Ciao from Rome, Italy! We love
to help travelers prepare for their vacations, and other than telling you the
best things to do, we love to share the things that will shock you upon
arriving in a new destination. Today we’re sharing the top ten travel shocks of
Roman culture.
Roman Culture Shock #1: How Far
a Little Italian Language Will Go
You will be shocked at how much the
Romans will open up to you if you speak even just a little bit of Italian. The
Romans are some of the nicest people that we’ve met anywhere in the world. They
treat the tourists pretty well, which is shocking if you’ve been to other
cities like Venice or Barcelona.
Roman Culture Shock #2: You
Don’t Share Your Pizza
Rome is the best place to eat
pizza, but it’s not part of the culture to share a pizza. Everyone gets their
own pizza, which is pretty awesome!
Roman Culture Shock #3:
Pickpockets
You really have to pay attention at
major tourist sites in Rome, as well as getting on and off the Metro, or
anywhere in crowds. There are lots of pickpockets working in Rome, and even
those who will slash a bag or purse to get inside. Even inside of the museums,
don’t let your guard down.
Roman Culture Shock #4: Water
Quality in Public Fountains
You’ll see a lot of drinking
fountains around Rome and you can actually drink the water from these
fountains. The water quality in Rome is fantastic, and that’s part of why the
pizza is so good! This also means you can just bring a reusable water bottle
and refill it throughout your Rome vacation.
Roman Culture Shock #5: Lines
for Major Sights
Rome is a popular place, so don’t
be shocked when you see how long some of the lines are to get into an
attraction. The Coliseum and the Vatican are the longest lines, and it can take
up to three hours just to reach the front of the line. The best option is to
pre-book your tickets ahead of time, either for an early morning tour or a
skip-the-line option.
Roman Culture Shock #6: How Easy
It Is To Get Away from Tourist Traps
With so many travelers visiting
Rome every day, there are lots of super touristy attractions, including
overpriced restaurants targeted to travelers. However, you only have to go a
few blocks away to find authentic, local places that cater more to the local
residents of Rome. By doing this, you’ll get better food, better prices and
friendly locals.
Roman Culture Shock #7: Dress
Codes at Churches
Many of the religious sites in Rome
have a dress code and someone wearing skimpy clothing might not be let in. If
you plan to visit any churches in Rome, plan ahead with appropriate clothing.
Generally, you want to cover your knees and your shoulders, and a lightweight
scarf can be a great item to improvise with! Romans are a very stylish bunch,
so it’s pretty common to feel underdressed around them.
Roman Culture Shock #8: Number
of Tourist Sights
The sheer number of tourist sights
in Rome is shocking. From the Coliseum, the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, Trevi
Fountain, the Spanish Steps and so much more! Don’t be shocked if you don’t get
to see all of them in one trip. To see as much as possible, you really want to
do some upfront planning so that you’re efficient with your time.
Along with a shocking number of
tourist sights in Rome, there are a shocking number of tourists visiting at any
given time. No matter what time of year you visit Rome, there are tourists.
Expect to wait in lines, pay high prices and just generally be surrounded by
other tourists.
Roman Culture Shock #10: How Compact Rome Is
The historic area of Rome is
actually super compact. For all that there is to see in Rome, there are only
three Metro lines, and you don’t really need to use them because everything is
close together. Staying in the center of Rome will make everything so easy when
you are sightseeing. (Bonus: you can
avoid the Metro and the pickpockets this way!) With all of this walking, bring
comfortable shoes.
Roman Culture Shock #11: The Public Toilet Experience
The public toilets in Rome are not
that easy to come by. When you do find one, they can be shockingly dirty. Be
sure to use the restroom at your hotel before you leave, and then try to find a
restaurant for lunch with a clean restroom you can use.
Roman Culture Shock #12: How Much You Will Love Rome
Rome is one of those iconic
destinations that you have heard about since grammar school. But visiting Rome
is such an amazing experience, you can’t help but fall in love with it. I’ve
been to Rome over 20 times; that’s how great it is! Don’t be shocked if you
start planning your return to Rome before you leave!
We hope these ten tips help you
better understand Roman culture, and lessen the shocks you have when arriving
in Rome. Have you been to Rome? We’d love to hear what shocked you; just leave
a comment below! For more Wolters World travel tips, check out these blog posts
and videos:
Ten
Things That Shock Tourists About Wales Culture
Greetings from Wales! We love to help travelers prepare for their vacations, and other than telling you the best things to do, we love to share the things that will shock you upon arriving in a new destination. Today we’re sharing the top ten travel shocks of Wales culture.
Wales Culture Shock #1: The
Welsh Language
Most travelers assume since they
are traveling to Great Britain, that language will not be a barrier to English
speakers. They do speak English in Wales, but they also speak Welsh. When you
see Welsh written, it’s nearly impossible to tell how to pronounce the words,
or to know what they mean. Fortunately, most of the signs are in English and in
Welsh.
Wales Culture Shock #2: The
Number of Castles and Ruins
There is a shocking number of
castles in Wales. There are the
well-known castles like Cardiff Castle, but some of the lesser known ruins are
equally cool. If you are driving around Wales, allow plenty of extra time for
detours to castles along the way.
Wales Culture Shock #3: Driving
in Wales
You’ll probably take the M4 into
Wales, but to really explore, you’ll inevitably end up on some of the backroads
of Wales. The roads are so narrow, it’s shocking that they actually accommodate
traffic in both directions. If you meet an oncoming car on these narrow lanes,
you’ll have to look for a pull-out where there’s room to pass. Make sure you
also get the GPS with your rental car; it can be a lifesaver. Distances can be
deceiving, and it can take twice as long as you might expect to get from point
A to point B, because of the winding, hilly roads.
Wales is rainy, no doubt. But it
doesn’t rain all the time. It’s more of a mist than a consistent downpour, so
it’s not a big deal. Just realize it probably will rain during your visit to
Wales, so make sure to pack a rain jacket and umbrella. Good mud boots are also
a good idea as you’ll likely be doing some hiking in Wales.
Wales Culture Shock #5:
Stargazing in Wales
Once the skies clear, you will be
shocked at the night skies of Wales. With very little light pollution, the
skies in Wales are amazing. You can see so many stars, and even the Milky Way!
It even impressed our 12-year-old son, and parents know how hard it is to
impress a “tween.”
Wales Culture Shock #6: The
Welsh Natural Beauty
This country is gorgeous! Wales
travel is not about the cities; it’s all about the countryside and the outdoor
adventure. Hiking, kayaking, cycling and mountain climbing are all popular in
Wales. Wales is really a nature lover’s paradise. There are also great scenic
train rides to check out, and several national parks. If you are looking for a
more urban experience, check out Cardiff, which is a pretty cool city in Wales.
Wales Culture Shock #7:
Similarities and Differences Between Wales and England
There are many similarities between
Wales and England. The cuisine is similar; you’ll see fish and chips, bangers
and mash and sausages. But you’ll also see a very distinct Welsh culture that
is very different from England. The language and the people are different, and
there are foods specific to Wales, like Welsh cakes, laverbread and mussels.
It’s definitely a unique culture, even though you won’t get a different
passport stamp.
Wales Culture Shock #8: How Much
the English Rip on the Welsh
When you start researching Wales
online, you’ll be shocked at how much the English joke about the Welsh. Similar
to how in the U.S. the South is often the butt of jokes, that’s the case for
Wales and England.
Wales Culture Shock #9: The
Starkness Between Towns
Wales once had a lot of mining, so
there are many ghost towns and former mining towns that are falling apart.
There’s starting to be some redevelopment, but it’s still shocking to see some
dilapidated villages as you drive around Wales. Even if you aren’t in a ghost
town, any town in Wales will feel like a ghost town after 6 p.m. Everything in
the villages, aside from the pubs, shuts down very early in Wales, so don’t
expect too much going on in the evening, unless you are in a larger town.
Wales Culture Shock #10: Welsh
People
For all of the English jokes, the
Welsh people are actually super kind, fun and friendly. They’re often so happy
to see visitors in Wales, and they love to chat up tourists and give
recommendations.
We hope these ten tips help you better understand Wales culture, and lessens the shocks you have when arriving in Wales. Have you been to Wales? We’d love to hear what shocked you; just leave a comment below! For more Wolters World travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos:
Greetings from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil! Most travel blogs tell
you what to do when you travel, but we like to tell you what not to
do. With these Rio travel tips, you will be better prepared to visit this
legendary city of Brazil.
Rio Travel Tip #1: Don’t Visit Sugarloaf or Christ the
Redeemer on a Cloudy Day
Not every day in Rio is beautiful and sunny. If you catch a
cloudy or a foggy day, don’t bother going up to see Christ on the hill, or
Sugarloaf Mountain. It’s not worth the trip if you can’t see anything from the
top.
Rio Travel Tip #2: Don’t Think Rio is Just Beaches
There’s so much more to Rio than the world-renowned beaches. Yes,
the beaches are fantastic and are famous for a reason, but Rio was the capital
of Brazil until 1960, so there’s a ton of cultural attractions as well. There
are Portuguese Palaces from the 19th century, not to mention tons of cool
museums.
Rio Travel Tip #3: Don’t Sit on a Beach Towel; Sit on a Conga
If there’s one thing that gives tourists away, it’s lying on a
beach towel rather than a conga. Locals use a conga to bring to the beach; it’s
a thin piece of fabric that can act as a sarong or a blanket for the beach.
Rio Travel Tip #4:
Don’t Go to the Beach at Night
Going to the beach in Rio at night can be dangerous. The best
thing you can do is to ask your hotel or hostel which are the safest beaches to
visit.
Another safety tip for visiting Rio is not to wear a lot of
jewelry, or have any flashy jewelry when you visit. Even if you have fake
diamonds, it’s not worth becoming a target.
Rio Travel Tip #6:
Don’t Flash Your iPhones at the Beach or on the Bus
Similar to flashing jewelry, don’t have your electronics out for
everyone to see. I’ve seen locals warn tourists that had their iPhones out at
the beach. Theft is fairly common in Rio, so lessen your chances of becoming a
victim.
Rio Travel Tip #7: Don’t Bring Your Modesty to the Beach
You’re going to see a lot of skin on the beaches of Rio. And it’s
not just the beautiful women in teeny bikinis. Men wear pretty small bathing
trunks, too.
Rio Travel Tip #8: Don’t Go Topless At the Beach
With the tiny bikinis and nearly bare bottoms, you may be
surprised to learn that you can get fined for being topless at the beach. Now,
there’s no limit to how small the bikini top can be, but you have to wear one.
Rio Travel Tip #9: Don’t Visit the Favelas
The favelas of Rio are not a tourist attraction. Tours of the
favelas are becoming popular with travelers, but I don’t recommend going,
either with a tour or alone.
Rio Travel Tip #10: Don’t Listen to the Media Hysteria About Rio Dangers
Rio has a reputation for being dangerous, and it’s definitely a
place where you need to pay attention at all times. If you listen to the media,
you’ll be convinced of imminent kidnapping, shooting or robbing, before the
mosquitos show up to give you Zika. Yes, there are issues in Rio, but there are
also great people and many reasons to visit.
Don’t let these “don’ts” scare you off. Rio de Janeiro is a
fantastic city; we’ve had a great time here. With a few safety precautions, you
will have an amazing time. If you’ve been to Rio, feel free to add more
“don’ts” in the comments below!
For more Brazil travel tips, check out these blog posts and
videos:
Greetings from Sao Paulo, Brazil! Most travel blogs tell you what to do when you travel, but we like to tell you what not to do. With these Sao Paulo tips, you will be better prepared to visit this mega-city of Brazil.
Don’t Expect to Get Anywhere Quickly
Sao Paulo has anywhere from 14 to 25 million people who live in and around Sao Paulo, and there are over seven million cars in the city. Traffic in Sao Paulo is insane; do not rely on Google maps or any traffic app to reliably tell you how long it will take to get around. Allow yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go, especially if you have a plane to catch. This also applies to the security line at the airport; when they say to get there three hours before your flight, you should get there three hours before your flight!
Don’t Miss the Mercado Municipal
The municipal market of Sao Paulo is one of the top things to see in Sao Paulo. The building itself is really cool and then inside, there are stalls selling everything you can imagine. It’s a great place to try new meats, fruits, vegetables and spices. For a foreigner visiting Brazil, it’s a fascinating peek into local culture, and they are more than happy to cut up fruits to let you try them. There are fruits that you’ve likely never even seen or heard of in the States, which is a really cool experience. My favorite thing to eat at the Mercado Municipal is the Mortadella Sandwich. It’s like a fancy bologna sandwich, but so much better!
Sao Paulo is a melting pot, so there are tons of great cuisines to choose from, in addition to traditional Brazilian dishes. From Italian to Lebanese to Japanese, there’s an amazing mixture of flavors and cultures in Sao Paulo. There are over one million Japanese people in Sao Paulo, so of course, the Japanese food is good! Brazilian food varies by region, too, and Sao Paulo is a great place to try food from all areas of Brazil.
Don’t Forget to Keep Your Wits About You
Being in such a big city, it’s important to pay attention and keep an eye on your watch, your wallet and any other valuables. As far as driving, we don’t recommend it. There’s too much traffic and parking can be stressful, with strangers trying to extort money to watch your car. The Metro is a good way to get around, but it can be crowded, and pickpockets are common.
This includes getting cash from the ATM. Make sure you use the ATM inside the bank, not one that is out in the open on the street. You may have to plan ahead for bank hours, but it’s a much safer option.
Brazil is famous for amazing beaches, but Sao Paulo is not on the beach. The culture of Sao Paulo is very different from the natural beauty and beach culture of other areas of Brazil. Visiting Sao Paulo is all about culture, shopping, eating, museums, gardens and other urban adventures.
Don’t Forget to Download Uber and WhatsApp
Taxis can be a bit crazy, so Uber is the best way to get around. Even the locals will tell you to use it when you need to get around Sao Paulo. WhatsApp is also widely used for communicating, and many Uber drivers will use it to reach you.
Don’t let these “don’ts” scare you off. Sao Paulo is a fantastic vacation destination. The people, the culture and the food are all great. If you’ve been to Sao Paulo, feel free to add more “don’ts” in the comments below!
Don’t Miss Out on Cultural Attractions in Sao Paolo
Sao Paolo is the museum capital of Brazil. There are some great museums you should check out.
The Museu do Futebol is an entire museum dedicated to football (or soccer, if you prefer)
You can also tour some of the football stadiums
One of my favorite museums is the Immigration Museum, which was recently renovated. It’s a great place to see how Brazil, and Sao Paolo especially, are a melting pot of immigrants.
Even though you already know it’s not a beach vacation, you still might be tempted to pack Bermuda shorts and flip-flops. That’s fine for some activities, but you should know that they like to dress up in Sao Paolo. So, if you plan to go out to a nice restaurant, you might want to elevate your outfit a bit. And some of the nightclubs here might actually turn you away if you’re too casual.
Don’t Miss Out on Shopping in Sao Paolo
All those sharp dressers have to shop somewhere! Sao Paolo has the best shopping in Brazil, and if you can’t find it here, it probably doesn’t exist. There are fantastic shopping malls, from high-end luxury goods to bargain shopping.
Don’t Forget There are Two Airports
Sao Paolo has two airports, so make sure you travel to the correct airport!
GRU is Guarulhos International Airport, where international flights arrive and depart.
CGH is Congonhas Airport, which has most of the domestic flights within Brazil.
Don’t Forget to Pay the Parking Guys
Our first advice is “Don’t drive in Sao Paolo” but if you choose to drive, there are some things to keep in mind. Parking can be a hassle and you will need to pay the “parking guys.” These are valet staff that will park your car; they are guys on the street who request payment to “watch your car.” If you don’t throw them some money, there’s a good chance your car will not be safe.
Don’t Stay Outside of the City Center
When deciding where to stay in Sao Paolo, you want to be close to all of the attractions. With the gridlock and congestion, you’ll spend too much time in a car otherwise.
Don’t Flush Toilet Paper
Like many South American countries, the plumbing in Sao Paolo is not built to handle anything but human waste. In tourist areas, there will usually be signs to remind you, as well as a bin next to the toilet where you can put your used paper.
Don’t Lose Your Consumption Card
Many bars or cafes will give you a consumption card at the beginning of your meal and you will charge everything you order to that card. At the end of the night, you will “cash out” your consumption card and pay for everything at once. If you lose the card, it can cost you a lot of money.
Greetings from Washington, D.C. Every travel blog tells you
what to do when you travel, but we like to tell you what not to do,
so you can be prepared for your trip. These are the “don’ts” of visiting
Washington, D.C.
Washington DC Trip Tip #1: Don’t Stand Left on the Escalators
When you are out and about in DC, make sure you stand to the
right when you are on an escalator or moving sidewalk. Nothing annoys DC locals
more than trying to dodge a bunch of meandering tourists moving slowly. Just
remember: stand right, walk left.
Washington DC Trip Tip #2: Don’t Afraid to Take the Metro
The Metro system in DC is pretty clean, and easy to use. It goes
to most of the places you’ll want to visit.
Washington DC Trip Tip #3: Don’t Expect the Metro to Go Late into
the Night
While the Metro is great for travelers, it doesn’t run super late
at night. Pay attention to the schedule so that you don’t miss the last train.
Washington DC Trip Tip #4: Don’t Eat on the Metro
Eating on the Metro is really frowned upon, so don’t plan to eat
while you’re riding around. (It doesn’t hurt to speak in a lower tone as well;
the DC Metro has a more chill vibe than some other cities, so there’s no need
to shout)
Washington DC Trip Tip #5: Don’t Bother with Rush Hour
Don’t try to drive, or even take the Metro, during rush hour.
It’s crazy packed with everyone trying to get to work or get home from work.
Wait until after 9am to set out for the day; the Smithsonian Museums don’t open
until 10:00 anyways. The streets practically empty out before and after rush
hour, so it pays to wait.
Washington DC Trip Tip #6: Don’t Block the Intersection
If you do decide to drive in DC, pay attention to the signals and
make sure you don’t get stuck in the intersection at a red light. It can cause
a lot of problems if a driver ends up blocking the intersection.
Washington DC Trip Tip #7: Don’t Stop in the Middle of the
Sidewalk
There are so many things you’ll want to take a picture of in DC,
but remember to step aside before you do so. There are a ton of locals trying
to go about their everyday business in the midst of hordes of tourists.
Stepping aside allows them to continue on without slowing everyone down for a
tourist photo opp.
Washington DC Trip Tip #8: Don’t Forget to Look Up From Your
Phone
Whether you’re chasing Pokemon, or following a map app to the
next DC attraction, don’t forget to look up from your phone to see where you’re
going. DC sidewalks are crowded, so it’s important to pay attention to where
you’re going.
Washington DC Trip Tip #9: Don’t Leave Valuables in the Car
This is common travel sense for any city, but a good reminder not
to leave any valuables in your car.
Washington DC Trip Tip #10: Don’t Trust Hotel Distance from
Attractions
A lot of hotels will claim to be a “ten minute walk from the
Mall” or “15 minutes from the White House.” Don’t rely on the hotels to tell
you how close (or far) they are from major attractions, look it up to verify.
DC involves a lot of walking, but make sure you at least know what you’re
signing up for.
Washington DC Trip Tip #11: Don’t Forget Good Walking Shoes
You will be walking a lot in DC, so don’t forget to bring good
walking shoes.
Washington DC Trip Tip #12: Don’t Mess With Heat &
Humidity
DC is very hot and humid in the summer; don’t forget to stay
hydrated. There are water fountains around where you can refill a bottle of
water.
Washington DC Trip Tip #13: Don’t Forget Sunblock and Bug
Spray
If you are visiting DC in the summer, don’t forget to bring sunblock
and bug spray.
Washington DC Trip Tip #14: Don’t Lose Your Metro Card
DC Metro fares are based on distance, so you need the card when
enter the train and when you exit. Don’t tuck it away or throw it away after
you swipe into the Metro station.
Washington DC Trip Tip #15: Don’t Say You’re Going to the
Smithsonian
The Smithsonian is a huge collection of museums, with over 20
individual destinations. So, if you tell someone you’re going to the
Smithsonian, that doesn’t really narrow down your destination.
Washington DC Trip Tip #16: Don’t Miss the DC Monuments at
Night
Seeing the DC monuments lit up at night is a highlight of any
trip to DC. Even though you’ll be tired after a long day of touring DC, make
sure you get to see the monuments lit up at least once during your visit.
Washington DC Trip Tip #17: Don’t Worry About Paying at the
Smithsonian Museums
The Smithsonian Museums are all free, which is really cool.
Definitely take advantage of this; not only are they great museums, but it’s a
great way to save money on your DC vacation. If you want to visit one of the
more popular Smithsonian museums, you may be able to go online and get a
“convenience” ticket for a small fee.
Washington DC Trip Tip #18: Don’t Get Stuck Behind an 8th
Grade Class
It’s tradition for many 8th grade classes to take a trip to DC,
and they come from all over the US between March and May. If you visit during
this time, you may be surrounded by a lot of junior high kids. If you get stuck
behind them getting into a museum, or even a restaurant, it can be frustrating.
The best approach is to avoid these months.
Washington DC Trip Tip #19: Don’t Forget About the Museums
Away from the National Mall
There are so many great museums on the National Mall, it can be
easy to forget there are other museums in Washington D.C. The National Postal
Museum is located near the Capitol and Union Station. The Portrait Gallery,
located near the Capital One Arena has some great portraits.
Washington DC Trip Tip #20: Don’t Forget About the 2nd Set of
Doors at National Mall Museums
When you visit the National Mall museums, there is usually a
second set of doors to the museums. Rather than entering through the National
Mall, try to find the entrance doors on the other side, which often have
shorter lines. Entering the museums often requires a bag search and metal
detector, so it can take a while if you’re in a long line.
Washington DC Trip Tip #21: Don’t Try to Visit All of the
Smithsonian Museums
If you try to hit all of the Smithsonian Museums, you’ll get
museum burnout pretty quickly. Since they are free, it’s tempting to want to
see all of them, but it’s best to plan for one to two museums per day.
Washington DC Trip Tip #22: Don’t Disrespect the Monuments
There are many great monuments around DC that pay homage to
historical figures and fallen soldiers. It’s really important to show proper
respect at these monuments. Fountains aren’t for cooling off and splashing
around; Arlington Cemetery isn’t a park to be running around.
Washington DC Trip Tip #23: Don’t Sleep In
If you want to beat the crowds, get up early and be the first one
at the museums. There’s too much to do in DC to spend too much time sleeping.
Some of the museums will also have extended evening hours, which many people
don’t know about.
Washington DC Trip Tip #24: Don’t Expect a Cheap Vacation
Even though many of the DC attractions are free, it’s still going
to be an expensive vacation. Hotels, parking and restaurants are all pricy.
Many people travel to DC for work, so hotels take advantage of that with higher
rates and they aren’t catering to budget travelers.
Washington DC Trip Tip #25: Don’t Forget to Make Dinner
Reservations
There are lots of great restaurants in DC, and really great
international cuisine, but don’t forget to make reservations. DC gets a lot of
tourists, so restaurants fill up quickly every night, especially in summer.
Washington DC Trip Tip #26: Don’t Be Afraid to Take a Bus Tour
DC is huge, and to see everything efficiently, a bus tour is a
great introduction to the city and a great way to get your bearings. Along the
way, you’ll get a history lesson and explanation of some of the major sights.
Another way to see the sights is to rent a bide with the bikeshare app.
There’s so much to see outside of DC, so make sure you leave time
to explore the areas outside of the main city center. Some great day trips from
DC include Mount Vernon, Monticello, Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens.
Breaking up your visit with day trips is a great way to avoid museum burnout.
We hope that you enjoy your visit to Washington D.C. Feel free
to add more “don’ts” in the comments below! For more travel tips about the
United States, check out these blog posts and videos:
Don’ts of San Diego:
Travel Tips for Your First Visit
Greetings from sunny San Diego, California! Every travel blog
tells you what to do when you travel, but we like to tell you what not
to do, so you can be prepared for your trip. First of all, don’t pass up
the chance to visit San Diego as it’s fantastic! That said, these are the “don’ts”
of visiting Austin, Texas.
San Diego Travel Tip #1: Don’t Think Balboa Park is “Just a
Park”
One of the best things to do in San Diego is to visit Balboa
Park. But it’s more than just a park. In addition to beautiful green space, it
also has 16 museums, theaters, gardens and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. You
can fill up a lot of time by visiting Balboa Park, so don’t skip it.
San Diego Travel Tip #2: Don’t Confuse the San Diego Zoo with
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
The San Diego Zoo is world-famous and is located in Balboa Park.
It’s a typical park with animals in enclosures. It’s on the pricier side, but
totally worth it. The San Diego Safari Park is about 45 minutes outside of
town. The Safari Park is the kind of park you drive through to see wildlife on
a “safari.” They’re both cool, but very different.
San Diego Travel Tip #3: Don’t Expect to “Do” San Diego in a
Weekend
San Diego has so much to see, and is spread out over a large
area, so it’s not possible to see it all in a weekend. To make the best use of
your time, strategize which areas of the city you are visiting each day so that
you aren’t driving back and forth all over. Each area, like Coronado Island, La
Jolla, the Gaslamp District and Balboa Park all have enough attractions to
spend a full day.
San Diego Travel Tip #4: Don’t Expect La Jolla to be a Cheap
Beach Stop
La Jolla is a beautiful, rocky coastline just north of San Diego.
It’s a perfect day trip from San Diego, but it’s very expensive there. The best
way to see La Jolla is to visit in the morning, and then visit other areas for
shopping and/or eating out.
San Diego Travel Tip #5: Don’t Mess with the Seals at La Jolla
Everyone loves to see the seals at La Jolla Beach, but they are
wild animals. Trying to get a selfie with the seals is dangerous for tourists,
and dangerous for the seals. Don’t approach them; it’s best to take photos from
a distance.
San Diego Travel Tip #6: Don’t San Diego is Out Of Your Price
Range
San Diego is actually pretty affordable for a vacation
destination. San Diego is not super expensive, especially when compared to Los
Angeles or San Francisco. It’s possible to find good, affordable hotels just
15-20 minutes from the city center. San Diego is a popular convention
destination, and prices rise steeply when there’s a big convention in town, so
plan ahead to avoid those. For some of the expensive San Diego attractions,
check online or at your hotel for discounts.
San Diego Travel Tip #7: Don’t Run Into the Beach Boulevard
Often when you arrive at the beach, there is a boulevard between
the parking lot and the beach. Look both ways before you step into the
boulevard, as these are popular with cyclists, runners and skateboarders.
San Diego Travel Tip #8: Don’t Ignore the Flags on the Beach
Watch out for rip tides at the beach! There will be flags on the beach to indicate
any dangerous conditions, so make sure to pay attention to the flags. There are
often lifeguards around that you can check in with as well. (Don’t forget the
sunblock, too!)
San Diego Travel Tip #9: Don’t Bring Alcohol or Glass to the
Beach
Glass containers and alcohol are not allowed at the beach. There
are plenty of beach bars you can visit for a cocktail, but that’s the only way
to legally enjoy an alcoholic drink on the beach.
San Diego Travel Tip #10: Don’t Think San Diego is Just
Beaches
San Diego has beautiful beaches, but there’s so much more to see.
In addition to Balboa Park, there’s Legoland, SeaWorld, Mission Bay and lots of
cool day trips to mountains and sand dunes. There’s kayaking, hiking, surfing,
golfing and so much more! San Diego sunsets are an amazing experience, so make
sure to catch at least one during your visit.
San Diego Travel Tip #11: Don’t Forget to Bring Your Kids
San Diego is great for kids of all ages. There are so many family
friendly things to do, and the locals are very friendly and helpful. Even if
you don’t have kids, San Diego is great.
San Diego Travel Tip #12: Don’t Forget to Turn with the
Coronado Bridge
Any visit to San Diego will include a trip to Coronado Island. As
you cross the Coronado Bridge to the island, you’ll get amazing views of the
San Diego skyline. Beware, though, the bridge has very low sides, so don’t get
caught up in looking at the skyline and not paying attention to the road. If
you are afraid of heights, let someone else drive, or take the ferry over from
downtown!
San Diego Travel Tip #13: Don’t Fight the Traffic
California traffic is legendary, and San Diego is no exception.
Don’t try to fight it, just plan around it. A 20-minute drive can easily turn
into a 2-hour drive during rush hour. This is why it’s critical to plan ahead
and ensure you’re not driving back and forth; and if you’re taking day trips
from San Diego, time them so you aren’t on the road at rush hour. Nobody wants
to spend their vacation time sitting in traffic.
San Diego Travel Tip #14: Don’t Rely on the Trolley System to
Get Around
You’ll see a trolley system in the downtown area, but it’s not super
helpful for tourists. There are three lines, and access is pretty limited
unless you are going to or from the convention center. Lyft and Uber are the
best way to get around San Diego.
San Diego Travel Tip #15: Don’t Feel Bad to Valet Your Car and
Leave it There
Parking is expensive around San Diego, and we’ve already
mentioned the traffic, so driving in San Diego isn’t the most pleasant
experience. Don’t feel bad if you just valet your car when you arrive and use
rideshare apps during your stay. You will probably save money over paying for
parking everywhere. (If you do drive around, don’t forget a credit card for the
meters, unless you usually carry $10 in quarters!)
San Diego Travel Tip #16: Don’t Stay at a Beach Hotel Unless
Your Main Goal is the Beach
If you are coming to San Diego to see the sights, like the zoo or
historical attractions, don’t bother staying at a beach hotel. Beach hotels are
super expensive, so unless you are really spending a lot of time on the beach,
it’s not worth the premium price you will pay. Better to save some money and
then Uber over to the beach once or twice during your visit.
San Diego Travel Tip #17: Don’t Visit During Major Conventions
like ComicCon
ComicCon and other big conventions take over downtown San Diego.
It gets super crowded, and very expensive. Hotels can be hard to come by,
especially if you want to stay downtown. ComicCon is usually mid-July; it’s a
fun experience in itself, but if it’s not the reason for your visit, try to
avoid it.
San Diego Travel Tip #18: Don’t Plan on Clean Eating in San
Diego
Of course, it’s possible to find great, healthy food in San
Diego, but there are so many temptations. San Diego is a foodie mecca and craft
beer haven. There are over 200 breweries and taphouses in San Diego. From craft
burgers to fish tacos, the food in San Diego is fantastic.
San Diego Travel Tip #19: Don’t Drink Beer That’s Not From San
Diego
There is so much good beer made right here in San Diego, that it
would be a shame to drink anything else. The local breweries are heavily
involved in the local culture, and many of them are dedicated to charitable
causes. You can even get local craft beer at the zoo.
San Diego Travel Tip #20: Don’t Laugh When the Locals Freak
Out About Rain
San Diego is infamous for the best weather in the country, but
even they get rain occasionally. What you’ll notice, though, is the locals
aren’t used to rain at all. Since it’s so rare, they tend to freak out with a
little bit of rain.
San Diego Travel Tip #21: Don’t Compare San Diego to Los
Angeles
Even though they are both Southern California cities with awful
traffic, they are very different. The vibe in San Diego is way different than
the vibe of Los Angeles, and it’s not fair to compare the two. Most travelers
have a favorite between the two; mine is San Diego hands down.
San Diego Travel Tip #22: Don’t Get Complacent With Safety
Overall, San Diego is a pretty safe city, but there are
definitely some things to look out for. Don’t leave valuables in the car, don’t
ignore riptide warnings, don’t go hiking without letting someone know where
you’re going. These are basic safety precautions to take anywhere you travel,
but it’s easy to get complacent in such a beautiful, friendly city.
It is nearly impossible to have a bad time in San Diego; that’s
how awesome it is. Don’t
let these “don’ts” scare you off. Feel free to add more “don’ts” in the
comments below! For more travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos:
Greetings from Austin, Texas! Every travel blog tells you what
to do when you travel, but we like to tell you what not to do, so
you can be prepared for your trip. Whether you’re in Austin to shop on Congress
Street, or to throw back a few drinks on East 6th Street, these are the “don’ts”
of visiting Austin, Texas.
Austin, Texas Tip #1: Don’t Freak Out About the Bats
There are anywhere from 700,000 to 1.5 million bats in Austin,
but they’re not flying all over the city. They all live under the Congress Bridge
and put on a nightly show in the warmer months. It’s really cool to see, and a
huge part of Austin’s identity, so you’ll see bat memorabilia all over town.
Austin, Texas Tip #2: Don’t Expect to See the Bats Between
November & February
The bats fly south for the winter, so if you want to see them,
you have to visit when it’s a bit warmer.
Austin, Texas Tip #3: Don’t Visit During a Festival Unless
it’s the Reason for Your Visit
Unless you are specifically visiting Austin for a festival, try
to avoid visiting, especially during SXSW. Austin isn’t a huge city, so a big
festival can really cause a hike in hotel prices and reduced availability. Even
a UT football game can cause hotels to raise their rates.
Austin, Texas Tip #4: Don’t Drive in Austin
The population of Austin has exploded in recent years, and the
infrastructure can’t keep up. Highways, surface streets and even parking are
all very challenging in Austin. If you have to drive in, just valet your car
and leave it there for the duration of your stay.
Austin, Texas Tip #5: Don’t Count on Public Transportation
Texas is really a car-based state and not many people rely on
public transportation. There are a few buses around the downtown area of
Austin, but they’re not widely prevalent, and not really ideal for tourists
visiting Austin.
Austin, Texas Tip #6: Don’t Be Afraid to Uber Everywhere
Uber and Taxis are everywhere in Austin. Austin is a really young
city, so Uber is super popular, and many people don’t even have cars, they just
Uber everywhere. After about five Uber rides, the longest we had to wait was
two minutes; so you can see how prevalent they are.
Austin, Texas Tip #7: Don’t Speed When You Drive
If you decide to drive in Austin, don’t speed! The police in
Austin are pretty strict about speeding, parking and traffic laws in general.
Because of the parking restrictions, it’s also really important to be ready for
your Uber when it arrives so that your driver doesn’t get a ticket for standing
in a zone.
Austin, Texas Tip #8: Don’t Come to Austin on a Diet
One of the best things about Austin is the food, so come hungry,
and leave your diet at home. The BBQ in Austin is great, and it’s brisket or
beef BBQ, not the pork you’ll find elsewhere in the South. In addition to
excellent BBQ, there’s also really good Tex-Mex food in Austin, not to mention
interesting international cuisines popping up all over town. Make sure you also
have chicken-fried steak while you’re here.
Austin, Texas Tip #9: Don’t Be a Snob About Food Trucks
Food trucks are all over Austin and usually one of the best
places to eat. From breakfast tacos to late night snacks, some of the best food
in Austin comes from a truck. If you’re craving something, there’s probably a
food truck selling it.
Austin, Texas Tip #10: Don’t Eat Breakfast in Your Hotel
Hotel breakfast is not worth it in Austin. Instead, go have a
breakfast taco somewhere. It will be cheaper than a hotel breakfast and way
more delicious! If you’re picturing a breakfast burrito from McDonald’s, the
breakfast tacos in Austin are totally different. You just have to experience
them to believe it.
Austin, Texas Tip #11: Don’t Judge Your Tacos By Price
Tacos that cost more aren’t necessarily better than the cheap
tacos on the street. It’s hard to find a bad taco in Austin, so don’t think you
have to spend more for the best taco in town.
Austin, Texas Tip #12: Don’t Fall for “Keep Austin Weird”
“Keep Austin Weird” was a slogan started many years ago,
referring to how Austin is “weirder” than the rest of Texas. With so many jobs
and new residents flooding in, gentrification follows and the “weird” vibe is
much less prevalent than ten years ago. Austin is still eccentric, especially
compared to Dallas or Houston, but the chains and hipsters have also moved in.
Anymore, “Keep Austin Weird” is just a marketing slogan.
Austin, Texas Tip #13: Don’t Go to a BBQ Place if There’s No
Line
The best BBQ joints are going to have a line to get in. Follow
that line, don’t try to find someplace where there is no line, because that’s
not a good sign. Franklin’s is one of the most popular BBQ joints for tourists,
and the wait can be as long as two hours to get a table. The longer the line,
the better the BBQ!
Austin, Texas Tip #14: Don’t Worry About Having a Good Time
It’s hard to have a bad time in Austin, no matter what you like
to do. Shopping is great, the nightlife scene is legendary and I think you can
tell we love the food. There are several cool neighborhoods and districts
within Austin, each with their own vibe. Rainey Street has a more relaxed vibe
where old houses have been turned into restaurants and bars, while Sixth Street
is where Austin goes to party. If you’re visiting Austin with kids, there are
also plenty of things to do, from museums and parks, and even a day trip to San
Antonio.
Austin, Texas Tip #15: Don’t Expect to Find “Real” Locals
Austin is full of transplants, many of them from recent tech
booms, so there aren’t a lot of natives in Austin.
Austin, Texas Tip #16: Don’t Expect Live Music Everywhere All
the Time
Austin is well known for having an amazing live music scene, but
don’t expect it to be all over. The live music venues are really concentrated
in a few areas of Austin, especially if you are looking for music throughout
the day. Sixth Street and Red River are both good areas to catch live music in
Austin.
Austin, Texas Tip #17: Don’t Be Surprised by Beggars
Don’t be surprised by the beggars in Austin. With so many
tourists, there are a lot of beggars on the streets. But, they are not
aggressive, so you can easily say no and keep walking. Some of them have a
sense of humor, as evidenced by the “Need Money for Weed” sign we saw downtown.
The more aggressive “beggars” are the ones working for non-profits, trying to
get you to sign up for something.
Don’t let these “don’ts” scare you off. Austin is really a
fantastic city; with lots of things to do, awesome food and friendly people.
Feel free to add more “don’ts” in the comments below! For more travel tips,
check out these blog posts and videos:
Greetings from Texas! Every travel blog tells you what to do
when you travel, but we like to tell you what not to do, so you can be
prepared for your trip. Whether you’re visiting San Antonio, Austin, Dallas,
Houston or any other city in Texas, these are the “don’ts” of visiting Texas.
Texas Tip #1: Don’t Expect to Get Around Quickly
Texas is HUGE! Traveling around the state between cities can take
hours and there’s no public transportation network for travelers to use outside
of the cities. Your choices are to fly or drive, and most people will drive.
The distances in Texas are vast; for example from Houston to El Paso it’s 1200
kilometers, or 745 miles! So be prepared to rent a car, and give yourself
enough time for travel. While you’re driving in Texas, don’t forget to pay
attention to other drivers! Even if you’re not leaving the urban areas, travel
times are often excessive due to traffic jams, especially at rush hour.
Texas Tip #2: Don’t Forget to Take in the Views
As you drive around Texas, while paying attention to the road,
make sure you take in all of the scenery as well. Texas is really beautiful,
from open plains to hill country, historic buildings and coastlines.
Texas Tip #3: Don’t Miss Out on Buc-ee’s or Other Truck Stops
The big truck stops in Texas, like Buc-ee’s, can be tourist stops
on their own. Buc-ee’s is like Field & Stream + Wal-Mart + an upscale gas
station, all in one! You will inevitably need to stop somewhere along the road,
and these are great options for getting gas and snacks and finding clean
restrooms. (Also: don’t skip the beaver nuggets at Buc-ee’s!)
Texas Tip #4: Don’t Skip the Local Shops and Produce
Make sure you take advantage of local products when you are
visiting Texas. From Buc-ee’s, HEB groceries, What-A-Burger. Look for local
events, too. Football is HUGE in Texas, so if you’re here in the fall, find a
football game to attend.
Texas Tip #5: Don’t Drink Non-Texas Beer
Texas has great beer, so take advantage of it. Texas has a lot of
German immigrants, so beer culture is strong. There are dozens of micro-breweries
and Texas beer brands to try.
Texas Tip #6: Don’t Forget to Mind Your Manners
People in Texas are generally very nice and super friendly. Texas
is the south, so manners are important. Don’t forget please, thank you and
holding doors.
Texas Tip #7: Don’t Confuse Texas with the Deep South
Texas is it’s own culture, so it’s not the Deep South, although
it often gets lumped in with the Deep South. Texas was even it’s own country at
one point, so it’s very different from other Southern states.
Texas Tip #8: Don’t Eat
Pork BBQ. Eat Beef BBQ.
In other areas famous for BBQ, pork is the main staple. However,
in Texas, it’s all about beef. Beef brisket is the best BBQ to eat in Texas.
Texas Tip #9: Don’t Forget to Come Hungry
When they say “everything is bigger in Texas,” the portion sizes
are no exception. Anytime you eat at a restaurant in Texas, you’re going to get
a LOT of food! If you have room after all of the brisket, try to find a Frito
pie, another Texas specialty! If you see a line outside of a restaurant, get in
line because that’s the sign of good food!
In Texas, queso is more than just cheese dip, it’s a way of life.
Texas Tip #11: Don’t Stop at the Queso
Tex-Mex food is amazing; so back to #9, don’t forget to come
hungry! In San Antonio, the local specialty is the puffy tacos, a must when
you’re visiting!
Texas Tip #13: Don’t Complain About the Weather
Texas weather can be crazy. In the summer, it can be unbearably
hot. So, if you visit Texas in the summer, be prepared for heat and don’t
complain. What may surprise you is that Texas can get pretty cold in the
winter. Check the weather before you come so you’re not caught off guard.
Texas Tip #14: Don’t Skip the Sights
Texas has a lot of cool things to do besides eating. There are
museums, natural wonders and fun towns all over Texas. Go to Austin, Dallas,
Houston or some of the coastal cities like Padre Island. San Antonio is one of
our favorites places in Texas, and besides the Alamo, the Spanish missions are
really cool to visit.
Texas Tip #15: Don’t Be Surprised When a Lot of Texans Aren’t
From Texas
There’s a lot of money and development in Texas, and this brings
people from all over who move to Texas. Austin and Dallas are especially
popular cities for relocation, so it can be difficult to meet an actual native
to these areas, with so many transplants in town.
These are my “don’ts” of Texas. We’ve really enjoyed the
people, food, drinks, art and culture of Texas. Feel free to add more in the
comments below! For more travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos:
Greetings from London, England! Every travel blog tells you
what to do when you travel, but we like to tell you what not to do,
so you can be prepared for your trip. These are the “don’ts” of visiting
London.
Don’t Forget to Look Right When Crossing the Street
The biggest danger to tourists in London is stepping out into
traffic. Because they drive on the left in England, pedestrians have to pay
attention to this to avoid getting hit. Make sure to look to the right, not the
left, when crossing the street.
Don’t Forget to Tap Out the Oyster Card
Public transportation in London is expensive. An Oyster Card is a
great way to save money on public transportation in London. However, the Oyster
Card must be tapped in and tapped out when leaving the train, otherwise they
charge a hefty fee.
Don’t Think That London is the Only Place in England
London is a great international city, with people and cuisines
from all over the world. People come and expect to see Downtown Abbey, classic
England, but that’s not London at all. London is very cosmopolitan. To be fair,
there are class English traditions still going on in London, such as afternoon
tea and changing of the guard, but you might also want to check out the
countryside to see classic England.
Don’t Just Eat at the Pubs
As long as you’re in London, it’s a great place to experiment
with some of the international cuisine that’s available. Of course, classic pub
fare is part of any English experience, but London has an amazing array of
international dining opportunities. From curries to dumplings to kabobs and
more, you’ll be amazed at the different foods you can try in London.
London is an expensive city. Hotels, restaurants, even public
transportation in London can be expensive. Even some of the museums are
expensive: Madame Tussaud’s can cost as much as $50 to get in! Spending in
London adds up quickly, especially if you want to enjoy a pint or two between
tourist sites.
Don’t Forget About the Free Stuff
There are a lot of free things to do in London. The British
Museum is free, and it’s one of the coolest museums in London. Seeing some of
London’s most famous sights, like Big Bend, Parliament, and the Eye are all
free to look at. With some research in advance, you can pick and choose the
things you want to pay for and fill in the rest with free attractions.
Don’t Count on Sunday Morning Public Transportation
Low-cost carriers offer great deals early on Sunday mornings, but
it can be difficult to rely on public transportation on Sunday mornings. It
seems to be when they do most of the maintenance and construction. Just to be
safe, choose a later flight on Sunday so that you’ll have plenty of time to get
to the airport.
Don’t Mess Up the Queue
English people are very polite and mind their manners, and this is especially true when it comes to queuing up. The Brits love their lines, and will not tolerate anyone cutting the line. So, beware of this anytime you are queued up for something.
Don’t Try to Do Everything!
It’s tempting to cram all the things into your London trip. But it’s impossible to see all the London attractions without a very long stay. So many London visitors get burned out trying to see everything. Not only are there many things to see in London, but it’s a huge, sprawling city. Try to plan your days geographically so that you’re not crisscrossing all over.
Don’t Think Changing of the Guard is Daily
One of London’s most popular attractions is the “Changing of the Guard” at Buckingham Palace. If this is something you want to see, make sure you check the schedule ahead of time and plan accordingly.
Don’t Pick the Wrong Airport
London has five airports, and they are anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour from the city center. Some of those super low-cost carriers may arrive at inconvenient locations with not a lot of transportation options. When you’re buying flights to London, consider all of the costs, not just the airfare. It’s no good to save $50 on your flight if you have to take a $75 taxi to your hotel.
Don’t Be Afraid to Use Public Transportation
London has a fantastic public transportation system. Between the Tube, the bus system, and your own two feet, getting around London is easy! Sometimes, it’s actually faster to walk than it is to take a bus or train. So just make sure you consider all options before committing to a route. London traffic is notorious, so taking taxis gets expensive as you watch the fare increase while you sit in a traffic jam.
Don’t Make These Mistakes on the Tube
London’s Tube system is fantastic, but there’s a whole set of mistakes to avoid when using the subway. It’s easy to use, so don’t let these common mistakes scare you from taking the train in London.
Be ready to pay when you approach the turnstile. Don’t wait until you’re there to look around for your ticket or your phone.
Don’t think you need a ticket or oyster card. You can pay with a credit card or your phone payment app when using the Tube. This just works for one person; you need a separate credit card for each passenger.
Don’t stand on the left on the escalators. The left is the “passing lane” for people who are in a hurry.
Don’t cluster in one area on the platform or on the train. You can spread out. Make sure there is room for people entering and exiting the train station and train. And let everyone off the train before rushing in!
Don’t bring a lot of luggage on the train. It’s for commuters, so you won’t find overhead bins or anywhere to keep your luggage. It will just take up space, and you shouldn’t expect to have an extra seat for your bags.
Don’t ride during peak times as the tickets are more expensive during rush hour periods.
Don’t forget to check which zones you are traveling. Your ticket price is based on how many zones you travel through. You might save money on a hotel by staying in Zone 6, but you’ll spend a lot more on train tickets throughout your stay.
Once you are on the train, don’t forget your manners. Leave the stinky food and drinks at home, and don’t take up more space than you need.
Don’t wear your backpack on the train. It takes up too much space, but it’s also a good way to get pickpocketed if you’re on a crowded train.
Don’t forget to check for line closures. Sometimes, a line will be closed and replaced with bus service. This is usually announced and posted quite clearly.
Don’t forget to download Citymapper on your phone. It will reflect any delays and detours. You won’t likely have cell service underground, but you can check before you descend.
Because you won’t have cell service, it’s handy to have an actual map of the tube (or a downloaded map on your phone) . It’s an easy way to see the endpoints of each line.
Don’t talk to strangers. Actually, don’t strike up conversations with anyone, including your speaker phone.
Don’t breathe too deeply in the summertime! It gets a bit stinky!
Don’t freak out if you miss your stop. Just go to the next stop and hop on the train going the other way.
Don’t Go Inside the Red Phone Booth
Tourists love the red phone booths in London. Of course, they’re not usually functional with phones anymore; they mostly serve at photo opps. However, they are sometimes used as shelter or even a urinal, so I don’t recommend going inside them or letting your kids crawl around in them.
Don’t Wait for a Host to Seat You in a Pub
Pub seating is first-come, first-served, so don’t wait around at the entrance for someone to seat you. You also need to go up to the bar to place your order. The servers don’t come to your table to take your order. Usually, you’ll see a number in or on your table. Place your order at the bar and give them that number.
Don’t Forget to Pack for All Weather
London has a reputation as a rainy city, and it does rain quite a bit. However, you can get all types of weather in London, including days where you need a lot of sunscreen. Dressing in layers is always a good idea, and make sure you have a rain jacket that packs up easily in your day pack.
Don’t Choose Uber over Black Cabs
Uber and other rideshare apps are pretty convenient, but you’ll miss out on the knowledge and expertise of the Black Cab drivers. They know the city inside and out, so they can divert to avoid traffic, and can answer a ton of your questions.
Don’t Skip the Thames as a Destination
The River Thames cuts the city of London in half, and the riverfront is a great place to spend some time during your trip to London. Whether it’s a stroll along the river, a river cruise or even taking a water taxi, seeing the city from the water is a great perspective.
Don’t Be Scared to Ask for Help
The police in London are fantastic; they will gladly point you in the right direction of where you need to go. Locals and shopkeepers are also super helpful. As long as you are polite and remember to use your manners, you will find people in London to be super friendly.
Don’t Fall For Tourist Traps
London has some popular tourist traps, and not all of them should be avoided. If you’re visiting London with kids, you might just have to visit a few tourist traps to keep them entertained. In general, we recommend visiting the historical and educational attractions over the tourist traps, but sometimes they can’t be avoided.
The usual spots like Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, the London Dungeon, and The Clink Prison Museum are not unique to London. These types of tourist traps can be found all over the world.
The London Eye is an overpriced Ferris Wheel
Similarly, the London Shard is also quite expensive for a view that you can get for free elsewhere.
The Crown Jewels are kind of a tourist trap, because you have to pay to go to the London Tower, which is not cheap.
Piccadilly Circus is really just a busy intersection with a bunch of billboards.
Leicester Square is known for shows and theaters, but you can see a movie much cheaper pretty much anywhere else in London.
Getting a photo at Abbey Road can also be considered a tourist trap, as countless tourists try to recreate the Beatles album cover each year.
Kings Cross Platform 9 ¾ is a popular spot for Harry Potter fans. There’s usually a long line, and it’s not even where the actual scene took place in the movie.
Any popular movie scene or “Instagram” spot has become a bit of a tourist trap.
The Heathrow Express from the airport to the city is really only worth it if you have a ton of luggage. Otherwise, it’s much cheaper to just take the Tube into the city.
Window shopping at Harrods or on Oxford Street can be fun, but actually shopping there is a tourist trap. You can find most of those things online for much cheaper.
Rickshaws and pedi-cabs can be a tourist trap, unless you negotiate the fare ahead of time.
Don’t Fall for These Tourist Scams
Like any large city with a lot of tourists, there are some scams out there targeting travelers.
Pickpockets are prevalent in many big cities, including London. They are mainly concentrated in very busy areas like Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, and the Changing of the Guard.
How many of us set our phones on the table while we’re eating? If you’re in a crowded London cafe or pub, don’t do that. There are people that will come by and swipe your phone off the table. Likewise, don’t put your bag on the back of your chair where you can’t see it.
You might also be approached by beggars and/or donation requests. Many beggars in London are part of organized groups and they will make up a sob story to get your sympathy and your cash. This is also for those people asking you to sign a petition or donate to their charity. Just keep walking.
People selling designer bags on the street. They are fake knock-offs and usually not very good quality.
With the increase in tap-to-pay, there is an increase in scams on credit cards. An RFID wallet protects your credit cards, and we also turn off the payment app on our phones until we need to use it.
While I’ve just said that people in London are friendly and helpful, if someone is too friendly or too helpful, it’s likely a scam. Someone may offer to take your photo, or to sell you a ticket for the bus, and that can be a scam.
If you plan to see any shows in London, make sure you get your tickets from an official seller. Don’t buy them from a random person on the street, as they may not be valid. The risk isn’t worth saving a few bucks.
ATM skimmers are also something to look out for. We always try to use an ATM machine inside a bank as they are less likely to be tampered with. If something seems off about an ATM you’re trying to use, then go to a different one.
Do not use the ATM conversion to your currency. When you withdraw cash, you’ll be asked if you want to convert the withdrawal to your currency. Let your own bank handle that; you’ll always get a better deal with your own bank. This applies to credit card transactions as well.
The mustard spill / pigeon poop scam is everywhere, including London. If someone spills on you or offers to wipe something off you, they may be distracting you while your bag gets stolen.
Likewise, if someone on the street “found” something that might be yours, or tries to give you something for free, beware! Nothing is free; they will then ask you for money. This includes random street games they try to rope you into.
Don’t fall for fake WiFi that can end up stealing your data. Make sure you ask what the correct WiFi is where you are.
These are my “don’ts” of London. Feel free to add more in the
comments below! For more travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos:
Greetings from Hvar, Croatia, one of the beautiful islands
along the Dalmatian Coast. There are many things you must do in Croatia, like
visiting Split and Dubrovnik and Pula, but today we are sharing the “don’ts” of
visiting Croatia.
Croatia Tip #1 Don’t Think Croatians are Fighting When
Conversing
Croatian is a brusque, loud language. It has the brusqueness of
German, with the emphasis and energy of Italian. To unknowing tourists, two
Croatian friends catching up can almost sound like they are arguing.
The early 90’s war for Independence, or the Last War, is still
really fresh in the mind of Croatians. It’s a painful subject best left
untouched.
Croatia Tip #3 Don’t Call Croatia Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia has been gone for a long time now, so it’s time to use
the correct terms for these countries. Younger travelers don’t have this issue,
because it’s been Croatia for a long time, but those who remember Yugoslavia
have a tendency to mix them up.
Croatia Tip #4 Don’t Disparage Croatia
Croatians are a very proud nation, so visitors should take care
not to disparage anything about Croatia, even jokingly. There is much to be
proud of in Croatia: from football teams to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, to
islands and cuisine and a cappella singing. However, there are small things
that may be annoying, like rocky beaches, but don’t bring this up with the locals.
Croatia Tip #5 Don’t Expect Sandy Beaches
The beaches in Croatia are beautiful, with crystal clear water,
but many of the beaches are stone beaches, not sandy beaches. Water shoes are a
great idea when packing for your Croatia trip.
Croatia Tip #6 Don’t Forget Sunblock and Bug Spray
If the beach is on your agenda, don’t forget the sunblock. The
sun is very strong here, and it can get to be over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in
the summer. It’s important to stay hydrated, and protect your skin. They also
have mosquitos and other biting bugs in the summer, so bug spray is a good
idea.
Croatia Tip #7 Don’t Expect Fast Public Transportation.
Croatia has an interesting shape, with a long coastline area and
a large continental area. The main transport mode for getting around Croatia
are the buses, or ferries if you’re visiting the islands. Some distances may
seem close, but mountainous terrain and islands can be deceiving, and may take
much longer. In the winter months, ferry schedules are drastically cut back.
Croatia Tip #8 Don’t Skip the Local Museums
Croatia has amazing history, and seven UNESCO World Heritage
sites, and so much natural beauty. In addition to all the “big” sites, our family
loves the small, local museums in Croatia. Visiting these smaller museums is a
great way to meet the locals who work there and hear first-hand why they are so
proud of their country.
Croatia Tip #9 Don’t Skip the Local Cuisine
You’ll see a lot of pizza and pasta around Croatia, as there is a
heavy Italian influence. But Croatia also has a lot of really great food. Being
on the ocean, the seafood in Croatia is fantastic. Our favorite is getting a
fish plate, which comes with all different kinds of seafood piled up. There’s
also great meat and salad options in Croatia.
Croatia Tip #10 Don’t Expect to Pay in Euros
Croatia uses the Croatian Kuna, not the Euro, even though Croatia
is in the European Union. This is a common misconception, so you’ll even see
signs at businesses reminding travelers that they do not take Euros.
Croatia Tip #11 Don’t Forget to Tip
Tipping in Croatia is 10% of your restaurant bill.
Croatia Tip #12 Don’t Worry if You Don’t Speak Croatian
Tourists have been visiting Croatia for hundreds of years. They
know how to treat tourists. The tourist infrastructure is really good, and
there’s no trouble finding someone who can speak English as it’s very common.
Croatia Tip #13 Don’t Turn Down a Local Invitation to Enjoy
Traditional Treats
if someone offers you dried figs, or Rakia, the local homemad
liquor, don’t pass up the opportunity. It’s a welcoming gesture, and a good way
to chat with the locals.
These are our travel “dont’s” for Croatia. These Croatia tips
will help you enjoy your visit to this amazing country. For more of our travel
tips, check out these blog posts and videos:
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