The Best & Worst of Visiting Munich

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Munich, Germany! I lived in Germany for several years, and I rank Munich in the top 10 European cities to visit. 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 Munich vacation.

Hate #1: Munich is Expensive

Munich is not a good budget destination. The accommodation, food, and shopping are all fairly expensive, especially when you compare it to other central European cities. Even the hostels are expensive, so if you are backpacking through Europe with a friend, it can be cheaper to double up on a cheap hotel than to pay for two at a hostel.

Munich is much more than beer halls.

Hate #2: Munich Beer Halls

A lot of travelers think Munich is all about beer and feel they have to go to the beer halls in Munich. So, the more touristy beer halls can get a little tacky and boisterous with travelers getting drunk on German beer. If you aren’t a big fan of drinking beer, it’s ok to skip the beer halls. There are plenty of other things to do in Munich. I’ve also heard traveler complaints when a lot of biking or walking tours end up at a beer garden and it you’re not a drinker, that can be frustrating.

Hate #3: Language Barriers

Bavarians are some of the nicest people in Germany, but the older folks especially don’t speak a lot of English. If you don’t know German, it can prevent you from getting to know them very well. Younger people and people in the service industry will speak English, so you can get by, but you may not meet as many locals as you’d like.

Hate #4: Tourist Crowds

Munich tourism is very popular, so you can often run into huge crowds of tourists and tour groups. You can nearly get trampled by the big groups, especially at the big attractions like Dachau or the Residenz. Munich is great in the off-season, or just plan to get up early and beeat the crowds if you are visiting Munich in the summer.

Hate #5: Cheesy Souvenirs

Ok, I love Munich, so it’s a stretch for me to find five things to “hate.” But you’ll notice a lot of cheesy souvenirs around Munich. From Oktoberfest hats, cuckoo clocks, lederhosen, and beer steins, the stuff you see for sale is either too expensive or cheap and cheesy.

What Not to Buy When Traveling

Love #1: Bavarians

If you read our more general post on things you’ll love and hate about Germany, I mention that German people are cold and too serious. That’s not the case with Bavarians. They are some of the nicest people you will meet while traveling.

Love #2: Munich Museums

Munich has amazing museums. The Bavarian kings ruled from here for 500 years. The Residenz, where they ruled from, has amazing artwork and furnishings. There are three art museums: the Old, New and Modern Art Museums. I think the Deutsches Museum is the best science museum in Europe.

Love #3: Munich Public Transportation

It’s so easy to travel around Munich. There are four main modes of transportation in Munich: the U-Bahn (subway) the S-Bahn (suburban trains) and the tram, and buses. There is nowhere you can’t go on public transportation in Munich. Even Dachau is on the S-Bahn. It’s also a major European hub, so you can get great connections to other cities, like Prague and Vienna.

Love #4: Munich Sightseeing

Munich is a beautiful city, with so much history and interesting architecture. The old town hall and the churches with the towering spires, plus all of the castles and palaces scattered around town. You will be constantly be craning your neck as you walk around Munich.

Love #5: The Beer Halls

If you don’t like beer, it’s a “hate,” but if you like beer, then Munich is the place for you! With the Oompa bands and the giant beer steins, the beer halls are a blast! Even Hofbrauhaus, though touristy, is super fun. For a more low-key, less touristy experience, go to the Augustiner brewhouse.

Five Things You Should Eat in Germany

Kids can really enjoy Munich

Munich is a great city and I love visiting anytime we are in central Europe. I really had to stretch to find anything negative to say about a Munich vacation because there’s so much to love about Munich. Want more information on travel in Germany? Check out these other blog posts:

The Best & Worst of Visiting Germany

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Germany! I lived in Germany for several years,  and I have returned many times with my wife and kids. 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 Germany.

Hate #1: German People

German people come across as cold and serious, and they are also cheap when it comes to spending money.  If you like to joke around with new people, Germany is not the place to do it. At least not with people you are meeting for the first time. This can definitely make it feel like Germany is an unfriendly place, but it’s not necessarily. They do warm up, eventually. But on your first trip to Germany, it takes some getting used to.

Hate #2: Pay Toilets

If you want to use a public toilet in Germany, it will cost you. Sometimes it’s a machine, in which case you need to have some coins on you. Other times, there is a bathroom attendant that you pay upon entering. On the bright side, public toilets in Germany are usually kept very clean.

Ten Things That Will Shock You on Your First Trip to Germany

Hate #3: Prices in Germany

Germany is expensive, especially when compared to countries like Italy, Spain or Portugal. Going out to eat, train passes and hotel rates are higher than other European countries.

Hate #4: Service in Germany

Service in Germany is not very friendly. They’re very formal and stilted in Germany, very straightforward. If you ask if they have an English menu, you will be told yes or no, but they won’t bring you one unless you specifically ask for the menu.

Hate #5: Sundays in Germany

Everything in Germany closes on Sundays. So if you want to do some shopping for souvenirs or even groceries, you’ll find a lot of places are not open. If you really need something, the shops in the train station, or gas stations, usually stay open through the weekend.

From the Brandenburg Gate to the Glockenspiel in Munich there is a lot to love about Germany

Love #1: Germany is Clean and Organized

You will be amazed at how clean Germany is. Sitting in a major square, and there is no dog poop, no trash blowing around. Germans like things to be in order and clean, so that’s one thing that makes travel in Germany easier. When you visit Germany attractions, you’ll find the lines orderly and the ticket process very organized.

Love #2: German People

I know this was listed as a “hate” also, but once you get to know Germans and start to make friends, they are great. Germans are friends for life. It’s just the cold outer shell that you have to get past in order to make friends.

Love #3: Public Transportation in Germany

You can get anywhere in Germany using public transportation. No matter how small the town, there is a bus or a train that will go there. Using public transportation in Germany is a great way to see the country and explore different regions and towns.

Six Rules for European Train Travel

Love #4: Things to Do in Germany

There is so much history in Germany and you can see that in the number of palaces and castles scattered throughout the country. They have amazing museums in Berlin, Munich, and Cologne. Germany has amazing outdoor scenery as well, from the Alps and the lakes, there are tons of outdoor things to do in Germany, too.

Love #5: Beer & Festivals

Of course, Oktoberfest is world-famous, but Germany has beer festivals all the time in tons of locations throughout the country. There are also wine festivals, chocolate festivals, Christmas markets, carnivals.

Germany is a great country and we love visiting over and over again. The “hates” are really just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to visit Germany. Want more information on travel in Germany? Check out these other blog posts:

The Best & Worst of Visiting Strasbourg, France

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit the Strasbourg France! Strasbourg is one of my favorite towns in France. There’s a big student population, German and French influence, and half-timbered houses. 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 Strasbourg, France.

Hate #1: Hotels in Strasbourg France

Strasbourg is home to the EU Parliament, which is in session nearly every month. When the EU Parliament is in session, it gets really difficult to find hotels in Strasbourg France. So you really need to plan ahead with your reservations and pay attention to the Parliament schedule and book around those dates if you can.

Strasbourg gives you a lot to write home about

Hate #2: Prices in Strasbourg

Strasbourg is expensive. A half-liter of beer will cost 5-6 Euros, while dinner will cost 20-25 Euros per person. The bright side is that the prices are the same nearly everywhere, so you can go to one of the best restaurants and spend about the same as you would at a mediocre restaurant.

How to Cut Costs While You Travel

Hate #3: Tourist Scams & Annoyances

Most of Strasbourg is really cleaned up and safe for tourists, but there are a few pockets where you might run into pickpockets or beggars. Chances are, you won’t even accidentally wander into these areas, so it’s not a big issue like tourist scams in other cities, just something to be aware of.

Hate #4: Isolated from France

Strasbourg is great, but it’s a bit isolated from other destination cities in France. You really have to make a point to go to Strasbourg when traveling in France. Strasbourg is all the way in the northeast of the country, while most other cities in France are in the south or west. In fact, it’s much closer to German cities like Freiburg or Frankfurt. For this reason, it’s easier to include Strasbourg on a trip through Germany, rather than France.

Six Rules for European Train Travel

Hate #5: EU Parliament

Ok, I’m stretching because there’s not much to “hate” about Strasbourg, but if you don’t agree with EU politics, it’s hard to visit the home of the Parliament. Kind of like visiting Washington DC if you don’t agree with the government in power at the time. It’s not likely to affect your trip, but can be a minor annoyance if you pay attention to politics.

Strasbourg is fun for young and more mature tourists

Love #1: Grande Ile

One of my favorite things to do in Strasbourg is to walk around the Grande Ile, Strasbourg’s historic center. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with half-timbered houses, colorful flower boxes on each home, palaces and pedestrian plazas. Don’t miss Petite France, the most scenic area of Strasbourg.

Love #2: Strasbourg Museums

Strasbourg has some really great museums. The Museum of Contemporary & Modern Art is great,  the Royal Palace museums, cathedrals and my favorite, the Musee Alsacien, Folk Museum. Any list of things to do in Strasbourg should include at least a couple of museums.

Love #3: French and German Cultures

Strasbourg bounced back and forth from being part of France and then part of Germany several times until 1944 when it was returned to France. So, Strasbourg has a really cool mix of both French and German cultures. Even the local dialect sounds like a mix of the two languages.

Love #4: Strasbourg Food & Drink

Strasbourg is a great city for eating out and drinking. With so many university students, there’s a good nightlife scene. There are also lots of bars and bistros where you can spend hours chatting and people watching. The local drink you should try is a Picon, it’s a beer with a shot of something sweet in it.

Love #5: Medieval Sights of Strasbourg

Strasbourg has so many cool medieval buildings that are still standing. From the cathedrals to the half-timbered houses, you can almost feel like you’ve stepped back 500 years. For Americans who may have a picture of Europe in their heads, Strasbourg is it. It’s just a really cool town to explore.

Grab a Picon Beer with a local and you will have a good time.

Strasbourg is one of my favorite cities in France, and I’ve even thought about moving here to teach. The “hates” were really a stretch for me as there are very few things not to like when you visit Strasbourg. Want more info about travel in France? Check out these other blog posts:

The Best & Worst of Visiting The Loire Valley

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit the Loire Valley of France! With so many beautiful chateaux and vineyards to explore, the Loire Valley is a great place to go when you’re in France. 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 the Loire Valley castles.

Hate #1: Chateaux Overload

Each chateau in the Loire Valley is amazing and impressive, but after seeing three or four of them, they can start to blend together. I recommend choosing the top two or three that you really want to see, or spending multiple days in the Loire Valley so you can spread them out a bit. Each chateau also has a really interesting history, but if you see too many in one day, you’ll get burned out on history and won’t be able to take it all in.

Hate #2: You Need a Car

Public transportation can get you to the Loire Valley, but the chateaux are built out in the countryside, not in the center of towns, so in order to fully chart your own course, you really need to rent a car. Of course, there are many tours that will bring you out on a day trip from Paris, but exploring on your own is much more fun. Driving in France is pretty easy, but parking can be a challenge in some of the smaller villages, especially if you have a larger car. Likewise, when you book accommodation, make sure you have parking that will fit the car you are renting.

Chateaux are incredible in Loire

Everything You Need to Know About Driving in Europe

Hate #3: Beverage Prices

Loire Valley prices in general are a bit higher because it’s a touristy region, but overall, they aren’t too bad. What really surprised us is the price of non-alcoholic beverages. We were spending four Euros for a soda or bottled water every time we eat out. Beer and wine prices are totally normal, but for some reason, they really hike up the prices of non-alcoholic drinks.

Hate #4: Summer Tour Groups

Summer is the best time to visit the Loire Valley, because the elaborate gardens are in their full splendor, but it’s also high tourist season. The most popular chateaux can be overwhelmed with tour groups and you start to feel a bit crowded, not to mention the longer lines to tour the palaces. If you plan to visit Loire Valley in summer, try to get there first thing in the morning, or towards the end of the day and this can help avoid some of the day-trippers from Paris.

Hate #5: Loire Valley Traffic

If you are driving around the Loire Valley, it can get frustrating very quickly. Between tour buses, campers and tourists driving while ogling the chateaux, driving in the Loire Valley, especially in summer is not super fun. But as we mentioned before, it’s really necessary if you want to explore at your own pace.

Love #1: Loire Valley Chateaux

This is the reason you are visiting the Loire Valley and the chateaux are awesome! You’ve seen them in movies, history books and travel channel shows, and now you finally get to see them in person. It’s so fun to compare the different architectural styles and then tour the inside of each castle. What’s even more fun is to learn the story behind each chateau, whether it was a hunting lodge or a place where a King squirreled away his mistresses. A lot of these are privately owned, with government incentives to promote tourism, so they have great guides and accessibility for visitors.

Love #2: More Than Chateaux

When you come to Loire Valley, you’ll realize there’s much more to see besides the chateaux. The Loire River flows through the valley, bicycle rentals and paths to explore the chateaux by bike. You can take a boat tour or a kayak tour, or go hiking in the forests surrounding the chateaux. Many of the castles were built as hunting lodges, so the surrounding land is undeveloped forests and rivers. Many of the gardens of the chateaux are free to explore, so you can spend some time outdoors enjoying the fresh air.

Love #3: Tourist Infrastructure

With so many tourists visiting the Loire Valley, the tourist infrastructure is really well-developed. There is a good range of Loire Valley accommodation for all budget ranges, as well as Loire Valley restaurants that range from inexpensive to gourmet.

Love #4: French Culture in Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is a great place to submerge yourself in French culture. The food, especially the duck, is fantastic. There are tons of different wines in the Loire Valley, so you can sample several until you find your favorite. Even some of the cafeterias at the chateaux have amazing food and it’s cafeteria food! The people are really nice, too. The French reputation for rudeness really only applies to the service staff in Paris. Once you get outside of Paris, people are really lovely and helpful. There are fewer English speakers, but you will get by just fine, even better if you know a few French phrases.

Love #5: Paris to Loire Valley Connections

The Loire Valley is really close to Paris, so it’s easy to visit to travel from Paris to Loire Valley. If you arrive in Paris from the US in the morning, you can catch a train to the Loire Valley and check out a chateau on your first day. It’s close enough for a day trip, or you can choose to stay in Loire Valley and take a day trip to Paris.

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Paris

The Loire Valley of France was really a great trip for us, we all enjoyed it as a family. The “hates” are really just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to visit Loire Valley. Want more info about travel in France? Check out these other blog posts:

5 Things Tourists Love & Hate about Provence, France

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Provence France! Provence is really amazing, with lavender fields, Roman architecture, and beautiful Provence villages. 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 Provence.

Hate #1: You Need a Car

While you can take the train from town to town, to really explore Provence, you need to have your own car. It’s the best way to see all of the things to do in Provence, because you want to be able to linger in one place and not be rushed around by a tour guide or tour group, or be beholden to a train schedule.

Hate #2: Tourist Crowds

The secret is out on Provence. Many Provence destinations, especially in summer, can feel a bit overrun with tourists. If you want to stay in a Provence village between May and September, plan to book your accommodation far in advance because the B&B’s and hotels can fill up during the busy months.

Hate #3: Pickpockets & Tourist Scams

Unfortunately, wherever there are crowds of tourists, the tourist scammers are not far behind. Pickpockets are definitely an issue in the large Provence towns like Avignon, although not as bad as in Nice or Marseilles. Likewise, if you rent a car for your trip, make sure you don’t leave belongings out in the open. Leave them locked in the trunk or back at your hotel.

How to Avoid Travel Scams & Rip-Offs

Hate #4: TGV Station Locations

When you take the TGV down from Paris, as a lot of people do, you’ll find that the TGV stations are not often in the center of town. Most towns have a train station in the center, but it’s not where the high-speed train goes, so once you arrive by TGV, you’ll have to transfer to a local train in order to reach the city center.

Hate #5: High Season Prices

The influx of tourists to Provence has caused a considerable increase in prices in Provence, especially for accommodation. So, it’s important to book ahead to get the best deals, but also consider renting an apartment so you can save money on meals. Provence has excellent markets, so cooking with fresh, local ingredients is a great way to experience the culture.

How to Cut Costs While You Travel

Love #1: Lavender Fields & Nature

Come June, when the lavender starts to bloom and the fields explode in color, it’s just gorgeous to drive around and take it all in. The beauty of Provence is truly in the nature so you will be outside a lot, and it’s the reason you want to rent a car.

Love #2: Provence Villages

Every Provence village seems to be cuter than the next. With cobblestone streets, flowery plazas, and historic churches, it’s hard to believe just how many things there are to see in Provence. It’s also important to see more than Avignon and Aix-en-Provence; make sure you are getting out to the smaller towns.

Love #3: Historic Sights

At one time, Avignon had Popes based there, so there are Papal Palaces and churches. Of course, the Roman aqueducts and walled cities have a ton of history surrounding them. VanGogh spent a lot of time in Arles, so some areas of Provence may even look familiar on your first visit and it’s because you’ve seen them in paintings.

Love #4: Tourism Infrastructure

You may have heard that people in France don’t speak English, but that’s far from the truth. Provence has an excellent tourist infrastructure that includes a lot of English speakers. There are maps and guides that are easily available for travelers, as well as many tours if you decide not to have your own car.

Love #5: Food & Wine

Yes, food and wine is fantastic everywhere in France, but it’s even more so in Provence. The wine is amazing, so make sure you visit some of the vineyards throughout Provence. The food is so good, and is a major part of the local culture. Many travelers come here specifically for food tours or cooking classes because it’s a very well-known region for food and wine.

Provence France is a great holiday destination and an area we love to visit. The “hates” are really just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to visit Provence. Want more info about travel in France? Check out these other blog posts:

5 Things You Will Love & Hate about Visiting Paris

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Paris, France! I think Paris is probably the most beautiful city in Europe and quite possibly 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 Paris.

Hate #1: Pickpockets in Paris

One of the worst things about visiting Paris is being a target of pickpockets and aggressive beggars. You really have to be careful, especially at the busy metro stops and train stations. People will follow you through a turnstile and steal your wallet in the commotion.

Read: How to Avoid Travel Scams & Ripoffs

Hate #2: Strikes in Paris

You might get lucky and avoid any strikes, but they are a pretty common occurrence these days and they can affect your Paris travel, whether it’s the metro or the buses or the airports. If you are concerned, talk to the staff at your hotel ahead of time and ask them what to expect. In general, they try to ensure that strikes don’t affect the tourism industry too heavily.

Hate #3: Paris is Expensive

When you see the prices in Paris, you will be expecting a lot more than what you get. For comparison, your hotel will be more expensive than in Rome, for a room half the size. Just remember, the point of Paris is to explore Paris and not stay in your room. So, if you set your expectations for a small room with possibly a shared bathroom, then you won’t be disappointed.

Hate #4: Tourists in Paris

Expect to wait in a lot of lines in Paris due to crowds of tourists, especially at the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. The lines for some of the best Paris sightseeing spots might scare you off, and that’s OK. Paris is so beautiful, you can easily explore it from the street and admire the outside of the buildings. To help alleviate some of the wait times, try to buy timed tickets ahead of time and visit the big museums mid-week, saving the smaller museums for the weekend.

Hate #5: Service in Paris

For whatever reason, the service industry seems to ruin French people who are otherwise very pleasant. For a big city, the people of Paris are very friendly and helpful, but most interactions with someone in a service capacity are not positive. This is what gives travelers the impression that French people are rude because they are only interacting with people in the service industry. Be prepared for that, and try to meet some locals so you can have a better impression of Parisians.

Love #1: Food in Paris

The food in Paris is amazing! The food all over France is great, but Paris also has great international cuisine on top of fantastic French cuisine. You will eat very well in Paris; I recommend getting the daily special which includes a starter, entree, and dessert for anywhere from 10 to 30 Euros. It’s a great deal and you get to sample several dishes. Some traditional food includes escargot or frog legs, plus the amazing desserts and pastries and let’s not forget about the wine!

Love #2: Public Transportation in Paris

No matter where you are in Paris, there’s a Metro stop within 500 meters. It’s so easy to get around Paris and you don’t have to worry about spending money on taxis all the time. I do recommend walking as much as possible so you can take in all the sights, but when your feet get tired, it’s easy to hop on a train. One note of caution, though: not all stations have lifts, so if you travel with a wheelchair or a stroller, it may be a little more difficult.

Read: Disabled Travel in Europe

Love #3: Paris Museums

There are so many cool museums in Paris. The ones you know, like the Louvre with the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory and Venus de Milo, or the Musee d’Orsay with Monet, Manet, and Degas. And then there are tons of smaller, lesser-known museums in Paris that would take you years to explore.

Love #4: Strolling Through Paris

The best part of visiting Paris is just wandering around. The architecture is amazing, and a stroll along the Seine and the many bridges will have you in love with Paris in no time. No matter how many times you have been to Paris, about 20 times for me, you’ll still catch your breath when you see the Eiffel Tower. It’s just such an iconic sight, you can’t believe it’s real.

Love #5: Parisian Cafes

Another quintessential Paris experience is to sit at a cafe and people watch. You can really soak in the atmosphere of the city when you take a moment to sit down, relax with a cup of cafe au lait and watch the world go by. It’s a great chance to take off your tourist hat and blend in with the locals for a bit.

Paris is a great city and we love visiting over and over again. The “hates” are really just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to visit Paris. Are you ready to start planning a trip to Paris? Check out these other blog posts:

5 Things Tourists Love & Hate about Visiting France

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit France! We’ve been to France several times over the years and we keep coming back! France is more than just Paris; you really have to get out and explore the country on a trip to France. 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 France.

Hate #1: Your Grasp of the French Language

Not to say that they don’t speak English in France, but knowing just a little bit of French can entirely change the experience you have on your trip to France. If you know a few French phrases, it will really get people to open up and be more welcoming to you. So, if you don’t know any French, we recommend brushing up a bit before you go so you can improve the experience you have in France.

Hate #2: Hotels in France

Hotels in France are small and expensive. A lot of times if you are looking for budget accommodation, you’ll have shared bathrooms. It’s kind of quaint the first few hotels you have, but after a while, it becomes a bit annoying. It’s worth asking at the hotel before you make reservations to find out if you have shared accommodations or not. You will have to pay more for private room and bath, but sometimes it’s worth it, especially if you’re traveling for a long time. Expect to spend about 20% more on hotels in France than you would pay for a similar hotel in Germany.

Read: Everyday Annoyances of Long-Term Travel

Hate #3: Service in France

Service in France can be …offhand. The people in France are super friendly and are happy to make recommendations for you while you travel through France. Somehow, though, this friendliness does not translate to the service industry. A lot of times when you are receiving a service, it can feel like you are a huge burden to the person serving you. This is a big reason why France has a reputation for being rude; it’s just from service interactions, while the everyday residents are perfectly pleasant.

Hate #4: Tourists in France

France is the number one visited country in Europe, so be prepared to deal with a lot of tourists. Tour groups can easily overwhelm a place like Versailles, but you just have to know going in that you’ll be dealing with crowds and be prepared to just get out of their way. Either try to get ahead of them, or just take a break, let them go through and then continue your sightseeing.

Hate #5: Traffic in France

Whether you are driving or walking, the traffic in France is a pain. If you rent a car in France, make sure you get the extra insurance that will cover you for bumps and scratches, because they are inevitable. As a pedestrian, always keep an eye out when crossing the streets and never cross right away when you get the light, as someone is always going to zip through and run their light. Wait a few seconds before crossing or better yet, watch what the locals do and take note.

Love #1: Food & Wine in France

France has some of the best food and wine in the world. Even simple basics like the bread and cheese in France is better than 50% of all the food in Europe!  Each region of France has different food, but it’s all incredible. From foie gras to frog legs and duck, make sure you branch out and try the regional foods wherever you travel in France. I recommend getting the daily special, because it usually comes with an appetizer, entree and dessert for a good price.

Read: What to Eat in Normandy, France

Love #2: French People

Outside of the service industry, the people in France are fantastic! Just walking down the street, or riding the Metro, you will meet the most helpful people in France. If you ask for travel advice, they love to share their favorite spots in France with travelers!

Love #3: Atmosphere in France

Whether you are strolling the boulevards of Aix-en-Provence or walking the beaches of Nice, there’s just a special atmosphere in France that you can’t find anywhere else. For the most part, people make a good wage, they live in a beautiful country surrounded by art and culture, and it’s just a really cool thing to experience.

Love #4: France Attractions

Between the chateaux and world-class museums, there are so many cool things to do in France. It’s not just Paris with the Musee d’Orsay or the Louvre, there are great museums all over the country. Of course, there’s Versailles and Fontainebleau in Paris, but there are castles all over France, especially the Loire Valley. You could visit France many times and never run out of things to do.

Love #5: Regions of France

There are so many unique, distinct regions of France. From Normandy, Provence, Bordeaux or elsewhere, the food and the people are totally different. Each region of France almost feels like a new country that you are visiting, which is another reason it’s so important to see more than just Paris when you come to France.  Even if you feel like you’re short on time, you can visit another region as a day trip from Paris on the TGV.

France is a great country and we love visiting over and over again. The “hates” are really just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to visit France. Are you ready to start planning a trip to France? Check out these other blog posts:

5 Things Tourists Love & Hate about Copenhagen Tourism

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Copenhagen, Denmark! Copenhagen is one of the coolest design cities 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 Copenhagen.

Hate #1: Copenhagen is Expensive

This isn’t exclusive to Copenhagen, as pretty much all of the Scandinavian destinations are expensive, but it’s definitely the #1 downside of a Copenhagen vacation. You can expect to pay around $8 for a pint of beer, so going out in Copenhagen gets expensive quickly. What the locals do is go buy a few cans of beer at 7-11 and drink outside rather than buying pricy beer at a pub. When you go out to eat in Copenhagen, expect to spend around $20 to $25 for a meal, and that’s not including drinks! Museums and attractions can be expensive as well, although some museums are free, so try to balance out your itinerary with free things to do in Copenhagen.

Read: How to Cut Costs While Traveling

Hate #2: Service in Copenhagen

The service in Copenhagen (and all of Denmark) is not great. It’s not that the people are rude, but they just aren’t super attentive like you may be used to. Tipping isn’t customary in Copenhagen, and you will see why. Since they aren’t relying on tips for their income, they aren’t going out of their way to provide stellar service.

Hate #3: Winter in Copenhagen

Most tourists visit in the lovely summer months, but if you happen to find yourself in Copenhagen in the winter, you might hate the weather. Winters in Copenhagen are cold and damp, with not much daylight coming through the clouds. Temperatures tend to hover around freezing, so it’s not super cold, but it’s not the best weather to experience. Nevertheless, Danes love to be outdoors. If you’ve ever heard the saying “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing” that comes from Scandinavia!

Read: The Best & Worst of European Winter Travel

Hate #4: Copenhagen Bike Paths

There are supposedly more bicycles than residents in Copenhagen. Seemingly everyone is commuting on their bikes and as a tourist, the bike paths can be deadly. Traffic rules are strictly followed, so there’s no crossing when you have a red light. Pay extra attention when crossing a bike path or exiting a bus. When waiting at an intersection, the safest thing to do is to follow the lead of the locals.

Hate #5: Little Mermaid Hype

The top thing to see in Copenhagen is the Little Mermaid statue and when you go to see it, it’s kind of a let-down. The statue is kind of small and usually surrounded by people, so it feels like one of those overrated things in Europe that you have to see but isn’t all that exciting once you see it. After all, it’s on nearly every postcard and you’ve seen countless photos of it, so the real thing just doesn’t live up to the hype.

Love #1: Outdoor Life in Copenhagen

Even in the winter, Copenhagen residents love to be outdoors. You’ll see beer gardens with people enjoying a pint year-round. They are bicycling year-round and making the best of winter, but in the summer, the outdoors is fantastic. You can take public transportation to the beaches near Copenhagen or go hiking or kayaking. Or just hang out in a beer garden!

Love #2: Getting Around Copenhagen

Copenhagen is extremely easy to navigate, making it easy for tourists to get around. It’s a relatively small city, so you can access almost everything by walking around. When you do want to go farther than the city center, the buses and the metro are easy to use. Nearly all of the main sites of Copenhagen are in walking distance of each other and it’s pretty flat, so you don’t have to climb up any steep cobblestone hills. As a bonus, nearly everyone speaks perfect English, which also makes this a very easy city to travel in.

Love #3: Food in Copenhagen

There is a lot of great food in Copenhagen, but not all of it is Danish. Yes, the hot dogs are great and you’ll probably eat a few of those during your trip, but there are other great things to eat in Copenhagen. They love their open-faced sandwiches, herring and pork, and Danish pastries are amazing; nothing like the Danish you have back home! While Danish food isn’t my favorite, Copenhagen has a great international restaurant scene with some really good food. Don’t pay a lot for mediocre food, pay a bit more for really good food and splurge on a few of the top restaurants in Copenhagen.

Love #4: Things to Do in Copenhagen

There are so many cool things to do in Copenhagen; from museums, parks, gardens and outdoor activities. Tivoli Gardens is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, and the architecture in Copenhagen is amazing. There are tons of palaces and scenic views, like the one at Nyhavn.

Love #5: Safety in Copenhagen

If you’ve traveled around Europe or watched our videos about pickpockets and travel scams, you’ll understand why safety in Copenhagen is such a highlight. We have walked around late at night, early in the morning, in quiet neighborhoods or crowded tourist spots, and I’ve never felt unsafe or uneasy. You might even see baby strollers lined up outside a cafe, with babies in them! Yes, people just leave their babies to sleep in the fresh air while they nip in for a coffee. That’s how safe Copenhagen is.

Copenhagen is a great city once you get over the prices and it’s really easy for new travelers to navigate because it’s so safe and everyone speaks English. The “hates” are really just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to visit Copenhagen. Want to know more about traveling to Denmark? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Visiting Denmark

5 Love & Hates of a Denmark Vacation

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we travel to Denmark! 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 Denmark travel.

Hate #1: Danish Ambivalence

The Danes are very content with themselves and their lives, and they’re also very private. You’ll notice they don’t make eye contact, there’s no small talk and no small pleasantries, like please and thank you. They won’t ask how your day is because they don’t want you to ask them! As a tourist, you’ll notice how quiet the streets are, and nobody talks on public transportation. Where this becomes the most obvious is in the service. You are not the priority of the server and service is really slow and ambivalent.

Look at the animals on the spire

Hate #2: Denmark is Expensive

What makes poor service even worse is the amount you are paying for it. Like the rest of Scandinavia, Denmark is very expensive. If you want to go out for a beer in Copenhagen, plan to spend around $8. Compare that to Portugal, where one beer might cost $1.50. When you go out to eat in Denmark, a meal will cost around $20-25. There are ways to save money and some of the museums and walking tours are free.  Do what the Danes do: grab a beer at 7-11 and enjoy it in a park.

Read: How to Cut Costs While Traveling

Hate #3: Danish Cuisine

The food in Denmark is not spectacular. A lot of restaurants advertise “new Scandinavian cuisine.”  That’s because “Old Scandinavian” cuisine is horrible. There are some cool restaurants in Denmark and the Danes have done a great job with international cuisine, but it’s not really a foodie destination. There are a few things you have to try, though. Hot dogs, herring and open-faced sandwiches are all typical Danish food that everyone will tell you to have.

Hate #4: Denmark Weather in Winter

It doesn’t get super cold in Denmark in winter, but it’s gray and rainy and sometimes snowy. The winter lasts a really long time in Denmark so it gets frustrating if you are traveling around. It’s also very dark in Winter so don’t expect sunny days. On the other hand, the summer in Denmark is amazing.

Read: The Best & Worst of European Winter Travel

Hate #5: Danish Shop Hours

Shops in Denmark close at 5:00 or 6:00 during the week and even earlier on Saturday. Most stores are closed on Sundays. So you really have to plan your shopping and make sure you get to the stores when they are open.

Crazy great photos here, but crazy high prices too.

Love #1: Outdoor Activities

Regardless of the weather, Denmark is made for outdoor activities. There are bike paths throughout the country, beaches, hiking, beer gardens, and outdoor Christmas markets. Even in the winter, you’ll find a lot of Danes outdoors. There’s a lot of natural beauty to appreciate in Denmark.

Love #2: Safety in Denmark

Denmark is very safe. People just hang up their coats at a bar or museum, you’ll see bikes lying around, some locked up, some not. Denmark is so safe, they leave their babies in strollers outside the restaurant while they go inside to eat! As a traveler, it’s so nice not to be on high alert all the time, checking my wallet and pockets. Of course, you should take the usual precautions you would in any city, but in general, it’s very safe in Denmark.

Love #3: Language in Denmark

It’s unlikely that you’ll know or learn much Danish before your Denmark vacation, but the Danes speak excellent English, so you don’t have to worry about any language barriers. Chances are if you hear someone speaking English with an accent, they aren’t Danish.

Love #4: Family-friendly and Bike-friendly

We already mentioned the outdoor activities, but Denmark is super bike-friendly and family-friendly. Legos are from Denmark so there is a Legoland and there are Lego stores all over. The museums are kid-friendly, as are the beaches. There are tons of bike lanes all over Denmark, but as a tourist, you really have to watch out for the bikes and follow the traffic signals.

Love #5: Architecture and Design

Sure, there are cool historic buildings and castles, but Danish modern design is really cool, too. The Copenhagen Opera House is a good example of modern design in Denmark. So just walking around and admiring the architecture is a fun, free thing to do in Denmark.

Denmark is a great country once you get over the prices and it’s really easy for new travelers to navigate because it’s so safe and everyone speaks English. The “hates” are really just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to take a trip to Denmark. Want to know more about traveling to Denmark? Check out some of our other blog posts:

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Scandinavia Travel

5 Love & Hates of Visiting Sweden

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we take a trip to Sweden! As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate about your Sweden vacation.

Hate #1: The Line Culture

The line culture is very particular in Sweden. If you are shopping or at the bank and you see a line, look around to see if everyone is holding a ticket. Sometimes you need a ticket just to be in line and your place in line doesn’t determine your turn, the number on your ticket will. There’s also not as much respect for personal space, so if you leave a gap in the line, you can expect it to be filled and you’ve just lost your spot.

Hate #2: Sweden Weather

The weather in Sweden can be unpredictable and very cool, even in summer. The winters are downright cold and very dark, thanks to being so far north. You always want to have layers you can wear when you visit Sweden and be prepared for cold and rain any time of year. The darkness of winter means lots of daylight in the summer, and this is great, except for the effect it can have on your sleep schedule.

Hate #3: Swedish Restaurants

Sweden isn’t exactly known as a culinary destination and Swedish food isn’t always super interesting. Ever see a Swedish restaurant in your hometown? There are definitely some quintessentially Swedish foods you should try, such as meatballs and cinnamon rolls, but the best food in Sweden is the international cuisine and New Scandinavian cuisine. The Swedish restaurant experience can be frustrating, as many restaurants close early so if you’re used to eating late, you might miss dinner and end up eating street kebabs or fast food.

Hate #4: Prices in Sweden

Like most of Scandinavia, Sweden is expensive! I’d say it’s about 20% more than prices in the US. Plan to pay about $7 for a beer in Sweden. Dinner will be about $20 – $25, plus drinks. Sweden also has high taxes on alcohol, so expect to pay quite a bit to have a beer or cocktail with dinner. If you have a big meal at lunch, you can take advantage of lunch specials. Even public transportation is expensive in Sweden. On the bright side, if you’re visiting Sweden from Norway, the prices will seem cheap by comparison!

Read: How to Cut Costs While You Travel

Hate #5: Lack of Public Toilets

Some cities, like Gothenburg, are fine, but many other cities don’t have a lot of public toilets. When you do find one, you usually have to pay. What’s even worse is that the pay toilets only take coins and Sweden is pretty much a cashless society, so it’s not common to carry coins around. However, I suggest having a few on hand just in case.

Love #1: Safety & Organization in Sweden

One of the best things about Sweden is that it’s super safe and very organized. You really do not have to worry about safety at all while you’re in Sweden. If you’ve watched a lot of our videos, you know that pickpockets are usually on the top of our list of “hates” but that’s not an issue in Sweden. Furthermore, Sweden is very organized. Transportation is easy to understand and there are tourist offices set up to help you out.

Read: Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Scandinavia Travel

Love #2: Nature in Sweden

Sweden is gorgeous! If you get the chance to travel around the country, you’ll see oceans, lakes, forests, the islands, and archipelago. Whether you enjoy hiking, skiing, boating or swimming, make sure you try to see some of Sweden outside of the major cities.

Love #3: Summer Days in Sweden

Most travelers visit Sweden in the summer, and you’ll enjoy daylight all day and almost all night. This gives you so much time to explore. Even the locals get totally excited to emerge from the darkness of winter, so you’ll find tons of festivals, live music, and art shows. Swedes love their festivals, especially Midsummer Festival.

Love #4: Swedish People

At first, the Swedes seem very reserved, but once you break through that outer shell, the people of Sweden are really fantastic. They love to show off their country and culture; it just takes a bit for them to warm up.

Love #5: Language in Sweden

Nearly everyone in Sweden speaks English very well. No matter where you go in Sweden, you won’t have trouble finding someone to help you in English. You’ll be shocked at how well they speak English and will even have a hard time detecting an accent sometimes.

Sweden is a really great place to visit, and easy to get around for first-time international travelers! The “hates” are really just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to take a trip to Sweden. Want to know more about traveling to Sweden? Check out some of our other blog posts:

What to Know Before You Visit Sweden