Wolters World

Honest Travel Advice

Menu
  • Destinations
  • Don’ts of Traveling
  • Travel Tips
  • Shop
  • About
  • Work with Us
Menu

Author: Mark Wolters

Scotland Food: What to Eat in Scotland

Posted on February 24, 2020February 16, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re in Edinburgh Scotland talking about food! One of the biggest surprises for many people who visit Scotland is the quality of the food! It’s not all weird stuff that you can’t identify; Scottish cuisine is actually pretty good! That’s why I want to give you a head’s up on what you should eat when you visit Scotland.

Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties

This is the holy trinity of food in Scotland, for both tourists and locals alike. Haggis is probably the most notorious Scottish food as it’s made with all of the innards and organs of a sheep or calf, mixed up with oats and spices and then cooked inside of an intestine. Sounds yummy, right? When done well, haggis actually can be really tasty. Neeps are turnips, and tatties are potatoes. These are pretty common side dishes you’ll see in Scotland. Potatoes show up in many different forms with every meal.

Black Pudding

This is another Scottish food that actually tastes pretty good, it’s the ingredients that scare off most people. Black pudding is part of traditional Scottish breakfast and looks like a sausage patty. It’s also sometimes called blood pudding because it’s made with blood. Doesn’t sound so appetizing, does it? You can also get white pudding, which is made with fat instead of blood.

Scottish food for travelers
Food in Scotland is way better than you expect.

Scottish Porridge

In the States, we call it oatmeal, but in Scotland, it’s called porridge. Scottish porridge is really good. My kids love it and even ask for it. It is made really thick and you can sweeten it up if you’d like.

Scottish Salmon

For lunch or dinner, one of the best things to eat in Scotland is the salmon. You will see a lot of salmon on the menu, from smoked salmon appetizers to a salmon filet for the main course. The salmon in Scotland is amazing and you will pay a lot for it back home, so I try to fill up when I visit Scotland.

Fish & Chips

Besides salmon, you can get all kinds of great seafood in Scotland. Of course, fish & chips are popular and you should try it at least once when you visit the UK. It’s usually made with cod or haddock, and of course, no meal in Scotland is complete without potatoes. In this case, it’s the fries or the chips.

Scottish Pub Grub

Eating at pubs in Scotland is a tradition and we definitely make the Scottish pub food part of our Scotland travels. The beer in Scotland is pretty good, too. They have national brands, but I always like to try the local brands of Scottish beer. Of course, whiskey is the national drink of Scotland, so be sure to try some whiskey during your trip. A favorite pub dish in Scotland is Bangers & Mash, or sausages and potatoes.

Keep in mind, if you are visiting Scotland with kids, pub rules vary. Some pubs don’t allow kids at all, some pubs allow older children and other pubs are very family-friendly. For the most part, after 8:00, children are no longer allowed in the pubs. So, plan ahead to have an early dinner if you want to have pub grub with your kids.

What to eat in Scotland
Some traditional Scottish treats.

Scottish Pies

Scottish pies are something else you should try when you visit Scotland.  These aren’t sweet pies, they are savory. A Scottish pie is like a little pot pie, with meat and vegetables inside. You can eat several for a meal, or just snack on them. They are pretty tasty!

Fried Pizza

Yes, this is also a thing in Scotland. They take a slice of pizza, fold it in half and then deep fry it. They like to fry things in Scotland!

Scottish Food to Go

If you are on a road trip or just need food to go, there are plenty of Scottish foods you can eat on the run. Of course, sandwiches and rolls are popular. A bacon butty is basically bacon on a roll, with butter. It’s simple, cheap and tasty!

Scottish Sweets

Not all Scottish food is savory. They have some pretty good sweets as well, so always save room for dessert in Scotland. A few of my favorite sweets in Scotland are:

  • Fried Mars Bar – just what it sounds like; a deep-fried Mars candy bar
  • Sticky Toffee Pudding – a chocolate sponge cake with caramel sauce on it
  • Scottish Shortbread – this makes a great souvenir to take home as it’s found everywhere in Scotland.
  • Cadbury is also a common brand you’ll see all over the United Kingdom
  • Tablet – these are pretty popular candy bars that come in a big block that you break pieces off

Buying Souvenirs: What Not to Buy When You Travel

Scottish Beverages

Besides whiskey and local beer, there are a drinks you should try when you visit Scotland. Irn Bru (pronounced like Iron Brew) is one. It looks like orange soda, and my son says it tastes like Inca Cola (bubble gum) and oranges. It’s an acquired taste, but you might love it! Coffee and tea are also widely available in Scotland. And do not worry, the Scottish Ales will keep your whistle wet each time you visit the pub.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Scotland

When to Eat in Scotland

Scottish meal times are pretty close to what you’d expect in the United States. Lunch is served between 12:00 and 1:00. Dinner is usually between 5:00 and 8:00.

Scottish Service

Servers and bartenders in Scotland are always super nice, but it’s not always the fastest, most efficient service. Plan for some extra time to get your food and enjoy the meal. If you are really hungry, you might order a beer and a starter so you can get something in your stomach while you wait for the main course.

Tipping in Scotland

If you are at a sit-down restaurant, you are expected to tip in Scotland. Usually, around 10% is sufficient for tipping in Scotland. If you are paying your bill with a credit card, you have to add the tip before they run your card; it’s not something you can write in on the receipt.

Dinner Reservations

If you visit Scotland during high tourist season, you will need dinner reservations in some of the smaller towns. Some towns may have only a few restaurants, which can easily be overwhelmed by one or two bus tours. So, if you’re in a small Scottish town, with few restaurants, make sure you make dinner reservations when you get to town.

Scottish cuisine does not deserve the bad reputation it has. As a family, we ate really well in Scotland. I hope this helps you decide what to eat in Scotland. Don’t be scared to try something that seems “weird” to you like haggis. You might be surprised at some of the Scottish foods that you end up liking. Looking for more tips on what to eat while traveling? Check out some of these other blog posts!

  • How to Eat Cheap and Well While Traveling
  • The Best Christmas Market Foods to Try
  • What to Eat in Normandy, France

Visit Czech Republic: Ten Things That Will Shock You

Posted on February 23, 2020February 16, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re visiting the Czech Republic. We love to help travelers prepare for their vacations, and other than telling you the best things to do in the Czech Republic, we love to share the things that will surprise you about a new destination. So, today, we’re sharing the ten things that will shock you in the Czech Republic.

Reactions to Calling the Czech Republic “Eastern Europe”

If you refer to the Czech Republic being in Eastern Europe, you’re going to get some stares or even be reprimanded by locals. The Czech Republic is not Eastern Europe; it’s Central Europe. They do not appreciate being lumped in with Eastern Europe, so make sure you refer to it as being in Central Europe. (It’s also not Czechoslovakia! They are two separate countries now: Czech Republic and Slovakia.)

Fun Locals

Many people picture the Czechs, and Central Europeans in general, as being rather serious, cold, and insensitive. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. We’ve traveled to several different areas in the Czech Republic and have always had a great time with the locals. It can be hard to get to know them at first, but they will open up eventually. If you can learn a few words of Czech, it will really go a long way to getting the locals to interact with you.

Czechia tourism information
It is more than just great beer in Czechia.

Czech Beer

You will be surprised at how good Czech beer is, and how abundant it is. Not only is it really tasty, but it’s also super affordable. Unlike other Central European cities, you won’t have to empty your wallet for a night out on the town in the Czech Republic. Make sure you try the beer in the Czech Republic, and if you’re really a beer fan, take a tour of one of the local breweries. You can even visit a beer spa in Prague, where you can bathe in beer!

Olomouc Cheese

The stinkiest cheese you will ever smell comes from the Czech Republic. It comes from the town of Olomouc, and it’s called Olomouc Cheese, or Olomoucké tvarůžky. If you have Czech friends, they will inevitably try to trick into eating some.

Czech Republic Food

Besides that really stinky cheese, food in the Czech Republic is actually really good. Czech Republic food is very much made up of comfort foods like meat and potatoes. You’ll have a lot of pork and beef, and they have some great sauces they put on everything. If you don’t like dumplings, they are a major food group in the Czech Republic.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About the Czech Republic

Beauty of Prague

The majority of travelers to the Czech Republic visit Prague. It is by far the most popular, and the most crowded city, for tourists. But there’s a reason for that. The architecture is spectacular, and Prague has several individual districts that you should spend time exploring. Prague is sometimes called the “City of 100 Spires” thanks to a pretty amazing skyline of spires.

what to see in czechia
what are your culture shocks of visiting Czechia?

The Czech Republic Beyond Prague

While Prague is beautiful and popular, you will be well rewarded if you leave the tourist crowds behind and explore other areas of the Czech Republic. Cesky Krumlov is a fairytale town not far from Prague, Pilsen is the home of Pilsner beer, Ostrava is a fun college town. Brno is a great town between Prague and Vienna where you can see mummies at one of the churches. There are over 100 castles in the Czech Republic! Even if you choose to stay in Prague, there are many interesting day trips from Prague to nearby towns and villages.

Price Differences in the Czech Republic

No matter where you travel in the Czech Republic, it’s going to be a very affordable vacation. However, you might be shocked at how much the prices vary as you travel to different areas within the country. Prague has the highest prices, thanks to so many tourists coming through. You can even find better prices by going a few streets out of the tourist zone in Prague. But prices in the Czech Republic range from affordable to dirt cheap. 

“Czech-isms”

We already talked about the friendly people here, but there are a few little cultural norms here that you should know about. For example, they are very superstitious about making eye contact when you toast. Make sure you are looking at the person you are toasting with. As you travel throughout the country and get to know the locals, you’ll start to notice these fun little “Czech-isms.”

czech culture shocks
Some things shock us all… socks & sandals

Czech Language

If you’re like most Americans, you probably studied Spanish, French or German in school. Even if you didn’t study any of these, you can sometimes muddle through a translation and figure out what some words mean. That is not true with the Czech language. It can be nearly impossible to figure out the meaning of a word, let alone the pronunciation! Don’t worry if you don’t understand the language; many of them speak English, at least in Prague.

What to Know Before You Visit the Czech Republic

Czech Style

If you visit the Czech Republic in the summer, you may notice something about the men. The women are very beautiful and well-dressed, but for some reason, the older men seem to prefer socks with their sandals. It’s really funny to see this, especially when you see how well-dressed the women and younger locals are.

The Czech Republic is really a great, and affordable, country to visit. Most of these shocks are of the positive sort, so we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you plan a trip to the Czech Republic! Want more tips for traveling in Central Europe? Check out some of our other blog posts!

  • Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Visiting Central Europe
  • Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Prague
  • Ten Most Affordable Cities in Europe

14 Things That Will Shock You on a Peru Vacation

Posted on February 22, 2020February 16, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re visiting Peru. We love to help travelers prepare for their vacations, and other than telling you the best things to do in Peru, we also love to share the things that will surprise you about a new destination. So, today, we’re sharing the 14 things that will shock you on your Peru vacation.

Eating Guinea Pig

Yes, cuy, or guinea pig, is a traditional Peruvian food. In many places, including the United States, guinea pigs are kept as pets at home. So seeing them roasting on a spit outside of a restaurant can be a big shock. Cuy is a very important part of Peruvian cuisine; it’s even depicted in their last supper paintings! Also, when you order cuy at a restaurant, it is often served with the head still on, splayed out on the plate. That can be a bit of a shock your first time eating out in Peru!

Peru Beyond Machu Picchu

When most people think of Peru, they think of Machu Picchu. But there are so many more places to visit in Peru besides the Incan ruins near Cusco. Don’t get me wrong, you definitely should visit Machu Picchu when you are in Peru, but make sure you explore other parts of Cusco, maybe visit Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, the Amazon rainforest or the capital city of Lima.

Peru travel advice
Enjoy your time in Peru

Coca Leaves are Legal

Coca leaves are the plant that cocaine is derived from, and you’ll see it all over Peru. Coca leaves are said to help with altitude sickness, so you’ll see it sold in many forms, from tea to chewing gum. Just keep in mind that coca leaves are only legal in Peru; do not try to take any home with you!

Traffic in Peru

My number one Peru travel tip? Don’t drive! There are so many taxis, and it’s very affordable to hire a driver to take you around. Traffic and driving in Peru are insane; even being a pedestrian is sometimes scary!

Long Bus Trips

If you do decide to explore Peru beyond Cusco, you should know that the distances between cities is pretty great. You might try to save money by taking a bus, but it will take you forever. If you can, I highly recommend flying between cities in Peru. There are so many mountain ranges in Peru that it makes overland travel somewhat difficult.

Peru travel information
Peru has so much to see

Altitude Sickness

Cusco sits at an elevation of 10,000 feet or 3,000 meters, so many people experience altitude sickness for the first time here. Some travelers end up in the hospital for treatment due to the thin air. Altitude sickness can give you headaches and nausea. Always make sure you build in an extra day to acclimate; don’t try to hit the ground running until you know how altitude affects you.

How to Deal with Altitude Sickness

Strong Sun

Along with high altitude comes very strong UV rays from the sun. Even when it’s cloudy, you should wear sunscreen because the sun is so much stronger at higher elevations.

Bugs in Peru

Make sure you have bug spray when you visit Peru! I also recommend packing some after-bite treatment, as it’s pretty inevitable that you will come away with a few bites. Besides mosquitos, there are no-see-ums, spiders, and other critters to watch out for.

Water in Peru

Do not drink the water in Peru unless you want a really unpleasant surprise. Only drink bottled water when you visit Peru. Peru has pretty good beer, pisco sours, and Inca Cola, but make sure you hydrate with lots of clean bottled water. Don’t forget: ice is water, too, so don’t drink the ice in Peru either!

Peruvian People

You might be shocked at how awesome the Peruvian people are. I’ve met Peruvians abroad and always found them to be very friendly, and they are equally friendly when you visit Peru. They love to share their culture, history, and cuisine with world travelers who come to Peru. This also shows in how clean the cities are; they really take pride in their cities.

peru culture shocks
Liam was loving life in Peru

The Priority Line

When you’re at the airport or the grocery store, you might notice an empty lane that is seemingly open. However, these are priority lines and they are not for everyone. These priority lines in Peru are reserved for pregnant women, families with small children, senior citizens, and those with disabilities. Since we are traveling with kids, we took advantage of a few of these priority lines and it was great!

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Traveling with Kids

Peruvian Food

Besides cuy, which I already mentioned, there are some really great dishes to try in Peru. It’s no coincidence that Peruvian restaurants are starting to pop up in different cities around the world. Alpaca is another surprising food to eat in Peru; it’s surprisingly tasty! My kids love alpaca steaks!  Peru also has really good fruit, ceviche, stews, and seafood. Don’t be afraid to ask your waiter what the local dishes are that you should try.

Prices in Peru

Peru is a really affordable vacation destination. It’s not dirt-cheap, but it’s also not expensive. Sometimes, you might see two prices: one for locals and one for tourists. You may also have to haggle a bit if you go shopping at the market in Peru. And probably most surprising is that many vendors take dollars. (Plan to tip around 10% at restaurants in Peru)

Paying for Photos

You’ll see many people in traditional Peruvian clothing walking around the tourist areas.  Their livelihood is making money from tourist photos, so if you want to snap a photo of them, be prepared to pay them for it. You should always ask for permission before taking someone’s photo, and if they request you pay them, negotiate a price upfront.

Peru is really a great, and affordable, country to visit. Most of these shocks are of the positive sort, so we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at your Peru vacation! Want more tips for traveling in South America? Check out some of our other blog posts!

  • South America Travel: What to Know Before You Go
  • Things That Will Shock You in Brazil
  • Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Latin America Travel

The Do’s & Don’ts of Visiting Scotland, so you don’t waste your vacation

Posted on February 21, 2020May 22, 2024 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you travel Scotland. While many travel blogs will tell you the best things to do in Scotland, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do during your Scotland vacation!

Don’t Call The Residents English

Scotland and England are two different countries with a long, checkered history. Scotland is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Technically, they are British, but it’s easiest just to call them all Scottish, but for the love of all things Scottish, don’t call them English.

Don’t Expect to Shop at Night

It can be hard to find shops that are open past 6:00 pm. In the larger cities, you’ll find something open late, but as you travel around Scotland, expect most small towns to be pretty quiet in the evenings. Therefore plan for your shopping stops during the day and your eating adventures at night.

what to do in Scotland
Yeah, you will see some kilts

Don’t Bring Kids to a Pub Late at Night

Pubs in Scotland are a great place to have a good, hearty dinner. However, if you’re visiting Scotland with kids, you should know they won’t be allowed in the pubs after a certain hour. Other pubs may not allow kids at all. So make sure you check before you plan for that family pub meal.

Don’t Just Visit Edinburgh

Yes, Edinburgh is fantastic. You can easily spend your whole Scotland vacation there, but don’t! Some of the best parts of Scotland are out in the countryside. Whether you visit the Isle of Skye, the Scottish Highlands, or the other cities of Scotland, you’ll be happy you did. We enjoy Inverness and the Black Isle as well as Aberdeen. If you want to get adventurous you can visit the Shetland Islands or Orkney Islands.

Don’t Forget to Drive on the Left

Whether you are driving or walking, make sure you remember that they drive on the left. If you follow our advice to explore Scotland beyond Edinburgh, you will need to rent a car and drive around. So, keep this in mind and take your time. When walking around, make sure you look both ways a couple of times before crossing the street.

Everything You Need to Know About Renting a Car in Europe

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask the Locals for Recommendations

The locals in Scotland are super friendly, so don’t be afraid to approach them with questions. I’ve gotten lost in Scotland before, and the locals were more than willing to help me out. We’ve made several trips to Scotland, and the Scottish people have always been so hospitable. It’s one of the reasons we love coming back. Offer to have a pint with them or an Irn Bru.

Irn Bru for life!

Don’t Expect to Understand Scottish Speakers

Yes, they’re speaking English, but the accent is quite strong. You won’t be the first, or the last, English speaker who doesn’t understand “Scottish English.” Just ask them to repeat themselves and after they have a chuckle at your expense they will help you out.

Don’t Be Scared of Scottish Food

You might really love haggis and black pudding, so don’t be scared of it. But at the same time, don’t feel obliged to eat these things in Scotland. There’s a lot of great food in Scotland, so you will find something you like. It doesn’t have to be exotic or “weird,” things like salmon are also really tasty in Scotland. We have a video that goes through some of the great foods in Scotland, you don’t just have to have fried Mars bars and haggis. Though you could they are pretty tasty, I suggest the haggis balls as a starter to see how  you feel about Haggis in general.

Don’t Buy a Kilt in Scotland

There are a lot of cool things you can buy in Scotland, but I see a lot of people who buy kilts as a souvenir from their Scotland vacation. An authentic kilt can be really expensive and most of us aren’t going to wear those once we get home from Scotland. If your family is Scottish and you have occasions to wear one, go ahead. But really think about how much use it will get before you spend your money on a kilt. It will be the most expensive Halloween costume you ever had.

Buying Souvenirs: What Not to Buy When You Travel

Don’t Forget Bug Spray

We’ve already insisted that you get out of the city and explore the natural beauty of Scotland. But along with that natural beauty comes something called midges. They are teeny bugs that love to bite you and leave little red marks all over. Make sure you bring good bug spray that will keep the midges at bay and reapply often as you may not notice when the effectiveness has worn off.

Don’t Wait to Reserve Accommodation

As you explore the smaller towns of Scotland, there are some really charming accommodation choices. There are quaint bed and breakfasts, charming country cottages, inns, and more. But don’t think you can just pop in and get a room. Accommodation is limited in these smaller towns, so make sure you make your reservations well in advance. As soon as you start planning your trips to Scotland, start making your accommodation reservations. We planned a few months out and still couldn’t get Isle of Skye accommodation!

Don’t Forget to Research Mulit-Attraction Passes

Organizations like Historic Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland offer memberships that include free access to dozens of sites around Scotland. It’s worth looking at what they offer vs what you plan to see, and you might be able to save some money with a membership.

Don’t Think Everyone Accepts Scottish Pounds

Generally, they use the Pound Sterling, or the Great British Pound in Scotland. However, there are also Scottish Pounds in circulation, which are issued by various banks. Most places in Scotland and the rest of the UK will accept them, but you could run into trouble if you try to exchange your leftover Scottish pounds. It’s best to just try to spend all of your currency before you leave, or to at least have British Pounds so you can more easily exchange them in another country.

Don’t Think Edinburgh is Flat

If you look at a map of Edinburgh, you might think it’s a flat city like London. But there are seven hills in Edinburgh, which the tourist maps don’t really show. What looks like a straight path across the city may involve hiking over or around hills. Make sure you have comfortable shoes and that you are walking some hills before your trip.

Don’t Forget to Make Dinner Reservations

There are certain times you need to make sure you have dinner reservations. August is the annual celebration in Edinburgh and the city will be packed. Also, if you’re staying in a small town during tourist season, it’s a good idea to make sure you have reservations for dinner. You should also consider hotel reservations in the smaller towns or you might end up driving farther than you would like.

Don’t Forget to Pack Snacks for the Car

If you do plan to drive around Scotland, make sure you pack some snacks for the car. There are long distances between sites in Scotland, so you may go quite a while between places to eat. Scotland has some great snacks and candies, so a road trip is a great opportunity to try different snacks.

Don’t Forget to Look Up Festivals During Your Trip

Scotland has so many crazy, fun festivals. They happen throughout the year, so take a few minutes before your trip to find out what’s happening during your visit. This includes concerts and sporting events, too. Hanging out at festivals is also a great way to meet locals.

Don’t Think Irn-Bru is Orange-Flavored

Irn-Bru is a soda you’ll see all over Scotland. It’s an orange color, so naturally, most people think it will taste like Orange Crush or Fanta. However, it’s actually a bubblegum flavor. If you’re not expecting it, it might take you back. The flavor will grow on you, though. Our kids love it!

scottish is hard to know
your guess is as good as mine

Don’t Count on Finding ATM’s Everywhere

Some of the smaller towns may not have an ATM, so make sure you have extra cash on you. Stock up on what you might need before leaving the airport or the larger cities. Sometimes you will see in the smaller villages that a bank truck will come with an ATM inside the actual truck.

Don’t Assume Short Distances or Drive Times

You may look at a map and think you are close to your destination, but that’s not always the case. Don’t assume 50 miles will only take you 50 minutes. Not all of the roads are very fast, and they can be winding through small towns along the way. So make sure you are planning your travel accordingly

We have loved all of our trips to Scotland, and we find it to be an excellent family travel destination. When you do visit, don’t forget to chat with the locals! I hope this helps you know some of the things to avoid doing on your Scotland vacation. Looking for more tips on visiting the United Kingdom? Check out these blog posts!

  • Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Scotland
  • Ten Things That Will Shock You in England
  • The Don’ts of Wales

Welsh Food: What to Eat in Wales

Posted on February 20, 2020February 16, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re in Wales, talking about food! A lot of the food in Wales is similar to the food in England, but I’m going to talk about traditional Welsh food that is unique to Wales. It’s not all weird stuff that you can’t identify; Welsh cuisine is actually pretty good! That’s why I want to give you a head’s up on what you should eat when you visit Wales.

Welsh Cakes

One of the most popular items in Welsh cuisine is Welsh cakes. They look like little pancakes. It’s actually more like a round, flat scone. Welsh cakes are very dense and usually have something inside, like raisins. They make a great snack as you are out sightseeing in Wales or the perfect accompaniment to afternoon tea.

Ten Things That Will Shock You in Wales

Bara Brith

Another item common in Welsh cuisine is the Bara Brith. It looks like a fruitcake that you’d have at Christmas in the United States. However, it’s not as dense. Bara Brith is served sliced and is another great snack. You can find this at pretty much any grocery store.

rarebit wales food
Eat away my Wales visiting travelers.

Welsh Rarebit

This sounds very similar to rabbit, but it’s really just a simple open-faced toasted cheese sandwich. There’s usually a sauce added underneath the cheese, and if you order this at a restaurant, it may come with additional toppings. This is a quick and easy meal if you just want to grab a bite at a pub and continue on your road trip through Wales.

Laverbread

This is pronounced like lava-bread, but as with most Welsh cuisine, this is misleading. Laver is actually seaweed. It usually comes with some bread slices you can spread it on. It’s actually not too bad, but it’s definitely a “love it or hate it” kind of food.

Bara Brith and other welsh food to eat
Wales has plenty to try

Lamb & Leeks

Leeks are one of the national symbols of Wales, so it’s a very common ingredient in many Welsh dishes. The lamb in Wales is really fantastic. Lamb Cawl is like a lamb stew, or you can just get the lamb chops. Lamb is my go-to meal when I visit Wales.

Shellfish

The shellfish in Wales is really good. The mussels are quite good; my son was a big fan! If you have a choice, get the bread instead of fries as your side so you can dip the bread in the sauce from the seafood. If you see cockles on the menu, those are small clams and they are pretty tasty as well.

welsh food
The mussels were amazing

Local Beer

Of course, you will need something to wash down all this tasty Welsh food, so I like to recommend a local beer to try during your travels. Brains Beer is probably the most popular beer brand in Wales, and they make multiple different types of beer, from dark to light. Once you leave Cardiff, you’ll see all kinds of local ales in the smaller regions, so give those a try as well.

The Don’ts of Wales: What Not to Do When You Visit Wales

Wales is a great place to visit. You’ll find all kinds of little restaurants and pubs as you travel through Wales. If you visit Wales with kids, make sure you check the hours that kids are allowed in the pub. There’s usually a cutoff time when children are no longer allowed, so you need to plan ahead and eat earlier. Looking for more tips on what to eat while traveling? Check out some of these other blog posts!

  • How to Eat Cheap and Well While Traveling
  • The Best Christmas Market Foods to Try
  • What to Eat in Normandy, France

What Not to Do On Your Kansas City Vacation

Posted on February 19, 2020February 16, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit Kansas City, Missouri. While many travel blogs will tell you the best things to do in Kansas City, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do during your Kansas City vacation!

Don’t Expect to Find Taxis at the Airport

Let’s start with your arrival in Kansas City. When you land at the airport, don’t expect to find a line of taxis waiting for passengers at the airport. Instead, you have to find the “taxi phones” at the airport. You pick up one of the phones, give them your gate or door number, and they will send someone out to pick you up.

Don’t Plan to Eat in the Airport Terminals

When you are leaving Kansas City, make sure you eat before you go through the security lines. Once you go through security at the Kansas City airport, the terminals are very small and don’t have a lot of services. So, plan on eating before you get to the airport, or at some of the restaurants that are outside of the security gates.

Don’t Think You’re in Kansas

Since you’re in Kansas City, you might assume you’ll be spending your time in the state of Kansas. While there is a Kansas City Kansas, most of the things to see and do are located in Kansas City, Missouri.

Don’t Expect to Walk Everywhere

Kansas City is very spread out. If you don’t rent a car while you’re here, then plan to spend a lot of money on Uber. You will need to drive to a lot of places and there really isn’t great public transportation in place. My Uber rides averaged about $7 to $10 each, but that’s several times a day, and it adds up quickly! On the bright side, Uber is fast and easy to use in Kansas City.

Don’t Worry About Driving

Driving is pretty easy in Kansas City, so don’t worry if you decide to drive there or rent a car during your visit to Kansas City. The streets are laid out in a way that’s easy to get around, and parking isn’t difficult or expensive.

Don’t Plan on Public Transportation

There are some buses and trams in Kansas City, but relying on public transportation for your Kansas City sightseeing can be challenging. The tram is free, but the service is pretty limited. There are plans to expand the route in the future, so this “don’t” could become a “do” in a few years!

17 Don’ts of Visiting the USA

Don’t Think Union Station is Just an Amtrak Station

Yes, Amtrak trains do arrive and depart through Union Station. But there’s a lot more to see and do in Kansas City’s Union Station. It’s huge and it’s recently been renovated to restore some of the original grandeur of the early 1900s when it was built. It’s a historical landmark, and there are also restaurants, public and private events, and a movie theater.

Don’t Miss the WWI Museum

This is the official national World War I Museum in the country. This is really an important museum and monument to a war that isn’t often talked about. The museum is very well done and gives in-depth explanations of the exhibits. Don’t miss out on going to the top of the monument, either! There’s an elevator that will take you up and you’ll have amazing views of the surrounding area.

Don’t Underestimate the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

This art museum in Kansas City is huge, and you’ll be surprised at some of the big names you’ll recognize. There are so many different periods of art that are covered inside the museum, from Egyptian art to Caravaggio, Manet, and Monet. The collection is really extensive and impressive! I think it’s one of the top five art museums in the United States.

Don’t Skip the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

You don’t have to be a baseball fan to enjoy this museum! It’s one of the best modern museums that I have ever visited. You learn about the players, the league, memorabilia, and it’s all explained in context, which is really cool. It’s well worth the trip, and it’s in a great neighborhood with lots of things to do.

Don’t Miss Out on Live Jazz

There are some really good jazz clubs in Kansas City. You might be surprised at the good nightlife in Kansas City, and it’s really a fun place to go out. There are some great local brews that you can kick back and enjoy while listening to live music.

Don’t Think the Plaza and Country Club Plaza are Two Different Places

When you visit Kansas City, you’ll hear a lot about “the Plaza” as it’s a popular place to go in Kansas City. You might also hear about the Country Club Plaza and wonder where that is. They are one and the same! The whole area is just known as the Plaza.

Don’t Have Preconceived Notions of the Plaza

The Plaza was built to look like Seville Spain, and the architecture is really stunning. It can be a bit of a letdown when you realize these beautiful buildings are home to everyday chain restaurants and retail stores. The Plaza is basically a shopping center with some really great architecture.

Don’t Be Surprised by Friendly Locals

This is the Midwest; people are just naturally friendly. They will say hello to you on the street, so don’t freak out about it. It’s just how people are. They love to give you their best recommendations for things to do and especially where to find the best BBQ in Kansas City.

Ten Shocks of Visiting the USA

Don’t Rip on Kansas City Sports Teams

Kansas City is a big sports town. They are loyal to their hometown teams. The Kansas City Chiefs just won the Superbowl in 2020. The Kansas City Royals are the local baseball team. They are really into their teams so don’t rip on them unless you want to get into a big debate!

Don’t Litter

This really should apply to every day and everywhere, but Kansas City is exceptionally clean. They have a lot of civic pride and they work hard to keep their city clean. There aren’t always trash cans readily available, but if you litter, the locals will call you out for it.

Don’t Be Discouraged by Long Lines for BBQ

Kansas City is probably most famous for BBQ. And some of the best places, like Joe’s, will have very long lines, especially during the dinner rush. But don’t be scared off by the long lines! You might have to wait 30 to 60 minutes to get your food, but it is so worth it! If you really want to avoid the lines, try to eat a late lunch or early dinner and you can skip some of the crowds. With so many great BBQ restaurants, you’ll have a hard time deciding. Ask the locals what their favorite is!

Don’t Skip the Kansas City BBQ Sauce

Kansas City BBQ can be wet or dry, and both options are good, but make sure you try some of the sauces! Every place has its own sauces, sometimes they have several. You’ll have sweet, spicy, and everything in between. Make sure you try it!

Don’t Think Kansas City is Just BBQ

Yes, the BBQ in Kansas City is excellent. But there is a ton of great food (and drink!) in Kansas City. LaMar’s Donuts is fantastic! You might also want to try a Kansas City strip steak. Kansas City is also a melting pot of cultures, so you’ll have great Italian, Asian and many others. Once you’ve had your fill of Kansas City BBQ, be sure to check out some of the other cuisines that are available.

Don’t Think You Have to Clean Your Plate

The portion sizes here are quite large! You won’t go hungry in Kansas City, but don’t feel like you have to eat everything they put in front of you. Not only is the food really good, but they like to give you a lot of it.

Don’t Write Off Kansas City

If you can’t already tell from this post, there’s a lot to do in Kansas City. Don’t write it off as some boring Midwest town in the middle of “flyover country.”

Kansas City is a really cool city to visit. The museums, culture, friendly locals and amazing food make this an excellent Midwest travel destination. I loved it here, and I think you will too! I hope this helps you known some of the things to avoid doing when you visit Kansas City. Looking for more of our USA travel tips? Check out these blog posts!

  • 25 Don’ts of Visiting Chicago
  • US Hotels Explained for Tourists
  • 15 Don’ts of Visiting Texas

The Best and Worst of Visiting Lima, Peru

Posted on February 18, 2020February 16, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Lima, Peru! We had a really nice time in Lima. 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 visiting Lima Peru.

Love #1: Lima’s Historic Center

Lima has a great historic center. Starting with the San Francisco monastery, there’s a ton to see including the amazing artwork and the underground chambers. The historic center also has several museums and the Plaza Mayor. This should definitely be the first stop on your Lima visit.

Hate #1: Getting to Lima

Most international flights to Lima arrive very late at night. We arrived at one in the morning from Atlanta, and our departing flight leaves at 2:15 am. So while you won’t have jetlag because Lima is in the Eastern time zone, you’ll be exhausted from your late arrival on your travel day. Late departures also affect your last day as you’ll have to check out of your hotel room at noon, and then you have a good 12 hours before you leave for the airport. I recommend just getting an airport hotel for that last night, even though you won’t be spending the whole night there.

lima tourism advice
We loved our time in Lima

Love #2: Neighborhoods of Lima

Many Latin American cities have the historic center and that’s it. Lima actually has several cool neighborhoods to explore, including the historic center. We stayed in Miraflores near the beach. San Isidro is another cool neighborhood. Each Lima neighborhood has unique museums and attractions, plus lots of good restaurants!

Hate #2: Traffic in Lima

Like a lot of Latin countries, the traffic and the drivers in Lima are insane. I do not recommend driving yourself in Lima. There are plenty of taxis you can use to get around. Your hotel can also arrange drivers for you. It can also be dangerous as a pedestrian in Lima, so you really need to pay attention as you are walking around town. Even if the light is green for you to cross, make sure you look both ways because the drivers don’t always obey the traffic laws.

downtown lima family travel
Downtown Lima

Love #3: City Beaches

While Lima is a major city and a cultural destination, there are also beaches right in the city, so you can also have a beach vacation! The water is a bit cold, but it’s nice to have some waterfront parks and activities to explore. With historic attractions, Peruvian culture, and natural attractions, a trip to Lima makes for a really well-rounded vacation.

Hate #3: Lima Peru Weather & UV Rays

Lima Peru weather is pretty nice all the time, so you’ll love that part. The coldest month is August, where it sometimes drops below 60-degrees. However, there’s a gray fog in the summer months. Regardless of when you visit Lima, you really need to be careful with the UV rays, which are very strong in Lima. Even if it’s cloudy out, make sure you are using lots of SPF to protect your skin.

lima travel tips
Inca Kola and exploring the food scene all over Lima is amazing

Love #4: Lima Safety & Cleanliness

For a city of over ten million residents, we actually felt very safe in Lima. Obviously, use your travel smarts when it comes to traveling around at night, but we felt very safe exploring the different Lima neighborhoods during the day. Feel free to ask your hotel for any areas to avoid and any general safety advice. Lima is also very clean, which was a pleasant surprise.

What to Know Before You Visit Peru

Hate #4: Booking Hotels in Lima

We usually book our own travel, but when choosing your Lima accommodation, you can save a lot of money by using a travel agency. We only found this out because we had to change accommodation midway through our trip and a friend booked a room for us using a travel agent. It was about half as much as the prices we saw online. This isn’t something you would know ahead of time, but it can save you a lot of money during your Lima trip.

Love #5: Lima Peru Restaurants

Lima is the capital city of Peru, so there are a ton of good restaurants where you can sample Peruvian cuisine. The seafood is amazing, so make sure you try the ceviche at least once.

Hate #5: Don’t Flush Your Toilet Paper

This is actually pretty common in South America. The plumbing can’t handle toilet paper, so you have to throw it in the bin next to the toilet. This can be hard to remember, and definitely takes some getting used to if you’ve never had to do this before.

Everything You Need to Know About Traveler’s Diarrhea

If you can’t tell, it was kind of hard to come up with five “hates” about Lima because we really enjoyed our time there. Want more South America travel tips? Check out some of our other blog posts:

  • Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Latin America Travel
  • What Not to Do in Peru
  • What to Know Before You Visit South America

Cusco Travel: What to Know Before You Go

Posted on February 17, 2020February 16, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re traveling to Cusco, Peru. Cusco is the base of most trips to Machu Picchu, so if you are planning to visit the Incan ruins, you will more than likely visit Cusco before and after. We felt that there are a few things you should know before you visit Cusco, that will make your trip much more enjoyable!

Cusco Elevation

Cusco sits at an elevation of 3,000 meters, or 11,000 feet. Altitude sickness is a real problem at those altitudes, and it can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness levels. Jocelyn was pretty sick for the first part of our Cusco trip. Thankfully, most hotels are equipped to help you out, either with coca leaf tea or oxygen masks you can use. Don’t plan any activities for your first day in Cusco; give your body time to adjust to the altitude first. Take it easy and stay hydrated.

How to Deal with Altitude Sickness

cuzco to machu picchu
Cuzco is your gateway to Machu Picchu

Don’t Drink the Tap Water

With the high altitude, it’s important to stay hydrated and drink a LOT of water, both before and during your trip. However, you cannot drink tap water in Peru. Buy bottled water or use a water bottle with a filter. Even brushing your teeth with tap water can result in some issues that are rather unpleasant.

Everything You Need to Know About Traveler’s Diarrhea

Beware of the UV Rays

At this elevation, the sun is super strong. Even when it’s cloudy, it’s super easy to get a sunburn, so make sure you are lathering on the sunscreen and reapplying it. A good sunhat is also a great idea to keep your head and face out of the sun. Make sure you also have a lip balm with SPF as sunburned lips are not fun to have! Depending on the season, you might also need to bring some bug spray on your Cusco trip.

cuzco family travel
Cuzco is a great destination with the family

Best Things to Do in Cusco

While Cusco is the gateway to Machu Picchu, you definitely want to leave some time to explore this city as well. There are some great cathedrals, which are usually open to the public from 6-10 in the morning. Cusco also has several great museums, like the Inca Museum and the Textile Museum. We’re pretty independent travelers, but we signed up for a tour of Cusco, and it was really great. There are many Cusco tours to choose from; including city tours and hiking tours. They can customize a hike to your ability and effort, and it may be a great way to acclimate after a few days. There are dozens of tour agencies in town, so even if you don’t pre-plan your entire Cusco trip, you can still book tours when you arrive.

Cusco Weather

We visited in December, and the weather was really nice. The rainy season runs from November to April, but it didn’t rain a ton while we were there. The dry season is from May to October. The biggest tourist months are May through August. You’ll have the best weather, but also the highest prices and the most crowds at that time. (Do note that the Inca Trail is closed in February!)

Traffic in Cusco

Traffic in Cusco is crazy. The drivers are crazy, so I don’t recommend driving, but even as a pedestrian, you have to be really careful when walking near traffic. Accidents and near-misses are almost constant around Cusco. Be sure you follow the traffic lights, but also look in both directions before crossing any street. Even if you have the light.

Vendors & Peddlers

We call it the gauntlet. Every time you step out of your hotel, expect to “run the gauntlet” of vendors trying to sell you things. There is always someone trying to sell you something in Cusco. From photo souvenirs to alpaca sweaters, you can park yourself in the main square and all of the shopping will come to you. A lot of them are selling the exact same items, and it can be frustrating after a while. They are very friendly, though, and not aggressive.

Cusco Accommodation

With Cusco being such a tourist hub, there are plenty of hotels in Cusco for all budgets and travel styles. Whether you want a backpacker hostel or a nicer hotel, you’ll have many options in Cusco.

Safety in Cusco

We have felt very safe everywhere in Cusco. Even visiting Peru with kids, we haven’t felt uncomfortable anywhere, especially Cusco. It’s also very clean, so you can tell they really take pride in their city.

cusco vistas
just a few views of cusco

We have so enjoyed our time in Cusco and hope that these travel tips help you enjoy your Cusco trip as well. If you want more tips on traveling in Peru, check out some of our other blog posts:

  • What Not to Do in Peru
  • What to Know Before You Visit Peru
  • Visit the Seven “New” Wonders of the World

Visit USA: Common Tourist Scams in America

Posted on February 16, 2020April 7, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Tourists Scams Travelers See in The USA

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about travel scams you might run into when traveling in the United States. Despite what the media might have you believe, traveling the United States is relatively safe. However, there are a few things worth mentioning so you can be on the lookout to avoid them as you visit USA tourist attractions.

Phone Scams

If you already live in the USA, you already know all about these phone calls. Sometimes, they are just trying to sell you something. But other phone scams can be a bit scarier. They might tell you that the FBI is looking for you, or that your insurance policy has lapsed. They might say you have a package that needs to be delivered. Do not ever provide any information to someone that has called you out of the blue. If you’re in doubt, hang up and call the provider number that you have on your credit card or in your records.

Hotel Phone Scam

Another phone scam that happens in hotels is when your room phone rings and claims to be the front desk asking to confirm your credit card information. For one thing, the hotel front desk will never ask for this information over the phone. The easiest thing to do is to hang up and either call the front desk directly or go down to the front desk. When you find out it’s a scam, let them know it’s happening so they can be aware before transferring outside calls to guest rooms.

travel scams in the US
Scams are everywhere when you travel, so be prepared when you do travel

Credit Card Skimming

Skimming happens at an open credit card machine, such as those at a gas station or outdoor ATM. A skimming device is added to the credit card machine and is used to steal your information when you swipe your card. When you use the credit card machine, take a second look to see if it looks normal, or if it looks like it may have been tampered with.

Street Scams

If you visit a popular tourist area like New Orleans’ French Quarter or Memphis’ Beale Street, you will run into people trying to scam you on the street. They might try to bet you that they can guess your name, or guess where you got your shoes. The same thing goes for the shell game, or card games. If someone approaches you with something like this, or magic tricks, just keep walking. Don’t engage with them and they’ll move on to the next tourist.

Most Common Pickpocket Techniques

Photography Scams

At a lot of popular tourist sites, you’ll run into the “professional photographer” scam. I have seen this most often in Vegas. As you wait in line for your Instagram shot, someone will approach you and offer to take your picture for you in exchange for a fee. Don’t do it; you can just as easily take your own photos with your camera or phone. Of course, this doesn’t apply to fellow tourists who are also there getting photos. Just the people who want money in exchange for taking your photo.

tourist scams usa
The King is worth the price of the picture in Memphis

Pedicab Scam

Pedicabs are popping up all over these days. This isn’t an illegal scam, but these bicycle taxis aren’t regulated by the same means as taxis or rideshare programs, so they can charge you whatever they want. Make sure you negotiate your full fare upfront before you get in the pedicab.

WiFi Scams

If you are staying at a hotel and sign on to the WiFi, make sure you are signing on to the correct network. Some scammers will set up a malicious network with a name very similar to the hotel name to try and trick hotel guests into signing into their network instead. Once you’ve logged into this other network, they have access to all of your information.

Impersonator Scams

Any time you are in a major tourist area, you’re going to see celebrity impersonators on the streets. It may be Elvis in Las Vegas or Arnold Schwarzenegger in Los Angeles. They are there to make money off of tourists by posing for photos with you and then expecting you to pay for that photo. They can be especially assertive with kids so the kids will beg their parents to play along. If you take a photo and don’t pay them, they can get aggressive.

Taxi Scams

A lot of these taxi scams are found all over the world, not just in the United States.

  • The most common taxi scam is for the driver to take the long way to your destination. This is super common in Las Vegas. Before you get a taxi, have an idea of how long the drive is and the proper route to take. In cities like Chicago and New York, if they don’t think you are a tourist, they might even ask you which route you want them to take.
  • Other drivers will zero out the meter right as they stop, and they will tell you a higher price. Keep an eye on the meter while you’re driving to avoid this.
  • Another taxi scam is to “forget” one of your bags in the trunk. This can happen if you have a lot of people and a lot of baggage. Make sure you are there when they are loading or unloading your bags, and make sure you verify that the trunk is empty before they pull away.

How to Avoid Travel Scams & Rip-Offs

Street Beggars

This is something you see in bigger cities, but it’s becoming more common in smaller and mid-size cities, too. People on the street will ask you for money. If you say no, they may harass you a bit until you give in. Or, if you give them a dollar, they may try to get you to give them more money. You can’t win, so the best thing you can do is to keep walking and don’t engage with them.

Some of these beggars will have some really good sob stories, too. Anyone can say they are a veteran or homeless, but whatever the story, it will likely tug at your heartstrings a bit. Until you see ten more similar stories and you’ll start to get hardened to the sob stories. It’s up to you what you decide to do, but we usually offer to buy them food or a ticket, rather than directly giving anyone cash.

scams and tourists in the US
Some scams are still funny when you see them

Transportation Scams

This happens a lot in train and bus stations. Someone will ask you for money to buy a train ticket. They will say they are stranded and just need to get home. They will say they just need a few more dollars to get the ticket they need. If you really fall for the story and want to help, offer to go to the ticket window with them and purchase the ticket. You will probably see this on road trips, too. Someone at a rest stop might say they ran out of gas and need money to fill up their tank.

Fake Parking Attendant

This is another scam you might see in larger cities. Yes, there are many places where you have to pay to park, especially in urban areas or at large events. But then you’ll have a random person offer to “watch” your car in exchange for a few bucks. The problem is, they might key your car or damage it if you don’t pay them for this security “service.”

Rental Car Scams

If you rent a car in the USA, make sure you do a full inspection with the rental agent prior to driving out of the lot. Mark anything you see so that you aren’t charged for it when you return the car. You can also take photos or a video of the car to show the condition you received it in. This typically doesn’t come up with the major car rental agencies like Enterprise, Alamo, Hertz, etc. However, if you rent from a no-name car rental, be sure you are very thorough about inspecting for damages.

Hopefully, by discussing these travel scams and rip-offs, we can help you avoid becoming a victim during your United States vacation. Fortunately, most of these scams are becoming less and less common, so it’s highly unlikely you’ll have any trouble at all. Need more travel tips for visiting the USA? Check out these blog posts!

  • Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Visiting the USA
  • US Hotels Explained for Tourists
  • Ten Things That Will Shock You When Visiting the USA

5 Biggest Mistakes Tourists Make When They Visit Vienna

Posted on February 1, 2020January 26, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Visit Austria: Mistakes to Avoid on Your Vienna Vacation

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit Vienna Austria. While many travel blogs will tell you what to do in Vienna, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do during your Vienna vacation!

Vienna Public Transportation

After a few trips on the train in Vienna, you start to realize that they don’t always check your ticket. You might start to think you can get away without purchasing a ticket. It is sort of on the honor system, but there are employees who will do random checks for tickets. If you don’t have a ticket, you can get a heavy fine. It’s not worth the risk. In two weeks, I was asked to show my ticket three times, so it does happen. Not only do you need to buy a ticket, but you also need to validate it before you board the train. If you are caught without a ticket, they won’t care that you’re a tourist. So, don’t try to cheat the system when it comes to public transportation in Vienna.

Tip: If you buy the Wochen ticket, which is a weekly ticket, it is not necessarily good for seven consecutive days. It is good for Monday through Sunday! If you arrive on a Friday, you’ll need a new Wochen ticket the following Monday.

foodie mistakes in vienna
Just go to a care and enjoy.

Missing Out on Vienna’s Cafe Culture

Vienna is all about cafe culture; it’s practically a religion in Vienna! Many tourists are trying to cram a lot of Vienna sightseeing into their trip and they don’t take the time to sit down, relax and enjoy the cafe scene. Whether you prefer coffee, tea or hot chocolate, it’s a bit of a ritual to enjoy your hot drink, along with a slice of Sacher Torte or Apple Streudel, and watch the world go by. A huge part of the cafe culture is enjoying some of the many desserts that Vienna is famous for. My go to is Apple Streudel and hot cocoa (Heisse Schokolade).

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Vienna

Expecting Friendly Service in Vienna

As pleasant as the cafe experience is, the service in Vienna is actually not that friendly. While the servers are knowledgeable and do a good job, they aren’t overly solicitous or friendly like you might expect if you are from the US or the UK. The servers in Vienna made a good wage and don’t go out of their way to get that extra tip, even though you are expected to tip in Vienna. One thing you’ll notice is that you have to ask for your check when you are done eating. They won’t automatically bring it to you. Because of the cafe culture, patrons often linger for several hours, so they won’t be rushing you out of your table. And if you want to stay and linger no one will pressure you to hurry and leave your table, unless you are being loud.

vienna travel mistakes
Yeah… You will eat… a lot in Vienna

Not Carrying Cash

Many places are becoming almost cashless societies, so I see a lot of Vienna visitors trying to pay with a credit card everywhere they go. While many places in Vienna will take credit cards, there are still places that do not take cards. So, you really need to carry some cash when you visit Vienna. Cafes, hotels, and restaurants will usually accept cards, but if you want to grab some street food, or buy something at a market stall in Naschmarkt, you will need cash.

Tip: It’s also easier to tip in cash, otherwise you have to communicate the amount of your tip to be included when they run your card; you can’t just write it in on the receipt.

European Currency: Travel Money Tips & How to Exchange Money

Underestimating the Amount of Vienna Sightseeing

There is an unbelievable amount of culture and history in Vienna. This is the home of the Holy Roman Empire, with hundreds of years of culture. Music and the arts are huge in Vienna. From concert halls to opera houses, and then you have all of the amazing museums. There are several palaces in Vienna, many with beautiful gardens and parks. Deciding what to do in Vienna can be overwhelming because you have so many choices. If you are only planning a short Vienna vacation, then you really need to do some research ahead of time and prioritize your Vienna sightseeing because you just can’t see everything in one trip.

travel issues in vienna
Don’t think Vienna is too stuffy for kids. Our boys have loved Vienna.

Vienna has a special place in my heart. I went to school here, and I’ve returned with my family many times over the years. I hope this helps you know some of the things to avoid doing when you visit Vienna. Looking for more of our Austria vacation tips? Check out these blog posts!

  • Visit Austria: What to Know Before You Go
  • Ten Things That Will Shock You in Austria
  • Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Austria
  • Previous
  • 1
  • …
  • 31
  • 32
  • 33
  • 34
  • 35
  • 36
  • 37
  • …
  • 41
  • Next

Hey There Fellow Travelers

If you want HONEST Travel Advice from travelers who have been there, this is the Travel site for you. We focus on giving you the best & the worst parts of traveling, the cultural differences, the do's and don'ts and so much more. Please join us on our journey to help other travelers. Happy Travels!

Wolters World is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that is set up to help us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

©2026 Wolters World
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT