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Five Things You Will Love & Hate On a New Orleans Vacation

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit New Orleans, Louisiana! It’s a fantastic city and there are so many fun things to do in New Orleans. 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 on your New Orleans vacation.

Hate #1: Drunk Tourists

New Orleans is like a Disneyland for adults; it’s a city where people come to party. So, it’s inevitable that you will run into groups of drunk tourists in New Orleans. Of course, there are plenty of tourists that come to New Orleans for other reasons, but it seems that Bourbon Street brings out the binge drinker in each of us. If you’re out at night in the French Quarter, just keep an eye out for any trouble and avoid large rowdy groups.

The Most Common Reasons Tourists Get Arrested

Hate #2: Driving in New Orleans

Driving and parking in New Orleans are frustrating. Parking is really hard to find and very expensive once you do find something. Driving in New Orleans can be stressful and confusing if you are traveling between the districts of New Orleans. I recommend using the streetcar and taxis to get around. It’s much easier than driving and looking for parking. In fact, it’s pretty easy to plan a New Orleans itinerary that does not require you to have a car at all.

Hate #3: Hotel & Restaurant Prices

New Orleans is a major tourist and convention destination, so there really is no “low season” where you can find cheap hotels in New Orleans. New Orleans hotels are expensive; you can expect to pay more than $200 a night for a nice hotel in a good location, and parking is added on top of that if you drive to New Orleans. If you want to stay in the French Quarter, you will pay for the convenience, but you will save money on taxis and transportation as you will be able to walk to some of the best New Orleans attractions. Restaurants in New Orleans are also expensive, but the food is amazing.

Hate #4: Summer Weather in New Orleans

New Orleans is very hot and humid in the summer. If you visit between May and September, expect to have very warm days and evenings. You have to stay extra hydrated this time of year, especially if you are drinking alcohol because you can get dehydrated very easily. When planning your New Orleans itinerary, try to stay out of the mid-day sun and do your sightseeing in the morning and evenings. Visit indoor attractions, or use your hotel swimming pool, in the hottest part of the day.

Hate #5: New Orleans Crime

Crime in New Orleans is sometimes overexaggerated, it’s not necessarily a dangerous place to visit. But, you do need to take the same precautions you would in any city. Be on the lookout for pickpockets, and don’t leave valuables in your car. Although parking is expensive, it’s best to park in a protected lot where your car is safer from vandals. Use your normal street smarts: avoid dark alleys and don’t stumble around drunk by yourself in the wee hours.

Love #1: New Orleans Culture

New Orleans has a unique culture that you won’t find anywhere else in the United States. It’s an eclectic mix of Creole, French and American cultures. There are interesting museums and architecture in New Orleans and the unique culture is most evident in the cuisine which you can’t get anywhere else. Local residents are proud of their culture and love to share it with visitors.

Love #2: New Orleans Festivals

We all know about Mardi Gras in New Orleans, but this city has amazing festivals throughout the year. There’s the French Quarter Festival, the Jazz Festival, and so many other fun events all year long. Even Mardi Gras is so much more than what most tourists see. There are family-friendly Mardi Gras events, parades, and balls and parties that kick off the season well before Fat Tuesday.

Love #3: New Orleans Food

From beignets at Cafe du Monde to Po Boys in the French Quarter, the food in New Orleans is to die for. If you like seafood, you’ll love the gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish dishes. No matter where you go in New Orleans, you’re practically guaranteed to have an amazing meal. Make sure you bring your stretchy pants because it’s hard to visit New Orleans without packing on a few pounds!

Five Things You Must Eat in New Orleans

Love #4: Things to Do in New Orleans

Many people visit New Orleans and only see the French Quarter, but there are so many other things to see in New Orleans. There are tons of indoor and outdoor things to do with kids in New Orleans. The Audubon Zoo is one of the best in the country, and Audubon Park is next door. There’s the Garden District, swamp tours, plantation tours, cemetery tours, and riverboat cruises. The New Orleans Museum of Art is really great, as is the National WWII Museum. Be sure you check out some of the lesser-known New Orleans attractions during your visit.

Love #5: People in New Orleans

New Orleans people are fantastic. They’ll give you travel advice and tell you where to eat and where to shop. Avoid the drunk tourists and really try to get to know some of the locals in New Orleans. The South really is super friendly, and New Orleans is no exception.

New Orleans is a really fantastic city, no matter your reason for visiting. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to plan a New Orleans vacation. Want more tips for traveling in the Southern United States? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate When You Visit Salzburg

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Salzburg Austria! Although it’s a small city, it’s one of the top ten destinations in Central Europe and there are loads of fun things to do in Salzburg. 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 Salzburg.

Hate #1: Prices in Salzburg

It is expensive to visit Salzburg. Salzburg hotels and restaurants are expensive. The amount of money that we spent for two nights in Salzburg hotels could buy us three nights in a Vienna hotel. It is possible to find some more affordable accommodation in Salzburg. If you haven’t already arranged your Salzburg hotel, stop by the tourist information booth at the train station; they can usually find a good B&B for you at a reasonable price. While getting to Salzburg is fairly easy, the train prices can be high. If you can book your ticket in advance, you’ll save some money on transportation.

How to Cut Costs While You Travel

Hate #2: Service in Salzburg

This is something we’ve seen across Austria, not just in Salzburg. Service is not great in Salzburg. Although tips are expected, they do not rely on tips for income like Americans, so it’s not the friendly attentive service you might expect. Whether you are in a shop or a restaurant, Austrians can seem indifferent to their customers.

Hate #3: Salzburg Crowds

Salzburg is a popular tourist destination in Central Europe, so there are often crowds at popular places to visit in Salzburg. Museums and cathedrals can feel really crowded, especially if you get stuck behind a tour group. If you can visit Salzburg during the offseason, you won’t have to deal with as many crowds and you can explore Salzburg at a more leisurely pace. (Plus, you might find better prices on Salzburg hotels!)

Hate #4: Shop Hours in Salzburg

Salzburg has great shops, but they usually close around 6:00 or 7:00 in the evening. Even some of the cafes might close early, so be sure to look at the hours where you want to eat and plan ahead. If you are coming from Spain or Portugal and you are used to eating at 9:00 or 10:00, you might have a hard time finding a place to eat that late at night. Likewise, with shopping, make sure to plan ahead and do your shopping earlier in the day. If you absolutely need something later in the evening, the train station shops usually stay open later for travelers passing through.

Hate #5: Eating in Salzburg

Since most of the cafes close early, it can be hard to find a place to eat dinner in Salzburg. We have spent 30-45 minutes trying to find a Salzburg restaurant for dinner that was open didn’t have a long wait. With so many places closed, it puts a strain on the fewer restaurants that stay open later, so they tend to get more crowded. If you are visiting Salzburg with kids, make sure you plan ahead so you can sit down to eat when they are hungry.

Love #1: Salzburg Old Town

Salzburg Old Town, or Altstadt, is beautiful. It is the essence of an Austrian village, with a cathedral, churches, quaint shops, and cafes. If you are lucky enough to visit Salzburg in winter, the Christmas markets here are fantastic. If you can splurge a bit on a hotel in Salzburg Old Town, go for it as you’ll be in walking distance of some of the best attractions in Salzburg.

Love #2: Mozart History

Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart, so naturally, there are many Mozart attractions in Salzburg. Even if you’re not into classical music, you can’t help but love this piece of musical history in Salzburg. Salzburg really plays up the hometown history and you’ll hear Mozart music playing all over. Mozart’s birthplace home is a very popular museum, as well as the Mozart Residenz where he lived later in life. Mozartplatz is one of the city squares, and there are even Salzburg tours that are all about Mozart.

Love #3: Salzburg Food

While it may be hard to find restaurants open, when you do, the food in Salzburg is really good. You will pay higher prices near Alstadt, but if you go across the river, you can get really good food at very reasonable prices. I love Austrian cuisine, from the hearty, filling main dishes to the decadent desserts.

Love #4: Shopping in Salzburg

Salzburg has some of the best shopping in Austria. It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs, clothing, Christmas decorations and anything you want. If you want to buy authentic Austrian goods, Salzburg is the best place to find unique items.

What Not to Buy When You Travel

Love #5: Things to Do in Salzburg

The recreational opportunities in Salzburg are endless. Winter skiing and summer hiking are two very popular Salzburg activities. There are alpine lakes just outside of town to explore. In town, there are great cultural events like concerts and festivals throughout the year. If you want the full Austria experience, sign up for one of the Salzburg tours with a “Sound of Music” theme and you can frolic in fields of flowers while singing songs from the movie.

Salzburg Austria is a fantastic destination and a great place to experience Austrian culture and cuisine. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on, rather than a reason not to visit Salzburg. Want more tips for planning your Salzburg vacation? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate On Your Austria Vacation

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Austria! 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 Austria.

Hate #1: Service in Austria

I’ll be honest; the service in Austria sucks. You will almost feel like they don’t want your money because it will seem like half the shops and restaurants are not open and when you do find something, they come across as pretty rude. On top of bad service, you’re expected to tip at restaurants. It’s just part of the Austrian culture; don’t take it personally, just know this going in and don’t expect great service on your Austria vacation.

Hate #2: Prices in Austria

Austria is expensive. Even public transportation is pricy. We spent 45 Euros for the train from Vienna to Salzburg. Taxis are expensive, and so are the restaurants in Austria. Hotels in Austria are also expensive. Austria is a popular ski destination for wealthy travelers; the rest of us go to Slovakia or Poland for an affordable ski vacation. Austria is not as expensive as Switzerland, but it’s definitely not a budget vacation destination.

How to Cut Costs While You Travel

Hate #3: Shop Hours in Austria

Store hours in Austria aren’t the most convenient, especially for travelers from other time zones. If you get a craving for a Coca-Cola at 8 pm, good luck finding a store that is open to purchase anything. In general, stores in Austria close at 6:00 or 7:00 in the evening, so make sure you do your shopping before then or you might have to wait until the next day. Larger cities may have shopping malls that stay open later, and the shops in train stations will often stay open later, so if you’re in a pinch, head to the train station.

Hate #4: Austrian Culture

It can be hard to get to know the locals in Austria. Austrians are a very homogenous group and they tend to stick together. If you are staying in Austria a while, it’s possible to make friends, and Austrians are great once you get to know them, but it can take a long time to get to know them. If you are just passing through, you may not have time to ingratiate yourself into a group of friends, and therefore, you may not have the best impression of the Austrian people. This closed culture is also why service is not what you would expect.

Hate #5: Austrian Politics

This probably only affects anyone moving to Austria, but the politics in Austria are very conservative, which does sometimes cause conflicts and protests. Generally, this won’t impact your travel, but it’s something to know before you visit Austria, especially if you are considering staying for a while or living in Austria. 

Love #1: Austrian Food

One of my favorite things about visiting Austria is the food. Whether it’s the cake in Vienna, comfort food in Salzburg, the food is amazing. They love hearty, filling food and they really love their sweets. Cafe culture in Austria largely revolves around enjoying a sweet treat, and you can hardly throw a rock in Vienna without hitting a pastry shop or two.

Love #2: Nature in Austria

Austria is truly a stunningly beautiful country and is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe. There are so many amazing places to visit in Austria, including seven national parks in Austria. The Austrian Alps hold quaint villages, scenic lakes and rivers and tons of outdoor adventure opportunities. Even the cities of Austria have natural beauty with public parks, gardens and riverside promenades.

Love #3: Infrastructure in Austria

Although it’s expensive, it’s really easy to visit Austria. It’s easy to get around by train and bus, there are plenty of hotels to choose from, and lots of restaurants. We’ve also noticed more accessibility and mobility options than in other places in Europe. The train stations and hotels often have elevators, which is helpful even if you’re just visiting Austria with kids and strollers. The train system is really well-connected, and at least in Vienna, the train staff is very helpful when you need help with your Austria itinerary.

Unwritten Rules of Train Travel in Europe

Love #4: Austrian “Old Towns”

No matter which Austrian town you are in, find the Old Town and go exploring on foot. From the capital of Vienna, the Baroque city of Salzburg, the Tyrolean village of Innsbruck, or the medieval city of Graz, each has a unique Old Town or Altstadt. If you only have a few days to spend in any Austrian city, we recommend finding a hotel in Old Town so you can easily walk around and explore the highlights before continuing on with your Austria itinerary.

Love #5: Recreation in Austria

There are so many cool things to do in Austria besides the typical European museum and castle tours. Of course, there are plenty of museums and castles in Austria, but there is also world-class skiing in Austria. Hiking is very popular in the summer, and you can even hike from village to village in the Alps. The lakes offer sailing, swimming and paddling opportunities.

Austria is a fantastic country and a great place for newer travelers to branch out into International Travel. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on, rather than a reason not to visit Austria. Want more tips for planning your Austria vacation? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate on Your Florence Vacation

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Florence, Italy!  Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and there are so many cool things to see in Florence. 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 on your Florence vacation.

Hate #1: Tourist Crowds

With so many Florence Italy attractions, it’s a very popular place to visit. I’ve been here in different seasons and several different months, and it’s always crowded. In addition to battling crowds at some of the best attractions in Florence, you also can have long waits for a restaurant table and you may find your first choice of Florence hotel is already booked. With Florence tours being so popular, you’ll have to work hard to avoid the crowds.

Ten Things That are Not Overrated About Europe

Hate #2: Florence Accommodation

As I mentioned with the tourist crowds, you really have to book your Florence hotel way in advance. The best mid-range hotels go quickly, so if you want to save money and still have a nice place to stay in Florence, make sure you are making Florence hotel reservations as early as you possibly can. Unless you choose a pre-paid rate, you can always book something early and then keep an eye on prices to see if you can get a better deal, but it’s always best to lock in something as soon as you have your flights.

Jocelyn is in love with Florence

Hate #3: Lines for Florence Italy Attractions

Along with tourist crowds, lines for the best Florence Italy attractions are inevitable. You could wait an hour to get into the cathedral and as much as three to four hours to get into the Uffizi to see the Michelangelo and Da Vinci pieces. Same with lining up to see David. The best thing you can do to avoid lines at the Florence attractions is to reserve your tickets in advance or book a tour that includes early access. The worst thing you can do is try to wing it, as you’ll end up wasting a lot of time standing in lines.

Hate #4: Pickpockets & Beggars

Huge crowds of tourists make easy targets for pickpockets and beggars, so you’ll see a lot of these around Florence. You have to be really vigilant about keeping an eye on your belongings to make sure you don’t get robbed, and the gypsies and beggars will hound you if they sense you might give them money. Just be firm, say no and walk away.

Honest Safety Advice for Travelers

Hate #5: The Duomo Stairs

The Duomo of Florence is open to the public, and you can actually climb all the way to the top for incredible views of Florence. But you’re going to hate each of the 463 steps it takes to climb up. And your knees will hate the 463 steps back down. If you want to climb up the Duomo, you have to reserve a time slot to go up, you can’t just go at any time. This system helps manage the crowds since the catwalk at the top is rather small. The views are worth it, though, and you’ll burn off some of the delicious Italian food you’re enjoying on your Florence vacation.

Just pick up the big sunglasses so you can fit in with the locals too

Love #1: First Glimpse of the Duomo

You will never forget the first time you see the Duomo of Florence. It’s simply breathtaking! This masterpiece was started in the 13th century and the dome was finished in the 15th century. So, when you see the tapestry, the facade, the doors, and the bell tower, it’s hard to wrap your head around all of the detail. You’ll want to spend time enjoying the Duomo from every angle as each side is different, and definitely take a tour if you can so you can learn all about how this masterpiece came to be.

Love #2: Rennaissance Legacy

The entire city of Florence is the legacy of the Medicis and is so full of amazing Rennaissance art and architecture. Just a simple stroll down the streets of Florence is an immersive experience; you feel like you’re in a museum just walking around. Florence is truly one of those cities that just takes your breath away.

Love #3: Statue of David

Michelangelo’s David is probably the most famous statue in the world and is said to be the most perfect sculpture ever made. You’ve seen it before in photographs or movies, so seeing it in person is almost surreal. The amount of detail carved into the marble is stunning. When you get up close, you can actually see the veins in his arms and it’s all carved from a single piece of marble. There are also three copies of David in various piazzas throughout Florence, but the original is protected indoors at the Accademia Gallery of Florence.

Love #4: Florence Museums

If you don’t want to wait in line for the major attractions of Florence, there are still tons of other museums you can visit. There’s the Bardini Gardens, Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, the Medici Chapels, the Casa di Dante Museum and so many more. Don’t worry that you will miss out if you skip some of the most popular attractions, although they are worth it, because you won’t run out of things to see in Florence.

Love #5: Aeriel Views of Florence

There are several spots in Florence where you can climb up high to get amazing aerial views of the city. One is the duomo, which we already mentioned. Giotto’s Bell Tower or Giotto’s Campanile is another popular tower to climb. It is 414 steps to the top where you can look out over the red rooftops of Florence. A lesser-known spot is the tower at the Palazzo Vecchio, which is also about 400 steps to the top. While you might hate the stairs you have to climb for it, the views of Florence from these high points are outstanding.

I mean you can’t have a blog on Florence without a ton of pictures of the Duomo, right?

Florence really is an amazing town and a must-see destination for anyone who appreciates art and art history. If you can’t tell, the “hates” aren’t really “hates” at all,  just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to visit Florence. Want more tips for traveling in Italy? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About a Mediterranean Vacation

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit the countries of Southern Europe, also known as the Mediterranean! Southern Europe countries include Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece and the South of France: some pretty great countries! 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 a Mediterranean vacation.

Hate #1: Labor Strikes

Strikes are all too common in Mediterranean Europe and unfortunately, it can affect your trip if you don’t plan ahead or if you are caught off guard. Sometimes it’s farmers on strike and the roads are blocked, other times it’s the trains or airport staff. If you hear that there are some strikes scheduled, you can be prepared and avoid them. You can always ask at your hotel about any strikes that might affect your trip.

Hate #2: Mediterranean Tourists

Yes, you and I are both a part of the problem, but tourists can be super annoying when you visit the Mediterranean. This is a beautiful part of the world, so it’s popular with everyone. Fellow Europeans, Americans, Asians; people come from all over to visit the countries of the Mediterranean. Mediterranean cruises are super popular now, so a small port city can be totally overrun by thousands of cruise ship passengers for an afternoon. If crowds bother you, try not to come during the busy season. 

Hate #3: Afternoon Siesta

An afternoon siesta is a strong custom, especially in Spain. You might find a lot of businesses closed from 1-3 or from 2-7, so getting things done during siesta can be kind of a pain. If you have shopping you need to do, make sure you plan ahead and know the local shop hours.

Hate #4: August in Southern Europe

The best advice I can give for a Mediterranean trip is to avoid coming in August. August is a big vacation month for Europeans, and this can affect you in two ways. The cities empty out as everyone flocks to the beaches, so you won’t find much going on unless you are also in the beach towns. And if you are at the beach, be prepared for crowds. August is also extremely hot in Southern Europe; sightseeing can be miserable at that time of year. The best time to visit the Mediterranean countries is spring and fall; weather will still be nice and you won’t have as many tourists to deal with.

Hate #5: Touts & Beggars

Sure, every city in Europe has touts and beggars, but they seem to be especially aggressive around the Mediterranean. They often won’t take no for an answer and will continue to harass you until they find an easier target. It can be scary if you don’t know what to expect. Watch out for pickpockets and scammers in some of the larger cities, too.

How to Avoid Travel Scams & Rip-Offs

Love #1: Mediterranean Weather

Mediterranean Europe is such a popular travel destination because the weather is generally pretty amazing. Aside from the scorching month of August, you can enjoy Southern Europe in shorts and short sleeves from spring through fall, with mild winters. Unlike Central Europe, rain is pretty rare here, so you don’t have to worry about the weather ruining any of your plans.

Love #2: Mediterranean Cuisine

This region is famous for food and wine and it does not take long to see why. These are the cuisines that people try to replicate around the world. I like to joke that you never see a Finnish restaurant in an American city, but how many French, Spanish, Greek and Italian restaurants do you have in your hometown? Now, imagine it ten times more fresh and authentic than what you get at home. And then there’s the port wine, sangria, Aperol spritz and all the great wine throughout the region. The Mediterranean is a definite foodie destination.

Love #3: Mediterranean People

Imagine how happy you would be to live in the Mediterranean region? It’s obvious when you meet the locals that they love life and are happy to be here. They are super friendly, and you really absorb all that positivity in the atmosphere while you’re here. They are so helpful and open, it really adds to the experience of visiting Southern Europe.

Seven Tips for Learning a Foreign Language

Love #4: Ancient History

The quantity and quality of history in this region are astounding. The historic sights in southern Europe are not hundreds of years old, but thousands of years. It’s almost hard to comprehend just how old places like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum are. Taking a tour of the Mediterranean region is like a living history lesson. It’s also really cool to see these places in person after learning about them in school.

Love #5: Soaking up the Atmosphere

In addition to all the amazing sights and museums of the Mediterranean, one of the best things to do in the Mediterranean is to find a spot in a cafe on a piazza and just enjoy the atmosphere. Nothing will make you feel more like a local than ordering a local drink, maybe some tapas and just kicking back to people watch.

We have visited the Mediterranean countries of Southern Europe many times, and will return again in the future. It’s really a wonderful region for family travel. The “hates” are really just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to take a Southern Europe trip. Want more tips on Mediterranean travel? Check out these other blog posts:

5 Things You Will Love & Hate about Visiting Central Europe

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit the countries of Central Europe! Central Europe includes Germany, Poland, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland: some of my favorite countries! 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 a Central Europe trip.

Hate #1: The Weather

Central Europe does not have hot, beachy weather. It’s often overcast, and rarely gets above 70 degrees. It can rain frequently, so you always need an umbrella and/or rain jacket. Evenings can be cold, even in the summer, so you always have to pack a sweater to wear at night. Winter weather in Central Europe is not great either, unless you like snow and cold. The weather isn’t terrible, but it requires a bit more thought in your packing than just throwing a swimsuit and flip flops in your luggage.

Caleb loved central Europe from his first visit

The Best & Worst of Europe in Winter

Hate #2: Limited Vegetarian/Healthy Options

The food here is great, but if you like to eat a lot of vegetables, or are a vegetarian, enjoying Central European cuisine can be challenging. Central Europe is all about comfort food: the cuisine of Central Europe is largely meat-based without a lot of vegetables, unless you count potatoes as a vegetable. Larger cities in Central Europe will have more vegetarian options, but some of the restaurants in smaller villages might be thrown for a loop if you want non-meat options. 

Hate #3: Prices in Central Europe

Sometimes travelers expect Eastern Europe prices in Central Europe, but that’s not the case. Some of the countries in Central Europe can be quite expensive. Switzerland is often cited as the most expensive country in the world to visit. It’s certainly the most expensive European country outside of Scandinavia. So don’t necessarily expect a budget vacation on your Central Europe tour. You could spend four weeks in Spain or Portugal on the money you spend in three weeks in Central Europe.

Hate #4: Service

It’s not that the service is bad necessarily, but it’s very brisk and professional. Don’t expect friendly waitstaff who will go above and beyond to make sure you have a great meal. They will take your order, bring your food, but that’s about it. They also expect you to be ready to order when they get to the table. If you ask for a few more minutes, it may be a long time before you see them again. This is just one of those things you need to know going in. If you expect it, you won’t be surprised.

Hate #5: Weight Gain

I may have listed Central European food as a “hate” but the truth is, it’s so good that you are going to hate the weight you will inevitably put on from all the amazing food. Starting with the beer, all the savory meat dishes and then all the gorgeous desserts. All of the food is very heavy, but it’s totally worth gaining a few pounds for. Besides, you can walk it off exploring each town on your Central Europe tour. 

yeah… you will love the pork too

Love #1: Public Transportation in Central Europe

Whether you’re using public transportation to get around the city or to travel between cities, there are numerous options for getting around. The buses, trains and trams in Central Europe are always working, they go everywhere and most importantly, they run on time. Most travelers plan a Central Europe itinerary with several countries over a couple of weeks, and the train system is a great resource for getting around.

Six Rules for European Train Travel

Love #2:  Central European Food

Unless you’re a vegetarian, the food of Central Europe is reason enough to visit! I love the food in central Europe. The food is very hearty comfort food. It fills you up, but you’ll always have room for beer and dessert. The Czech Republic invented Pilsner beer, Germany is known for beer and Austria has great beer and wine. Austria tops the list for desserts; it’s the home of Sacher Torte and you can’t throw a stone in Vienna without hitting a sweets shop. When it comes to food, there is a lot of pork, duck, potatoes, dumplings and gravy. I love the food of Central Europe!

Love #3: Central European Landscapes

The natural beauty of Central Europe is astounding. From the Alps of Germany and Switzerland, to the lake districts of Poland and Austria, the landscapes are stunning. While the cities of Central Europe are great, you can really plan an outdoor adventure vacation, too. Central Europe is the perfect destination for hiking, skiing and boating or kayaking on mountain lakes. Don’t think you have to have to plan your entire Central Europe itinerary around museums and major attractions.

Love #4: Villages of Central Europe

There are so many unique, quaint villages throughout central Europe, it would take a lifetime to explore them all. Everyone goes to the cities like Prague and Munich, but what about the small villages like Freiburg, Cesky Krumlov or Hallstatt. When you step off the train in these villages, it feels like you fell into a fairytale. Make sure you find some smaller villages to visit during your Central Europe trip.

Love #5: Local History Museums

In the larger cities, you get the national museums that are very broad, but when you visit smaller countries and towns, there are fantastic local folk museums where you can learn about the local history and cultures. The locals take a lot of pride in making sure these museums depict local history accurately and are able to give visitors a sense of what the town is all about. 

I have lived in Austria and Germany and worked in Poland. I love Central Europe and come here nearly every year. The “hates” are really just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to visit Central Europe. Want more tips on travel in Central Europe? Check out these other blog posts:

5 Love & Hates of a Czech Republic Vacation

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit the Czech Republic! We love the culture of the Czech Republic and all of the fun things to do in the Czech Republic; it is a fantastic place to visit. 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 on your Czech Republic vacation.

Hate #1: Lack of Tourist Information

Chances are, you don’t know much about the Czech Republic. When I was in school, I may have known that a country called Czechoslovakia existed, and then it became the Czech Republic and Slovakia, but that’s about the extent of many Americans’ knowledge of the Czech Republic. Aside from Prague, then, it ‘s hard to know about all the things to do in the Czech Republic. So, you will likely have to do a bit more research about things to see and do on your Czech Republic vacation.

Hate #2: Public Transport

Compared to other cities in Europe, public transportation in the Czech Republic isn’t as good. There are trains and buses that go all over, but they are slow and outdated. Buses end up being faster and cheaper, so I recommend the bus over the train in most instances. For example, if you want to take a day trip to Cesky Krumlov from Prague, the bus is about 30 minutes faster than the train, which can add an hour to your round-trip transportation.

Liam liked Prague… indeed

Hate #3: Language Barrier

If you stay in the main tourist areas of Prague and Cesky Krumlov, there will be people who speak English. But if you travel to some other parts of the Czech Republic, you’ll have a lot fewer English speakers to interact with. Speaking Czech is not similar to Spanish or German, so it’s really hard to even muddle your way through like you might be able to with some of the more common languages in Europe.

Seven Tips for Learning a Foreign Language

Hate #4: Driving in the Czech Republic

Whether you are driving or a passenger in a car, it can be a nerve-wracking experience. Some of the traffic laws are seen as suggestions rather than instructions. This is something to look out for, even as a pedestrian. If you are driving between cities of the Czech Republic, the highways are a bit old and rough, so be prepared for some literal bumps in the road.

Hate #5: Service

I mention service a lot in Europe. For example, service in Germany and Austria is brisk and unfriendly, but very professional. In the Czech Republic, the service is less friendly and less professional. The people are friendly, but the service is less so.

Love #1: Natural Beauty of the Czech Republic

As you travel through the countryside, you’ll see beautiful landscapes and quaint villages all over. It’s a really beautiful country to enjoy, with mountains and lakes and rivers. While the cities are great, it’s nice to get out of the cities, too and enjoy a hike. You’ll be surprised at all the hidden castles in the Czech Republic, too.

Jocelyn enjoys the architecture throughout Prague

Love #2: Historic Towns

The Czech Republic has some amazing well-preserved historic towns and villages, like Cesky Krumlov. It’s been a “hidden gem” of Europe for a long time and the word is finally getting out about this picturesque medieval town. But there are tons of other similar towns you can escape to that are just as quaint. The Czech Republic didn’t receive as much damage during WWII so there are many more historic pre-war buildings that remain.

Love #3: The Beer & The Food

The Czechs are famous for their beer because it’s really good. You can visit Pilsen and see where Pilsner beer was first invented. Even if you don’t drink, give it a shot because it’s a big part of the Czech culture. Czech food is also really tasty, hearty food. You’ll see a lot of dumplings, pork, and duck. You have to have the duck! A lot of restaurants in the touristy areas will serve Italian or American food, so be sure you’re getting some authentic Czech food while you’re there.

Love #4: Culture of the Czech Republic

I love the culture of the Czech Republic. The Czech people are so friendly, especially in the smaller towns and villages. Prague and Cesky Krumlov get the bulk of tourists, so they love having visitors in other areas, and they’ll want to show you around. They also won’t “BS” you, they’ll tell you the good and the bad about their history. They don’t sugarcoat anything.

Love #5: Prices in the Czech Republic

Traveling in the Czech Republic is super affordable. It’s not cheap like Eastern Europe but it’s very affordable compared to other countries in Central Europe. It’s about 10% less expensive than Germany or Austria but adds up to a nice amount of savings and it’s more money you can spend on Czech beer!

Ten Best Affordable Cities in Europe

What do you love and hate about travel?

The Czech Republic is a great country and we love visiting over and over again. The “hates” are really just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to visit the Czech Republic. Want more tips on travel in central Europe? Check out these other blog posts:

5 Things You Will Love & Hate about Bamberg, Germany

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Bamberg, Germany! This is my favorite town in Germany, I love everything about Bamberg and we have visited several times, even spending a week here at Christmas one year. 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 Bamberg Germany!

Hate #1: Summer Weekends in Bamberg

Bamberg is a popular weekend destination for Germans who want to get out of the city, so it can get really crowded. You really need to reserve your Bamberg hotel far in advance during the summer, and even getting a seat for dinner can be difficult on the weekends.

Hate #2: Geared Toward German Tourists

Since Bamberg is really a German tourist destination, Bamberg tourism is really geared towards Germans. You won’t find as many English speakers here, but most restaurants will at least offer an English menu. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing as you’ll be surrounded by Germans and not international tourists, but if you are coming from some of the larger German cities and are expecting a lot of English speakers, that won’t be the case in Bamberg.

Hate #3: Hotels in Bamberg Germany

When you visit Bamberg, you should try to choose a Bamberg hotel in the Old Town area, but there are not a lot of choices, so you do need to book ahead to get the best location. Bamberg hotels are sparse in Old Town, and you can stay in other parts of town if needed, but the best place to stay in Bamberg is Old Town.

Hate #4: Bamberg Tourist Sights

The best thing to do in Bamberg is to walk around and enjoy the atmosphere. It’s not one of these cities that’s chock full of tourist attractions. There are the canal and riverfront cafes, plus a few museums, but overall this is a place to enjoy the atmosphere, not someplace where you will fill your days with museums and castles. There are maybe one to two days worth of sights here. Bamberg is a place to relax, which is why so many German tourists come here. If you have the right expectations coming in, this is actually something you will love about Bamberg Germany.

Hate #5: Getting to Bamberg

You can take a train to Bamberg from Munich and it only takes about 2 ½ hours, but it’s pricy. So many people will use the Bayern ticket to save money, but then you are on regional trains that don’t always have the best connections. If you want to save money, you may have to change trains in Nuremberg or somewhere else, rather than getting a direct train.

Six Rules for European Train Travel

Love #1: Rauchbier

Bamberg breweries are well-known and my favorite part of any visit to Bamberg is drinking Rauchbier. It’s smoked beer that’s made in Bamberg. It has a smoky flavor with a hint of bacon to it. The first time you have it, it’s a little strange, but once you have a few sips, the taste really grows on you. I also love the white sausages in this region, but it’s best to have them in the morning when they are fresh. My Bamberg breakfast is usually white sausages, a pretzel, and Rauchbier. Don’t forget the sweet mustard!

Five Things You Have to Eat in Germany

Love #2: Getting Around Bamberg

Bamberg is super walkable. As I mentioned before, there aren’t a lot of tourist sights in Bamberg, but I love just walking around and enjoying the architecture and sculptures. The Old Town Hall in Bamberg is one of the most beautiful town halls I’ve ever seen. Bamberg is made to wander. When you arrive by train, you’ll be surrounded by drab modern buildings, but as you get closer to Old Town, the buildings get older and older. It’s like walking through history.

Love #3: Few Non-German Tourists

Since most of the tourists in Bamberg are German, you won’t have the tour groups and busloads of tourists running you over at every stop. In addition to not dealing with crowds of international travelers, you’ll really get a fun look at German culture and how Germans relax and unwind when they are on vacation.

Love #4: Bamberg Old Town Hall

The Bamberg Old Town Hall is probably the most beautiful town hall you will see in Europe. I can stare at the town hall and take photos of it all day long. Each angle offers a different amazing view of the Town Hall, including the view from the canals. There’s a small museum inside, but the best part of the Town Hall is the exterior. You have to see it to believe it.

Love #5: Locals in Bamberg

We’ve been here six times now and the service and local treatment we’ve received has been fantastic. Even the service is great here. Visiting such a small town without a lot of international tourists gives you the chance to talk to the locals and get to know them. So, again, it’s not about the big sights and museums, Bamberg is all about experiencing the local Bavarian atmosphere.

If you couldn’t tell already, I love Bamberg Germany. The “hates” are really just minor annoyances rather than a reason not to visit Bamberg. Want more information on travel in Germany? Check out these other blog posts:

5 Love & Hates of Visiting Hannover, Germany

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Hanover, Germany! I have some good friends who live in Hanover, so I enjoy visiting this city in northern Germany. 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 Hanover Germany!

Hate #1: The Buildings Lost in WWII Destruction

Hanover was largely destroyed during WWII, so there is not a lot of historic architecture that remains from pre-War times. They’ve done a great job reconstructing the historic town center, but a lot of Hanover is more modern post-war architecture. If you visit the Town Hall, you can see photos of Hanover before and after the war so you can see how it’s changed.

Hate #2: Smaller Than Expectations

Hanover is a world-famous city and home to huge trade fairs, but it’s surprisingly small for the reputation. There’s a saying that Hanover is the biggest small town in Germany. If you come here expecting a Berlin or a Hamburg, you’ll be disappointed, but if you prefer smaller towns, Hanover might be exactly what you are looking for.

Hate #3: Hanover Train Station


Hanover is a major train hub for all of Germany, so there’s a lot of chaos and crowds at the main train station. It can be a bit overwhelming, but the staff here is extremely helpful, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. Once you exit the train station, you may see a lot of beggars or homeless people, but you don’t really need to worry about your safety. For the most part, the beggars and buskers will leave you alone if you ignore them.

Hate #4: Hanover Weather

Like a lot of northern Germany, the weather in Hanover can be finicky. However, there is a ton of green space around Hanover, so when you do have a sunny day, make sure you take advantage of it and spend that day outdoors.

Rainy Day Travel Advice

Hate #5: Service in Hanover

While service in Germany tends to be very professional but not friendly, the service in Hanover is a bit different. Our experience in Hanover has been downright bad, not just brief or unfriendly. This is the town where I made the mistake of asking if they had an English menu but forgot to pointedly ask if I could have an English menu. I received an answer of yes, but no menu until I rephrased my question.

Love #1: Small Town Feel in a Big City

Once you know what to expect from Hanover you will love how it’s really a small town in a big city. You have everything you would expect from a big city in terms of shopping, transportation connections, and entertainment. But it feels like a small town, so it’s easy to get around with no crowds. A lot of internationals like living here because it truly feels like the best of both worlds.

Love #2: Green Space

As I mentioned with the weather, some of the best things to do in Hanover are outdoors in the many green spaces around town. Herrenhausen Gardens are part of the royal gardens and were modeled after Versailles. There are fireworks in the summer, and dancing fountains. Then there’s Eilenriede, a city park that is twice as big as Central Park, with horseback riding, hiking trails and more. The Maschsee is a huge lake right behind the New Town Hall, where locals go sailing and swimming.

Love #3: Tourist Red Line

There’s a red line through the town, which passes by 36 historic sites over the course of three miles. Like Boston’s Freedom Trail, you follow the red line for a self-guided walking tour past some of Hanover’s most important sites. It takes you past public art, historic buildings, and churches, with many places to stop for food and drink along the way. Pick up a guide at the tourist center and set out for a walk. Even if you’re in Hanover on business, this is an easy thing to squeeze into your free time.

Love #4: Restored Historic District

Visiting the restored historic district is one of my favorite things to do in Hanover. The buildings have been really well restored, and they have fun events like Christmas markets and summer markets. It really feels like you’re in a small German village and that’s the ambiance I want when I visit Germany.

Love #5: Ernst August Brewery

The Prince of Hanover makes his own beer at the Ernst August Brewery. Visiting the brewery is a very traditional Hanover thing to do. It’s one of the few places in northern Germany where you can have a true beer hall experience, with huge beers with a side of pork leg. It’s family-friendly, but you can also stay late and enjoy live music. For a quintessential German Beer Hall experience, head to the Ernst August Brewery.

Five Things You Should Eat in Germany

Hanover is a really nice place to visit. The “hates” are really just minor annoyances rather than a reason not to visit Hanover. Want more information on travel in Germany? Check out these other blog posts:

5 Things Tourists Love & Hate about Hamburg

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Hamburg, Germany!  Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany, and the wealthiest. 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 Hamburg, Germany.

Have a watch and learn about Hamburg

Hate #1: Not a Fairytale German Town

What most people picture when they think of Germany – half-timbered houses, lederhosen, and giant beers – is actually Bavarian Germany. Hamburg is nothing like that. Nearly all of Hamburg was destroyed in the war, so it’s all been rebuilt in relatively recent history. While there are some historic buildings in Hamburg like the Town Hall, the city is mostly very modern. This can be a let-down if you are expecting old-world Germany.

Shop away in Hamburg

Hate #2: The Reeperbahn District

One of the things that Hamburg is most famous for is the Reeperbahn District; essentially Hamburg’s Red Light District. It is the definition of seedy, with strip clubs located upstairs from McDonald’s. However, there are also major theaters here, so it’s not all seedy, but you may find yourself passing through here and feel a bit uncomfortable. It’s easy enough to avoid if you want to.

Hate #3: Hamburg Weather

Weather in Hamburg is fast-changing. Being a port city not far from the sea, the weather changes quickly and it can go from a warm, sunny day to a cold, rainy day in no time at all. Make sure you always have a jacket and umbrella, or layered clothes to keep you comfortable in any weather.

Rainy Day Travel Advice

Hate #4:  Hamburg Winter

If you visit Hamburg in winter, from October through April, a lot of the boat tours are not running. Touring the port by boat is one of the best things to do in Hamburg, so you may miss out on some of these experiences by visiting Hamburg in winter.

Hate #5: Hamburg is Expensive

Since Hamburg is one of the wealthiest cities in Germany, it’s also one of the most expensive cities in Germany. Eating out in Hamburg, as well as Hamburg accommodation, is going to cost more than other German cities, like Berlin. A budget traveler can still get by in Hamburg, but it’s not necessarily a budget destination.

Cool city and there are more than 5 things to love

Love #1: Water Around Hamburg

Hamburg is surrounded by water, which is always a great thing for travelers. Whether you visit the port to see Harbor City or take a port tour, there is water everywhere around Hamburg. You can also easily reach some great beaches on a quick train trip from Hamburg. It’s also really cool to see how the port has influenced the city and the culture of Hamburg. You’ll notice a distinctly different culture than other German cities which are a bit more closed off.

Love #2: Hamburg Nightlife

Back to the Reeperbahn, it doesn’t have to be a “hate” if you are looking for great nightlife. Sure, there’s a seedy side, but there’s a ton of nightlife, both in the Reeperbahn and in other districts of Hamburg.  Hamburg is actually where the Beatles started playing, and you can still visit some of the clubs where they played early on. You can get really good quality drinks at a fair (not cheap) price. In addition to nightclubs, there are theaters, the opera, ballet, and many other things to do in Hamburg at night.

Love #3: Day Trips from Hamburg

While there isn’t a lot of “Old World” Germany to see in Hamburg, there are a lot of great day trips from Hamburg, where you can see historic villages only an hour away. I have four favorite day trips from Hamburg. Luebeck is 45 minutes by train and has a ton of history, including the third-largest church in Germany. Lueneburg is only 35 minutes by train, where you can see the old salt mines and the Old Town. Bremen is a bit larger city an hour from Hamburg, and Hannover is also about an hour from Hamburg. For a taste of Eastern Germany, you can go to Schwerin and visit the castle. While there are many great things to do in Hamburg, it also makes a great home base for exploring northern Germany.

Six Rules for European Train Travel

Love #4: Things to Do in Hamburg

Hamburg has one of the coolest town halls in Europe. The Kunsthalle, or Art Museum, has a great collection that includes Rubens and Warhol. There are tons of churches to explore, like the St. Michaels Church. Miniatur Wunderland is the largest model train museum in the world and a fun place to visit with kids. Hamburg is so much more than the port and businesses.

Love #5: Hamburg Residents

While a lot of Germans tend to be cold and standoffish, the people of Hamburg are very open and welcoming. Being a port city with international business, they seem to be more open to new cultures and travelers from all over the world. It’s a very different vibe and the people are really great to get to know.

there are a lot of great buildings in Hamburg

Hamburg is a really cool city in Germany, very different from other German towns you may have visited. The “hates” are really just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to visit Hamburg. Want more travel tips for Germany? Check out these other blog posts: