at maximum height. The park also offers nighttime hikes, stargazing, and ranger-guided rim walks.

Battery Spencer

The perfect place to gaze at the Golden Gate Bridge is Battery Spencer at Fort Baker in Marin County. Located on a 335-acre, former 1905 US Army post, the splendid lookout is easily accessible by car or bike.

Insider tip: On a clear day, walk at least halfway along the bridge's pedestrian path for views of Alcatraz.

National Mall

The best advice for any first-time visitor to the nation’s capital is to start with a tour of the monuments on the National Mall — at night, when the marble structures resemble white beacons against a dark sky. There’s no more patriotic experience than to walk up the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and see the powerful marble statue of Honest Abe in his chair next to the engraved words of his Gettysburg Address. From there, looking out over the Reflecting Pool, is the towering Washington Monument, with the ornate dome of the US Capitol in the distance.

Insider tip: Find a National Park Ranger for a free — and incredibly knowledgeable — tour of the Mall and other monuments and historic sites. 

• Costco and Sam's Club are extremely popular in the United States, and while memberships are needed to buy items, the food courts are open to all. 
• We decided to compare the food from two of the biggest bulk retail chains in the country: Costco and Sam's Club.
• Both had nearly identical set-ups and price points, but Costco's larger selection and shockingly good quality won out in the end. 

Costco and Sam's Club are shining basilicas of American bulk shopping.

Within their hallowed — and exclusive — corrugated-metal-and-concrete walls, shoppers grab pounds of pasta and peanut butter amid miles of aisles of marked-down goods. 

There is virtually nothing that isn't offered by these warehouse giants — coffins, cars, even vacation packages can be purchased through their services. And even Amazon can't stand in the way of bulk efficiency, as Costco's most recent quarterly earnings report showed. 

And no matter which warehouse store you're shopping in, you're bound to get hungry. Luckily, both Costco and Sam's Club have mini food courts to satiate hungry shoppers. While they may look rather bare-bones, make no mistake: under the right circumstances, the food can be shockingly good. 

We visited a Costco food court and were floored by the quality and downright deliciousness of some of the options — it was suspiciously good. So, we decided to head over to one of Costco's biggest competitors, Sam's Club, to find out if its food could beat the best:

SEE ALSO: We tried biscuit breakfast sandwiches from major fast-food chains — and the winner is shockingly clear

First, a recap of Costco's highlights.

Costco has a fairly large amount on its menu considering it's a tiny kitchen hidden within a bulk retailer.

This entire spread — cheese pizza, hot dog, three different sandwiches, a quasi-stromboli, a soda, and a churro — cost just over $25. That's pretty impressive. 

The pizza is fine, but nothing astounding.

It's a large, doughy, slice that's similar in taste to Pizza Hut — salty, with a slightly sweet sauce. It's nothing special, but for $1.99, I wasn't complaining. 

With months of good weather ahead, it's an excellent time to set out on an adventure. But if you run into trouble, you'll want to make sure you know what to do.

Sure, you have to look out for ticks and mosquitoes, but there's something about the idea of being able to survive in the wilderness that's thrilling. We glorify it with TV shows like "Survivor" and "Man vs. Wild."

But survival in the harsh conditions of nature is no simple affair, and most lessons can't be learned from television. In fact, some of the "survival advice" that we've picked up over the years is wrong, often dangerously so.

Here are some myths you don't want to rely on if a short jaunt outdoors turns disastrous.

SEE ALSO: A step-by-step guide to avoiding ticks, mosquitoes, and other pests this summer

Myth: You can suck the venom out of a snakebite.

Fact: If a bite delivers venom, it’ll immediately enter the bloodstream. Putting your mouth on the bite will deliver extra bacteria to the wound and may simply get venom into your mouth and esophagus. If someone gets bitten, try to keep the person's heart rate low and hold the affected limb below heart level while getting to a hospital.

Myth: Always play dead when you are attacked by a bear.

Fact: If you are out in the woods and you see a bear, the general advice is to quietly back away. If it's in your yard or around your campsite, make yourself large and loud, which hopefully will scare it off.

But in the case of an actual attack, your reaction strategy should depend on the bear and on the type of attack. Never play dead if a black bear attacks — always fight back.

In most cases, a brown or grizzly bear attacks to defend itself or its cubs. At these times it will warn you off by making noise and pretending to charge. Back away from a defensive attack slowly. If the bear makes contact, play dead lying on your stomach with your hands over your neck. But in the rare case of a predatory attack, which comes with no warning (or if the bear seems to be stalking you), fight for your life.

Myth: You need to find a food supply immediately if you are lost in the wilderness.

Fact: Not even close. You can survive up to six weeks without food. The exact amount of time might vary, depending on starting point and other health issues, but water and shelter from the elements are far more important.