United Kingdom – Wolters World

Do’s and Don’ts of Visiting Stratford-upon-Avon: Tourist Tips You Need to Know

Posted on September 30, 2025September 24, 2025 by Mark Wolters

What NOT to Do on a Trip to Shakespeare’s Stratford Upon Avon

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re sharing some of the don’ts of visiting Stratford Upon Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare. While many travel blogs will tell you the best things to do on a trip to Stratford upon Avon, we also want to share what you should NOT do!

Don’t Be Anti-Shakespeare

While you may not have enjoyed Shakespeare back in high school or college when it was forced upon you, there’s no reason to hate on him now! After all, you’re visiting Shakespeare’s Stratford Upon Avon, so it’s best to keep an open mind. In fact, you might even come to appreciate the Bard of Avon.

There’s even a fountain called the American Fountain that is dedicated to Shakespeare. The money was donated by an American during Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, hence the nickname.

Don’t Miss Shakespeare’s Birthplace

This is one of the top tourist attractions for good reason! It’s a well-done museum with lots of period pieces to give you an idea of what it was like to live here when Shakespeare was growing up. Flash photography and videos are not allowed, but you can take photos. Don’t be afraid to talk to the staff as well, as they are very knowledgeable and happy to answer your questions.

Don’t forget to pre-book your tickets, especially in summer! There are several options depending on how many sites you want to visit.

Don’t Forget the Other Attractions in Town!

Shakespeare’s Birthplace isn’t the only attraction in town. Make sure you don’t miss these attractions as well:

Shakespeare’s New Place is where he lived later in life and eventually died. While the home has been torn down, there is a beautiful garden and commissioned art.
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage is just outside of town. See where Shakespeare’s wife grew up, but don’t let the term cottage fool you. It’s quite large.
You might expect to find Shakespeare buried in the Poet’s Corner of Westminster Abbey, but he’s actually buried at the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford.
The Royal Shakespeare Company holds regular performances and special holiday activities. If you can catch a show, don’t miss it! It’s more than just Shakespeare, though. They feature work by many playwrights and artists.
The Stratford Big Wheel is a fun way to get a bird’s eye view of the village. Thankfully, the carriages are mostly enclosed so you won’t feel too much wind or rain.
Tudor World is definitely a tourist trap, but it can be fun if you’ve got kids traveling with you. Actors dress up in Tudor period garb, and while it’s from the same era as Shakespeare, it’s not just about him.
The Mechanical Art Design Museum is super fun if you’re with kids. It’s like a museum of old-school futuristic mechanical designs.

Don’t Forget to Venture Off Henley Street

Wander down some side streets and take in the architecture that spans at least 4 centuries. But there’s more to see beyond the downtown area. There’s the boat basin, and on the other side of the river, you can visit a butterfly farm.

The Rother Street Market is a fun place to visit on Friday and Saturday, and Sheep Street is a good spot to find a lot of restaurants.

Stratford Upon Avon also makes a great home base for exploring the nearby Cotswolds.

Don’t Expect Solitude

Stratford is a very popular tourist destination, so you can expect to be surrounded by other tourists most of the time. It’s also very popular with school trips and field trips.

Don’t Be Afraid to Rent a Car

The easiest way to reach Stratford Upon Avon is by car. It’s about two hours from Heathrow and less than 30 minutes from Birmingham. Surprisingly, parking isn’t even an issue; you’ll find plenty. You just have to be comfortable driving on the left.

Tips for Driving on the Left

Don’t Worry About Eating Well

There’s a thriving pub and restaurant scene in Stratford. With so many visitors, there are lots of types of restaurants and all kinds of cuisines. The Old Thatch Tavern is touristy, but also a really great pub experience.

For some restaurants, you will need advance reservations, so be sure to do some research first and choose some restaurants you’d like to visit.

Stratford Upon Avon is one of a few places that is both very touristy and very educational. Between historic sites and souvenir shops and sweets shops, there’s something for everyone. Just don’t expect those shops to be open late…this is England, after all! Whether you visit for a day trip or stay overnight, Stratford is easily experienced in 1-2 days, making it a perfect layover stop on your UK road trip.

Want more tips for traveling in the United Kingdom? Check out these blog posts:

The Best & Worst of York, England (Tourist Do’s/Don’ts)

Posted on August 6, 2024August 5, 2024 by Mark Wolters

What NOT to Do When Visiting York

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re discussing what NOT to do when planning a trip to York in the UK. While most travel blogs will tell you the best things to do in York, we want to be sure you know what NOT to do when visiting Mark’s favorite city in England.

Don’t Play Into the York Stereotypes

There’s a York stereotype of wearing flat caps and having a whippet dog, as well as being a bit stingy and/or stubborn. When we have visited York, we’ve never found this to be the case. We always found the York locals to be friendly and helpful.

Don’t Be Shocked if the Locals Overshare

One stereotype that does ring true is that people in York aren’t afraid to speak their minds and will tell you straight out what they think. They don’t mean to be rude, but they are just very direct.

Don’t Think There Are Only Pubs in York

York has a lot of pubs and you might think that pubs are the only thing to see in York, but that’s not the case. It almost feels like you are walking around in a photoshoot for stock footage of English pubs.

10 Shocks of Visiting England

Don’t Forget to Look for Cat Statues

One quirky thing to see in York is the assortment of cat statues scattered around town. There are a couple dozen around Old Town and more in other neighborhoods. There are a lot of cute sculptures and gargoyles in hidden spots around town.

Don’t Expect Much from the York Castle

Clifford’s Tower is about the only part left of the castle. However, it is one of the more popular things to do in York. You can pay an entrance fee and climb to the top for excellent views of the surrounding landscapes. If you want to learn more about the castle, then the York Castle Museum is the place to go. They have rooms decorated for different periods, so you can see how the castle looked over the years.

Don’t Forget to Walk the Walls

There are multiple walls around York and you can walk along the tops of them, which I highly recommend. You’ll get amazing views. If it’s raining, though, it can be very slippery so you have to be extra careful.

Don’t Think Jorvik is a Tourist Trap

When you hear about the JORVIK Viking Center, it might sound like a cheesy tourist trap, but it’s actually really cool. York was a Viking settlement at one point, and this museum has an impressive collection of artifacts from those times.

Don’t Skip Taking Day Trips from York

It’s only two hours by train from London to York and there are hourly trains every day. York is a great day trip from London, but it’s really worth spending a night or two in York.

Getting out of York proper is a great idea! Explore the Yorkshire countryside! It’s easy to rent a car, and there are trains to many York day trip destinations.

Five Things You’ll Love About Visiting England

Don’t Be Surprised if You Don’t Understand the Accent

York is in the northern part of England, and they have a different accent from those in the South and London. It’s not super difficult to understand, but you do have to pay closer attention when listening to a local from Yorkshire speak.

Some of the dialects are different as well. Streets are often called gates or the name will end in -gate. These are not the gates to the walls; those are called bars. There are four bars in York where you can access the walls. If you’re looking for a pint, then you want a pub, not a bar!

Don’t Worry About Safety in York

York is very safe, especially for tourists. You don’t see the pickpockets and scams you might experience in London. It’s one of the reasons that it’s my favorite city in England. It’s just easy and enjoyable to visit.

Don’t Bother Withdrawing Cash

Almost every place in York accepts credit cards, so it’s not really necessary to carry much cash when you visit York. We even saw a few places that do not accept cash at all.

Don’t Think York is Expensive

London is one of the most expensive cities in the world to visit, so many travelers assume York will be the same. It’s actually very affordable to plan a trip to York. Accommodation, food, tours, and attractions are all a great value and not overpriced at all.

Don’t Expect Evening Hours

Many shops and museums in York close early. If you have plans to do some shopping, make sure you get it done early in the day. Many museums close around 4 pm, and shops about an hour later. Evening hours are for the pubs!

Don’t Miss Out on Food in Yorkshire

York and Yorkshire have some pretty good food. From Yorkshire pudding to Yorkshire custard, and Yorkshire tea are all worth sampling. I highly recommend the Yorkie Pud Wrap from the York Roast Co. It’s like a Yorkshire Pudding / Sunday Roast / Burrito. Another specialty to try is the local chocolate; KitKats are actually from York!

And you can’t miss afternoon tea in York. Betty’s is probably the most famous, but there are many tea houses in York where you can have afternoon tea.

Don’t Miss the Shambles

If you are a Harry Potter fan, you’ll love the vibes in the Shambles. This narrow street is lined with preserved medieval buildings dating back to the 1300s. If you’ve watched all the Harry Potter movies, it may feel a bit like deja vu when you walk around.

Don’t Assume Accessibility

York is a medieval town, and not all of it has been retrofitted to be accessible for everyone. If you have mobility issues, be sure to call your York accommodation ahead of time to ask questions. Many older buildings have only stairs, and wobbly, narrow stairs at that! There are more modern hotels in York, so just make sure you choose accordingly.

Don’t Forget to Research Ghost Tours

With so much history, York is rumored to be haunted and there are many ghost tours you can take. Don’t just assume there’s only one tour. They all pretty much cover the same ground, but they start and end in different places, so choose the one that works best for you.

Don’t Miss out on York Museums

There are some great museums in York that you should not miss! Depending on your interests, I would recommend any of these York museums in addition to the Castle Museum and JORVIK mentioned previously:

York Army Museum
York Dungeon
Yorkshire Museum
York Art Gallery
National Railway Museum (largest railway museum in the world!)
Fairfax House

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Between the history, architecture, cathedrals, cool stores, and great museums, it’s easy to see why this is Mark’s favorite city in England. It’s affordable and accessible, with lots of cool options for a day trip from York UK.

Want more tips for visiting the United Kingdom? Check out some of our other blog posts:

Best vs Worst of Edinburgh – What drives tourists nuts & makes them fall in love with EDI

Posted on May 27, 2024May 22, 2024 by Mark Wolters

The Best and Worst of Visiting Edinburgh

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about Scotland’s capital city: Edinburgh. We think it’s a beautiful city and a great destination for travelers, especially first-time international travelers from the United States. Before you plan your trip to Scotland, these are our favorite and least favorite things about visiting Edinburgh.

Best of Edinburgh:

The Royal Mile is one of the coolest parts of Edinburgh. It extends from the Edinburgh Castle down to Holyrood House and St. Charles Cathedral. You can go inside these places and see so many cool artifacts like the Crown Jewels of Scotland. Everywhere you look, you’ll be wowed by the architecture and history. There’s a reason all the tourists are concentrated along the Royal Mile.

Edinburgh has seven hills in the city, and they each offer fantastic views of Edinburgh. You can also get some really good photos of the castle because it sits above the city on a hill. Some cities are quite flat, so getting a good vantage point can be challenging, but it’s easy to find great views in Edinburgh. While the Royal Mile is great, be sure to get out and explore other areas, too.

The shops in Edinburgh are another thing we love. There are vintage shops, kooky shops, and tourist shops, The High Street shops are found in New Town, but Old Town Edinburgh is known for eccentric shops. It’s actually fun to buy souvenirs in Edinburgh! Many shops do close at 6:00 though, so make sure you plan ahead for your shopping.

Finding hidden gems in Edinburgh is super fun, and easy to do! A few of our favorites include:

Museum of Childhood is on the Royal Mile and portrays childhood throughout the ages
The Scottish Storytelling Centre, also on the Royal Mile, is great as Scotland has such a rich history of storytelling.
Roslyn Chapel is a great day trip and you can get there on public transport.

Hiking outside of town, even to Arthur’s Seat, which is not a hidden gem, is a great way to explore Edinburgh. Even Glasgow is just 45 minutes by train and has a totally different vibe than Edinburgh.

The tourism infrastructure in Edinburgh is fantastic. There are tons of choices for accommodations in Edinburgh: from hotels, B&Bs, and apartment rentals. There are even some great hostels in Edinburgh. There are options in all price ranges, but of course, prices go up in the summer. There are also plenty of pubs and restaurants, and the signage and guides in the tourism industry are quite helpful. The locals are friendly and helpful, which is great for tourists.

Getting around Edinburgh is easy, with buses and trams that go all over, including the airport. It’s about 40 minutes to take the tram from the airport to the last city stop.

Worst of Edinburgh:

Driving in Edinburgh can be a real pain. I do recommend renting a car when you visit Scotland because you will want to drive around the countryside, but when you’re in the capital, it’s a big hassle. Finding a parking spot in Edinburgh is a challenge. I recommend only renting a car for the time you are not in Edinburgh and returning your car before your time in the city. But remember, they drive on the left!

Getting oriented is also challenging. Those seven hills that offer amazing views also offer a lot of uphill and downhill walking. (bring good shoes!) When you’re looking at a map, it may look like a straight shot to your destination, but that doesn’t always translate to the city’s topography. There may be hills or bridges in your way.

On the weekends especially, you will have to deal with tourist crowds in Edinburgh. It’s a popular weekend getaway destination, but most of the crowds are concentrated near the Royal Mile, from the cathedral to the castle. You can easily avoid this by visiting in the off-season or during the week if you’re coming in the summer. (If you don’t like crowds, avoid August as it’s festival season, and the streets are packed shoulder to shoulder!)

Arriving at the Edinburgh airport is my least favorite part of visiting Scotland. The city has outgrown the airport, which feels very small and outdated. If you have a morning flight, give yourself plenty of time to get through the airport. It takes longer than you think it will. The tram into the city from the airport is nice, though!

Visiting Edinburgh with kids has some challenges, but overall it’s a very cool place to bring kids. Most bars will not allow children after 8 pm, so if you’re planning a quick pub dinner, you need to plan accordingly.

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Clearly, our “worst” things about Edinburgh are mild annoyances and not a reason to avoid planning to trip to Edinburgh. It’s a fantastic city, with lovely people, beautiful architecture and history, with lots of quirky things to see and eat. Want more Scotland travel tips? Check out these blog posts!

Two Week Scotland Itinerary for a First Time Visitor

Posted on July 30, 2020July 21, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about how to build a travel itinerary for Scotland. Sometimes the most difficult part of travel is deciding where to go and building out a travel itinerary. There are so many cool places to visit in Scotland that it can be hard to narrow them down. This Scotland travel itinerary covers a two-week trip, so you can increase or decrease accordingly, depending on how much time you have to spend in Scotland.

Edinburgh

It’s best to start your Scotland itinerary in Edinburgh. The capital city is a great place to begin your trip and learn about the history of Scotland. Edinburgh is loaded with historical sites that are concentrated in the old town center. It’s a very walkable city, too. Some highlights of Edinburgh include:

Edinburgh Castle
Holyrood House
Walk the Royal Mile
The Museum of Childhood
National Gallery
National Museum of Scotland
Shopping on Princes Street
Hike up Arthur’s Seat

Stirling

Once you’ve brushed up on Scottish history in Edinburgh, I suggest going to Stirling, which is about an hour away. You can spend one night there and cover the highlights in a day, or you can even visit on a day trip from Edinburgh. Some things to do in Stirling include:

Stirling Castle
William Wallace Memorial
Church of the Holyrood
Stirling Smith Art Gallery

Fort William

Continuing on, Fort William is about two hours from Stirling and is a nice base for some outdoor activities in Scotland. Located near Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, there are many places to hike and explore waterfalls and lochs near Fort William. There are many cool small towns to choose from in Scotland; we like Fort William because of the access to everything nearby.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Scotland

Isle of Skye

After another two-hour drive, you arrive at the Isle of Skye, one of the most beautiful places in Scotland. Make sure you stop at the Eilean Donan Castle on the way! If you are looking for wild and natural beauty, the Isle of Skye is the place for you! Finding accommodation on the Isle of Skye can be difficult, so we often stay in nearby Plockton. There are a lot of cool sites on the Isle of Skye. Some of our favorites are:

Kilt Rock
The Old Man of Storr

Mistakes to Avoid When You Visit Scotland

Inverness

From Skye, we head to Inverness. Along the way, be sure to stop at Loch Ness to learn the history of the Loch Ness Monster. Our boys really loved our stop at Urquhart Castle, too. Inverness is the de facto capital of the Northern Highlands, which is another beautiful region of Scotland. Black Isle is another great place to see nearby. We recommend spending a few days of your Scotland itinerary in the Scottish Highlands before continuing on.

edinburgh airport — Scotland is so much fun even the kids get along.

Aberdeen

From the Highlands, we head back East to Aberdeen. Along the way from Inverness to Aberdeen, there are several castles and ruins to check out. Aberdeen is known as “the Granite City” due to all of the granite buildings and monuments. Scotland’s third-largest city is an important shipping and fishing hub, so there is a lot of maritime history here as well.

Shetland Islands

From Aberdeen, we recommend flying to the Shetland Islands. This archipelago off the northern coast of Scotland has a lot of historic sites from the Iron Age and Bronze Age. Within the Shetland Islands, you can take ferries around to explore the various islands. The Orkney Islands are another popular destination in this region.

Glasgow

From the islands, I recommend flying back to Glasgow to wrap up your Scotland travel itinerary. While Glasgow is a more industrial city than Edinburgh, there are still many cool things to see, in addition to a growing foodie scene. Glasgow has really been undergoing a cultural revolution over the last decade or so.

Kelvin Grove Art Gallery
Botanical Gardens
Glasgow Street Art

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While I do recommend spending as much time in Scotland as you can, realistically most of us have limited vacation time. This Scotland itinerary is meant to help you enjoy a two-week trip to the region, getting to know some of my favorite places. Even if you can only spend one week in Scotland, it’s well worth the journey! Looking for more tips on travel in the UK? Check out these other blog posts:

What Tourists Should Know Before They Visit Wales

Posted on June 18, 2020June 8, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about the things you need to know before you travel to Wales. Wales is a fantastic family travel destination that is often overlooked in favor of the nearby countries of England, Ireland, or Scotland. We love Wales, so we’re sharing some of our best Wales vacation tips with you.

A Wales Vacation is Outdoor-Focused

When you travel to Wales, you should plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. Don’t expect a lot of urban attractions in Wales. Cardiff is a nice city to visit, but overall, you will spend most of your Wales vacation outdoors. Wales has several cool national parks, and so many outdoor areas to explore. Hiking and cycling are both very popular activities in Wales. Some of our favorite outdoor places in Wales include:

Snowdonia National Park (an international Dark Sky Reserve)
Brecon Beacons National Park
Pembrokeshire Coast

wales vacation — Be ready for some hiking & a bit of rain.

Castles & Castles Ruins in Wales

In addition to beautiful outdoor spaces, Wales has a ton of castles and castle ruins. Wales is sometimes called the “castle capital of the world.” At one time, there were an estimated 600 castles in Wales. Today, about 100 of those remain, many of them in ruins. However, many Wales castles have been restored to their original glory.

Wales Weather

If there’s one drawback to visiting Wales, it’s the weather. It rains a lot in Wales. While it doesn’t rain constantly, chances are pretty good that you’ll have at least one rainy day on your Wales vacation. Make sure you bring good waterproof boots and a good rain jacket.

Where to Stay in Wales

With few cities of any size, you’re not going to find many large hotel chains in Wales. Most Wales accommodation is at a bed-and-breakfast, or home rentals through sites like Airbnb. There are also hostels in Wales if you are traveling on a tight budget. We rented a cottage just outside of town, where we had the amenities of home, with a quick drive into town if we needed anything.

Dining Out in Wales

You will likely eat at a pub or two when you are in Wales. When you order your food at the counter, make sure you know your table number, as they’ll need that to deliver your food. Just know that if you’re visiting Wales with kids, they won’t be allowed in the pubs after certain hours. The food in Wales is surprisingly good!

What to Eat in Wales

Getting Around Wales

There are some buses and trains to get around Wales, however, the best option is to have your own rental car. Given that Wales is not an “urban exploration” destination, you really want to have the flexibility of being able to go where you want and get out for a hike at your own leisure.

Driving on the Left in the UK & Ireland

Welsh Locals

We found the locals in Wales to be very friendly and open. They have a great sense of humor and often quizzed us on why we would choose to visit rainy Wales instead of someplace sunny and warm. The service was also good, so there aren’t really any concerns from that perspective.

Wales tourism — Fun times were had by all in Wales.

Wales Travel Basics

Some additional things you should know before you visit Wales:

Wales currency is the British Pound, the same as in England.
Credit cards are widely accepted, especially Visa or MasterCard
Banks and grocery stores are your best spot for finding an ATM
Most stores close by 6 pm, so get your shopping done early
WiFi is widely available in most Wales accommodation and restaurants
Cell coverage can be spotty in the countryside; make sure you have a GPS unit in your car for navigation
Electrical outlets are the same as the rest of the UK, so you’ll need an adapter if you’re coming from the United States or elsewhere in Europe.

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We loved our Wales vacation, and encourage fellow travelers and nature lovers to visit Wales, too! Looking for more tips on Wales travel? Check out these other blog posts:

Left Side Driving: Driving in Ireland & the UK

Posted on May 15, 2020May 10, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about left side driving. Driving on the left is one of the big reasons many people don’t explore more of England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. It can be intimidating, but it’s worth it because you can see so much more if you have your own car.

Car Rental in the UK

There are plenty of rental car agencies to choose from, including global brands like Hertz and Avis. We find it easiest to rent a car directly at the airport unless we are first going to spend a few days in a larger city like London or Dublin, where a car is not needed. You do not need an international driver’s license for driving in Ireland or the UK, so that’s one less thing to worry about!

Everything You Need to Know About Renting a Car in Europe

Most Cars are Manual Transmission

In the UK, most rental cars are still manual transmission, also known as a stick shift. You can get an automatic, but it will cost a lot more. If you don’t know how to drive a stick shift, it’s worth learning because you’ll save a lot of money on your car rental.

Pay for the GPS

When you rent your car, I recommend getting the GPS that is offered. The best part of driving in Scotland, Ireland or Wales is that you can get out into countryside and explore small villages. The downside is you might not have cell phone coverage out there! It’s a nice peace of mind to have when you’re out exploring off the beaten path. GPS is also helpful in the roundabouts because it will tell you which exit to take.

Top Ten Road Trip Essentials

Pay for the Insurance

I also recommend adding additional insurance at the rental car agency, especially if you are not super comfortable driving on the left. Again, it’s more for peace of mind than anything else. Just don’t assume your auto insurance from home or your credit card will cover any damages you incur.

driving tips — It is always an adventure when you drive on your own.

Do Not Drive in London!

As I mentioned already, we do not keep a rental car for our entire trip if we are visiting the larger cities. In a place like London, having a car is more of a burden than anything else. We typically start our trip by exploring outside of the city, return the car and then spend a few days in the city before flying home. Parking is expensive and hard to come by and traffic is a nightmare. With easy to use public transportation, there’s no reason to have a car in London.

Roundabouts

Roundabouts are actually more confusing than driving on the left. We are starting to see these more in the States, so they are not as foreign, but they still take some getting used to. The lane you choose in the roundabout will depend on where you plan to exit the roundabout. What’s great is that if you miss your exit, you can just circle around again. Just don’t end up like Clark Griswold in European Vacation!

Traffic Lights

Red, yellow, and green still mean the same thing that they do everywhere. However, some of the traffic lights will give you a yellow light as it turns from red to green. This is simply to give you a head’s up that your light is about to turn green. This is especially handy in a stick shift, as you’ll have a second to get the car back into gear before taking off.

Traffic Enforcement

Police and fire engines almost always have their lights on. It doesn’t mean you are getting pulled over. When you hear the sirens, that’s when you need to pull over. The motorways have variable speed limits, and they are equipped with speed cameras, so mind your speed at all times. This means the speed limit on the same stretch of road can vary based on road conditions and traffic, so you always have to pay attention. We once got a ticket mailed to our US home because we were captured driving in Scotland in a bus lane.

parking in the UK — Parking is always fun in the UK & Ireland.

Parking is a Premium

Even outside of London, parking can be very expensive in some areas. Make sure you are factoring this into your accommodation prices, and if parking is not included, find out how much more you are going to pay for parking your rental car.

When you are driving in England and need to pay for parking, most places will have a pay station. You’ll have to enter your license plate number into the pay station in order to pay for your parking spot. You’ll get a receipt that you place on your dashboard.

Gas is in Liters

You may see the gas prices and think it’s a steal, but it’s actually measured in liters. There are 3.78 liters in a gallon, so it will add up quickly. Petrol is quite expensive in Europe, which is why you see so many small cars on the road. Between narrow lanes and high petrol prices, nobody is driving the big SUV’s that Americans are so fond of. We always buy the rental car package that allows us to return the car on empty, as it can be hard to find gas stations near the airport.

Expect Narrow Lanes

There are few ultra-wide roads like we are used to in the States. The farther into the countryside you explore, the more narrow the lanes will become. Sometimes the road will even narrow down to one lane for two directions of traffic. Just look for spots where you can pull out to let someone by. If need be, just take it a bit slower than you are used to. There’s really nothing to worry about if you are paying attention.

Ireland and UK Driving takes some getting used to, but it’s pretty easy after the first day. It’s worth it to learn how because you’ll have so much more freedom to explore small towns. If you want more tips on travel in Europe, check out some of our other blog posts:

9 Things Tourists Should NOT Do in England

Posted on March 18, 2020March 20, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Greetings from England! Today we’re sharing the don’ts of traveling in England.

English castle tourism — Oh look another castle!!!

England Travel Tip #1: Don’t Worry if You Don’t Understand the English

Many travelers from other English speaking countries may have a hard time understand the English spoken in England. The accents vary within the country, and some of the sayings or phrases aren’t well known outside of England. Some examples include: taking the piss, Bob’s your uncle, gutted, brolly, cheeky, gaff, leg it, gobsmacked and minging. English humor can be very different so it’s hard to tell if someone is making fun or being serious sometimes.

England Travel Tip #2: Don’t Be Scared of the Food

English food is not as bad as the reputation it gets. While it may not be a “foodie” destination, the food scene in England has improved a ton over the last 20 years since I started coming here. There is a lot of international food to enjoy, but traditional English food can be pretty tasty. Pub classics like shepherd’s pie or Sunday roast are really good, not to mention the fish and chips if you are near the ocean. You might actually be surprised at some of the good food you’ll try in England.

Watch: Traditional English Food: What to Eat in England

England Travel Tip #3: Don’t Just Stay in Hotels

England has so many great accommodation options; one of the quintessential parts of traveling through England is to stay in Bed & Breakfasts. There’s a whole network of inns and guest houses throughout the countryside, which you can string together for a fun and authentic English road trip. By staying with a local family, you’ll get so much more information and history about the area than you would from a hotel.

England vacation tips — Don’t think England is just London. There is so much more.

England Travel Tip #4: Don’t Be Scared to Drive

Yes, they drive on the left side of the road in England, but don’t be scared to drive when you are visiting. Do make sure you know how to drive a stick shift, though. Public transport through the countryside of England gets expensive, so it’s really more economical to rent a car, and this gives you more freedom to explore. It’s a bit odd when you first drive on the left, but after your first roundabout, you’ll be a pro.

Watch: Everything You Need to Know About Renting a Car in Europe

England Travel Tip #5: Don’t Forget to Look Right When Crossing the Street

Because they drive on the left in England, you also have to pay attention to this as a pedestrian. Make sure to look to the right, not the left, when crossing the street.

England Travel Tip #6: Don’t Think That London is the Only Place in England

London is a great city, but it’s not all that England has to offer. Imagine if an English tourist only ever visited New York and thought they saw “America.” Exploring the country outside of London is an entirely different experience; from Dover to York to Brighton. (Also, don’t confuse England and Britain. Britain includes Scotland and Wales, not just England.)

Watch: What to See & Do in Bath, England

England Travel Tip #7: Don’t Forget Your P’s & Queues

Politeness is key in England, and you will hear “sorry” over and over again because they are just very polite and proper. It’s considered rude to be late in England, also. This applies to queues as well, so don’t jump the queue.

England Travel Tip #8: Don’t Forget a Rain Coat

It doesn’t rain all the time in England, but it does rain often. So it’s a good idea to have a waterproof jacket, and waterproof shoes for when it does rain. You can buy a cheap umbrella, but you don’t want to spend travel money on coats and shoes if you already have them.

Read: Five Rules for What Shoes to Wear in Europe

England Travel Tip #9: Don’t Forget to Go to the Pub

England is definitely a pub culture, and the place to go for a pint, a chat or a tasty meal. The local pub is a great place to really see the “locals in action.” And it is definitely something you do not want to miss out on when you are in England. Also, take note of the fun names that a lot of the pubs have.

English tourism information — Jolly good times are had in England.

These are just nine simple “don’ts” to help you better enjoy your England vacation. For more travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos:

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!