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 in Catalunya Spain

Posted on by admin

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Catalonia, Spain! In my opinion, Catalonia is the best part of Spain. 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 Catalonia Spain.

Love #1: Afternoon Drinks & Hanging Out

This is called “pica pica” and it happens in the afternoon. It’s time in the afternoon to go and sit outside, enjoy a cava or a beer with some olives or snacks, relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere with your friends. It’s sort of like happy hour in the States, but a much more frequent experience when you are in Catalonia.

Hate #1: Tourist Crowds

People come to Barcelona and Catalonia beaches from all over the world, so it can feel really crowded in the summer. If you can, try to visit in the off-season because the weather is great year-round and you can avoid some of the crowds if you visit in spring or fall.

Love #2: Catalan Culture

Technically, Catalonia is part of Spain, but when you visit the Catalan region, you feel the independent culture almost immediately. The culture is very independent of Spanish culture, and this shows up in Catalonia food, the music, the people and the museums. There’s a very different vibe in Catalonia.

Hate #2: Driving in Catalonia

Driving in Catalonia is crazy. It’s said that there’s a car accident every 19 seconds. There are just a lot of crazy drivers, so you have to pay attention. Whether you’re on the highway or in the city, and whether you are a driver or a pedestrian, always be on high alert. Parking is also hard to come by, and expensive. I do recommend renting a car so you can explore the countryside, but be prepared to pay more for parking while you are in Barcelona. 

Love #3: Catalonia Destinations

If you travel throughout the region, you’ll discover many cool Catalonia cities and towns. Most travelers experience Catalonia through Barcelona, but there are many more Catalonia cities to explore. Girona is a beautiful city, or you can visit all of the monasteries along La Ruta del Cister. And then there are the beach towns of Catalonia. Barcelona is fantastic, but try to experience more of Catalonia outside of the capital city.

Hate #3: Catalan vs Spanish

You probably think you’re going to Spain so the little bit of Spanish you know will come in handy. But surprise! They speak Catalan in Catalonia, not Spanish. Nobody outside of Catalonia is taught this language. Catalan is a mixture of Spanish and French and other languages. Fortunately, most people also speak Spanish, so you can get by without too much trouble. However, if you speak a few words of Catalan, that will really impress the locals.

Love #4: Catalonia Outdoors

They have some of the best beaches and mountains in Europe. If you love outdoor adventure travel, then Catalonia is the perfect destination for you. From hiking to deep-sea fishing, Catalonia has some of the best natural beauty and outdoor adventure opportunities. You don’t have to spend your entire trip exploring cities, but you can really get out and enjoy nature in Catalonia.

Hate #4: Service in Catalan

The people in Catalonia are fantastic, but this doesn’t always transfer over to the service industry. If you speak a bit of Spanish or Catalan, you will get better service. If you don’t speak Spanish or Catalan, be prepared to wait a bit longer to get your food and drink, and don’t expect stellar service.

Love #5: Catalan People

It does take time to get to know the Catalan people, but once you do, you have friends for life. They are really great people and very welcoming. If you get invited to an “abuela’s” home, don’t pass it up; it might be the best food you’ll ever have.

How to Piss Off a Catalan

Hate #5: Pickpockets

This issue is largely only an issue in Barcelona, but pickpockets are a real issue here. They mostly hang out in the Gothic area and along La Rambla, but you should be extra careful anywhere in Barcelona. It’s not just pickpockets, there are also scam artists who will approach you and try to distract you. The local police are pretty apathetic to it, so if something does happen to you, don’t expect a lot of help from the police.

How to Avoid Travel Scams & Rip-Offs

Catalonia is one of the best places to visit and/or work, so I highly recommend it. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to visit Catalonia. Want more tips for planning a Spain vacation? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Visiting Belgium

Posted on by admin

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Belgium! With great architecture, museums, amazing beer and delicious fries, Belgium is a great destination 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 Belgium.

Hate #1: Lack of Excitement

For being at the crossroads of Europe and the capital of the European Union, Belgium can sometimes feel a bit boring. The pace in Belgium is a bit slower, and it can seem underwhelming at times. Belgium is definitely not a nightlife destination. If you are used to whirlwind trips of Paris or London, you’ll be surprised at how few things there are to do in Belgium. That’s not necessarily a bad thing if you anticipate it ahead of time.

Love #1: Cities to Visit in Belgium

There are some really great cities to visit in Belgium. Bruges is lined with canals, Ghent is full of amazing architecture. Leuven has a beautiful Town Hall and a youthful university vibe. Brussels has the Grand Place with gilded buildings in every direction. The towns of Belgium have fantastic architecture, public squares, and people-watching. If you love exploring smaller towns, Belgium has several worth your time.

Hate #2: Store Hours in Belgium

Stores in Belgium tend to close rather early, around 6:00 pm. If you plan to go shopping in Belgium, you’ll need to plan ahead and buy anything you need before the stores close for the evening. Attractions tend to close early as well, so you will likely find yourself with a few quiet hours before dinner crowds start to head out for the evening.

Love #2: Belgian Beer & Food

The beer and the food in Belgium are fantastic. Even if you aren’t a beer drinker, Belgian beer is such a large part of the culture that it’s worth sampling a few of the different beers. You just might surprise yourself and find one that you like. The food in Belgium is also really good. Belgian cuisine is best known for mussels, fries, (frites) waffles, and chocolate. The fries are served with mayonnaise and sometimes gravy and the waffles can be sweet or savory and piled high with toppings if you wish. 

Hate #3: Prices in Belgium

Belgium can be an expensive destination. I find the prices in Belgium to be about 20-25% more expensive than equivalent items in the United States. Most of your money will be spent on hotels in Belgium and eating out in restaurants in Belgium. Visiting Belgium in the off-season will open up some accommodation deals if you are willing to have some cold weather and gray skies.

How to Save Real Money While Traveling

Love #3: Public Transportation in Belgium

It is so easy to travel around Belgium. It’s a relatively small country, so you can get from town to town in a very short time on the train lines in Belgium. The trains are really affordable, too, which is nice. You can get from Brussels to Ghent in 30 minutes, Ghent to Bruges in 30 minutes, Brussels to Antwerp in 30 minutes, and on and on. Within the towns, there are buses and trams you can take to get around town easily. This leaves you with a lot of options for choosing your home base in Belgium. Find a great accommodation deal in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent or Antwerp and see all the cities on day trips.

Six Unwritten Rules for European Train Travel

Hate #4: Service in Belgium

The service in Belgium is one of my biggest complaints when visiting. It’s not necessarily horrible, but very aloof. The servers in Belgium are paid a decent wage, so they aren’t relying on tips as their source of income. You’ll find that they don’t stop by to help you as often as you may need. Make sure you pay attention to what you order vs what you receive and verify everything on your bill before paying. I’ve heard lots of stories of messed up restaurant orders in Belgium.

Love #4: History in Belgium

Belgium has some amazing art history, with the Flemish Primitive artists. Each town also has a unique history, much of which can be explored through the architecture. A lot of European cities focus on WWII history, and there’s a bit of that in Belgium, but there is a lot of World War I history in Belgium. I highly recommend taking a WWI tour of Belgium, where you can see the Flanders fields and learn how Belgium has evolved through all of the conflicts in their past.

Hate #5: Belgian Beer Hangovers

I would say that beer is one of the best things about visiting Belgium. The beer in Belgium is amazing, but it’s a very strong beer. You might throw back a few pints not realizing that the beer in Belgium is much stronger, and you will end up with a Belgian hangover in the morning. Make sure you pace yourself and give the beer time to affect you before downing several in a row, thinking it’s the same as the beer you drink back home.

Love #5: Safety in Belgium

Belgium is a very safe country. Anytime I visit Belgium, I always feel very safe and I’m not worried too much about petty theft or tourist scams. Sure, there are a few neighborhoods in Brussels to avoid, but all of the tourist areas in the Belgium cities are relatively safe. This, in addition to being a bit “boring” means you can actually relax in Belgium. It’s a nice feeling to relax on a European vacation because you are usually at a fast pace trying to cram a lot in.

As you can tell, I had a hard time finding anything to hate about Ghent. I much prefer it over Brussels and I highly recommend spending time in Ghent when you are traveling in Belgium. Want more travel tips for planning a trip to Europe? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Ghent Belgium

Posted on by admin

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Ghent, Belgium! Ghent is one of the prettiest towns in  Belgium. 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 Ghent Belgium.

Hate #1: Ghent Train Station

If you arrive in Ghent on a high-speed train, you’ll arrive at Saint-Peters (Sint-Pieters) station, and it’s a long way from anything you want to see when you visit Ghent. It’s almost a two-mile walk to Ghent city center from the train station. The best Ghent train station to use is Gent Dampoort, which is just a 15-minute walk to the city center. You can ask if your train makes a stop at Dampoort, or you can take a tram to the city center from Sint Pieters.

Love #1: Architecture in Ghent

As you walk around Ghent, the architecture is stunning. There are cathedrals, bell towers, spires, churches, a castle, and colorful Flemish homes lining the riverfront. Some of the architecture in Ghent dates back to the 7th century, and you can find nearly every style of architecture in Ghent. Add in the amazing museums in Ghent, and it’s really a beautiful and fun city to explore.

Hate #2: Tourist Crowds

Ghent is a beautiful city, but it does draw a lot of tourist crowds, especially on the weekend. You’ll run into travelers from all over Europe and the US. It’s a popular weekend getaway within Europe, so it can get a little rowdy late at night as well. It’s a somewhat small city, so most tourists are concentrated in the same place.

Love #2: Touring Ghent

Along with the architecture to admire, just walking around is one of my favorite things to do in Ghent. The streets are great for pedestrians, so it’s a wonderful city to explore on foot. It even appears to be very wheelchair-friendly; we’ve seen more wheelchair accommodations here in Ghent than anywhere else in Europe. Ghent is a very easy city to navigate.

Disabled Travel in Europe

Hate #3: Service in Belgium

If you’ve watched our other Love/Hate videos, you know I’m not fond of the service anywhere in Belgium. The service in Belgium generally isn’t great. Add tourist crowds and tourist-trap restaurants, and the service in Ghent isn’t any better than elsewhere in Belgium. Just go for the people-watching and the beer, with low expectations for the service, and you’ll be fine.

Love #3: Ghent Boat Tour

Ghent is lined with canals, so taking a boat tour is a must when in Ghent. The boat tours in Ghent are usually less than one hour, but it’s a fun way to get a unique perspective on the local architecture. You also get a nice history lesson while you’re on the boat. The boat tours in Ghent are also very affordable, so it’s one of the best budget-friendly things to do in Ghent.

Hate #4: 6 pm Shutdown

When 6:00 hits, they roll up the sidewalks in Ghent. The stores all close for the evening, so if you have any shopping to do, you want to get it done before then. Sometimes, shops will stay open slightly later on the weekends, but not much. Ghent gets very quiet around dinner time, but nightlife starts up again later.

Love #4: Day Trips from Ghent

Ghent is a relatively small city that can easily be explored in a couple of days, but it’s also a great base for exploring the rest of Belgium. Brussels to Ghent is only 30 minutes by train, and Bruges is just 30 minutes in the other direction. The Belgian cities of Antwerp and Leuven are other easy day trips from Ghent.

Six Unwritten Rules for Train Travel in Europe

Hate #5: Eating Out in Ghent

If you are eating out on the weekend or during the busy season, it can be hard to get a table outside at a restaurant. There aren’t a ton of restaurants in Ghent and even fewer with nice outdoor seating. The few that have a patio end up with patrons who like to linger at the tables a long time. Try to go out for dinner a bit early so you can snag a table because people-watching and beer-drinking outdoors in Ghent is a great way to pass the evening.

Love #5: Ghent Vibe

With the university and loads of tourists, there’s a really fun vibe in Ghent. It’s just a fun city to hang out in. As many times as I’ve been to Ghent, there are always more things I want to see one more time. Some of the other cities in Belgium can be a bit boring, but I always love the energy in Ghent.

As you can tell, I had a hard time finding anything to hate about Ghent. I much prefer it over Brussels and I highly recommend spending time in Ghent when you are traveling in Belgium. Want more travel tips for planning a trip to Europe? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Living With a Host Family

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about living with a host family. Living abroad with a host family is a great experience, but there are also a few downsides to look out for. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to share both the positives and the negatives of travel, whether it’s short-term or long-term. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate about living with a host family.

Hate #1: New Set of Rules

It’s probably taken you your whole life to figure out your own parents: how to get around the rules, which rules you can bend, which parent you can go to, etc, etc. Suddenly, you have a new set of parents to figure out, and new rules to go along with your new living situation. Many study abroad programs have their own rules, in addition to the rules of your new host family. I recommend communicating with your host family ahead of time or right after you arrive to find out what their rules are, especially regarding curfew and overnight guests.

Love #1: Having a New Family

You aren’t just traveling abroad and meeting new friends, your host family is your family forever. I still stay in touch with many of my host families. Having a family around you can help ease your homesickness and help you adjust to your new culture. Not only can they guide you as you learn new customs, but they can also just be there for you when you need them.

Hate #2: Sibling Rivalry

Most host families already have their own children, and there is usually one around your same age. Generally, this is a good thing because you have an automatic friend and they can really help you navigate their country and make new friends at school. However, sometimes it doesn’t work that way and you could find yourself in a sibling rivalry situation. I’ve had both experiences with my new “host” siblings. Some siblings don’t enjoy having an exchange student tag along everywhere, while other siblings will become your best friend for life.

Love #2: Cultural Assistance

I mentioned this briefly in the first point, but there’s no comparison for having a host family when it comes to cultural integration. Since they are like family now, they will be able to pull you aside if they see you making a cultural faux pas, and likewise, you can comfortably ask them how things work in your host country. This helps you get more out of your time abroad and develop a deeper understanding of the culture and customs. If you live with other exchange students rather than a host family, you’ll all be muddling through it together, but you will lack the insider tips that a host family can provide.

Hate #3: Cultural Differences

Many times, your host family doesn’t know much about your culture. You are obviously there to learn and study about their culture, but since they may not know much about your culture, that can cause some friction. For example, when I lived in Finland, my host family would eat a huge lunch and only a small snack for dinner. As an American, I was used to having a big dinner with my family, so I felt like I was always hungry. Being able to communicate openly with your hosts will help alleviate any issues due to cultural differences.

Love #3: Language Learning

In addition to learning about the local customs and culture, having a host family will give your language learning a super boost. You may be studying Spanish and then study abroad in Spain, but textbook Spanish is different from everyday Spanish. The best way to learn a language is immersion, and living with a local family is about as immersed as you can get. When you return back to your home country, your language skills will be years ahead of your classmates.

Seven Tips for Learning a New Language

Hate #4: Big Brother Feeling

Now that you have a host family, you have another mom to get after you about what you are wearing, who you are hanging out with and how late you are staying out. Chances are, you are studying abroad to become more independent. But depending on your host family, you could end up with a very protective host mom. If freedom and independence are super important to you, you might consider other living options, such as an apartment with roommates or a dorm room.

Where to Live When You Study Abroad

Love #4: Eating Real Food

If you study abroad and get an apartment, you’ll be cooking like a college student. Fast food, ramen or pasta made in the microwave are typical student meals around the world. If you live in a dorm, you’ll get dorm cafeteria food. But if you live with a family, you’ll get real home-cooking. If you are homesick, there is nothing like good homestyle comfort food to cheer you up. Now, it may be different comfort food than what you are used to, but it’s likely to be much better than a cafeteria meal at your dorm. Food is a big part of many cultures, so this is just one more way that living with a host family can help you adapt to the local culture.

Hate #5: Conflict Resolution

If you have issues with your host family to the point where you want to move out, it can be difficult. I had a very strict host family in Argentina, to the point where they wouldn’t serve me breakfast if I slept past 8:00 in the morning. When I tried to move out, there was a lot of red tape, as they had already been paid for the semester, so moving out meant I would have to pay again for the rest of the semester. If you do experience any issues, it’s best to document everything and stay in close touch with your sponsors back in the States.

Love #5: Host Family Experiences

Whether it was traveling around the country with my host family or just everyday experiences we had at home, you will go back home at the end of your study abroad program with a lifetime of memories you’ve created with your host family. You’ll spend holidays and birthdays with this family, and if you’re lucky, you’ll stay in touch with them and visit them or invite them to visit you, for years to come. 

Despite a few drawbacks here and there, I always got so much more out of my study abroad programs when I had a host family to show me the ropes. If you get the chance to work overseas, I highly recommend you take it. Want more tips on long-term travel? Check out these blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Brussels, Belgium

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Brussels, Belgium! Brussels is the capital of Belgium, but it’s also the capital of the European Union. 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 Brussels Belgium.

Hate #1: Brussels is Overrated

As the capital of the European Union, we often hear about Brussels in the news, so sometimes travelers are expecting a New York or a London feel when they visit Brussels. There are many places to visit in Brussels and lots of tourist sights, but it just doesn’t live up to the expectations of being a huge cosmopolitan city. I recommend spending just a few days in Brussels before setting off to explore other cities of Belgium, like Ghent or Bruges.

Overrated Cities & Sights in Europe

Love #1: Grand Place

Of all the places to visit in Brussels, the Grand Place is one of my favorites. It’s a beautiful historic square surrounded by amazing buildings with gold accents and impressive detail. It’s just a few blocks from Brussels Central, and the Grand Place is always buzzing with people.

Hate #2: Manneken Pis

The unofficial mascot of Brussels is the Manneken Pis, a statue of a boy peeing. You literally see this likeness everywhere: on watches, chocolate bars, t-shirts and street art, so it’s a bit surprising when you visit the actual statue and discover he’s only two feet tall.

The boys could not eat enough mussels

Love #2: Museums in Brussels

Brussels has really great museums. Many famous Flemish artists are from Belgium, including Rubens. There is the Royal Museum of Fine Art, the Art & History Museum, Museum of Natural Sciences, Brussels City Museum, the Atomium and more.

Hate #3: Brussels Train Stations

Brussels has several train stations, so it can be a bit confusing when you are transferring. There’s Brussels Midi, or the South Station, where you catch the Eurostar and Thalys to Paris and London. Then there’s Brussels Central, where the local and regional trains stop, and it’s also near the main tourist places to visit in Brussels. Midi is not “middle” or “central,” it’s actually the South station and this trips up a lot of tourists.

Six Unwritten Rules of European Train Travel

Love #3: International Atmosphere of Brussels

Because the EU is based here, there is a definite international flavor to Brussels. There’s also a lot of great international cuisine that you can try in Brussels, although don’t miss out on the local specialties of fries and mussels.

Hate #4: Prices & Service in Brussels

Brussels is expensive. As the head of the EU, prices are inflated because they receive a lot of government travelers. Accommodation is especially expensive in Brussels, which is why I recommend staying only a few days or even visiting Brussels as a day trip from another city in Belgium. The service is the same almost everywhere in Belgium: not great. In other European countries like Germany, you may not get overly friendly service, but it’s at least professional. In Brussels, it’s not particularly friendly or professional. If you know this ahead of time, it won’t throw you for a loop. It’s just something to be aware of when you visit Brussels.

Love #4: Day Trips from Brussels

Although it’s expensive, Brussels is a great home base for exploring the entire country of Belgium. You can get to Bruges from Brussels in less than one hour, and Ghent is only 30 minutes from Brussels by train. If you are visiting Brussels for work, you will still have time in the evening to get out and explore other towns in Belgium. Even Amsterdam is one of the possible day trips from Brussels.

Hate #5: Safety in Brussels

Belgium is a pretty safe country, but I am a bit more aware of my surroundings when I come to Brussels. There are definitely areas you want to avoid when you visit Brussels, and just keep your wits about you. We haven’t had any specific issues, it’s just more of a general feeling being in Brussels.

Love #5: Architecture in Brussels

The architecture in Brussels is truly stunning. As you travel around the city, you’ll be constantly amazed by the different building styles that you see. Brussels has been called the capital of Art Nouveau, and the Musical Instruments Museum near the Grand Place is a great example of Belgian modernist architecture. You’ll also find Art Deco, Neoclassical, Gothic and Neo-Renaissance architecture in Brussels. Besides the beautiful buildings of the Grand Place, don’t miss the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, just one block over.

While Brussels isn’t my favorite city, it’s definitely worth a stop as you tour central Europe. I prefer Ghent or Bruges but will usually spend a day or two in Brussels as well. Want more tips for planning a trip to Europe? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Leuven Belgium

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Leuven, Belgium! It’s a university town with a fun student nightlife scene. 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 Leuven Belgium.

Hate #1: Bike Riders in Leuven

There are a lot of bikes in Leuven, and you really need to pay attention when you are walking around. When you step into the street, look in every direction, because you never know where a bike will come from. During the school year especially, there are tons of bikes zooming around Leuven. The delivery trucks are something else to look out for.

Hate#2: Quiet Atmosphere

I recommend Leuven as a half-day trip from Brussels, and that’s mostly because it’s a quiet town, aside from the nightlife. There aren’t a ton of things to see in Leuven, from a tourists’ perspective. Of course, if you keep reading, we have a few suggestions, but it’s not a super touristy destination with a lot going on.

Hate #3: Business Hours

Almost everything closes at 6:00 in Leuven, so if you want to do some shopping in the evening, you may be out of luck. Everything picks back up in the evening, which is great for students, but as a traveler, you have a bunch of quiet hours in the evening before anything gets going again.

What to Know Before Your First Trip to Europe

Hate #4: Student-Oriented

Leuven is a great town for students, but for older travelers, there isn’t a ton going on. It’s very much a university town, so everything is geared towards students. Lots of great food at cheap prices, bars, and nightlife. There are a few tourist sights like the art museum and the Town Hall, but it really can all be seen in half a day.

Hate #5: Service in Leuven

Service in Leuven, and across Belgium, kind of sucks. Servers in Belgium are paid a good wage, so they don’t provide the kind of overattentive service you might be used to in other countries, such as the United States. Bartenders seem to be the friendliest, but the servers and store clerks just aren’t that great. If you have a friendly encounter in a service situation, consider yourself lucky!

Love #1: Youthful Vibe

We mentioned already that Leuven Belgium is really geared towards students. But that’s not all bad. The great thing about visiting a university town is the youthful vibe. There’s such a great energy being around so many young people. And while Leuven may be geared towards students, who doesn’t love good, cheap eats? There are tons of places to eat and go out in Leuven and you won’t break your budget.

Love #2: Beer Culture

If you like beer, you’ll love Leuven. The Oude Markt at night is one of the best places to go in Leuven; it fills with people every night after 10:00. Leuven is also home to the Stella Artois Brewery, so you can take a tour and get the freshest Stella Artois possible.

Love #3: Bike-Friendly

Leuven is very flat, so it’s easy to explore by bike. With lots of bike rentals available, it’s a great way to explore the city at your own pace. Even Brussels is only 30 kilometers from Leuven, if you are a serious cyclist, you could pedal through the countryside, have lunch in Grand Place and return to one of the hotels in Leuven Belgium by evening.

Love #4: Flemish Architecture

The Flemish architecture in Leuven is really cool to look at. The main square is surrounded by historic buildings. The Town Hall is a great example, as is the University Library building. While there aren’t a ton of things to do in Leuven, it’s nice to just take a relaxing stroll, or cycle, around town to admire the architecture. It’s also very safe in Leuven, which is an added bonus.

Love #5: Central Location of Leuven

It’s super easy to get anywhere in Belgium from Leuven. It’s 15 minutes to Brussels airport, 20 minutes to Brussels Central Station, one hour to Ghent, 90 minutes to Bruges. So even though I recommend only a ½ day in Leuven, you could actually use it as a home base to explore the rest of the country by train. If you can’t find affordable accommodation in Brussels, it can’t hurt to check the prices at Leuven hotels and commute around the country from an affordable home base.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Train Travel in Europe

Leuven is a nice day trip from Brussels or an affordable base for exploring Belgium. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to visit Leuven. Want more tips for planning a central Europe vacation? Check out these other blog posts: