A US travel vlogger has shared his take on the highs and lows of visiting the UK, revealing five things he dislikes about the country.
Mark Wolters, the creator behind the popular Wolters World YouTube channel, recently uploaded a video titled The Love and HATES of Visiting England, in which he highlighted both the charms and challenges of travelling in the country, Mirror reported.
While he expressed his admiration for England’s quaint villages, welcoming pubs, and friendly locals, he also pointed out a few drawbacks that visitors should be aware of. Like any destination, the country has its downsides, and Mark didn’t hold back in listing five specific frustrations tourists might encounter.
1. Weather
Mark commented on one of the more unpredictable aspects of England – the weather. He said: “Now, the thing is, you come in the summertime, you’ll probably get sunburn. They have sun in the summer; not a big deal, but the problem is, if you come in the fall or the winter or in May, you’re going to get wet.”
Despite the wet conditions, Mark reassured viewers that it’s “normal” and “okay,” encouraging them to pack an umbrella and dress for the weather. He also noted that the frequent rain is part of what makes England so “green” and “beautiful.”
2. England is pricier than mainland Europe
Mark highlighted the costs of staying in English hotels and dining out, noting that they tend to be “a little bit” pricier, especially when comparing train travel and public transport to other European destinations.
To help manage expenses, he recommended venturing beyond London. “Don’t just stay in London,” he advised, encouraging visitors to explore other parts of the country for a more affordable experience.
3. Friday and Saturday nights around town
While Mark praised the charm of British pub culture, he also gave a heads-up for visitors heading to larger cities on Friday or Saturday nights. He noted that it’s common to encounter people who’ve had “a few too many” drinks.
Mark urged visitors to “pay attention” in these situations. While England is generally a safe destination, he emphasised the importance of being mindful of pickpockets and occasional “little rowdiness” in the bustling city nightlife.
4. Near-death experience crossing the road
Mark pointed out a key difference between the UK and the US when it comes to road safety. In the UK, pedestrians must look to their right first when crossing the street, whereas in the US, the opposite applies due to the difference in driving directions.
He urged visitors to stay alert to this crucial detail to avoid accidents, recalling a tragic incident in London where he witnessed two pedestrians being killed after being struck by a truck.
5. Your first 30 minutes driving
Mark advised travellers who want to truly “properly explore” England to hire a car, though he acknowledged that public transport can get you to many destinations.
However, he warned that for those unfamiliar with UK driving, the experience can be daunting—particularly when navigating the motorways and facing the first roundabout, which he described as a “scary moment” for many.