Simon Wilson's Top Travel Hacks! How To Get Free Upgrades…

[@niallbrooks3492]

I love travelling alone. It removes the stress of keeping everyone happy and you can focus on yourself. If you want stay in a hotel all day, you can or if you want to go out exploring you can also. There's so much freedom in it

[@cpmow831]

Agreed! I hate traveling with people.

[@charlottethornhill2138]

Solo travelling is the best thing I have done. Only 3 trips in but it’s so good. Like he says it does make you your own best friend. Can do what you want and when. So good

[@HappyHourPodcast]

Where have you been Charlotte?

[@charlottethornhill2138]

@@HappyHourPodcast So far Barcelona, Stockholm and Edinburgh. Some places I’ve fancied for a while but so hard to organise with friends so though why not go alone. Got a few more planned for the near future, some close to home some further adrift

[@mccuejonathan]

Totally agree with Simon, travelling by yourself is amazing, done 23 countries on my own and almost prefer going myself rather than with someone . You learn that you are a lot stronger than you think and that most people are brand new and will help you if you need!

[@HappyHourPodcast]

Agreed!!!

[@charlottethornhill2138]

Oooo 23 places. Where should I be going. If you have a recommendation for Europe and further afar I’d take it

[@venumb2]

@@charlottethornhill2138 Ljubljana, Slovenia

[@redpeppersgreentomatoes]

And you can bang loads of birds hey!! HEY???!!

[@DubioserAltschauerberger1510]

23 friggin countries?! I don't even know my capital of my own country. Y'all mad men

[@andymanser2523]

I went to Australia on my own as a shy, early 20 something. I grew up fast and soon opened up. Now I'm 39 now, and still see that as the making of who I am now. I'm not super confident, but a heck load more than had I never gone there.

[@seanvarian4578]

His unbiased approach to life and people is so refreshing

[@seanpaulfallon1463]

Been watching Simon for years, what a genuine nice guy he is and love his content.

[@HappyHourPodcast]

Us too! What’s your favourite video from Simon?

[@seanpaulfallon1463]

It’s got to be the no money challenges I’ve watched all of those videos a few times never gets boring, the the perseverance he has on the challenges and always manages to make it work no matter where he goes.

[@ryanmcdonnell665]

“Go to countries and try the food” says the guy who never tries any of the local Food and gets maccas.

[@michelsmolderss]

😂 Mr McDonalds

[@DubioserAltschauerberger1510]

McDonald's Andy Simon. Can I have some extra queso, cheers.

[@TheTJshow2011]

I was thinking that hahaha. When I go abroad, I have to eat the the cuisine of that country. I don't know how people can go abroad and then go to a McDonalds! What the heck!

[@maillon420]

in his defence; mcdonalds have really different menus everywhere. all tastes the same, however!

[@ryanmcdonnell665]

@@maillon420 that isn’t in his defence at all. It’s McDonalds. He never tries the local food so don’t know why he is acting like He does.

[@dannydee2668]

My friend says that he still can't believe that I talk to absolutely anyone. And last year I hadn't seen him for 12 months, and I waited at the bus stop to meet him so when he arrived, I'm talking to a group of three people and I introduced them like I had known them for years and we had only been talking for about 15 mins.

[@mattriley9048]

Solo travelling is absolutely the best thing I've ever done. 3 trips down with a 4th on the way in October, it's so great to explore different places I've wanted to go to for so long but put off because I had no one to go with! You learn so much about yourself, different cultures and you will almost certainly meet new people. Simon's videos helped give me that push to do it. My first trip was chaos but I don't regret it at all, it still remains the best trip I've done so far!

[@zache3818]

I did a trip from Rome to Paris alone when I was 23 and I gave myself 15 days. I’ve been to Greece, Hawaii, st Lucia, Ecuador, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Austria etc but that trip when I was 23 by myself is my best vacation ever with the most memories

[@Evy-1988]

travelling alone is amazing. I am introverted and not at all outgoing. But when I travel alone, everything I do is my decision. Want to get something done? Have to go do it myself or go speak to people myself.

[@conorbrown792]

You're not so introverted then tbh haha. You can just google everything. Don't have to actually mix with locals. But travelling alone isn't really alone if you're going to the pub with locals

[@Evy-1988]

@@conorbrown792 hi Conor, maybe don't judge someone you don't know on if they know the right terms for stuff they have been struggling with for their whole life :)

[@UPTHEBADMASH]

I can't recommend travelling alone enough, im currently watch this video in a hotel in Bosnia after my first solo trip travelling through 6 countries in 3 weeks, admittedly there were a few points when i almost bailed out and flew home but im so glad I saw it through and I had an incredible time

[@HappyHourPodcast]

Oh amazing! How’s Bosnia?! 🇧🇦

[@Paco1337]

Let me know if you're in Zenica I'll hook you up ✌

[@mbz25]

Tip 1 - Don't have social anxiety.

[@j-t4436]

After learning Spanish, I travelled Mexico for 2 months alone. Best experience ever, never went to any of the touristy place like Cancun etc. My favourite part of the trip was actually the state of Sinaloa, a state that fills most people with dread cos of its ties to cartels. Friendliest people I have ever met. Still remain friends with a lot of them to this day!

[@HappyHourPodcast]

That sounds amazing! We would love to visit Mexico! What’s on your travel bucket list that you’re yet to tick off? :)

[@charmainebusch9544]

Just luv Simon!!! Frm North Las Vegas, NV. USA

[@VoltesWithElias]

I recently went for a solo trip in Greece and it was an epiphany. I stood there one morning asking myself where I'd like to go and I answered my own question. Sounds like insanity but was in fact an epiphany.

[@maryannesmith1392]

I have been watching Simon when he was travelling with bold and Harold. I thought back then that Simon was quiet and I watched more of the other two. But now Simon would be the top one I watch and hardly watch bold and Harold. I find Simon honest and very much a people person. Simon has great vids. Thanks for the post. New Zealand.

[@HappyHourPodcast]

Thanks for the comment! Which part of NZ should we visit? It’s been on our list for a long time! 🇳🇺

[@maryannesmith1392]

@@HappyHourPodcast if you visit us all down here, you really need to take the time to do both islands. North island and South Island of New Zealand have different things to offer and for you to see.

[@muguk]

I did a solo Amtrak tour last September from Chicago to the Grand Canyon via multiple train services. Called in at Yellowstone Park, Yosemite too. I didn't take them up on the offer of the "see where the stars live" tour in Los Angeles. I just needed a rest and a comfy bed :)

[@marting.4465]

What a guy. Met Simon in Nakheel Mall, Dubai a couple of months ago. Absolute legend.

[@Budsport_TV]

Simon looking good these days. Good on ya mate the Macdonald’s diet is working great for ya!

[@johndillinger6218]

Its only better to book last min if you can afford it, same as not booking a return if you dont have a job to get back to..

[@BlakeBlackstone]

I've pretty much did everything by myself for the most part and honestly, for me it gets boring. I'm an introvert so if I go alone, I will not be talking to anybody at all. Whereas if I go with someone who might be more talkative, I will get to have those interactions and experiences that I otherwise would not have.

[@supernice000]

1. Speak to everyone (Learn about others adventures, hear about what others are doing/going can lead to other adventures) 2. Try traveling alone (It's a different learning experience) 3. Don't book anything. Go with the flow - that's when life happens (book a cheap temporary/fake flight to show you have a return flight, book your real flight out later) 4. Don't be closed minded about countries (Stereotypes are not true + You get the energy your put out into the world when meeting and interacting with new people) 5. Never accept no for a upgrade for Hotels/Restaurants ( Keep pushing and joking around with them - yeah you can, if speak to the chef/manager and they say no - tell them to come speak to me) * Simon posted his travel hacks on his social recently, check em out. These were the top 5 he chose to share in the podcast.

[@bid9339]

99% of people are not sponsored by revolut so don’t book anything and pay 2 or 3 times more makes no sense

[@emmanmerida2421]

Thank so much for appreciating us. Watching from Philippines.

[@danieledwards9856]

Love the Philippines, most welcoming country in the world. Great people.

[@garrya7576]

Simon is a great guy and his "travel hacks" are brilliant, too. However, I'm surprised that so many would like to travel alone. I think it's not that great. Of course, if you wanna go as deep as possible and mingle with the locals and get the real local experience, going alone is the best way. However, it has its drawbacks too. I have travelled alone and I indeed experienced things that wouldn't have been possible if I were with friends or with family; however, it gets a bit dark when you go around, visit places and it dawns on you that there is no one around you whom you can share this experience with. When you just keep taking those photos, visiting restaurants and bars alone, returning to your boring hotel room, it got to me. At some point I just felt like what the f am I doing here alone? So, yes, travelling alone has a completely different vibe. I had stories of losing my way drunk in the middle of the night in various countries, I got to the shadiest possible areas here and there... yes.. in a way I enjoyed it, but eventually I felt like something was just missing.

[@superdrwholock]

Yeah I imagine it could potentially exacerbate any mental health issues or maybe issues with a disability, I have autism and I doubt I could cope in another country alone at all. I suppose these tips are a lot more suited to white men who don’t have social anxiety, and who aren’t LGBT+, disabled, poor etc lol, can’t imagine being visibly queer or a woman not hiding their body and receiving a warm welcome in some of the countries he spoke about unfortunately

[@Aydin-Adam]

When I was 19 I flew from Philadelphia to London for a weekend by myself. It was February 2000. And the weather for my full day of being there was sunny and mild (around 60 degrees Fahrenheit). My girlfriend at the time thought I was crazy and ended up breaking up with me 😂

[@NealR2000]

Solo travel is the best. It makes you interact with strangers. Traveling with a friend or a group makes you interact just with them.

[@sheri1972]

Traveling by cruise ship is very conducive to solo travel. They often have arranged solo meetups and it is very easy to find people to chat with.

[@Gewershorts]

Amsterdam on my own for the first time on the 8th of June. Can’t wait. This video has made me more confident

[@MeanMrMustard_]

Same here 😂

[@majesticmythology]

That tip number 2 I wholeheartedly disagree with. Not everyone wants to go on holiday and have the stress of trying to find somewhere to stay. When you go on holiday, you want to relax or at least make the most of your time there, whatever it is you want to do. By planning ahead you can get the most out of the stay. Of course, keep some time free for downtime or random activities

[@Jordidwaard]

Agreed, this list is mostly just his preferences, not really hacks. I can guarantee you, if i follow every tip on this list, im going to have an awful awful time.

[@PaulFindlaybmx]

I think it’s more aimed at traveling rather than just tips for going on holiday

[@danmaher1862]

A holiday is different to travelling

[@majesticmythology]

@@PaulFindlaybmx oh I see ok thanks 👍

[@Cian-nt8zv]

Travelling tips not holiday tips

[@cpmow831]

I love and prefer traveling alone. It’s very relaxing.

[@HappyHourPodcast]

Where have you travelled to?!

[@cpmow831]

@@HappyHourPodcast I’ve only traveled inside the US alone but have plans for Africa, Australia, South America…

[@Louis-eh7mo]

Bumped into Simon in a coffee shop a few months back and he stopped his conversation to chat to me, sound genuine lad!

[@BrixtonTone]

Have done lots of travelling both alone and with a friend. There are pro's and cons for both circumstances, however as Simon says, travelling alone certainly offers a greater opportunity for reaction with people you meet on your journey.

[@trickster1504]

Love these videos with Simon thanks for sharing your experiences 😊

[@DubioserAltschauerberger1510]

#6 Always travel to countries with at least one McDonald's Restaurant

[@bertoppg]

Travelling alone is so true. I went to Sweden by myself a few days before my 18th birthday and had one of the best experiences of my life. I met so many amazing and hospitable people and experienced the country in a completely different way as to if I went with someone else. Great solo travel experience and created memories I will never forget.

[@kookiesk4873]

always wanted to travel alone just don't know if i can mentally do it lol

[@homsontravels]

Dam I want to travel with Simon lol. This is how I travel. It's always last minute and I let my conversations with locals guide the journey/itinerary.

[@Lloydb723]

I'd imagine Jack and Stevie would never travel alone - people knock it all the time but it's great.

[@motr1912]

Been to various cities on my own, Dusseldorf, Rome, Budapest, Madrid etc ... For gigs but it does give you a sense of uneasiness to start with but once you are there, it's fine. Certainly can do things at a much more leisurely pace. Only ever had one instance where i felt vulnerable but other than that, definitely recommend it if you are single of course. Not sure i would get away with it now. And Iran is not like how the media portrays it and is one country that really fascinates me.

[@HappyHourPodcast]

Most counties that are portrayed horrifically by the media are actually filled with absolutely lovely people!

[@JazzTemp]

I did this when I went to France in 2021 (after lock down, just before second lock down) ...best trip I ever went on (only took €800 with me and came back with €600) highly recommend it but the French people are a bit questionable to talk to 😅

[@SamGoesGlobal]

One of the guys who got me interested in vlogging (Y)

[@JC_303]

Simon Wilson giving travel tips is like Lance Stroll giving driving tips.

[@ironmuzz]

I booked a flight to dubai 4 hours before the flight and booked the hotel when i landed at the airport there ! best deal i ever had !!!

[@WoodyWanderer]

I’d love to do what he does as I’m similar I’ve flown places on my own but I don’t dare film people and I have a speech stammer usually fine but once I start filming it kicks in

[@973Gear]

(Contains personal opinions. You're welcome.) 1:24 Number 1: Speak to Everyone. *(Unless someone tells you to be quiet or tries to be racist.)* 5:44 Number 2: Try Travelling Alone. *(Until your partner starts begging you to go.)* 9:09 Number 3: Don't book anything. *(Okay... I have a J in my MBTI, so hell no. XD)* 11:51 Number 4: Don't be closed-minded about countries. (Preach.) 15:46 Number 5: Never accept "NO' for an upgrade. *(Nah, I pay extra for an upgrade, since I have the means for it.)*

[@willcraft9184]

Travelling alone is wonderful until like 8pm at night. Then it just feels lonely.

[@HappyHourPodcast]

What about meeting people out and about?!

[@edzedzedz]

@@HappyHourPodcast not everyone is capable of it. I'm shy and for me going out by myself and starting a convo with strangers is WAAYYYY harder than if I was with someone

[@conorbrown792]

Yeah like if you can just mix with people that easy, it's no wonder you love it! I respect it though, however as someone not so good with people, I hate travelling alone

[@AdventuresWithRy]

1 solo trip down, many more to come 🙌

[@HappyHourPodcast]

Where did you go Ryan?

[@AdventuresWithRy]

Ubud, Bali 🇮🇩

[@AdventuresWithRy]

Europe soon 🙂

[@adambell2100]

Went to France by myself and it was amazing

[@ImmAndreZ]

Well...Not everyone has the ability to buy a ticket last-second 🤣🤣

[@DannyBoy89]

Exactly! He is fortunate to do this as its his job!

[@Ra1nperson]

You do say that. But I've booked hotels on the day if I have to stop at a place and they're usually cheaper

[@AarhamKaisar]

not everyone has british pasport bro.for ex with my sport I can only go to 50 countries vissa free or on arrival

[@antistraveling3522]

I booked Thailand with no plan Booked a flight to Bangkok and planned the next few days in the hostel

[@HappyHourPodcast]

And how was it?

[@MrLostinHouse]

I'm currently solo in Thailand. Done Bangkok for 3 days (more than enough - the city is HOT), 2 days in Phuket, 2 days in Koh Phi Phi and now back in Phuket. I've had the best experience. Even extended by 2 days. You'll have an amazing time

[@Devildanny666]

Simons okay he has the funds for any situation so he’s sorted to be able to do anything

[@baxter5577]

You’re absolutely right and obviously there is always a financial factor. I would recommend checking out his earlier content where he didn’t have the money to book transport or accommodation. It’s obviously not as luxurious or realistic for people with jobs and responsibilities but it does show you don’t need a huge bank account to make these trips happen. Check out his NYC to LA on no money series in particular 👍

[@Devildanny666]

@@baxter5577 yeah for sure and yeah spot on 👌

[@el_Murpho]

1. Speak in to the microphone

[@muguruki2256]

100% Always travel alone!

[@shawnfloyd6542]

Word !

[@Cryptoandgains]

Very slightly flexing that Daytona ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Simon ? good choice lad !

[@maxwelljacobfriedman3567]

I miss travelling by myself at times, going to Bangkok on my own was far more fun than when I went on my most recent trip there with my fiance. Not that I'll tell her that 😂

[@salmankayani6212]

I'll be honest, the same thing happens to me with my wife. I love her don't get me wrong but I love alone time and waking up when ever I want and not having to worry about anything and other person safety etc 😂 recent went to Germany, Poland and Slovakia alone. Felt so much peace 😊

[@formxshape]

Same… plus travel with wife is x2 the cost to me, and she doesn’t want street food - it’s fancy this and that… 😂

[@Crystal-Sound-Digital-Studio]

Let me give you a tip: It's illegal to film someone in a public place in Romania without that person's consent. It can land you between 3 to 5 years behind bars.

[@syedvaz6109]

I think Simon missed a tip TIP ONE - Get a sponsor for the channel lol

[@HappyHourPodcast]

That’s always helpful 😂

[@eros_161]

tip 1 adjust the volume

[@GuentherSteiner92923]

Tip #6: Know they speak Portuguese in Brazil and not Spanish after talking to a driver.

[@darensavy5014]

Simmo is a gun 💪

[@nicholaswilce5742]

Mashtag next please

[@superdrwholock]

While I love his enthusiasm, a lot of these tips seem more like personal preferences really lol, I imagine being a woman, or non-white, or LGBT+ (especially being more visibly so) etc would really complicate these things, particularly in countries with less human rights or understanding of different groups of people. I can’t imagine my autistic ass just going to some random country alone on a whim and coping, I barely cope in my own country haha

[@brummietraveller]

Love Simon videos, ive started solo traveling thanks to him. Appreciate if anyone wants to check the vids out.

[@Joe-gy7dc]

You need to get bald and bankrupt and Timmy on to tell you about how they travelled across the Darien gap and the beast train they will have stories you cannot believe

[@Epiqe]

Thats sweet but you have to make money somehow, and than it is not easy for everyone to travel when you have to work in a job, if you have family, other responsibilities etc.

[@JD-wo3mi]

Last year I traveled 7 times solo and 2 this year solo and next week I’m going to the USA solo I’m 23 from the uk

[@cjbryce100]

Couldn’t think of anything worse than travelling yourself

[@HappyHourPodcast]

Why?

[@Ron_Swanson]

What Id give to be that nonchalant/naive

[@Zaay93]

I travel alone once a year and don’t talk to anyone haha.

[@kristencarlbon4561]

That’s definitely gonna be a different experience for women just going wherever they want especially Muslim countries men can travel anywhere in the world. Now women can definitely travel to the UK and Europe in the United States but it’s very different for women to travel into Muslim countries.

[@snookerstones]

His tips are all great but reality is not everyone’s got the money to do it

[@HappyHourPodcast]

A great point.

[@charlottethornhill2138]

Obviously I understand it can be very hard financially for people but honestly you can go away for 2 nights for £300. Cheap flights and hostel stays are great.

[@darrenpeckitt5512]

It is also the hidden costs from traveling as well that really sting the budget

[@charlottethornhill2138]

@@darrenpeckitt5512 What hidden costs do you mean?

[@darrenpeckitt5512]

@@charlottethornhill2138 I just mean the costs you initially don't think about such as travel to and from airport, entry to places etc. I agree that you can book cheap flights and stay in cheaper places but there will always be other costs to a trip

[@DannyBoy89]

Sorry but most of these tips can be dangerous if not ridiculously stupid. I dont think its safe for everyone to travel alone to certain countries let alone our own country (i.e a young woman on her own). As much as i agree in being open minded to other countries & people, you get bad eggs everywhere & the more you put yourself out of your comfort zone the higher that risk of meeting a bad egg. Not saying everyone incl. young girls should be scared & stay inside at all… but i think you should be more careful than live like the wind like this vlogger does.

[@terex9]

Lol woman are fine travelling by themselves, you chauvinistic dinosaur

[@Tee-mf4ez]

If you are ridiculously stupid, then these tips might seem ridiculously stupid. Try look on the bright side of life sometimes DannyBoy. Travelling alone is amazing for anyone and will be safe if you are careful and don't act like an idiot.

[@xxxiiixxx1404]

Women travel on their own

[@harrisonbroom5229]

Solo travel is way more common and safe than you think. The world isn’t as scary as the media wants you to believe. I’ve traveled to over 15 countries solo and have never had any issues. Have met countless females doing the same thing.

[@DannyBoy89]

@@harrisonbroom5229 yeah i can understand my uncle had gone to almost every country & continent on his own & has 0 problems. But i do think it is irresponsible to say nobody will have issues if u go alone & chat to everyone cos sometimes that can end bad.

[@stephengriffith7066]

An English man saying "the Irish liked to get Pissed" ... lol You need to travel more :)

[@Alan-un1qq]

You should always tell someone your filming them, rude as fuck expecting everyone to be ok with being in your video

[@DinDjarin777]

@baldandbankrupts videos are awesome, the guy knows every language it’s so impressive !

[@jumpy2xstreaming]

They are but Simons are worlds better IMO

[@quilmes99]

McDonald’s

[@GM-tw4el]

I agree with speaking to everyone, except in Eastern Europe former communist States where people will genuinely think you're a nutter and escaped from an asylum for even cracking a smile 😂

[@xbriskx]

People are so cringe talking about their travels when going to major cities lol.

[@DubioserAltschauerberger1510]

#7 never trust a welshman

[@davidfarr5085]

Worst travel tips ever not practical for vast majority of travellers

[@oldmanc2]

Am I the only one who finds SW an untrustworthy Scouse scally? His constant jibbing in antics I found too much and i blocked him.

[@RedThundrr]

Yes you're on your own

[@joep5080]

Sounds welsh to me

[@RedThundrr]

@@joep5080 because he is welsh The manc is just an idiot

[@mij6918]

what a load of nonsense

[@bluenosebrum8164]

These bloggers make £ out of uncomfortable randomness. And are rich. Most us get 1 week holiday per year and would rather not stay in 1* Syrian hotels thanks

[@MrArikan]

Great podcast! That’s exactly what I was wondering while watching @simonwilson12 like how the hell he’s doing all that! Thanks for the video! 🤙🏻