How to Survive Summer Travel in Europe This Year
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- Опубликовано: 20 июн 2023
- The summer is here and travel is on it's way this summer. There are going to be some headaches along the way. I wanted to give you a heads up on some things that travelers and tourists to Europe should expect so they can have the best vacation possible in Europe.
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Currently living in Amsterdam and MY GOD the tourists are insane. Just nutty. Every type of people from every country just acting like animals, especially after sunset.
Amsterdam is awesome. Just went a couple months ago.
😂😂😂
The City that Never Sleeps!💪🏾
my boyfriend lives in Amsterdam still, I used to live there too but now I only visit every other weekend. I do agree that many visitors tend to behave rather carelessly on vacation, as if their destination is a theme park instead of a place where actual people live. It’s somehow still enjoyable to walk around the city aimlessly in the evening with tourists around, but will def be more enjoyable if visitors also behave properly.. sometimes I do miss the days when travel is more restricted post-covid
I've been to Amsterdam many times at all times around the year. It's always filled with nuts.
The suggestion about taking inter-Europe flights in the morning is spot on. The earlier the better, even if you need to spend the night before your flight at a hotel airport. Also, the smaller the airport, the better. A little secret about London not many Americans know: London City Airport (LCY). Actually closer to the center of London than Heathrow, and not out in the boonies like Gatwick and the others. Tiny, so no transatlantic traffic. If coming from/going to the Continent, LCY is the go-to.
I agree. LCY is only good if you are coming to/from Europe and staying over in the UK. Having to transit from LCY to LHR is a headache with family and bags if you are coming from Italy or Germany, for example. Better to fly directly to LHR if you are flying directly to North/South America. Coming into London from overseas, it really doesn't matter if you come into LHR or Gatwick as the train is express.
The TIP for me, if you can have a “Travel Day” thats not necessarily packed with touristy things you want to do, plan those into your trip. Going to Paris, London & Edinburgh at the end of august, can’t wait… was in Amsterdam last year and had to leave a day early because of a planned strike, luckily was able to move the train tickets and still have a great time… just hope it’s not as hot as Texas is right now 😂😮
I'm from Canada 🇨🇦🇨🇦
Ever since I met Mrs Sophia I'm now living big life she's the best
I now do Europe in the fall and winter to beat the crowds… the weather is nicer than home in Canada!
Smart move!
Yes, I’ve had great end of April and September trips. Happy travels!
Completely agree. My next trip will be in February…the weather will most likely be better than at home in Minnesota.
Even the shoulder seasons, April/ May- Sept /Oct, are busy and not cheap anymore but better than the peak summer season.
For some destinations, it's probably peak season in 9 out of 12 months. I've been to Prague in early March and Florence in mid February (pre 2020), and the places were jam packed. Encountered "traffic jams" while making the climb in the dome of Florence's duomo...in February!
Just stumbled upon your channel and absolutely love it! I've decided to start traveling next year and I've been binge watching your videos and love all the wisdom, tips, and insight! You seem very easy going and personable! Thank you!!
Great advice. We did our overseas travel in January (Panama) and April (Spain). Domestic trips for balance of year. Bought tickets for sites and tours well in advance as well as hotels. I would also suggest as you have said before plan down time or decompression time in the trip. Hope you and the family are having a wonderful time this summer!!
Love your videos Mark Wolters! Work in travel and my tip is get travel insurance, get tickets ahead of time for skip the lines, you will find the longest lines in highly desired sites, if there is a restaurant that you really want to go too, make reservations ahead of time, do free walking tours and tip the guides! I am leaving in nine days to Ireland, Spain (where my son lives) Turkey, Belgium and Amsterdam! Great tips as always Mark.
Have a fun trip and thanks for the extra tips!
This is why I went right before summer. Caught Paris and London in a less hectic time.
Just came back from Paris. No strikes, no protests and the crowds were not bad in late May/early June. We had cool sunny weather, blue skies! It was a dream! thanks for all your tips!
My trip to southern frnace got zonko-ed by the strikes at end of may. I am glad yours wasnt
No strikes or no riots only last for mere days or a few weeks in Paris. You just so happened to visit once the last strike or riots just ended 🤣🤣
I just got back yesterday and also no strikes. The biggest issue was the heat while walking all day and the mass tourism of which I was a part off ofcourse 😅
@@nj472 Riots just broke out in Nanterre over a police killing a teen -- like I commented earlier there is always something in France every few weeks lol
@@Originalman144 yes you have to get lucky. Those started barley a week after we were gone.
I’m not going to Europe, I just like this channel 😊
love all your videos Mark. thanks for the great tips.
Just spent the month of May in Europe and it was packed. Long lines to sights, not enough tour buses on some routes. I thought I was ahead of the summer rush. So, bring your patience with you! Go early to sites and enjoy, you're on VACATION!
I think the thing to remember is that in major tourist cities, like London, Paris, N.Y.C, there really is no "off season." It's either crowded, or really crowded. I know people who have been to London in January and it was still packed with people, and they don't call N.Y.C the city that never sleeps for nothing (I live an hour from NYC, so I've been there all times of the year). You just have to go with it sometimes.
Thanks for the video! I'm doing central Europe in August
Spring
I’m traveling through Europe during this summer during my grad school, so this video is great timing!
In Lisbon, 1,500,000 people are expected, from the 1st to the 6th of August 2023, for the World Youth Days 😱😱. Avoid Lisbon during this period (all services and transport will be very limited).
Sounds awful.
Glad we chose September London and Edinburgh! Can't wait!
The worst times are when the cruise ships are in port that day. We were in Venice Pisa and Florence and just tons of people everywhere off of the ships. All Americans with their kids on their phones complaining about the heat and all this old stuff. I wanted to smack everyone of them. I'll never go in the summer again.
October is the best month to travel in Italy.
thanks mark.
I would love to see Europe, but honestly i like winter travel.
Winter in Europe can be quite nice especially nearing Christmas, there can be a lovely ambiance
Bavarian Christmas is amazing. Italy is nice in a low key way.
I actually prefer winter travel to summer by a wide margin. It’s less expensive, less crowded and easier to put more clothes on to stay warm than take more off to be comfortable.
Why not go to Europe in winter? Some places in Europe are too hot in summer anyways.
Germany and Italy booked for August. I expect hot and busy, and will make the best of it. Haven't been to Europe since '88 :) Thank you for your fabulous travel tips! I've learned quite a bit from your videos.
Where did you go and how was the weather? Going to Italy and Germany in August this year and we’re trying to choose exact locations
3:44 that part. Definitely plan ahead and book your seats together early
We are in Europe right now. For 74 days, and it’s been amazing. Yes, it’s a bit crowded but not too bad yet. We got our tickets for La Sagrada Familia, going to Portugal and Italy in the next few weeks. Paris was amazing btw. But we will be here during the July and August month and from what you just said it could get a bit more crowded very soon! So far, it’s been great, amazing even!
Right now it's nothing. Just wait until late-July and August. Main cities in Italy are a disaster in August, better to avoid and do smaller cities and countryside. Unless you prefer madness and no restaurant availability for days in advance.
A little overdramatic! Everything is very relaxed at the moment!
As a Dane my travels ars mostly to USA. I use a rule of always at least 3 hours lay over in Europe and 4 hours in USA .
What are your favorite States in the USA? Always cool to hear from people who come to the US and have seen more states than the average American.
@@Originalman144 I have visited 47 of the contiguous states, but keep coming back to western North Carolina. My 17th visit to that area since 2000 will be in July and I have many friends in that part of the country . Besides from that north eastern Texas and Washington. But there are great places in all states, only I can't speak for Delaware 😀
Just back from Ireland. It looks like a summer of "revenge travel" was brewing. Crowds coming from the USA for sure, because the dollar is so strong right now.
It's summer!!! Yay!!! Time to go travel 🧳😁
I hope you can do a video on Paris travel in 2024, avoiding summer Olympics chaos.
Oh gosh i travel for 2 weeks starting monday...I hope its not too bad...thanks for the advice Mark
Same! Mid to late August
World Youth Day is in Lisbon the first week of August this year. Should be flooded with thousands upon thousands of travelers starting the last week of July. The Pope is expected to visit at the same time. It will be crazy. We're waiting till the end of September to travel to Portugal this year.
always love your videos. Are you filming with a new format? It looks much clearer. Thanks
Just be “part of the solution” in difficult situations. Keeps you cool. Also, use “the facilities” at any opportunity you get- always good to go!! Lol but true. Thanks
Also some airports are so hard to navigate even in times where things are calm, like Orly can be a super frustrating place. The only reason i got to the plane in time was for someone nice that helped me, i saw several people miss their flight because the gate was hard to find. So for anyone that will be at Orly, get there early, skip the shops, once you know where your gate is and how to get there you can see if you have shopping time left or not.
OMG I was affected by the surprise EuroStar strike on Dec. 21. At least 2 trains left St. Pancras station and had to come back when they got to the tunnel.
Best to stay at home actually. Last summer visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber the Celsius was at 42 degrees. Insanely hot. Felt like having bricks on shoulders.
I'll aim at spring/autumn from now on. 🤔
Currently in Brugge on my Europe trips and it’s going great 🥳
I just got back from Belgium, which included visits to Bruges, Antwerp, Brussels, Ghent and Waterloo. I had an absolutely amazing time across the board. The trains we rode to get around were great. I think Belgium is a bit of a hidden gem now. 👍🏼
Belgium is overlooked and underrated as a tourist destination.
Lots and lots of train delays in Germany rn. Just from Dusseldorf to cologne last night was delayed almost 2 hours 😰
Thanks for this content. How or where do I find strike information for the UK and other countries.
I got my ticket months in advance, so I got a good price. I will be in the UK and Paris, this July. I just hope there isn't the heatwave like last year. It was shocking when I was in Oxford, it got up to 40 degrees.
Headed to Portugal in ten days!
I’m going to London/Paris in October and can’t wait! I heard it’s likely still going to be crowded in Paris so I skipped out on a tour of versailles ❤
Smart call, I went to versailles 2 days ago and the castle was waaaay to crowded to enjoy and outside in the beautiful gardens it was too hot to enjoy. There was a huge que for the 1 toilet the have inside. It was a bit of a nightmare.
Get an air tag or smart tag for your suitcase. They are inexpensive and will let you know where your stuff is when the airline loses it.
We like isle seats so always pay to pre book them!
Hey! Expo! Weird timing. Just saw a photo of that statue behind you!
Got my europe travel wrapped up last week before the madness begins.
After a quick trip back from France, personally, I will just avoid Europe from June to August. Indeed, if one has the chance to have more flexible traveling schedules, March to May and September to November would be great! Just the weather is enough to convince one to consider those dates. For Summer, I would look towards Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina; South America. The weather is cooler, the flights are way cheaper and the expenses, far less than the Old Continent.
Alas, for those who cannot make it the other months to Europe, just one thing: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, take time to cool off cuz you will burn up!
Yeah, no need for everyone to rush in there all at once in summer.
Anecdotally can support the point about passengers behaving badly. Recent flight to Corfu was diverted to Zagreb for an overnight stay because of violent passenger.
We just returned from Bratislava, Vienna, Salzburg and Budapest ... It was crazy, crazy expensive but so much fun !!! My tip ... Don't call attention to yourself, be aware of yourself and surroundings but most importantly have the best time ever - it's meant to be a vacation 😊
What things did you find expensive that were cheaper than before? Hotels? or everything? thanks
I thought everything was just more expensive ... Both pre and post pandemic we've been traveling to Europe and this trip especially from the cost of the tour, cost of transportation, hotels, food, train travel between countries ... Was really (compared to prior years) very high ...
For 6 days )/2 adults ... Air travel from Chicago to Vienna ... The cost to country/city hop ( day trips)... Moderate hotel (holiday inn)... Small souvenirs i.e. magnets, a very small water color from Vienna etc. ... No specialty dining or lux anything ---- About 8,000 USD
@@user-pz7vl1pu9f Wow, very pricey indeed.
@@user-pz7vl1pu9f that's very expensive... Did you plan ahead?
With my daughter in HS, we end up having to travel in the summer... we decided to skip this year - we did June-July '22 in England and France The heat was the biggest issue last year. The one benefit of now needing a wheelchair is we get to expedite our travel... we will be doing Italy next summer. Mark's latest videos are exactly what I was looking for!
Most high schools will work with parents wanting to travel to provide homework and reading assignments etc. My niece’s principle for example was excited for her and really helped my brother keep her up to date in school.
If they will , I strongly encourage parents to travel in Autumn or Spring. It’s so much more relaxed, less expensive and less crowded.
If heat is an issue for you maybe Italy isn't the best destination in summer...
Take her out of school and go explore in the off-season. She won't be missing much in school but will have horizons and experiences much more valuable in travel excursions. And cheaper on the wallet!
Andiamo a Roma in Febrario.
We got hit with a taxi strike in Milan exactly a year ago. No Uber or other ride shares were available so we had to take the subway from the train station to the rental home. Pickpockets LOVE strikes as it helps them focus on where everyone has to go. My wife got her wallet stolen since we had to juggle luggage on the subway and she made an easy target.
Where do you find out about the strikes? I remember landing in Gatwick several years ago and it taking hours to get into London because of a train drivers wildcat strike. So frustrating after a transAtlantic flight.
5:27
Digital English language news site called "The Local" will often have strike date(s) news for major European cities. It is available for different European countries. August is an extremely busy time. Many Europeans take their vacation at this time and unlike the US, they have up to a month off. If visiting Venice, opt for early morning walks. The congestion between the Grand Canal and St. Marks's square is a prime area for pickpockets. If you're traveling by train, it's the train number not your destination that is best to use when wondering which track you're leaving from. I've lived in Italy 5 years now, absolutely love it but don't leave my area much in the summer. It was nuts last year, this year is shaping up to be worse.
Hey Mark, awesome video and my family came back from a vacation in Northern Ireland and we enjoyed every minute of it despite the crowds.
Glad you had a great time!
@@woltersworldI was born in Europe I wish u could help me get back there. I'm in Utah I don't hate Utah but it's better for me to go back to get help based off where I was born
@@woltersworldI really like the UK but it's not easy cause I don't have a lot of help for the ticket but I like England and France. I took French in high school
@@woltersworldI really enjoyed it, the weather was awesome and the people were cool: My family took the enterprise train from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland and it was incredible.
Thanks for the tips! But I have a question for you, Mark. You mentioned taking the early "morning" flight. But to go TATL from North America (mainly toward the East Coast), there's no such thing as a morning flight. Those flights are all overnight. So how does one follow that tip?
Trains on strike here in Denmark
The majority of tourists in Europe are Europens themselves. So go to Europe during the shoulder seasons when the Europeans are back home in their respective countries. Like everyone else, they do take their vacations in the summer 😎.
Yep. It’s more so that the kids are out of school. Travel Europe when kids are in school and not on breaks haha. It really changes the experience
From memory, any strike in the UK needs to be announced two weeks in advance. So check ahead of your trip and you should be fine and of course be flexible
Is there a good site to find out?. Gatwick Express lists disputes but Passport control or other workers?
Your beard looks really good.
We got caught in Milan a few weeks ago.. strike was happening Sunday, so we booked a Saturday flight but they all got canceled.
Had to train back to Zurich to get back to Canada
Not too bad actually, at least the train to ZRH was running -- probably operated by the Swiss side. In places like France, the Paris strikers who do so too regularly are actually speeding up their automation. Eventually you will not need any train/metro conductors, only some maintenance of the tracks. Many of the metros in Paris are already being automated and there are high walls blocking the tracks when you board so no one can bring items inside to block the tracks. Too many workers in Paris are spoiled brats. I dislike unions for many reasons, but that's a different topic.
Wolter what do you think of my trip? Three weeks in Spain (my 5th time, seeing places I haven't been to before). Santiago de Compstela, Zamora, Zaragoza, and Sevilla. I'll be training between. I fear I am too vulnerable to train strikes, however, though I am using Iryo and not Renfe for most of them. Last years journey around the north went without issues, I hope the same this year.
Santiago is great. Also check out Pontevedra, Vigo, and especially the Cies Islands if you have a chance. Well worth a few days in the area and very cheap for food and accommodations. An amazing region of Spain.
Yep, my Dad didn't get into the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, he said. Completely booked. Should have booked in advance. I'm going to Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen in a few weeks. Anywhere I should (and can) pre-book?
Hi Wolters, help us out here. We are heading UK this Sept 2023. But after London, we could not go Paris due to strike. Any recommendations of countries or places to go sir? Appreciate the help.
Italy in October. Should be lovely, paid under $800 for a round trip to Milan from BWI. Hopefully no strikes and no return of Covid insanity. My first return to Europe since 2019.
Wow, perfect time for Italy. You could still swim in the southern beaches as weather is still good but locals will avoid. Strikes are usually not a problem much in Italy and covid measures are long done with. I was in Milan January 2020 just a few weeks before the madness, returned in June 2021 (Venice and Florence were empty, it was lovely!), January 2022 (Florence empty, Rome no crowds), July 2022 (no crowds), and again in January 2023 (crowds fully returned, I actually had to wait for a table at my regular Florence dining place).
@@Originalman144 thanks!
what websites do I look at for possible strikes (Germany, UK, France?)
And what about the weather? Is it 40 degrees CELSIUS in London or Berlin yet?
Hi do visitors to Spain need to be vaccinated?
Having precheck does NOT mean anything in another country. Security takes a while. Especislly if you leave a kindle in your carryon. Took 30 minutes waiting for her turn and a complete check of the contents of her bag.
My step mom was flying back with my sister's. They were young and way too young to sit apart they couldn't find seats together until she was a little too excited about the idea of 7 hours where the kids were not her concern and she could sleep rows away. She has never seen such quick customer service. It works.
Great advice. I got stuck in Germany three days. Transportation strike.
with everything going on in France, do you think we should cancel that trip and go to Italy instead?
Why no Turkey Mark?
Hi Mark, I'm wondering what your opinion is on how much more expensive Paris will be with the Olympics next year? I've read that sometimes the Olympics brings the prices *down*, because people want to travel to that city another time, but of course other times it makes them go up. Which one do you think it will be?
I lived Salt Lake City during the 02 Olympics, and the prices went up on just about everything. But, it was a really really cool atmosphere with things happening everywhere all the time. Lots of people, though.
Prices will go up
@@lovelessissimo Thank you for the reply. Can you tell me, did the prices go up for the whole summer, or just the few weeks of the Olympics themselves?
@@Rachel-rs7jn the salt lake Olympics were in the winter, and it wasn't everything, mostly events, hotels, parking, tickets to things, flights, and cabs. Things with high demand and limited capacity. It's a once in a lifetime environment, though. Going to a place that is less expensive to begin with would be better for an Olympic experience.
@@lovelessissimo Oh, of course! I wasn't thinking (summer vs. winter). My reason for asking the question is actually a little bit different....I'm getting married in France next summer and I'm worried that the flight tickets for all of our guests coming from abroad will be really expensive. We're getting married a few weeks before the Olympics start so I'm hoping that if all the guests come and go before that it won't be too bad 🤞🏻🤞🏻.....but it sounds like I might be being too optimistic.
💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝
We're planning to be in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Luxembourg in early September.
Glad we're avoiding peak summer season, and have flights already booked! How much cash do you think we
should carry per day? Post-covid, are most transactions cashless or do we need to have a good stash of Euros
for more than tipping the nice ladies in the bathrooms?
Germany is very much cash based, so you definitely are going to need cash, especially in smaller shops and restaurants. In the Netherlands you don't need cash at all (I'm Dutch, can't remember the last time I used cash here), but be aware that many places don't except credit cards. Make sure to bring a DEBIT card!
The other countries I'm not sure about.
I'm a budget traveler and it really just depends on what your budget is. Honestly, I can get by in The Netherlands on less than 100 a day but it all depends. Switzerland and Lux you probably need a little more, Germany is doable on 100 a day or less if you already have hotels booked and paid for
@@picobello99 Thanks for your detailed answer. Good to know!
@@davidvilchez2209 Thanks for your help!
Getting to Gatwick from central London on 6/3 while there was a rail strike was stressful. We made our flight, but for about an hour, we weren’t sure we’d make our flight. Our coach bus left Victoria Coach Station an hour-and-a-half late. We made it to Gatwick an hour before our flight left. I’m glad I pre-booked expedited security at Gatwick. We breezed through security without a problem and made our flight with time to spare. That was the best 5£ per person I spent!
do they ever not have a strike in france? lol
How to prepare for travel in Europe during the summer.
The first tip prepare to be gouged !!
Finally tip do you like to wait in long lines ?
Not traveling any more...
I had a couple of great travels during COVID
Now in 2023 it's not worth it anymore and can't tolerate with all the negatives ...
Do not travel in the summer. I wanted to go for a day to Zurich but there is no way in hell I am paying 300 EUR for a 1 hour return ticket.
As an introverted photographer, I avoid travelling during the summer like the plague, especially for popular locations like NYC, Paris, etc.
Having money? 😁
Just don't go to the major, Mediterranean ,hot and humid places in Europe in the summer.
No Rome, no Paris, no Barcelona, no Greece, unless you really really want to go to the beach and it's make-or-break. Otherwise, go to the northern and mountainous regions of Europe or another continent and thank me later..
I will not travel to Europe in Summer anymore. The heat and crowds are not attractive. It's Spring or Fall for me from now on.
UK train strikes = rental car
I'm so glad I don't travel in Summer
If we follow what Mark is saying: Don't travel to Europe this summer!
The biggest problem is over tourism and delays. Any place packed is a nightmare, but not a pleasant vacation!
You constantly make me question my life choices... as I sit here behind a desk NOT traveling..
Big travel hug for you johnny
Sounds like to much trouble to travel over seas. I’ll stay in the USA where I live & travel by car.
Europe is not safe because of what is going on in Ukraine. It is better to postpone all travel to better times.
If you what to visit USA, don’t go to Miami if there is a gunshot in Seattle !
Spring