Im about to take a career break at 34 for seven months - your videos have been the biggest source of travel wisdom for me! Thank you so much! Looking forward to your next vids, as always. Bon voyage! ✈️ 🌎 🤠
First I love watching your videos on Europe. I was stationed in Germany for most of the 80’s to 91. I always saw backpackers traveling Europe and I always thought I’d like to do that. It’s been 20 years since I was last in Europe and I’ll turn 60 a week before I fly into Frankfurt in September for two months. And I got the seniors discount on my Eurail pass. I’m planning on going to all the places that I never made it to when I was stationed over there and since I was there when the Berlin Wall fell I want to check out former east Germany. Thanks for the great videos.
Hostel prices fluctuate like crazy. I'm frequently using a bed for one night after visiting a concert. November? 20 euros. July? Close to 80. Same hostel, same bed. I avoid the summer concerts nowadays.
You are right with travelling before summer holidays start in Europe, as there are in the cities a lot more events going on. Because as soon as universities close and people start in their summer vacation there are less cultural events or just summer program.
I didn’t backpack Europe after college; I did it after a study semester in London. It was the best advice I received and followed. I completed a semester of work, finished the spring semester early, and went backpacking across the continent. Every tip you offer in this video is right on point. After sleeping many nights in hostels and on night trains, you need a hotel room.
Eat where the locals are eating. It is generally cheaper and better quality food. Also if you like wine the automatic table wine they give you is generally cheaper and better than the overpriced stuff on the wine list.
I have friends who are not into partying & I had one friend who needs a full night sleep for medical reasons….don’t feel like you’re “missing out” if you can’t / don’t want to do the wild party euro trip. Don’t feel bad maybe if you do want that private room in the hostel or you want to do cheap hotels instead. It’s your trip, no one else’s. Don’t worry about others expectations
My youngest daughter did a semester abroad in Spain and on weekends she would travel through Europe. In Granada, they found out a triple hotel room was cheaper than them staying in a hostel. Both my daughters did backpack in Europe, and your tips are right on.
All great tips! I wish I'd booked my first and last nights ahead. BUT: Try not to lock everything down before you get there, even if you think of yourself as planner. Be flexible and open to surprises. This is the perfect time to go "off script."
Only did UK myself, but trains can be great for a more leisurely trip. If you can afford it, plan to get off at stops between main destinations and see more of the local areas along the way. Make a mid day stop for lunch and sightseeing and catch a later train to your next hotel/hostel etc. Also research business hours ahead of time, its not fun arriving in town after most or everything is shut down. maybe nothing is open on Sunday etc. Spontaneity when travelling is great but still requires a little planning ahead.
Really good! Some new tips for me and I’ve traveled a bit. Yes, mix it up, not too many museums!! I like going to local cultural events when I can, even church services. Grocery stores are always interesting. Cheers
You should also suggest the recent college graduates get a travel credit card. Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture X are good introductory travel credit cards. This way the students will not get charged international fees, no VAT, will have some travel insurance, luggage insurance, flight delay insurance, purchase protection, and will help them make flight, hotel, and rental car reservations. C1 VX or CSR gives them airport lounges if they have delays and need to get food, drink, or recharge devices.
Love your videos because they are filled with great advice. To add to the list you have given: Bring a few pairs of foam ear plugs to mitigate the sounds of snoring from the others at night when staying in hostels. Look at getting something like a Pack Safe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack that can be secured to your bed at night to prevent someone from walking off with it. Make sure your wallet is RFID protected at the very least. The best wallets are the biker/trucker ones with RFID protection and have a chain to secure them to your belt.
Dude we went hiking in Costa Rica. We brought like beef jerkey, sandwiches, etc. The Germans brought fkng carrots. Lolololololololol I never felt so American.
@@woltersworld Air Canada has pretty decent rates in June going via Vancouver. Not cheap... Not USD3000 either though :) No idea about prices around xmas though...
Also...AirBnB was a great choice in Europe when we were there for 3 weeks last summer. Probably better for those traveling with at least two, but either way all my rooms were absolutely wonderful and we got to stay where locals lived.
Friend, trustfardians are doing this. It's upper middle class and above in the US have this luxury. Most people in the US do not have a passport. About a third do. Whittle that down to new graduates who have a valid passports AND money AND time, it's not a huge number.
Heres the good part for Europeans though... You get far more time off and paid vacation than most Americans. When we start working its like your on duty till you croak or retire, so Europeans have that going for them!
Hi Wolter, right now i am in your beloved Turku, for a month. This morning, april30 started with a crisp 4 degrees Celsius :) Any secret tips or stuff to see/do? Best pizza or beer or lunchbuffet in town? :)
I agree with the hostel part. I am 41 years old and I still use hostels and I have noticed it's no longer just students who use hostels, I have seen older people too. On my last trip to England, York specifically, I even had a room to myself, I suppose there were not many tourists there at that time of year. So I paid 1/3 of what I would've paid for a hotel room. I prefer saving cash on lodging where I am only there to sleep and use most of my money for experiences.
I found your tips very helpful and true. I actually went to Europe right after I graduated high school last year (I’m in college now). It was the best decision I’ve ever made and I’m so glad I did it! I visited 4 countries on that trip; Poland, Denmark, UK, and France. Since then I have visited 7 other countries and I’ll be returning to Europe In just a few weeks!
Good advices for young backpackers. Yes, I am nearly 60 years of age but I am still backpacking; so you can find old backpackers, too. Only one thing: Honestly even in my early 20ties I never was a fan of hostel dormitories - may be most as I am on the introverted side. I took rather a hotel room in the dodgy side of a town than having to be with 5+ people in the same dormitory. But sometimes I had to do be ause of budget. Baddest place was a hostel in London town with more than 25 people.
I love your videos but I have a strong hunch that you may not know 'the real meaning' of Netflix and chill. If you do, then that makes the video even funnier though!
![Megan Thee Stallion - Bigger In Texas [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QxTkZTLWdo4/mqdefault.jpg)
Im about to take a career break at 34 for seven months - your videos have been the biggest source of travel wisdom for me! Thank you so much!
Looking forward to your next vids, as always. Bon voyage! ✈️ 🌎 🤠
Hope the trip went well :)
First I love watching your videos on Europe. I was stationed in Germany for most of the 80’s to 91. I always saw backpackers traveling Europe and I always thought I’d like to do that. It’s been 20 years since I was last in Europe and I’ll turn 60 a week before I fly into Frankfurt in September for two months. And I got the seniors discount on my Eurail pass. I’m planning on going to all the places that I never made it to when I was stationed over there and since I was there when the Berlin Wall fell I want to check out former east Germany. Thanks for the great videos.
got any updates on that? love to hear ya stories, also thank you for your service
My exact plan haha. Finished my undergrad on the 22nd, leaving for Europe may 5
Great timing with this upload. I've been thinking about backpacking Europe with a friend for a little while.
Hostel prices fluctuate like crazy. I'm frequently using a bed for one night after visiting a concert. November? 20 euros. July? Close to 80. Same hostel, same bed. I avoid the summer concerts nowadays.
Always pack light! They have water and soap in Europe.
I’m about to go backpacking through Europe for a month in a few days 😊
I’m halfway through my 3 months in Europe. He’s so right on so much stuff 💪
Studying in Europe the first time, and I love exploring and
Hanging out with other travellers !
You are right with travelling before summer holidays start in Europe, as there are in the cities a lot more events going on. Because as soon as universities close and people start in their summer vacation there are less cultural events or just summer program.
I didn’t backpack Europe after college; I did it after a study semester in London. It was the best advice I received and followed. I completed a semester of work, finished the spring semester early, and went backpacking across the continent. Every tip you offer in this video is right on point. After sleeping many nights in hostels and on night trains, you need a hotel room.
Eat where the locals are eating. It is generally cheaper and better quality food. Also if you like wine the automatic table wine they give you is generally cheaper and better than the overpriced stuff on the wine list.
I have friends who are not into partying & I had one friend who needs a full night sleep for medical reasons….don’t feel like you’re “missing out” if you can’t / don’t want to do the wild party euro trip. Don’t feel bad maybe if you do want that private room in the hostel or you want to do cheap hotels instead. It’s your trip, no one else’s. Don’t worry about others expectations
Yup! Solo rooms in a hostel FTW. I like sleep and privacy and not knowing if the person next to me I a serial killer or perv.
Terrific, thoughtful advice! Your videos are great.
Take a health travel insurance. You are young so it will be cheap and you will be happy to have it if you have an accident.
An E-111 will cover the person for everything from a medical point of view.
@@gerardflynn7382 I am not sure how it work for Americans. As Canadian, I always make sure to have a medical insurance when I travel.
@@missj.4760 what travel insurance company do you recommend missj ?
D r Wolters , have you considered a video on what to pack in ONE Back pack for a summer long trek through Europe ? Thank you in advance.
My youngest daughter did a semester abroad in Spain and on weekends she would travel through Europe. In Granada, they found out a triple hotel room was cheaper than them staying in a hostel. Both my daughters did backpack in Europe, and your tips are right on.
Thanks!
Often times, the lowest priced one-star hotel is only 3-10 euros more than a hostel bed.
Wait, why am I here? I live in Europe! I dont need this advice at all but Im still interested
All great tips! I wish I'd booked my first and last nights ahead. BUT: Try not to lock everything down before you get there, even if you think of yourself as planner. Be flexible and open to surprises. This is the perfect time to go "off script."
Only did UK myself, but trains can be great for a more leisurely trip. If you can afford it, plan to get off at stops between main destinations and see more of the local areas along the way. Make a mid day stop for lunch and sightseeing and catch a later train to your next hotel/hostel etc. Also research business hours ahead of time, its not fun arriving in town after most or everything is shut down. maybe nothing is open on Sunday etc. Spontaneity when travelling is great but still requires a little planning ahead.
These video formats keep changing, it would be nice for a consistent format
Really good! Some new tips for me and I’ve traveled a bit. Yes, mix it up, not too many museums!! I like going to local cultural events when I can, even church services. Grocery stores are always interesting. Cheers
Hey Mark, awesome video
Great advice.
Good advice !!!
You should also suggest the recent college graduates get a travel credit card. Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture X are good introductory travel credit cards. This way the students will not get charged international fees, no VAT, will have some travel insurance, luggage insurance, flight delay insurance, purchase protection, and will help them make flight, hotel, and rental car reservations. C1 VX or CSR gives them airport lounges if they have delays and need to get food, drink, or recharge devices.
Wolter has really upped the editing on this!
His name is Mark, Thomas. 🤣 But agreed, really noticeable upgrade in the editing quality.
Open a Charles Schwab checking account, they don't have foreign transaction fees.
Capital One 360 is great too!
Love your videos because they are filled with great advice. To add to the list you have given:
Bring a few pairs of foam ear plugs to mitigate the sounds of snoring from the others at night when staying in hostels.
Look at getting something like a Pack Safe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack that can be secured to your bed at night to prevent someone from walking off with it.
Make sure your wallet is RFID protected at the very least. The best wallets are the biker/trucker ones with RFID protection and have a chain to secure them to your belt.
Yes! The ear plugs for the hostal are key!!! Great add!
Dude we went hiking in Costa Rica. We brought like beef jerkey, sandwiches, etc. The Germans brought fkng carrots. Lolololololololol I never felt so American.
Mail those souvenirs home instead of shlepping everything throughout your trip. European post offices are everywhere and reasonably priced.
still waiting for you to do a video on my country Australia hahah
Covid took that trip and the $3000 tickets are holding me back a bit right now. Maybe 2024/2025 Christmas new years
@@woltersworld Air Canada has pretty decent rates in June going via Vancouver. Not cheap... Not USD3000 either though :) No idea about prices around xmas though...
Also...AirBnB was a great choice in Europe when we were there for 3 weeks last summer. Probably better for those traveling with at least two, but either way all my rooms were absolutely wonderful and we got to stay where locals lived.
It is a nice habit you have in the US, to go traveling after graduation... We in Europe usually start working immediately 😂
Friend, trustfardians are doing this. It's upper middle class and above in the US have this luxury.
Most people in the US do not have a passport. About a third do. Whittle that down to new graduates who have a valid passports AND money AND time, it's not a huge number.
Heres the good part for Europeans though... You get far more time off and paid vacation than most Americans. When we start working its like your on duty till you croak or retire, so Europeans have that going for them!
good advices,
also talk to the locals for good sightseeing spots
Thanks
Hi Wolter, right now i am in your beloved Turku, for a month. This morning, april30 started with a crisp 4 degrees Celsius :) Any secret tips or stuff to see/do? Best pizza or beer or lunchbuffet in town? :)
Can you make a video about Europeans backpacking through the U.S?
Not impressed with Niagara falls. It's a major city no hiking you will have very little that is natural.
I agree with the hostel part. I am 41 years old and I still use hostels and I have noticed it's no longer just students who use hostels, I have seen older people too.
On my last trip to England, York specifically, I even had a room to myself, I suppose there were not many tourists there at that time of year. So I paid 1/3 of what I would've paid for a hotel room.
I prefer saving cash on lodging where I am only there to sleep and use most of my money for experiences.
Come back to Japan!
I found your tips very helpful and true. I actually went to Europe right after I graduated high school last year (I’m in college now). It was the best decision I’ve ever made and I’m so glad I did it! I visited 4 countries on that trip; Poland, Denmark, UK, and France. Since then I have visited 7 other countries and I’ll be returning to Europe In just a few weeks!
That's cool! May e I will see you traveling around this summer
Good advices for young backpackers. Yes, I am nearly 60 years of age but I am still backpacking; so you can find old backpackers, too.
Only one thing: Honestly even in my early 20ties I never was a fan of hostel dormitories - may be most as I am on the introverted side. I took rather a hotel room in the dodgy side of a town than having to be with 5+ people in the same dormitory.
But sometimes I had to do be ause of budget. Baddest place was a hostel in London town with more than 25 people.
I agree. I have found one-star hotels to be only a few euros more.
This video was right above the packers youtuber that I’m subbed to. Thought this was a packers video
A ai watches your video he told me in snap
I love your videos but I have a strong hunch that you may not know 'the real meaning' of Netflix and chill. If you do, then that makes the video even funnier though!
Dont pack too much stuff
Travel by train as much as possible. Short hop air travel is one of worst things for the environment.
I’ve already purchased my two month eurail pass!
One word: FLIXBUS
Only if you're travelling at weird hours. They usually aren't the cheapest, at least in Poland and Slovenia where I used them.
😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
Thanks
Also watch "Eurotrip" after "Hostel" to prepare yourself for the fun adventure abroad ;) /S No seriously. Have a great time people. And stay safe.
The perfect pre trip movie combo. Throw in Alive as well 😉
@@woltersworld Especially if you go to Scotland in "summer". And bring some fava beans ;)
Please be respectful, remember Europe is a continent not a country.
Unfortunately, most of us will never go to Europe. Please get back to doing more US states. Thank you.
sexual assault is common in hostels!
Backpacking. Oh hell no. That means I would have to wear those godawful backpacks and ugly shoes.
Not to mention staying in sketchy hostels 😅
@@rachelchurchward7314 oh I have 😅
What do you mean, there are literally zero backpacks involved when 'backpacking' lol
@@rachelchurchward7314
I don't want to stay in any hostel since I simply refuse to share my room with strangers.
Great tips.