How American Tourists Die Abroad

Sadly, each year a number of travelers die while they are on vacation or abroad. Here we go through the sad numbers of people who pass away or are killed on their trip abroad. Heart Attacks claim the most Americans while they travel, while the biggest non-natural way is via car accidents. Please be safe fellow travelers.
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[@AndyKing1963]

Wherever you are in the world - look both ways when you are crossing the road

[@grizwoldphantasia5005]

Absolutely! You never know when an emergency responder or drunk driver or confused tourist is coming along.

[@guydreamr]

As a veteran pedestrian of the streets of New York, I approve of this message.

[@paradoxparade1]

And wherever you are in the world, there you are. Traveling can be enriching but it won't solve personal your problems.

[@anthonyj7989]

I live in Australia and I have seen people driving cars that forget that they are now driving in a country that drives on the left hand side of the road. If you are travelling to Australia, know the Australian road rules and look both ways. Also remember that Australian roads run through some very remote locations and are full of wildlife - don’t drive at night and if you have a problem in a remote location, you are on your own (no fuel, water, food, phone reception or repair shop).

[@paradoxparade1]

@@anthonyj7989 I know someone in their early forties who almost died in South Africa because they weren't used to driving on the left side of the road. She suffers from several permanent traumas and is on disability, probably for the rest of her life. People really overestimate their driving abilities in other countries.

[@Michaelpalmer4k]

Two Americans died recently in Greece from heatstroke. So being unprepared is a reason

[@renferal5290]

I saw that. I didn't read the article so didn't know how they died. When I was in Florence, it was really hot and there was free water available everywhere.

[@cynthiasutcliffe673]

Thanks for that reminder as I head to Europe this summer.

[@finalascent]

Knightstrider, who makes a lot of Tenerife/Canary Islands vids has been talking about a missing hiker - they, too, probably died of heatstroke.

[@DoomMetalPrincess451]

They were on one of the islands and were both middle-aged if I remember right. One went for a walk during peak sunlight hours and was found dead later that day, Greece has a heatwave every summer and knew the risks but were apparently unprepared

[@daphne8406]

I read that they went for a walk alone during the hottest part of the day during a +40C heatwave without bringing enough water or letting anyone know where they were going 🤷‍♀️ They definately understimated how a easily such heat can kill you 😣 especially when you are not so young anymore 😅 It is not just the Americans though, an English, Dutch and German tourist also died and two French tourists are still missing in Greece (all in different places but all were 60+ in age and alone)

[@MB-qx9vn]

Follow similar logic as when you are home. If you can’t handle a 10 mile hike at home-don’t try it abroad. If you’re not out at 2am back home-don’t do it abroad! Basic life preservation skills can prevent a lot of deaths.

[@reinhard8053]

Depends on your home. I you live in New York it might not be safe at 2am. Most places in Germany (and other European countries) are quite safe even at night.

[@SpaceBearEngineer]

​@@reinhard8053 They have humans in them, the most dangerous and unpredictable predator on this planet, treat them accordingly. If you aren't sure about an area, act as though it is dangerous. If you think any area isn't dangerous: stop doing that and see advise 1.

[@nleem3361]

Except people forget how long it's really been since doing something they used to love, and think a vacation is the perfect way to get back into hiking, swimming, skiing etc. Same for staying out late and maximizing the fun. Maybe we live in a town without a dance club and thought it would be fun to enjoy on a trip. It's always a good idea to start exercising ahead of a trip to prepare for those fun activities. As I've gotten into my 40's I've come to value sleep and stopped booking the flights that would leave me sleep deprived. It's just not worth being exhausted on arrival or before returning to work.

[@reinhard8053]

@@SpaceBearEngineer And live in fear for the rest of your life ?

[@Canadianinvesting]

I was in Germany at the Neuschwanstein Castle in June 2022. Two female students on a trip after graduating college followed someone they knew from their hostel (were aware of him rather than knew) and they followed him into the bushes around the Marianbruk bridge to get a better vantage point of the castle. He tried to sexually assault both of them and when they fought back he threw them both off the cliff. One was killed by the fall and another was seriously injured by hitting a tree on the way down but survived. He (American) was arrested and recently convicted for the murder and assaults. I had been on the bridge myself maybe 20 minutes before that happened and have footage of the rescue/recovery. Just because someone is familiar (same home country, language) doesn't mean they don't have bad intentions; so trust your gut.

[@MB-qx9vn]

I remember reading about that. Absolutely horrific.

[@katinsu7700]

So you hung across the bridge with your mobile and filmed those two poor girls being recovered? My good lord, get a life

[@miliba]

@@katinsu7700 dont be such a karen, karin

[@katinsu7700]

@@miliba this is just so disrespectful to Film dead and severely injured people. Get a grip

[@Canadianinvesting]

@@katinsu7700 I probably didn't write it correctly but I was at the bridge about 20 minutes prior to it happening. Not on the bridge when it happened; I was actually in the castle. We were told that it was likely climbers who had gone off trail and had to be rescued. Happens all the time there. It wasn't until the next day that we actually found out about the incident itself.

[@martin1042]

Regarding swimming accidents: It might also be worth considering for yourself, but especially if you have kids, please let them wear bright bathing suits (NOT blue). Blue or darker colors are way harder to see from above the water in case something goes wrong. Best colors would be neon pink or neon orange.

[@woltersworld]

Good point!

[@SYVZS]

Consider if there is dangerous sea life also when you pick swimsuit colors. Some animals are attracted to certain colors.

[@martin1042]

@@SYVZS are you talking about sharks? While it is true that they can be attracted to bright colors: they also have really bad eyesight, and sea water often isn't crystal clear - which means the shark would have to be really close to even see those colors. Also, worldwide about 230,000 people die per year by drowning, while there's about 10 deadly shark attacks per year (and about 100 attacks in total).

[@pattytracey3131]

Great tip!!

[@cinematic-cowboy]

@@SYVZS to an extent, for the most part sea life will be more attracted to shiny objects like jewelry or tooth fillings

[@miliba]

Living in Switzerland and being a passionate hiker, I regularly see tourists walking on mountain paths with regular sneakers, not bringing along enough water and sometimes even taking their kids along

[@altitudeiseverything3163]

I regularly see tourists doing that here in Colorado, too. Or going trail running alone, as dusk nears, on trails with posted signs warning of mountain lion activity in the area. 🤦🏼

[@geirmyrvagnes8718]

We (Norwegian) some lovely Swiss people on a snowy mountain in New Zealand, and we all agreed that we were obviously being very silly. But it was a nice hike! 😁

[@jessicaely2521]

There's absolutely nothing wrong with taking your kids along as long as they can handle it. I have friends that took their kids hiking in the Alps in Switzerland. They were 12, 9, and 6. The kids had absolutely no issues. The parents trained their kids on the Pacific Crest Trail, Rocky Mountains, and Appalachian Mountains when they were 4.

[@peterpain6625]

@@altitudeiseverything3163 Once stopped an american family going down the grand canyon with barely any water with them. It was windy at the ledge and not very warm but i told them to look up the temperatures on the trail they wanted to go. The dad didn't want to. The mom looked it up and clawed everyone back from what could have become a tragedy. It can happen "at home" too.

[@nicolaharvey6364]

Car accidents. Yes. I live in New Zealand and we have tourists arrive after traveling for 24 hours, jump in the car tired. Dont drive tired get a hotel room for the night first.

[@theydonothing1]

Oh yes, I remember how tired I was when I arrived in Auckland on holiday decades ago. Took the bus to the hotel, lay on the bed and lights out in the middle of the day.

[@woltersworld]

Tired driving is so dangerous. I will definitely have this in my donts of NZ video

[@nicolaharvey6364]

@@woltersworld I hope you have a wonderful time here.

[@lynnmacmillan8825]

I would think as an American there are certain parts of the world where driving is on the left side of the road. It's something to keep in mind.

[@Sine-gl9ly]

​@@GedstravelsI really wouldn't have cared if you'd had an accident (although I'm glad you didn't) but I'd've been fuming if you'd _caused_ an accident that damaged other, innocent, peoples lives. Well, you've learnt your lesson now and I hope the rest of your time here was safe and enjoyable!

[@willthetrucker7613]

I think an overlooked factor in travel deaths is not knowing what to do in an emergency. Two weeks ago I had a medical emergency in Costa Rica. The front desk staff at our resort helped us with getting medical attention. If we were somewhere else, or perhaps more remote, I might not be here to make this comment.

[@woltersworld]

Glad you are ok. That is a very true thing about not knowing where to go or what to do

[@theorderofthebees7308]

🙏🙏

[@sueguinane9995]

and find out the emergency numbers where you are visiting. It isn't 911 everywhere

[@Lifeletnothingholdudown]

Your sincerity for people to be safe when they travel touched my heart.

[@woltersworld]

Thank you.

[@Brian-vn4xb]

Sad topic, but I’m glad you decided to cover it to let us know so we can be safe while abroad.

[@woltersworld]

Thank you

[@linmorell1813]

The suicide one really shocked me. My husband had a heart attack in Norway many years ago. It dose happen unexpectedly.

[@guydreamr]

And on the subject of safety, let us not forget the top 3 reasons for landing in jail overseas: 1) illegal dr*gs, 2) illegal dr*gs, and last but surely not least, 3) illegal dr*gs.

[@woltersworld]

Yep. They can lead you to some really bad places

[@guydreamr]

@@woltersworld *Literally* really bad places - for those of us who think prisons are bad news in advanced countries (and they are), wait until they get a load of a third-world dungeon.

[@wisskier]

In Cancun a vendor at one of the shops offered me some 5-Fingers. Even if I was still into that no-way was I going to partake.

[@kennj321]

drunk driving is much more serious in many foreign countries and Americans end up in jail for a long time for it even when there is no accident and no one is hurt.

[@Sir_Austin_T_Gee]

@@kennj321that one is because here in the U.S. a person can drink and drive and just get told “go home and don’t be back out tonight”.

[@kenlompart9905]

Here in Ontario we have many lakes which means we also do a lot of boating, we have a saying that goes, water on the water beer on the pier.

[@angechrissy]

I think in Ontario a lot of those tourists who ended up in trouble are those who weren't good swimmers, and they didn't take enough caution about how dangerous the water could be. 😢

[@woltersworld]

I like that saying

[@andynieuwenhuis7833]

​@@angechrissyTOO many people out on Boats ALSO Aren't WEARING life vests;ESPECIALLY when there booze involved!!!

[@daphne8406]

Here in Norway also «being unprepared for nature» is pretty high on the list 😑 No, it is not a leisurely stroll to the top viewpoints of the fjords, please do not wear flipflops when going into nature, do not forget that the weather changes super fast and it can rain and snow even in summer in some areas. Follow the good old scouts motto «Be prepared!» 💪 and do your research so you know what to bring and how to dress appropiately so you won’t slip and fall off a cliff or freeze to death on a remote mountain path 😑

[@miliba]

Same conditions for traveling through Iceland. The nature and weather is most likely to inconvenience you, even in summer

[@philipmcniel4908]

This also goes for tourists visiting the USA: Not only do regions of the country vary wildly (from Alaska to Arizona, for instance), but with the size of North America and the lack of a northern sea to moderate the temperature, there's often a lot more summer/winter variation in temperature. Most of Europe is sandwiched between the Mediterranean Sea and the North and Baltic seas, so its climate is moderated both from the north and from the south, but North America doesn't have such moderation in the heart of the continent, and the Dakotas can go from 40°C in the summer to -40°C (or colder!) in the winter. When visiting the USA or Canada, *it pays to know which season you're visiting, and what to expect during that season.* The same place can be extremely different during different times of year!

[@woltersworld]

Yes. That is a big killer of tourists in the US

[@gilbertolsson5641]

Selfies is also a growing factor. People tend to do really stupid stuff to get a good picture.

[@martensjd]

I got tapped by a car in Drogheda, Ireland. I looked one way and the car came from another. I terrified the woman driving, but to this day am thankful she was alert. No pain, but I felt it .

[@woltersworld]

Glad you are ok

[@lindab5789]

In April we toured the Mighty Five National Parks and the Grand Canyon. I can't count the number of people going off trail, around guardrails and standing on the edge of rock overlooks. One wrong move and they would be gone. Honestly, its amazing more people aren't killed.

[@woltersworld]

It really is. So many sad stories

[@phoebehill953]

An average of 12 people a year die at the Grand Canyon. Five a year at Rocky Mountain. The deaths aren’t given much attention because that would be bad for business.

[@bdimon]

Two people in my motorcycle club had accidents in the first couple of days of their European motorcycle tours. I think you should wait a couple of days before riding or driving to make sure you are over the jet lag. Also, learn about your rented vehicle before riding off so you can focus on the traffic.

[@woltersworld]

Good point!

[@daves5716]

Good point you brought up. My wife and I participate in guided European motorcycle tours and always spend several days there before the tour starts to get over the jet lag. It also gives your luggage (with your riding gear) time to catch up if the airline misplaces it. I've seen that happen twice.

[@paradoxparade1]

Wow, that 14% suicide rate is insane but it does make sense. When you're travelling you get a chance to reflect on your life back home. Your (financial) stressors, your (relationship) problems, etc. And the dread of those final days during your vacation when you know you're going "back to the grind" while you're in some paradise country can get to you, especially as a solo traveler. The drowning statistic is currently a major problem in Europe, especially in countries like Spain where every other day someone drowns. Both young an old people who underestimate the unpredictability of the Mediterranean Sea.

[@DistopiaKosaki]

Keep in mind is 14% of deaths of non natural causes

[@SharpBalisong]

I am wondering if some of that percentage is people who planned it the whole time. Made it the final ride. The going out of business blow out sale.

[@lisareed5669]

No one expects the Mediterranean Sea!

[@miliba]

The Mediterranean is still by far safer than the Atlantic Ocean or North Sea. Itd take a lot of carelessness to drown there

[@philipmcniel4908]

@@SharpBalisong Probably most of them, I would assume. Keep in mind this is 14% of Americans *who die of unnatural causes,* which is already a pretty small % of those who travel abroad.

[@andreaarchambeau9499]

Jeep tipped over in Kenya. No one was hurt but it was a scary moment. The guided treated this like a normal occurrence.

[@woltersworld]

Yikes! Glad you were ok.

[@MizzKittyBichon]

Yep, the traffic in London is no joke because it never stops for anyone. So be careful or be roadkill!

[@RuRaynor]

There are many many pedestrian crossings in London, and tourists still choose to throw themselves in front of traffic. I saw it all the time when I was working on the buses. Compared with somewhere like Bangkok, it's child's play to cross a road in London.

[@juliaellis2046]

My father piloted the ferries between Cape Cod and the islands. It wasn't uncommon for small boats to cut in front of the ferry. Those big vessels do NOT have brakes. They have to go in full reverse. It might not be enough to stop their momentum on the water.

[@woltersworld]

Yikes!!

[@marianar2948]

Oh my gosh Mark, this timing of this video is sadly very on point... Just a couple of weeks ago, a young man died from drowing in the Douro river in Porto. He did the same jump from the D. Luís bridge that kids from the area usually do. But he couldn't make it and died righ there in front of many helpless tourists who cheered for him, convinced it was an innocent pratice since kids in Ribeira have been doing it for ages... His natioanality wasn's disclosed, authorities just said he was a foreigner. But just goes to show that we tend to overlook danger while in vacation and adhere to social norms without thinking about the consequences. Stay safe folks!

[@woltersworld]

Yep. I know what you are talking about. Verybsad

[@SharpBalisong]

Don’t just look the right way before crossing the street, look both ways!

[@staiain]

Elderly and/or sick people on their last stretch of life with nothing to lose on cruise ships actually is a problem for local hospitals in norway, it sometimes negatively impacts the capacity to treat locals and do scheduled surgeries etc. Don't be selfish like those people.

[@bluejay3945]

BS. One medical emergency should not impact a medical system. Isn’t Norway supposed to have an incredible healthcare infrastructure?

[@staiain]

@@bluejay3945 it’s ok but we don’t have much redundancy for emergencies and ships with thousands of elderly people. This is a big issue

[@bluejay3945]

@@staiain then don’t take their tourist $ if u also are unable to provide services in the highly unlikely event there is a mass emergency or ship wide illness. Everyone is fine when cruise tourists are forking over big $

[@staiain]

@@bluejay3945 I'm not, only a very few people at the top are, while the rest of the locals need to live in an overcrowded city with overtourism and noise. powerful people with lots of money lobby this shit against us, we locals doesn't have any say in it because capitalism > democracy

[@ernst91]

You guys need to heal those people.

[@GallifreyanGinger]

Thank you for a sober and realistic look at a fraught topic. Now, tourists where I live often think they'll get hurt or killed by terrorists. Not impossible, but here are more likely causes: 1. Car accidents 2. Heat stroke 3. Alcohol and/or drug use 4. Flash floods

[@rickycontreras2766]

Reminder that dangers are present everywhere (including home) and that it’s always worth expanding your world views/perspectives by traveling if you can. Follow channels like this to stay informed, but don’t let fear stop you from such a deep joy

[@gilliankirby]

Tourists often drown in our beaches in Australia. They either don't follow the surf safety rules or they have not been educated about rips in the water.

[@woltersworld]

The rip tides are so dangerous but if you dont come from a beach background you never even heard of them. I remember my parents giving me a whole lecture when i was a kid and i was so confused as ibdidnt ubderstand how a tide could rip me? Sounds silly but i didnt even grasp the premise of a riptide as a kid.

[@nplus1watches35]

It's impressive how many YT videos there are on rips, and many of them are created by Aussies or in conjunction with a university specifically studying rips.

[@robertparsons313]

Thank you for the safety check. A passing truck's side mirror almost took me out in Mexico, and a few years later, a carjacker almost got my car, also in Mexico. More recently, it has been the heat in Asia. Be aware, fellow travelers!

[@woltersworld]

Be safe my friend!

[@kevinvaillancourt5737]

I almost bought it on Earl's Court Road in London my first time there. My girlfriend and I were fighting, so I was distracted, and I stepped into the road to cross to the tube station looking the wrong way. My girlfriend grabbed the back of my collar and yanked me back, hard, as I watched a full on double decker bus pass at speed about an inch from my body. The only good thing about it was it ended the fight right quick......

[@woltersworld]

Glad she wasnt THAT mad at you. Yikes

[@jryan9547]

did you get married after that? lol she's a keeper

[@nplus1watches35]

@@jryan9547 Amen to that! Talk about being indebted for the rest of your life.

[@PhantomOfDarkness]

That last stat is so heartbreaking. Travel should always be a departure from all the stress and anxieties you feel back home. We travel because we want to feel good not the opposite, but I guess I can see how some people can end up in that state of mind. Thank you for your videos.

[@woltersworld]

Yeah, it really is sad.

[@mjpascuzzi]

Unfortunately if you’re sad at home you’ll probably be sad away from home. I’ve seen this on several tour groups, especially as I’ve gotten older. It never hurts to reach out and just talk.

[@ccccccchhhhhh808]

Grew up in Hawaii (which obviously is part of the US but..), and people from the continent severely overestimate their abilities to swim, snorkel, and hike. For a while it seemed like we constantly had rescues for these, and unfortunately, some locals have lost their lives trying to save tourists in distress. Do research and respect warnings.

[@nplus1watches35]

I liked the proposal to bill these people for the cost of rescue because it ain't cheap. As an outsider, there are two things that are musts: Respect the land. Respect the people.

[@Jagcycle]

I know this channel is aimed mainly at Americans, but it's true for all of us (maybe not in the same percentage). The suicide thing made my jaw drop. I travel to feel better about my life, but I guess it doesn't work for everyone. Stay safe, and much love!

[@Korilian13]

I think the only thing this video is missing are some numbers of how many people we're actually talking about. I didn't do a deep dive into this, but one source mentioned about 800 travelers died of unnatural causes the past 13 years, out if 68 million travelers.

[@t.vanoosterhout233]

This is actually a very valid point. With the actual numbers so (relatively) low, even rare events may show up as a high percentage. Still, those statistics do point at risks worth considering, and at actions and attitudes appropriate for avoiding those risks.

[@elizabethwestlake8896]

Two older Americans died by ELEPHANT attacks in Zambia in last two months. That was most shocking of all to me. We all go to Africa to see the animals.

[@allyson1691]

And so many forget they’re dealing with wild (unpredictable) animals, not pets.

[@woltersworld]

Wow. I had not heard about that

[@AndyMangele]

Fools rush in where angels fear to tread!

[@drewbranch7700]

Yep,there was a fellow countryman mauled by a lion at a game reserve in South Africa because they had their window open in the wild which is not a good idea. A lion leaped in the drivers side window and killed her,it was sad. I was on a Safari,and I recall not being aware of a lion less than three yards from me;luckily I was in a vehicle and followed the rules.

[@t.vanoosterhout233]

Can confirm that crossing the street in England can be dangerous, because your inbaked instinct makes you look in the wrong direction. Also when you drive a (hire) car there have somebody next to you that reminds you to drive on the left side of the street, and to take tight left turns and wide right turns.

[@bdimon]

When I hired a car in England, I told my wife to say "stay left" for every turn. It worked great. After a while, she thought I had the hang of it and stopped reminding me. That's when I scared us both.

[@sueguinane9995]

When I moved rom Australia to Germany, it took me ages to get used to looking the correct way when crossing the roads. Fortunately, I survived and now even have to think twice when we go back home to visit

[@Cultured_Barbarian]

Great to see a video about the harsher realities of travel. It's not all unicorns and rainbows. ❤

[@lynneosborn1141]

Here in Australia, when driving, tourists drift to the other side of the road, forgetting which side they need to be. Often fatigue is the cause as road trips are very long. Thanks for the video.

[@peterpain6625]

Also i've been on roads in Australia that are making you go sleepy sort of. 700km of nothing is not something this "average European" was used to. Took frequent breaks though so i managed without issues ... but still. Spectacular scenery though ;)

[@cb6770]

Mark I love your videos. I didn't expect this one, but it is touching and very important. Thank you

[@woltersworld]

Thank you. I saw the stats and thought it would be good to talk about. Especially the last one.

[@darraghmckenna9127]

Have had close calls with tourists driving on the wrong side of the road in Ireland.

[@allyson1691]

My friend ended up in hospital from a Greek tourist coming at her driving on the wrong side of the road over a blind rise in Cape Town.

[@thehapagirl92]

The actress Jennifer Grey and actor Matthew Broderick in the 80’s. Broderick killed a man driving the wrong way in Ireland

[@darraghmckenna9127]

@@allyson1691 Hope they recovered ! I noticed it would always happen early in the morning. (Rural areas) Probably the first car they would meet

[@darraghmckenna9127]

@@thehapagirl92 he never faced any real punishment for that fatal crash.

[@woltersworld]

Probably daily i would guess. Yikes

[@aaronwylie5418]

Didn't know I needed that mental health call out, thank you Mark, I love your videos

[@helgaioannidis9365]

I live on a Greek island. Every summer our hospital fills up with foreigners who get heart issues, because they a) forget to bring or take their medication b) underestimate the heat c) go swimming shortly after a meal We also have loads of road accidents with tourists who think, because Greeks are relaxed about rules, it's okay to speed, not wear helmets and ignore street signs. It's heartbreaking to read regularly especially about young tourists dying in accidents.

[@genoallmond9936]

I definitely believe you, however, the no swimming after a meal is a wive's tale and has no scientific foundation.

[@tobiojo6469]

Hey Mark, interesting and sobering video

[@ecurewitz]

Stay safe everyone on your travels!

[@desiderata2209]

On a (relatively) lighter note, not every accident results in death but it can still change your life forever. If you are an English speaker in foreign-language environment, find out if there are English-speaking doctors or facilities in the area (nicer hotels would usually collate emergency numbers in those big leather folders you'll find in your room but heavens help you if you are renting some finca in the middle of the Spanish countryside..). Last thing you want is freaking out in the middle of the night because your kid has spiked a huge fever and is swollen and you have no idea where to go and your trusty travel first aid kit has no antibiotics in it.

[@swissfoodie3542]

Thats a sad but necessary video, so thank you Mark for doing that. I have been travelling (individually, not in guided tours) for more than 30 years and concerning robbery and homicide, I have 3 rules: - Do research before travelling, so that you are prepared and know what is okay do to / what you should be careful off / what to look out for etc. - Follow your gut, and never ignore it, for no reason (to save money for example). - Dont mistrust people, but be cautious and dont just blindly trust another person, just because he is from the same country as you are. An example: Cape Town (South Africa), is next to Bangkok my favorite city in the world. I have been there at least 12 times and know the city very well. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, there were many homeless people, and certain areas to avoid at all costs (like walking around the CBD on weekends, or after 5pm). Now, after the pandemic, there are many many more homeless and really desperate people. I am not rich, but to them I am extremely rich. Things I did before the pandemic (like walking from Gardens to the V&A waterfront during day times), is something that I would never do now. I will gladly pay for a taxi, instead of risking to be robbed, injured on even worse.

[@swissfoodie3542]

About the drowning: thats a very touchy subject to me, as my dad drowned 6 years ago, whilst I was in South East Asia.

[@mayo0006]

Thanks mark, this isn't a video we wanted but one we needed

[@user-pq5fn7ih7w]

I love how you care about travelers... Love your videos.. I see the world thru your eyes...your videos..and this hopefully helps those to be aware...bless you and keep it up on your videos...THANKS...

[@woltersworld]

That is really nice of you. Thank you.

[@infocyde2024]

Many years ago I was obsessed with living abroad and I found Wolters World and subscribed then. But life took a turn and I gave up on that dream. Now I'm back to looking into living abroad again, and I'm glad I found Wolters World again. Thanks for the good info posted here, even a decade plus later you are still putting out good info.

[@xTremeSequences]

This is a must watch for those planning to travel. Never take anything for granted. Our family experienced a few situations on our travels in Europe recently that were very scary.

[@chadiferable]

Me watching this while I’m abroad😳 You’re videos are always very helpful and informative.

[@woltersworld]

And dont let me scare you. Be safe

[@chadiferable]

@@woltersworld No, you don’t scare me:) I absolutely love your videos and appreciate all of the information you give us!

[@rausaen]

I didn't know the suicide one was common. I went on a 6 week trip around Europe and liked what I saw, but by the time I got to Lisbon, I was ready to go home. I started having thoughts of self-harm and thought, something must be wrong with me if I'm in an idyllic location and this is all I'm thinking about. A little relieved to know it's not just me.

[@dimitar297]

Relieved not releaved oh my God.

[@Ibraheemmalik-kj1do]

Very Beautiful view 😊😊

[@youp9546]

A much needed talk.

[@woltersworld]

Thanks

[@orchard_vids]

Thank you Mark, I have loved your videos for a long time but this one really touched me. I lost my dearest loved one to suicide, and your message here was perfect. Thank you for making this.

[@oscargomez6993]

Your best video ever.Thanks

[@korenng5553]

Traveling now is more dangerous than ever...attracting the most naive.

[@NawDawgTheRazor]

Shocking but important, thanks Prof. Mark ❤

[@dantheman8279]

Good reminders

[@cynthiashearer-ec6gl]

That was exceedingly well done. As a mental health worker, I was somewhat surprised that the suicide incidence during travel. Thank you for you thoughtful treatment of a tough subject.

[@woltersworld]

Thank you Cynthia. I was trying to be serious and professional and helpful with it.

[@stephenbrown4211]

This happened to a British tourist but a reminder never to hire cheap scooters. On my first holiday to Corfu years ago, we walked down to the reps meeting on the first day. The resort had very high kerbs and we passed what we thought was red paint on the pavement. During the meeting, the reps talked about not hiring cheap scooter that don’t offer safety gear, the reputable ones did. Then said if any one passed that red patch it should be a reminder. It wasn’t paint. A young lad hired one and was killed in an accident when his head hit the kerb. No helmet, no insurance so his travel insurance wouldn’t cover it.

[@woltersworld]

That is horrible

[@stephenbrown4211]

@@woltersworld it was, it was my first holiday abroad. But please people, rent bikes, scooters etc from companies with insurance and safety gear. Do not use cheap roadside rentals

[@leyenda6149]

Prof. Wolters, can you do a video about situations you have been in that were too close for comfort where you felt you were in peril? If it doesn't really fit with your channel no worries then. Thx.

[@clementinofrancisco3199]

Walter God Bless you and your family, you are a great human being.

[@StephanieMT]

I live in indiana amd never left country but i teach my kids to look both ways twice and listen. Even one way street. If still unsure look again.

[@muhammadrazzaq3086]

Awesome 👍

[@TheImperialChannel]

*Mark is the ultimate, genuinely humane tourist advisor. Thanks!*

[@woltersworld]

Thank you. That is very kind of you.

[@natasha.syberia]

I think it is a great video about such obvious things that no one even thinks to think of when they should.

[@nomigondal3590]

So nice 👍

[@eileendarbyshire2180]

This is a great video I’m from England and will take your advice also Thankyou. Most people be scared to do a video like this.well done shows you care.

[@ivanhaoleboy]

Love your videos and must say this was a good one that needed to be discussed. So thanks.

[@isitrealgood]

Thank you for making this video. Only someone from your perspective, who does travel for a living, is best to make this kind of examination.

[@patchso]

Good on you for caring Wolter. Some depressing numbers there.

[@woltersworld]

It was not one of my favorite videos to film 😞

[@MMfan8919]

You are truly an awesome guy. I love how you seem genuine and care for others. Safe travels dude 🙏

[@woltersworld]

Thank you. That is very nice of you.

[@annieferoz4146]

Good 👍👍

[@PuntaPacifica507]

Jeez….what an eye opener. Thanks amigo.

[@alirazamalik459]

Amazing video

[@gregshulas4452]

This was a very important video. Thank you for doing this. Glad to see you branch out with this one. We always appreciate all you do.

[@RehanSaab-v4v]

Very nice ❤

[@RuRaynor]

There was a horrible article in The Times yesterday about a woman who died in Dubai in a jetski accident. She was not experienced with jetskis, and had wanted to ride tandem with her husband, but the sales guy told them they were too heavy to ride together. She wanted a less powerful jetski, but the guy said it would be fine. There were no helmets, but the guy said that it was okay. Well, it wasn't. She accidentally accelerated, hit a seawall and was catapulted head first onto concrete. Bled out from her head for a while because people ignored her husband screaming. It sounded thoroughly traumatising. Remember, if something doesn't feel safe, and you're not comfortable, WALK AWAY!

[@nurturednerds6677]

Hey Mark! Great location, loved Turku! And great topic! Never really thought of putting it in a PERCENTAGE perspective like this even though these are always concerns of mine, Death doesn't take a vacation, he travels too! Stay safe everyone!

[@CricketTVHD]

I love your ideas 💡 ❤

[@tectons8371]

I am from Greece from the island of Crete and one big advice i can give is be careful of the sea, cant describe how many tourists get drown every year, people that have never swimmed in their life go into deep waters, sea is extremely dangerous there are under water courents that can take you deep before you know it, me as a local every time i go in the beach i always swim in the most shallow water.

[@Angela-t7y]

Wow awesome 😎

[@Roddy1965]

Friends of friends lost a child at a resort pool. One of the saddest stories I ever heard. Patio door was unlocked, and they lost attention of the child for two minutes.

[@Busha69]

I worked as a life guard and kids are often drowning right behind parents backs in the pool and they do not notice.

[@mariafonz5853]

Oh Wolter, you are the travel dad that everyone needs. Great vid ❤

[@theorderofthebees7308]

I absolutely love this channel - and I am glad you are talking about this - not only are traffic laws different from country to country but the everyday way the people interact with traffic - in New York City it’s common to see people Jay walk it’s illegal but it happens all the time so if you are driving you need to be aware And in South Africa cars will speed up when they see pedestrians crossing the street - it’s common and the local folks know that there is no right of way for pedestrians there . Important info that’s necessary to know.

[@oldbroadabroad6619]

As sad a topic this is, thank you for sharing this important information. I'm Australian but still good lessons.

[@kevinbos5178]

We were told to cross the street with confidence in Rome, because vehicles won't stop for you. A lady was killed crossing the street in front of us not long after we heard this advice.

[@MovingForwardLifestyle]

Great video as always, I made a video about this topic. I live here in Greece and I talk about the heatwave and how to stay safe.

[@LearningSpanishwithDrL]

Great video!

[@Midlife_mike]

I love this channel. Love from Mike in Wales the UK 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@ElizabethBSoCal]

Very important video!

[@woltersworld]

Thank you

[@mffmoniz2948]

I'm from Madeira Island. Please respect the warnings of bad weather. Don't leave the trails. Don't take the weather for granted. Remember mountains get cold at night, that you get sunburned in the day. If you have vertigo, chose your paths well. Carefull where you take pictures. Book excursions for the more difficult trails to have support. Not all trails are advisable to do alone. Proper foothwear, water, etc. If a trail is indicated as difficult, it's because it is. If it's closed, it's closed for a reason. When in doubt, TURN BACK. Or it's the rescue teams risking their lives to find someone who got lost. I'm not complaining about tourism. I was a little girl and I already knew we depended on tourism. It's where the money comes. We also want you to be safe, enjoy and come back.

[@IrshadJani-m6e]

amazing❤

[@AngelicaCline-i6d]

I did keep looking the wrong way, crossing streets in Ireland. I was taught to look both ways but bad habits started to form.

[@AtifKhan-fw5jd]

Nice 👍

[@Mr.DJones]

Thank you for your time and posting. IMHO, most people die overseas because of stupidity/not paying attention. This includes murder as most people don't think about possible situations in certain locations, etc.

[@evelyngrammar]

Important topic!

[@koenven7012]

on the driving thing: don't drive when you're fatigued, as that has the same effect on your body as being drunk. So if you have a long trip, give yourself some time to get over the jet lag before you start driving around. Also don't try to drive too far in one go, especially if you're not used to the local situation. If for instance you're used to wide open roads that go straight for miles on end and suddenly you try to drive the same amount on small, winding country or mountain roads, that's asking for trouble, especially if you're also doing it in a rental car you might not know as well as your own. If I need a rental around Europe, I try to get the same brand and if possible, model as I have at home, so at least I know the car. If I go further away, if possible I either don't drive all that far the day of my arrival to get a good feel for the car and the road conditions, or if I have friends or relatives in the area, ask to be picked up so I can get my car the next day after a good night sleep (this last option also has the advantage that you can pick up your car away from the airport, which is often cheaper).

[@jturie]

Good advice...that's why we're staying near FCO when we arrive and renting the car the next day.

[@googlamonster5086]

Also watch out for electric bikes if you are walking. I was almost nailed by one last week, and I was on the sidewalk. I stepped back from looking in a store window, and an ahole on an electric bike flew past way to close to me. Regular bikes are bad enough, but the electric ones go really fast and make no sound. I guess this warning would somewhat fall in the car accident umbrella. Maybe all types of vehicles.

[@woltersworld]

And those scooter things too

[@hassansabeehmufti4191]

Nice❤❤❤❤