20 World Travel Mistakes to Avoid in 2025! | Retirement Travelers Tips

[@RetirementTravelers]

Let us know in the comments if you have other travel mistakes. Be sure to check out our list of 26 airlines that allow free stopovers. retirementtravelers.com/the-airlines-that-allow-free-stopovers Happy journeys, John and Bev

[@The_NomadNinja]

Timestamps: 1) 0:35 Business Class Bargains 2) 1:02 Free Stopovers ... recently did this with Iceland Air :) 3) 2:14 Public Transportation 4) 3:11 Traveling on Weekends 5) 3:39 Failing to Pre-purchase Tickets 6) 4:26 Skipping Hokey or Touristy 7) 5:48 Not Knowing Scams 8) 6:41 Not Understanding Credit Card Points ... I am a fan of Chase Sapphire Reserve too :) 9) 7:26 Over-Tourism 10) 8:42 Not Utilizing Apple Pay or Google Pay 11) 9:54 Using Credit Cards to Withdraw Cash ... I use Charles Schwab Debit card :) 12) 10:37 Carrying Paper Items 13) 11:11 Not Having a Good Phone Plan ... Airalo works great :) 14) 12:04 Over Packing 15) 13:09 Not Dressing for Comfort 16) 14:16 Not Attempting Independent Travel 17) 15:11 Eating Three Meals a Day 18) 16:23 Staying in Tourist Zones Only 19) 16:58 Not Getting Over Dissapointments Easily 20) 0:35 - There are only 19?! Re-watch to make sure! :)

[@aairsick]

As a 41 year flight attendant, I can soundly say that this is probably one of the best lists of advice for travel that I have seen in years. Congratulations on a job well done.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks so much for the kind words and glad you are enjoying our channel. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@angieharris8015]

Well, I like the "antiquated" paper-tickets etc. It's all fun and games until ones digital device goes down or lost or stolen or whatever reason. I also like physical proof of things for insurance, since not all of them are digitized. 😃

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for sharing your preference. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@paulmiller7775]

I haven't commented in a while, but I continue to watch your videos, and they are so spot on! I recently returned from a two and a half month to Europe and one of the 'tricks" I have learned regarding eating is to use the grocery stores! When I arrive at a new destination the first thing I do is locate the nearest Aldi, Lidl, Tesco or Carrefour and get the majority of my food from there and only eat at a restaurant occasionally to experience the cuisine. Also, I've found that grocery store food, especially in Europe is far superior to what we have in the US and it's much much more affordable! Thanks so much for your great content, you have the best travel information of anyone!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks so much for sharing and for following along with us. We've had many a good salad or crackers and cheese from grocery stores across Europe. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@AlexAlex-gj4jd]

I would add that learning about the market days in towns for even fresher produce and local varieties of food are fantastic! For example, in Strasbourg, there was a stand where the lady had made fresh cheese and baked large pretzels that morning. We asked her if she would slice the pretzel horizontally and put the two together for a sandwich and it was amazing! Someone else saw us and asked for the same! I always wondered if we started a new item for her to sell. 🥨+ 🧀 = 😋

[@paulmiller7775]

@@AlexAlex-gj4jd great suggestion!! Thanks!

[@jd3422]

I totally agree with you concerning grocery stores. Most of the time I get my breakfast food and happy hour snacks [especially wine] from grocery stores. So much cheaper!

[@BradNelson-396]

John & Bev, if you see this,I just want to thank you so much for getting me off my ass and purging everything for the minimalist life. I am currently living in Iceland for a bit on a farm and couldn't be happier. I have two carry ons and am working my way down to one and a personal bag. You two have truly changed my life, with much love, Thank you. LIfe is a journey, experience it, #yolo

[@RetirementTravelers]

Love hearing stories like this. Thanks so much for sharing. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@craigo2142]

I used to always take jeans. Now, I have 2 pair of combination (zip-off) pants. A light color and a dark color. Very light weight, easy to pack and clean and work as shorts or longs. Never been turned down by a nice restaurant in the dark pair. So much easier. Love the channel.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Light weight and versatile is always great. Thanks for sharing. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@selinasnowdon2834]

As far as packing is concerned, look at your weekly laundry basket as to what clothes you wear in a week (unless you’re young where they chuck clothes in the laundry after wearing 10 minutes 🤣).

[@RetirementTravelers]

Good point! Thanks for sharing. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@pattymitchell1870]

Oh ... and about the touristy stuff: I made reservations for a flamenco show that seemed pretty obviously geared toward tourists. My husband was so very skeptical (he freely admitted that) and it was one of the best things we did in the city we were visiting!

[@RetirementTravelers]

That's great that you got to go. We went to a fun flamenco show in Seville, Spain. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@teresamet]

Great video! Last year we flew United and did 2 free layovers before heading to Croatia - 3 nights each in Amsterdam and Vienna. This also helped with jet lag. Another thing we like to do is a "free" walking tour (no charge for the tour, but tips are greatly appreciated) immediately in the cities we visit. It helps immensely to orient ourselves and we like the guides knowledge of history and cultural interactions. Thanks for all your tips!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Great suggestions. Thanks. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@mishu3271]

I’ve found as a senior solo “foodie” that returning to and supporting the excellent restaurants (and avoiding the mediocre) wherever you are leads to a lovely relationship with owners and servers and you immerse yourself in the culture more easily. I often will overly order in a superb restaurant to try as many foods as possible. Most likely I’ll only pass through once and I want these food experts to know how much they are appreciated.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for sharing. Great suggestion. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@dellnichols4625]

Oh gosh! Where do I start? We have been traveling internationally for 25 years and there is so much in this video that we have experienced and so much information I’m going to follow up on. Lots of things have changed over the years so your updates are invaluable! We have been to many of the “main” tourist cities, mostly in the off seasons. So glad we did that. But we also love the smaller places for the authentic feel and friendly welcome. Thanks so much for your practical advice!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks so much and glad you enjoyed the video. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@mammaterrahc]

That's a great list of advice! And yes, nothing beats a lay flat seat on a long-haul flight!

[@RetirementTravelers]

So true. Glad you found it helpful. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@chumark54]

Overcoming the frustration is the hardest one for me.

[@johncarter8539]

Absolutely Brilliant! Every American tourist should watch this video and take notes. Very helpful. THANK YOU!!! I think your last point (Get over mistakes and problems quickly/don't cry over spilled milk and don't be afraid to make mistakes) should be the first part of the video! It sets the tone. :). THANK YOU!!!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Wow, thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@LisaCarroll-k6b]

I have watched so many of your videos. I am from the UK and I plan to live my life in a similar fashion. Thank you so much for all your help. Your children are very fortunate to have such amazing parents !! ❤

[@RetirementTravelers]

You are so welcome and thanks for the kind words. Many blessings. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@BradNelson-396]

AS i watch i keep commenting LOL. Yes spilled milk is nothing to get uptight about my go to when it happens cause it always happens is c'est la vie such as life and then I move on it really helps alleviate a lot of stress

[@RetirementTravelers]

Glad you are enjoying our channel. Thanks for watching. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@cltinturkey]

This is a magnificent video! I've made a number of these mistakes over 40 years of travel. So much wisdom here!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@mdavis8093]

Great video and great advice!! I love street food in Mexico. The idea of a stopover is brilliant!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks. We ate so much good street food in Mexico! Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@travelman677]

Great list. Love your content so much. Thanks!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for watching! Glad you are enjoying our content. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@ElwoodPDowd-ed7pc]

Excellent !! Have a great weekend !!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thank you! You too! Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@marias2169]

Excellent tips! All very apropos and well-explained. Thank you

[@RetirementTravelers]

Glad it was helpful! Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@mytraveldiary63]

I always use public transportation. I get to see more of the country. Some places, especially Hotels, ask for a physical card. I had that experience in Qatar at a Hyatt Hotel.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@duncansmith7562]

Many, many airlines are point to point airlines, so the total cost of a journey that is two flights is just the cost of the first flight plus the second flight. For example, when I fly from Vienna to the Maldives in November, the flight goes via Abu Dhabi, and yes, the total cost of going to the Maldives is Vienna to Abu Dhabi, plus Abu Dhabi to Maldives. Just check the total price of two separate flights compared to the one journey with a connecting flight.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for sharing. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@sharonparsons5375]

My paper collection (in a plastic folder, not a binder) saves me from worry about losing or damaging my phone, running out of charge, not having a data connection, or being those dumb people standing at the front of the line furiously flicking at their phone holding everyone up because they can't find their ticket. I am device-free when I need to be. If a booked venue queries something I booked several months ago, I have it in my folder in printout and don't have to stand there trying to find an ancient email, or trying to connect to the cloud to find the document. Yes, I still use my phone for most things, but I don't have to use my phone as I have the paper backup. Also I don't carry it all with me, just what I need for the day and leave the rest secured in my hotel room.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for sharing your method. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@DillyDahlia]

Agree! Call it old-fashioned, but I call it being prepared. Technology isn’t perfect, and if it fails without a backup, you’re screwed!

[@katmartinez3737]

YES! This hybrid style is perfect for me too. I carry a slim plastic folder with paper receipts for flights, hotel, major train trips. And I keep it all in date order. And I don't carry more than one credit card at a time.

[@scrappy93]

You don't need data or the cloud if you say the items to your phone. Also carry a battery pack and set your battery saver. As a person that has been to certain countries in the military that binder will make you a target.

[@helenbowes]

@@RetirementTravelers Someone I know dropped their phone at the check in at the airport and the screen shattered (should have had a better case). Had a problem boarding and had to deal with getting the phone replaced/repaired on holiday. Having the paper ticket would have helped.

[@nina3118]

Another mistake: buying tickets (airline, train, hotel, museums, etc) from a 3rd party seller instead of directly from the business. Prices are rarely lower, and often higher, and you have little recourse and limited customer service if something goes wrong

[@RetirementTravelers]

We agree. That's a good one. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@jongheum]

Another excellent informative video! Many thanks!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Our pleasure. Glad it was helpful. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@juliannelaird43]

This is a fabulous video! I'm planning trip number 2 with number 3 in the hopper! You are my inspiration!!!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Awesome! Thank you! Hope you have a wonderful trip. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@skyoneplusone2874]

You guys are my idols !! Awesome videos! I really appreciate your channel and become addicted instantly

[@RetirementTravelers]

Awesome! Thank you so much for following along. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@Anonymous-One1]

This is a great list. We have made several of these mistakes and learned from them. Walking as much as possible is great, as you see more than you would if you are driving. We have taken public transportation in foreign countries, got lost as we got on the wrong bus heading the opposite way, but we figured it out and got on a different bus. I didn't realize so many airlines have stopover programs. Great info!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks. Glad you found it helpful. We get lost all the time, but just go with. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@nomadjim]

Wow, what a great list! And a reminder that I still make some of these mistakes myself. I've taken advantage of a few of those stopover programs but had no idea there were so many airlines offering them. Thanks for sharing that list. The ones I've done were such a great deal. Definitely going to look into doing that with some of those other airlines. I always learn something from your videos. Thank you for the lessons!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks and glad you found it helpful. Thanks for following along. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@mississippiapple1078]

I always gravitate to your lists videos

[@RetirementTravelers]

So glad you do. Thanks for watching. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@AuroraCardi-in9zt]

You guys are the best! Love all your videos and suggestions ❤️

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks so much for the kind words and following along with us. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@10aemery]

Great tips, as always! Thank you!

[@RetirementTravelers]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@jchasern]

Using public transportation has been a learning curve. .but I am getting better at it

[@RetirementTravelers]

Keep trying. Great job. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@jd3422]

Lots of great advice. Thank you for this.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for watching and following along with us. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@kathrynblack9152]

My husband and I only use taxis and rental cars when there's no other choice. We travel by train and use local public transit. Many (if not all) have schedules and maps online. We also recommend any sort of rail vehicle (train, tram/trolley, incline, rack rail, etc).

[@RetirementTravelers]

Great suggestions. Thanks. John and Bev

[@scrappy93]

Good to know we're going to 🇮🇪 next year. As for phones Verizon gives you 1 travel day per month and they expire after a year so you basically get 12 days.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for sharing. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@jackiebowen6239]

Bravo, John and Bev! What an amazing and inspiring life you have. I look forward to your videos. We had a hacked credit card while on a trip--freaked me out to see their transactions showing up--but were able to get it handled over the phone with an instant replacement, also; no interruption of our trip plans. The experience makes me feel even more secure about our account, since it was so easy to shut the old one down. Thanks again for the great info; we agree with everything you said!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks so much and glad it worked out for you. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@garyjoyce8223]

I always bring back-up paperwork with me, just in case! If an App doesn't work, battery runs out, phone breaks down, is lost or stolen. I had one time where I couldn't get the info I needed from my cellphone and missed my flight. Won't let that happen again!

[@Marie-FranceHorton]

In one of your videos you said you had had trouble sleeping because of the many red lights in your room. I bring post-its and cover them. It's quick and efficient.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Great suggestion. Thanks. John and Bev

[@ListerBliss]

Thanks for another stellar tips and tricks video! Can you tell us more about how apple pay/cc put your new cc on your apple wallet for you when your cc number was stolen while traveling?? That quick aside confused me and sounds pretty important!

[@RetirementTravelers]

If you have your credit card set up on Apple Pay and the number gets stolen, you can call your credit card company and they will set up a new number on Apple pay for you, without having the actual credit card in your possession. Hope this makes sense. Happy journeys, John and Bev

[@ListerBliss]

@@RetirementTravelers wow!! Thank you for your quick response and I had no idea this was possible!!

[@LS-sz3vm]

You guys are travel rock stars! Great videos and we use your advice all the time. God's peace and travel mercies!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for the kind words. Glad you are enjoying our content. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@AintRockitScience]

Your videos are so good! One thing I would add about clothes is to dress modestly for going into churches. I saw people turned away for wearing shorts and tank tops at St. Peter's.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Good point! We agree completely. We always keep a pair of long pants for churches. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@gregattanasio3185]

Great quality content as always, nice job guys!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Much appreciated! Thanks for watching. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@bernadettebourassa8385]

Great list!! We so appreciate your sharing all you’ve learned…❤ You two are awesome travel guides!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Our pleasure! Thanks for following along with us. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@pattymitchell1870]

This is a fabulous video! Thank you so much! You two are just the best! 🩷 Retirement is lurking for me (my husband is already there), and I look forward to even more freedom. (I'm the travel planner in the family, and I just love it. The planning part means I feel as if I've started the trip earlier than it actually begins!)

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks and so glad you are enjoying our content. Thanks for following along. Great point about getting a jumpstart on the travel fun. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@ingridmccarthy0707]

Love these ideas! We've done a couple of tours lately, but we honestly could have done the trips independently. Love all your other suggestions too.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for commenting and watching! John & Bev

[@jumpskirt]

Love you guys!!! Thanks for another informative video. Looking forward to following your adventures, and learning from your experiences.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@peterbedford2610]

We went to Greece for a month in May and spent less than $75/day for two of us. The little islands we great...

[@RetirementTravelers]

That's awesome. Greece is amazing. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@karlwalker]

Excellent advice John and Bev.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Glad you enjoyed it. Hope all is well. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@catherine8332]

I love your advice as always and Bev I think world travel is making you younger 😁 Thanks and safe travels

[@RetirementTravelers]

Ahhh. thanks for the kind words. 😊 Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@carolmartin4413]

Great, wide range of information. Love watching your treks around the world...especially now that I'm temporarily immobile. Keep truckin and keep enjoying it all!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for watching and speedy recovery. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@ksagrani8096]

Love your videos... lots of great tips

[@RetirementTravelers]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching. John and Bev

[@Leonardo-cq4zd]

Superb stuff guys, and so helpful! Thanks for sharing!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching. John and Bev

[@etheleklund3946]

Excellent advice! You two are a wealth of travel knowledge. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@KarlEFX]

Thanks. Just great advice.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Glad you enjoyed it. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@beverlyromine1224]

Great advice! Another informative video!! 🙌🏻 I recognize that couple who joined you in Budapest 😉😉

[@RetirementTravelers]

Just a bathing beauty and a hottie hunk! 😉 John & Bev

[@beverlyromine1224]

@@RetirementTravelers ❤️🙃

[@mkaduthodil1454]

Excellent to watch

[@RetirementTravelers]

Glad you enjoyed it. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@gr8bkset-524]

The first day in a new city I get a public transportation day pass and do a self tour of the city. Sometimes a "tour" is worth the price for what the guide knows and how he/she can be much more efficient, especially in a low cost country. I find it is best to book at the host country instead of going through middlemen.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Agree with everything you said. We love hiring local guides and we usually do it in the location. You get better personal tour, too. When we said “tour” we should have said guided tours throughout the entire trip, start to finish. We absolutely believe in local guides! Thanks for the suggestion and the opportunity to clarify. John & Bev

[@joannschutz412]

Fantastic tips. Thanks so much.

[@RetirementTravelers]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@cltinturkey]

Some of my favorite food lessons learned have served me well. Never eat at a restaurant within three blocks (six would be better) of a major landmark. Avoid a fixed price or 3-course tourist menu. You can eat better a la carte. If you go into a restaurant packed with locals, you're in the right place. Avoid places with bus parking and tour groups. If you meet a nice local (NOT a tout) during the day, ask for the name and location of their favorite restaurant. These places are often dives, but the food is delicious! You're big fans of getting fresh food from the grocery store. This is smart, and it's fun to see what different things they sell there. One grocery in Santiago was in a repurposed cathedral, and there were beautiful frescoes and murals all around the walls. Happy eating on the road!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Great advice and tips. Thanks for sharing. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@Sibhusky]

I'm 72 and planning a solo trip to Bavaria next year for 3 weeks. I hope it works out. If it were Austria, where I went to school years ago, I wouldn't think twice. But all these towns will be brand new to me and I'll be eating alone. THAT is the part that worries me. Not the traveling or the sightseeing. Or the language.

[@RetirementTravelers]

We’re are seriously so happy for you! You’ve got this! You can do it! We meet many women traveling alone, and while many are younger than us, they do wonderfully! Please send us a note and let us know how it goes. We’d love a report. You can send us a note through our website. Let us know if we can answer any questions for you. Have a happy journey! John & Bev www.retirementtravelers.com

[@scp240]

I'm the same age and just finished a 6 week trip that included Bavaria for about one week, and Austria for about two weeks. I understand your apprehension but everything will work out fine. Eating alone can be a challenge but I suggest making reservations when possible, or eating street food if available. In Bavaria, beer halls are a good alternative to having a more formal meal. Also, if you stay in a hotel that offers free breakfast that takes care of one meal, and if you follow the 2-meal advice in this video then you only have one meal to worry about. Do some research on TripAdvisor and Google before you arrive to identify a few restaurants that appeal to you and you will likely find a place or two that you like.

[@Sibhusky]

@@scp240 I'm going to make hotel reservations only at places that have restaurants in case I'm feeling weird about it some night. I don't have worries about lunch, only dinner.

[@MichaelMechsner]

Your LAST tip is the BEST tip!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Glad you think so! Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@krismyers4940]

Great video!🇨🇦

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks so much. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@eprohoda]

well . sleep well~

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@sallylee6934]

Hello, I was just wondering what you guys will do when you are too old to travel.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Great question. Here is a video we did last year to try to answer that one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mX7OqHWLrLB4kLssi=mfO8n5fcgh6e05jE Happy journeys, John and Bev

[@sallylee6934]

Just wondering cause if we were to travel or move at 72 to Thailand and part time to Canada it won't be long till we can't travel so we would need a home base.

[@duncansmith7562]

word of warning on using public transport. you don't save any money if your wallet gets pickpocketed on the metro in Rome, for example the chances of getting robbed go WAY up the second you decide to use public transportation. keep it in mind..

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@CarlaC1031]

Thanks!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks so much for the kind gesture. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@TravelonlineWalk]

We go to Costa Calma next week

[@RetirementTravelers]

Have a great trip. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@Barbara-u5h]

Im retired airline crew and my perk allows me to fly. Get empty seat. Im seeing the world, if there is space availably😊

[@RetirementTravelers]

Lucky you. Enjoy your travels. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@NewtonTesla2]

Hello John and Bev, Thank you for another very helpful episode. I have a question regarding the award points of your Chase Sapphire credit card. You mentioned that you stayed several months per year in Hyatt using the points. Assume it is 3 months and the price of Hyatt is $200/night for cash payment, it means you saved 3*30*$200=$18,000 with the award. Further assuming you get 5 cents award per $1 spent on the card (which is very generous), you would need to spend $360,000 per year to earn the $18,000 in free stays. This is a substantial amount of spending for retirement travel. Could you please clarify?

[@RetirementTravelers]

There are several points to make. First, we used Airbnb for our first years of travel and we’re unable to use our points for anything but flights. We got burned on our first leg with the logistics of booking through our credit card, so we didn’t use any points we had and let them continue to build up. We had been saving points for several years before beginning our travels. Secondly, we have received referral bonus points, rather than an affiliate commission, which adds to our kitty of points. Third, by transferring to Hyatt, we get a very advantageous redemption and can book most of our stays for 5,000-6,000 points per night when overseas. All these things, including our sign-up bonus, have helped us to say in Hyatt for so long this year. We will not have that luxury in the future, as we certainly don’t spend $360K a year on our travels and expenses. Thanks for the question and the opportunity to clarify. John & Bev

[@helenbowes]

You talked about street food in Vietnam and the lady cooking soup. Do they accept payment by phone or did you have to use the small amount of cash you carry? Thanks

[@RetirementTravelers]

Most of southeast Asia you need to have cash for many things, such as street food. We found this is Vietnam, Cambodia, India, and Thailand. Happy journeys, John and Bev

[@BradNelson-396]

And with Google pay you card number is encrypted and and random number is used for each transaction.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for the tip. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@claytonspann8032]

Thanks, we just experienced the mistake of ‘not purchasing tickets’. We are currently on a 2-month travel and did a quick 2 day stop in Paris. We did not prepurchase any tickets so did not get into the Catacombs or the Louvre.

[@RetirementTravelers]

We missed the Catacombs last year and learned our lesson! Thanks for sharing. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@jwinters9974]

Mistake -- not taking advantage of free "first Sunday of the month" museums/venues. We've found most places we've gone have this promotion. It can be a lot of fun and save money in the process..

[@RetirementTravelers]

What a great idea. Thanks for sharing. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@johnkelley1426]

Doing everything yourself is a travel mistake. Ask oneself, am I here to tour and relax or wrestle with logistics. Local tour guides & tour aggregators are less expensive than big tour companies. They know the local scene - reduce 'discovery learning', and streamline logistics (move your bag while you hike or bike to the next place, etc.). Stringing them together, or not, over a multi-week or multi-month trip is easy. Aggregators have suites of small to large, fully to self guided, inexpensive to over-the-top offers. TourRadar is one.

[@RetirementTravelers]

We love using local guides, we just don't do fully guided and planned tours. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@SandiHooper]

If you didn’t have each other (in other words solo traveling), would you prefer to travel independently, or would you prefer an escorted tour with a company?

[@RetirementTravelers]

It probably depends on our age. Right now, we'd both be very capable of traveling alone as independent travelers since we now have so much experience. We meet and see solo travelers all the time. Truthfully, and this is Bev answering, having John gives me more confidence in Asia, South America, and Central America, but Europe, Australia, and places like that, are a different story. I feel very confident to travel solo to these places. With that being said, we could certainly see ourselves on guided trips if we were solo and needed help with bags and had mobility issues. Thanks for the great question. These always help us to talk through what we'd do without the other. Bev (and John)

[@SandiHooper]

Bev, thanks for taking the time to give such a thoughtful response. I’m just now getting up my courage to do this alone and I appreciate your reply. Best wishes.

[@andrewfalco9791]

Do you have any experience with the Wise card? You can travel through any country and pay any your bill with the currency of that country seamlessly. Have you heard about this card?

[@RetirementTravelers]

We have heard of it, but haven't used it. We use our Chase Sapphire Reserve for EVERYTHING, except cash. We have a Capitol One debit card for that. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@andrewfalco9791]

I believe you should try it. Your cash Balance yields nearly 5%.

[@markwyland4227]

​@@RetirementTravelers See my comment about Charles Schwab brokerage for ATM cash. 👍

[@jameskelly9243]

I need 3 pairs of shoes..slippers,flip flops,sneakers

[@RetirementTravelers]

Whatever you need. Thanks for sharing. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@catobie1948]

Just curious, if everything is on your phone, what happens if you lose it, leave it or it's stolen?

[@RetirementTravelers]

It is all backed up to the cloud, we each have a phone and much is on our computer as well. It wouldn't be fun to lose it, but we would survive. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@L.V.1]

How did your credit card get stolen?

[@RetirementTravelers]

Someone must have copied the number somewhere. The actual card wasn’t stolen, just the number. It was before we started using Apple Pay only. John & Bev

[@davedaniels4967]

I got kicked off an airline because I got sick eating their food!! Has that happened to anyone else? I was just curious.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Sorry to hear. Not happened to us yet. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@johnandsharon5785]

We loved those baths in Budapest! We even rented a bathing suit and towels to see how the communist era created more jobs. One person took our money, another person gave us 😊the suit, another gave us the towel, another gave us the key to the locker!

[@RetirementTravelers]

We loved the baths as well. Budapest is wonderful. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@TravelingToday-yu9gv]

Another excellent video - thanks! For getting over stuff that happens, I always think of the Tom Hanks movie, "Bridge of Spies" and the Soviet spy who gets caught and may get the electric chair or knows that when the Soviets get him they may shoot him, and he doesn't get upset. Hanks asks him if he's not worried and the reply is a simple, "Would it help?" kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6rPq2amfapojMU

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for sharing. Glad you enjoyed the video. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@elnovenohermano]

One mistake I am still adjusting myself from is making a too busy travel schedule 😂. Hotel is one of the biggest costs in a trip, so it makes sense to see as much as possible in a day; but if it becomes too exhausting for you to enjoy it, to appreciate it or to learn something from it, you would end up with nothing memorable anyway. Now after listing up all the things and attractions I want to see, I would eliminate more decisively those I am less interested or those that are too difficult to reach.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for sharing. Definitely have to pace yourself for the most enjoyment. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@cookiemonster-20]

Food is an important part of travelling for me. Always 3 hot meals with service if possible.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for sharing. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@hannahcoy8644]

Such great information, tips, tricks! Thank you for sharing!!

[@RetirementTravelers]

You are so welcome! Glad you found it helpful. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/