Hey everyone - I hope you enjoy my first video of 2024!! Can you think of other outdated travel tips or mistakes to avoid this year? Let me know in the comments :) Once again, thank you to Babbel for being this week's sponsor - you can get up to 60% off your subscription here: bit.ly/3EYcmml
I've been seeing that in 2024 an ETIAS Visa is required for a lot of European Countries. I plan on visiting Spain, Italy and Switzerland this summer. ( I am an US Resident) I keep finding conflicting answers on whether or not this visa will be needed. The ETIAS website actually says it is not currently in operation and not currently taking applications. If you have any insight on this, it would be vey helpful..
Hooray! So glad to finally hear someone come out and be clear on the negatives of Airbnb! I’ve held the same views as you for many many years after discussing with locals from all around Europe how Airbnb is not good for the local communities and economies! Good on you! Cheers from Australia
I rarely comment but felt I had to in this case. I am a frequent traveler and have lived in Europe for 12 years. Your tips and information are always spot on. Not only do you give fantastic information but also the production quality of your videos are so professional. Keep up the good work, my wife and I appreciate you very much.
Some great tips, thank you! I think it is important to have some understanding of local customs in order not to seriously offend local residents. Also, learning a few words in the local language is often appreciated. Most travelers do not want to 'stick out' in order not to be a target of , for example, pickpocketing. However, in the past, there have been tons of articles and videos about how to blend in and look like a local. In my experience in Europe, the locals almost always know that you are a tourist. And, in the rare occassion that they do not, they will - as soon as you start to speak. I have lived in tourist areas in the U.S. all of my life, and I can spot tourists very easily. There is nothing wrong with being a tourist. Just act respectfully, do your best to say a few words in the local language, then just embrace it and enjoy yourself!
Yess totally agree with everything you said. They’re gonna spot us anyway so might as well have fun and embrace being a tourist (while remaining respectful of course!)
Fantastic video!! So true - we are tourists - it's okay to do 'touristy' things and take tours (which I find are super awesome most of the time!)! Loving your videos! So real, useful and TRUE!!
Fellow Canadian here. Found your channel and love your videos. You have such “real” information. and your delivery is easy to understand, easy to listen to and you don’t cloud your videos with clicky hip music that can become quite annoying to seasoned travellers. You will absolutely LOVE Italy. We spent 3 weeks there…. Rome, Sorrento, Amalfi coast, Florence (with a side trip to Cortona - you would love this spot) and Venice and lastly Cinque Terre. We travel exclusively via train and public transit and spend months planning our trip.
I took a day tour outside of Madrid a few days after arrival so that I can also see villages surrounding the main city destination. For only 88 euros I experienced Segovia and Avila. Loved every minute of it. I highly recommend taking a tour!
Thanks for this video, Christina, w/many great tips. Not many places to reserve security timeslots in the US (Canada has more options). Capturing memories with selfies/video is great, but please remember that everyone wants that same special photo; don't hog the space/step aside to review your shots (don't stand and look at the dozens of photos taken, and then resume taking more while others wait)! In addition to language, trying a local food/drink item often supports local vendors/shops/restaurants. Thanks!
I really agree with your comment re hogging the space. So many times have waited while selfie takers kept taking pics with so many different poses to get their perfect Instagram moment. Stand aside and let someone else in the area and if you really “need” to take that 50th shot of you, wait your turn again.
@@dream.plan.do.travel Instagram is ruining personal travel memories and travel photography. It also seems to be having a negative effect on knowing and following culture of the destination. Travel for the experience rather than a list of selfies per social media.
Thank you for this video! Things are certainly changing and since I'm going to Europe this year, it's good to know what's different. I'm glad to know it's ok to be tourist. I never understood why anyone should "blend in" and look like a local. We're not locals. We are visiting a country. Tourists come to where I live and they are tourists. They don't blend in and I don't care. The one thing I will disagree with is not alerting your bank about traveling. I have had so much fraud with my credit card (my bank account number was actually stolen) that my bank will immediately decline a charge if it's outside of my spending habits, too large of a sum, or in another country. They will, of course, send me an alert and I can let them know it's me, make the purchase again on the spot, but all in all, it's better to let them know. I have had fraudulent charges made outside of the US and they are now immediately declined and my card might be frozen. If I don't tell my bank, they have no way of knowing that I'm suddenly in Italy. (Brava for studying Italian, by the way!) I don't need to miss a train because I never told my bank I was going to Amsterdam. As they say, better safe than sorry and if my bank laughs at me, let them. :)
The card vs. cash question is more complicated than presented. Big central and private banks are trying to impose Central Bank Digital Currencies on us, and eliminate cash altogether. If you think life in China is utopian, you'll love the convenience. But keep in mind that one of the slogans of these people was, "You'll own nothing, and you'll be happy. The more people who abandon cash, the easier it will be for these people to impose neo-feudalism on us all.
Great tips. Disagree with your Airbnb views. It’s a cheaper way for my daughter and I to have separate bedrooms. Our own kitchen to save food money, washing machine and dishwasher. Also we feel more like locals. Off to Poland this month. Your vids are making me even more excited. 👏🇦🇺
Great video, thanks! I will also still let my bank know I'm traveling. Once I was in Texas (I live in Oregon) and my debit card was denied because I forgot to tell them I would be out of state, so better safe than sorry!
Ooh thanks for sharing your experience! Better safe than sorry so I totally respect that. I imagine they’re less likely to detect it as fraud if there’s related spending on the card (eg flights or hotel booked in the destination) but yes - who knows how their system really works haha
Thanks for the great tips! As a frequent solo traveler, using touring companies are the easiest way to meet others and get to see the sights! I highly recommend!! 😊
These are all great tips! I travel often so friends often come to me to ask about 'the best day to buy flights' and those older tips. You've nailed everything I can think of and more!
Enjoy your channel... I've been using Airbnb for over a decade and have found that the benefits far outweigh the negatives as a traveller despite the recent massive fee increase. I'm in my 70s and the space-to-price ratio is always at least double a hotel, notwithstanding the savings with home cooking and the pleasures of living in a real neighbourhood. I often take before and after vids/photos but a careful reading of reviews usually puts one at ease. Never had an issue as you have. But, more importantly, what's the alternative? Don't say hotels...not going back for longer stays. Enjoy Italy( a month last year in Airbnbs) and have fun in the smaller towns with your credit cards...Happy travels.
This was incredibly HELPFUL!!! We’re traveling to Rome, then London in April. It’s our first time going overseas and we’re so excited, yet nervous. Thanks for your advice!
Traveling abroad for the first time can definitely be a mix of excitement and nerves, but you're going to have an amazing time exploring Rome and London. Also, just a heads up, I recently discovered some great discounts on TrainPal. Might come in handy for your journey! Safe travels!
As a European. Please do not give money to beggars. We have a good social security system. 90% of beggars are recruited by gangs and you give money to organized crime 10% are locals with substance abuse or alcohol problems and you do not help them.
I absolutely agree with your recommendation to get a Wise card! I’m heading to Singapore from Australia later in the year and this will be my 12 trip to this awesome destination. I’m relieved that this time I won’t be having to visit money changers or worrying about international card fees as I’ll be using contactless payments and ATMs as if I were a Singaporean local. I’ll even be able to use it on the MRT without buying a tourist travel card. The added bonus is that I can keep track of the current exchange rate via the app and convert my AUD into SGD when the price is high. Loving this game changer!
Thank you for all the tips and tricks! One thing I’ve learnt when looking into my trip planning for Europe is that some airbnbs seem to cost less than hostels in some places? My partner and I were looking at a hostel in London for $800 for the week when an airbnb was roughly $500? But I’ll definitely keep in mind taking photos and taking note of hosts instructions if they’re asking for a bit much lol
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us! Headed to London and Paris in April/May and have gleaned a ton of info from your videos. Keep 'em coming!
Hi Christina. Great video with some fresh and candid perspectives. Just 1 fyi..... wrt e-sims: Many phones are not compatible with them. In particular older phones. I have a Samsung 10, and I can't use an e-sim with it. I suggest, when recommending it, you should mention the need to check if it is compatible with your phone.
I agree with not using airbnb and to not avoid tours. Airbnb are so darn expensive now with all of those fees , its better to book on hotels where its super safe and almost same price or hostel with private room n bathroom which u still can cook your own meals. Tours are great , i always do tours whenever i go travel cus its easier to know the culture n places without wasting time on wandering around if u have little time in that city .
Happy New Year Christina. Really looking forward to all the content you and your team are going to have for us this coming year. Keep up the excellent job.
I always hate how I look in photos, so I have very few selfies I feel are share-worthy, but I was recently going back through old photos and realizing how many of them look devoid of life. More selfies in 2024 is definitely on my list!
As a native Staten Islander, thank you so much for showing off the Ferry (and that it's full of commuters) 😂 I've never seen it mentioned in a general travel video
The only suggestion with which I take exception is staying at Airbnbs. They are my preferred means of staying. I find that they are ALWAYS significantly better than hotels! Excellent suggestions!
I'm from Canada like you. Both banks and credit cards we use where happy to add my travel advisory to my information Nov 2023 before leaving for Thailand and Vietnam for the winter. Trying to find out if my Smartphone is eSim compatible I want to that this year. Be well & Travel Safely
I don't really understand point 10 at all. Why would I want to look back on a trip years after the fact and see nothing but my own face in the middle of most of my pictures lol? Just very different viewpoints for sure. I know what I look like, I see myself every single day in mirrors or other reflections. What I don't see every day are the places that I have visited around the world. That being said, I've been watching a lot of your videos on travel prep, and specifically your London videos. Some great info for sure and I'm glad I found your channel!
Naw, call the bank or use the app to alert for travel because you will get denied if you don't let them know. It happened to me last year when my cruise diverted destinations and i didn't add my newest destination.
@Alisha23456 oh wow! Maybe they already have international travel available! I know for one of my banks WF - I can just toggle on the international travel button on the app vs my credit union makes me enter each country and dates in traveling
Thank you so much for mentioning the impacts of short-term rentals! I avoid AirBnb & similar (though I usually only travel to visit friends/family & stay at their places tbh). It has had a huge negative impact on the housing crisis here in Australia, especially in small coastal towns & critically in Tasmania. Avoid it in Australia if you're travelling here, please!
Great video. What type of camera would you recommend for Italy? I'm trying to decide which one to take (GoPro, Canon R6, smaller camera, or phone for photos). Thanks!
Ooh good question. I would say it depends on what you plan to do with your photos and videos. If you plan to turn them into content like a RUclips video or blog post then I’d recommend bringing the best you have, but if it’s just for capturing memories, then the more portable the better - probably your phone if you’re happy with the quality on that. Hope that helps!
I exclusively used my iPhone 13 Pro Max and shot RAW so I could edit in Photoshop and/or Lightroom. Left my pro gear at home as it was way too bulky to carry around. Both my husband and I have newer iPhones and he shoots in 4K to create RUclips content. He does video, I shoot stills. So handy to have such compact gear that still creates great content. Now if I could find a gimbal or something to hold the phone, all would be great. Be sure to pack a portable battery pack as taking photos and video really eats the battery quickly.
Happy new year! I think I knew most of these between your videos and others I've been watching. What are your thoughts on hop on hop off buses? Especially London? Lol I don't necessarily want to go to the major sites but I guess it'd be nice to just see them😅.
Haha I appreciate you watching so many of my videos that you know all my tips already!! 🫶 re: hop on hop off, depends on the place - with London I’ve done one as a sightseeing tour (and the open top is really cool tbh!) but I wouldn’t use it as a mode of transport to get around because it’s way more efficient to just use the Tube or walk. Traffic can be brutal and their schedule isn’t as frequent as ordinary buses. Hope that helps!
@HappytoWander it does! Thanks! Haha I wouldn't use it in London as my mode of transport. Lol don't worry, I know better. Tube or busses (because I'm morally opposed to stairs these days). Hop on hop off solely to slowly whiz by the major attractions when I've got nothing planned 😁
German: Yes unfortunately we are very behind. Cash is considered some irrational kind of personal freedom. Hotels rental car companies and good restaurants accept cc. But for small shops or fast food you better ask in advance. Euro is currency in Spain, Italy, France, Austria.. just to name a few. So you can travel a lot of Europe with just one currency.
Less than 36 hours until my journey begins to Nuremberg- also is my 1st time back on an airplane since 9/11. I’ve been devouring your videos are my trip will be 5 weeks long. I’m still clueless as to how to start deciding what to do with myself while my husband is working daily. Weiden is final destination. I understand trains are the best but how does one learn what is logical for each day! Are there day trips to other countries??
Check Viator for day tours. You may want to start by taking one of those tours that gives you a little of a lot of things - In the big cities, that might be Hop On Hop Off, but something similar to that, where you get a broad overview and taste of what's available and then you know what you want to do more of. When I'm in Europe I like to go in every church I come across, the older the better. Some are simple and quaint, some are over the top in every way possible. I saw a saint's skeleton in a little neighborhood church - I think that was in Brugge. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I'm a little obsessed with them. I think of them a bit like free art museums.
I don't know specifically for European providers but you can look into Google fi, at one point in time that had some plans that could be turned on and off and worked internationally. Probably more expensive than a local sim card though
While in France this summer, my bff had one of her cards declined - she didn’t call or go online to note the travel like I did. I had zero problems, but she had to call and plead that it was REALLY her trying to buy at a luxury store in France. But she reversed one of the numbers of her ss# and that was an automatic denial. Oops. An honest mistake, and she corrected herself immediately, but that put a freeze on her card. So I would go that extra step, just in case. 😊
Totally disagree about AirBnB. Still great value, hosts often have tons of local insight and can help in an emergency. And the misinformation about damage to neighborhoods needs to stop. It raises property values for everyone around and brings in a better caliber of people. What she's talking about is the big corps practicing rental arbitrage...not the typical Airbnb homeowner. That only exists in mega cities and is easily identifiable by reading listings. I'll always pick a local experience over an hotel. Also disagree about calling banks. They still flag and pause your card...because someone could have stolen your card and be traveling. Duh. We get stuck going two towns over and using our card for more than a few hundred dollars, so she just has a very trusting company.
Trust me I work in Fraud even if you don't call in log in to your Bank's App and put a Travel Notice on your account especially, if your spending pattern is not usually you using your card outside of Your Home Country. This will avoid a lot of hassle later .
Hey everyone - I hope you enjoy my first video of 2024!! Can you think of other outdated travel tips or mistakes to avoid this year? Let me know in the comments :)
Once again, thank you to Babbel for being this week's sponsor - you can get up to 60% off your subscription here: bit.ly/3EYcmml
Spring in Europe plz
I've been seeing that in 2024 an ETIAS Visa is required for a lot of European Countries. I plan on visiting Spain, Italy and Switzerland this summer. ( I am an US Resident) I keep finding conflicting answers on whether or not this visa will be needed.
The ETIAS website actually says it is not currently in operation and not currently taking applications.
If you have any insight on this, it would be vey helpful..
@danaking8930 Same. According to the travel Europe website, listed as an official site, they decided to instead start that in mid 2025.
Hooray! So glad to finally hear someone come out and be clear on the negatives of Airbnb! I’ve held the same views as you for many many years after discussing with locals from all around Europe how Airbnb is not good for the local communities and economies! Good on you! Cheers from Australia
I rarely comment but felt I had to in this case. I am a frequent traveler and have lived in Europe for 12 years. Your tips and information are always spot on. Not only do you give fantastic information but also the production quality of your videos are so professional. Keep up the good work, my wife and I appreciate you very much.
Some great tips, thank you! I think it is important to have some understanding of local customs in order not to seriously offend local residents. Also, learning a few words in the local language is often appreciated. Most travelers do not want to 'stick out' in order not to be a target of , for example, pickpocketing. However, in the past, there have been tons of articles and videos about how to blend in and look like a local. In my experience in Europe, the locals almost always know that you are a tourist. And, in the rare occassion that they do not, they will - as soon as you start to speak. I have lived in tourist areas in the U.S. all of my life, and I can spot tourists very easily. There is nothing wrong with being a tourist. Just act respectfully, do your best to say a few words in the local language, then just embrace it and enjoy yourself!
Yess totally agree with everything you said. They’re gonna spot us anyway so might as well have fun and embrace being a tourist (while remaining respectful of course!)
I pre-booked my security at Toronto Pearson and I was through in literally 2 minutes. Absolute game changer.
Yes!! Definitely something to take advantage of. I hope it becomes the norm everywhere soon cuz it saves sooo much stress.
Fantastic video!! So true - we are tourists - it's okay to do 'touristy' things and take tours (which I find are super awesome most of the time!)! Loving your videos! So real, useful and TRUE!!
Fellow Canadian here. Found your channel and love your videos. You have such “real” information. and your delivery is easy to understand, easy to listen to and you don’t cloud your videos with clicky hip music that can become quite annoying to seasoned travellers. You will absolutely LOVE Italy. We spent 3 weeks there…. Rome, Sorrento, Amalfi coast, Florence (with a side trip to Cortona - you would love this spot) and Venice and lastly Cinque Terre. We travel exclusively via train and public transit and spend months planning our trip.
I took a day tour outside of Madrid a few days after arrival so that I can also see villages surrounding the main city destination. For only 88 euros I experienced Segovia and Avila. Loved every minute of it. I highly recommend taking a tour!
Thanks for this video, Christina, w/many great tips. Not many places to reserve security timeslots in the US (Canada has more options). Capturing memories with selfies/video is great, but please remember that everyone wants that same special photo; don't hog the space/step aside to review your shots (don't stand and look at the dozens of photos taken, and then resume taking more while others wait)! In addition to language, trying a local food/drink item often supports local vendors/shops/restaurants. Thanks!
I really agree with your comment re hogging the space. So many times have waited while selfie takers kept taking pics with so many different poses to get their perfect Instagram moment. Stand aside and let someone else in the area and if you really “need” to take that 50th shot of you, wait your turn again.
@@dream.plan.do.travel Instagram is ruining personal travel memories and travel photography. It also seems to be having a negative effect on knowing and following culture of the destination. Travel for the experience rather than a list of selfies per social media.
Thank you for this video! Things are certainly changing and since I'm going to Europe this year, it's good to know what's different. I'm glad to know it's ok to be tourist. I never understood why anyone should "blend in" and look like a local. We're not locals. We are visiting a country. Tourists come to where I live and they are tourists. They don't blend in and I don't care.
The one thing I will disagree with is not alerting your bank about traveling. I have had so much fraud with my credit card (my bank account number was actually stolen) that my bank will immediately decline a charge if it's outside of my spending habits, too large of a sum, or in another country. They will, of course, send me an alert and I can let them know it's me, make the purchase again on the spot, but all in all, it's better to let them know. I have had fraudulent charges made outside of the US and they are now immediately declined and my card might be frozen. If I don't tell my bank, they have no way of knowing that I'm suddenly in Italy. (Brava for studying Italian, by the way!) I don't need to miss a train because I never told my bank I was going to Amsterdam. As they say, better safe than sorry and if my bank laughs at me, let them. :)
That’s totally reasonable!! Thanks for leaving such a thoughtful comment :)
The card vs. cash question is more complicated than presented. Big central and private banks are trying to impose Central Bank Digital Currencies on us, and eliminate cash altogether. If you think life in China is utopian, you'll love the convenience. But keep in mind that one of the slogans of these people was, "You'll own nothing, and you'll be happy. The more people who abandon cash, the easier it will be for these people to impose neo-feudalism on us all.
Great video on all updates for 2024!! I take tours by myself all the time and I have met so many kind people. Thanks for all the information!!
Yes! Love hearing that haha :) thanks so much for watching and commenting!
Great tips. Disagree with your Airbnb views. It’s a cheaper way for my daughter and I to have separate bedrooms. Our own kitchen to save food money, washing machine and dishwasher. Also we feel more like locals. Off to Poland this month. Your vids are making me even more excited. 👏🇦🇺
Great video, thanks! I will also still let my bank know I'm traveling. Once I was in Texas (I live in Oregon) and my debit card was denied because I forgot to tell them I would be out of state, so better safe than sorry!
Ooh thanks for sharing your experience! Better safe than sorry so I totally respect that. I imagine they’re less likely to detect it as fraud if there’s related spending on the card (eg flights or hotel booked in the destination) but yes - who knows how their system really works haha
Thanks for the great tips! As a frequent solo traveler, using touring companies are the easiest way to meet others and get to see the sights! I highly recommend!! 😊
Totally! I love tours. Thanks for watching and commenting 🫶
These are all great tips! I travel often so friends often come to me to ask about 'the best day to buy flights' and those older tips. You've nailed everything I can think of and more!
Enjoy your channel... I've been using Airbnb for over a decade and have found that the benefits far outweigh the negatives as a traveller despite the recent massive fee increase. I'm in my 70s and the space-to-price ratio is always at least double a hotel, notwithstanding the savings with home cooking and the pleasures of living in a real neighbourhood. I often take before and after vids/photos but a careful reading of reviews usually puts one at ease. Never had an issue as you have. But, more importantly, what's the alternative? Don't say hotels...not going back for longer stays. Enjoy Italy( a month last year in Airbnbs) and have fun in the smaller towns with your credit cards...Happy travels.
Excellent Christina and I am new to your channel and will be a dedicated follower as truly well done!!
You're videos are really good, smart tips, well filmed, engaging and entertaining, that's just sooo good
Wow thanks so much!! I really appreciate it!
This was incredibly HELPFUL!!! We’re traveling to Rome, then London in April. It’s our first time going overseas and we’re so excited, yet nervous. Thanks for your advice!
Traveling abroad for the first time can definitely be a mix of excitement and nerves, but you're going to have an amazing time exploring Rome and London. Also, just a heads up, I recently discovered some great discounts on TrainPal. Might come in handy for your journey! Safe travels!
As someone traveling to Europe for the first time this March, these videos are super helpful. Thanks!
That’s SO exciting!! Glad you’re finding them helpful. Safe travels 🫶
Oh I am doing the same thing in April. Totally agree!
I’m going to Europe for the first time in March as well!
As a European. Please do not give money to beggars. We have a good social security system. 90% of beggars are recruited by gangs and you give money to organized crime 10% are locals with substance abuse or alcohol problems and you do not help them.
Wow!!! you are an. expert on traveling! best advice ever 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩
Thanks for your videos; I’ve traveled a lot but I still find them very helpful and informative. Keep up the good work 👍🏼
I love Airalo! Great eSIM.
I absolutely agree with your recommendation to get a Wise card! I’m heading to Singapore from Australia later in the year and this will be my 12 trip to this awesome destination. I’m relieved that this time I won’t be having to visit money changers or worrying about international card fees as I’ll be using contactless payments and ATMs as if I were a Singaporean local. I’ll even be able to use it on the MRT without buying a tourist travel card. The added bonus is that I can keep track of the current exchange rate via the app and convert my AUD into SGD when the price is high. Loving this game changer!
Am loving all your tips! Am new to your channel! So awesome! Thank you! You are so knowledgeable
Thank you for all the tips and tricks! One thing I’ve learnt when looking into my trip planning for Europe is that some airbnbs seem to cost less than hostels in some places? My partner and I were looking at a hostel in London for $800 for the week when an airbnb was roughly $500? But I’ll definitely keep in mind taking photos and taking note of hosts instructions if they’re asking for a bit much lol
esims might exist in 2024, but my phone from 2016 didn't get the memo. 😆 I'm just gonna pick up a sim card at the airport.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us! Headed to London and Paris in April/May and have gleaned a ton of info from your videos. Keep 'em coming!
Thanks so much for watching! Safe travels. Sounds like you have an amazing trip ahead!
What a spot-on RUclips video! Thank you Christina for being real! Best and truest advice I've come across. 👏
Thanks so much, Julie! 🫶
Hi Chris, one of the best travel vids with fantastic travel tips with rapid fire presentation. Thank you v m! Subbed!
Thank you for these informative and useful travel tips. 👌🎉😊
My pleasure!! Thank you so much for watching and commenting 🫶🫶 (and so quickly too haha)
Thanks for the helpful tips, Christina! 🎉 Loving the resources you've shared. Can't wait to see more of your travel tips. Keep rocking it! 🌟
That’s a refreshing perspective. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching and commenting 🫶
Hi Christina. Great video with some fresh and candid perspectives. Just 1 fyi..... wrt e-sims: Many phones are not compatible with them. In particular older phones. I have a Samsung 10, and I can't use an e-sim with it. I suggest, when recommending it, you should mention the need to check if it is compatible with your phone.
I agree with not using airbnb and to not avoid tours. Airbnb are so darn expensive now with all of those fees , its better to book on hotels where its super safe and almost same price or hostel with private room n bathroom which u still can cook your own meals.
Tours are great , i always do tours whenever i go travel cus its easier to know the culture n places without wasting time on wandering around if u have little time in that city .
Happy New Year Christina. Really looking forward to all the content you and your team are going to have for us this coming year. Keep up the excellent job.
Thank you sooo much!! 🫶 happy new year to you too!
I love how you mentioned that it’s ok to take selfies in 2024 haha I couldn’t agree more!!!
I feel like some people need the reminder haha!! Thanks for watching and commenting 🫶
I always hate how I look in photos, so I have very few selfies I feel are share-worthy, but I was recently going back through old photos and realizing how many of them look devoid of life. More selfies in 2024 is definitely on my list!
As a native Staten Islander, thank you so much for showing off the Ferry (and that it's full of commuters) 😂 I've never seen it mentioned in a general travel video
My travel credit cards know when I'm traveling. Based on the excursions comma and tickets I booked with them
FYI: New Zealand - You still need to let your bank know is/where you are travelling, a secure message via internet banking will suffice :).
The only suggestion with which I take exception is staying at Airbnbs. They are my preferred means of staying. I find that they are ALWAYS significantly better than hotels!
Excellent suggestions!
I'm from Canada like you. Both banks and credit cards we use where happy to add my travel advisory to my information Nov 2023 before leaving for Thailand and Vietnam for the winter. Trying to find out if my Smartphone is eSim compatible I want to that this year. Be well & Travel Safely
Haven't even watched the whole video, but already 👍👍.
Hahaha thank you so much. I hope you enjoyed the rest of the video! 🫶
Going to Munich, hotels are far too expensive so must stay at an airbnb personally.
I don't really understand point 10 at all. Why would I want to look back on a trip years after the fact and see nothing but my own face in the middle of most of my pictures lol? Just very different viewpoints for sure. I know what I look like, I see myself every single day in mirrors or other reflections. What I don't see every day are the places that I have visited around the world.
That being said, I've been watching a lot of your videos on travel prep, and specifically your London videos. Some great info for sure and I'm glad I found your channel!
Naw, call the bank or use the app to alert for travel because you will get denied if you don't let them know. It happened to me last year when my cruise diverted destinations and i didn't add my newest destination.
I just tried to and my bank said I need as they have software etc that takes care of it so it probably depends on your bank
@Alisha23456 Perhaps so! But it's best to be safe than sorry! Nothing like getting a transaction denied and folks looking at you like you broke 😆
@@ranidayz09 I agree 100% other than my bank wouldn’t let me put in a travel note 🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️
@Alisha23456 oh wow! Maybe they already have international travel available! I know for one of my banks WF - I can just toggle on the international travel button on the app vs my credit union makes me enter each country and dates in traveling
Had NO idea you could prebook thru security at certain airports!!!!❤❤
Thank you so much for mentioning the impacts of short-term rentals! I avoid AirBnb & similar (though I usually only travel to visit friends/family & stay at their places tbh).
It has had a huge negative impact on the housing crisis here in Australia, especially in small coastal towns & critically in Tasmania.
Avoid it in Australia if you're travelling here, please!
Great video. What type of camera would you recommend for Italy? I'm trying to decide which one to take (GoPro, Canon R6, smaller camera, or phone for photos). Thanks!
Ooh good question. I would say it depends on what you plan to do with your photos and videos. If you plan to turn them into content like a RUclips video or blog post then I’d recommend bringing the best you have, but if it’s just for capturing memories, then the more portable the better - probably your phone if you’re happy with the quality on that. Hope that helps!
I exclusively used my iPhone 13 Pro Max and shot RAW so I could edit in Photoshop and/or Lightroom. Left my pro gear at home as it was way too bulky to carry around. Both my husband and I have newer iPhones and he shoots in 4K to create RUclips content. He does video, I shoot stills. So handy to have such compact gear that still creates great content. Now if I could find a gimbal or something to hold the phone, all would be great. Be sure to pack a portable battery pack as taking photos and video really eats the battery quickly.
Happy new year! I think I knew most of these between your videos and others I've been watching. What are your thoughts on hop on hop off buses? Especially London? Lol I don't necessarily want to go to the major sites but I guess it'd be nice to just see them😅.
Haha I appreciate you watching so many of my videos that you know all my tips already!! 🫶 re: hop on hop off, depends on the place - with London I’ve done one as a sightseeing tour (and the open top is really cool tbh!) but I wouldn’t use it as a mode of transport to get around because it’s way more efficient to just use the Tube or walk. Traffic can be brutal and their schedule isn’t as frequent as ordinary buses. Hope that helps!
@HappytoWander it does! Thanks! Haha I wouldn't use it in London as my mode of transport. Lol don't worry, I know better. Tube or busses (because I'm morally opposed to stairs these days). Hop on hop off solely to slowly whiz by the major attractions when I've got nothing planned 😁
Number 9 though... good catch!
Any advice for travel insurance to Egypt?
Great content! Thanks for sharing 😊
Great tips!
As for currency, I understand Austria and Germany use cash frequently.
German: Yes unfortunately we are very behind. Cash is considered some irrational kind of personal freedom.
Hotels rental car companies and good restaurants accept cc. But for small shops or fast food you better ask in advance.
Euro is currency in Spain, Italy, France, Austria.. just to name a few. So you can travel a lot of Europe with just one currency.
@@nanemoon9968 Thanks. Japan is like this, too! I love how there is so much tap and go in the southern countries: Spain, Italy, France!
@catherinemori4496 In Norway as well, friends said your could pay even the smallest things with your card. Sigh*
Hi! Do you have advice (pre-recorded is good!) for travel from Amsterdam to Dusseldorf? (No planes) Thanks!
Does the wise friendly credit card work in Iceland, Netherlands and Edinburgh?
Rick Steves tours in Europe come highly recommended
Nice advices !
So happy you enjoyed it!! Thanks for the comment 🫶
Your travel channel is awesome! Thank you!
Thanks so much!! 🫶
Less than 36 hours until my journey begins to Nuremberg- also is my 1st time back on an airplane since 9/11. I’ve been devouring your videos are my trip will be 5 weeks long. I’m still clueless as to how to start deciding what to do with myself while my husband is working daily. Weiden is final destination.
I understand trains are the best but how does one learn what is logical for each day!
Are there day trips to other countries??
Check Viator for day tours. You may want to start by taking one of those tours that gives you a little of a lot of things - In the big cities, that might be Hop On Hop Off, but something similar to that, where you get a broad overview and taste of what's available and then you know what you want to do more of. When I'm in Europe I like to go in every church I come across, the older the better. Some are simple and quaint, some are over the top in every way possible. I saw a saint's skeleton in a little neighborhood church - I think that was in Brugge. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I'm a little obsessed with them. I think of them a bit like free art museums.
Hi just wondering what SIM card provider I can use to travel in Europe ? Thanks
I don't know specifically for European providers but you can look into Google fi, at one point in time that had some plans that could be turned on and off and worked internationally. Probably more expensive than a local sim card though
While in France this summer, my bff had one of her cards declined - she didn’t call or go online to note the travel like I did. I had zero problems, but she had to call and plead that it was REALLY her trying to buy at a luxury store in France. But she reversed one of the numbers of her ss# and that was an automatic denial. Oops. An honest mistake, and she corrected herself immediately, but that put a freeze on her card. So I would go that extra step, just in case. 😊
Which flight booking app do you recommend?
I usually use Google Flights to search and compare, then book directly with the airline :)
Totally disagree about AirBnB. Still great value, hosts often have tons of local insight and can help in an emergency. And the misinformation about damage to neighborhoods needs to stop. It raises property values for everyone around and brings in a better caliber of people. What she's talking about is the big corps practicing rental arbitrage...not the typical Airbnb homeowner. That only exists in mega cities and is easily identifiable by reading listings. I'll always pick a local experience over an hotel.
Also disagree about calling banks. They still flag and pause your card...because someone could have stolen your card and be traveling. Duh. We get stuck going two towns over and using our card for more than a few hundred dollars, so she just has a very trusting company.
Trust me I work in Fraud even if you don't call in log in to your Bank's App and put a Travel Notice on your account especially, if your spending pattern is not usually you using your card outside of Your Home Country. This will avoid a lot of hassle later .
both mine credit cards wanted to know i was leaving
All spot on. I lose brain cells every time I read the same old meaningless cliches such as "live like a local"
haha! I do too! 😅
Why not?
funny she mention not to use AIRBNB then the commercial ad was for AIRBNB lol
Hahaha that’s so funny actually 🙈 i don’t have any control over the ads they show but that timing is hilarious.
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Another thing: go where North Americans never think of going…Ancona? Parma? Mantua? Rimini? Oh no! Cat’s out of bag!
Your videos are a help but I do have to respectfully disagree with you about the selfie phenomenon.
Air bnbs are a scam. I stayed at one with horrible mold on walls, air mattress with holes and just gross. Never again.
A few good suggestions, but overall, I'm not impressed with this. Too much personal bias.
Nuance is definitely needed..
I have no idea why this woman thinks she is an authority on what “we” are doing because she is full of it in much of this video.
Learned nothing new tbh.