5 Tourist MISTAKES All 1st Time Tourists Make 

I don't make any of these mistakes because I watch wolters world.

I can't believe you found a spot in the middle of Rome to stand that long without getting a selfie stick waved in front of your face :)

biggest mistake is instagramming every damn minute of your trip

Biggest mistake I see travellers do is constantly taking pictures (probably to share on social media), of every single tiny detail and not enjoying the experience itself in real life. It is great that technology has advanced enough to let us all be able to capture things like this but don't overdo it or you will ruin it for yourself and other people.

6. Not meeting or making friends with locals and/or fellow travelers. 7. Only staying in or visiting "touristy" areas. 8. Never traveling alone.

your kids are gonna be awesome when they grow up after all that traveling growing up.

Nearly gave a £1300 tip to a waiter due to currency conversion mishap. Thankfully bank rejected payment. Yes, I'm supposed to be an experienced traveller, we all make mistakes

The overpacking is so true especially when people travel to their home countries and want to bring with them the hole country

Going to local grocery stores is one of my FAVORITE ways to see locals, find local food, get a feel for the area. Loveee it.

We've discovered that we learn more about local culture when we rent an AirBnB apartment or house. Shopping for groceries or toilet paper always gives an interesting glance at 'how the locals do it'. For instance, in Germany, the grocery clerks do not make small talk and you've got to be quick packing your groceries together. In most European countries we've visited, eggs are not refrigerated, so you won't find them where you'd expect to find them. And in the rentals, we've learned a lot about how European kitchens and homes function. We love not staying in big chain hotels for this very reason.

hey Mark, Something I used to do while I was traveling Europe and the Middle East while in the Navy, was never take an English language menu. I used to point and say give me that to a random item, don't tell me what it was until I finished my meal. I found that doing that got me to try a lot of meal I wouldn't try if I knew what it was initially

look at his wife trying to walk like a runway model at 1:46 showing off her outfit and shoes with one foot in front of the other! haha girl I see you.

I like to think of planning more as research. I want to where I am going (as in the lay out of the city), what to expect from public transport and how to use it, when my must see sites are open, basic cultural politeness, and a general itinerary so my friends know where I am (I travel alone), but I don't plan exact things for certain days. Especially for larger cities I tend to plan to visit certain areas and look to my site list for suggestions. I don't expect to go to every place I look up. I take a more natural approach to it and I never try to see more than 3 things in one day. When you're traveling for more than five days, it's very easy to get tired and you have to pace yourself. You also want to mix up the types of places you're going. I personally can get a bit burnt out of museums. I'm the type that likes the audio guides and to read all the information, so I want to be present and engaged for that.

Also if you're traveling to older cities, basically not America, you'll find many places don't have elevators. You don't want to have to have an assist to get your luggage up six flights of stairs.

When I traveled to Europe, I was on one of those group tours. I thought it was a great value for a first timer to Europe; however, I would recommend not selecting one that tries to jam everything into the package. The tour I was on offered plenty of guided tours but also had complete days of leisure where you could explore on your own. Also, I worked with the tour company to arrive a day before the tour started. This allowed me to explore London on my own. I walked from Bayswater to all the way to Parliament and taking time to see Kennsington Palace, St. James Palace, Buckingham Palace, #10 Downing and Westminster. It was awesome to do this.

I can't stress #2 enough. Planning is everything! Case and point: when I went to Mexico City, I wanted to ride down the canals of Xochimilco and see the pyramids of Teotihuacan. The problem? Xochimilco's boats are expensive (at least 300 pesos per boat), and Teotihuacan gets _really_ crowded. Research ultimately paid off: on Sundays, Xochimilco has a public boat that only costs 30 pesos per person to ride, and Teotihuacan offers early morning tours with an archaeologist that, at the time, cost 40% less than a day tour. I wound up taking the metro down to Xochimilco Sunday morning, headed to the Museo Frida Khalo in the afternoon, and then got up bright and early to see Teotihuacan the next day with no crowds and a phenomenal guide.

Seriously, dude... you're hysterical! Every time I click on an information blog about travelling in Europe, up you pop! Thanks for all the info. Planning my first trip to Paris and I hope I'm well prepared for the pick-pockets and apartment living I'll need to deal with while I'm there! Love your videos!

With #4, there can be a problem when it comes to having food allergies. Sometimes it can be hard to find out whether a dish is okay or might put you in the ER, so a friendly staple like the golden arches or KFC might be a welcoming choice.

4:17 Wow that drawing is fantastic!

I like wolters vids because they make me feel like a good traveler 😉

So true, so true. I have been a travel agent for over 35 years, and I have given the same advice to my clients every time they travel. They have appreciated me for it!

On a completely spontaneous whim, I booked a 10 day trip to Rome in a few months... I immediately felt nervous and on he she of regret, but dude. You’ve made me so confident in how much I can experience and expand my perspective by doing this and seeing the world. It all these little tips that make you so invaluable. I can’t thank you enough, but I’m sure I’ll be even more thankful when I’ve just had my cappuccino and sitting in villa Borghese(:

Fantastic video! Should be required viewing for all travelers. I've seen over planning probably more than all of the other mistakes. People come to town and want to see EVERYTHING in a day or two, which is completely impossible. I always wish they had planned to spend more time.

I made the over-packing mistake the first time. Once was enough! LOL. I highly suggest going to one area, STAYING in that area, and exploring every nook & cranny on foot if you can. I explored London that way, and loved every minute. I had no itinerary. Just got a little room within walking distance of Paddington Station, got a map of the city, packed a day pack with snacks & a water bottle, and wandered all over the city. Met lovely, helpful locals and really got the feel of the city. I did the same thing in Oslo and Bergen, too.

I love your videos. I'm fluen in Spanish and English, and know very little French but I've been learning Italian since May when my husband told me we were going to France and Italy. I've learned so much Italian in two months. Thank you for your tips.

Mark! I watched your videos in preparation for my own trip and having just gotten back from my own trip through Europe, always give yourself at minimum 3 full days in a city and don't plan on seeing anything at all on travel days. Thanks Mark!

Great video as always!! I learn so much from you and your family. I'm going to Germany, Austria, Switz, Benelux and maybe Prague, next September. Things we've learned and are going to apply have mostly come from you. I can't wait to train ride through Europe, pack lightly, shop for shoes while I'm there, stay in Airbnb, try local food..... Keep up the great content...😘

Great video. About packing: I first travelled with only hand luggage because of the luggage fee on the airline. Now I still do it because of the fees, but also because it is so practical. I don't have to check in luggage or wait for it at the airport. I have everything I need on my back. It makes me pack lighter and less clothes that I don't need (annoying for every unused clothes that I pack up when I get home). When traveling in cities, they probably have clothing stores if you are afraid of not having enough. I think it also saves me money because I think twice before I buy anything (souvenir or clothes) because of the reduced space. I started with 2 days, now I have travelled for 7 days with only a backpack.

Thanks for the video. My wife and I went to Mexico in May and we're going to Paris in a week from now, and your videos have played a huge part in the research and planning of those trips. I think we will be well prepared. Keep up the great work.

I like you slipped that overpacking one in. Last time I went to the states with 2 colleagues for 2 weeks I had a suitcase small to be used as carry on. The biggest one was 4 times the volume. And still, I survived without needing to buy anything in a local shop. Pack smart and enjoy the vacation instead of worying about your outfits.

Be in Rome in the coming weeks & have learned so much by watching your videos. It's made me more knowledgeable & excited about visiting! Thank you.

No lie, i planned so much and then watched this video. Thank god it helped me plan a more enjoyable experience for my family

Best travel videos! Always so helpful.

Thank you for sharing all these wonderful tips!!

You are so right on all points, thanks for sharing.

As an avid traveller I figured this out a long time ago. But great advice to newbies!

Great video! Will bear these tips in mind in the future!

I love that you still travel while having kids

As a friend's father said at a B & B while touring the Ring of Kerry in Ireland in the summer, "What do you mean you don't have any rooms? I have a voucher!"

GREAT VIDEO! Thanks for sharing!

Great Video. Thank you for posting.

Man I wish I could travel like u do!!! You've been every where!! LOL! I love ur videos and 1 day when I actually can travel I'll know a lot of do's and Don'ts of all these amazing places you've been!! Thanks for the videos!!

I loved seeing the pictures of you when you were much younger! :)

Excellent advice.

This might be my favorite WW video. So practical

This should be required watching for anyone traveling abroad for the first time, especially Rome.

I took a bus tour in Italy several years ago. It was great. I did a lot of research prior to the trip. Arrived the day before we were to meet our group but that allowed time to explore the city a bit. We took public transit downtown and walked through some of the streets to find our way to the Piazza Navona, spent some time there then went to eat at one of the restaurants on one of the streets. The next day we had time to tour the forum. Quite an experience. We took our time, took a lot of photos etc. we met our group later on that day at the hotel. Loved Rome for the history, Venice was great for the sites and cityscapes (love the architecture). Florence was beautiful too. Overall, we really enjoyed our trip. The only thing that we didn't get to really enjoy was the Trevi Fountain in Rome as it was under repairs. Some day I will get back there.

I have to condense my trips due to limited holidays/funds and a dream to see different places. If it’s a smaller city I do one day/night (definitely worked in Scandinavia), if it’s a bigger city it’s a couple of nights, maybe three. It helps that I’m traveling from UK to Europe so I know I’ll be back in a lot of these places eventually and use my initial trips as first impressions. I still enjoy myself and I feel like I get to see things and have enough time to breathe, all whilst getting loads of pics. It also helps that I do all these trips alone. The only trips I wish I had an extra night for were my Rome and Paris visits (2 nights each). Granted doing that the first time was overwhelming and that trip I didn’t enjoy as much. A canal or bus tour here and there and I have enough time for a meal and a night out I do understand that many find it more relaxing to spend longer in each spot (and it allows to do a lot more activities other than looking at buildings) but just like reading a book we all have our own times with different things.

Thank u so much. Ur vlog is very informative..

I am a traveller who usually arrives with a big suitcase (and depending on the destination a backbag too). This is either because I am away for a longer time and just need stuff or I am travelling to favourite cities and plan to do a lot of shopping. A great example of this is London. I always bring my big suitcase half empty, but when I fly back I max out the space and weight restrictions. (Usually food is included! I am more the stationary and cosmetics person though. :D And books!)

I totally overpacked for a 3 week trip and couldn't bring home many souvenirs, or new clothing, or foods. So yes he is totally right about that tip. Next time I'll do laundry if I have to rather than pack half my wardrobe.

Hey Mark I love your videos thanks for posting them. I hope to run into you and have a beer someday. cheers buddy!

Great video! Really informative.

My #6 would be "don't limit yourself to (fancy/chain) hotels" try airbnb or the odd pub with shared showers :) Usually spotless and gives a different point of view.

Nice job with great tips !

great tips! I think the overpacking is the hardest one to do, but luckily I've been able to do just a carry on, and then find a cheap laundromat when I need it.

We started traveling with our 3 young kids about 4 years ago( they were 1, 4 and 6). Most years it's twice out of country trips. Except 2020 of course. We actually do alot of what you mentioned. Completely agree about food. We usually order 5 different dishes and share between us so we're all trying different things. Packing- we have become extremely efficient at packing. Just 2 rolling luggage for all 5 of us. We always rent a car. To me, best way to experience places is to go and discover places where there is no public transportation. Plus, going through the Alps in a car is just amazing. We did make a mistake of trying to do too much on our first trip and we learned quickly. Now we've learned to add leisure days and learned to slow down. Much more enjoyable this way. Here's to hoping to traveling again in 2021...

Mark, you are awesome. I am following you from a long long time, before you started making travel videos....

This channel consistently has great travel advice. To anyone who wants to travel but is a novice, just follow the advice from Wolters World and you will be fine. The thing that bothers me is people who fall into the trap of taking pictures instead of living in and experiencing the moment. I remember watching 100 people watch the changing of the guard at Windsor Castle through the screen if their iPads and phones instead of using their eyes. That is a massive mistake. Never let the photos get in the way of the experience.

I am always watching these videos for my future travels. God know when that will be though😆

Loved those 90's photos

I'm glad I've never made any of these mistakes. I like to go to have a plan but also have free time and I love to experience the culture and the food. And of course, since I like to be cost efficient public transport is a go-to.

I made 3 of these when I went to Europe. It was an exhausting trip as a result. When I went to Taiwan, I learned and I didn’t make any of these mistakes. Best trip ever as a result!

Several years ago, I went to Cabo with my girlfriend for a week. The place we stayed at, we weren't allowed to take a bath or shower until the mid-afternoon hours. I thought that was really strange. I've always been the type of person that would feel refreshed by taking a shower first thing in the morning but we couldn't do it until mid-afternoon (or in this case when he got back to our rooms in the evening).

Even though you will find someone who can speak English, I think it’s worth the effort to attempt to speak the local language. So another mistake would be not attempting to speak the local language.

i loved rome nice video mark

Thanks for your tips. Last year i went to Europe 1 month. Just with a little suitcase and my backpack. Traveling with the essentials. And i saw a lot of People with really big suitcases. Maybe the social media is the problem...aahahah. People doesn't want repeat their outfits ahahaha.

I totally agree with your view on food. My tactic is to avoid the places where all the tourists go toeat and to search out a small bistro or inn and try their food. If you need local information ask your hotel breakfast waiter or receptionist, they are usually full of useful information. Another useful source is the staff at/on public transport. All over the world those people know their town/city like the back of their hand.

Great tips 👏👏👏👏👏

Agree completely with using public transport, but I am often traveling with a family. Once one multiplies a Straßenbahn ticket by four or five people, a cab can be a better deal.

I always pack my small suitcase & then put it inside empty larger suitcase....YES I buy "set" of matching luggage because I was "raised" that way. So I can shop & buy food & clothes & knick knacks when I see something foreign that I MUST HAVE! Plus I have room for gifts for friends/family back home. Use smaller suitcase as carry on when returning to USA.....Let the airline put larger suitcase in baggage section. It's worked for me for the 40 yrs I've been traveling......

Two things: 1, it’s awesome to leave luggage space to shop for clothes! Then when you go home and someone compliments you on your skirt, you can say, “thanks! Got it in Rome” lol. 2, local mass transport is important to experience but sometimes a taxi or Uber can be, too, but for different reasons. My first time in London I was walking around, got lost and tired. So I took a cab back to my hotel and what a ride! Driver took me through Hyde Park and other areas I’d not have seen had I been underground on the tube -

Many people forget that you can wash clothes when traveling. They have laundromats in Europe. Many hotels will get your clothes washed, and you can always use the bathroom sink or shower. You don’t need to bring 2 weeks of clothes for a 2 week trip.

Totally agree with all these tips

never made any of those mistakes, I even got fluent in 12 languages, memorized the maps of destinations and made some friends on location before I went. And I always plan more than I can handle, so I don't run out of fun.

Great advice, esp. about buying clothes when you get there to stand out less.

AWESOME VIDEO!!!!

Excellent advice re first and last nights - suggest planning a contingency as well in case of delays and things going wrong, like taking some food with you that will not perish or go bad during flight AND that is permitted by the country into which you're travelling. Travel safe 👍😎❤️

Great advice ❤ .

Heading out on a Mediterranean cruise in a week. Wished we had more time to observe the culture but we need to see the sights. We ARE taking the trains and busses as much as possible and avoiding the overpriced and overcrowded ship excursions. I did go through an Analysis Paralysis while planning this trip. Way to much to see. What do we see. How can we get there. Now I've got it. Thanks for all your advice!!

Useful tips!

A mistake I witnessed while on a trip with other students of art: While in Madrid, we had a free morning. I wanted to visit the Templo de Debod and when I discussed that with the other students they didn't know about it, even if one in particular had Egyptian things at heart. I knew because I always check sites like Tripadvisor and did not just rely on the trip that the teachers planned for us. Always do your research, people!

I travel like am a local. Minimum packing, no bookings. Me - "bye mum, am going to Italy, Rome for the weekend" Mum - "ok"

I'm a "combination traveler" who 'over plans' yet 'flies by the seat of pants'. Example: if there are 4 things I "must" see or do in an area, like a museum or such, I allot at least 5 days to do them, with a daily '1/2 day to "do" the thing' and '1/2 day to allow Lady Serendipity to exhibit her charms', and that extra day is for whatever I have found that is of more interest.

2:28 jokes on you, I bring 5 kitchen sinks with me when I travel

+1 on not trying to cram in too much and have down days. I think this one is psychologically difficult; odds are you're considering the cost per day of the trip and the likelihood of you returning, both of which encourage making the most of each day. Unfortunately, reality isn't psychologically soothing, and I've found that a down day for every 5 days away works pretty well for recharging both physically and mentally. We tend to walk whenever possible while abroad or in locations that permit it, which is a lot more than we get during an average workday. Adding fatigue to overworked muscles and joints is a recipe for misery...let your body rest! The mental aspect is similar; if you're constantly bombarding yourself with something new and awe-inspiring multiple times a day, eventually things that would impress you normally become no big deal because you just can't stay perpetually stimulated. Varying activities can go a long way...spending a day or part of a day in a park people watching can be very relaxing for both body and mind and will help keep your passion high when needed.

While on a hiking trip in the UK in 2017... I chose to use their train network extensively... Arrive at Heathrow and train to *Reading* , 1st day: obtain replacement phone because I left mine at home and wander around Reading... 2nd day: Train Day trip to *London* and return 3rd day: Laundry day to ensure I didn't run out of clothes while hiking (I deliberately packed light) 4th day: Train to *Weston-Super-Mare* 5th day to 9th day: hike from Weston-Super-Mare to Frome. 10th day: Train to *Cardiff* 11th day: rest day 12th day: wander around Cardiff & a concert in St Dafyd's concert hall. 13th day: wander around Cardiff 14th day: Laundry day 15th day: Train to *St Ives* 16th day to 19th day: hike from St Ives around Lands End to Penzance 20th day: Train to *Swindon* to catch up with an old school mate. 21st day: wander around Swindon 22nd day: Train Day trip to *Bath* 23rd day: Laundry day 24th day: Train to *Paddington* [Planned walk to Kings Cross but caught a _black cab_ instead] ________ Train to *Cambridge* 25th day: Wandered around the University town 26th day: Train day trip to *Ely* with its Cathedral 27th day: rest day 28th day: Train to *Heathrow* and fly home

I always try to see if there is a tourist type travel card available (eg RomaPass, IAmsterdam) they include public transport so no messing about buying individual journey tickets but they are primarily useful for access to museums etc. At the coliseum in Rome there is a special queue line for RomaPass holders, it saved me about 15 mins getting in, I just walked up the special line and straight to the entry turnstiles. They can also include extras like free guide books/audio guides.

My holiday packing philosophy is "travel out light, come back heavy". Pack a smaller suitcase inside a slightly larger one on the way out if you've already got lots of cases, it's easier to travel with, otherwise buy another case while you're away

Soooo true!

good info again

I've been twice in a situation where I get off from transportation, sun is setting and I'm walking around panicking "Where the heck can I go to sleep?" Not a great situation but worked out both times :) I felt so stupid in Zakopane, Poland (where this happened first time) when I couple days later learned that "Pokoje" means room (rooms?) and that place is full of places to book a room.

I hardly bring much stuff. My parents always bring so much, while my brother just comes with a small backpack and I just have a small carry on even for 2 week trips! i did a lot of cultural stuff in Japan, like tea ceremony, kimono experience, dressing up as a lolita and sushi and takoyaki making. I find such things hard to come across in Europe, so I usually just ended up going on all these tours

Underplanning is how we ended up eating a breakfast of coffee and grab-n-go cereal at the airport in Hawaii. It was Monday and we thought if we left the hotel three hours before the flight it would be fine. What we didn't account for was the commute traffic, since the airport was in the biggest city on the island.

I made the mistake of having two suitcases with me when I last traveled to England. One suitcase was my clothes. The other was my camping gear. Next time I will have that suitcase shipped ahead of me to my final destination.

About to much planning: It reminds me of London. That is a city I have been visiting many times, at least 6. Then I obviously like the city a lot, but also have a lot of favorite places I just have to visit - each time. Sometimes I have been there for 2 - 3 days, it works but I tend to do too much. I just visit too many places instead of relaxing and enjoying fewer places). It often is like: Big Ben and Westminster bridge, standing there for 30 seconds and then: next... rushing to the next place. (A bit bad example, because you should visit it in London, but I think you get my point). Whenever I visit a city: Relax, you can't see everything. It gives you a reason to come back.

Bongiorno! When I was in Europe in '84, as an add-on to a tour of Israel, I traveled across the continent via Eurail and Britrail. Granted, I did a major overview--23 countries in 32 days, but some countries I just added to my list, whereas in others, such as a 4-day layover in Iceland on the way home, I spent more time. However, I spent every night in a youth hostel, and though I didn't get into the culture of some countries, I got acquainted with fellow travelers from around the world. So it was a trade-off. I also got to meet the citizens of that country on the train, as many Europeans don't even own a car, and don't really need one with their amazing train system, plus the outrageous price of gas.

Let's see how many of those mistakes I have made: 1. Yep. First trip to Scotland was way overplanned. I made like a time table when we needed to be where and one day was so fully packed that we where just beat when we returned to our hostel. But the good thing is: You make those kind of mistake only once. Second trip (to Scotland again) was much more relaxed. Now, I just make a very rough plan on which city we need to be in at what day (with a one to two day cushion to be extra sure) and then we just travel around the country, deciding what places to visit on the spot, or only a few days in advance. 2. HA! No, this one hasn't happened to me. As I've mentioned, I make a rough plan on where we need to be at what day (like, if the plane is taking off on a specific day, then that's the day you want to be at the airport, right?). For our trip to Iceland for example I just calculated the whole travel distance (Ringvegúr is about 1,000km) and divided that by the number days we where there (10) and figured: We need to travel 100km each day to reach our goal. Only fixed dates where: Date of arrival. Hostel room booked in Reýkjavik for two days. Date of departure. Everything else was only very loosley planned. This gives you a lot of freedom on your travels. For example, when we arrived in Akureyri we went to a whale watching tour guide-thingy (what are those called... vendors?) late in the day, about maybe 8 or 9 in the evening. We originally planned to book a tour for the next day. But there was a bus already waiting and they where like "hey, the bus is about to leave you can hop on right now!" so we did it (it was amazing). So, the next day - originally planned for whale watching - we simply did something else. 3. That's why we mostly decide to not travel in groups but on our own. "Off the beaten path" as they say. It's not always possible, because if you are in Paris, and never been there before, of course you absolutely HAVE to see Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, etc. It would be like to travel to Las Vegas and not go into any casino, or skipping out on the Grand Canyon. 4. Well... yeah, kind of. We went to a very good indian restaurant in Reýkjavik two times in a row, lol. But Hákarl is not for everyone, lol. But I like to try out new food at the places we travel to. 5. When we started traveling we relied on public transport, because it's so much cheaper. However, it can be very challening. In Scotland there are like 3 or 4 different bus companies PER CITY, and it's not always really clear which company takes which route. Sometimes even the bus stops are not really marked and you have to kind of know they are there, heh. Last two trips we traveled by car because we did a tour through a whole country (Iceland and Norway).

Travelling? What on earth is there to see that is better than my Yorkshire home 😊😎