Gabe, you , Bald&Bankrupt and Harald Baldr are my favourite travel vloggers for different reasons. You are a very informative and chill guy so its very refreshing compared with the other two 😂😂. Thanks for all the useful stuff that you discuss in your videos . They are very useful for me as a person that is initiating into this travel lifestyle. Have a good one and safe travels.
I completely agree. In that situation, you can't pull out your laptop and start charging your phone. I've been in travel situations where a power bank has saved my bacon. It's small, lightweight, cheap, and charges a phone way faster than a laptop.
@@StaceyRomberg Totally. Using a laptop as a power bank would be very impractical when your walk around with your phone in hand trying to actually find a place. Power banks are small, take very little space, and charge things fast. Ive been traveling for years and use frequently.
What I love about this channel is that its raw and it shows things that go wrong. Over the years ive learned a lot this way so thanks Gabriel for not editing out those things and also show us what not to do. A lot better than these unrealistic travel channels where everything is always 100% completely amazing. When you actually travel a lot yourself you know this is hardly ever the case, haha!
Great point actually. This might be one of the reasons I’ve followed this channel for so many years. Also, because Gabe has a mellow personality and doesn’t create fake emotion just for the camera. I cannot stand to watch travel vloggers who put on fake acts and personalities just for the camera. Especially couples are are vloggers, truly one of the things I avoid the most on RUclips. I would rather watch a completely silent city walkabout than an obnoxious couple competing on camera to get attention. The only couple I like to watch is Jumping Places because they have mellow personalities and are more introverted. They don’t compete with each other to get attention on camera.
@@Originalman144 Ah you probably mean Kara and Nate and the army of clones that they seem to have spawned. Yeah no, completely agree. Gabriel offers much more realistic and therefore relatable content. That scene a few episodes back when he ended up taking that taxi is so relatable... Tired, heavy backpack, this random road that seems to go nowhere, phone dead... Classic... :D At least, thats how I like to travel, making the travel an experience and adventure by itself rather than just means to an end. Not saying that particular moment seemed to be very enjoyable, its more about facing and overcoming these types of challenges that is rewarding. And thats why its such a good channel, it shows all that instead of editing all that out and just show us the pretty pictures of the old town.
There is a town in Lithuania which is also a source of springs and therapy SPAs. It is called Druskininkai. It also has the garden of former soviet statues and the museum of the soviet life in Lithuania 11:14 . Another great town in Lithuania is Palanga. Baltic sea resort town.
Yep. There’s a relative cut off point where more than a certain amount of research begins to ruin the experience. It’s no longer and organic experience at that point. It’s like being over prepared for something that you quickly realize was super simple and unnecessary once you do it.
I truly love this travel channel. What makes it stand out from the others is because it’s AUTHENTIC and REAL. It’s reality. I sincerely appreciate ALL of your hard work to keep this channel going. Most recently I’ve noticed the comments section has been somewhat lacking in manners. No matter the situation you remain calm and positive. Keep doing what you’re doing. This is an amazing travel channel that you have created, and your character is one to be greatly respected in the times that we are living in.
The App from Ceske Drahy, that is actually the official app of the Czech railways, is really well done and it's in English too, you can find all the info you need like schedules, live situation, prices ext... It shows the buses as well and if you need to cross the border it shows the trains from other operators like OBB, DB or ZSSK.
There are two applications if you put "České dráhy" into the search engine, you will get an application purely for trains with the ČD logo and the name Můj vlak (My Train). However, the app that connects everything is called IDOS with logo of the blue train with a red i.
Gabriel, if everything was planned out ahead of time, traveling would lose it's charm and mystery. The videos would just be another cookie cutter ultra polished travel vlog, which to me is so fake and boring. What I love about your travel vlogs is a true sense of adventure, very authentic and genuine. For me, getting lost while traveling is part of the fun and it is so much more rewarding. So keep it up!
Travel is running into the unexpected. That's what makes it so interesting. As long as you have medical insurance and enough money to buy your way out of something serious, you can just suck it up and handle what comes along. Gabriel, thanks for taking us with you. ❤️
I love this channel, it's my favorite travel vlog on youtube by a long shot. I understand it's not the most flashy or eye candy of a channel, but probably the most authentic and genuine. I was wondering what kind of demographics this channel appeals to. I'm male/40s/US/engineer (introverted and nerdy, if I may). It'll be interesting to know about the other folks who like this channel too.
I did a 2.5 month trip through Europe in 2022 and quickly realized how much time I was spending just dealing with logistics. This may not apply if you are spending lots of time in one location but if you are moving between cities ever few days the constant planning of everything gets exhausting and time consuming. Looking at different places to stay on Booking, looking at the reviews to make sure it seems okay, looking at where it is on the map to see if it's close enough to transit, etc. All types of stuff like that. It seems some of your problems would be fixed by just getting a new phone. Not sure why you're still using an old one with a weak battery.
It’s funny how technology has made things more tedious in some ways. When I graduated high school in 1993 I went to Europe for about a year and a half backpacking around. I had a few guide books, rail schedules and maps . Internet and cell phones were basically non existent. I figured things out as I went and had a great time. When problems arose I worked through them.
New phone is high on the do list. It's not critical though, the battery makes it through most days. It's also slowing down though so yeah, a new one will be a life improvement.
@@stevemcgowen My first Euro trip was in 2001. No smart phones yet and if you needed internet you had to go to an internet cafe. Laptops were still big and bulky so no point in bringing one. No digital cameras yet so you might come home with 50 total pics from a month long trip. Lonely Planet guides were your best friend. How did we do it? 😂
@@rexx9496People keep their eyes on their phones today and rely on technology now, rather than the best local resources one has easy access to- people. Technology has made people isolated and a bit lazy. It’s too easy to just use an app. I switched back to film cameras. Every picture has meaning because they are limited. When I was taking digital pictures I had 1000’s I would basically store and never see again. There was no fun in it. Now I get excited picking up developed film and seeing the pictures I took.
I have mu 10+ putting on battery saver, some apps, don't down, some slower, but for everyday use its great, but never leave it on all the time. 😢 goggle and find out why.
Last fall, my first trip to India, I stayed three nights in Delhi, felt great about how I was dealing with the chaos. I left and went to Jaipur and when I got there I discovered that most of my underwear (brand new, never worn, Adidas athletic) and a brand new Hawaiian looking shirt had been stolen out of my luggage at the first hotel. I had hung a do not disturb sign on my door for the whole duration of my stay, but that did not dissuade someone from coming in and expertly going through my big backpack. Luckily, the room had a small safe where I stowed all my valuables. But like you, the only thing I had planned was that first hotel, and I really liked the freedom of just being in the moment and seeing what each day would bring.
The spa resorts in western Bohemia are nice, but the real gems are the little almost forgotten towns and villages and the abondoned castles not far from the German border where you rarely meet any tourists. There are bars and restaurants where you can enjoy cheap beer and excellent czech food while having a chat with the locals who mostly understand a little English, German or Russian.
I get that you can recharge your phone using your computer, but you don’t always carry your computer (to the beach for example). So a small battery pack would do the trick. The one I have isn’t much bigger than a deck of cards.
I do too, but I think for solo female travelers, it’s necessary from a personal safety standpoint to be able to move through an unfamiliar place while appearing to look as if you know what you are doing. So, I consider the extra research time, time well spent so I can blend in more seamlessly.
Two things I absolutely do recommend doing research on: First of all are local festivals. Things like the Bavarian Octoberfest, the Spanish Semana Santa ot Chinese New Year. I try to avoid those as much as possible. While it might seem fun at first, travel during these times is usually not. Hotels can be way more expensive or fully booked even. Restaurants, popular attractions can get insanely crowed, so unless you specifically come for that festival, take that in to account because it can really ruin your trip. Secondly... construction and maintenence... Now this is a big one too. Lets say you save up for your dream holiday to Athens to see the famous Parthenon on the Acropolis and you arrive and see that the entire thing is covered with scaffolding... You cant see it, cant take pictures... basically, your trip is ruined...
Hey Gabriel: Great video on the ins and outs of over researching the travel scenarios vs just plowing through it. Also I just noticed you must have an incredible strong right arm and hand cuz that's where your camera is. My arm would fall off after 5 minutes lol.... Another instructive how to video.... Thanks and thumbs 👍.
Agree with this, it takes a lot of the fun out of travel if you plan every possible action you will take on your holiday. I know it makes easier in some ways, that you have everything booked, but to me it is just part of traveling to have to make decisions and change plans as you go. Some of my best experiences where when opportunities arose and you just took them because you could. I like the way Gabriel travels, making and changing plans as he goes, but it is easier to do that when you are not on a tight 2 week schedule. I miss those days of travel, hopefully I get to do that again sometime soon. I'm planning a big many months trip with my family and hope to travel this way again, will be good for the kids to experience that sort of travel and freedom.
agree 100%. even if one tries to prepare for everything, which is impossible, it gets boring pretty fast and kills the whole vibe of traveling. stay safe, man. love your vids
Gabriel, you are totally right with regards to balancing prior research and adapting/decision-making in the moment. To spend so much time on the computer trying to avoid every possible complication and plan for every contingency is such a waste of effort and time when all it would usually take is to ask a few local people when you get there. Sure, some cab driver may overcharge you here and there, but as you say, this and mistakes …and misdirections are all part of the experience in an unfamiliar place. But a passing thought on cab drivers with no meter who overcharge -- I wouldn’t have expected such a thing in a modern, relatively well-off country like the Czech Republic. One would have expected such services to be closely regulated.
@@DaltonMirklestein I just negotiate a price with the unregulated taxis. Not so hard. I learned that years ago when I was traveling in Ruzzia. A official taxi would be $20- someplace and negotiated price of a random taxi $5. The time in NYC was when I got stuck at JFK due to rain and took a taxi to a hotel. It was a 40 minute taxi ride. The next morning the hotel shuttle took 10 minutes for the trip. The taxi driver was driving around increasing the fare.
@@stevemcgowen but at least the hotel shuttle was low cost or free. I really like hotels that provide shuttle service to/from airports and to/from shopping areas. I also like free American breakfast included… probably don’t get those a lot anymore :-(.
As an avid solo traveller myself, I can agree that no matter how seasoned you are, you still are going to encounter problems. I had the same issue recently where my phone shut down on me due to a dying battery and the freezing weather. As a result, I couldn't figure out how to get to my Airbnb. I was in a small town in Georgia (European country) where almost no one speaks English. Worst, it was raining heavily at that time. I was trying to look for a cafe or a restaurant to plug my phone, but there was none! Thank God, my Airbnb host received my message before my phone shut down when I told him I just arrived at the train station. He was kind enough to drive to the station and came across me on the street! :)
Good reasoning. Sometimes not having done the research makes for a fun adventure too. I do things similar to how you explains it. Exactly, I get a little bit frustrated too, but it is part of the travel experience. After all these years I have learnt to get less and less frustrated. Having sudden health issues is the major hassle I have been facing. Like almost getting blind on one eye in Mexico. 🙂
Pitfalls are just about guaranteed during any trip. Eventually you just realize to laugh at it and realize it's part of the experience and the story to tell :)
I like you keep it real 😅. Going on my travel inside two weeks not around a Europe just around country. And yes I know I cannot expect everything going as expect.
It's a website! I got the biggest help from it in going to Cambodia by train from Bangkok. Step by step in how to get through the notorious border crossing
I stopped telling myself "okay I've got everything down!" a long time ago 😂 Something always happens when I'm traveling. Just as you said, trying to time bus and train schedules can be challenging in a foreign country! I think the UK was the only destination that I managed public transport without issues.
Watching from Iceland, a country I’ve grown very comfortable in during my travels here, but still some issues when travelling the countryside with buses, etc.
100% my approach for the last 12 years of extensive travel - I better deal with the situation than spend hours online before stressing about every possibility. Speaking of Bolt, you can use it also to rent a car - they have car sharing (don't know about Czech Republich though) - and with them you can return at other cities too
Where you paying the taxi with cash or credit? I mostly used my credit card in Czechia to avoid withdrawing cash from the Euronet scam ATMs with their $10 foreign transaction fees and other dirty tricks.
I've been using both, paid for the taxis with cash. Just decline conversion at the ATMs and it's usually a low fee or none. I've withdrawn twice so far in Czechia and don't think I paid a fee either time. Maybe at the airport, I forget.
a tip - you may already be doing this, but when battery is lower I turn OFF my WiFi and Bluetooth radios, they can save a lot of power. I always travel with a small power bank that I can plug into my phone easily, Anker makes one (the Anker Nano) that is tiny and plugs in directly and they are cheap. Always very useful when you need it. Hooking it up to laptop can be really inconvenient when you are lugging around bags and out and about.
He may not have the 'secret' T Mobile international add-on. T Mobile throttles internet speed for American plans when in Europe after a certain amount of data is used. That drains the battery faster as it switches to lower networks or tries to find lower networks. I think it is something like $7 for 2 weeks, or something like that to have local internet speed without throttling.
That makes a lot of sense about the battery draining faster while trying to connect to the network. I have the T-Mobile international add on, so I get five gigs of high speed data per month, which I usually don't use all up. I still have my high speed data at the moment, so that wasn't the issue in this case. I think it was just a crappy connection around there. And I'm sure the cold was a factor as well, I've noticed that happening with both my phone and cameras previously.
Plzen has the brewery, an amazing and controversial David Cerny art piece, underground tour, Patton museum- general Patron is a bit of a hero in Plzen, cool town square with a amazing cathedral. Oh, and the thank you America/liberation festival and parade the 1st week of May.
@@Deadfoot-Dan Yeah, there's a festival every 1st week in May celebrating the liberation and General Patton is honored. There's a nice museum and America square and parade of American military vehicles Czech car clubs keep in running condition. They dress in period American military outfits. You can find some videos about it on RUclips.
A blessed Good day sir Gabe tbank u so much for uour sharing Reality of travelling Experience amd Give your Reminders and advice Who Plan travelling around the World, thanks for your Wonderful video im Kalrovy Vary in Czech republic 🇨🇿 Stay safe Godbless from the Philippines 🇵🇭😊😍👏👏👏
A decade ago my old Nokia phone (sometimes called a "Brick") in the UK, kept it's functionality and sharp connectivity through TMobile USA in a huge crisis. It didn't have a lot of bells and whistles but it was a lifesaver for me. If you travel a lot sometimes it's better to go with what you know than what everyone thinks you should have.
When the hotel calls the cab they keep it legit so that the hotel keeps calling that cab and they don't burn the bridge but when your out in the field and hail a cab your on your own
yip shit happens!! in January when my 83 year old mom and i arrived in puerto vallarta at 11 p.m. , we took a cab , yet the gps the driver was using dropped us at the wrong place. what happened is the address was no where to be found when i punched the address, this was after the cab dropped us off, into google maps it did not show up.. we walked around looking, could not find the place.. the owner of the airbnb was not answering his phone.. after a long time looking, a young mexican guy asked us if we needed help, we accepted.... he was able to find the address, yet it was tough for him as well.. but we found it!!! now my mom was quite cool and calm the whole time we were lost... i was a bit stressed.. so yeah shit happens/caca pasa!!!
Hello Gabe, in my opinion, and I have travelled a bit. I 100 percent do my research, it saves me very valuable time, and money. Rome to Rio is invaluable I use it all the time.
My tip for the South Bohemia (after Pilsen) - have a hotel in Česke Budejovice as it is right in the center around many interesting sites, like Česky Krumlov, romantic Hluboka Castle, Trebon for day trips and from there are nice destinations of Jindrichuv Hradec and Telč on the path to Brno, all is good connected with public transport (buses, trains). I believe that it is also cheaper to have a hotel in Česke Budejovice than right in the center of Česky Krumlov. Save a rent-a-car for Slovakia where connections are not that good in public transport to some sites as it is more mountainous - for instance, going to Čičmany and maybe even Bojnice Castle are not that easy from Trenčin (or anywhere else) and Orava Castle (setting of Nosferatu film) from Liptovsky Mikulaš. As you come to High Tatras, it is easier as towns there (Štrbske Pleso, Stary Smokovec, Tatranska Lomnica) are well connected with train between each other (with possible hikes just after train stations, cable car in Tatranska Lomnica) and Poprad and you can also go to Zakopane, Poland from there with public transport (with a day trip to Morskie Oko from there, on the other side of High Tatras). In the east of Slovakia, maybe it is also a good idea to rent a car for Košice and Bardejov.
Thanks for explaining all that. I love travel research, especially budget travel travel research in Europe. You are right it can take many hours. I always find great places to stay, not too far from where I'm going (sometimes just one village outside the city if necessary) with public transport. I also seem to be able to track places down without much info. Maybe I should become an independent travel advisor - I have the patience for it. Is such a person necessary? By the way thanks for squeezing into that hot tub - others would possibly have done that to a woman. Kudos to you.
Just buy a new phone. I am changing mine just for traveling purposes like double sim card, longer battery, better camera, wireless power,etc. I will get apower bank as well. I also had the same problem of battery running out in Seoul, thankfuly my 11 year old remembered how to go back to the airbnb.
Hi Gabriel, the biggest issue you have is you're traveling alone and you just can't cover everything it's just impossible. The big advantage you have at this point is your experience of traveling that's why I think you don't like going into new countries because you don't know what to expect and you rather avoid it rather than have to deal with something new and challenging. For example, going to Greece you've been there many times, and traveling there is easy because you know what to expect where everything is so it makes the experience more pleasurable. You mentioned you have had that phone for 6 years I would say if you can't replace that battery which many phones you can't do anymore replace the phone at this point. Many newer reasonably priced phones work better on the 5G network that have faster processors.
I see it now!!! You ARE "Arthur"! You live for the odd circumstances that occur while in a lifelong adventure. BTY, HGttG" is very "out of this world"! Thanks for the recommend. Could you do a video some day of all the books you have read and favorite authors, etc.? It would be interesting. Again, this book is really a classic in its own sense. Almost finished. On the billionaire planet now at this moment in earthly time (if it actually exists).
Yeah that would be a fun one about some of my favorite books. I'll keep it in mind for sometime when I'm not busy traveling. I did mention some good books in this video: ruclips.net/video/FKFNl_SB9l8/видео.html
@@GabrielTravelerVideos This book is fricken' hilarious 😂. I have never read anything like it. Usually Bryson or Cahill or even Clive Cussler. It Woodward sometimes. This book is way out of the box. It could have been co-authored by Frank Zappa. Give me more of these.
@@GabrielTravelerVideos Nice. It's very unique. I don't know why our lit teachers never suggested it. Truman Capote, Herman Caine? This takes English Lit to a different level. Eye opener. The author really has an extensive command of language and steers your imagination to new levels. Fantastic reading (literally and figuratively).
Have you ever thought of visiting Algeria? The one country in Mediterranean North Africa (except Libya, for obvious reasons) that not many tourists go to despite being at least as safe as Morocco and Tunisia, heard lots of good things about it.
'Could have', 'should have' and 'would have' - I had lots of confusion which one to use when- may be till I completed my masters degree... I studied 10th Standard in mother tongue Telugu & not English.
Gabriel, do you think doing too much research can almost ruin a location? From the perspective that you can almost know the place too well to the point that it can spoil the getting to know a place so to speak.
Awesome, another grand adventure. These learning incidents will come in handy. Im heading to Basque Country come Sept. where it wont be high travel season. Stay save.
Have you watched my other videos? The song at the beginning of this one is part of an intro that I only use for certain videos, basically the ones that aren't travel vlogs. In my travel vlogs, i.e. city tours, etc. I use tons of different styles of music.
Dude, a 5000 mah battery will fit in your pocket and give you more than a full charge on your phone... with how bad your phone battery sounds to be, you might want to rethink this; they aren't expensive. I say this as someone who's been in your situation and been saved by having one of these power banks. Happy travels!
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
These videos are the next best thing when I can’t be traveling myself. Almost like being there!
Gabe, you , Bald&Bankrupt and Harald Baldr are my favourite travel vloggers for different reasons. You are a very informative and chill guy so its very refreshing compared with the other two 😂😂. Thanks for all the useful stuff that you discuss in your videos . They are very useful for me as a person that is initiating into this travel lifestyle. Have a good one and safe travels.
I believe that bald is in Turkmenistan with Ben .
Simon is weird, I don't understand his purpose @@flysky6248
@@DaltonMirklestein He's friends with Andrew Tate. I'll leave it at that.
@@stevemcgowen Do you believe in Red Pill philosophy Mac?
@@stevemcgowenWho says Bald is friends with Tate?
I think buying a small lightweight power bank, while you have an older phone with a worn down battery, is in order.
Does he not have this?? I dunno how you travel long-term without one! I have 2
I completely agree. In that situation, you can't pull out your laptop and start charging your phone. I've been in travel situations where a power bank has saved my bacon. It's small, lightweight, cheap, and charges a phone way faster than a laptop.
Which ones would you recommend?
Dis iss mah rekommedasion. No need to purchases a power bank. Jest change to a new battery in your current fone and it will work like new. Howzat?
@@StaceyRomberg Totally. Using a laptop as a power bank would be very impractical when your walk around with your phone in hand trying to actually find a place. Power banks are small, take very little space, and charge things fast. Ive been traveling for years and use frequently.
What I love about this channel is that its raw and it shows things that go wrong. Over the years ive learned a lot this way so thanks Gabriel for not editing out those things and also show us what not to do. A lot better than these unrealistic travel channels where everything is always 100% completely amazing. When you actually travel a lot yourself you know this is hardly ever the case, haha!
Great point actually. This might be one of the reasons I’ve followed this channel for so many years. Also, because Gabe has a mellow personality and doesn’t create fake emotion just for the camera. I cannot stand to watch travel vloggers who put on fake acts and personalities just for the camera. Especially couples are are vloggers, truly one of the things I avoid the most on RUclips. I would rather watch a completely silent city walkabout than an obnoxious couple competing on camera to get attention. The only couple I like to watch is Jumping Places because they have mellow personalities and are more introverted. They don’t compete with each other to get attention on camera.
@@Originalman144 Ah you probably mean Kara and Nate and the army of clones that they seem to have spawned. Yeah no, completely agree. Gabriel offers much more realistic and therefore relatable content. That scene a few episodes back when he ended up taking that taxi is so relatable... Tired, heavy backpack, this random road that seems to go nowhere, phone dead... Classic... :D At least, thats how I like to travel, making the travel an experience and adventure by itself rather than just means to an end. Not saying that particular moment seemed to be very enjoyable, its more about facing and overcoming these types of challenges that is rewarding. And thats why its such a good channel, it shows all that instead of editing all that out and just show us the pretty pictures of the old town.
Aloha Gabe, mahalo for pointing out the ups and downs of traveling, so nice we can sit and watch while you cruise around. Namaste
I love when Gabriel babbles. It has a calming, soothing affect. I can also use it in the background during mediation. 😊
There is a town in Lithuania which is also a source of springs and therapy SPAs. It is called Druskininkai. It also has the garden of former soviet statues and the museum of the soviet life in Lithuania 11:14 .
Another great town in Lithuania is Palanga. Baltic sea resort town.
Working out how stuff works when you're in different places is all part of the fun. It's better when you don't know too much in advance.
Peace & Love
Yep. There’s a relative cut off point where more than a certain amount of research begins to ruin the experience. It’s no longer and organic experience at that point. It’s like being over prepared for something that you quickly realize was super simple and unnecessary once you do it.
I truly love this travel channel. What makes it stand out from the others is because it’s AUTHENTIC and REAL. It’s reality. I sincerely appreciate ALL of your hard work to keep this channel going. Most recently I’ve noticed the comments section has been somewhat lacking in manners. No matter the situation you remain calm and positive. Keep doing what you’re doing. This is an amazing travel channel that you have created, and your character is one to be greatly respected in the times that we are living in.
The App from Ceske Drahy, that is actually the official app of the Czech railways, is really well done and it's in English too, you can find all the info you need like schedules, live situation, prices ext... It shows the buses as well and if you need to cross the border it shows the trains from other operators like OBB, DB or ZSSK.
😮That sounds amazing
There are two applications if you put "České dráhy" into the search engine, you will get an application purely for trains with the ČD logo and the name Můj vlak (My Train). However, the app that connects everything is called IDOS with logo of the blue train with a red i.
I love the way Gabriel says “Hallo” with an attempted accent no matter what country he is in ❤
And then talks very fast in clipped Englisch, to help them understand
Gabriel, if everything was planned out ahead of time, traveling would lose it's charm and mystery. The videos would just be another cookie cutter ultra polished travel vlog, which to me is so fake and boring. What I love about your travel vlogs is a true sense of adventure, very authentic and genuine. For me, getting lost while traveling is part of the fun and it is so much more rewarding. So keep it up!
So true Gabriel. When the sh!t hits the fan during one's journey, we gotta resolve it asap and keep on rollin'.
Keep on truckin' Edward
Travel is running into the unexpected. That's what makes it so interesting. As long as you have medical insurance and enough money to buy your way out of something serious, you can just suck it up and handle what comes along. Gabriel, thanks for taking us with you. ❤️
I love this channel, it's my favorite travel vlog on youtube by a long shot. I understand it's not the most flashy or eye candy of a channel, but probably the most authentic and genuine. I was wondering what kind of demographics this channel appeals to. I'm male/40s/US/engineer (introverted and nerdy, if I may). It'll be interesting to know about the other folks who like this channel too.
I did a 2.5 month trip through Europe in 2022 and quickly realized how much time I was spending just dealing with logistics. This may not apply if you are spending lots of time in one location but if you are moving between cities ever few days the constant planning of everything gets exhausting and time consuming. Looking at different places to stay on Booking, looking at the reviews to make sure it seems okay, looking at where it is on the map to see if it's close enough to transit, etc. All types of stuff like that.
It seems some of your problems would be fixed by just getting a new phone. Not sure why you're still using an old one with a weak battery.
It’s funny how technology has made things more tedious in some ways. When I graduated high school in 1993 I went to Europe for about a year and a half backpacking around. I had a few guide books, rail schedules and maps . Internet and cell phones were basically non existent. I figured things out as I went and had a great time. When problems arose I worked through them.
New phone is high on the do list. It's not critical though, the battery makes it through most days. It's also slowing down though so yeah, a new one will be a life improvement.
@@stevemcgowen My first Euro trip was in 2001. No smart phones yet and if you needed internet you had to go to an internet cafe. Laptops were still big and bulky so no point in bringing one. No digital cameras yet so you might come home with 50 total pics from a month long trip. Lonely Planet guides were your best friend. How did we do it? 😂
@@rexx9496People keep their eyes on their phones today and rely on technology now, rather than the best local resources one has easy access to- people. Technology has made people isolated and a bit lazy. It’s too easy to just use an app. I switched back to film cameras. Every picture has meaning because they are limited. When I was taking digital pictures I had 1000’s I would basically store and never see again. There was no fun in it. Now I get excited picking up developed film and seeing the pictures I took.
My Samsung s10+ is 4 years old and battery life is still great. Put it on battery saving mode and you get even more life. Safe travels Gabriel!
Oh I am going to start doing that. Ignored did not use battery saver mode , was not sure what it was.
I don't know why anyone wouldn't use battery saving mode, barely makes any difference to your usage of the phone
Hey vato @@no_soy_rubio
@@no_soy_rubioIt does make a considerable difference in my Samsung phone
I have mu 10+ putting on battery saver, some apps, don't down, some slower, but for everyday use its great, but never leave it on all the time. 😢 goggle and find out why.
Another Awesome Adventure Thank You Gabriel 🙂❤️👍
Last fall, my first trip to India, I stayed three nights in Delhi, felt great about how I was dealing with the chaos. I left and went to Jaipur and when I got there I discovered that most of my underwear (brand new, never worn, Adidas athletic) and a brand new Hawaiian looking shirt had been stolen out of my luggage at the first hotel. I had hung a do not disturb sign on my door for the whole duration of my stay, but that did not dissuade someone from coming in and expertly going through my big backpack. Luckily, the room had a small safe where I stowed all my valuables. But like you, the only thing I had planned was that first hotel, and I really liked the freedom of just being in the moment and seeing what each day would bring.
Should have stashed the underwear in the safe.
So you had to go commando in India? Stealing another man's drawrers, that's cold.
@@stevemcgowen Clean undies is a valuable commodity!
Maybe it was the same guy who stole my sandals at a temple. The lowest of lowlifes. Better the undies than the passport at least.
@@GabrielTravelerVideosI'm fairly sure it was a different guy. 😂 Were those your favorite sandals Gabe?
The spa resorts in western Bohemia are nice, but the real gems are the little almost forgotten towns and villages and the abondoned castles not far from the German border where you rarely meet any tourists. There are bars and restaurants where you can enjoy cheap beer and excellent czech food while having a chat with the locals who mostly understand a little English, German or Russian.
Shite happens. Spot on mate. Get on with it and LIVE LIFE. Be very proud of yourself mate. ❤❤❤❤
If you have an android phone you can use - Google translate to book a car. I use it at work all the time. Great show!
Enjoyed your visit to this lovely town.
I get that you can recharge your phone using your computer, but you don’t always carry your computer (to the beach for example). So a small battery pack would do the trick. The one I have isn’t much bigger than a deck of cards.
As a solo female traveler I spend far too much time on research 😏
I think as a solo female traveler it's good to do a LOT of research. There are areas which are more sketchy if you're a female.
I dig female travelers that do their research. Yeah, I dig them.
Me too.
My friend who is a solo female traveler hitch hiked in Africa and shit like that
Just be an arrow
I do too, but I think for solo female travelers, it’s necessary from a personal safety standpoint to be able to move through an unfamiliar place while appearing to look as if you know what you are doing. So, I consider the extra research time, time well spent so I can blend in more seamlessly.
Two things I absolutely do recommend doing research on: First of all are local festivals. Things like the Bavarian Octoberfest, the Spanish Semana Santa ot Chinese New Year. I try to avoid those as much as possible. While it might seem fun at first, travel during these times is usually not. Hotels can be way more expensive or fully booked even. Restaurants, popular attractions can get insanely crowed, so unless you specifically come for that festival, take that in to account because it can really ruin your trip. Secondly... construction and maintenence... Now this is a big one too. Lets say you save up for your dream holiday to Athens to see the famous Parthenon on the Acropolis and you arrive and see that the entire thing is covered with scaffolding... You cant see it, cant take pictures... basically, your trip is ruined...
So true 👏
Thanks Gabe for keeping us informed....also we all know you occasionally ramble on and on...no worries 😃😃
Hey Gabriel: Great video on the ins and outs of over researching the travel scenarios vs just plowing through it. Also I just noticed you must have an incredible strong right arm and hand cuz that's where your camera is. My arm would fall off after 5 minutes lol.... Another instructive how to video.... Thanks and thumbs 👍.
Amazing no idea the details WOW Thank You Gabriel
Agree with this, it takes a lot of the fun out of travel if you plan every possible action you will take on your holiday. I know it makes easier in some ways, that you have everything booked, but to me it is just part of traveling to have to make decisions and change plans as you go. Some of my best experiences where when opportunities arose and you just took them because you could. I like the way Gabriel travels, making and changing plans as he goes, but it is easier to do that when you are not on a tight 2 week schedule. I miss those days of travel, hopefully I get to do that again sometime soon. I'm planning a big many months trip with my family and hope to travel this way again, will be good for the kids to experience that sort of travel and freedom.
Add some humor and this was a Seinfeld episode - we love you Gabriel - Grace is always there!
agree 100%. even if one tries to prepare for everything, which is impossible, it gets boring pretty fast and kills the whole vibe of traveling. stay safe, man. love your vids
Gabriel, you are totally right with regards to balancing prior research and adapting/decision-making in the moment. To spend so much time on the computer trying to avoid every possible complication and plan for every contingency is such a waste of effort and time when all it would usually take is to ask a few local people when you get there. Sure, some cab driver may overcharge you here and there, but as you say, this and mistakes …and misdirections are all part of the experience in an unfamiliar place.
But a passing thought on cab drivers with no meter who overcharge -- I wouldn’t have expected such a thing in a modern, relatively well-off country like the Czech Republic. One would have expected such services to be closely regulated.
The only place I have been ripped off by a taxi was in New York City.
@stevemcgowen gimme a break McGowan, you get ripped off every time you walk out of your front door. They see you in coming pal
@@stevemcgowen Just stating fact McGowan. You're a good guy, yeah. But you're falling short. Keep hope alive Mac.
@@DaltonMirklestein I just negotiate a price with the unregulated taxis. Not so hard. I learned that years ago when I was traveling in Ruzzia. A official taxi would be $20- someplace and negotiated price of a random taxi $5. The time in NYC was when I got stuck at JFK due to rain and took a taxi to a hotel. It was a 40 minute taxi ride. The next morning the hotel shuttle took 10 minutes for the trip. The taxi driver was driving around increasing the fare.
@@stevemcgowen but at least the hotel shuttle was low cost or free. I really like hotels that provide shuttle service to/from airports and to/from shopping areas. I also like free American breakfast included… probably don’t get those a lot anymore :-(.
As an avid solo traveller myself, I can agree that no matter how seasoned you are, you still are going to encounter problems. I had the same issue recently where my phone shut down on me due to a dying battery and the freezing weather. As a result, I couldn't figure out how to get to my Airbnb. I was in a small town in Georgia (European country) where almost no one speaks English. Worst, it was raining heavily at that time. I was trying to look for a cafe or a restaurant to plug my phone, but there was none! Thank God, my Airbnb host received my message before my phone shut down when I told him I just arrived at the train station. He was kind enough to drive to the station and came across me on the street! :)
Wow, cool story.
What a nice guy. 😊
That is the beauty of travel, you find yourself in a bind and are surprised by the kindness of strangers.
Good reasoning. Sometimes not having done the research makes for a fun adventure too. I do things similar to how you explains it. Exactly, I get a little bit frustrated too, but it is part of the travel experience. After all these years I have learnt to get less and less frustrated. Having sudden health issues is the major hassle I have been facing. Like almost getting blind on one eye in Mexico. 🙂
Pitfalls are just about guaranteed during any trip. Eventually you just realize to laugh at it and realize it's part of the experience and the story to tell :)
I like you keep it real 😅. Going on my travel inside two weeks not around a Europe just around country. And yes I know I cannot expect everything going as expect.
You are the best Gabriel!
Missed a lot of your videos, cause im so jealous of all you adventures...
Nice! I will be there this August for a music festival.
Let it go Gabriel!
always use seat61 for trains, especially in europe
Why that seat?
It's a website!
I got the biggest help from it in going to Cambodia by train from Bangkok. Step by step in how to get through the notorious border crossing
Cesky Krumlov is amazing. České Budějovice is worth a stop at the Budvar brewery and has a nice little old town as well.
you are very correct $H!T happens and you just deal with it.saludos
You should visit Nuremberg, Augsburg, Landsberg Am Lech and Lindau.
I stopped telling myself "okay I've got everything down!" a long time ago 😂 Something always happens when I'm traveling. Just as you said, trying to time bus and train schedules can be challenging in a foreign country! I think the UK was the only destination that I managed public transport without issues.
Watching from Iceland, a country I’ve grown very comfortable in during my travels here, but still some issues when travelling the countryside with buses, etc.
100% my approach for the last 12 years of extensive travel - I better deal with the situation than spend hours online before stressing about every possibility. Speaking of Bolt, you can use it also to rent a car - they have car sharing (don't know about Czech Republich though) - and with them you can return at other cities too
100%. I agree …easier to ask at the time 😊
Where you paying the taxi with cash or credit? I mostly used my credit card in Czechia to avoid withdrawing cash from the Euronet scam ATMs with their $10 foreign transaction fees and other dirty tricks.
Just use bank atms.
I've been using both, paid for the taxis with cash. Just decline conversion at the ATMs and it's usually a low fee or none. I've withdrawn twice so far in Czechia and don't think I paid a fee either time. Maybe at the airport, I forget.
a tip - you may already be doing this, but when battery is lower I turn OFF my WiFi and Bluetooth radios, they can save a lot of power. I always travel with a small power bank that I can plug into my phone easily, Anker makes one (the Anker Nano) that is tiny and plugs in directly and they are cheap. Always very useful when you need it. Hooking it up to laptop can be really inconvenient when you are lugging around bags and out and about.
Thanks for the reminder, just turned off bluetooth, I don't think I need it on at all.
Traveling is the unltimat way to lern the Art "to deal with it" :).
In sketchy cell reception, battery drains as it continues to search for a stronger signal, nxt time charge the phone 🎉
He may not have the 'secret' T Mobile international add-on. T Mobile throttles internet speed for American plans when in Europe after a certain amount of data is used. That drains the battery faster as it switches to lower networks or tries to find lower networks. I think it is something like $7 for 2 weeks, or something like that to have local internet speed without throttling.
That makes a lot of sense about the battery draining faster while trying to connect to the network. I have the T-Mobile international add on, so I get five gigs of high speed data per month, which I usually don't use all up. I still have my high speed data at the moment, so that wasn't the issue in this case. I think it was just a crappy connection around there. And I'm sure the cold was a factor as well, I've noticed that happening with both my phone and cameras previously.
Come again to Bosnia and visit the thermal spas in Fojnica and Ilizda near Sarajevo , a very nice place 😀
My best local friend's surfboard just hit me in the ribs on our central America surf trip. Out of the water for a few days. Indeed shizzle happens.
Bummer, best of luck on a rapid recovery.
Gabriel!I really like your vedio content I give u 👍 I love how u 🎥 it I really enjoyed watching your all vedios.
keep on keeping on...:)
Top, greets from Antalya
Gabriel is the man
You are the man
I have been to both Karlovy Vary and Plzen. As I recall, there was nothing special about Plzen, although I did really enjoy my stay in Karlovy Vary.
Plzen has the brewery, an amazing and controversial David Cerny art piece, underground tour, Patton museum- general Patron is a bit of a hero in Plzen, cool town square with a amazing cathedral. Oh, and the thank you America/liberation festival and parade the 1st week of May.
@@stevemcgowen Interesting, didn't know that about Patton.
@@Deadfoot-Dan Yeah, there's a festival every 1st week in May celebrating the liberation and General Patton is honored. There's a nice museum and America square and parade of American military vehicles Czech car clubs keep in running condition. They dress in period American military outfits. You can find some videos about it on RUclips.
I used Bo!t in London last year throughout the week I was there and it was great!
A blessed Good day sir Gabe tbank u so much for uour sharing Reality of travelling Experience amd Give your Reminders and advice Who Plan travelling around the World, thanks for your Wonderful video im Kalrovy Vary in Czech republic 🇨🇿 Stay safe Godbless from the Philippines 🇵🇭😊😍👏👏👏
A decade ago my old Nokia phone (sometimes called a "Brick") in the UK, kept it's functionality and sharp connectivity through TMobile USA in a huge crisis. It didn't have a lot of bells and whistles but it was a lifesaver for me. If you travel a lot sometimes it's better to go with what you know than what everyone thinks you should have.
When the hotel calls the cab they keep it legit so that the hotel keeps calling that cab and they don't burn the bridge but when your out in the field and hail a cab your on your own
Exactly.
yip shit happens!! in January when my 83 year old mom and i arrived in puerto vallarta at 11 p.m. , we took a cab , yet the gps the driver was using dropped us at the wrong place. what happened is the address was no where to be found when i punched the address, this was after the cab dropped us off, into google maps it did not show up.. we walked around looking, could not find the place.. the owner of the airbnb was not answering his phone.. after a long time looking, a young mexican guy asked us if we needed help, we accepted.... he was able to find the address, yet it was tough for him as well.. but we found it!!! now my mom was quite cool and calm the whole time we were lost... i was a bit stressed.. so yeah shit happens/caca pasa!!!
Hello Gabe, in my opinion, and I have travelled a bit. I 100 percent do my research, it saves me very valuable time, and money. Rome to Rio is invaluable I use it all the time.
My tip for the South Bohemia (after Pilsen) - have a hotel in Česke Budejovice as it is right in the center around many interesting sites, like Česky Krumlov, romantic Hluboka Castle, Trebon for day trips and from there are nice destinations of Jindrichuv Hradec and Telč on the path to Brno, all is good connected with public transport (buses, trains). I believe that it is also cheaper to have a hotel in Česke Budejovice than right in the center of Česky Krumlov.
Save a rent-a-car for Slovakia where connections are not that good in public transport to some sites as it is more mountainous - for instance, going to Čičmany and maybe even Bojnice Castle are not that easy from Trenčin (or anywhere else) and Orava Castle (setting of Nosferatu film) from Liptovsky Mikulaš. As you come to High Tatras, it is easier as towns there (Štrbske Pleso, Stary Smokovec, Tatranska Lomnica) are well connected with train between each other (with possible hikes just after train stations, cable car in Tatranska Lomnica) and Poprad and you can also go to Zakopane, Poland from there with public transport (with a day trip to Morskie Oko from there, on the other side of High Tatras). In the east of Slovakia, maybe it is also a good idea to rent a car for Košice and Bardejov.
I love Plzen. It’s like a smaller working class Prague.
You can really carry the bags like a pro! Especially the front one. Bravo 🤪
It's a first class taxi where they serve you dinner.
Mixed reviews from Pilsen ... Gabriel, how would you rate it after being there?
Definitely worth a stop, I'll be posting the video from there in a few minutes.
The intro song slaps
I feel you on shit happens, oh boy!
Thanks for explaining all that. I love travel research, especially budget travel travel research in Europe. You are right it can take many hours. I always find great places to stay, not too far from where I'm going (sometimes just one village outside the city if necessary) with public transport. I also seem to be able to track places down without much info. Maybe I should become an independent travel advisor - I have the patience for it. Is such a person necessary? By the way thanks for squeezing into that hot tub - others would possibly have done that to a woman. Kudos to you.
Never dipped in the hot springs?
I mentioned it in the video. Didn't film because there were people around. ✌️
@@GabrielTravelerVideos Danke!
It's all part of the joy's of travel. 😁
Exactly, the good, bad and ugly.
@@GabrielTravelerVideos you always remember the difficult times not the easy ones where nothing happens
Perfect picnics make boring stories. Although, it's good to live through some boring stories as well.
Glaswegians are tough
Just buy a new phone. I am changing mine just for traveling purposes like double sim card, longer battery, better camera, wireless power,etc. I will get apower bank as well. I also had the same problem of battery running out in Seoul, thankfuly my 11 year old remembered how to go back to the airbnb.
I agree with your actions. Gabe needs to embrace them also
Sounds like you need a new phone, it'll come in extremely handy as a camera for vlogging as well especially when you need a zoom.
Bolt is in the US! I take it from Portland to Seattle sometimes! Its soooo much better than Greyhound!
Yeah I've heard about Bolt bus and seen them, wasn't sure if it was the same company as the app.
Hi Gabriel, the biggest issue you have is you're traveling alone and you just can't cover everything it's just impossible. The big advantage you have at this point is your experience of traveling that's why I think you don't like going into new countries because you don't know what to expect and you rather avoid it rather than have to deal with something new and challenging. For example, going to Greece you've been there many times, and traveling there is easy because you know what to expect where everything is so it makes the experience more pleasurable. You mentioned you have had that phone for 6 years I would say if you can't replace that battery which many phones you can't do anymore replace the phone at this point. Many newer reasonably priced phones work better on the 5G network that have faster processors.
I see it now!!! You ARE "Arthur"! You live for the odd circumstances that occur while in a lifelong adventure. BTY, HGttG" is very "out of this world"! Thanks for the recommend. Could you do a video some day of all the books you have read and favorite authors, etc.? It would be interesting. Again, this book is really a classic in its own sense. Almost finished. On the billionaire planet now at this moment in earthly time (if it actually exists).
Yeah that would be a fun one about some of my favorite books. I'll keep it in mind for sometime when I'm not busy traveling. I did mention some good books in this video: ruclips.net/video/FKFNl_SB9l8/видео.html
@@GabrielTravelerVideos This book is fricken' hilarious 😂. I have never read anything like it. Usually Bryson or Cahill or even Clive Cussler. It Woodward sometimes. This book is way out of the box. It could have been co-authored by Frank Zappa. Give me more of these.
@@NoFeeArea It's a series, I think there are six of them.
@@GabrielTravelerVideos Nice. It's very unique. I don't know why our lit teachers never suggested it. Truman Capote, Herman Caine? This takes English Lit to a different level. Eye opener. The author really has an extensive command of language and steers your imagination to new levels. Fantastic reading (literally and figuratively).
Have you ever thought of visiting Algeria? The one country in Mediterranean North Africa (except Libya, for obvious reasons) that not many tourists go to despite being at least as safe as Morocco and Tunisia, heard lots of good things about it.
'Could have', 'should have' and 'would have' - I had lots of confusion which one to use when- may be till I completed my masters degree... I studied 10th Standard in mother tongue Telugu & not English.
How long have you been traveling?
Gabriel, do you think doing too much research can almost ruin a location? From the perspective that you can almost know the place too well to the point that it can spoil the getting to know a place so to speak.
Ride on 🍺🤟
Re-investing, into your business, is something I believe in.
Awesome, another grand adventure. These learning incidents will come in handy. Im heading to Basque Country come Sept. where it wont be high travel season. Stay save.
Greetings, Gabriel! I wanted to tell you I got your book. Read it.
Excellent, thanks.
@@GabrielTravelerVideos Good stuff.
Your videos are interesting but man your music choice gives me PowerPoint presentation vibes😂
Have you watched my other videos? The song at the beginning of this one is part of an intro that I only use for certain videos, basically the ones that aren't travel vlogs. In my travel vlogs, i.e. city tours, etc. I use tons of different styles of music.
@@GabrielTravelerVideos i have and I see, I didn’t know you have used the same music before.
How many years are you travelling now for?
ruclips.net/video/Du6PFg_tZk4/видео.html
Zen master of travel
I'd travel if i knew people still are where i expect them to be.
You're afraid, basically
@@DaltonMirklestein No, question of trust, rather suspicious.
mind turning the audio gain down slightly? even just 20% would help balance it with other videos on youtube
The Taxi-Mafia is global !
where's all the people? Let's here about the population and culture of the country..
why are you not just using google maps for all your navigation? linking walking, transport and everything in one amazing system?
I use google maps every day, that's basically what the story is about. The battery on my phone died, so I couldn't use it to get to the hotel.
@@GabrielTravelerVideos ahh ok, sorry.
Gabriel babbler😄
Good one. 😛
Have you ever travelled to New Zealand? Is it in your plans.
Not yet, but it's definitely in my plans.
Dude, a 5000 mah battery will fit in your pocket and give you more than a full charge on your phone... with how bad your phone battery sounds to be, you might want to rethink this; they aren't expensive. I say this as someone who's been in your situation and been saved by having one of these power banks. Happy travels!
I find google maps very accurate for public transport.