Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Mystic, CT

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Mystic, Connecticut! It’s a beautiful seaside town 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 Mystic Connecticut.

Hate #1: Getting to Mystic Connecticut

If you are driving to Mystic, especially from the south, it can be annoying. I-95 can experience lengthy delays, especially around New York. Once you’re stuck in traffic, there’s pretty much nothing you can do. The best thing you can do is to plan your route to avoid New York, or at least avoid rush hour traffic.

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Hate #2: Summer Tourist Season

Mystic is really a summer destination and it can feel crowded with tourists. A lot of New Yorkers keep a summer home here, so they tend to flood the town with visitors, too. Mystic hotels and parking can be hard to come by, and sometimes you may need to make restaurant reservations as they fill up, too. The town seems to handle the crowds very well, though, so it’s not a huge issue, just something to keep in mind when choosing your dates.

Hate #3: Prices in Mystic

It’s expensive to visit Mystic. Expect east coast, high season prices. Mystic hotels, restaurants, gas stations, tours, and attractions are all a bit inflated in Mystic. It’s not as expensive as Boston or New York, but Mystic is definitely not a budget destination. It is possible to find affordable accommodation in Mystic, but the more reasonable hotels sell out quickly in the summer.

Hate #4: Tourist Traffic

Most people who visit Mystic will come by car, so along with all of the tourists in summer, there is also a lot of traffic. And they are mostly New York drivers. Even on the sidewalks, you run into traffic jams because people just stop paying attention and will block up the sidewalk or roads.

Hate #5: Mystic Winter

Mystic has six to eight months of winter, which is why the majority of tourists come to Mystic in the summer. It’s beautiful in the winter, but very cold and a lot of businesses just close for the winter. A lot of the best things to do in Mystic are outdoors, so it really is best to visit in the summer, or the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall.

Love #1: Mystic Seaport

The Mystic Seaport is a 19-acre maritime museum. They have whaling ships, schooners, steamboat rides and a drawbridge you can go out on. There are over one million artifacts of maritime history. The interpreters and docents are super knowledgable and informative. The museum also has lots of fun kid activities, like model shipbuilding. This is actually the #1 tourist sight in Connecticut, so it’s one of the best things to do in Mystic CT.

Love #2: Downtown Mystic & Stonington

Another of the best things to do in Mystic CT, and nearby Stonington, is to wander the downtown streets. Each town is a picture-perfect East Coast seaside village. It’s everything you expect in a small Connecticut town. There are quaint shops and local restaurants to check out, so make sure you leave time to just wander around. 

Love #3: Food in Mystic

The food in Mystic is amazing, especially the seafood. You can get fresh seafood pretty much right out of the sea. If you don’t like seafood, there is other good stuff to eat in Mystic. One of the most popular Mystic restaurants is the Engine Room, which is known for its great burgers. You will probably want to check out Mystic Pizza if you’ve seen the movie, but the locals will tell you to go to the Stonington Pizza Palace instead. We enjoyed both! Drawbridge Ice Cream is another must-try spot in Mystic. There’s actually great beer in Mystic, too. At the Velvet Mill, try the Beer’d Brewing Company. They have great beer, and it makes a good souvenir to bring back home with you.

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Love #4: People in Mystic

For as many tourists as they have come through Mystic, the people are still super friendly and helpful. I met one traveler who was offered a ride by a friendly local when he was out wandering the streets. You may have heard of the New England shield that locals put up, and it may be hard to really get to know the locals and become friends with them, but on the surface, they are very friendly and not hostile like some seasonal tourist towns can be.

Love #5: The Sea

Being on the ocean is such a great experience. You can take a steamboat tour at the Mystic Seaport, you can take sailing lessons or charter a fishing trip. Even if you stay on dry land, soaking in the sea breeze and listening to the crashing waves is a treat. Life in Mystic revolves around the sea, so you can expect to spend a lot of time in or around the sea.

Overall, Mystic 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 not to visit Mystic. Want more tips for planning a US vacation? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Moving Your Family Abroad

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about moving internationally. I’ve lived in Finland, China, Portugal, the US, Argentina, Brazil, Austria, and others. 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 international moving.

Hate #1: Homesickness

When you move abroad, you inevitably leave behind loved ones. Missing friends and family back home is the number one drawback to living abroad. You also miss out on a lot of events and traditions. We’ve missed weddings, funerals, birthdays and holidays. If you move abroad with kids as we’ve done, they will also miss their friends. Luckily, this has gotten easier with communication tools like Skype and FaceTime. Make sure you encourage your friends and family to come visit you, but also try to plan a visit home every once in a while to keep those connections strong.

Hate #2: Making Local Friends

Often when people move abroad, they tend to find expat communities and stick together with other expats. It’s great to have friends going through the same experiences as you, people you can reminisce about your home country with, but if you really want to learn about the local culture and the local language, it helps to make friends with some of the locals where you live. Learning the local language goes a long way towards immersing yourself in the local culture and you will quickly gain respect by making an effort.

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Hate #3: Learning Cultural Differences the Hard Way

Let’s face it, when you move to a new country, there are going to be customs that you aren’t familiar with, and you’re going to goof up. In Germany, you better be right on time for anything. In Portugal, dinner at 8:00 means you arrive around 9:00. And then there are the logistics of everyday life: how do you sign up for cable, how do you find a doctor or dentist? This where the expat groups come in handy as your fellow expats can help give you a head’s up on issues they faced.

Hate #4: Illness Abroad

Getting sick while traveling sucks, and it’s no different when you move abroad. If you get sick, you may not know where to go or how to find a doctor. In many countries, the pharmacist can see you and give you a prescription. In other countries, you need to see a doctor or go to hospital. Then finding a care provider who speaks English can be challenging. The best way to alleviate some of this is to figure it all out right when you move, rather than when you are actually sick. It will be easier and then when you do get sick, you’ll be prepared.

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Hate #5: Packing & Moving

The actual act of moving can be a real pain, no matter where you are moving to. Moving overseas brings a lot of challenges when it comes to deciding what to pack and what to leave behind. Do you sell all your belongings? Put some things in storage? These decisions can be difficult, and you usually don’t have a lot of time to mull them over. Once you decide what to bring, then you have to decide how to get it to your new home. The entire moving overseas process is a headache, and then it’s no better when you are moving back home at the end of your assignment.

Love #1: Amazing Experience

The entire experience of moving, and living, abroad is an amazing experience. Living in another country is such a unique opportunity to really experience a new culture, language, cuisine, and atmosphere. Most travelers get to spend one or two weeks in a foreign country at a time, and they get to see the highlights. By moving abroad, you really get an in-depth understanding of a new place.

Love #2: New Friends

Another cool thing about moving abroad is all the new friends you will make. Whether they are locals or fellow expats like yourself, you now have a new support system in your adopted country. Just like your first school mates, your first friends in a new country will always be near and dear because they will help you settle in and adapt to your new surroundings.

Love #3: Travel Opportunities

If you are coming from the United States, you will be amazed at the travel opportunities that open up when you move abroad. In the US, it can take hours or even a full day just to cross one state. If you move to Europe, you can easily take a drive through a couple of countries in a single day. You can hop on the train and go to a new country for the weekend, or even take advantage of the many low-cost carriers for weekend excursions throughout the continent.

Love #4: Family Bonding

When you move abroad with your family, it really makes you a lot closer and reinforces your family bond. When you first arrive, you only have each other, and you are all going through this new experience together. You’ll have so many fun stories and memories of the things you did together and this really strengthens the family bond. Moving abroad has also helped our two boys become best buds, as they always have each other to lean on when we move to a new place.

Love #5: Bringing Culture Home

When you live abroad and experience a new culture, you get to take the best of that culture back home with you. Whether it’s special meals that you cook, celebrations you have or even some fashion or music tastes you picked up, you can always take a little bit of that new culture back home with you. After living in China, we now have tea more often at home. Simple things like this will be a great reminder of your time abroad.

Moving internationally is such a cool experience, but there are drawbacks to be aware of before you make that decision to move. Of course, the hates are not enough to stop us from moving abroad, just small obstacles to overcome. Want more travel tips? Check out these blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About All-Inclusive Resorts

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Five Things You Will Love & Hate About All-Inclusive Resorts

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about all-inclusive resorts. All-inclusive trips are a great, easy way to travel. 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 all-inclusive resorts.

Hate #1: Isolation from Local Culture

All-inclusive resorts are very insular and isolated from the local culture. It doesn’t actually feel like you are traveling to another country and you’ll have very little interaction with the local residents, aside from those who work at the resort. Whether you stay at an all-inclusive in Cancun, Cabo, the Dominican Republic, or the Canary Islands, unless you take it upon yourself to leave the resort and seek out the local culture, you won’t feel like you’ve left your home country at all.

Hate #2: Ins & Outs of All-Inclusive Resorts

Some people exclusively take all-inclusive trips and seem to have the inside scoop on how everything works. So, when it’s your first time at an all-inclusive resort, lacking this insider knowledge can be a bit daunting. When you check-in, make sure you get the full run-down of what’s included in your package, hours of operation for pools, restaurants and room service, plus anything else you might need to know.

What to Know Before Staying at an All-Inclusive Resort

Hate #3: All-Inclusive Food

The food at all-inclusive resorts tends to be bland “Americanized” food that aims to please every palate. It can be difficult to get authentic local food. Even at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, the Mexican food is a watered-down version of authentic Mexican cuisine. If you want to taste local food, you can ask your waiter if they have any local dishes. Chances are, they will have one or two items to try. For the best options, choose the sit-down restaurants over the buffets at the resort.

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Hate #4: Hidden Fees at All-Inclusive Resorts

“All-Inclusive” can be a misnomer, as some resorts have additional fees that can really add up. When you are choosing your resort, it’s important to research the small print and see what additional fees you will incur, which will help you compare apples to apples when selecting one resort over another. Some questions to ask when researching your resort are:

  • Is airport transportation included?
  • Is every meal included, or only breakfast and lunch?
  • At golf and spa resorts, are golf and spa treatments included?
  • How much is a replacement wristband if I lose mine?

In addition to extra fees, you can expect to pay highly inflated prices for anything you may have forgotten at home. Sunscreen can be $25-$30 a bottle if you need to buy it at the sundry shop on property.

Hate #5: Alcohol at All-Inclusive Resorts

Unlimited alcoholic beverages are what lures a lot of people into staying at all-inclusive resorts. However, you’ll find that a lot of the drinks are watered down quite a bit. This is generally because people tend to overdo the drinking, but you can ask for a stronger drink if you want to. I tend to stick to drinking beer because it’s safer and not watered down.

Love #1: Ease of Travel at All-Inclusive

All-inclusive trips are so easy! Once you sort out the different packages and fees, you don’t have to worry about anything. You pay once and you’re good. With the wristbands, you don’t have to worry about carrying cash around at all. Everything is taken care of for you, which is a nice way to travel from time to time. And because all of the costs are paid up-front, it’s easy to plan affordable all-inclusive vacations.

Love #2: Resort Activities

Staying at all-inclusive resorts is pretty fun. There are usually lots of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. Then there are classes, activities, and tours. They usually have fitness classes, golf, tennis, spa treatments, and kids’ clubs. Whether it’s kayaking, surfing or day trips local sights, you will never get bored when you stay an all-inclusive resort.

Love #3: Service at All-Inclusive Resorts

Everyone I’ve met who works at the all-inclusive resorts goes above and beyond to make sure you are having a great time. They have all been super nice, and anytime I had a question about anything, they were super helpful. The housekeeper on my floor gave me an “all-inclusive 101” to help me figure out how the resort works, which was awesome! Do note that the level of service you receive is commensurate with the quality of the resort you choose, so the resorts on the cheaper end may not have such fantastic service.

Love #4: Fun For All

There are many different kinds of all-inclusive resorts, and if you choose the right one for you, it’s an amazing time. There are adults-only all-inclusive resorts, resorts for singles or family-oriented all-inclusive resorts. Make sure you choose the right kind of resort to meet your needs! The family-oriented resorts have great kids’ clubs, play areas, and fun activities for the parents as well.

Love #5: Weather & Beaches

Most all-inclusive resorts are set in tropical locations with amazing beaches. The locations are chosen to have the best weather and the best beaches, which is great as you’ll have a lot of options for where you spend your day. If the pool gets too rowdy, you can head out to the beach.

All-inclusive resorts can be a polarizing topic among travelers; most people either love them or hate them. No matter your travel style, there’s definitely something to be said for taking a laid-back “easy” vacation at an all-inclusive resort. Want more travel tips? Check out these blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate On a New Orleans Vacation

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit New Orleans, Louisiana! It’s a fantastic city and there are so many fun things to do in New Orleans. 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 New Orleans vacation.

Hate #1: Drunk Tourists

New Orleans is like a Disneyland for adults; it’s a city where people come to party. So, it’s inevitable that you will run into groups of drunk tourists in New Orleans. Of course, there are plenty of tourists that come to New Orleans for other reasons, but it seems that Bourbon Street brings out the binge drinker in each of us. If you’re out at night in the French Quarter, just keep an eye out for any trouble and avoid large rowdy groups.

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Hate #2: Driving in New Orleans

Driving and parking in New Orleans are frustrating. Parking is really hard to find and very expensive once you do find something. Driving in New Orleans can be stressful and confusing if you are traveling between the districts of New Orleans. I recommend using the streetcar and taxis to get around. It’s much easier than driving and looking for parking. In fact, it’s pretty easy to plan a New Orleans itinerary that does not require you to have a car at all.

Hate #3: Hotel & Restaurant Prices

New Orleans is a major tourist and convention destination, so there really is no “low season” where you can find cheap hotels in New Orleans. New Orleans hotels are expensive; you can expect to pay more than $200 a night for a nice hotel in a good location, and parking is added on top of that if you drive to New Orleans. If you want to stay in the French Quarter, you will pay for the convenience, but you will save money on taxis and transportation as you will be able to walk to some of the best New Orleans attractions. Restaurants in New Orleans are also expensive, but the food is amazing.

Hate #4: Summer Weather in New Orleans

New Orleans is very hot and humid in the summer. If you visit between May and September, expect to have very warm days and evenings. You have to stay extra hydrated this time of year, especially if you are drinking alcohol because you can get dehydrated very easily. When planning your New Orleans itinerary, try to stay out of the mid-day sun and do your sightseeing in the morning and evenings. Visit indoor attractions, or use your hotel swimming pool, in the hottest part of the day.

Hate #5: New Orleans Crime

Crime in New Orleans is sometimes overexaggerated, it’s not necessarily a dangerous place to visit. But, you do need to take the same precautions you would in any city. Be on the lookout for pickpockets, and don’t leave valuables in your car. Although parking is expensive, it’s best to park in a protected lot where your car is safer from vandals. Use your normal street smarts: avoid dark alleys and don’t stumble around drunk by yourself in the wee hours.

Love #1: New Orleans Culture

New Orleans has a unique culture that you won’t find anywhere else in the United States. It’s an eclectic mix of Creole, French and American cultures. There are interesting museums and architecture in New Orleans and the unique culture is most evident in the cuisine which you can’t get anywhere else. Local residents are proud of their culture and love to share it with visitors.

Love #2: New Orleans Festivals

We all know about Mardi Gras in New Orleans, but this city has amazing festivals throughout the year. There’s the French Quarter Festival, the Jazz Festival, and so many other fun events all year long. Even Mardi Gras is so much more than what most tourists see. There are family-friendly Mardi Gras events, parades, and balls and parties that kick off the season well before Fat Tuesday.

Love #3: New Orleans Food

From beignets at Cafe du Monde to Po Boys in the French Quarter, the food in New Orleans is to die for. If you like seafood, you’ll love the gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish dishes. No matter where you go in New Orleans, you’re practically guaranteed to have an amazing meal. Make sure you bring your stretchy pants because it’s hard to visit New Orleans without packing on a few pounds!

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Love #4: Things to Do in New Orleans

Many people visit New Orleans and only see the French Quarter, but there are so many other things to see in New Orleans. There are tons of indoor and outdoor things to do with kids in New Orleans. The Audubon Zoo is one of the best in the country, and Audubon Park is next door. There’s the Garden District, swamp tours, plantation tours, cemetery tours, and riverboat cruises. The New Orleans Museum of Art is really great, as is the National WWII Museum. Be sure you check out some of the lesser-known New Orleans attractions during your visit.

Love #5: People in New Orleans

New Orleans people are fantastic. They’ll give you travel advice and tell you where to eat and where to shop. Avoid the drunk tourists and really try to get to know some of the locals in New Orleans. The South really is super friendly, and New Orleans is no exception.

New Orleans is a really fantastic city, no matter your reason for visiting. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to plan a New Orleans vacation. Want more tips for traveling in the Southern United States? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate When You Visit Salzburg

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Salzburg Austria! Although it’s a small city, it’s one of the top ten destinations in Central Europe and there are loads of fun things to do in Salzburg. 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 Salzburg.

Hate #1: Prices in Salzburg

It is expensive to visit Salzburg. Salzburg hotels and restaurants are expensive. The amount of money that we spent for two nights in Salzburg hotels could buy us three nights in a Vienna hotel. It is possible to find some more affordable accommodation in Salzburg. If you haven’t already arranged your Salzburg hotel, stop by the tourist information booth at the train station; they can usually find a good B&B for you at a reasonable price. While getting to Salzburg is fairly easy, the train prices can be high. If you can book your ticket in advance, you’ll save some money on transportation.

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Hate #2: Service in Salzburg

This is something we’ve seen across Austria, not just in Salzburg. Service is not great in Salzburg. Although tips are expected, they do not rely on tips for income like Americans, so it’s not the friendly attentive service you might expect. Whether you are in a shop or a restaurant, Austrians can seem indifferent to their customers.

Hate #3: Salzburg Crowds

Salzburg is a popular tourist destination in Central Europe, so there are often crowds at popular places to visit in Salzburg. Museums and cathedrals can feel really crowded, especially if you get stuck behind a tour group. If you can visit Salzburg during the offseason, you won’t have to deal with as many crowds and you can explore Salzburg at a more leisurely pace. (Plus, you might find better prices on Salzburg hotels!)

Hate #4: Shop Hours in Salzburg

Salzburg has great shops, but they usually close around 6:00 or 7:00 in the evening. Even some of the cafes might close early, so be sure to look at the hours where you want to eat and plan ahead. If you are coming from Spain or Portugal and you are used to eating at 9:00 or 10:00, you might have a hard time finding a place to eat that late at night. Likewise, with shopping, make sure to plan ahead and do your shopping earlier in the day. If you absolutely need something later in the evening, the train station shops usually stay open later for travelers passing through.

Hate #5: Eating in Salzburg

Since most of the cafes close early, it can be hard to find a place to eat dinner in Salzburg. We have spent 30-45 minutes trying to find a Salzburg restaurant for dinner that was open didn’t have a long wait. With so many places closed, it puts a strain on the fewer restaurants that stay open later, so they tend to get more crowded. If you are visiting Salzburg with kids, make sure you plan ahead so you can sit down to eat when they are hungry.

Love #1: Salzburg Old Town

Salzburg Old Town, or Altstadt, is beautiful. It is the essence of an Austrian village, with a cathedral, churches, quaint shops, and cafes. If you are lucky enough to visit Salzburg in winter, the Christmas markets here are fantastic. If you can splurge a bit on a hotel in Salzburg Old Town, go for it as you’ll be in walking distance of some of the best attractions in Salzburg.

Love #2: Mozart History

Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart, so naturally, there are many Mozart attractions in Salzburg. Even if you’re not into classical music, you can’t help but love this piece of musical history in Salzburg. Salzburg really plays up the hometown history and you’ll hear Mozart music playing all over. Mozart’s birthplace home is a very popular museum, as well as the Mozart Residenz where he lived later in life. Mozartplatz is one of the city squares, and there are even Salzburg tours that are all about Mozart.

Love #3: Salzburg Food

While it may be hard to find restaurants open, when you do, the food in Salzburg is really good. You will pay higher prices near Alstadt, but if you go across the river, you can get really good food at very reasonable prices. I love Austrian cuisine, from the hearty, filling main dishes to the decadent desserts.

Love #4: Shopping in Salzburg

Salzburg has some of the best shopping in Austria. It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs, clothing, Christmas decorations and anything you want. If you want to buy authentic Austrian goods, Salzburg is the best place to find unique items.

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Love #5: Things to Do in Salzburg

The recreational opportunities in Salzburg are endless. Winter skiing and summer hiking are two very popular Salzburg activities. There are alpine lakes just outside of town to explore. In town, there are great cultural events like concerts and festivals throughout the year. If you want the full Austria experience, sign up for one of the Salzburg tours with a “Sound of Music” theme and you can frolic in fields of flowers while singing songs from the movie.

Salzburg Austria is a fantastic destination and a great place to experience Austrian culture and cuisine. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on, rather than a reason not to visit Salzburg. Want more tips for planning your Salzburg vacation? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate On Your Austria Vacation

Posted on by admin

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Austria! 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 Austria.

Hate #1: Service in Austria

I’ll be honest; the service in Austria sucks. You will almost feel like they don’t want your money because it will seem like half the shops and restaurants are not open and when you do find something, they come across as pretty rude. On top of bad service, you’re expected to tip at restaurants. It’s just part of the Austrian culture; don’t take it personally, just know this going in and don’t expect great service on your Austria vacation.

Hate #2: Prices in Austria

Austria is expensive. Even public transportation is pricy. We spent 45 Euros for the train from Vienna to Salzburg. Taxis are expensive, and so are the restaurants in Austria. Hotels in Austria are also expensive. Austria is a popular ski destination for wealthy travelers; the rest of us go to Slovakia or Poland for an affordable ski vacation. Austria is not as expensive as Switzerland, but it’s definitely not a budget vacation destination.

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Hate #3: Shop Hours in Austria

Store hours in Austria aren’t the most convenient, especially for travelers from other time zones. If you get a craving for a Coca-Cola at 8 pm, good luck finding a store that is open to purchase anything. In general, stores in Austria close at 6:00 or 7:00 in the evening, so make sure you do your shopping before then or you might have to wait until the next day. Larger cities may have shopping malls that stay open later, and the shops in train stations will often stay open later, so if you’re in a pinch, head to the train station.

Hate #4: Austrian Culture

It can be hard to get to know the locals in Austria. Austrians are a very homogenous group and they tend to stick together. If you are staying in Austria a while, it’s possible to make friends, and Austrians are great once you get to know them, but it can take a long time to get to know them. If you are just passing through, you may not have time to ingratiate yourself into a group of friends, and therefore, you may not have the best impression of the Austrian people. This closed culture is also why service is not what you would expect.

Hate #5: Austrian Politics

This probably only affects anyone moving to Austria, but the politics in Austria are very conservative, which does sometimes cause conflicts and protests. Generally, this won’t impact your travel, but it’s something to know before you visit Austria, especially if you are considering staying for a while or living in Austria. 

Love #1: Austrian Food

One of my favorite things about visiting Austria is the food. Whether it’s the cake in Vienna, comfort food in Salzburg, the food is amazing. They love hearty, filling food and they really love their sweets. Cafe culture in Austria largely revolves around enjoying a sweet treat, and you can hardly throw a rock in Vienna without hitting a pastry shop or two.

Love #2: Nature in Austria

Austria is truly a stunningly beautiful country and is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe. There are so many amazing places to visit in Austria, including seven national parks in Austria. The Austrian Alps hold quaint villages, scenic lakes and rivers and tons of outdoor adventure opportunities. Even the cities of Austria have natural beauty with public parks, gardens and riverside promenades.

Love #3: Infrastructure in Austria

Although it’s expensive, it’s really easy to visit Austria. It’s easy to get around by train and bus, there are plenty of hotels to choose from, and lots of restaurants. We’ve also noticed more accessibility and mobility options than in other places in Europe. The train stations and hotels often have elevators, which is helpful even if you’re just visiting Austria with kids and strollers. The train system is really well-connected, and at least in Vienna, the train staff is very helpful when you need help with your Austria itinerary.

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Love #4: Austrian “Old Towns”

No matter which Austrian town you are in, find the Old Town and go exploring on foot. From the capital of Vienna, the Baroque city of Salzburg, the Tyrolean village of Innsbruck, or the medieval city of Graz, each has a unique Old Town or Altstadt. If you only have a few days to spend in any Austrian city, we recommend finding a hotel in Old Town so you can easily walk around and explore the highlights before continuing on with your Austria itinerary.

Love #5: Recreation in Austria

There are so many cool things to do in Austria besides the typical European museum and castle tours. Of course, there are plenty of museums and castles in Austria, but there is also world-class skiing in Austria. Hiking is very popular in the summer, and you can even hike from village to village in the Alps. The lakes offer sailing, swimming and paddling opportunities.

Austria is a fantastic country and a great place for newer travelers to branch out into International Travel. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on, rather than a reason not to visit Austria. Want more tips for planning your Austria vacation? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate On Your Greece Vacation

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Greece! Greece is a wonderful country, my wife is half Greek and we have lots of great friends here, so we’ve made several trips to Greece. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate on your Greece vacation.

Hate #1: Strikes in Greece

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

Hate #2: Driving in Greece

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

My Greek girl and boys!

Everything You Need to Know About Renting a Car in Europe

Hate #3: Public Transportation in Greece

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

Hate #4: Afternoon Siesta in Greece

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

Hate #5: Elusive Greek Beer

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

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

Love #1: Food in Greece

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

The 17 Dont’s of Visiting Greece

Love #2: Crazy Greeks

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

Love #3: Greek Island Hopping

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

Love #4: Greek Villages

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

Love #5: Greek History

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

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

Five Things You Will Love & Hate On Your Athens Vacation

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Athens, Greece! It’s a fantastic city with really nice people. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate on your Athens vacation.

Hate #1: Taxis in Athens

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

How to Avoid Travel Scams & Rip-Offs

Hate #2: Greek Salad Prices

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

Hate #3: Driving in Athens

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

Hate #4: Safety in Athens

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

The Most Common Pickpocket Techniques

Hate #5: Strikes in Athens

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

Love #1: Athens Acropolis

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

Love #2: Athens Neighborhoods

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

Love #3: Al Fresco Dining in Athens

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

Love #4: Athens History

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

Love #5: Greek Hospitality

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

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

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Switzerland Travel

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Switzerland! There are so many cool cities and villages to include in a Switzerland trip – from the Alps to the global banking hub of Geneva. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate about Switzerland travel.

Hate #1: Prices in Switzerland

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

How to Cut Costs While You Travel

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

Hate #2: Service in Switzerland

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

Hate #3: Rules in Switzerland

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

Hate #4: Switzerland Nightlife

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

Had to use happy kid pictures from Austria here 🙂

Hate #5: Switzerland Not Kid-Friendly

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

Love #1: Switzerland Landscapes

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

Love #2: Swiss Villages

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

Love #3: Mix of Cultures in Switzerland

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

Love #4: Switzerland Transportation

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

Six Rules for European Train Travel

Love #5: Swiss Chocolate & Cheese

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

If you have the money Switzerland is a must see

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

5 Things You Will Love & Hate about Your Amsterdam Vacation

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Amsterdam! It’s a fantastic city with so many fun things to do in Amsterdam. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate on your Amsterdam vacation.

Hate #1: Bicycles in Amsterdam

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

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

Hate#2: Amsterdam Restaurants

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

Hate#3: Dark Tourism in Amsterdam

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

Hate #4: Drunk or High Tourists in Amsterdam

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

The Most Common Reasons Travelers Get Arrested

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

Hate #5: Amsterdam Accommodation

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

Disabled Travel in Europe

Love #1: Amsterdam Museums

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

Love #2: Amsterdam Canals

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

Love #3: Amsterdam Party Scene

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

Love #4: Amsterdam Architecture

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

Love #5: Amsterdam Atmosphere

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

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