25 Rookie Travel Mistakes NOT TO MAKE

[@heynadine]

If you are looking for more awesome travel hacks check out these videos!: kzbin.info/aero/PLBmF7uPtI-4FkVJVfUeYExFKdSK7z60NA For more expert advice with planning your travels, check out my how-to-travel e-book: bit.ly/httravel-ebook

[@beepboop8046]

life/travel hack: after lots of walking/skating/leg activity at the end of the day lay on the floor, legs up, butt against the wall to help drain the lactic acid, do it for a long time so they will be less sore in the moment & the next day

[@ShannonMorse]

pro tip on WiFi: make sure to use a VPN. Open access public wifi (even password protected ones) can easily be intercepted. If youre entering passwords or logging onto a site, it's really important to protect your accounts, specially when traveling. Sincerely, your local good girl hacker. ;)

[@Meli-ul9zt]

can you explain this to me in a simpler way please? sorry but I am very clueless when it comes to these sort of things.

[@ShannonMorse]

+Mel Ordonez my show TekThing breaks it down, or Hak5. But basically a VPN privatises your internet traffic by creating a virtual tunnel from your computer to the website you wanna visit. Anyone outside the tunnel can't see what you're doing, they just see random bits of computer speak. There's tons of VPNs available but read their terms of service because some cheaper ones log your information while you're using their product.

[@heynadine]

great tip. Yes, I use a VPN, expressVPN it's a paid services, but it's the only one that works in China! which ive been a few times.

[@supersilverdoll]

WHERE HAVE U BEEN ALL MY LIFE!!!!!!!!! I'M SO HAPPY THAT I FOUND YOU!!!!🙂🙃🙂🙃 I WISHED I'VE FOUND YOUR CHANNEL EARLIER WHEN I WAS AT UNIVERSITY!!! XX BS CS GRAD GIRL🙌🏼

[@supersilverdoll]

SOOO HAPPY THAT YOU LIKE WATCHING NADINE TOOOO!! I JUST FOUND U AND I'M A FANGIRLING RN..: WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME..☺️☺️☺️

[@sarahbrewer3086]

my travel rules: 1. always bring an extra pair of underwear, just in case.... (inherited from mom, she sat in a puddle and now its a rule) 2. always bring at least 2 pairs of shoes-- after a year of traveling i thought i was being savvy and packing light by just having one pair, until my favorite walking shoes betrayed me with blisters on a 5 day trip. now its a rule. 3. always bring granola bars. i have a limited diet, so these are my backup if i cant find something i can eat. i also made a habit of taking note if i saw a place with stuff i could eat, in case i couldnt find anything at meal time i could go back to the place i saw earlier. for the "forgetting your cords" thing, i always make a sticky note list of stuff im bringing that isnt packed so in the morning i can just check them off and go. at hotels/hostels (and tbh like cafes and benches too), always look behind you and make sure its e.m.p.t.y. check your camera battery at night so you can charge it overnight. also once when i was a kid i had my camera literally lifted off my shoulder and didnt notice, so now i constantly do the "pocket-tap/shoulder check" thing, even when im out at home. i think its a goos habit to have. i found downloading maps (i used the google maps app) really helpful as well, even without data or wifi i always could see my location, and i would save my accommodation location so i could see where i needed to be. Also helpful to know what public transit stops are near where youre staying, cuz then you can use the transit maps to get you back to where you can find your way. double check dates. my whole group might have had to pay double cuz i booked the wrong day, but thankfully as soon as i realized i called and they changed it even thought the site said nontransferable.

[@disflylatina]

If you're getting souvenirs do it toward the end of your trip because if you start right away you end up collecting too many things or later find the same item somewhere else for much cheaper. Definitely don't over schedule!

[@heynadine]

+Maritza Zavaleta yup!!!great advice, forget to mention that one

[@lundesh1]

Hey Nadine y

[@tonyadelozier7439]

Actually, If i find something I LOVE, I get it and don't worry about it. I may not see it again.

[@cre8tveldy]

PRO TIP: underwear is easily washed in your room. Use the shampoo or body wash provided by your hotel and wash each day when you shower!

[@emileymack9626]

Smart lol

[@YaraNeeDennis]

I did this so many times.

[@tomasrepisky1763]

Throw it directly in the shower while you shower. Kick it around a little and then rince and dry.

[@Jay-ib2xx]

Tomáš Repiský 😂😂

[@kiki3721]

also can bring small container of laundry detergent

[@misse7154]

From a veteran traveler who has been to over 50 countries: don't worry about "laundry days/facilities". Bring a little powdered detergent and wash your clothes in the sink. Many hotels even have clothes lines! Saves a LOT of time and money. Also, make a copy of your passport in case yours is stolen. And always wear a cross-body bag and be aware of your surroundings. There are a lot of thieves who target Americans and can easily swipe your belongings without you knowing if they're not secured....

[@SimplyManipuri]

and its a great saver too timewise & $$$$

[@coolcatcarolena4951]

One way I found to avoid jetlag when going international is flying at night (if it's 5+ your flight)...I book the latest flight possible which usually means I arrive in the morning to my foreign destination. This gives me the opportunity to sleep all night while flying and I wake up ready to land and explore my new destination.

[@kirstyd8909]

I actually have done this and did not enjoy it, we travelled for about 13 hours and even overnight it was very broken sleep. We arrived in the morning and wanted a nap so badly but NOPE, can't check in until 2pm 😭😭😭

[@curlydiva2948]

pro tip: you can pre download languages on google translate and use without data.

[@torryiebaby]

ck is there an app for it?

[@curlydiva2948]

yes. just download google translate. and then you can download the languages for offline use. also, you can take pictures of something in another language and translate it into English. I did in Spain this summer when I was looking for hair care items lol

[@urwrstntmre]

ck Even better pro tip: learn a few languages ;)

[@andarii.i]

THANK YOU! I am going to Athens (stop) and needed it!

[@imhelensakura]

You can even translate with a picture (if online) is awesome for languages like chinese and so

[@nilsdelventhal339]

1. Choose your travel companions very, very wisely 2. Keep track of your budget When travelling for a longer period of time even small habbits happen to become extremely annoying and even ruin trips + friendships. A good solution would be to start together and plan a destination where you consider walking seperate ways... These were my biggest mistakes probably, asking my parents to buy my flight home wasn't a pleasure.

[@SarahWheeleeTravels]

I'm not a rookie, but I've learned to be hyper efficient in airport security. Stretchy clothes, separate packs for liquids and battery packs and cameras, ready to whip out, and rubber soled shoes. You gotta be ready so you aren't holding up the line. Nothing is worse than having to send your bag back through the machine. Know what they want to look at separately from your bag, and have it ready. Anyways. Thanks for these tips chickadee! I love your videos. We should collab one day! You have such a good energy. byeeee! peace and hugs from China!

[@RymVri108]

My tips: 1) Plan rest days, especially if you're going to be traveling for a couple of weeks. You NEED down days. It helps if you can do laundry on these days. 2) Rent an apartment so you can cook some of your meals. Grocery shopping in a foreign country is an experience that will take you from tourist to traveller, and it saves you money. If you're going to be in an area for a week or more, get a place to "live" for that time, not just "stay." 3) Pack light. You will never wear everything you bring. Except for underwear-pack a few extra pair.

[@MyLifeAsLouis]

I'd already made most of these mistakes lol In addition, don't forget to bring a universal travel adapter! Bringing a charger is useless if it doesn't fit the foreign electrical sockets :)

[@heynadine]

+MyLifeAsLouis yup!!

[@hoangyen6893]

Ask the front desk, they'll lend you one ;)

[@rayva1]

Better to keep your videos short, sweet 'n straight to the point. Overall, luv all your pointers. Peace up!

[@banchnotok]

Thailand sockets are universal :D

[@salsarocksgymnastics3325]

MyLifeAsLouis iuiiiiu

[@MephistoRolling]

I'd add hydration. traveling makes you very dehydrated and that makes you run down. Also if travelling in groups antibiotics, people living so close breed sicknesses.

[@misse7154]

Also make sure that a.) the water is sanitary b.) you have currency to pay for bottled water if it's not. I was stranded once in an Eastern European country, extremely parched without being able to obtain local currency and despite going to 3 currency locations in country (that didn't carry it's local currency). I ended up drinking water out of a tap- biggest mistake of my life. I got giardia and was sick for 3 months after. Lesson learned: bring an extra bottle with you at all times if you're in a place with sketchy water. And always make sure there is a seal on the lid. Some vendors will refill bottles and try to sell you "used" water....

[@piamishelle]

Erin Harbaugh ya and drink bottled water or water you know is sealed and wasn't opened or airplane coffee/tea because they use tap water for the coffee/tea and the tap water on planes has so much bacteria like it's horrible and deathly

[@Sipu97]

Antibiotics? Don't you get them AFTER you get sick from your doctor and not beforehand? Might be different in your country but to me that sounds irresponsible, the bacteria will create resistance.

[@GabrielOliveira-golicar]

That's absolutely true. One should NEVER take antibiotics without a medical prescription.

[@2006g6gtp]

Don't take too many pictures. You could spend your time behind a screen trying to capture the moment instead of living in it.

[@ForeverFashionGirl21]

but if you are a photographer then being behind the screen is what you do- but for everyone else yes live in the moment. I try to always sit down where I am and just take it in as well.

[@cyl4018]

thestaceofspade True, but to see how a photo is going to end up, doesn't need a camera -- atleast in my personal opinion. If you can atleast observe or perceive the magnificence of what you're planning to take a picture of, you won't need to be capturing the moment behind a screen like Robert said. You will know it's good photographic material just by creating a potential composition about how it will look in your mind.

[@insertcringeyusername3059]

Always bring medicine for headaches.

[@natasama1069]

Sarcasticat 6 And diarrhea...

[@zakosist]

Is that in case of food poisoning and ideal to take then?

[@natasama1069]

zakosist It's always good to have them. It doesn't have to be food poisoning-it could be climate change or water change etc.

[@SchuhPhoto]

Yes! Some countries don't allow Ibuprofen without a prescription. If that is your headache drug of choice, bring it with you! Plus, when you have a headache, the last thing you want to do is walk a strange city looking for a pharmacy.

[@kerifreel9385]

GPS your taxi rides in foreign countries. They may not speak your language and may not take you where you intend on going. (this happened to us)

[@shilohgoes5544]

She's a travel blogger, of course she needs wifi people.

[@WanderVibesOnly]

I used to work in a hostel and we have a drawer full of chargers and travel adapters left behind by our guests, and we have to get rid of them once the drawer is full lol Anyway I'm doing my first solo travel to London soon! Nervous and excited for that :S

[@claratuna]

I live here- i advise going to camden lock market

[@WanderVibesOnly]

Will check it out. Thanks! :D

[@Meli-ul9zt]

when are you going to London? I'm going to be there also towards the end of July.

[@WanderVibesOnly]

Aww man... I'll be there early Sept :)

[@joshstones1233]

brick lane is high on the list as someone who lives in london, good place to start but also try outside of london for a true idea of the uk :)

[@thescranline]

No Nadine lol. Americans tip because hospitality workers in America are paid below a minimum wage. Countries where tipping is not a thing pay their workers a liveable wage. But because the American government is not interested in compensating it's working class a liveable wage, those who go out to dinner, hop in an uber or cab or use any number of services are forced to compensate workers wages so that corporations and those at the top can get richer. So essentially they work for next to nothing and only get paid if customers tip. That's why Americans tip. Because they have to.

[@jencasey316]

Pro tip: check the local economy before deciding on carrying all cash or depending on your ATM. I've been travelling since 2001 (so actually watched this to decide if you would have some newer tricks that I could use for potential business travel - aka 2-3 days - vs the long vacation trips I'm used to) and I have found as I have gotten more adventurous that you cant depend on access to an ATM everywhere you go (and some places they just arent safe to use even if you find them). If the place where you are travelling is way outside normal touristy places and doesnt have reliable electricity you wont find any ATMs (even more so when you know they have NO electricity!) and so you need to carry all your money in CASH. I have a friend in the Foreign Service (we were friends before she got the job) and I have visited her in some out of the way places and most of the time it has been really hard to get money and no one takes cards. If you are going somewhere with a very low standard of living, where the money isnt worth much and people are living on a couple dollars a day, then you wont find ATMs or you will have to travel quite a ways into the wealthy neighborhoods to find a safe one (because the touristy areas tend to have skimmers on theirs). My first trip to see her was to Cairo while she was still a student (she is a Mideast specialist), it took us over an hour and a half to get to the nearest safe ATM from her apartment. No one we interacted with (including the Pyramids!) took credit or debit card or had any way of doing so (this was just before the Arab Spring) so I needed all the cash I was going to use - which I took out in one big transaction. The key to carrying all that cash is to divide it up - small bills are best as you said - and hide it all over your body. Put just what you are going to use that day in your wallet the rest goes inside your clothes in internal pockets or a hidden money belt (under tucked in clothing!). I was lucky that only my friend and her one roommate who was also an American student had keys to her apartment because I could leave the bulk of my money there but that wouldnt have been possible with a hotel. And Cairo was a very touristy place at the time! Visiting her in Nigeria I could only get money by paypalling it to her and having her get it out of her account at the embassy for me. So again - carried all cash. We spent a few days way out in the jungle at a nature rehabilitation preserve where the only electricity they had was from a couple solar panels and it was just enough to run the electric fences that kept the groups of primates they were rehabbing and breeding separated (no running water either unless you counted a rain barrel with a rope that you held down to open a small spout for a shower as running water). The local village where many of the non-scientist, non-veterinarian workers lived had no electricity at all (neither did most of the town we went through on the 8 hour drive out there) so no ATMs but lots of good food to buy and some amazing souvenirs too. So yea, really look at where you are going before deciding that you dont need to carry all the money you will need for your stay in cash and that you dont need to exchange currency before you go (always better to do through a bank in your home country a couple weeks in advance if possible) or at a currency exchange at the destination. And if you have read this long - my biggest "rookie" mistake - made when I was definitely not a rookie sadly: check all the required vaccines and meds (like anti-malarials!) way ahead of time (did that was ok there) AND double check when to start them and how long after you need to take them (also did that was good there) AND most importantly check for any pertinent SIDE EFFECTS - namely ones that wouldnt matter in your home climate but become extremely important in climates you arent used to as it is. I learned this the hard way as the anti-malarials I was prescribed and took cause extra sun-sensitivity, and the sun in Nigeria is a bit (ok a LOT) stronger than the sun at home. I got sun poisoning my last day there when we went to the beach for the day even though I reapplied SPF 100 (cause I knew the sun was stronger and I burn in New England as it is) every hour or so. Flying with your skin melting off from sun poisoning is NOT fun. And if I had read the pamphlet insert that came with the meds instead of just packing them and going I would have brought a cover up and a hat to wear when we were not swimming and made sure I spent more time in our beach hut shelter thing and maybe reapplied my sunscreen every half hour that day, instead of hanging on the sand in a bikini all day. So know the side effects of anything different that you have to take on your trip!

[@leahdavidson2557]

Jen D how was Nigeria? Did you travel alone? What was your experience?

[@jencasey316]

I really enjoyed Nigeria but I was visiting my best friend who is in the Foreign Service and was stationed there. She made all the arrangements and I stayed at the consulate with her besides when we went to visit a nature preserve way in the jungle. We hired a local driver to take us from the airport out to the preserve and to pick us up at the end of the 3 days and the staff at the preserve showed us around and gave us suggestions of hikes to do - including a guided tour of the canopy led by a ranger (outside the preserve in a national park). They also drove us into the village where most of the local (nonscientist) workers live who showed us around there. We did see Calabra on our own - stayed a night in a hotel there which was decent and the museum was nice - all on colonial history. We took cabs around the city as they were more reliable than buses or walked places close to the hotel. In Lagos we mostly did the Foreign Service circuit and she had a driver (its how they support the local economy) and cook so we generally just went out for lunch and dinner on his night off. The beach was amazing - really warm water and we were able to rent a pavillion of sorts (permanent roof structure but shaped more like a giant umbrella) with chairs and spent most of the time out of the water just because it was so bright that day and we wanted to minimize burning. We walked across the island to see the shipwrecks and to take in the nature around it (a tiny barrier island - we had to take a water taxi from Lagos city) and did swim on and off a few times. It was a great trip but probably not typical because of who I was with and where. The fabric market was amazing and I bought a ton of fabric to make into clothing when I got home, but no pictures as it isnt a safe area to have a camera or phone out.

[@SteppingStonevlogs]

This is was great to read. Thanks!

[@BeautyMommysUnite]

TL;DR: check the economy to make sure they have ATMs or somewhere you can access your money. Yiu may need to carry all the cash you'll need. Dont trust sketchy ATMs in poor areas. Make sure you get all your vaccines and know what the side effects are. All good advice.

[@goncaloreismorais9225]

Great video Nadine, for me the most important and underrated Rookie mistake is travelling with a preconceived notion of the place where you're going or hyping things like you said . For instance if you're traveling to a place where you think it will only going to be sunny because of some photos you saw online, just a little bit of rain can be enough to make you regret your choice or activities for that day. Don't travel thinking things can only went ONE WAY, that's the fastest way to get disappointed.

[@joelwalberg9802]

I know this is an older post, and someone probably already said this, but learning at a minimum some key phrases and basic words in the local language. When I started studying Spanish I decided to take a trip to Spain for my vacation, and I can't tell you how many laughs I got out of watching people struggle because they were so dead set on not not speaking Spanish when any travel guide will tell you it isn't widespread.

[@ericpotts4170]

Rookie Mistake: Not knowing what the local currency looks like, especially coins. On my first trip to London I learnt quickly that it’s not uncommon to have to pay to use the restroom. After trying to take the tube into central London, another rookie mistake, and learning there were “improvements” on the route turning a 1 hour trip into 2, I really needed to go when I got to St. Pancras. I had a 10£ note and was worried that the change machine would give me 10£ in quarters but went for it after all the merchants told me they didn’t have any change. Once I got my change, I was lost. I think I ended up paying for three others to use the loo too! Moral to the story google what the local currency looks like before you go. :)

[@katiewebb3230]

I'm going on a bus tour of Europe this summer for 3 weeks. I am very nervous for the logistics of traveling. This video is a huge help and gives me some peace of mind. Thanks for keeping it real!

[@michaela1871]

I always rely on wifi from airports and hotels im staying. I always check on schedules and best route before I head out. Once I'm out I don't use my phone anymore to check the Internet or social media. I just want to be disconnected from the world and enjoy the current country I'm in.

[@thihal123]

Rookie mistake is thinking data and wifi is necessary for traveling. There are other ways to get information.

[@Rorogee1]

There are other ways, but. A lot of the times tho its quicker on a phone. Im not gonna walk to an ATM to find out what my account balance is if im out and about. Phone or mobile devices is a one stop shop for information and communication. its convenience not a nuisance

[@Victoria-be1nf]

thihal123 it's terrifying if you get lost and can't communicate with someone to get directions

[@IrinNovy]

Victoria Heeter but then it's something to remember :) I was in Barcelona once and they just don't have the names of the streets on the buildings so even with a map you have no idea where you are. So I had to remember all of my Spanish to ask a local how to get to the place I needed. It was late evening btw. Now it's a fun story to tell. Google maps are easier but not that interesting ;)

[@arthursandomine5464]

Yes! Get a map 😃😃😃

[@BlakeToves]

some people work and travel and therefore need wifi.

[@MaggieMaltese]

Get an unlimited/larger SIM card/data plan or just survive an hour or so without Wifi/Data. I never miss a good food opportunity just because the place has shitty wifi, that's coming from a foodie!

[@26Bluegb]

I agree. Unplug and enjoy where you are and what you are doing instead of being obsessed with wifi. People traveled without before, you'll survive!!

[@aldonastraczek]

sometimes it is indeed awesome to unplug for a few days or just simply an evening to socialise or spend quality time with your travel companion

[@BeautyMommysUnite]

Right. Even if your job relies on wifi, an hr or so won't hurt

[@A2YTravellers]

Me and my girlfriend are around two months into our backpacking adventure. One thing we have learnt is try to not do loads of activities all day everyday because you do end up burning out. Try to give yourself rest time. It makes travelling so much more enjoyable. Happy travels! :)

[@Psychedelic-giraffe]

If you're going to be using hotel and restaurant wifi a lot, most ask for your email address, so it might be a good idea to have a second email for this so your regular email does not get clogged with spam

[@levitatedcat]

Last month I flew from LAX to Algiers, and I had about 1h20min to catch my connecting flight in Italy, and not only was I held up in customs, but there was a 2 hour delay before I even left LA! I totally missed the flight but the airline compensated for the delay of course and got me on the next flight to Algiers, which was nine hours later. I was stuck in the airport for HOURS. So yes. Allow some reasonable amount of time for your connecting flights lol.

[@Melaniehuh]

I work in a hotel at the front desk and people leave their chargers ALL the time!

[@heynadine]

+Melanie 🌴

[@chrissetian]

Once a friend of mine forgot his phone & the charger at the hotel, i reminded him many times not to forget.

[@emmahancox3640]

I love how you can talk about being an experienced traveller without sounding patronising, and give advice without making others feel like they know nothing. :) Awesome video xox

[@Suzee46]

I'm off to O'ahu in 8 days!! It's my second trip there in two years...my daughter's third time. We're bringing two newbies with us. Seven days of Paradise!! Heck yeah!!

[@NejisMate]

You share some really great tips! - I never take a flight with a connection time under 1h30min ever since I missed a flight… - I used to always buy vending machine drinks in Japan, like 2-3 a day (it was summer), but that cost a lot of money in the end. Now I just buy a big bottle and re-fill in with water at the hostels. - Always check bus and train schedules! Especially if you are going to less touristy places that don’t have frequent connections.

[@caitlinmanton4707]

When you come to Sydney, Australia and are planning on taking public transport, you must buy an Opal Card.

[@livvydee5732]

Caitlin good to to know! Canadian student heading to Sydney in July :)

[@miisalisa]

Yes, it's in nearby convenience stores, the cards are free :)

[@eliftok7877]

Can you explain the Opal Card a little more please? :D Where's the difference to an ordinary bus ticket? Only possible difference that comes in my mind is a card like in turkey you can load and use for public transportation

[@caitlinmanton4707]

Opal Cards are what some say to be our version of an English Oyster Card. It covers ferries, buses and trains.

[@eliftok7877]

Caitlin Thanks for the answer though I don't know "our" version of an English Oyster Card, because I'm from Germany haha But I think I got it

[@ValerieBrett]

Hahaha I love this: "unrealistic expectations about your physical fitness." So true! For me, when I think I can walk everywhere... but also as a yoga teacher in Hawaii & previous hiking tour guide, I saw people think they were way more fit than they were ALL the time

[@starsearchreject]

I've done a little traveling (I had to wait until my children got older). My main advice as a newbee traveler, is be selective in your traveling companion(s). Go with people who are on the same page, or at least in the same "chapter", as you. If you are the adventurous backpacker sort, you might not want to go with someone who prefers resorts. If you are a quiet and reflective person, you may not want to go with someone who wants to teach you about everything you see - they mean well, but it's not a good fit... (for example - I'm soaking in a piece of art, meanwhile my companion is explaining it - things like that can make it hard to enjoy yourself). Good friends are not always good traveling companions. Heck - your significant other is not necessarily a good traveling companion. :D Personally, I think I'm better off solo, which has its advantages (less expensive, you're on your own itinerary, etc). Just something to think about. :)

[@J.5.M.]

Another point on tipping (which I've experienced in Nicaragua), be mindful of where your tips go. Sometimes the server doesn't actually get it and it goes to the owner of the restaurant.

[@catelinohanlon]

guys!if your hotel dosent have laundry facilities you can buy a small tube from a grocery store called travel wash and you just add a small amount to a bath full of water and soak your clothes in it!problem solved ;)

[@aboyd144]

Caty O thanks (:

[@joblakesley2159]

Caty O this is something I always do, in fact I have a couple of tubes in reserve because I buy them when they are on offer.... 3 for 2 etc

[@taniaM107]

Your a seasoned traveler, soooooo... Can you do a video explaining more about traveling by train... mostly Europe? I'm planning a my first trip and I NEED HELP!!!! I know you've discussed it briefly in other videos but can you please do a more comprehensive video about Euro passes and transportation in general. Like for example can I use my pass for local transportation as well as to and from each country? How do you go about making reservations for trains? PS my biggest rookie mistake was when I went to Puerto Rico and before coming home I decided to buy like 10 fresh mangos to take home with me. I placed them in my carry on so they wouldn't get smushed. However, when I was going through security they took them away because your not allow to transport the seeds outside of Puerto Rico. 😡 So I had to leave them with the TSA guy...who probably ate them! 😡😡😡lol

[@sam3309]

HI:) I traveled Europe by train last year so I have a few tips to share. Eurail is the site I used to buy my tickets. I was going to a bunch of countries so I got the Global Pass, but which pass you get depends on where you are going and for how long. You can reserve some trains in advance if they are popular routes. Some trains require reservation, some allow it if you want (but if you NEED it, reserve it ((my rookie mistake)) ), and some are just a first come, first serve kind of thing. The Eurail Pass doesn't give you much extra when it comes to other local transpiration, but it varies by country. Some passes even give you a couple of free boat rides. They also offer discounts on some local transportation. One thing to be aware of is not all trains are covered by the pass. Each country has different trains that partner with Eurail or whichever site you use. The only trouble I had was in Switzerland where they checked my ticket on a train to see the Matterhorn and said my pass wasn't good. Cost an extra 40 EU to get in to the city and then again to get out. Just make sure to research before you buy and make sure the companies who run the trains you need are part of the pass. Happy traveling :)

[@taniaM107]

+Samantha Wright thanks for the advice!

[@taniaM107]

+Samantha Wright this might be a stupid question but do you go through customs each time you enter into another country?

[@sam3309]

I never had that experience when I was there, but it's def not a stupid question!

[@HarryPotterFreakLena]

+Tania Molina if you stay in Europe you won't have to worry about borders (apart from a few exceptions). All countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement don't have borders. You can move and travel freely.

[@KAYoLEE]

SUPER guilty of carrying too much cash with me. I get paranoid and don't want to use foreign ATMs but I should be more trusting.

[@hunterfrench1283]

Kaylee Reppel usually airport ones are reliable, especially at international airports

[@grif13]

Factful video. Thanks Nadine. 3 tips to piggyback on your ideas. 1) Water. You never know when the city you are staying at shuts off the water, like it happened to me in Poland. Keep hydrated. 2) Small pack of laundry soap. Laundrying is expensive like you pointed out. Rome was crazy expensive and confusing. 3) Twine or bungie cords. They come in handy for all types of misc. needs, like hanging said laundry or tying down your pack when it busts oven with souvenirs . Added tip - post cards from your home town. It's always a nice ice breaker, besides beer, to show people a postcard of where you are from. Bon voyage. See you on the road.

[@Mimi-ss3xx]

I really hyped up Paris and was disappointed when I got there. Such a dirty city. I hopped on the Eurostar and went to London and had a way better time there.

[@enoughnonymity]

IKR

[@sofisofia8556]

yes paris is so dirty! all the subway line is smelling like pee urgh, other are in france are so clean n beautiful, worth it , just not paris

[@faantasticas]

I never was in Paris, but for me London was also very dirty in some parts of the City.

[@aarongarcia1608]

I guess it depends where you come from. To me home is Los Angeles, and I go to New York City a few times a year (work), so I didn't find Paris and London dirty at all. If you've been to the artist district and Venice beach in LA, and NYC Subways, then the smell of pee is no big deal. But Paris like an other city has its good and bad parts.

[@myrrthes]

+Sophie T went to Paris twice last year, going again in 3 weeks. I grew up in a city where the subway smells like pee and bad stuff so I'm "used to it" , though I think it depends on which line. e.g. Line 1 to the Business district (in Paris) is very clean. Also you have to know where to go. If you plan stuff in advance and do research you can avoid "dirty places" :)

[@ahhitskatie9094]

One of the best worst mistakes I've made, was booking a hostel at the end of a trip in London and not getting to stay in it (when it was ridiculously expensive against the dollar) and accidentally not checking baggage fees for easyJet. Ended up losing $100~ to easyJet when I was already incredibly low on cash, got into London after the expensive tickets to get into the city from the airport, came to check into the hostel and literally being out of money. The hostel didn't care and kicked us out. Thought we'd be stuck on the streets; ended up finding wifi to contact my parents at Starbucks, got wired money. Used that money for food and a bus back to the airport after walking around London to see the free sights. Eventually ended up sleeping in the airport. While it wasn't the best sleep, it was free. So what seemed a big mistake at first, turned into a novel idea.

[@Meli-ul9zt]

that's like one of my biggest fears of traveling but this story made me feel better because either way you found a solution lol.

[@ahhitskatie9094]

Mel Ordonez Aww, definitely don't let that deter you from traveling! Worst comes to worst, the airport really isn't that bad. Happy travels! :)

[@iiAngelic]

Amber Eff Any advice for people wanting to avoid this situation?

[@SuperCaitlin42]

@@iiAngelic Honestly? Do your research and plan a budget with a safety buffer in case something goes wrong. I also recommend ordering some of the local currency from the bank before you leave so you can do things like buy a coffee or food when your land or money for transport to the accommodation. Don't stress though, it's hard to know what questions to ask like baggage allowances for airlines, you'll learn as you go.

[@teaarmo]

I work in a restaurant in the UK, we love it when Americans come in

[@lillianm.973]

"You can have data everywhere in the world" except for my house

[@gownsandroses]

And don't forget your card in the ATM! Where I'm from, the card comes out first and then you get your money, but many other places (for example Southeast Asia where I'm traveling at the moment) you get your money first and then your card. I've met soooo many people who've lost their cards this way! Sometimes you can call the bank and get it back, sometimes you can't.

[@amiraadam4831]

Gownsandroses that happened to me in Phuket!

[@SimplyCherie]

Hey Nadine! I completely agree to not over schedule. It's exhausting walking, standing, taking public transpo in a city you don't know for 8-12 hours a day!! But it's fun!

[@katie]

Can you do a video about how to use your iPhone while abroad? I have a Canadian phone plan and have no idea how to go about being able to use it when I travel outside of the country. thanks for another great video, Nadine!

[@colmakesvideo]

you should try asking your phone company, its different for everyone and they probably have specific information for the countries they are partners with

[@WhereIsMirna]

The best thing to do is use wifi. Download to your phone as much info possible, so it can work without data if you don't have wifi.

[@32spy]

+Lesley Loves Travel really?? so they should unlock for free or we should pay?

[@WhereIsMirna]

I uploaded a video about using data abroad.. Check it out to know what I usually do =)

[@32spy]

+Where Is Mirna ok

[@Jemike5]

As a new traveler this is an amazing video. I'm taking notes on the second view. You mentioned overbooking your time. I do that all the time at home. How do you not plan so much/overbook? If you had 2 months to travel. How many countries would you try and see an for how long?

[@sarah_henley]

Thanks for the tips!!

[@kristina______3062]

I always have a little notebook with me. This honestly saved my life last year when I was in Prague and lost my phone, and had two more cities to go to (without prebooked rooms and transportation, because I am such a last minute person) before I was back in my hometown... I used the computer in my hostel to find important numbers that I needed to have, and to book the accomodation for the next city. All the information I wrote in my notebook, and I even drew little maps how to get to places...Lifesaving indeed 😄

[@mgreen9092]

great advice!! this young lady is on point with these travel tips!!

[@keriboberry9941]

My favorite part of traveling abroad is disconnecting from electronics...no phone and if I don't have wifi, whatever..lol

[@sparklemotion1018]

Why wait to travel abroad to disconnect from electronics? You can unplug yourself whenever you feel like it. Some of us unplug for a full 25 hours at least once a week. No electricity, no phone, no internet, no shopping of any kind. Just talking, thinking, eating, napping, reading (real books, not screens).

[@beberoro1]

Love the tips emphasis on the Pre-Drinking instead of drinking out!

[@sparklemotion1018]

It is horrible advice unless you're hoping to get mugged (or worse). Follow it, and you end up being a tourist who is obviously drunk early in the evening when everyone else is sober, and you'll be a target for any pickpocket or rapist who happens to notice you stumbling around. Getting wasted on cheap supermarket liquor and then going out on the town is a great plan if you're an alcoholic who doesn't want to remember anything from her travels. A better idea is to know what you can afford to spend and be disciplined about sticking to your budget.

[@dianeschenkelberg8270]

This was probably the BEST video about travel I've looked at. Whether experienced or not, we need these reminders.

[@Meglagoof]

Oh BTW with some tmobile plans have free data around the world but it will be at slower speeds. So you might only need to upgrade to a faster speed or not have to pay Extra

[@SandraPotisek]

I've never even thought about notifying my bank and I've travelled quite a lot. Oopsie! Thanks for the tip. :D

[@sparklemotion1018]

That's because your *bank* doesn't care that you're traveling. Your credit cards, otoh, care a lot, and since they can get shut down if they see unusual spending patterns that look like your card has been stolen, alerting them before a trip is a good idea. I've had my card rejected by mistake even after I've alerted the cc company: when that happens, there's an international number to call (collect) to let them know that your card hasn't been stolen and that they need to turn your card on again immediately.

[@gabelisabeth]

You don't need wifi or a data plan! Do your homework and enjoy without being connected. This will make your experience much better.

[@ivi122]

itsgabrielle_e I agree

[@scarlettmcintyre563]

itsgabrielle_e no it won’t

[@kyliemiller6969]

Absolutely agree!!!!! 👍

[@sparklemotion1018]

Maybe *you* don't need wifi or a data plan.

[@longislandlovely7087]

Agreed I just used the wifi that was provided in restaurants and such and I was able to enjoy travelling much more

[@andyb3430]

There were a couple good points in this specifically about saying yes, I remember turning down a night out in Beijing because I wanted to go to the Forbidden City in the morning & I didn't want to take out more money (this was before I had a debit card without international fees) and the next day I had hear about the amazing time everyone had. I think the presenter's focus on wifi was a bit much, there's times you need wifi to book tickets or accommodation and that's when you seek out a place just for the wifi, otherwise just find a great place to eat. I really dislike the over exaggerated way she talks (& says data), I've seen some other youtubers do the same thing and not sure why they do that.

[@ChazzAstro]

Drinking out does kill the budget. I remember going to a club in Italy that had €3 shots and ending up blowing €75 😫

[@samanthalouis6636]

My rookie mistake when I started traveling was when I did not pack my own travel sheet. I have really sensitive skin and I am (unfortunately) seemingly very "tasty" for bed bugs so every time I travel, I always end up feeling itchy all the time and also very paranoid during my sleep. I am on a budget when I travel so I always choose the cheapest option especially in accommodation and so I end up staying in hostels making me doubt the cleanliness of the sheets I sleep on. Until my best friend gave me the Brave Era 100% Silk Travel Sheet and it's a game changer. I have had enough rest and peaceful sleep since then. I love it...

[@johnrobertruiz9201]

alcohol can screw your budget, very true👍

[@mystupidfacebook]

2 years ago in New Orleans Bourbon St i blew all my 2weeks budget in 3 days... Not cool lol

[@imhelensakura]

1 Having specific plans the first day of arrival, you may not arrive in time 2 Not being patience in your travel journey (airport, airplane) something could go wrong as well, it happens, it could be weather, it could be air traffic, malfuction of the airplane, so many things.

[@ShaneChristineLife]

You look so pretty in bright lipstick 😊 -Christine

[@lenoralewis9483]

rookie mistake: took the bus (not coach) from London to Italy having forgotten that I sometimes get travel sick, and got swollen feet from not moving for so long, and had nowhere to go while waiting for connecting bus 1-6 am... brilliant start!

[@AnnaRobert]

This tips are great but I can't stop looking at her shirt, its so lovely :) Where did you get the shirt?

[@billion86]

ClickAnna Roots. sold out i thnk

[@AnnaRobert]

billion8 oh :(

[@davidrodriguez8301]

Tip on grocery shopping when traveling: check the business days of the country that you are visiting so you don´t find yourself with no food on a day off business, which might take you to having to eat out in an expensive restaurant.

[@asal7684]

Hey Nadine, I just found your channel and I really really like it! ☺️ You're really pretty and I can tell that your friendly. Glad I found ur channel and u just got a life long subscriber ❤️

[@Xfandan]

One additional Tip for Taxi Trips Do Not Put your Bags in the Trunk! Because if there is a Dispute with the Driver About the Fee they can Hold your Bags Hostage if They are Locked in the Trunk.

[@emilymckenzie9296]

can't wait to travel someday :)

[@Keepinitreal55]

Good tips! I totally agree with all of them! Uber solves a lot of the transportation issues nowadays though!

[@sundayfundayz]

But how does one know if they've packed more than they need??

[@sparklemotion1018]

If you're bringing clothes home that you never wore on the trip, you're packing way too much. I pack very little and plan to wear every piece multiple times, especially underwear and socks: invest in "travel" undies that dry *fast* so you can wash them in the sink at night and they'll be dry by morning. I never check bags, so everything I bring has to fit in a carry-on (rolling suitcase) plus a small backpack, even when traveling for a month or longer.

[@zaraguler6426]

planning your outfits can help you not overpack

[@BankruptMonkey]

I learned as a rookie to always plan my sleeping. Some countries people stay up late and you have to adjust yourself to going to bed and getting up later or you'd either miss the nightlife or just be tired and groggy during your adventures, and same if you are in a place where people get up earlier, and you have to plan sleep time when you've scheduled different types of traveling or when the airplane has cool movies or whenever and you just have to make sure you remember to take time to sleep or you'll become a zombie and not fully experience your trip

[@Jemike5]

Also, would you get travel insurance? And if so... what company would you suggest?

[@ericpotts4170]

I've been using insuremytrip.com for a couple years now. I like that I can compare plans and find one that fits my needs.

[@misse7154]

Check your medical plan for overseas coverage. If you are in a non European country, know where the best hospital is (which is usually private and will make you pay up front to be treated, including life-threatening situations). Even with the best medical coverage, I was in a very bad accident overseas and required immediate surgery, which they wouldn't do until my credit card cleared. Even through my insurance would have paid to medivac me, I was in such bad condition, I needed to stay in country. Fortunately my insurance finally reimbursed me, but if I wasn't covered, I would have been out quite a bit of money for an 8 day hospital stay! It's always good to have a credit card with a significant limit, because you never know what might happen....

[@cijmo]

I would never travel without insurance.

[@juliagiterman837]

Idk butvI heard good things about triple AAA

[@silviebee]

The no-tipping advice is what people in Europe really don't like about Americans. Someone, somewhere said that in Europe you don't tip, and Americans just LOVE to order things that are not on the menu, or that are on the menu, but with so many "withouts" and "extras", that it becomes a completely new meal, and then don't tip at all. It is polite to tip where ever you travel, although some places have tips already included, so better check it out with the person who serve you.

[@TheMusicvideoVEVO]

Jesus loves you!

[@TheMusicvideoVEVO]

***** be a hobo with Him because He loves you!

[@lauraatheexplorah]

Smiling and being nice takes you a long way! People are so helpful. And not to look rich, even when you don't look rich in your country you might where you are. It can cost you, and people can be offended and angry when you don't pay them because you look so wealthy.

[@robbederoeck9986]

what about know your allergies if you have them

[@aWanderlustForLife]

In the same line as being a "yes" person, just being open to change and experiences that come along. Meaning, you might be trying to get someone to see something cool but you're interrupted by a parade or something, stop to enjoy it. It's a fun surprise! This happens to me in my new hometown of Amsterdam. Just walking along and *boom* there are people in uniforms marching down a street. Or there's a carnival that popped up over night. Enjoy the unexpected!

[@joker28666]

you need to make text lists of these really long videos, not everyone has a third of an hour to spare

[@mariastave9598]

I love bringing tiny bags of bio tex which is a powder you can use for hand washing clothes, I throw them in the sink or the tub (depending on how much clothes I have) and let them soak and sit there for about 30 min up to an hour before i rub and rinse them, might not be 100% clean like from a washing machine, but you don't have to worry about prices or odours :)

[@camilledillenseger5226]

She can't go one fucking hour without wifi? She HAS to have wifi in restaurants? Imagine you turning down a restaurant bc they don't have good wifi.... So disrespectful

[@chowkhunsengmancheykhun2659]

I agree. Plus it was super cringy. 04:55

[@shennyyys]

True. Restaurants are for eating and for the food, not for the internet connection. Might as well stay at home and have a foreign cuisine delivered to your house if WiFi is the most important thing.

[@chowkhunsengmancheykhun2659]

Po- Ta-toes Didn't you hear her say "I always make sure where I'm eating has wifi". Moreover she checks they have wifi before ordering. 4:38

[@jessecalauren]

Some of the best restaurants I've eaten in were little mom and pop ones with no internet connections and the food was so good. not tourist traps with wifi signs..

[@banchnotok]

I only need WiFi in my accomondation, updates every night.

[@sfhostel]

Saying yes and leaving time for socializing and making friends. Great advice, Nadine!!! We can't tell you the number of times we invite our guests to join us for fun social events and activities and they are 100% scheduled and booked for every minute of their time in San Francisco. 😞 Just because the internet allows you to book every minute of your time in advance of your trip, doesn't mean you should. There's so much fun to be had with the serendipitous community of friends in hostels. Oh and yes, for anyone who needs power adapters, cell phone chargers, shampoo, extra luggage, towels, coolers, tents etc etc. Don't buy! We have all that stuff and more from previous guests. We give this stuff away all the time.

[@loveellie6467]

For me, i think you shouldnt get data because youll constantly check your phone and not pay attention to the beauty that place has. But data comes in handy when u plan a trip not on cities.

[@bebop504]

I NEEEEED that map shirt!!!! oh my goodness i need that in my life

[@sannefredriksson5014]

OH!! I love your shirt! Where is it from?!

[@heynadine]

+Sanne Fredriksson Roots

[@sannefredriksson5014]

Damn! We don't have that in Sweden. :( By the way I love your videos, I have been subscribed for (I think) 3 years now and have watched everything. Let me know if you you are traveling to Sweden. The west coast is absolutely beautiful in the summer and Stockholm is beautiful year around. :)

[@paivitee]

.

[@denisedouglas1000]

Where is that t shirt from!!! Want one soooo bad!!!!!

[@nicolaannasibanda6879]

IKR

[@NIKOYANPATRICE]

that charger tip is so true my cousin left my adaptor plugged in at the hotel lobby in rome. Luckily im a worrier and over planner and i had an extra one.

[@kiarasimpson9327]

Nadine where did you get that shirt?

[@theetravelhippie]

Yes, where?

[@coolcatcarolena4951]

yes, I wanna know too..great shirt!

[@heynadine]

+Kiara Sinara Roots Canada :)

[@kiarasimpson9327]

OMG YOU REPLIED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU :)

[@coolcatcarolena4951]

+Hey Nadine Thank you! O found it!!! Here's the link everyone: www.roots.com/us/en/coastal-boyfriend-t-shirt-04022324.html?headermsg=redirected

[@nicolemarie0001]

I've made most of these mistakes!

[@tiberiuscarey2043]

Someone down the comments list said that Nadine was subtly racist because she made a comment about local foods and possible hygiene problems with food preparation. That's a valid concern. What a snowflake idea...oh, she's racist! Give me a semblance of a break. Some people are soooooooooo delicate.

[@StealingSunsets]

agree with you, but you sound like an asshat when you use the word ~snowflake

[@adavid2548]

It goes against most traveler's advice, but i really prefer full size toiletries when i'm going on a 30+ day trip. I stick to small sized solid toiletries (soild shampoo, bar soap, face bar cleanser) Some countries don't sell toiletries at grocery stores, and some of the best locations are 40 min to the nearest town. I can plan laundry time every week no problem, but allocating hours for a toiletry hunt is not worth it. If you're going to pack to the brim anyway (as all rookie travelers do), might as well be with something you'll use like toiletries instead of 2 extra pairs of jeans.

[@avahill3946]

You remind me of Ingrid Nielsen!!!

[@alexandrac591]

See, this is the kind of fine-grained detail I'm looking for. Thanks for the bit about wearing a cheap watch and using the smallest units of cash.

[@dannyketail9496]

honestly, i was expecting something more specific like 'dont lean on your left foot while a mosquito flies in front of the fifth indian' but this is good too lol

[@craftsbaking]

just started travelling really about a year ago and have already done half these mistakes wish i watched this before our last trip .. lets just say over-schedule is an understatement

[@Bo-tz4nw]

Calm down....."WiFi, always WiFi"? The most important thing...? Maybe me myself more into a different kind of travelling?

[@deanthonyhardison7575]

sune dosa Maybe she’s saying that because you may need WiFi to find info, such as local bars, destinations, clubs, restaurants and travel info, etc. Does that make sense to you?

[@ivi122]

sune dosa I agree with you. WiFi isn’t the most important thing, sometimes no WiFi makes the trip more meaningful and makes you be more in the moment

[@FlowUrbanFlow]

ivi122 Sometimes it means being lost, missing busses and not being able to Uber.

[@ivi122]

FlowUrbanFlow oh Whatever we did back in the days when there were no cell phones, iPads etc. This world is so attached to technology that’s so many ppl can’t function without a phone. It is a convenience to me but not the most important thing to bring on a trip

[@FlowUrbanFlow]

ivi122 Before we had to have several devices with questionable information to use, or having to rely on information from strangers, given you speak their language. Now, someone like myself can use a single device to plan a vacation, navigate different countries, find out where to visit as well as areas to stay clear from, and meet locals who can possibly house you for free. There's a difference between using a tool you are provided with and shoving your face in social media all day while you're on vacation, please don't act like they're similar unless you're that ignorant.

[@ElizabethTravelsNow]

Great tips! I would also recommend always having a water bottle with you: water is often crazily overpriced at tourist destinations and if you walk a lot, you will get very thirsty, expetially in the summer!

[@girfalcon1]

There are a lot of shitty videos on youtube on this topic and I'm glad to say this is not one of them