Category: United Kingdom

Five Things You Will Love & Hate On Your Scotland Vacation

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit the country of Scotland! Scotland is one of the prettiest countries in Europe and I’ve made several trips to Scotland over the years. 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 Scotland vacation.

It’s an older video, but you can’t beat that view

Hate #1: Prices in Scotland

Scotland is expensive. Whether it’s food, public transportation, accommodation, and Scotland attractions, they are all expensive. Add in a poor exchange rate for the US and it becomes even more expensive to visit Scotland. When planning your Scotland itinerary, make sure you are budgeting to account for the higher prices as well as the fluctuating exchange rate. (Scotland uses the Pound Sterling, not the Euro, although the values are usually fairly close.)

How to Save Money While Traveling

Hate #2: Business Hours in Scotland

Most shops in Scotland close after 6:00, so if you want to go shopping after 6:00, you’re pretty much out of luck. I ripped my pants in the evening and had to wait until the next day to buy a new pair. Don’t count on shopping in Scotland in the evening! In fact, if you visit the smaller villages of Scotland, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything open other than a local pub or restaurant.

A road trip around Scotland is an incredible family experience

Hate #3: Scotland Accommodation

It can be really difficult to find decent, affordable accommodation in Scotland. The good places that aren’t outrageously expensive will book up months in advance, so you have to plan far ahead if you want to save money. As soon as you have mapped out your Scotland itinerary, your first step should be to secure your Scotland accommodation.

Hate #4: Public Transportation in Scotland

Many of the best things to see in Scotland are scattered throughout the countryside and they are not easy to reach using public transportation. Trains pretty much go to the major cities, leaving you with expensive buses and infrequent service. If you really want to see Scotland, you need to rent a car and drive yourself.

Hate #5: Scotland Weather

Like England and Ireland, the weather in Scotland isn’t that great. If you visit Scotland in the winter, it’s gray and rainy with very few hours of daylight. Summers have a lot of daylight, but it’s still gray and rainy quite a bit. Always be prepared for rain in Scotland, no matter which season you decide to visit. If you find yourself enjoying a warm, sunny day in Scotland, consider yourself lucky!

Rainy Day Travel Advice

Love #1: Scottish People

The people of Scotland are so nice and you’ll have some of the best service in Europe when you visit Scotland. From the bartenders to the police officers, everyone is super friendly and helpful. Scotland is known for warmth and hospitality, which is a big draw for over two million travelers per year who make trips to Scotland.

Edinburgh rocks for so many reasons

Love #2: Scottish Castles


One of the coolest things to see in Scotland are the castles. They are seemingly everywhere and come in all shapes and sizes. It is estimated that Scotland at one time had over 2,000 castles, many of which are now ruins. The oldest standing castle in Scotland is the Aberdour Castle, which dates back to the early 13th century. The most photographed castle in Scotland is the scenic Eilean Donan Castle, which sits on a small island surrounded by water and mountains. It’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Scotland.

Love #3: Scottish Countryside

Scotland is such a beautiful country, with mountains and lakes in every direction. Rolling green hills, fields of heather and the aforementioned castles and castle ruins seem to sprout from each hill. Some of the best places to visit in Scotland include the Isle of Skye, Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, Scotland’s Highest Mountain (Ben Nevis) and many lakes, including the famous Loch Ness.

Love #4: Scottish Whisky

Apart from the natural beauty of Scotland, some of my favorite places to visit in Scotland are the whisky distillery tour. Even if you don’t drink whisky or Scotch, a distillery tour is a great educational experience where you can learn about the official drink of Scotland. You can learn the difference between Scotch and Whisky and sample some of this quintessential Scottish booze. There are over 100 whisky distilleries in Scotland, so you won’t have to go far to find a tour!

Love #5: Outdoor Adventure in Scotland

If you love to be outside, you’ll love Scotland. There are great hiking trails all over the country, including two famous long-distance trails: Rob Roy Way at 128 kilometers and the West Highland Way at 154 kilometers. Scotland is a premier hiking destination. If golf is more your speed, Scotland is where golf was invented. There are over 500 golf courses in Scotland, including the famous St. Andrews course.

Yes, you can ride the Harry Potter train… in Scotland!

Scotland is amazing, it’s just so beautiful and totally worth the trip. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to visit Scotland. Want more tips for planning a trip to the United Kingdom? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate on Your London Vacation

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit London, England! There are so many cool places to visit in London and the sightseeing in London is fantastic! 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 your London vacation.

Hate #1: London Weather

The weather in London kind of sucks. It rains a lot and it can be quite chilly, even in the middle of summer. That said, it’s pretty temperate year-round, so while the summers aren’t very warm, the winters aren’t very cold. Expect gray, rainy days any time of year in London. Always have a rain jacket or umbrella so the weather doesn’t put a damper on any of your planned activities in London.

Hate #2: Prices in London

London is very expensive. London sightseeing, accommodation, and restaurants will all put a big dent in your travel budget. Some places to visit in London,  like the Tower of London, Westminster Cathedral and Madame Tussaud’s are each over $30 or $40 for one adult admission. For a family of four, you could easily spend $150 on one London attraction. You can find discounts and deals if you look in advance, and some of the best places to visit in London are free, but this won’t be an inexpensive vacation no matter where you cut corners.

How to Cut Costs While You Travel

Hate #3: London Transportation

This is a love/hate because the Tube is great, but there are lots of transportation issues in London. Trains always seem to be delayed, and lots of trains don’t run on Sundays. Don’t book an early morning Sunday flight and expect to take the train to the airport. The Tube is also expensive like everything else in London. It’s still cheaper than taking a taxi around, but your Tube tickets can add up quickly. Do some research online before you go to see if a multi-day pass or the Oyster Card will be a better option for your London vacation.

London Airport Connections

Hate #4: Fewer British-isms

London is really an international city, so you don’t get as much of a British feel as you might expect. Yes, there are key British historical spots in London, but it’s a huge city and quite a cultural melting pot. This is also a love/hate because you can get great international cuisine in London. However, you won’t get the quaint British village pub experience until you go outside of the city.

Hate #5: Look Right First!

Safety is an issue for tourists who aren’t used to cars driving on the left. Whether you are driving or walking the streets, make sure you are looking right before crossing or staying on the left while driving. I’ve seen people get hurt by not looking in the right direction when crossing the street.

Love #1: London Museums

Whether you are visiting palaces, the Hampton Court, the British Museum or any other of the museums in London, you can easily fill a months’ vacation just with museums of London. A lot of the public museums in London are free, so that helps balance out the high price of your London vacation. Before you go, research your desired activities in London and see if a sightseeing card will be a good option for you. These often combine multiple attractions into one ticket price, with a discount over purchasing individual admission tickets.

Love #2: British Traditions

Seeing the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is one of the coolest things to do in London. And you can still find the red telephone booths around the city. There are still some cool spots where you can see and experience traditional British customs in London, even though it has become a huge international city.

Love #3: International Culture of London

As I said, this is a love and hate because if you are expecting a quaint English town, you’ll be disappointed. However, as an international melting pot of cultures, London is amazing! Over 30% of London’s population is foreign-born, meaning you can experience so many different cultures and cuisines in London. It’s really a unique experience to see all the cultures in one big city.

Love #4: Food in London

Although I often make fun of English food, that’s not the case in London. With so many international cultures living in London, it’s possible to get amazing food from all over the world. London has over 60 Michelin-starred restaurants. Some of the best restaurants in London serve Italian, French, Indian, and Chinese food. Going to traditional pubs for a pint is also a great London experience.

Love #5: Tourist Infrastructure in London

As a tourist, London is amazingly easy to visit. The Tube goes everywhere, you can book tours for anything. The police are super helpful and the whole city is very organized, making it very easy to get around and plan your trip. When people ask me where to go for their first trip overseas, I often suggest London because it’s easy (if not expensive) to travel in London. It’s also easy to reach from the United States, so it’s possible to get cheap flights to London.

Look! I visited London skinny once!

London is really fantastic and there’s a reason they get so many tourists every year. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to visit London. Want more tips for traveling in England? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate on Your England Vacation

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit the country of England! England is a great place to visit and I often recommend England for a first-time international trip. 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 England vacation.

Hate #1: Weather in England

The weather in England is not great. It does rain a lot and it never really gets hot. Even in June, you will need an extra layer of clothing and a waterproof layer. It doesn’t get super cold in the winter, but it also doesn’t get super hot in the summer. The best time to visit England is in the summer when you have the smallest chance of rain. However, you should always be prepared for rain in England or it can really put a damper on your trip.

Hate #2: Public Transportation in England

You’ll probably use public transportation quite a bit to get around England, but it can be frustrating. Train tickets are very expensive; sometimes it’s actually cheaper to fly from London to York or from London to Edinburgh than it is to purchase a train ticket. There are also a lot of delays in the train system, so make sure you build some extra time into your England vacation to account for train delays.

Family road trip through England is a wonderful experience

Hate #3: Tourist Safety in England

They drive on the left in England, which inherently poses some safety issues for tourists. Whether you are driving or just crossing the street, you have to constantly remind yourself that they drive on the left. It’s very common for a tourist to look the wrong way and then step out in front of a car. You just have to be vigilant about paying attention and when driving in England, it helps to have a passenger keeping an eye out for you as well.

What to Know Before Your First Trip to Europe

Hate #4: Prices in England

London is very expensive. Once you get outside of London, prices are a bit better but still higher than some other countries. Your vacation money will go twice as far in Portugal or Spain than in England. It’s totally worth visiting, just be prepared to budget a little more for your England vacation. Once you’re there, search out free things to do in England, like the British Museum. The best way to save money in England is to get out of London as quickly as possible.

Hate #5: Great Expectations of English Culture

In the US, our impression of English culture is based on movies and TV. We probably watch too much Downton Abbey, so we tend to expect English people to be very refined. England is great, and the people are great, but they aren’t all prim and proper like you might expect. Just like any culture, English people run the gamut of personalities. There are definite safety issues in England and English people can get rowdy, especially when it comes to football and rugby matches. Don’t assume everything is safe and serene like a TV show.

Love #1: English Culture & Customs

Some of the things I love most about England are the “English-isms.” From the rituals of Changing of the Guard to the British sense of humor, the people of England are fantastic. Even in the service industry, they are so helpful and friendly. It’s really cool to experience the chippies serving fish and chips, seeing corner pubs everywhere, and pretty much every English stereotype you would expect comes to life in England. This is even more evident when you get out of London into some of the English villages.

Bath is way more than just a day trip from London

Love #2: England Outside of London

There is so much more to see in England outside of London. London is great, but you wouldn’t say New York represents all of America any more than London is representative of all of England. You really have to rent a car and get out into the small districts and villages. The English countryside is beautiful, and there are quaint English villages all over the country. And then you have other cities you can visit, like Liverpool or Manchester. England even has beach destinations in the south! When planning your England vacation, make sure you build in some time outside of London so you can experience the “real England.”

Everything You Need to Know About Car Rentals and Driving in Europe

Love #3: Public Transportation

England has a really good tourist infrastructure. Although it’s expensive and there can be delays, the buses and trains go pretty much everywhere. They make it really easy to get around, even to some of the smallest English villages. If you aren’t comfortable driving in England, it doesn’t mean you are stuck in London or that you have to join a group tour of England. While I recommend renting a car for maximum flexibility, it is possible to explore England by public transportation.

Love #4: Service in England

England has the best service in Europe. The service in England is very professional and helpful. It’s the closest you’ll find to American service overseas. If you get lost, you can pop into pretty much any shop and they’ll gladly help you find your way. English people, in general, are super helpful, and the service industry is no exception.

Love #5: English Pubs

You can’t visit England without at least one trip to the local pub for fish and chips. The English pub atmosphere is totally unique, especially in smaller English villages where it’s the local gathering place for families and friends. Nothing will make you feel more English than having a warm pint of beer with fish and chips in a local pub.

Just love jolly old England

England is really great, and if you haven’t traveled internationally, it’s the perfect first-time trip overseas. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to visit England. Want more tips for traveling in the United Kingdom? Check out these other blog posts:

Don’ts of Wales: What Not to Do On Your Wales Vacation

Posted on by admin

Greetings from Wales! Every travel blog tells you what to do when you travel, but we like to tell you what not to do, so you can be prepared for your Wales vacation. No matter when you travel to Wales, these are the “don’ts” of visiting the Wales.

#1 Never Call a Welshman an Englishman

England and Wales have a long and complicated history, and the people of Wales are Welsh, not English. There are distinct cultural differences between England and Wales, and the language is very different.

#2 Don’t Call Wales England

Similarly, don’t confuse the two countries of Wales and England. They both fall under the United Kingdom, and even Britain, but Wales and England are two very different countries.

#3 Don’t Expect an Urban Experience in Wales

Wales is all about the outdoors and the countryside; there aren’t many big cities. The true appeal of a Wales vacation are the small villages, and cottage rentals. The hiking, biking and cycling are all really fun in Wales. Sure, there are some fun cities in Wales, but the real fun is in the countryside and along the coast.

#4 Don’t Forget Your Hiking Boots

You will probably do a lot of hiking in Wales, so make sure you bring good hiking or walking shoes. Some of the trails can be tricky, and Wales is muddy, so you want hiking shoes and then other shoes to wear around town.

#5 Don’t Forget to Shop Before 6 p.m.

If you forget your hiking boots, or need to shop for anything in Wales, make sure you do so before 6:00 as that’s when most of the stores close. In the smaller towns of Wales, the towns pretty much close down in the early evening, so make sure you have what you need until the next day. Gas stations and grocery stores may stay open slightly later.

#6 Don’t Complain About the Rain in Wales

Yes, it rains a lot in Wales. We’ve had sprinkles or rain almost every day and that’s just how Wales is. Make sure you come prepared for rain, with a rain jacket, waterproof shoes and an umbrella.

#7 Don’t Forget to Get GPS With Your Rental Car

You definitely want to rent a car in Wales in order to see the best sights, but don’t forget to get the GPS with your car. Wales is full of small, winding roads with strange names that can easily confuse a foreign driver, especially when you are also driving on the left.

Read: Everything You Need to Know About Car Rental in Europe

#8 Don’t Expect Consistent Mobile Service

Mobile service can be spotty as you travel through Wales. The larger cities and villages will have a good signal, but out in the countryside, you shouldn’t rely on your mobile phone for service. (This is another reason you need to have a GPS unit separate from your mobile phone!)

#9 Don’t Be Claustrophobic While Driving in Wales

As you explore the backroads of Wales, you’ll be shocked at how narrow some of the lanes can be. The roads are lined with tall hedges that come right up to the road, with barely any room for a passing vehicle. Pay attention to where you see pull-outs, in case you need to back up a bit for a passing car.

#10 Don’t Expect Logical Entry and Exit at Tourist Sights

As you drive around Wales, you’ll stop at many castles and ruins, but don’t think getting in and out will be easy. The car entrance and exit may be on different sides of the attraction, dumping you out into a different road or highway than what you arrived on. You may have to backtrack a few miles to get going in the direction you were originally headed.

#11 Don’t Forget Your Pub Etiquette

After a day of sightseeing, you may pop into a local pub for dinner. Once you’ve chosen a table at the pub, you have to go order your food at the counter, and you’ll need to know your table number in order to do so. If you forget your table number, you’ll have to give up your spot in line and start over.

#12 Don’t Plan Pub Dinners with Kids

Not all pubs allow kids in the evenings. Either plan to have your pub fare at lunch, or go for an early dinner when kids are still allowed inside.

#13 Don’t Miss the Chance to Meet Locals

The locals in Wales are super nice, and often curious about travelers who visit Wales. If they strike up a conversation with you at the pub, or elsewhere, take advantage of the opportunity to get to know the locals.

#14 Don’t Bother Learning Welsh

We usually recommend learning a few key phrases before traveling to a new country, but once you see Welsh, you’ll know this is nearly impossible. You can get by just fine using just English in Wales.

Read: Ten Things That Will Shock You in Wales

#15 Don’t Forget to View the Night Sky

When you are out after dark in Wales, don’t forget to look up. Without big cities to pollute the dark skies, Wales has some amazing stargazing. Wales has one of a handful of official International Dark Sky Places in the world.

#16 Don’t Skip the Trains in Wales

Even though we recommend to rent a car in Wales, you can still take advantage of the trains that go all over. Trains are great for day trips and the train ride itself is a unique experience. They can take you up into the mountains, and you can relax and enjoy the view, rather than stressing out over driving every day.

#17 Don’t Forget to “Flick the Switch”

When you plug in your electrical devices into the wall socket, there’s a switch you have to turn on. If you don’t, you’ll wake up to dead devices in the mornings. So, don’t forget to turn on the outlet when you are using it.

Don’t let these “don’ts” scare you off. Wales is really a fantastic country; with lots of things to do, awesome food and friendly people. Have you been to Wales? Feel free to add more “don’ts” in the comments below! For more travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos:

10 Things That SHOCK Tourists About Visiting Wales

Posted on by admin

Ten Things That Shock Tourists About Wales Culture

Greetings from Wales! We love to help travelers prepare for their vacations, and other than telling you the best things to do, we love to share the things that will shock you upon arriving in a new destination. Today we’re sharing the top ten travel shocks of Wales culture.

Wales Culture Shock #1: The Welsh Language

Most travelers assume since they are traveling to Great Britain, that language will not be a barrier to English speakers. They do speak English in Wales, but they also speak Welsh. When you see Welsh written, it’s nearly impossible to tell how to pronounce the words, or to know what they mean. Fortunately, most of the signs are in English and in Welsh.

Wales Culture Shock #2: The Number of Castles and Ruins

There is a shocking number of castles in Wales.  There are the well-known castles like Cardiff Castle, but some of the lesser known ruins are equally cool. If you are driving around Wales, allow plenty of extra time for detours to castles along the way.

Wales Culture Shock #3: Driving in Wales

You’ll probably take the M4 into Wales, but to really explore, you’ll inevitably end up on some of the backroads of Wales. The roads are so narrow, it’s shocking that they actually accommodate traffic in both directions. If you meet an oncoming car on these narrow lanes, you’ll have to look for a pull-out where there’s room to pass. Make sure you also get the GPS with your rental car; it can be a lifesaver. Distances can be deceiving, and it can take twice as long as you might expect to get from point A to point B, because of the winding, hilly roads.

Watch: Driving in the UK

Wales Culture Shock #4: The Weather in Wales

Wales is rainy, no doubt. But it doesn’t rain all the time. It’s more of a mist than a consistent downpour, so it’s not a big deal. Just realize it probably will rain during your visit to Wales, so make sure to pack a rain jacket and umbrella. Good mud boots are also a good idea as you’ll likely be doing some hiking in Wales.

Wales Culture Shock #5: Stargazing in Wales

Once the skies clear, you will be shocked at the night skies of Wales. With very little light pollution, the skies in Wales are amazing. You can see so many stars, and even the Milky Way! It even impressed our 12-year-old son, and parents know how hard it is to impress a “tween.”

Wales Culture Shock #6: The Welsh Natural Beauty

This country is gorgeous! Wales travel is not about the cities; it’s all about the countryside and the outdoor adventure. Hiking, kayaking, cycling and mountain climbing are all popular in Wales. Wales is really a nature lover’s paradise. There are also great scenic train rides to check out, and several national parks. If you are looking for a more urban experience, check out Cardiff, which is a pretty cool city in Wales.

Wales Culture Shock #7: Similarities and Differences Between Wales and England

There are many similarities between Wales and England. The cuisine is similar; you’ll see fish and chips, bangers and mash and sausages. But you’ll also see a very distinct Welsh culture that is very different from England. The language and the people are different, and there are foods specific to Wales, like Welsh cakes, laverbread and mussels. It’s definitely a unique culture, even though you won’t get a different passport stamp.

Read: Ten Things That Will Shock You About England

Wales Culture Shock #8: How Much the English Rip on the Welsh

When you start researching Wales online, you’ll be shocked at how much the English joke about the Welsh. Similar to how in the U.S. the South is often the butt of jokes, that’s the case for Wales and England.

Wales Culture Shock #9: The Starkness Between Towns

Wales once had a lot of mining, so there are many ghost towns and former mining towns that are falling apart. There’s starting to be some redevelopment, but it’s still shocking to see some dilapidated villages as you drive around Wales. Even if you aren’t in a ghost town, any town in Wales will feel like a ghost town after 6 p.m. Everything in the villages, aside from the pubs, shuts down very early in Wales, so don’t expect too much going on in the evening, unless you are in a larger town.

Wales Culture Shock #10: Welsh People

For all of the English jokes, the Welsh people are actually super kind, fun and friendly. They’re often so happy to see visitors in Wales, and they love to chat up tourists and give recommendations.

We hope these ten tips help you better understand Wales culture, and lessens the shocks you have when arriving in Wales. Have you been to Wales? We’d love to hear what shocked you; just leave a comment below! For more Wolters World travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos: