A US travel vlogger has candidly revealed the five things he despises about England, despite his affection for the nation.
Mark Wolters, the adventurous YouTuber behind the popular channel Wolters World, has recently divulged his mixed feelings about England in a video aptly titled 'The Love and HATES of Visiting England', where he expresses his fondness for English villages, accommodations, pubs, and the British people.
Yet, Mark doesn't shy away from pointing out that England isn't perfect, highlighting five particular aspects tourists should be wary of.
1. Weather.
Mark commented: "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 like in the fall or the winter or in May, you're going to get wet.", reports .
He continued, noting it's "normal" and "okay", but visitors should remember their umbrellas and dress suitably. He also mentioned that the weather contributes to England's "green" and "beautiful" landscapes.
2. Costliness compared to mainland Europe.
Mark pointed out that staying in English hotels and dining out can quickly reveal that costs are "a little bit" steeper, particularly when using trains and comparing public transport with other European regions.
Nevertheless, he advised one of the best ways to manage expenses is to "don't just stay in London", encouraging travellers to venture further across the country.
3. Weekend nights in the city.
While Mark extolled the virtues of British pub culture, he also warned that on Friday and Saturday nights in larger cities, visitors might come across locals who've indulged a bit too much. He urged tourists to "pay attention" as, despite England's general safety, city centres require heightened awareness of pickpockets and occasional unruliness.
4. The peril of crossing the road.
Mark underscored the difference between the UK and the US when it comes to road-crossing etiquette. In the UK, pedestrians look right first, contrary to American practice due to driving on opposite sides of the road.
He advised visitors to be mindful of this to prevent accidents, recalling his own witness of two fatal incidents in London involving a lorry.
5. The initial half-hour behind the wheel.
To "properly explore" England, Mark suggested hiring a car, though he acknowledged that public transport can take you to many places. However, he noted that the first drive from the airport, encountering motorways and roundabouts, can be a nerve-wracking experience for newcomers.