Author: Mark Wolters

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Visiting Europe

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Europe! This post is really for those of you thinking about taking your first Europe trip and wondering what to expect when you travel around Europe9. 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 Europe.

Love #1: European Destinations & Sights

There are so many cool European destinations and landmarks to check out. Whether it’s the Colosseum, the Eiffel Tower, Westminster Abbey, Oktoberfest, the Berlin Wall, or any one of hundreds of castles, touring Europe is like walking through history books. It’s such a cool experience to see something in person that you’ve read about or seen on TV.

Hate #1: Accessibility in Europe

If you have any challenges with mobility, it can be difficult to travel around Europe. This applies to wheelchairs, strollers or even if you just have difficulty navigating stairs or uneven surfaces. While the United States has strict ADA regulations, that’s not the case in Europe. Castles and historic buildings may not have any elevators, and many hotels involve narrow staircases as well. It’s not impossible to visit Europe with mobility challenges, it just requires a bit more research before you go. 

Disabled Travel in Europe

Love #2: Public Transportation in Europe

Public transportation in Europe is amazing. You really don’t need to rent a car if you don’t want to. There are buses and trains that go to some of the smallest towns you can imagine, which makes it really easy to travel around Europe. There are even several low-cost carriers that often have airfares that are cheaper than a train ticket. Between low-cost airfares, trains and buses, you can easily travel around Europe.

Hate #2: Cash is King

In the US, we are used to paying for everything with credit cards. In many European countries, cash is still king. Hotels and many restaurants will accept credit cards, but this will depend on where you are. The smaller the town, or the smaller businesses, will not take credit cards, so you always want to make sure you have some local currency on hand. This means you also need to have your PIN number so you can get cash out from an ATM.

Travel Money Tips: Exchanging Money Abroad

Love #3: Wide Use of English

Many Americans are self-conscious about not speaking the local language when traveling. It’s always good to learn a few key phrases of the local language, but so many people around the world speak English. As a traveler, you will rarely have an issue finding English speakers in Europe. Most younger Europeans have learned English in school, and anyone working in the tourism industry will know basic English.

Hate #3: Toilets in Europe

Yes, this is a totally American thing to complain about, but some of the toilets in Europe are less than desirable. In some places, the “bathroom” is actually just a hole in the ground. In many places, there is a lack of facilities at all, and when you do find a public restroom, there may not be any toilet paper, so always carry a bit of your own. At the other end of the spectrum, there are pay toilets. You’ll see these a lot in train stations in places like Germany and Switzerland. You need coins to enter the bathroom, but these are usually much cleaner and nicer to use than the free ones.

Love #4: Tasting the “Real” Europe

You may have your favorite Italian or French restaurant back home, but traveling to Europe means getting to experience authentic local cuisine. You get to find out what schnitzel is really supposed to taste like, or why German beer really is that much better in Germany. You will have a whole new appreciation for the diversity of European cuisines.

Hate #4: European Beds

After a day of exploring a new city, you’ll be ready to crash and get a good nights’ sleep, but the beds in Europe tend to suck. Most of the time a “double” bed is just two twins pushed together, so there’s always a crack in the middle. If you’re on your honeymoon or planning a romantic getaway, beware of the beds that split apart!

Love #5: European People

Everywhere you go in Europe, you will meet friendly locals who are excited that you’ve chosen their city or country to visit. This is especially true if you visit some more off the beaten path places in Europe. There’s a national pride amongst Europeans, and they love sharing their history and their culture with travelers.

Hate #5: Service in Europe

Americans are used to over-attentive service in the United States because servers are not paid minimum wage and they rely on tips for their income. That’s not the case in Europe, so they don’t go out of their way to attend to your needs. Don’t think of it as bad service, it’s just how things are in Europe. Many of the cultures in Europe are also much more reserved than Americans, so they don’t like to be bothered constantly by a server during the meal.

Visiting a new country, or traveling abroad for the first time can be scary. That’s why I like to give both sides of travel, not just the positives. We love Europe, so the “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to visit Europe. Want more tips for planning a European vacation? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Eastern Europe Travel

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Eastern Europe! Although there are differing opinions on what constitutes Eastern Europe, I consider Eastern Europe to be the countries of the former Warsaw pact. Regardless, it’s a great region with countries like Lithuania, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia and many more. 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 an Eastern Europe trip.

Love #1: Local Pride

When you visit the countries of Eastern Europe, you will notice that everyone is proud of where they are from. They are proud of their country, the region, and their city. Many of them will have an impressive knowledge of local history and will gladly share it with visitors.

Hate #1: Eastern Europe Accommodation

While Eastern Europe is generally very affordable, when it comes to choosing accommodation, you’re going to want to spring for a more expensive option. They don’t have good mid-range hotel options in Eastern Europe like they do in Germany or Austria. In many cities, there aren’t a lot of options between a hostel and a Four Seasons. If you can afford to splurge on your Eastern Europe vacation, pay for the nicer accommodation.

Love #2: Natural Beauty

The natural beauty of Eastern Europe is impressive and diverse. It’s a very mountainous, and therefore scenic, region with outdoor adventures to be had in Romania, Poland, Slovakia and elsewhere. Then there are the mountain lakes and of course beaches, and the islands of Estonia. If you love to be outdoors, Eastern Europe is the perfect destination for you.

Hate #2: Train Connections

With so many places to see in Eastern Europe, it’s frustrating that there aren’t more fast train connections. If you’ve traveled a lot in Western Europe, you know how easy it is to get around, but Eastern Europe does not have the fast trains, so it can take a long time to travel between cities. There are also fewer trains, so you have to be more careful about planning out your Eastern Europe itinerary.

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Train Travel in Europe

Love #3: Hidden Gems

It seems like everyone goes to Paris, London, Rome or Amsterdam. How many people do you know who visit Bratislava? These aren’t the destinations you see in movies or advertisements and as a result, they aren’t crawling with American tourists…yet. There are tons of hidden gems throughout Eastern Europe that will really make you feel like you’ve discovered something unique and off the beaten path. Having so many options can make finalizing your Eastern Europe itinerary a difficult task!

Hate #3: Service in Eastern Europe

The service in Eastern Europe is not great. Sometimes it seems that they try, but you don’t get attentive service or even professional service in most places. Sometimes it even feels like they don’t want your money and that they are doing you a favor by serving you.

Love #4: Communist History

These countries were under Communist rule for about 50 years, and you can still see the remnants of that. It’s a very different look from the rest of Europe, and that’s part of what makes Eastern Europe unique. In Bratislava, there’s a beautiful 9th-century castle overlooking the “UFO” modernist bridge and a huge Communist block of buildings. It’s a very sharp contrast, which you’ll see all over Eastern Europe.

Hate #4: Public Restrooms

Finding and using a public restroom in Eastern Europe is not a pleasant experience. First of all, they are hard to find and once you do find one, they are often pretty disgusting. I always keep a few coins on hand so I can buy a coffee somewhere and use their restroom rather than dealing with the public restrooms in Eastern Europe.

Love #5: Eastern Europe Cuisine

You can eat really well for really cheap in Eastern Europe. The food is very hearty and filling with lots of pork and potatoes. It’s really tasty comfort food and it’s very affordable. Although accommodation in Eastern Europe is expensive, eating out is not expensive.

Hate #5: Tourist Rip-Offs

The most common way you will be ripped off in Eastern Europe is by taxi drivers. If you don’t speak the local language, it’s very easy for them to rip you off. The best way to avoid being ripped off by a taxi is to have your hotel book something for you ahead of time.

How to Avoid Travel Scams & Rip-Offs

Eastern Europe is a really interesting and diverse destination with many neat things to see and do. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason to avoid Eastern Europe travel. Want more tips for planning a European vacation? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Orlando Travel

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Orlando, Florida! The home of Disney World is an insanely popular travel destination. 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 Orlando, Florida.

Love #1: Orlando Theme Parks

Orlando is the home of Disney World, Epcot Center, Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios and so much more! Whether you are visiting Orlando parks with young kids, older kids or no kids, there are theme parks you will enjoy. Not to mention the water parks!

The Don’ts of Visiting Disney World

Hate #1: Orlando Traffic

Driving in and around Orlando is a frustrating experience especially on Interstate 4. Depending on when you are driving through Orlando, the interstate is either a parking lot of stop and go traffic, or a race track of cars going way too fast. Throw in the fact that many of the drivers are tourists and don’t know where they’re going, and driving in Orlando is just not a fun experience.

Love #2: Orlando Activities

In addition to Orlando parks, there are casinos, professional sports teams and beaches that are just a day trip from Orlando. Some of the theme parks have a nightlife area, like Downtown Disney, where you can visit nightclubs or see shows like the Blue Man Group or Cirque du Soleil. There are so many Orlando activities, you can easily fill a weeks’ vacation.

Hate #2: Tourist Crowds

It’s not just at Disney; there are tourist crowds everywhere in Orlando. In addition to clogging the roads with traffic, the restaurants are packed, the theme parks are packed, parking lots are packed. Summer and Christmas are the two busiest times of the year in Orlando, but there is hardly a “low season” in Orlando.

Love #3: Orlando Transportation

A lot of the theme parks and hotels offer free shuttles, which makes getting around Orlando very easy. Orlando also has a ton of direct flights to cities around the US and internationally, so you can often get a great deal on flights to Orlando. If you stay at a Disney property, they have so many transportation options, you won’t even need a vehicle during your Orlando vacation.

Hate #3: Service in Orlando

Once you venture outside of the theme parks where customer service is a top priority, you’ll be surprised at the poor service you receive elsewhere in Orlando. Either we are really spoiled by the Disney service or they have hired up all the good people because service is really lacking everywhere else in Orlando. They do have to deal with a lot of tourists, which is understandably frustrating. If you know any locals in Orlando, ask them where they like to eat so you can avoid the tourist trap restaurants.

Love #4: Orlando Weather

There’s a reason all of these tourist activities were built in Orlando. The weather is pretty good compared to other parts of the United States. It’s entirely possible to have 70-degree days in January. If you’re from the Midwest or any snowy region, you’ll really appreciate the warm weather of Orlando.

Hate #4: Orlando Weather

Yes, Florida is known for great weather, but it’s not always the best weather for being outdoors. If you visit Orlando in the summer, it’s very hot and humid and you can expect to be a sweaty mess all day if you are doing anything outdoors. They also have random afternoon rain showers and thunderstorms that come from nowhere, soak you and your belongings and then move on as quickly as they arrived. Winter in Orlando can be all over the place, from cold to warm.

The Don’ts of Visiting Florida

Love #5: Orlando Tourism Infrastructure

Orlando was built for tourism. It’s not a city that happened to become a tourist destination, it exists for tourism. So, the Orlando tourism infrastructure is really great, from the transportation we already mentioned, to having hundreds of hotels and restaurants to choose from.

Hate #5: Prices in Orlando

Orlando is not a cheap vacation. Between Orlando hotels, Orlando parks, parking, shopping and eating out, you will end up spending a lot of money on your Orlando vacation. While you can sometimes find deals on Orlando hotels, without having a real “off-season” you’re not going to find rock-bottom prices in Orlando. 

Orlando is a great place, it’s expanding a lot beyond just theme parks, so there are tons of fun things to do in Orlando. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to plan an Orlando vacation. Want more tips for planning a US vacation? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things Tourists Love & Hate about Visiting Savannah, Georgia

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Savannah, Georgia! Savannah is our favorite city to visit in the Southern United States and my wife’s favorite city in the world. 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 Savannah.

Hate #1: Savannah Weather

The weather in Savannah can be a love/hate thing, but in the summer, the heat and humidity are oppressive. The first time I visited Savannah in August, I couldn’t breathe and I thought I was going to die. July and August are the hottest and most humid months to visit Savannah. If you decided to visit Savannah in the summer, make sure you stay hydrated. Any other time of year, the weather in Savannah is perfect.

Love #1: Savannah Tours & Atmosphere

Savannah is the very definition of Southern Charm. It’s called the “Hostess City” for a reason; the food, the people and the culture are all so welcoming. There are tons of historic buildings and sights to visit, with fascinating stories behind each one. You can take ghost tours, historic tours, food tours, or pretty much any kind of tour you want! The city has really done a great job with historic preservation so that everyone who visits can appreciate and enjoy the history.

Hate #2: Crime in Savannah

Savannah definitely has a crime problem. I’ve talked to locals who leave their cars unlocked because it’s better than having your windows broken. As a tourist, you most likely won’t have any issues during the day, although it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out and use common sense. Issues are more likely to occur at night, so if you plan to do any downtown Savannah sightseeing in the evening, talk to your hotel concierge and ask them where it’s OK to wander around at night.

Safety Tips for Travel in the USA

Love #2: Things to Do in Savannah

In addition to the Savannah tours and the historic homes I already mentioned, there are so many fun things to do in Savannah. There’s a great nightlife scene in downtown Savannah with lots of bars and breweries. Tybee Island is just 15 minutes from Savannah, so you can have a beach day during your trip. Charleston, South Carolina is just a two-hour drive if you want to check out another cool city of the South. Whether you’re visiting Savannah with kids or with a bachelorette party, you’re going to love it!

Hate #3: Savannah Bugs

Have you ever seen a flying cockroach? They have them in the south, only they call them palmetto bugs. Don’t be fooled by the fancy name; it’s a flying cockroach. In addition, they also have mosquitos and sand gnats. The local baseball team even used to be called the Savannah Sand Gnats, but they’ve since changed their name. You can’t do much about the palmetto bugs, but bring bug spray if you’re going out to the beach or into the forests or swamp.

Love #3: People of Savannah

Southern hospitality is alive and well here. The Southern Charm in Savannah is over the top, from the hotel staff, restaurant crew or your tour guides. You’ll hear “sir” and “ma’am” over and over, and people will actually engage with you and interact if you make eye contact. There are also some really interesting characters around town.

11 Things That Will Shock You When You Visit the Southern USA

Hate #4: Tourist Crowds

With so many things to see in Savannah, it’s a very popular city for tourists to visit. The biggest tourist issue in downtown Savannah is driving. Savannah has a ton of squares in town, and it’s a bit of an art to navigate them. Tourists tend to just bulldoze through rather than waiting their turn, and it frustrates the locals. The squares in Savannah are like a roundabout, so if someone is already in the square, they have the right of way. St. Patrick’s Day is an especially popular holiday in Savannah, so be prepared for huge crowds.

Love #4: Savannah Food

The food in Savannah is amazing! Southern food is generally pretty good, but Savannah takes it up a notch. It’s not just about Paula Deen’s restaurant, there are so many hidden gem restaurants tucked away in Savannah. In addition to amazing fried chicken and soul food, Savannah also has amazing seafood. If you have a chance to do an oyster roast, don’t miss out!

Hate #5: Prices in Savannah

The southern states are usually very affordable compared to visiting states along the East Coast or the West Coast, but Savannah is one exception. The popularity of Savannah tourism has led to higher prices for hotels, restaurants, and tours. It’s a popular place for retirees and there is a college in town, all of which lead to inflated prices.

Love #5: Savannah Events & Weather

Other than July and August, the weather in Savannah is fantastic. It’s relatively warm throughout the winter, so if you live in a colder climate, it’s a great place to come in the spring, fall or winter. With such nice weather year-round, there are always fun Savannah events happening. They have great Thanksgiving and Christmas events, plus the huge St. Patrick’s Day festivities and other smaller festivals throughout the year.

Savannah is an amazing city and we’ve considered moving here a few times. The “hates” are all really just things to avoid, rather than a reason not to visit Savannah. Want more tips for planning your vacation in the South? Check out these other blog posts:

5 Things Tourists Love & Hate about Visiting Lisbon

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Lisbon, Portugal! Lisbon is a great place to visit and is often cited as one of the best weekend getaways in Europe. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate when you visit Lisbon.

Love #1: Prices in Lisbon

Lisbon is an affordable destination. You can eat so well for so little in Lisbon and shopping is also very affordable, which makes Lisbon the perfect destination for budget travelers and backpackers. The food isn’t just cheap, it’s also delicious. Some of the local specialties include seafood and shellfish, black pork and so much more. Your money will go so much farther in Lisbon than in another city like London. Though, it is not as cheap as it used to be, and that has to do with a couple of the hates of Lisbon you will find below.

10 Best Affordable Cities in Europe

Hate #1: Lisbon Drivers

Drivers in Lisbon are insane. Whether you are another driver or a pedestrian, dealing with Lisbon drivers is a scary experience. It will sometimes feel like they are aiming right for you. If you are visiting Lisbon with kids, make sure you have a tight grip on them at all times when walking anywhere near traffic.

Love #2: Lisbon Weather

Lisbon has fantastic weather. Summers are warm, which is perfect weather to enjoy all the beaches near Lisbon. Winters are very mild, which also makes it a popular weekend getaway for Europeans from colder climates. The best time to visit Lisbon is in Spring and Autumn when it’s still cool in other parts of Europe.

Hate #2: Slippery Streets & Those Hills

Lisbon is a hilly city with lovely cobblestone streets. The cobblestones really add to the European atmosphere, but when it rains, those cobblestones become super slippery and it’s so easy to fall on your butt. To add to this, there seems to be a lot of dog poop in the streets, so if you happen to fall down, the odds are good that you’re going to end up falling in a pile of dog poop. Be careful out there!

It’s not a bad idea to train on some hills before your trip. Put your treadmill or stairmaster on the hardest setting and you’ll get a feel for Lisbon’s hills.

Five Rules for Choosing Shoes to Wear in Europe

Love #3: Lisbon Nightlife

Going out in Lisbon is really fun. It’s not a nightclub type of town, but more of the kind of place where you can go out and enjoy some beers with friends in the street. There’s a lot of bars and pubs, but also just mingling in some of the streets in neighborhoods like Barrio Alto. 

Hate #3: Dining in Lisbon

This isn’t a complaint about the food in Lisbon, but about the time when meals are eaten. If you are coming from elsewhere in Europe or the United States, you are probably used to eating dinner between 5:00 and 7:00 in the evening. In Lisbon, most restaurants close between 3:00 and 8:00. So, if you want a late lunch or an early dinner, you will be relegated to fast food or some kind of chain restaurant. Lunch is from about 12:30 until 3:00, so make sure you eat something before everything closes until the evening.

Love #4: Lisbon Transportation

It’s really cheap and easy to get around Lisbon. There’s the metro, buses and even taxis are super cheap in Lisbon. You can easily take taxis anywhere you need to go in Lisbon without spending a ton of money, and unless you are coming in from the airport, the taxi drivers generally won’t try to rip you off.

Hate #4: Lisbon Hotels

There seems to be a lack of good low and medium-priced hotels in Lisbon. The lower and mid-range accommodations are kind of crappy, so if you want a decent place to sleep, you really need to pay a bit more and find a nicer hotel to stay in. We rarely recommend this, but in Lisbon sometimes your best option is to stay in a chain hotel. And honestly the hostel scene in Lisbon is really good.

Love #5: Urban and Beach Options

Lisbon is a bustling capital city, but there are amazing beaches within  20 minutes of downtown. It’s the perfect dichotomy for a well-rounded vacation. You can spend one day exploring museums and castles and the next day at the beach. You don’t have to choose between a relaxing beach vacation or a bustling city vacation because Lisbon is both! Once you’ve explored the area, there are also some great Lisbon day trips to check out!

Hate #5: Drug Dealers

There seems to be an abundance of drug dealers in Lisbon, especially along Rua Augusta and the main square. You’ll likely run into several guys pestering you to buy hashish or cocaine or other drugs. It’s a well-known problem and even the locals are bothered by it. They don’t profile, either. They’ll approach parents with young children, seniors traveling, just about anyone. Just keep walking and don’t engage with them. Don’t bother telling the cops, though, as they couldn’t care less.

Hate #6: Weekend Crowds

Lisbon gets super packed on the weekends. It’s a very popular weekend getaway destination for many Portugal residents and Europeans. If you don’t mind crowds, it’s fine, but be prepared to wait for a table if you don’t have a dinner reservation. Ultimately, it’s a testament to how awesome the city is, but I recommend visiting Lisbon mid-week if you can.

Love #6: Food in Lisbon

While dining in Lisbon might be a pain, especially on the weekends, the food makes it all worth it. Don’t bother with any other cuisines in Lisbon; take the opportunity to eat all the Portuguese food that you can. Look for tascas, which are mom-and-pop restaurants that serve traditional Portuguese food. Seafood, pork, and pastries are all amazing!

Hate #7: Overtourism

Lisbon is blessed with so much to offer from the museums, to the weather to the food that a number of people have invsted in the city and tourists from all over the world come to enjoy all that Lisbon has to offer, unfortunately that has led to a bit of a mass tourism problem for Lisbon in the summer. So do be aware that apartment rentals have driven up the cost of living in the city so many locals have had to move out to the suburbs.

Love #7: Lisbon Locals

The locals in Lisbon are the best! They are friendly and they love to have fun. Most of the locals speak English, and are eager to talk to tourists and share their favorite spots. Summer months are filled with outdoor festivals, which is a great way to meet locals.

The New 5 Love & Hates of Lisbon video

Lisbon is a great city and I lived there for over four years because it’s such a fun town. With so many fun things to do in Lisbon, the “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on, rather than a reason not to visit Lisbon. Want more tips for planning your European vacation? Check out these other blog posts:

The original love & hates from Lisbon

Five Things You Will Love & Hate When You Visit New England

Posted on by Mark Wolters

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

Love #1: New England Towns

New England has so many historic towns and villages, from seaside harbors to mountain towns and everything in between. Each town has fun summer festivals, history tours, colonial architecture, and museums. It’s not just the small towns; Boston is a pretty amazing city to visit as well. With everything so close and compact, it’s easy to pick a home base and explore many quaint towns on day trips in New England.

Eight Don’ts of Boston

Hate #1: Driving in New England

I-95 is the main highway running through New England, and it’s always packed with traffic. Even if you go off the interstate and start exploring the side roads, there is almost always a lot of traffic everywhere in New England, especially in the summer. If you are trying to arrive at a certain time, always give yourself a bit more time than what GPS forecasts, so that you can account for any traffic delays en route. It also helps to avoid the major cities at rush hour, where you can easily add a couple of hours. A New England road trip is the best way to explore the area, but you just have to be prepared for traffic.

Love #2: New England History

From Boston Harbor made famous by the tea party to several battlefields, New England is the most historic area of the United States. Also, much of the history in New England is remarkably well-preserved. Touring New England is like walking through a history book. All the things you learned about in school are still on display in New England, which makes it a really cool place to explore and an educational trip for your family.

Hate #2: Prices in New England

New England can be expensive compared to other areas of the U.S. Accommodation and restaurants in New England cost a bit more than any other region in the US that we’ve visited. However, you can get deals by booking your hotel early or staying in a bed & breakfast. Prices also jump up in the summer because that is when the majority of travelers take their New England vacations.

Love #3: New England Food & Drink

New England has some of the best seafood in the United States. If you like lobster, you’ll be in heaven when you visit Maine. Lobster is everywhere; even at McDonald’s. Then there are the clams, clam chowder, crab cakes, and soft-shell blue crabs. Surprisingly, seafood is less expensive here than what you are used to paying back home. It’s still not cheap, but if you live in the Midwest, you are paying more for seafood at home than you will in New England. New England also has a lot of microbreweries, so between the seafood and the interesting beer options, a New England road trip is perfect for foodies.

Hate #3: New England Attitudes

Sometimes this is called the “New England Shield.” The people in New England can seem pretty cold at first. If you think about the size of some of these New England towns, and how many tourists flood in throughout the summer, it’s understandable that the locals might be a bit wary of tourists. But the tourist infrastructure in New England is very well done, and the residents are generally helpful when you need them to be. It can be hard to get to know New Englanders beyond a surface level, but once you do, they are fantastic.

Love #4: Natural Beauty of New England

There are so many beautiful things to see in New England. From the mountains of Stowe, Vermont to the seaside cliffs of Acadia National Park, New England is gorgeous! There’s a reason so many tourists visit New England. It’s such a great place to explore the outdoors; from hiking to kayaking to deep-sea fishing to sailing, there are tons of fun things to do outdoors in New England.

Hate #4: Seasonality of New England

Summer in New England is perfect weather-wise. It’s not too hot, but it’s just perfect summer weather to enjoy. The problem is, everyone knows this and the tourist crowds converge in New England in the summer. Then fall arrives, bursting with color and attracts even more tourists by the busload. The other six months of the year, you have winter in New England, which is some serious winter weather. If you don’t know how to drive on snow and ice, do not come to New England in the winter!

new england travel advice

Love #5: New Englanders

I know I said you might not like them at first, but once you get to know New Englanders, they can be really great. We spent a couple of weeks on our New England road trip and everyone we met was really fantastic. They were all very helpful and friendly. The people are really what makes New England special.

Hate #5: Spotty Cell Coverage

You would think that being in such a densely populated region of the United States, you would not have cell phone issues, but there are a lot of dead zones in New England. There are a lot of dense woods, forests and back roads to explore in New England and many of these spots are out of cell tower range. This can affect your ability to navigate if you are relying solely on your cell phone apps. It’s a good idea to have an actual road atlas or paper map handy for your New England road trip.

Top Ten Family Road Trip Essentials

Overall, New England is a really fantastic place, and we even extended our visit an extra day because we were enjoying it so much. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason to avoid New England travel. Want more tips for planning a US vacation? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate On Your Greece Vacation

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Greece! Greece is a wonderful country, my wife is half Greek and we have lots of great friends here, so we’ve made several trips to Greece. 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 Greece vacation.

Hate #1: Strikes in Greece

You may or may not encounter any strikes in Greece, but if you do, it will likely be your biggest grumble about Greece. There are often transportation strikes, airport strikes and you might also run into protesters, especially if Athens is on your Greece itinerary. We have had to extend our Athens vacation by a day when the air traffic controllers went on strike, so strikes can definitely impact your trips to Greece!

Hate #2: Driving in Greece

The highways in Greece are fine for driving, but once you get off the main highways, there are a lot of narrow winding roads. If you or your kids are prone to motion sickness, you might have some issues driving through the mountains of Greece. Also, if you aren’t from the EU, you’ll need to have an International Driver’s License in order to rent a car in Greece. In the US, you can get one from AAA. Don’t get the ones online, they aren’t the official ones and you might have trouble at the car rental counter.

My Greek girl and boys!

Everything You Need to Know About Renting a Car in Europe

Hate #3: Public Transportation in Greece

If you don’t rent a car in Greece, it can be hard to get around. Greece does not have a great public transportation system like other countries in Europe. You can take a bus between cities, and there are ferries out to the islands, but there aren’t a ton of them and therefore, they get very crowded. Make sure you book ahead and if you don’t book a ferry ticket with a seat, you could very well be standing for 7-8 hours.

Hate #4: Afternoon Siesta in Greece

This won’t affect you as much in the larger cities, but if you are visiting some of the smaller Greek villages, you will find out quickly that everything shuts down from about 2:00 in the afternoon until 6:00 or so. A lot of smaller shops in Greece are also closed on Sundays, so if you plan to do any shopping, be sure to plan ahead!

Hate #5: Elusive Greek Beer

One of my favorite things when traveling is enjoying the food and the beer, but in Greece, it’s nearly impossible to find Greek beer. It exists, but nobody serves it. Everywhere you go, they serve Amstel or Heineken. If you are out and you see Mythos or Fix on the menu, go for it because it’s hard to find! What is nice though is since the financial crisis local beers are making a comeback! So this hate is no longer a thing! Yeah Greek Beer!

The islands are a must visit. We love visiting family in Crete.

Love #1: Food in Greece

My favorite thing about Greece is the food! If you’ve had Greek food in the US, you might think it’s just gyros, pita, feta, and salads. Greek food is so much more than what we have in American Greek restaurants. The chicken and lamb dishes are phenomenal and Greek desserts are amazing! If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love the sweets in Greece. If you don’t know what to order, ask your waiter what their favorite dish is.

The 17 Dont’s of Visiting Greece

Love #2: Crazy Greeks

Yes, Greek people really are as crazy as their reputation! I mean that in the best way possible; they are also crazy nice, super helpful, friendly, and will try to communicate with you even if they don’t speak English. They also have so much pride in their country and village, they love to show travelers around and give them the full Greek hospitality.

Love #3: Greek Island Hopping

When you visit the islands in Greece, you feel like you are in a commercial or a travel magazine. Whether you go to Santorini or Crete or Mykonos, Greek island hopping is a quintessential part of any Greece vacation. You have the best of both worlds on the Greek islands: big party scenes and ancient history. Not to mention the natural beauty!

Love #4: Greek Villages

Athens is great, but some of the best places to visit in Greece are small villages. As you visit smaller villages and towns, you really get a feeling for what the old country is like and you can see how people live a simpler, relaxed life. Staying in smaller towns is a great way to get to know locals and experience a different angle of Greek culture than what you will see in the tourist destinations of Greece.

Love #5: Greek History

Chances are, you’ve been hearing about Greece for a very long time. We studied it in grade school. There is so much ancient history in Greece, it’s hard to comprehend it all. Some of the sites are 6,000 years old! It’s such a cool feeling to finally see all these famous and important places in person. There are so many cool places to visit in Greece that you’ll have a hard time narrowing down an itinerary for your Greece vacation.

Greece is amazing! There are so many things I love about Greece that I didn’t even get into the natural beauty of Greece. Obviously, the “hates” are a real stretch for me to come up with because I love almost everything about Greece. Want more tips for planning a Mediterranean vacation? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate On Your Athens Vacation

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Athens, Greece! It’s a fantastic city with really nice people. 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 Athens vacation.

Hate #1: Taxis in Athens

Not only will you feel like you might get killed in a taxi, but taxis in Athens also have a reputation for ripping off tourists. Not all taxi drivers are bad, but it’s pretty easy to get scammed by a taxi driver in Athens. Before you set out, ask your hotel how much a taxi should cost to your destination, and confirm the price with the driver before you get in the car.

How to Avoid Travel Scams & Rip-Offs

Hate #2: Greek Salad Prices

This may sound silly, but when you eat out in Athens, a fresh Greek salad sounds like the perfect way to enjoy Mediterranean food. A Greek salad in Athens restaurants is twice the price of any other salads on the menu. For some reason, they think they can charge more for a salad by labeling it “Greek.” Order a different salad with some feta cheese on the side and it will be the same thing, but cheaper.

Hate #3: Driving in Athens

Unless you are from Athens, I do not recommend driving around Athens. The people drive very crazily, and it’s one of the most dangerous places in Europe to drive. If you are renting a car to drive around Greece, rent it after you’ve spent a few days in Athens, or return the car at the end of your trip and then visit Athens for a few days. (You will need an international driver’s license to rent a car in Greece!) As a pedestrian, you still have to be super vigilant about paying attention to traffic when you are crossing the streets.

Hate #4: Safety in Athens

Athens is pretty safe in the main tourist areas, but once you leave the main streets, it can get a little bit shady. You should be on the lookout for pickpockets and other people looking to target tourists. If you stay outside of the main area, be extra aware of your surroundings, especially when walking around at night. Athens is a large city of more than 600,000 people, so use the same street smarts you would in any capital city.

The Most Common Pickpocket Techniques

Hate #5: Strikes in Athens

Greece seems to be subject to big economic swings which often results in strikes. This can affect how you get from the airport to the city, or how you get around in the city. We even had to spend an extra day in Athens when the air traffic controllers went on strike. It helps to have some flexibility in your Athens itinerary, and you can check in with your hotel to see if any strikes are going on and what you can do to avoid protest areas.

Love #1: Athens Acropolis

The first time you see the Acropolis of Athens, you will never forget it. It’s such an iconic sight, perched on a hill overlooking Athens. The site dates back to the 4th Century BC. It’s hard to even wrap your head around how long the Acropolis has been looming over the city. Like the Eiffel Tower in Paris or Big Ben in London, the Athens Acropolis is one of the quintessential things to see in Athens. 

Love #2: Athens Neighborhoods

The Athens neighborhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki are the main hub where tourists congregate, but they’re also pretty neat neighborhoods to explore. Of course, there are lots of tourist shops, but there are also tons of small side streets to wander and find little restaurants and unique shops. Scattered throughout these neighborhoods are ancient ruins, so you never know what you’ll stumble upon as you explore Plaka and Monastiraki.

Love #3: Al Fresco Dining in Athens

No matter when you visit Athens, you can always eat outside and enjoy the Mediterranean weather. Dining al fresco is one of my favorite things to do in Athens as it’s the best way to soak up the relaxing atmosphere in Athens. Find a lively square where the people-watching is good, or a restaurant with a nice view of the Parthenon, and relax over a delicious, leisurely meal. (Just don’t order the Greek salad!)

Love #4: Athens History

Walking through Athens is an amazing experience. To be walking through the same streets as Socrates and Aristotle is just something you can’t do anywhere else in the world! There’s the Temple of Zeus, the Parthenon and so many amazing museums in Athens, it’s really mind-blowing to take in all of the historic things to see in Athens.

Love #5: Greek Hospitality

The people in Athens are amazing! Even though it’s the capital city and they see over four million tourists per year, the people are so friendly and welcoming. From the service industry to random people on the street, everyone has been so nice and helpful in Athens. If you are visiting Athens with kids, you don’t have to worry about finding a kid-friendly atmosphere, because every place has been very welcoming of us and our kids.

Athens is really fantastic, 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 an Athens vacation. Want more tips for planning a Mediterranean vacation? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Switzerland Travel

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Switzerland! There are so many cool cities and villages to include in a Switzerland trip – from the Alps to the global banking hub of Geneva. 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 Switzerland travel.

Hate #1: Prices in Switzerland

This is really the only major complaint about Switzerland. It is expensive. If you are traveling on a tight budget, there are not many budget-friendly places to visit in Switzerland. If you think you’ll save money by eating fast food, you can spend $40 for two adult meals plus a Happy Meal. As long as you know the prices ahead of time and budget accordingly, Switzerland is an amazing destination.

How to Cut Costs While You Travel

Seriously, Luzern is one of the prettiest towns in the world

Hate #2: Service in Switzerland

The service in Switzerland is what I would call “off-hand.” The customer is NOT king at most restaurants in Switzerland. It’s pretty typical for central Europe, but when you are paying so much, you tend to expect outstanding service and you will be hard-pressed to find it, especially in the more touristy areas. And remember, you will have to ask for your check at the end of the meal, they won’t automatically bring the bill. Tipping is usually included in the service charge added to your bill, so there’s no need to tip on top of the bill.

Hate #3: Rules in Switzerland

The Swiss really love their rules and they love to enforce them. Switzerland is the only place I’ve been actually fined for breaking a rule (vs. just being scammed for a fee.) If a hostel says “no noise after 10” they mean it and you can risk getting kicked out by breaking the rules. This adherence to rules and regulations is kind of why Switzerland is so famous for watches. As amusing as it may be, this Swiss obedience also translates to a very safe country, so we can’t complain too much about it.

Hate #4: Switzerland Nightlife

If you visit Switzerland expecting a big nightlife scene, there isn’t one, especially when coming from Portugal, Italy, Spain or Germany. When I ask students who studied abroad in Switzerland what their biggest complaint is, it’s the lack of nightlife. A lot of this is due to the high prices; students and young people can’t really afford to go out in Switzerland because it’s so expensive.

Had to use happy kid pictures from Austria here 🙂

Hate #5: Switzerland Not Kid-Friendly

This can be a love or hate depending on how you travel, but we haven’t found Switzerland to be very kid-friendly. We have even been turned away from restaurants because they simply didn’t allow children at all. (If you aren’t visiting Switzerland with kids, you might see this as a bonus!)

Love #1: Switzerland Landscapes

Switzerland is easily one of the most beautiful countries in the world. There are mountains and lakes everywhere you turn. Hiking in the Swiss Alps is some of the best hiking in the world, with lush, green rolling valleys, waterfalls. Switzerland is full of iconic scenery like the Matterhorn, or the highest railway in the world to the Jungfraujoch. Although “Sound of Music” is about Austria, you’ll feel like you’re in the movie as you travel around the Swiss countryside.

Love #2: Swiss Villages

Switzerland has a few large cities, but the best treat of a Switzerland vacation is all of the little villages that you see around Switzerland. Little fortress towns are tucked into each valley, and usually, even the smallest Swiss village has a guesthouse or two, and local history museums. There are so many cool places to visit in Switzerland, you will have a hard time narrowing down a Switzerland itinerary.

Love #3: Mix of Cultures in Switzerland

Switzerland has a unique mix of cultures. Different regions in Switzerland have adapted German, Swiss and Italian cultures. Depending on where you are in the country, the culture can change quite suddenly, as well as the language that is spoken. It’s a bit of a shock to go from the flowery French area one day to the straightforward German area the next. A Switzerland trip is a great way to experience three distinct cultures in one country.

Love #4: Switzerland Transportation

Whether you are traveling within a large city or traveling between small villages in the Alps, you can do it on public transportation. It’s amazing how even the smallest village will have Post-Bus service daily, which you can then use to link up to the train system and go wherever you want to go. Not only does this mean you really don’t need to rent a car in Switzerland, but you can sit back and enjoy the views rather than trying to drive. As you plan out your Switzerland itinerary, research the Swiss Pass to see if it will save you any money on your Switzerland vacation.

Six Rules for European Train Travel

Love #5: Swiss Chocolate & Cheese

Switzerland is known for its chocolate and cheese, and the reputation is well-deserved. If you try anything with chocolate or cheese in Switzerland, it will be delicious. Fondue is very popular, as is Raclette. Chocolate makes a great souvenir to bring home from Switzerland; even the off-brand chocolate that you can find in local grocery stores is delicious!

If you have the money Switzerland is a must see

Switzerland is a fantastic country and a great place for newer travelers to branch out into International Travel. The only real drawback is how expensive everything is in Switzerland. The other “hates” are just slight inconveniences, rather than a reason not to visit Switzerland. Want more tips for planning a European vacation? Check out these other blog posts:

5 Things You Will Love & Hate about Your Amsterdam Vacation

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Amsterdam! It’s a fantastic city with so many fun things to do in Amsterdam. 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 Amsterdam vacation.

Hate #1: Bicycles in Amsterdam

Dodging bicycles in Amsterdam can be a real pain. Buses, cars, and trams all obey traffic rules, but the bikes in Amsterdam do not. Bicycles are everywhere in Amsterdam and probably pose the biggest safety issue for tourists who aren’t paying attention to where they are going. Likewise, if you decide to rent a bicycle in Amsterdam, be on high alert for cars, pedestrians or any traffic.

There are 3 ways to Eat Herring in The Netherlands. What’s your way?

Hate#2: Amsterdam Restaurants

There are so many cool places to visit in Amsterdam, but Amsterdam restaurants aren’t really that cool. Amsterdam has a lot of overpriced, underwhelming restaurants aimed at parting tourists and their money. One thing they do really well are small bites or appetizers, which you can even get in the vending machines or from street vendors. The grocery stores in Amsterdam are pretty good, too, so take this chance to save some money by not eating out in Amsterdam. My favorite food in Amsterdam is french fries and mayonnaise which you can buy from frite stands all over the city.

Hate#3: Dark Tourism in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has been famous for drugs and prostitution for years and many people come here just for those opportunities. It’s not necessarily that those things are bad, but usually what results from them is one of the things I don’t like about Amsterdam: the tourists who can’t control themselves and over imbibe, which often leads to conflicts and messy streets.

Hate #4: Drunk or High Tourists in Amsterdam

Continuing from #3, the tourists who come to Amsterdam just to get high or get drunk can be really annoying. It’s not the local Dutch people who pose problems, but once you have groups of drunk or high tourists roaming the streets, it can feel unsafe. Amsterdam is a great city to visit with kids, but you’ll want to avoid these weekender crowds as much as possible.

The Most Common Reasons Travelers Get Arrested

Yeah, Amsterdam is gorgeous, don’t let the red light district fool you.

Hate #5: Amsterdam Accommodation

There are tons of hostels in Amsterdam, but finding a regular hotel in Amsterdam can be challenging. There aren’t many moderately priced hotels in Amsterdam. You can sometimes find a good apartment rental, but always be prepared to deal with steep, narrow stairs that are not fun with children or those with mobility issues. We ended up in the ER when our son fell down the narrow stairs of our Amsterdam hotel.

Disabled Travel in Europe

Love #1: Amsterdam Museums

Amsterdam has a ton of great museums. The Rijksmuseum has Dutch art and history, the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House, the Rembrandt House Museum and so many more. Amsterdam is so much more than prostitution and drugs. It’s a cultural destination and many people tend to overlook Amsterdam as a historic and educational experience. Don’t miss out on the museums; they are some of the coolest places to visit in Amsterdam.

Love #2: Amsterdam Canals

The canals of Amsterdam are part of what sets the city apart from other European capital cities. Amsterdam has over 30 miles of canals, creating 90 islands that are connected with over 1,500 bridges. Taking a canal tour in Amsterdam is a must, but you can also just stroll along the canals and enjoy the romantic setting. Taking in the canals is just one of the many fun things to do in Amsterdam.

Love #3: Amsterdam Party Scene

It’s a love or hate! The drugs and prostitution are certainly something that makes Amsterdam unique. Walking through the Red Light District is definitely an Amsterdam experience and something you will not soon forget. As more countries and U.S. States legalize or decriminalize marijuana, it will be interesting to see if the Amsterdam coffee houses are still a draw for so many tourists.

Love #4: Amsterdam Architecture

The architecture in Amsterdam is amazing. The city didn’t have as much WWII destruction as other European capitals, so the historic buildings remain today. One of my favorite things to do in Amsterdam is to just wander the canals and admire the different buildings, especially once you get outside of the tourist center. There is an architecture museum in Amsterdam and you can also take a guided architecture tour of Amsterdam.

Love #5: Amsterdam Atmosphere

Amsterdam is a beautiful city. The architecture, the culture, the history, and the people all combine to make this an incredible European destination. It’s a shame that so many people only visit Amsterdam for the coffee shops because they are really missing out on some of the other fun things to do in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is really fantastic, no matter your reason for visiting. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to visit Amsterdam. Want more tips for planning a Netherlands vacation? Check out these other blog posts: