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What Travelers Should Never Do While Traveling at Thanksgiving

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The Don’ts of Thanksgiving Travel

Happy Thanksgiving! Today we’re sharing the “don’ts” of Thanksgiving travel. If you didn’t know, Thanksgiving is the busiest travel week in the United States. With all that traveling, I thought it was time to share my list of things you should not do when it comes to Thanksgiving travel.

Thanksgiving Travel Don’t #1: Don’t Forget to Pack Your Patience

It’s the busiest travel time of the year, which means crowds everywhere. Ticket counters and departure gates? Full. Security? Long lines. Highways? Full. Parking garages? Full. Shops? Full. Grocery stores? Full. Give yourself a little extra time when traveling somewhere during Thanksgiving week, even if it’s just to the grocery store.

Tip: Try to book the first flight of the day to avoid crowds and cancellations.

Thanksgiving Travel Don’t #2: Don’t Pack Too Much

If you’re visiting family over Thanksgiving, you don’t need to bring very much. Chances are, you can do laundry during your visit. Don’t check any luggage if you are flying over Thanksgiving week. This will save you from the check-in line, as well as wait time at baggage claim on the other end.

Thanksgiving Travel Don’t #3: Don’t Wait to Book Thanksgiving Travel

If you plan to travel over Thanksgiving weekend, expect prices to jump as the holiday approaches. Last minute deals will be hard to come by this week. If you know you are traveling over Thanksgiving, make your reservations a few months in advance, and you’ll likely save money on flights and hotels.

Thanksgiving Travel Don’t #4: Don’t Be Afraid to Travel on Thanksgiving Day

While it’s a very busy week for travel, the best day to fly is actually on Thanksgiving day. Most travelers will have already arrived at their destination, so prices are lower, as are the crowds. Likewise, if you plan your travel for the following Monday, rather than Saturday or Sunday, you’ll likely have better prices and fewer crowds. Travelers can save hundreds of dollars on flights by waiting one more day to fly home.

Thanksgiving Travel Don’t #5: Don’t Think Thanksgiving Travel Will Be Cheap

As one of the high travel peaks of the year, don’t expect to find deals, and don’t expect to save money. Gas prices may be higher, and flights and hotels will be more expensive. To avoid missed connections, and possible added costs, it may be worth it to pay a bit more for the direct flight if you can.

Thanksgiving Travel Don’t #6: Don’t Leave Wednesday Afternoon for a Thanksgiving Road Trip

Wednesday afternoon around 3:00 or 4:00 is the busiest time to get on the road for Thanksgiving travel. People tend to leave work a bit early, schools release early and everyone hits the road at the same time. For shorter trips, it’s probably better to leave Thursday morning, when fewer people will be on the road.

Thanksgiving Travel Don’t #7: Don’t Forget to Gas Up the Car Before Leaving

Make sure to fill up the gas tank and stock up on road snacks before leaving for your Thanksgiving road trip. If you’re in a winter climate, you may run into weather issues, or you might just have trouble finding an open gas station on Thanksgiving day.

Thanksgiving Travel Don’t #8: Don’t Return on Saturday Afternoon

Again, most people will hit the road to go back home on Saturday afternoon, so if you want to avoid traffic, leave on Saturday morning when everyone else is sleeping late. Traffic will be much lighter,

Thanksgiving Travel Don’t #9: Don’t Treat Family Members Like a Taxi

If you are flying to visit family, and have relatives pick you up at the airport, don’t rely on them to drive you around for the whole trip. It’s a good idea to have another mode of transportation in case they have other guests to drive around.

Thanksgiving Travel Don’t #10: Don’t Be Scared to Take Food Home

Nearly every Thanksgiving tradition involves food, and there are always leftovers. If you are flying, it’s generally OK to bring food with you, as long as it’s not liquid. Just think about how delicate the food you are transporting will be, and whether it can stand up to being squished into your luggage.

Thanksgiving Travel Don’t #11: Don’t Try to Fly With Gravy or Sauces

Thanksgiving foods that are liquid fall under the same three-ounce rule as everything else at the TSA checkpoint, so if you want to bring your special gravy to Thanksgiving, you’ll have to make it once you arrive.

Thanksgiving Travel Don’t #12: Don’t Forget to Be Thankful

There are so many things to be thankful for this year. We are especially grateful to our fans for getting us to 100 million YouTube views! We want to thank those fans and fellow travelers for following our journey!

Five Things You Will Love & Hate in Catalunya Spain

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Catalonia, Spain! In my opinion, Catalonia is the best part of Spain. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate when you visit Catalonia Spain.

Love #1: Afternoon Drinks & Hanging Out

This is called “pica pica” and it happens in the afternoon. It’s time in the afternoon to go and sit outside, enjoy a cava or a beer with some olives or snacks, relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere with your friends. It’s sort of like happy hour in the States, but a much more frequent experience when you are in Catalonia.

Hate #1: Tourist Crowds

People come to Barcelona and Catalonia beaches from all over the world, so it can feel really crowded in the summer. If you can, try to visit in the off-season because the weather is great year-round and you can avoid some of the crowds if you visit in spring or fall.

Love #2: Catalan Culture

Technically, Catalonia is part of Spain, but when you visit the Catalan region, you feel the independent culture almost immediately. The culture is very independent of Spanish culture, and this shows up in Catalonia food, the music, the people and the museums. There’s a very different vibe in Catalonia.

Hate #2: Driving in Catalonia

Driving in Catalonia is crazy. It’s said that there’s a car accident every 19 seconds. There are just a lot of crazy drivers, so you have to pay attention. Whether you’re on the highway or in the city, and whether you are a driver or a pedestrian, always be on high alert. Parking is also hard to come by, and expensive. I do recommend renting a car so you can explore the countryside, but be prepared to pay more for parking while you are in Barcelona. 

Love #3: Catalonia Destinations

If you travel throughout the region, you’ll discover many cool Catalonia cities and towns. Most travelers experience Catalonia through Barcelona, but there are many more Catalonia cities to explore. Girona is a beautiful city, or you can visit all of the monasteries along La Ruta del Cister. And then there are the beach towns of Catalonia. Barcelona is fantastic, but try to experience more of Catalonia outside of the capital city.

Hate #3: Catalan vs Spanish

You probably think you’re going to Spain so the little bit of Spanish you know will come in handy. But surprise! They speak Catalan in Catalonia, not Spanish. Nobody outside of Catalonia is taught this language. Catalan is a mixture of Spanish and French and other languages. Fortunately, most people also speak Spanish, so you can get by without too much trouble. However, if you speak a few words of Catalan, that will really impress the locals.

Love #4: Catalonia Outdoors

They have some of the best beaches and mountains in Europe. If you love outdoor adventure travel, then Catalonia is the perfect destination for you. From hiking to deep-sea fishing, Catalonia has some of the best natural beauty and outdoor adventure opportunities. You don’t have to spend your entire trip exploring cities, but you can really get out and enjoy nature in Catalonia.

Hate #4: Service in Catalan

The people in Catalonia are fantastic, but this doesn’t always transfer over to the service industry. If you speak a bit of Spanish or Catalan, you will get better service. If you don’t speak Spanish or Catalan, be prepared to wait a bit longer to get your food and drink, and don’t expect stellar service.

Love #5: Catalan People

It does take time to get to know the Catalan people, but once you do, you have friends for life. They are really great people and very welcoming. If you get invited to an “abuela’s” home, don’t pass it up; it might be the best food you’ll ever have.

How to Piss Off a Catalan

Hate #5: Pickpockets

This issue is largely only an issue in Barcelona, but pickpockets are a real issue here. They mostly hang out in the Gothic area and along La Rambla, but you should be extra careful anywhere in Barcelona. It’s not just pickpockets, there are also scam artists who will approach you and try to distract you. The local police are pretty apathetic to it, so if something does happen to you, don’t expect a lot of help from the police.

How to Avoid Travel Scams & Rip-Offs

Catalonia is one of the best places to visit and/or work, so I highly recommend it. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to visit Catalonia. Want more tips for planning a Spain vacation? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Visiting Belgium

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Belgium! With great architecture, museums, amazing beer and delicious fries, Belgium is a great destination in Europe. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate when you visit Belgium.

Hate #1: Lack of Excitement

For being at the crossroads of Europe and the capital of the European Union, Belgium can sometimes feel a bit boring. The pace in Belgium is a bit slower, and it can seem underwhelming at times. Belgium is definitely not a nightlife destination. If you are used to whirlwind trips of Paris or London, you’ll be surprised at how few things there are to do in Belgium. That’s not necessarily a bad thing if you anticipate it ahead of time.

Love #1: Cities to Visit in Belgium

There are some really great cities to visit in Belgium. Bruges is lined with canals, Ghent is full of amazing architecture. Leuven has a beautiful Town Hall and a youthful university vibe. Brussels has the Grand Place with gilded buildings in every direction. The towns of Belgium have fantastic architecture, public squares, and people-watching. If you love exploring smaller towns, Belgium has several worth your time.

Hate #2: Store Hours in Belgium

Stores in Belgium tend to close rather early, around 6:00 pm. If you plan to go shopping in Belgium, you’ll need to plan ahead and buy anything you need before the stores close for the evening. Attractions tend to close early as well, so you will likely find yourself with a few quiet hours before dinner crowds start to head out for the evening.

Love #2: Belgian Beer & Food

The beer and the food in Belgium are fantastic. Even if you aren’t a beer drinker, Belgian beer is such a large part of the culture that it’s worth sampling a few of the different beers. You just might surprise yourself and find one that you like. The food in Belgium is also really good. Belgian cuisine is best known for mussels, fries, (frites) waffles, and chocolate. The fries are served with mayonnaise and sometimes gravy and the waffles can be sweet or savory and piled high with toppings if you wish. 

Hate #3: Prices in Belgium

Belgium can be an expensive destination. I find the prices in Belgium to be about 20-25% more expensive than equivalent items in the United States. Most of your money will be spent on hotels in Belgium and eating out in restaurants in Belgium. Visiting Belgium in the off-season will open up some accommodation deals if you are willing to have some cold weather and gray skies.

How to Save Real Money While Traveling

Love #3: Public Transportation in Belgium

It is so easy to travel around Belgium. It’s a relatively small country, so you can get from town to town in a very short time on the train lines in Belgium. The trains are really affordable, too, which is nice. You can get from Brussels to Ghent in 30 minutes, Ghent to Bruges in 30 minutes, Brussels to Antwerp in 30 minutes, and on and on. Within the towns, there are buses and trams you can take to get around town easily. This leaves you with a lot of options for choosing your home base in Belgium. Find a great accommodation deal in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent or Antwerp and see all the cities on day trips.

Six Unwritten Rules for European Train Travel

Hate #4: Service in Belgium

The service in Belgium is one of my biggest complaints when visiting. It’s not necessarily horrible, but very aloof. The servers in Belgium are paid a decent wage, so they aren’t relying on tips as their source of income. You’ll find that they don’t stop by to help you as often as you may need. Make sure you pay attention to what you order vs what you receive and verify everything on your bill before paying. I’ve heard lots of stories of messed up restaurant orders in Belgium.

Love #4: History in Belgium

Belgium has some amazing art history, with the Flemish Primitive artists. Each town also has a unique history, much of which can be explored through the architecture. A lot of European cities focus on WWII history, and there’s a bit of that in Belgium, but there is a lot of World War I history in Belgium. I highly recommend taking a WWI tour of Belgium, where you can see the Flanders fields and learn how Belgium has evolved through all of the conflicts in their past.

Hate #5: Belgian Beer Hangovers

I would say that beer is one of the best things about visiting Belgium. The beer in Belgium is amazing, but it’s a very strong beer. You might throw back a few pints not realizing that the beer in Belgium is much stronger, and you will end up with a Belgian hangover in the morning. Make sure you pace yourself and give the beer time to affect you before downing several in a row, thinking it’s the same as the beer you drink back home.

Love #5: Safety in Belgium

Belgium is a very safe country. Anytime I visit Belgium, I always feel very safe and I’m not worried too much about petty theft or tourist scams. Sure, there are a few neighborhoods in Brussels to avoid, but all of the tourist areas in the Belgium cities are relatively safe. This, in addition to being a bit “boring” means you can actually relax in Belgium. It’s a nice feeling to relax on a European vacation because you are usually at a fast pace trying to cram a lot in.

As you can tell, I had a hard time finding anything to hate about Ghent. I much prefer it over Brussels and I highly recommend spending time in Ghent when you are traveling in Belgium. Want more travel tips for planning a trip to Europe? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Ghent Belgium

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Ghent, Belgium! Ghent is one of the prettiest towns in  Belgium. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate when you visit Ghent Belgium.

Hate #1: Ghent Train Station

If you arrive in Ghent on a high-speed train, you’ll arrive at Saint-Peters (Sint-Pieters) station, and it’s a long way from anything you want to see when you visit Ghent. It’s almost a two-mile walk to Ghent city center from the train station. The best Ghent train station to use is Gent Dampoort, which is just a 15-minute walk to the city center. You can ask if your train makes a stop at Dampoort, or you can take a tram to the city center from Sint Pieters.

Love #1: Architecture in Ghent

As you walk around Ghent, the architecture is stunning. There are cathedrals, bell towers, spires, churches, a castle, and colorful Flemish homes lining the riverfront. Some of the architecture in Ghent dates back to the 7th century, and you can find nearly every style of architecture in Ghent. Add in the amazing museums in Ghent, and it’s really a beautiful and fun city to explore.

Hate #2: Tourist Crowds

Ghent is a beautiful city, but it does draw a lot of tourist crowds, especially on the weekend. You’ll run into travelers from all over Europe and the US. It’s a popular weekend getaway within Europe, so it can get a little rowdy late at night as well. It’s a somewhat small city, so most tourists are concentrated in the same place.

Love #2: Touring Ghent

Along with the architecture to admire, just walking around is one of my favorite things to do in Ghent. The streets are great for pedestrians, so it’s a wonderful city to explore on foot. It even appears to be very wheelchair-friendly; we’ve seen more wheelchair accommodations here in Ghent than anywhere else in Europe. Ghent is a very easy city to navigate.

Disabled Travel in Europe

Hate #3: Service in Belgium

If you’ve watched our other Love/Hate videos, you know I’m not fond of the service anywhere in Belgium. The service in Belgium generally isn’t great. Add tourist crowds and tourist-trap restaurants, and the service in Ghent isn’t any better than elsewhere in Belgium. Just go for the people-watching and the beer, with low expectations for the service, and you’ll be fine.

Love #3: Ghent Boat Tour

Ghent is lined with canals, so taking a boat tour is a must when in Ghent. The boat tours in Ghent are usually less than one hour, but it’s a fun way to get a unique perspective on the local architecture. You also get a nice history lesson while you’re on the boat. The boat tours in Ghent are also very affordable, so it’s one of the best budget-friendly things to do in Ghent.

Hate #4: 6 pm Shutdown

When 6:00 hits, they roll up the sidewalks in Ghent. The stores all close for the evening, so if you have any shopping to do, you want to get it done before then. Sometimes, shops will stay open slightly later on the weekends, but not much. Ghent gets very quiet around dinner time, but nightlife starts up again later.

Love #4: Day Trips from Ghent

Ghent is a relatively small city that can easily be explored in a couple of days, but it’s also a great base for exploring the rest of Belgium. Brussels to Ghent is only 30 minutes by train, and Bruges is just 30 minutes in the other direction. The Belgian cities of Antwerp and Leuven are other easy day trips from Ghent.

Six Unwritten Rules for Train Travel in Europe

Hate #5: Eating Out in Ghent

If you are eating out on the weekend or during the busy season, it can be hard to get a table outside at a restaurant. There aren’t a ton of restaurants in Ghent and even fewer with nice outdoor seating. The few that have a patio end up with patrons who like to linger at the tables a long time. Try to go out for dinner a bit early so you can snag a table because people-watching and beer-drinking outdoors in Ghent is a great way to pass the evening.

Love #5: Ghent Vibe

With the university and loads of tourists, there’s a really fun vibe in Ghent. It’s just a fun city to hang out in. As many times as I’ve been to Ghent, there are always more things I want to see one more time. Some of the other cities in Belgium can be a bit boring, but I always love the energy in Ghent.

As you can tell, I had a hard time finding anything to hate about Ghent. I much prefer it over Brussels and I highly recommend spending time in Ghent when you are traveling in Belgium. Want more travel tips for planning a trip to Europe? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Living With a Host Family

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about living with a host family. Living abroad with a host family is a great experience, but there are also a few downsides to look out for. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to share both the positives and the negatives of travel, whether it’s short-term or long-term. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate about living with a host family.

Hate #1: New Set of Rules

It’s probably taken you your whole life to figure out your own parents: how to get around the rules, which rules you can bend, which parent you can go to, etc, etc. Suddenly, you have a new set of parents to figure out, and new rules to go along with your new living situation. Many study abroad programs have their own rules, in addition to the rules of your new host family. I recommend communicating with your host family ahead of time or right after you arrive to find out what their rules are, especially regarding curfew and overnight guests.

Love #1: Having a New Family

You aren’t just traveling abroad and meeting new friends, your host family is your family forever. I still stay in touch with many of my host families. Having a family around you can help ease your homesickness and help you adjust to your new culture. Not only can they guide you as you learn new customs, but they can also just be there for you when you need them.

Hate #2: Sibling Rivalry

Most host families already have their own children, and there is usually one around your same age. Generally, this is a good thing because you have an automatic friend and they can really help you navigate their country and make new friends at school. However, sometimes it doesn’t work that way and you could find yourself in a sibling rivalry situation. I’ve had both experiences with my new “host” siblings. Some siblings don’t enjoy having an exchange student tag along everywhere, while other siblings will become your best friend for life.

Love #2: Cultural Assistance

I mentioned this briefly in the first point, but there’s no comparison for having a host family when it comes to cultural integration. Since they are like family now, they will be able to pull you aside if they see you making a cultural faux pas, and likewise, you can comfortably ask them how things work in your host country. This helps you get more out of your time abroad and develop a deeper understanding of the culture and customs. If you live with other exchange students rather than a host family, you’ll all be muddling through it together, but you will lack the insider tips that a host family can provide.

Hate #3: Cultural Differences

Many times, your host family doesn’t know much about your culture. You are obviously there to learn and study about their culture, but since they may not know much about your culture, that can cause some friction. For example, when I lived in Finland, my host family would eat a huge lunch and only a small snack for dinner. As an American, I was used to having a big dinner with my family, so I felt like I was always hungry. Being able to communicate openly with your hosts will help alleviate any issues due to cultural differences.

Love #3: Language Learning

In addition to learning about the local customs and culture, having a host family will give your language learning a super boost. You may be studying Spanish and then study abroad in Spain, but textbook Spanish is different from everyday Spanish. The best way to learn a language is immersion, and living with a local family is about as immersed as you can get. When you return back to your home country, your language skills will be years ahead of your classmates.

Seven Tips for Learning a New Language

Hate #4: Big Brother Feeling

Now that you have a host family, you have another mom to get after you about what you are wearing, who you are hanging out with and how late you are staying out. Chances are, you are studying abroad to become more independent. But depending on your host family, you could end up with a very protective host mom. If freedom and independence are super important to you, you might consider other living options, such as an apartment with roommates or a dorm room.

Where to Live When You Study Abroad

Love #4: Eating Real Food

If you study abroad and get an apartment, you’ll be cooking like a college student. Fast food, ramen or pasta made in the microwave are typical student meals around the world. If you live in a dorm, you’ll get dorm cafeteria food. But if you live with a family, you’ll get real home-cooking. If you are homesick, there is nothing like good homestyle comfort food to cheer you up. Now, it may be different comfort food than what you are used to, but it’s likely to be much better than a cafeteria meal at your dorm. Food is a big part of many cultures, so this is just one more way that living with a host family can help you adapt to the local culture.

Hate #5: Conflict Resolution

If you have issues with your host family to the point where you want to move out, it can be difficult. I had a very strict host family in Argentina, to the point where they wouldn’t serve me breakfast if I slept past 8:00 in the morning. When I tried to move out, there was a lot of red tape, as they had already been paid for the semester, so moving out meant I would have to pay again for the rest of the semester. If you do experience any issues, it’s best to document everything and stay in close touch with your sponsors back in the States.

Love #5: Host Family Experiences

Whether it was traveling around the country with my host family or just everyday experiences we had at home, you will go back home at the end of your study abroad program with a lifetime of memories you’ve created with your host family. You’ll spend holidays and birthdays with this family, and if you’re lucky, you’ll stay in touch with them and visit them or invite them to visit you, for years to come. 

Despite a few drawbacks here and there, I always got so much more out of my study abroad programs when I had a host family to show me the ropes. If you get the chance to work overseas, I highly recommend you take it. Want more tips on long-term travel? Check out these blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Brussels, Belgium

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Brussels, Belgium! Brussels is the capital of Belgium, but it’s also the capital of the European Union. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate when you visit Brussels Belgium.

Hate #1: Brussels is Overrated

As the capital of the European Union, we often hear about Brussels in the news, so sometimes travelers are expecting a New York or a London feel when they visit Brussels. There are many places to visit in Brussels and lots of tourist sights, but it just doesn’t live up to the expectations of being a huge cosmopolitan city. I recommend spending just a few days in Brussels before setting off to explore other cities of Belgium, like Ghent or Bruges.

Overrated Cities & Sights in Europe

Love #1: Grand Place

Of all the places to visit in Brussels, the Grand Place is one of my favorites. It’s a beautiful historic square surrounded by amazing buildings with gold accents and impressive detail. It’s just a few blocks from Brussels Central, and the Grand Place is always buzzing with people.

Hate #2: Manneken Pis

The unofficial mascot of Brussels is the Manneken Pis, a statue of a boy peeing. You literally see this likeness everywhere: on watches, chocolate bars, t-shirts and street art, so it’s a bit surprising when you visit the actual statue and discover he’s only two feet tall.

The boys could not eat enough mussels

Love #2: Museums in Brussels

Brussels has really great museums. Many famous Flemish artists are from Belgium, including Rubens. There is the Royal Museum of Fine Art, the Art & History Museum, Museum of Natural Sciences, Brussels City Museum, the Atomium and more.

Hate #3: Brussels Train Stations

Brussels has several train stations, so it can be a bit confusing when you are transferring. There’s Brussels Midi, or the South Station, where you catch the Eurostar and Thalys to Paris and London. Then there’s Brussels Central, where the local and regional trains stop, and it’s also near the main tourist places to visit in Brussels. Midi is not “middle” or “central,” it’s actually the South station and this trips up a lot of tourists.

Six Unwritten Rules of European Train Travel

Love #3: International Atmosphere of Brussels

Because the EU is based here, there is a definite international flavor to Brussels. There’s also a lot of great international cuisine that you can try in Brussels, although don’t miss out on the local specialties of fries and mussels.

Hate #4: Prices & Service in Brussels

Brussels is expensive. As the head of the EU, prices are inflated because they receive a lot of government travelers. Accommodation is especially expensive in Brussels, which is why I recommend staying only a few days or even visiting Brussels as a day trip from another city in Belgium. The service is the same almost everywhere in Belgium: not great. In other European countries like Germany, you may not get overly friendly service, but it’s at least professional. In Brussels, it’s not particularly friendly or professional. If you know this ahead of time, it won’t throw you for a loop. It’s just something to be aware of when you visit Brussels.

Love #4: Day Trips from Brussels

Although it’s expensive, Brussels is a great home base for exploring the entire country of Belgium. You can get to Bruges from Brussels in less than one hour, and Ghent is only 30 minutes from Brussels by train. If you are visiting Brussels for work, you will still have time in the evening to get out and explore other towns in Belgium. Even Amsterdam is one of the possible day trips from Brussels.

Hate #5: Safety in Brussels

Belgium is a pretty safe country, but I am a bit more aware of my surroundings when I come to Brussels. There are definitely areas you want to avoid when you visit Brussels, and just keep your wits about you. We haven’t had any specific issues, it’s just more of a general feeling being in Brussels.

Love #5: Architecture in Brussels

The architecture in Brussels is truly stunning. As you travel around the city, you’ll be constantly amazed by the different building styles that you see. Brussels has been called the capital of Art Nouveau, and the Musical Instruments Museum near the Grand Place is a great example of Belgian modernist architecture. You’ll also find Art Deco, Neoclassical, Gothic and Neo-Renaissance architecture in Brussels. Besides the beautiful buildings of the Grand Place, don’t miss the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, just one block over.

While Brussels isn’t my favorite city, it’s definitely worth a stop as you tour central Europe. I prefer Ghent or Bruges but will usually spend a day or two in Brussels as well. Want more tips for planning a trip to Europe? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Leuven Belgium

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Leuven, Belgium! It’s a university town with a fun student nightlife scene. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate when you visit Leuven Belgium.

Hate #1: Bike Riders in Leuven

There are a lot of bikes in Leuven, and you really need to pay attention when you are walking around. When you step into the street, look in every direction, because you never know where a bike will come from. During the school year especially, there are tons of bikes zooming around Leuven. The delivery trucks are something else to look out for.

Hate#2: Quiet Atmosphere

I recommend Leuven as a half-day trip from Brussels, and that’s mostly because it’s a quiet town, aside from the nightlife. There aren’t a ton of things to see in Leuven, from a tourists’ perspective. Of course, if you keep reading, we have a few suggestions, but it’s not a super touristy destination with a lot going on.

Hate #3: Business Hours

Almost everything closes at 6:00 in Leuven, so if you want to do some shopping in the evening, you may be out of luck. Everything picks back up in the evening, which is great for students, but as a traveler, you have a bunch of quiet hours in the evening before anything gets going again.

What to Know Before Your First Trip to Europe

Hate #4: Student-Oriented

Leuven is a great town for students, but for older travelers, there isn’t a ton going on. It’s very much a university town, so everything is geared towards students. Lots of great food at cheap prices, bars, and nightlife. There are a few tourist sights like the art museum and the Town Hall, but it really can all be seen in half a day.

Hate #5: Service in Leuven

Service in Leuven, and across Belgium, kind of sucks. Servers in Belgium are paid a good wage, so they don’t provide the kind of overattentive service you might be used to in other countries, such as the United States. Bartenders seem to be the friendliest, but the servers and store clerks just aren’t that great. If you have a friendly encounter in a service situation, consider yourself lucky!

Love #1: Youthful Vibe

We mentioned already that Leuven Belgium is really geared towards students. But that’s not all bad. The great thing about visiting a university town is the youthful vibe. There’s such a great energy being around so many young people. And while Leuven may be geared towards students, who doesn’t love good, cheap eats? There are tons of places to eat and go out in Leuven and you won’t break your budget.

Love #2: Beer Culture

If you like beer, you’ll love Leuven. The Oude Markt at night is one of the best places to go in Leuven; it fills with people every night after 10:00. Leuven is also home to the Stella Artois Brewery, so you can take a tour and get the freshest Stella Artois possible.

Love #3: Bike-Friendly

Leuven is very flat, so it’s easy to explore by bike. With lots of bike rentals available, it’s a great way to explore the city at your own pace. Even Brussels is only 30 kilometers from Leuven, if you are a serious cyclist, you could pedal through the countryside, have lunch in Grand Place and return to one of the hotels in Leuven Belgium by evening.

Love #4: Flemish Architecture

The Flemish architecture in Leuven is really cool to look at. The main square is surrounded by historic buildings. The Town Hall is a great example, as is the University Library building. While there aren’t a ton of things to do in Leuven, it’s nice to just take a relaxing stroll, or cycle, around town to admire the architecture. It’s also very safe in Leuven, which is an added bonus.

Love #5: Central Location of Leuven

It’s super easy to get anywhere in Belgium from Leuven. It’s 15 minutes to Brussels airport, 20 minutes to Brussels Central Station, one hour to Ghent, 90 minutes to Bruges. So even though I recommend only a ½ day in Leuven, you could actually use it as a home base to explore the rest of the country by train. If you can’t find affordable accommodation in Brussels, it can’t hurt to check the prices at Leuven hotels and commute around the country from an affordable home base.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Train Travel in Europe

Leuven is a nice day trip from Brussels or an affordable base for exploring Belgium. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to visit Leuven. Want more tips for planning a central Europe vacation? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Mystic, CT

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Mystic, Connecticut! It’s a beautiful seaside town that is well worth coming to. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate when you visit Mystic Connecticut.

Hate #1: Getting to Mystic Connecticut

If you are driving to Mystic, especially from the south, it can be annoying. I-95 can experience lengthy delays, especially around New York. Once you’re stuck in traffic, there’s pretty much nothing you can do. The best thing you can do is to plan your route to avoid New York, or at least avoid rush hour traffic.

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Hate #2: Summer Tourist Season

Mystic is really a summer destination and it can feel crowded with tourists. A lot of New Yorkers keep a summer home here, so they tend to flood the town with visitors, too. Mystic hotels and parking can be hard to come by, and sometimes you may need to make restaurant reservations as they fill up, too. The town seems to handle the crowds very well, though, so it’s not a huge issue, just something to keep in mind when choosing your dates.

Hate #3: Prices in Mystic

It’s expensive to visit Mystic. Expect east coast, high season prices. Mystic hotels, restaurants, gas stations, tours, and attractions are all a bit inflated in Mystic. It’s not as expensive as Boston or New York, but Mystic is definitely not a budget destination. It is possible to find affordable accommodation in Mystic, but the more reasonable hotels sell out quickly in the summer.

Hate #4: Tourist Traffic

Most people who visit Mystic will come by car, so along with all of the tourists in summer, there is also a lot of traffic. And they are mostly New York drivers. Even on the sidewalks, you run into traffic jams because people just stop paying attention and will block up the sidewalk or roads.

Hate #5: Mystic Winter

Mystic has six to eight months of winter, which is why the majority of tourists come to Mystic in the summer. It’s beautiful in the winter, but very cold and a lot of businesses just close for the winter. A lot of the best things to do in Mystic are outdoors, so it really is best to visit in the summer, or the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall.

Love #1: Mystic Seaport

The Mystic Seaport is a 19-acre maritime museum. They have whaling ships, schooners, steamboat rides and a drawbridge you can go out on. There are over one million artifacts of maritime history. The interpreters and docents are super knowledgable and informative. The museum also has lots of fun kid activities, like model shipbuilding. This is actually the #1 tourist sight in Connecticut, so it’s one of the best things to do in Mystic CT.

Love #2: Downtown Mystic & Stonington

Another of the best things to do in Mystic CT, and nearby Stonington, is to wander the downtown streets. Each town is a picture-perfect East Coast seaside village. It’s everything you expect in a small Connecticut town. There are quaint shops and local restaurants to check out, so make sure you leave time to just wander around. 

Love #3: Food in Mystic

The food in Mystic is amazing, especially the seafood. You can get fresh seafood pretty much right out of the sea. If you don’t like seafood, there is other good stuff to eat in Mystic. One of the most popular Mystic restaurants is the Engine Room, which is known for its great burgers. You will probably want to check out Mystic Pizza if you’ve seen the movie, but the locals will tell you to go to the Stonington Pizza Palace instead. We enjoyed both! Drawbridge Ice Cream is another must-try spot in Mystic. There’s actually great beer in Mystic, too. At the Velvet Mill, try the Beer’d Brewing Company. They have great beer, and it makes a good souvenir to bring back home with you.

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Love #4: People in Mystic

For as many tourists as they have come through Mystic, the people are still super friendly and helpful. I met one traveler who was offered a ride by a friendly local when he was out wandering the streets. You may have heard of the New England shield that locals put up, and it may be hard to really get to know the locals and become friends with them, but on the surface, they are very friendly and not hostile like some seasonal tourist towns can be.

Love #5: The Sea

Being on the ocean is such a great experience. You can take a steamboat tour at the Mystic Seaport, you can take sailing lessons or charter a fishing trip. Even if you stay on dry land, soaking in the sea breeze and listening to the crashing waves is a treat. Life in Mystic revolves around the sea, so you can expect to spend a lot of time in or around the sea.

Overall, Mystic is a really fantastic place, and we even extended our visit an extra day because we were enjoying it so much. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to visit Mystic. Want more tips for planning a US vacation? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Moving Your Family Abroad

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about moving internationally. I’ve lived in Finland, China, Portugal, the US, Argentina, Brazil, Austria, and others. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to share both the positives and the negatives of travel, whether it’s short-term or long-term. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate about international moving.

Hate #1: Homesickness

When you move abroad, you inevitably leave behind loved ones. Missing friends and family back home is the number one drawback to living abroad. You also miss out on a lot of events and traditions. We’ve missed weddings, funerals, birthdays and holidays. If you move abroad with kids as we’ve done, they will also miss their friends. Luckily, this has gotten easier with communication tools like Skype and FaceTime. Make sure you encourage your friends and family to come visit you, but also try to plan a visit home every once in a while to keep those connections strong.

Hate #2: Making Local Friends

Often when people move abroad, they tend to find expat communities and stick together with other expats. It’s great to have friends going through the same experiences as you, people you can reminisce about your home country with, but if you really want to learn about the local culture and the local language, it helps to make friends with some of the locals where you live. Learning the local language goes a long way towards immersing yourself in the local culture and you will quickly gain respect by making an effort.

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Hate #3: Learning Cultural Differences the Hard Way

Let’s face it, when you move to a new country, there are going to be customs that you aren’t familiar with, and you’re going to goof up. In Germany, you better be right on time for anything. In Portugal, dinner at 8:00 means you arrive around 9:00. And then there are the logistics of everyday life: how do you sign up for cable, how do you find a doctor or dentist? This where the expat groups come in handy as your fellow expats can help give you a head’s up on issues they faced.

Hate #4: Illness Abroad

Getting sick while traveling sucks, and it’s no different when you move abroad. If you get sick, you may not know where to go or how to find a doctor. In many countries, the pharmacist can see you and give you a prescription. In other countries, you need to see a doctor or go to hospital. Then finding a care provider who speaks English can be challenging. The best way to alleviate some of this is to figure it all out right when you move, rather than when you are actually sick. It will be easier and then when you do get sick, you’ll be prepared.

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Hate #5: Packing & Moving

The actual act of moving can be a real pain, no matter where you are moving to. Moving overseas brings a lot of challenges when it comes to deciding what to pack and what to leave behind. Do you sell all your belongings? Put some things in storage? These decisions can be difficult, and you usually don’t have a lot of time to mull them over. Once you decide what to bring, then you have to decide how to get it to your new home. The entire moving overseas process is a headache, and then it’s no better when you are moving back home at the end of your assignment.

Love #1: Amazing Experience

The entire experience of moving, and living, abroad is an amazing experience. Living in another country is such a unique opportunity to really experience a new culture, language, cuisine, and atmosphere. Most travelers get to spend one or two weeks in a foreign country at a time, and they get to see the highlights. By moving abroad, you really get an in-depth understanding of a new place.

Love #2: New Friends

Another cool thing about moving abroad is all the new friends you will make. Whether they are locals or fellow expats like yourself, you now have a new support system in your adopted country. Just like your first school mates, your first friends in a new country will always be near and dear because they will help you settle in and adapt to your new surroundings.

Love #3: Travel Opportunities

If you are coming from the United States, you will be amazed at the travel opportunities that open up when you move abroad. In the US, it can take hours or even a full day just to cross one state. If you move to Europe, you can easily take a drive through a couple of countries in a single day. You can hop on the train and go to a new country for the weekend, or even take advantage of the many low-cost carriers for weekend excursions throughout the continent.

Love #4: Family Bonding

When you move abroad with your family, it really makes you a lot closer and reinforces your family bond. When you first arrive, you only have each other, and you are all going through this new experience together. You’ll have so many fun stories and memories of the things you did together and this really strengthens the family bond. Moving abroad has also helped our two boys become best buds, as they always have each other to lean on when we move to a new place.

Love #5: Bringing Culture Home

When you live abroad and experience a new culture, you get to take the best of that culture back home with you. Whether it’s special meals that you cook, celebrations you have or even some fashion or music tastes you picked up, you can always take a little bit of that new culture back home with you. After living in China, we now have tea more often at home. Simple things like this will be a great reminder of your time abroad.

Moving internationally is such a cool experience, but there are drawbacks to be aware of before you make that decision to move. Of course, the hates are not enough to stop us from moving abroad, just small obstacles to overcome. Want more travel tips? Check out these blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About All-Inclusive Resorts

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Five Things You Will Love & Hate About All-Inclusive Resorts

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about all-inclusive resorts. All-inclusive trips are a great, easy way to travel. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate about all-inclusive resorts.

Hate #1: Isolation from Local Culture

All-inclusive resorts are very insular and isolated from the local culture. It doesn’t actually feel like you are traveling to another country and you’ll have very little interaction with the local residents, aside from those who work at the resort. Whether you stay at an all-inclusive in Cancun, Cabo, the Dominican Republic, or the Canary Islands, unless you take it upon yourself to leave the resort and seek out the local culture, you won’t feel like you’ve left your home country at all.

Hate #2: Ins & Outs of All-Inclusive Resorts

Some people exclusively take all-inclusive trips and seem to have the inside scoop on how everything works. So, when it’s your first time at an all-inclusive resort, lacking this insider knowledge can be a bit daunting. When you check-in, make sure you get the full run-down of what’s included in your package, hours of operation for pools, restaurants and room service, plus anything else you might need to know.

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Hate #3: All-Inclusive Food

The food at all-inclusive resorts tends to be bland “Americanized” food that aims to please every palate. It can be difficult to get authentic local food. Even at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, the Mexican food is a watered-down version of authentic Mexican cuisine. If you want to taste local food, you can ask your waiter if they have any local dishes. Chances are, they will have one or two items to try. For the best options, choose the sit-down restaurants over the buffets at the resort.

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Hate #4: Hidden Fees at All-Inclusive Resorts

“All-Inclusive” can be a misnomer, as some resorts have additional fees that can really add up. When you are choosing your resort, it’s important to research the small print and see what additional fees you will incur, which will help you compare apples to apples when selecting one resort over another. Some questions to ask when researching your resort are:

  • Is airport transportation included?
  • Is every meal included, or only breakfast and lunch?
  • At golf and spa resorts, are golf and spa treatments included?
  • How much is a replacement wristband if I lose mine?

In addition to extra fees, you can expect to pay highly inflated prices for anything you may have forgotten at home. Sunscreen can be $25-$30 a bottle if you need to buy it at the sundry shop on property.

Hate #5: Alcohol at All-Inclusive Resorts

Unlimited alcoholic beverages are what lures a lot of people into staying at all-inclusive resorts. However, you’ll find that a lot of the drinks are watered down quite a bit. This is generally because people tend to overdo the drinking, but you can ask for a stronger drink if you want to. I tend to stick to drinking beer because it’s safer and not watered down.

Love #1: Ease of Travel at All-Inclusive

All-inclusive trips are so easy! Once you sort out the different packages and fees, you don’t have to worry about anything. You pay once and you’re good. With the wristbands, you don’t have to worry about carrying cash around at all. Everything is taken care of for you, which is a nice way to travel from time to time. And because all of the costs are paid up-front, it’s easy to plan affordable all-inclusive vacations.

Love #2: Resort Activities

Staying at all-inclusive resorts is pretty fun. There are usually lots of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. Then there are classes, activities, and tours. They usually have fitness classes, golf, tennis, spa treatments, and kids’ clubs. Whether it’s kayaking, surfing or day trips local sights, you will never get bored when you stay an all-inclusive resort.

Love #3: Service at All-Inclusive Resorts

Everyone I’ve met who works at the all-inclusive resorts goes above and beyond to make sure you are having a great time. They have all been super nice, and anytime I had a question about anything, they were super helpful. The housekeeper on my floor gave me an “all-inclusive 101” to help me figure out how the resort works, which was awesome! Do note that the level of service you receive is commensurate with the quality of the resort you choose, so the resorts on the cheaper end may not have such fantastic service.

Love #4: Fun For All

There are many different kinds of all-inclusive resorts, and if you choose the right one for you, it’s an amazing time. There are adults-only all-inclusive resorts, resorts for singles or family-oriented all-inclusive resorts. Make sure you choose the right kind of resort to meet your needs! The family-oriented resorts have great kids’ clubs, play areas, and fun activities for the parents as well.

Love #5: Weather & Beaches

Most all-inclusive resorts are set in tropical locations with amazing beaches. The locations are chosen to have the best weather and the best beaches, which is great as you’ll have a lot of options for where you spend your day. If the pool gets too rowdy, you can head out to the beach.

All-inclusive resorts can be a polarizing topic among travelers; most people either love them or hate them. No matter your travel style, there’s definitely something to be said for taking a laid-back “easy” vacation at an all-inclusive resort. Want more travel tips? Check out these blog posts: