ADVERTISEMENT

Traveling is known to be one of the most interesting, exciting, and popular ways to explore the world, learn about new cultures and make some unforgettable memories. However, sometimes not knowing things or not being prepared properly can spoil the trip and cause some issues that can even end it. Having this in mind, TikTok account @efultimatebreak decided to reveal some of the mistakes that tourists tend to make as well as tips on how to avoid them. 

The travel company EF Ultimate Break is known among young adults who like to travel but don’t really want to plan the whole thing by themselves. For such travelers, the company offers packages where every aspect of the trip is already taken care of, so all you need to do is to pack your bags and get ready to have the time of your life. 

The company’s TikTok account is full of entertaining and useful information for all kinds of travelers. A lot of videos are based on people’s requests to talk about certain cities they would like to visit but are curious to find out more before the trip.

Do you know any useful tips when traveling abroad? Don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comments down below!

More Info: TikTok

Image source: EF Ultimate Break

#1

Drinking Water In Iceland

Drinking Water In Iceland

In Iceland, there’s really no need to buy bottled water. Just bring a refillable bottle and fill it up anywhere, and it’s gonna taste like bottled water. You can even fill up at the bathroom sink and it’s gonna taste better than bottled water in America.

Daniel Orth , efultimatebreak Report

Add photo comments
POST
vickyz avatar
Vicky Z
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's for many countries too! Make sure you learn about the water in the country you are traveling!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Bored Panda contacted Arielle Mulgrew, who is a social media manager at EF Ultimate Break, to find out more about their process of creating useful and interactive content for their followers. Arielle shared how these traveling tip videos became interesting for so many people. “There are a lot of creators and brands that offer travel tips, but no one makes a name for themselves by bandwagoning. Instead, we took our travel knowledge in a different direction: all the mistakes our team members have made as American travelers on EF Ultimate Break trips.” The social media specialist revealed that once you find a unique way to provide people with valuable information, it is important to listen to their questions and requests and provide them with answers.

#2

Greeting A Shopkeeper In Paris

Greeting A Shopkeeper In Paris

A tourist mistake is to not greet a shopkeeper. A lot of tourists don’t know this, but if you walk into a store and don’t greet the shopkeeper, it’s considered extremely rude. You should always say “hi”, “hello", and “goodbye”.

Herry Lawford , efultimatebreak Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#3

No Pictures At The Red Light District In Amsterdam

No Pictures At The Red Light District In Amsterdam

Getting pictures of the girls in the Red Light District. You get in trouble with security but also these are working women, not zoo animals.

☻☺ , efultimatebreak Report

Add photo comments
POST
j_f_ avatar
J. F.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also don't do this anywhere else, like the "Reeper Bahn" in Hamburg

View more commentsArrow down menu
#4

Receiving A Bill At A Restaurant In Paris

Receiving A Bill At A Restaurant In Paris

Waiting for a bill at the restaurant. The bill won’t automatically come just because you finished your meal. They’re not trying to rush you out the door, so you have to ask for the bill when you’re ready for it. So don’t wait around for an hour just wondering where it is.

Jim Rhodes , efultimatebreak Report

Add photo comments
POST
vickyz avatar
Vicky Z
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I haven't been anywhere in Europe where they bring the bill without asking for it! Is this American thing?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

If you’re curious to know where the knowledge for these videos comes from, Arielle was glad to share this. “The material is inspired by stories from our team’s travels! There’s nothing quite like living through a cultural faux pax or not packing something crucial to learn a valuable lesson, but since we want travelers on our trips to have the best experience possible, we’re giving them the ‘cheat codes’”.

#5

Wine Tasting In Italy

Wine Tasting In Italy

Always give the house wine a try. No matter what restaurant you go to, it’ll always be super local, super great quality, and super unique to that specific location.

Tony Asleson , efultimatebreak Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#6

Ordering Coffee In Italy

Ordering Coffee In Italy

In Italy, if you try to order a latte, they will hand you a glass of milk. Latte means milk in Italian. So let’s not do that.

Marina Shemesh , efultimatebreak Report

Add photo comments
POST
z-houseprojects avatar
Mia D
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Opposite story here: I was in Italy with my husband couple of years back ( we are American). And I ordered latte (glass of milk, because I can't drink coffee and just wanted milk with my brioche bun) and my husband ordered cappuccino, to my surprise they brought me a latte( as a coffee drink. They thought that I wanted American version of latte and not a glass of milk.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#7

Avoiding Strangers Giving Free Stuff In Italy

Avoiding Strangers Giving Free Stuff In Italy

In Italy, sometimes someone will come up and tie a bracelet around your wrist and insist it’s free or a present but then later on demand money for it. If somebody offers you something for free, it is not free. Don’t take it.

Nenad Stojkovic , efultimatebreak Report

Now that people are aware of some of the mistakes that tourists tend to make, the social media manager also shared one of the most valuable tips that she wanted other fellow travelers to know: “Put the phone away whenever you can. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in these beautiful places, and the people around me are looking down at their phones or taking a million pictures. We’re such an overstimulated generation that we feel the need to fill silence and downtime instead of embracing them. So put the phone away until you need it. Bring a polaroid or disposable camera to remember a moment as it was. Soak in where you are, for real.”

#8

Learning Italian Before The Trip

Learning Italian Before The Trip

Definitely learn some basic Italian phrases before you get there. Locals are very appreciative when you at least try to speak their language. And they’ll be a lot of friendlier towards you, I promise.

Curran Kelleher , efultimatebreak Report

Add photo comments
POST
leodomitrix avatar
Leo Domitrix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is true of anywhere I've been, but the Germans are by far the nicest about mistakes, in my experience. Italy is probably second?... Even my 20 basic phrases are a huge help, since one is "I'm sorry, I don't speak your language"!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Taking An Escalator In London

Taking An Escalator In London

Always stand on the right of the escalator in the tube. Brits take this very seriously and are not afraid to be rude if you’re standing on the left. The left side is the fast lane for walking, the right side is the standing lane.

NH53 , efultimatebreak Report

#10

Knowing The Difference Between Café And Coffee Shop In Amsterdam

Knowing The Difference Between Café And Coffee Shop In Amsterdam

The first tourist mistake is not knowing the difference between a coffee shop and a cafe. If you walk into a coffee shop in Amsterdam for coffee, you’re going to be pretty surprised. All I can say is that if you’re looking for coffee, go to a cafe.

Wohnstuben-Café , efultimatebreak Report

Having in mind that for the past couple of years, the circumstances around the world have changed because of the pandemic, it's interesting to know whether people’s traveling habits have somehow changed. Arielle noticed that people now are “more cautious during the actual process of traveling", but it hasn't made an impact on their “desire to explore and experience new places." The woman shared that “travel can be overwhelming during the best of times and now more than ever”, this is why their company is ready to take care of some of the logistics so that people could fully enjoy their travels.

#11

Getting Gelato In Italy

Getting Gelato In Italy

If the gelato looks piled up and fluffy, don’t get it. I know it’s really tempting, but all the fluffiness means that there’s a lot of air whipped into it. Always look for gelato that’s in lidded containers. Lids are always a good sign because it means that the gelato is being kept at the right temperature and that the store owners know that they have a really good product and they don’t need bright colors or flair to get customers in.

RubyGoes , efultimatebreak Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#12

Finding A Place To Eat When Abroad

Finding A Place To Eat When Abroad

If a host or hostess is trying to lure you into a restaurant, my advice is not to go in and instead ask a local where they like to eat.

Larry Lamsa , efultimatebreak Report

#13

No Walking On Bike Lanes In Amsterdam

No Walking On Bike Lanes In Amsterdam

Walking in the bike lanes. Everywhere you go you’ll see bike paths just like this one next to the sidewalks. And you might be tempted to walk in it but please don’t. You will get run over and nobody wants that.

Design for Health , efultimatebreak Report

Add photo comments
POST
corinenugteren avatar
Not A Panda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also, Dutch people can sense bicycles coming, even if they can't hear them. This is an evolutionary trait, which means Dutch people can cross a road without too many problems, even if there are millions of bikes on that road. Do not try to emulate them. You don't have the genes. (;))

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#14

Using Toilet In Greece

Using Toilet In Greece

Flushing toilet paper on the Greek islands. Greek sewage pipes are about half the size of American plumbing and clog very easily. Instead, place your toilet paper in the little bins next to the toilet.

Darren Foreman , efultimatebreak Report

Add photo comments
POST
jeffrequier_1 avatar
Requiem
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why dont they just have a bidet? This is the area where modern plumbing was invented and they made tiny waste lines?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

Comfortable Footwear When Traveling In Greece

Comfortable Footwear When Traveling In Greece

Bringing the wrong shoes. A lot of the streets are cobblestone or dirt or lightly paved, and not super ideal for heels. I’m not saying don’t bring heels, I’m saying bring something comfortable too.

Amy the Nurse , efultimatebreak Report

Add photo comments
POST
maylin_martinsen avatar
May
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A lot of European cities have a lot of cobblestones - they're old. I don't understand why anyone wears high heels in general, but definitely not if you plan on walking any distance. I choose comfort every time

rosemarylprobert avatar
Rosemary Probert
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stilletos also damage wooden floors and so are not welcome in a lot of old buildings.

Load More Replies...
vickyz avatar
Vicky Z
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wearing comfortable shoes should be considered common sense in any country when you travel

leodomitrix avatar
Leo Domitrix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A hundred upvotes. I will pack nice sensible cute shoes for going out.... and they'll go with anything... but 90% of the time, I'm wearing the comfiest shoes I own!

Load More Replies...
wallaby avatar
Claudia Schmid
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

anywhere, anytime. Wear comfortable shoes. I don't see the point of high heels at all

boredpanda_48 avatar
ZAPanda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

nearly broke my ankle on cobblestones in the UK and that was with sneakers so yah, high heels = bad idea

kona4me avatar
Kona Pake
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

True everywhere, especially where there are cobblestone roads and uneven sidewalk

mjw0sysascend_com avatar
lara
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The absolute best shoes for traveling in Europe are crepe sole shoes. REAL crepe sole shoes. I bought a pair before I went to Europe and wore them everywhere, and NEVER did my feet give me a problem.

dudley-budley avatar
Binxyminxem
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I swear I wasn't imagining pancake soles on shoes... well not after I googled crepe sole shoes anyway! 😁

Load More Replies...
nikistavrou avatar
8Yorkies-and-63cats
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It depends how long you'll be walking. In Athens, I walk from A to B with high heels, and don't have an issue, but I wore my sneakers at the Louvre in Paris .

jerrylaon avatar
julien
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

not only in Greece. in France there are dozens of medieval towns with cobblestone streets. Saint Emilion, France st-emlion-...05a340.jpg st-emlion-629eecd05a340.jpg

mariloup avatar
Sina
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And for the love of the bananas, do NOT wear sandals or/and high heels on the Acropolis. I didn't believe I'd have to say this, given that the Parthenon is built on a rock hill so it's pretty obvious that there's some climbing involved, but I've been on that hill every summer for the past few years due to foreign friends visiting Athens. The amount of tourists I see with strappy sandals, flip flops almost landing on their bums because of wrong footwear trying to go up or come down the hill is insane. Yes, it's hot, yes, your feet might feel like boiling with sneakers and socks on, but it beats having one strap snap and ending up with broken bones.

angry_elvis avatar
Ben Hughes
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i saw a woman in pompei wearing really high stiletto heels. she was not happy with her date for bringing her there... poor woman could barely take a step without almost face planting or breaking an ankle.

janetch avatar
Janet C
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A good rule of thumb for all women is to not bother with high heels, especially spike heels. Sidewalks are old and many are cobblestone or brick. There are attractive, comfortable walking shoes.

lisachambers2018 avatar
Salty Wild Hair
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I saw someone in heels like this climbing the Propylaea to the Acropolis of Athens. Its nearly a ladder and super windy. Not ideal for instagram fashion shots.

izzymcare avatar
Isabel Care
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wheelchair users, beware of proper flagstones. Slippery when DRY. Lethal when wet. If it's tilted towards a dropped curb and you have to go past, keep as far onto the flat bit as possible. I learned this when someone on their phone forced me to stop on one (or run into them) and I slid sideways thinking "I'm going to die".

roly54 avatar
Lynne Harbison
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Rome, Budapest, Paris, Brussels, London...lots of places in Europe.

mrthisbetterstick avatar
MR Thisbetterstick
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was in Sweden, I saw them installing a new cobblestone sidewalk over an old cobblestone sidewalk. Pinky swear. Always wear comfortable shoes if you are hanging about Europe.

allexa110 avatar
Aleksandra
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some Polish cities have heels lanes on the old town :) It's renovated cobblestone so it's flat and easy to walk on for people in heels but more importantly, it's easier for people in wheelchairs

nowpete94131 avatar
BleeBloo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i had these big clunky shoes the first time i went to edinburgh, my feet hurt for days afterward. next time i went i wore sneakers.

josephgeorgiadis_1 avatar
Joseph Georgiadis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tourist on high heels isn't really being "touristy". Tourist usually means a lot of sightseing, which includes walking and standing. Also, cobblestone isn't common at all in Greek cities, especially compared to other european cities. Greek island towns and villages on the other hand, being built at periods of piracy, are extremelly small, with narrow passages instead of streets, often like labyrinths. High heels aren't suitable for these towns either, but generally going to Greek islands, someone goes for the summer, the sea, nature, easy going. High heels are great for touristy cities in Greece. A lot of Greek women wear them even every day. BUT, they won't go up to the Acropolis on high heels (probably an almost certain way to sprain or even break a leg).

dontlook avatar
Don't Look
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

9/10 places I have been to you can always tell the first time tourists by their footwear.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#16

Currency Exchange Abroad

Currency Exchange Abroad

Exchange rates. Don’t use the currency exchange at the airport. Just don’t do it. Those companies usually take advantage of the fact that tourists don’t know any better, so they offer really bad exchange rates and have really high withdrawal minimums. Find a bank branch when you get to where you’re going and use the ATM inside instead.

vxla , efultimatebreak Report

Add photo comments
POST
lsgm2fw avatar
Zoe's Mom
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Agree with using the ATM inside. While in Barcelona, a friends ATM card was 'swiped"' and they were able to take $1300.00 from her account. It was an 'outside' ATM.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#17

Trying Local Food In London

Trying Local Food In London

A lot of people come to London and they try to find fish and chips because it’s what they see in the movies and TV shows. Fish and chips are great but it’s not the only thing people eat there. England is actually really well known for their Indian food. Chicken Tikka Masala is even one of their national dishes.

Chris , efultimatebreak Report

Add photo comments
POST
tristandavis555 avatar
Tristan Davis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also worth noting that the posh up market looking fish and chip shops are going to absolutely rip you off, find a dated, greasy looking place that looks like its been there years, it'll be half the price and twice as good

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

Overpacking When Traveling To Greece

Overpacking When Traveling To Greece

Overpacking, which I know sounds like a cop-out, but in Santorini, you could be walking up hundreds of steps with your luggage, so you wanna pack lightly.

jessicahtam , efultimatebreak Report

Add photo comments
POST
lsgm2fw avatar
Zoe's Mom
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Travel as light as possible. If you can, bring a larger backpack, it's so much easier to travel. Most hotels have soaps, shampoos and hair dryers; even coin operated washer and dryers.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

Traveling Around The City

Traveling Around The City

If you’re going somewhere new for the first time, definitely check how late public transportation stays open. If you’re still out and public transportation closes, cabs are going to charge you 3-4 times their normal fare because I know they can get away with it. And when you’re super tired, it’s that late, you’re just gonna pay it.

Rad Blondie , efultimatebreak Report

Add photo comments
POST
vickyz avatar
Vicky Z
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Personally i use Google maps and in some countries it's very well informed so it's telling you what time is the next bus or when they stop! Not in every country though

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#20

Eating Street Food In Paris

Eating Street Food In Paris

One of the tourist mistakes is eating at restaurants and cafes. The best thing I ever ate was a crepe from a food cart just on a random street.

satemkemet , efultimatebreak Report

Add photo comments
POST
candrasutama avatar
Candra Sutama
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No no no. I am parisian and the best crepes are the ones you get from actual creperies (restaurants specialized in crepes). There are lots of them in Montparnasse area. Paris doesn't have street food culture. The street food in Paris are for tourists, sorry!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#21

Joking Around In London

Joking Around In London

Don’t make jokes about the American revolution. No one else will think they’re funny.

Bowy Gavid Bowie Chan , efultimatebreak Report

Add photo comments
POST
kristiningersoll_1 avatar
Kristin Ingersoll
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OK. This totally depends on who you're with. I play a word game tourney on a team mainly consisting of Yorkshire folk. We tell LOTS of American Revolution jokes. Nothing insensitive. The war was over 200 years ago, for heaven's sake! I had relatives die too, but time moves on.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu