Oh, hahaha, I was wondering why you said "Thanks, babe" for a few seconds, it's way different from your style, and I had to go back and read the person's name like 3 times before I realized!
Thank you. I saw too many videos and articles that were just giving bad or unhelpful advice. So I thought we should make a video about it. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Omigosh! This advice is totally ‘on the nose.’ I wish I had been given it 21 years ago when I had first travelled to Japan in order to teach at an English Language School. I was 19 then. I hadn’t even been out of NJ for most my entire life, and was still living with my parents. I had left my low paying grocery store job to be a teacher there. I knew Japanese very well, but I knew nothing about culture shock, homesickness, Blue Law Sundays (nothing open on Sunday in Japan except a few places), and I did NOT know how to budget a monthly paycheck. Needless to say, I ran out of money before the end of my first month teaching and had to get my folks in the states to wire me money. I ended up calling long distance at a pay phone and crying after my second month because I was so terribly homesick. And I really wasn’t ready for any of it, despite Japan being my dream country. I stand here wiser, much older, and ready to return again, but this time with the knowledge of what to expect. Thanks you, Mark! This advice will be very useful to those in long term travel. VERY USEFUL!
Ukraine and Georgia!!!! Absolutely loved both last year. $2-4 per night for a hostel vs the $35 a night I paid in Copenhagen. Literally a month in Kiev cost me the same as 2 nights in Copenhagen! So much to see and do. Museum 80¢, Opera 80¢-$10, "business lunch" in Ukraine 4-course meal for $3.50 or khachapuri or Kenkali for $3-7 in Georgia. Metro 20-50¢ and so much more!
I'd add a 4th tip: get a good travel insurance. In long term travel, it's a lot more likely that things can go wrong, and having an insurance that covers your expenses if/when shit happens is worth its price.
Hogwash. One can just be careful and prepare for unforeseen expenses without paying for an insurance that in many cases will not be useful if something does happen.
I'll be traveling to Ireland soon. It will my first time traveling and being on an airplane. I'm traveling alone as well, and all of your videos have been so incredibly helpful! Thank you so much.
Excellent video, Mark. IMO, one of your best. That is a big thing I regret not doing in my 20s, long term travel. Once you're in your 30s and have so many responsibilities, long term travel becomes much more improbable. Hopefully those that can go on long term travel learn from this video and make it a reality.
+KeepinIt350 thanks. A friend sent me an article from the new york Times about long term travel and I just read it and shook my head. I am (obviously) very passionate about travel and these are really 3 things that I think are vital for people to consider before they set off on a gap year or a long trip. I have seen a number of people who ran out of money while doing some of these trios because they thought they could easily pick up a job or find a free place to stay and it's not always the case. But I felt I had to say my peace about this. And I hope it can help other travelers. Even if they make fun of me I have at least got them to consider these 3 issues. I appreciate your kind words and a big travel hug to you!
We had are kids when we were pretty young, international travel wasn't an option, started in our mid-forties and can't stop, of course as of now it's only a few weeks at a time, however long-term is coming soon with retirement. Not sure if I traveled when we were younger if I would have appreciated certain things as much! Good luck!!
Where there's a will, there's a way, but i hear you. It's tougher to travel long term if you have a mortgage let alone kids. Maybe I'll settle down when I'm 60... and consider a kid then :p
I don't think, if someone did, anyone has the right to make fun of you- I doubt there are many folks in this comment section that have the travel experience you do. You have such a great personality(I mean, you are a professor- that presentation style comes with the job) and I, and I'm sure so many others, really appreciate these videos. You even reply to personal emails!! You're such a treasure. And not that you do, but never let any petty comments get to you. Thank YOU for these videos and sharing your accumulated knowledge.
Love the realness of this video! Its so true! People always ask me how i get to travel as much as i do and im like.... its a lot of working financially and planning! Crazy planning! Love this, hope to do something with you one day!
Totally agree w you on this video. It’s a whole different mindset when u have no special place to be or time to do it. I always say, “Go where you’re treated best and feel the safest doing it”!
Great video, Mark. I'll expand a bit on being flexible: it means being able to change what you like to eat! I've lived abroad for five years now, and at about 6 months in I was struggling to find foods that I liked (and I was spending way too much on western food). The solution for me was to make a conscious effort to actually change my personal taste into one that matched the local foods. So, I in a way forced myself to "like" the local, cheap food. Initially, it took a lot of effort, but I do enjoy a lot of the food here now (Beijing) that in the beginning I just wouldn't eat at all!
This was I think his most heartfelt video on what it takes to travel-it just 'cuts to the chase' really. I know I don't have the right mentality to travel so I rarely do it. I just get too stressed at not knowing the language(I like to bashfully try out some of the local language but retire into my shell when English is spoken back to me), or arriving at a new place and making all the wrong decisions on where to stay or what to see. More power to those who have the resilient qualities Mark refers to-less of talk the talk and more walk the walk!
I'd add a 4th- keep an open mind. IMO, part of the allure of travel is to experience a different culture. Just because it's different doesn't mean it's better or worst, it's just different. Too many people have a judgmental/superiority complex because things aren't the same. If you want things to be the same: STAY HOME! And if you're going to complain that they don't speak English, learn the local (even the basics) language. Anyways, great video! I never got to experience an exchange/year abroad during university since the non-EU/foreigner requirements would've cost more than my entire degree, but I finished debt free so that's not all that bad. Now I'm limited to taking my 3.5 weeks to travel (def need more time off) to explore this planet we live on. Now, how to get 2 more 4-6weeks off to travel abroad to finally make a dent in my travel list... so many places... so little time.
Definitely this. As travelers, we are the guests. We are experiencing the local culture, cuisine, and language and we HAVE to be understanding about that.
Woww you are so right it's scary haha . I'm on my 3rd month going around Europe. 1st month was spot on . 2nd completely . And I'm in my 3rd right now I'm like blah ! In Switzerland now but going to friends south of France for couple weeks to recharge to try keep going ... this video just made me feel it's not just me . So thanks
Mark, you are really hitting your stride. Great video. On a whirlwind trip through Costa Rica, I fell in love with a small town in the mountains, called Atenas. A few years later I rented a long term apartment over two years. Like you said, once you get over the "everything is shinny and new," you adjust. In my situation, I learned to "live like a local," and get into the grove of local life. Learning the language, and adjusting to the local culture is a big advantage. Bottom line: Long term travel can be very rewarding if you are open minded and keep in mind you are always a guest in their country.
This advice is really good. I went away on a 6,5 month trip last year. Flexibility is important and also not to rush things. It is better to stay for longer in the places you like and travel faster through the places that you don't like as much.
I agree that mentality is key. Every time I travel, I make up my mind beforehand that I will like the people I meet. Makes life much better. Flexibility is good, too. Drives my wife crazy.
I have found that the major sites are well worth visiting but the smaller towns and villages or some of the most rewarding cultural experiences. They will often help ease the financial burden as well as they are often more affordable.
I felt with the mentality part when I traveled with the military for 3 months at a time. Always had a kind of break down after two weeks and then I was ok for the rest of the time. 3 months you could really get to know a place too.
I agree with Jocelyn. This is one of your best ever. You hit the big big points right on the head, didn't get lost in the bullshit about wifi connections and shit. Good job!!
Starting January, I'll be studying in Berlin for 6 months, so I consider that a general sort of long-term travel, so I'm definitely paying attention to these tips! I'm good on 1 & 2, I could go for years, my only issue is, being a student, with #3, and unfortunately that may be the biggest point!
With a student visa if you're not from the EU, you can work up to 20 hours a week, that makes around 400 EUR a month, which might not be a fortune but it sure helps.
I went to UCSB where there is a big number of foreign exchange students who are there for 1 year. I befriended many of them and saw many things. They needed to work to make ends meet, while I didn't want to work to focus on my studies. Saw them struggle with basic everyday things such as doing laundry or the language. And you have to take into consideration Mark's point #3, your finances. They came from Europe in the late 90s, a time when the Euro was new and weaker than the Dollar. Which is why they needed to work, the Euros they brought with them and sent from their families back home wasn't enough. Still I saw them have the time of their lives which I bet they will cherish forever
Mark my husband and I just came back from 7 month trip around the world. 3 months in SE Asia, 4 in Europe. By end we were exhausted, but already planning to do it again!
I’m planning a trip to Japan in 2019. Can you do a video about the different seasons there. We are trying to figure out the pros and cons with each season.
I recommend to avoid the summer month (july and august) since it gets really hot and humid (unless you're planning to visit the north of Japan, Hokkaido). Cherry blossom season is nice, but very popular among many other tourists as well, so flights will be more expensive and the places where you can see them will be very crowded. Also it's pretty hard to tell when the right time will be to go if you really want to see the cherry blossoms. It depends on the weather when they will bloom and they will only last for about a week, especially if it rains once. So if you aren't staying in japan for about a month or so, don't make seeing cherry blossoms your top priority. Spring is obviously a nice season to travel in Japan (march - may) however, in the middle of may the rain season is starting, so avoid the middle of may until june. In my opinion the best season for travelling in japan is autumn. The colorful leaves are just as beautiful as the cherry blossoms but stay much longer, so you can be sure to see them even if your book your flight half a year in advance. japanese autumn also has mostly good weather and it's still warm. I recommend going in september-november ;)
You should read this page for a detailed description on the different seasons www.anecdotasdejapon.com/2017/11/29/seasons-of-japan/ Personally, I like Spring and Winter!
I have lived and travelled there. So starting from September in north and the mountains and progressively moving to the southern coastline and southwester part of the country you get the amazing autumn colours. The winters are very mild, compared to northern Europe. In spring, especially the first half of April you get the cherry blossoms. In general these seasons it rains very little and temperatures are very comfortable in most places. I have not been in Japan anytime from June to August, because despite all the summer festivals and fireworks, I heard that it is insanely hot and humid with frequent rain and typhoons. Actually my first flight away from the country was in late May as an early typhoon was approaching Tokyo, and we had to remain strapped on our seats for almost an hour forced to lean on the side, because the airplane rotor was in full tilt to counter the strong winds pushing us off course. If you want more information, let me know and have a nice trip ;)
Thanks for the input everyone! I really appreciate it. :) I live in Oklahoma City for a year and don’t really like the humidity or cicadas. So going there in the summer is out. Haha maybe the Fall to see the leaves change. Because the Cherry Blossom festival has too many tourist.
my longest was 3 months in Japan, although it was mostly study. I rented a portable wifi pod, saved money with monthly train commuter passes. I did lots of cultural stuff and travel as well, really loved it and didn't want to come home at the end! I stayed in a sharehouse run by a great company called Borderless House which allows you meet locals, so I got to make lots of Japanese friends too
You can talk about long term travel when your passport allows visa on arrival for 90% countries and exchange rate supports you. The inequality is huge for travellers from Asia.
Having lived abroad for a year now I'd just like to add two things based on my own experience. 1) Establish a base of operations. I've met some real "nothing but the clothes on their back" types. Thats just not how most of us were raised. There is the trade off of short term comfort vs long term comfort. In the short term you can make due with a lot less than you are used to. In the long term it'll eat away at you. Sooner or later you need a day off from travel. Sooner or later you will need to see a doctor for some reason. Whether this means staying with friends every couple weeks and stashing your stuff with them or taking an appartment in a small city you periodically come back to (cheaper than a hotel in a big city), you need some base of operations. Its a big mental anchor most people need. 2) SKYPE. You're a lot less homesick if you make plans to periodically see the people back home you are missing. As good as seeing them in person? Definintely not! But it buys you time.
The last two months of 2018, we will be in Zagreb with trips to at least 4 other central and eastern European Cities. 2016 to 2017, it was 3 months based in Budapest with trips to cities within 200k. We had great food; met artistsand local small business people.. It was great and we will do this every year until we are too feeble to walk to the airport
I wish I had this advice before I embarked of 4months in Europe. I kinda hate travel now but I think about travelling again from time to time. Great video
beautiful video, i can relate to a lot of that. Have had both good and okay experiences, especially in terms of the finance side. I went on a Europe trip with good money saved up and visited all the major cities like rome, paris, barcelona, ibiza, nice, piacenza and lots of poland and italy, and had an amazing time of my life. I went for 2 n half months for which 1 month i volunteered to teach canadian culture in polish schools (accodomation + food provided). Now compared this my most recent trip, I just came back from a 7 month cheap on a budget trip in southeast asia (thailand, indonesia, malaysia and india) and like walter said" bummed it out" for 3 months of it. I can definitely look back and say the europe trip was more enjoyable due to the fact that i was able to experience and dive into the culture of the place on a deeper level, while the trip to southeast asia at times was just doing nothing and reflecting on existence maybe too much at times. Good advice from Walter and I can most definitely test to that.
Thank you Mark! Please do more like this! I'm doing a ten week trip next summer and it's my first time traveling alone so I really appreciate these tips :)
Wolters World I'd appreciate info on the public transportation system in Europe, especially Germany. Like passes, eurorail, Bahn card, things like that. Thanks!
Feels like forever since i've seen a longer video from you guys. Hope you had a wonderful thanksgiving and I really enjoyed the little check ins over the past week or so.
+It'sBree yeah November was crazy with Japan and work so I just didn't have the time to get my long videos out. I have a few more short ones comi ng out this week but this weekend we will have 2 long videos
OH Yay. I mean whatever you put up on the tube i LOVE so its fine. I'm not even a traveller but your videos make me so excited to one day venture out into the world. Japan looks like it is INCREDIBLE Look forward to all there is to come from Wolters World :)
Wow! This was just so honest and so far away from the "easy-piecy" surviving on scraps around the world, travel videos I have seen on TH-cam. Really good advice and allround tips to make you think. I appreciate that. I would also love some follow up videos on this, since the advice in this video was so spot on. Especially the mentality part would be interesting if you could elaborate on. Are there any "life-lines" to prep for when travel depression hits? What if you get on your family's nerves or vice versa? How to keep things fresh after seeing "another church, temple..."? Would a long term travel be detrimental/beneficial if you would bring your kids/relatives/have marital or common law spouse issues/geting far more home-sick than you expected...or many other aspects that I can't think of right now. And if so, in what way? Concerning the flexibility, it would be interesting to hear some examples from your extensive experience of travelling. How plans changed, why they changed. Like, would it be good to have a plan B for a specific place, in case your initial plan disappoints you? I just love this channel SO much. I find myself spend quite a lot of time watching them. Perhaps more than I should. Thanks for being the best travel channel out there. Greetings from Sweden.
American, 4 years abroad in 2 countries of non-English speaking countries. Your 3 keys are KEY! I don't find most Americans have the mentality to pick up and leave all their creature comforts and stuff that people from other parts of the world (like Europe) do. We think we are #1 and see most of the world through the view of inferior for one reason or another. I loathe this mindset. The world is an incredible place, and not just developed western countries either! One day I will retire in a 4th country, and pick up their language (if I don't already speak it)!
hey mark, just discovered your channel and love your videos. have you ever considered doing a podcast or some other long-form media where you can share your travel insights in further detail? your style is super engaging and informative - can't get enough. keep it up!
+Parker Conley hey Parker. Thanks for finding us and thanks for the kind words! I have thought about the podcast but I just haven't had time to really focus on a podcast. If I ever quit my day job and do Wolters World as my full time job then yes I would definitely do a podcast
There must be a lot of research to do. I can go to Thailand for 30 days without problem. But I tried to read about longer stays. Then it starts to be overly complicated. And I think this is one of the easier countries. ( I have not been traveling, just vacation :-)
Mark: Pack less stuff and double the budget. I am planning to go to Australia and New Zealand for six weeks. I was planning to go in June 2018 but I now believe I will leave in 2019 for budget reasons and work commitments. All my flights will be purchased with my 300,000 + frequent flyer miles, and I also have a ton of hotel points for hotels. I hope to have a rough travel plan done by January 2018. I will hit every major city in both nations.
my advice 4 japan: try out sake when you go out for drinks :D theres not only the strong sake but even soft, sparkling and sweet ones. it will come you much cheaper than beer. they put extra taxes on beer, so a Tin of Yebisu would come for 320 yen, thats about 3 Dollars or Euro. best one (near german quality) is Yebisu. Cheaper ones are Sapporo or Asahi. And honestly....do you go to japan for their beer? ;)
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I'm already bumming it here in the us lol I'd rather bum it in Europe. I was wondering if you'd make a video on dealing with tsa and customs and international security differences. Went thru Frankfurt security once and they were mad we were taking our shoes off
For sure TSA is killer... im thinking about making a vid like that too... just trying to figure best advice i can give especially TSA in London and customs there..
Just look at what everyone ahead of you is doing. If you see everyone stripping, you strip. If you see people not even taking out their liquids or removing shoes, don't bother unless asked.
Best way to do long term travel is to have a location independent work or an online work. I really envy those who can work anywhere in the world as long as there is internet and laptop.
Under the heading of "acceptance." Try to try, test, and understand how, and the "style" (for lack of a better word), of how the local folks live. We in the US can sometimes expect other people to live (and think) just like we do. If you live overseas, and can get past the assumptions you grew up with, you may find that people living very different "life styles" can, and do, live very happily, and, perhaps more importantly, can raise families and children that we can all be proud of , despite the differences.
You can’t travel for free but you can definitely save money here and there. For instance even though I the majority of the time will stay at air b n b I will house sit sometimes. With me working as a freelancer I have my good months and bad months with paychecks. Since I travel full time of I know I will be coming on one of those months I will house or pet sit. Saves tremendously on accommodation costs.
+Miaaroundthisworld exactly you find the little ways to save or make it work. We do similar things and it really helps. Can pay for another week or month of travel
Love you Wolters World....Love your videos.....They are truly very inspiring and helpful..... And yes I am from Pune, Maharashtra, India..... Please come to India and we will welcome you and your family with great hospitality.... Thank you for your amazing work....Stay blessed.... Lots of love to you and your family.... -Yash Kabra.
+Yash Kabra hi Yash! We do have India on our list. It's probably our big trip in 2019 or maybe 2020. We want to do at least 5 weeks and with the kids school that only gives us the school break option:(
I’m just curious, do you guys have a home base somewhere or is your family always traveling? I discovered your video’s a couple months ago and love them. I don’t travel too much besides back and forth from Hawaii to California to see my family when I can, but I love learning about other countries especially since I have mixed ethnicities mostly Scottish & Asian which I’ve never been to Europe or Asia... someday!
Hey Wolter, love your vidoes, I'm a long time watcher. I have a question for you. I plan on taking 2-3 years off in the future, to just travel non-stop. How should I start? What places would you highly recommend, might you have an idea of how much I should save up to travel non-stop for 2-3 years? I want to go to every continent, except Anartica, I'm thinking maybe 5 to 10 countries per continent. I would love to get some advice from you.
If you are under 60 and in decent health, what's the rush? That would be absolutely exhausting. Every new place you visit you'll prob be walking 10,000-20,000 a day trying to see and do everything. Your body will be affected by all the train and flight travel plus time change. As a visible foreigner, you WILL become a victim of crime, statistically speaking, petty for sure, violent, possibly. Many similar places will blend together in your memories at some point. You may overspend the first few weeks or months, leading to low funds eventually. You may experience a natural disaster. You WILL get sick at some point and likely hurt (people are more adventurous during travel, doing extreme sports, riding motos, etc.), you may have unexpected medical bills. You won't get the same prescriptions or level of continuous medical care. Someone in your family may become ill during that time and you'll want to fly home. You will have flight delays, cancellations, and excess baggage fees as you acquire more things. Downsizing may be an issue. All the people in your life will be transient. You can't fall in love during that time. You won't be earning money for years. You will be helping to burn a great big hole in the ozone with all that pollution! After all the costs and sleep deprivation and cultural shock, you may regret having undertaken such a trip. And you may learn to HATE travel! Listen, I LOVE food but you won't see me eating at every food fest in the world. I would, quite literally, lose my appetite! I say this as someone who will be completing about 33 countries on all continents (as of 2024).... Which will have taken me 14 years to do (on a budget)! Fourteen, not 3! Slow your roll, do a few a year, come back and work and you will appreciate your adventures as much needed respites instead of burdens.
Hey Mark, I started watching your videos a couple weeks ago, around the time I bought plane tickets for Tokyo. Crazy you're there now! Are you going to have Do's & Don't's videos for Japan?
Sooo like I might sound stupid or something.But I'm currently in college and I'm studying to get a master's degree.But when I'm done with college I want to settle down in another country. (like as in work in it and ya know live life in it) But how do I do it like what is the first step for it what am I supposed to search I'm so stressed. if someone can help me that would be amazing. Cuz I need serious help as you can tell.😥😥
This might be my favorite video you've ever done. Good job honey. So honest and real! 💛
+Jocelyn Wolters thabks babe
Oh, hahaha, I was wondering why you said "Thanks, babe" for a few seconds, it's way different from your style, and I had to go back and read the person's name like 3 times before I realized!
Probably the most sensible travel video I've ever watched on TH-cam. Well done Mark, and I hope you're enjoying Kyoto.
Very True! I know for my travel video series i want to make sure to be realistic cause theres so much people that share unrealistic stuff on it
Thank you. I saw too many videos and articles that were just giving bad or unhelpful advice. So I thought we should make a video about it. Thanks for watching and commenting.
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Omigosh! This advice is totally ‘on the nose.’
I wish I had been given it 21 years ago when I had first travelled to Japan in order to teach at an English Language School.
I was 19 then. I hadn’t even been out of NJ for most my entire life, and was still living with my parents. I had left my low paying grocery store job to be a teacher there. I knew Japanese very well, but I knew nothing about culture shock, homesickness, Blue Law Sundays (nothing open on Sunday in Japan except a few places), and I did NOT know how to budget a monthly paycheck.
Needless to say, I ran out of money before the end of my first month teaching and had to get my folks in the states to wire me money.
I ended up calling long distance at a pay phone and crying after my second month because I was so terribly homesick.
And I really wasn’t ready for any of it, despite Japan being my dream country.
I stand here wiser, much older, and ready to return again, but this time with the knowledge of what to expect.
Thanks you, Mark! This advice will be very useful to those in long term travel. VERY USEFUL!
Ukraine and Georgia!!!! Absolutely loved both last year. $2-4 per night for a hostel vs the $35 a night I paid in Copenhagen. Literally a month in Kiev cost me the same as 2 nights in Copenhagen! So much to see and do. Museum 80¢, Opera 80¢-$10, "business lunch" in Ukraine 4-course meal for $3.50 or khachapuri or Kenkali for $3-7 in Georgia. Metro 20-50¢ and so much more!
I'd add a 4th tip: get a good travel insurance. In long term travel, it's a lot more likely that things can go wrong, and having an insurance that covers your expenses if/when shit happens is worth its price.
Hogwash. One can just be careful and prepare for unforeseen expenses without paying for an insurance that in many cases will not be useful if something does happen.
I'll be traveling to Ireland soon. It will my first time traveling and being on an airplane. I'm traveling alone as well, and all of your videos have been so incredibly helpful! Thank you so much.
Excellent video, Mark. IMO, one of your best. That is a big thing I regret not doing in my 20s, long term travel. Once you're in your 30s and have so many responsibilities, long term travel becomes much more improbable. Hopefully those that can go on long term travel learn from this video and make it a reality.
+KeepinIt350 thanks. A friend sent me an article from the new york Times about long term travel and I just read it and shook my head. I am (obviously) very passionate about travel and these are really 3 things that I think are vital for people to consider before they set off on a gap year or a long trip. I have seen a number of people who ran out of money while doing some of these trios because they thought they could easily pick up a job or find a free place to stay and it's not always the case. But I felt I had to say my peace about this. And I hope it can help other travelers. Even if they make fun of me I have at least got them to consider these 3 issues. I appreciate your kind words and a big travel hug to you!
We had are kids when we were pretty young, international travel wasn't an option, started in our mid-forties and can't stop, of course as of now it's only a few weeks at a time, however long-term is coming soon with retirement. Not sure if I traveled when we were younger if I would have appreciated certain things as much! Good luck!!
Where there's a will, there's a way, but i hear you. It's tougher to travel long term if you have a mortgage let alone kids.
Maybe I'll settle down when I'm 60... and consider a kid then :p
I don't think, if someone did, anyone has the right to make fun of you- I doubt there are many folks in this comment section that have the travel experience you do. You have such a great personality(I mean, you are a professor- that presentation style comes with the job) and I, and I'm sure so many others, really appreciate these videos. You even reply to personal emails!! You're such a treasure. And not that you do, but never let any petty comments get to you. Thank YOU for these videos and sharing your accumulated knowledge.
Love the realness of this video! Its so true! People always ask me how i get to travel as much as i do and im like.... its a lot of working financially and planning! Crazy planning! Love this, hope to do something with you one day!
Hahaha, the planning takes nearly as long as the travel!
Totally agree w you on this video. It’s a whole different mindset when u have no special place to be or time to do it. I always say, “Go where you’re treated best and feel the safest doing it”!
Great video, Mark. I'll expand a bit on being flexible: it means being able to change what you like to eat! I've lived abroad for five years now, and at about 6 months in I was struggling to find foods that I liked (and I was spending way too much on western food). The solution for me was to make a conscious effort to actually change my personal taste into one that matched the local foods. So, I in a way forced myself to "like" the local, cheap food. Initially, it took a lot of effort, but I do enjoy a lot of the food here now (Beijing) that in the beginning I just wouldn't eat at all!
This was I think his most heartfelt video on what it takes to travel-it just 'cuts to the chase' really. I know I don't have the right mentality to travel so I rarely do it. I just get too stressed at not knowing the language(I like to bashfully try out some of the local language but retire into my shell when English is spoken back to me), or arriving at a new place and making all the wrong decisions on where to stay or what to see. More power to those who have the resilient qualities Mark refers to-less of talk the talk and more walk the walk!
I'd add a 4th- keep an open mind.
IMO, part of the allure of travel is to experience a different culture. Just because it's different doesn't mean it's better or worst, it's just different. Too many people have a judgmental/superiority complex because things aren't the same. If you want things to be the same: STAY HOME!
And if you're going to complain that they don't speak English, learn the local (even the basics) language.
Anyways, great video! I never got to experience an exchange/year abroad during university since the non-EU/foreigner requirements would've cost more than my entire degree, but I finished debt free so that's not all that bad. Now I'm limited to taking my 3.5 weeks to travel (def need more time off) to explore this planet we live on.
Now, how to get 2 more 4-6weeks off to travel abroad to finally make a dent in my travel list... so many places... so little time.
Definitely this. As travelers, we are the guests. We are experiencing the local culture, cuisine, and language and we HAVE to be understanding about that.
This is just great Mark....I really appreciate somebody said it out loud. This is the most sensible travel advice i heard since ever
Woww you are so right it's scary haha . I'm on my 3rd month going around Europe. 1st month was spot on . 2nd completely . And I'm in my 3rd right now I'm like blah ! In Switzerland now but going to friends south of France for couple weeks to recharge to try keep going ... this video just made me feel it's not just me . So thanks
So true. I tried to travel on the cheap and had very little fun. Next time I will eat the food and see the museums. My next trip is Portugal.
Tammie you choose the right country. You can enjoy it and not spend a ton of money
Mark, you are really hitting your stride. Great video. On a whirlwind trip through Costa Rica, I fell in love with a small town in the mountains, called Atenas. A few years later I rented a long term apartment over two years. Like you said, once you get over the "everything is shinny and new," you adjust. In my situation, I learned to "live like a local," and get into the grove of local life. Learning the language, and adjusting to the local culture is a big advantage.
Bottom line: Long term travel can be very rewarding if you are open minded and keep in mind you are always a guest in their country.
This advice is really good. I went away on a 6,5 month trip last year. Flexibility is important and also not to rush things. It is better to stay for longer in the places you like and travel faster through the places that you don't like as much.
#3 Create a estimated spending plan and then add 30% to it.
+Adam exactly!!
I can't get that much time off. But when I travel I eat local food, stay in Airbnb because I want to appreciate their culture.
+Nathan Wira exactly and you are doing exactly what we do too.
Your family seems like the coolest people to spend time with. Including the boys.
I agree that mentality is key. Every time I travel, I make up my mind beforehand that I will like the people I meet. Makes life much better.
Flexibility is good, too. Drives my wife crazy.
Mark, everything that you said in this video is absolutely spot-on. Thank you for the great advice!
I have found that the major sites are well worth visiting but the smaller towns and villages or some of the most rewarding cultural experiences.
They will often help ease the financial burden as well as they are often more affordable.
That was a really great video! My favorite of your channel so far!
+Anna Wagner thank you Anna
Well said, packing well and similar tips are helpful, but the importance of these three keys can not be stressed enough!
I felt with the mentality part when I traveled with the military for 3 months at a time. Always had a kind of break down after two weeks and then I was ok for the rest of the time. 3 months you could really get to know a place too.
Respect. an advice came at the right time while planing a 6 month travel through Asia
I agree with Jocelyn. This is one of your best ever. You hit the big big points right on the head, didn't get lost in the bullshit about wifi connections and shit. Good job!!
Starting January, I'll be studying in Berlin for 6 months, so I consider that a general sort of long-term travel, so I'm definitely paying attention to these tips!
I'm good on 1 & 2, I could go for years, my only issue is, being a student, with #3, and unfortunately that may be the biggest point!
+Micah Philson yeah. The money thing can really get you
Micah Philson - Berlin is such a great city. Good luck with it :)
Yeh I go to Berlin or München after 2 years to study too..... Not that ez learn German language ;_;
With a student visa if you're not from the EU, you can work up to 20 hours a week, that makes around 400 EUR a month, which might not be a fortune but it sure helps.
Josue, I had no idea an American student could do some work while studying there! I'll have to look into that!
I went to UCSB where there is a big number of foreign exchange students who are there for 1 year. I befriended many of them and saw many things. They needed to work to make ends meet, while I didn't want to work to focus on my studies. Saw them struggle with basic everyday things such as doing laundry or the language. And you have to take into consideration Mark's point #3, your finances. They came from Europe in the late 90s, a time when the Euro was new and weaker than the Dollar. Which is why they needed to work, the Euros they brought with them and sent from their families back home wasn't enough. Still I saw them have the time of their lives which I bet they will cherish forever
Spot on. I’ll just add physical health to be picky.
Thank you both for the great video's all year looking forward to seeing more keep up the good work happy Xmas to you and your family.
Thanks Tom! a lot more coming before the end of the year :)
Mark my husband and I just came back from 7 month trip around the world. 3 months in SE Asia, 4 in Europe. By end we were exhausted, but already planning to do it again!
I’m planning a trip to Japan in 2019. Can you do a video about the different seasons there. We are trying to figure out the pros and cons with each season.
I recommend to avoid the summer month (july and august) since it gets really hot and humid (unless you're planning to visit the north of Japan, Hokkaido). Cherry blossom season is nice, but very popular among many other tourists as well, so flights will be more expensive and the places where you can see them will be very crowded. Also it's pretty hard to tell when the right time will be to go if you really want to see the cherry blossoms. It depends on the weather when they will bloom and they will only last for about a week, especially if it rains once. So if you aren't staying in japan for about a month or so, don't make seeing cherry blossoms your top priority. Spring is obviously a nice season to travel in Japan (march - may) however, in the middle of may the rain season is starting, so avoid the middle of may until june. In my opinion the best season for travelling in japan is autumn. The colorful leaves are just as beautiful as the cherry blossoms but stay much longer, so you can be sure to see them even if your book your flight half a year in advance. japanese autumn also has mostly good weather and it's still warm. I recommend going in september-november ;)
its great. Anytime of the year can be well worth it. Summer in tokyo can be a bit hot, but it doesn't get super cold in winter.
You should read this page for a detailed description on the different seasons www.anecdotasdejapon.com/2017/11/29/seasons-of-japan/ Personally, I like Spring and Winter!
I have lived and travelled there. So starting from September in north and the mountains and progressively moving to the southern coastline and southwester part of the country you get the amazing autumn colours. The winters are very mild, compared to northern Europe. In spring, especially the first half of April you get the cherry blossoms. In general these seasons it rains very little and temperatures are very comfortable in most places.
I have not been in Japan anytime from June to August, because despite all the summer festivals and fireworks, I heard that it is insanely hot and humid with frequent rain and typhoons. Actually my first flight away from the country was in late May as an early typhoon was approaching Tokyo, and we had to remain strapped on our seats for almost an hour forced to lean on the side, because the airplane rotor was in full tilt to counter the strong winds pushing us off course.
If you want more information, let me know and have a nice trip ;)
Thanks for the input everyone! I really appreciate it. :) I live in Oklahoma City for a year and don’t really like the humidity or cicadas. So going there in the summer is out. Haha maybe the Fall to see the leaves change. Because the Cherry Blossom festival has too many tourist.
my longest was 3 months in Japan, although it was mostly study. I rented a portable wifi pod, saved money with monthly train commuter passes. I did lots of cultural stuff and travel as well, really loved it and didn't want to come home at the end! I stayed in a sharehouse run by a great company called Borderless House which allows you meet locals, so I got to make lots of Japanese friends too
You can talk about long term travel when your passport allows visa on arrival for 90% countries and exchange rate supports you. The inequality is huge for travellers from Asia.
Having lived abroad for a year now I'd just like to add two things based on my own experience. 1) Establish a base of operations.
I've met some real "nothing but the clothes on their back" types. Thats just not how most of us were raised. There is the trade off of short term comfort vs long term comfort. In the short term you can make due with a lot less than you are used to. In the long term it'll eat away at you. Sooner or later you need a day off from travel. Sooner or later you will need to see a doctor for some reason. Whether this means staying with friends every couple weeks and stashing your stuff with them or taking an appartment in a small city you periodically come back to (cheaper than a hotel in a big city), you need some base of operations. Its a big mental anchor most people need. 2) SKYPE. You're a lot less homesick if you make plans to periodically see the people back home you are missing. As good as seeing them in person? Definintely not! But it buys you time.
Very important n eye opening video
+TravelReady Butterfly thank you
Added to my travel playlist ✔️
I love all your videos . very inspiring . we are a big fan of Europe and hope to see you there sometime.keep of with a good job.
The last two months of 2018, we will be in Zagreb with trips to at least 4 other central and eastern European Cities. 2016 to 2017, it was 3 months based in Budapest with trips to cities within 200k. We had great food; met artistsand local small business people.. It was great and we will do this every year until we are too feeble to walk to the airport
It is exhausting sometimes! The mentality thing is huge.
This video somehow just brings out the joy of traveling:)
thanks Runar :)
Another great video! This is very helpful since we are looking at traveling a longer time after retirement.
Wonderful video! Very sensible, useful info. I'd like to plan some longer term travel and this is really helpful!
I wish I had this advice before I embarked of 4months in Europe. I kinda hate travel now but I think about travelling again from time to time. Great video
+Alex Wood thanks Alex!
What happened exactly?
I always thought about that financial aspect because you never know what could happen in another country and such even though you have prepared.
Great video ! One of the best things that help with long term travel is get a location independent job. I.e get a position you can work anywhere
Better than that is remote bc you wont need a work visa!
You are great Mark! Great advice and I really love all your video's. You are inspiring :)
You should go to Bulgaria! The black Sea and Sofia!
beautiful video, i can relate to a lot of that. Have had both good and okay experiences, especially in terms of the finance side. I went on a Europe trip with good money saved up and visited all the major cities like rome, paris, barcelona, ibiza, nice, piacenza and lots of poland and italy, and had an amazing time of my life. I went for 2 n half months for which 1 month i volunteered to teach canadian culture in polish schools (accodomation + food provided). Now compared this my most recent trip, I just came back from a 7 month cheap on a budget trip in southeast asia (thailand, indonesia, malaysia and india) and like walter said" bummed it out" for 3 months of it. I can definitely look back and say the europe trip was more enjoyable due to the fact that i was able to experience and dive into the culture of the place on a deeper level, while the trip to southeast asia at times was just doing nothing and reflecting on existence maybe too much at times. Good advice from Walter and I can most definitely test to that.
Yes! Excellent advice, I would've given the same advice.
Excellent video! Would love more on this!
Thank you Mark! Please do more like this! I'm doing a ten week trip next summer and it's my first time traveling alone so I really appreciate these tips :)
+Hannah R thanks Hannah. Are there any specific areas you would like me to Focus on?
Wolters World I'd appreciate info on the public transportation system in Europe, especially Germany. Like passes, eurorail, Bahn card, things like that. Thanks!
This is a great video. These are things most of us don't think about.
"Travel is not free". Agree.
Thank you Mark.
Lots of practical advice.
Really like your 1980s(?) photo😊
A lovely family pic, are you the wee smiler or the big brother?
Feels like forever since i've seen a longer video from you guys. Hope you had a wonderful thanksgiving and I really enjoyed the little check ins over the past week or so.
+It'sBree yeah November was crazy with Japan and work so I just didn't have the time to get my long videos out. I have a few more short ones comi ng out this week but this weekend we will have 2 long videos
OH Yay. I mean whatever you put up on the tube i LOVE so its fine. I'm not even a traveller but your videos make me so excited to one day venture out into the world. Japan looks like it is INCREDIBLE
Look forward to all there is to come from Wolters World :)
Hi Wolter! Thx for this video. Seriously, finally someone talking some real sense, not the "travel for free" lie :)
Thank You! You hit the nail head on! Great video!
+datman57 thanks D :)
Love the videos Mark keep it up!
Its amazing right!!!
Wow! This was just so honest and so far away from the "easy-piecy" surviving on scraps around the world, travel videos I have seen on TH-cam. Really good advice and allround tips to make you think. I appreciate that. I would also love some follow up videos on this, since the advice in this video was so spot on.
Especially the mentality part would be interesting if you could elaborate on. Are there any "life-lines" to prep for when travel depression hits? What if you get on your family's nerves or vice versa? How to keep things fresh after seeing "another church, temple..."? Would a long term travel be detrimental/beneficial if you would bring your kids/relatives/have marital or common law spouse issues/geting far more home-sick than you expected...or many other aspects that I can't think of right now. And if so, in what way?
Concerning the flexibility, it would be interesting to hear some examples from your extensive experience of travelling. How plans changed, why they changed. Like, would it be good to have a plan B for a specific place, in case your initial plan disappoints you?
I just love this channel SO much. I find myself spend quite a lot of time watching them. Perhaps more than I should. Thanks for being the best travel channel out there.
Greetings from Sweden.
American, 4 years abroad in 2 countries of non-English speaking countries. Your 3 keys are KEY! I don't find most Americans have the mentality to pick up and leave all their creature comforts and stuff that people from other parts of the world (like Europe) do. We think we are #1 and see most of the world through the view of inferior for one reason or another. I loathe this mindset. The world is an incredible place, and not just developed western countries either! One day I will retire in a 4th country, and pick up their language (if I don't already speak it)!
I’m a simple man, I see a Wolters world video I click like.
hey mark, just discovered your channel and love your videos. have you ever considered doing a podcast or some other long-form media where you can share your travel insights in further detail? your style is super engaging and informative - can't get enough. keep it up!
+Parker Conley hey Parker. Thanks for finding us and thanks for the kind words! I have thought about the podcast but I just haven't had time to really focus on a podcast. If I ever quit my day job and do Wolters World as my full time job then yes I would definitely do a podcast
I just want to point out that you can work for certain airlines that gives you free domestic flights and landing tax on international
I like your channel; and this is great advice.
Thanks Wandering Cajun!
There must be a lot of research to do. I can go to Thailand for 30 days without problem. But I tried to read about longer stays. Then it starts to be overly complicated. And I think this is one of the easier countries. ( I have not been traveling, just vacation :-)
thanks a lot for your advices mark!
+Naila Rose thank you for watching:)
Mark: Pack less stuff and double the budget. I am planning to go to Australia and New Zealand for six weeks. I was planning to go in June 2018 but I now believe I will leave in 2019 for budget reasons and work commitments. All my flights will be purchased with my 300,000 + frequent flyer miles, and I also have a ton of hotel points for hotels. I hope to have a rough travel plan done by January 2018. I will hit every major city in both nations.
ESUSAMEX perfect example of Flexibility and Financial wherewithal! Way to go!!
Thank you, Jocelyn.
This is giving me Mario Batali vibes. hehehe. Love your channel Wolter!
Good tips as always, I have a,question where you get you pullover for my son
my advice 4 japan: try out sake when you go out for drinks :D theres not only the strong sake but even soft, sparkling and sweet ones. it will come you much cheaper than beer. they put extra taxes on beer, so a Tin of Yebisu would come for 320 yen, thats about 3 Dollars or Euro. best one (near german quality) is Yebisu. Cheaper ones are Sapporo or Asahi.
And honestly....do you go to japan for their beer? ;)
I'm already bumming it here in the us lol I'd rather bum it in Europe. I was wondering if you'd make a video on dealing with tsa and customs and international security differences. Went thru Frankfurt security once and they were mad we were taking our shoes off
For sure TSA is killer... im thinking about making a vid like that too... just trying to figure best advice i can give especially TSA in London and customs there..
It really is airport by airport difference which is annoying because good advice for one airport is completely worthless at another one :)
Güera's World hi my name is Enzo and I'm looking for a friend , let's be friends ?
Just look at what everyone ahead of you is doing. If you see everyone stripping, you strip. If you see people not even taking out their liquids or removing shoes, don't bother unless asked.
there is always jobs no matter where you are :)
Best way to do long term travel is to have a location independent work or an online work. I really envy those who can work anywhere in the world as long as there is internet and laptop.
Loving the videos mark
Thank you!
Its so real! Love it
Hi Mark hows the diet going will you be giving us an update soon
Totally agree with this video!
+Rico Vanassen thanks Rico
Under the heading of "acceptance." Try to try, test, and understand how, and the "style" (for lack of a better word), of how the local folks live. We in the US can sometimes expect other people to live (and think) just like we do. If you live overseas, and can get past the assumptions you grew up with, you may find that people living very different "life styles" can, and do, live very happily, and, perhaps more importantly, can raise families and children that we can all be proud of , despite the differences.
Bruce Stein yeah
Great advice!
Hi Mark, come to visit Taiwan, it’s a foodie heaven, you will love it!
So true!!!! Loved our visit !
safety is key
When are you coming to Oregon U.S.A.?
god i love your spirit
You can’t travel for free but you can definitely save money here and there. For instance even though I the majority of the time will stay at air b n b I will house sit sometimes. With me working as a freelancer I have my good months and bad months with paychecks. Since I travel full time of I know I will be coming on one of those months I will house or pet sit. Saves tremendously on accommodation costs.
+Miaaroundthisworld exactly you find the little ways to save or make it work. We do similar things and it really helps. Can pay for another week or month of travel
Your lapel microphone wire clearly visible. Lol. However, helpful video. Thanks
I wish about this...
Another great video!
+JazzRocks57 thanks Jazz!
Do you save money and then go overseas? Or do you get a job, then move?Which way is faster/easier?
you da man Mark
Love you Wolters World....Love your videos.....They are truly very inspiring and helpful.....
And yes I am from Pune, Maharashtra, India.....
Please come to India and we will welcome you and your family with great hospitality....
Thank you for your amazing work....Stay blessed....
Lots of love to you and your family....
-Yash Kabra.
+Yash Kabra hi Yash! We do have India on our list. It's probably our big trip in 2019 or maybe 2020. We want to do at least 5 weeks and with the kids school that only gives us the school break option:(
I’m just curious, do you guys have a home base somewhere or is your family always traveling?
I discovered your video’s a couple months ago and love them. I don’t travel too much besides back and forth from Hawaii to California to see my family when I can, but I love learning about other countries especially since I have mixed ethnicities mostly Scottish & Asian which I’ve never been to Europe or Asia... someday!
Anuhea Kamahana we have a home. ☺
Hey Wolter, love your vidoes, I'm a long time watcher. I have a question for you. I plan on taking 2-3 years off in the future, to just travel non-stop. How should I start? What places would you highly recommend, might you have an idea of how much I should save up to travel non-stop for 2-3 years? I want to go to every continent, except Anartica, I'm thinking maybe 5 to 10 countries per continent. I would love to get some advice from you.
If you are under 60 and in decent health, what's the rush? That would be absolutely exhausting. Every new place you visit you'll prob be walking 10,000-20,000 a day trying to see and do everything. Your body will be affected by all the train and flight travel plus time change. As a visible foreigner, you WILL become a victim of crime, statistically speaking, petty for sure, violent, possibly. Many similar places will blend together in your memories at some point. You may overspend the first few weeks or months, leading to low funds eventually. You may experience a natural disaster. You WILL get sick at some point and likely hurt (people are more adventurous during travel, doing extreme sports, riding motos, etc.), you may have unexpected medical bills. You won't get the same prescriptions or level of continuous medical care. Someone in your family may become ill during that time and you'll want to fly home. You will have flight delays, cancellations, and excess baggage fees as you acquire more things. Downsizing may be an issue. All the people in your life will be transient. You can't fall in love during that time. You won't be earning money for years. You will be helping to burn a great big hole in the ozone with all that pollution! After all the costs and sleep deprivation and cultural shock, you may regret having undertaken such a trip. And you may learn to HATE travel! Listen, I LOVE food but you won't see me eating at every food fest in the world. I would, quite literally, lose my appetite! I say this as someone who will be completing about 33 countries on all continents (as of 2024).... Which will have taken me 14 years to do (on a budget)! Fourteen, not 3! Slow your roll, do a few a year, come back and work and you will appreciate your adventures as much needed respites instead of burdens.
How do you get the money to travel for more than a week?
Where are you staying in Kyoto? Have you seen Nara, the old, old captial?
+h lynn keith we were about 10 minute walk from zoo
Hey Mark,
I started watching your videos a couple weeks ago, around the time I bought plane tickets for Tokyo. Crazy you're there now!
Are you going to have Do's & Don't's videos for Japan?
+MrBlumpkin42 don't of japan and shocks of tokyo coming this weekend
Awesome! One thing I really appreciate about the culture is the politeness. I'd hate to be the stigmatized American there.
Keep up the good work dude!
Master of travel,May I know how did you make money to fund your travel
Sooo like I might sound stupid or something.But I'm currently in college and I'm studying to get a master's degree.But when I'm done with college I want to settle down in another country. (like as in work in it and ya know live life in it) But how do I do it like what is the first step for it what am I supposed to search I'm so stressed. if someone can help me that would be amazing. Cuz I need serious help as you can tell.😥😥
You misspelt Mentality at 0:55 and Financial at 1:11
Preach!
I agree flexibility is important, but last minute plane/train tickets and accommodation reservations can be so expensive. Any tips on that? Thanks! :)
mathilde59500 they can also be extremely cheap. I remember getting last minute flights in Europe for little more than taxes and fees.