Oslo: The Best & Worst of Visiting Oslo, Norway

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Oslo, Norway! Norway’s capital city is a super fun place 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 when you visit Oslo.

Hate #1: Customer Service in Oslo

The Viking spirit is alive and well when it comes to customer service. You have to ask for help; nobody will go out of their way to help you. They will help if you ask, but it’s not the overly attentive service we are used to in the United States. Part of it stems from just being a more reserved culture, but it can catch you off guard at first.

Hate #2: Poverty in Oslo

You hear a lot about how Norway is one of the richest and happiest countries, and that everyone is equal, but you will see a lot of beggars in Oslo. A lot of the beggars will congregate around the popular tourist sights. You can just say “no” and move on, they generally don’t harass anyone, but it’s definitely something to be aware of.

Hate #3: Oslo Weather

It can be cold and rainy in Oslo, especially in the winter. It’s also very dark in the winter, so you won’t have a lot of daylight to explore the city. Even the summers can be chilly and rainy, so you always need to pack a lot of layers and have a waterproof jacket to wear in case of rain.

Hate #4: Oslo’s Size

Many travelers expect a huge capital city, but Oslo is quite small, with just over 600,000 people living there. After a few days, you may feel like you’ve run out of things to do. There are plenty of things to do in Oslo, but the cost is prohibitive to seeing all of the Oslo attractions.

Hate #5: Oslo Prices

Scandinavia and Norway are expensive, but Oslo is even more expensive. A single beer can cost anywhere from $10 to $20. Oslo hotels, Oslo restaurants, public transportation, and Oslo museums are all very expensive. Oslo is by far the most expensive place I’ve ever visited. Even way back in 1995 on my first trip to Oslo, I realized how expensive it was. It’s only gotten worse since then. Take advantage of the hotel breakfast and eat your main meal at lunch when you can get a lunch special. Hot dogs are a local specialty so you can eat on the cheap.

Read: How to Save Real Money When You Travel

Love #1: Nordic History

Oslo has some great museums and Nordic history is fascinating. The Viking Ship Museum is so awesome and the Norwegian Folk Museum is also super interesting. Norwegians have a lot of pride in their history and it shows in the museums. There are castles, fortresses and many museums to see during your visit to Oslo.

Love #2: The Oslo Pass

Yes, it’s expensive, but so is everything in Oslo. Purchasing the Oslo Pass combines your public transportation and museum entry, so if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing in Oslo, you can get your money’s worth very easily.

Love #3: Ease of Travel

Oslo is an “easy” place to visit. There’s a reason I often recommend Scandinavia as a good first-time overseas trip. It’s very safe, everyone speaks excellent English and it’s easy to get around. Since Oslo is relatively small, you can walk to a lot of places and anything that is not walkable, you can take a bus or a ferry. Additionally, it’s well built to accommodate wheelchairs or strollers, unlike a lot of European cities.

Read: What to Know Before Your First Trip to Europe

Love #4: Oslo Day Trips

While Oslo is a great city, there’s also a lot of fun things to explore outside of Oslo. You can be out of the city and in nature in just 20 minutes. Norwegians are very much outdoorsy people, so there are tons of outdoor activities in and around Oslo.

Love #5: Oslo Sightseeing

One of the best things about Oslo is just walking around downtown. Whether you are shopping along Karl Johans gate or seeing the work of Edvard Munch, including The Scream, at the National Gallery or the Munch Museum, there are some really interesting attractions in Oslo.

Oslo is a great city, especially for first-time international travelers! Most of 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 Oslo. Want to know more about traveling to Norway? Check out some of our other blog posts:

5 Things Tourists Love & Hate about Stockholm

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Stockholm, Sweden! Sweden’s capital city is one of the coolest design cities and nightlife destinations 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 Stockholm.

Hate #1: Prices in Stockholm

Stockholm, like pretty much all of Scandinavia, is expensive. A meal, not including drinks, will cost around $25 to $30. Hotels, restaurants, shopping, and even taxis are very expensive. It’s about 20-30% more expensive than traveling in the United States. On the bright side, it is cheaper than Oslo. There are a few ways to save money, including taking advantage of lunch specials or buying groceries instead of eating out. Fortunately, a lot of the things to do in Stockholm are free, so that helps a bit, too.

Read: How to Cut Costs While You Travel

Hate #2: Stockholm Bus Tickets

Taking public transportation is a great way to save money while traveling, but getting a bus ticket in Stockholm is surprisingly complicated. You cannot buy a bus ticket on the bus or at the bus stop. First, you have to buy a card and then load it up with how much money you think you will need to have on the card. You can buy these at convenience stores and kiosks, but they’re not on every street corner. What is nice, though, is that the card works for buses, trains and some ferries.

Hate #3: Stockholm “Face Control”

Stockholm has a lively nightlife scene, and some pretty cool bars and restaurants. A lot of them have bouncers, and the bouncers have a lot of discretion as to who is let into the establishment. It seems to vary from day to day, even at the same club. So, to improve your chances, you really have to step up and dress the part. Swedes in Stockholm really get dressed up to go out, and you should too if you want to get into some of the hottest clubs.

Hate #4: Service in Stockholm

Service levels in Stockholm are all over the place. It can vary from good to totally indifferent. It’s not that the Swedes aren’t nice people, they just aren’t overly attentive. If you want good service and attention from your server, you have to ask for it. It might feel like you are being rude, but you really just need to be assertive and be direct in your requests.

Hate #5: Stockholm Weather

If you visit Stockholm in the winter, be prepared for cold weather and very dark days. Stockholm summers are amazing with tons of daylight, but winters are unpredictable. You can have cold, rain and wind, so you need warm clothes and lots of layers.

Love #1: Stockholm Sightseeing

The city of Stockholm is fantastic and you can’t help but fall in love with the Old Town and the Royal Palace and the Cathedrals and shops. The design and architecture in the city are amazing. And then there are the day trips from Stockholm. You can hop a ferry to other islands or just ride around on the water. Skansen is a really cool open-air museum, and there are tons of cool museums. There’s even an ABBA museum!

Love #2: Stockholm Outdoors

When the weather is nice, everyone in Stockholm heads outside. You can hit up sidewalk cafes and outdoor bars, or you can head to one of many parks in the city. The Royal Palace has beautiful gardens you can stroll through. There are tons of opportunities for swimming, kayaking, cycling, and hiking.

Love #3: Safety in Stockholm

Stockholm is extremely safe, even late at night. Sure, you may run into a few drunks on the weekends, but it’s nothing you should worry about. There may be a few areas to avoid, but they aren’t someplace you would find yourself, and most importantly, you won’t see the typical tourist scams you would see in places like Paris, Barcelona or Rome.

Love #4: Ease of Travel

Stockholm is just an easy city to visit. Nearly everyone here speaks perfect English so you don’t have to worry about interpreting a foreign language. Between being extremely safe and not worrying about speaking a foreign language, it’s just easy to be a traveler in Stockholm. It’s also very kid-friendly and has good accessibility for disabled travelers.

Read: Disabled Travel in Europe

Love #5: Going Out in Stockholm

Between cafes and bars and nightclubs, there are a lot of fun options for going out in Stockholm. The restaurants in Stockholm are fantastic; not necessarily Swedish food, but there’s a great international food scene here if you’re willing to pay for it. Whether you prefer clubs or pubs, the nightlife scene in Stockholm is something to experience.

Obviously, we love Stockholm and can’t recommend it highly enough! 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 Stockholm. Want to know more about traveling to Sweden? Check out some of our other blog posts:

5 Things You Will Love & Hate about Sevilla, Spain

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re in Seville, Spain! This is one of the coolest cities in Spain and it’s definitely worth traveling all the way to the south of Spain. Here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new country. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate, about Seville travel.

Hate #1: Seville Weather

Spain is known for having amazing weather, but Seville weather can be too hot. It gets super hot in the summer and even the locals clear out in August to find cooler destinations. If you decide to visit Seville in the summer be prepared. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and bring a hat or umbrella.

Hate #2: Seville Pickpockets

Spain seems to have more than it’s fair share of pickpockets and Seville is no exception. My Spanish friends all warned me, and even the hotels will warn you; keep your valuables locked up (or leave them at home) and wear a money belt to keep pickpockets from getting to your wallet.

Read: How to Avoid Travel Scams & Rip-Offs

Hate #3: Driving in Seville

Driving in Seville is insane. There are so many one-way streets and crazy roads, that only a native to Seville can really know their way around. Expect to get lost while driving. Have a map and GPS, you’ll still get lost, but at least you can find your way back. There’s also a serious lack of parking in Seville. If your hotel or rental apartment tells you there is on-street parking, plan to spend a lot of time looking for it.

Hate #4: Seville Tourists

Word has gotten out on how awesome Seville is, so loads of tourists want to come to see for themselves. It can get pretty crowded, and with tourists come the long lines and higher prices and noise, so be prepared and know you aren’t going to have a quiet Spanish holiday to yourselves.

Hate #5: Seville Prices

Seville is a bit more expensive than some of the other cities in Spain. In some areas, Spain is still a good value destination compared to the rest of Europe, but you’ll find higher prices in Seville. Tapas, beer, and accommodation are all higher than elsewhere in Spain. If you visit during Holy Week in April, the prices are extra high.

Love #1: Things to Do in Seville

There are so many things to do in Seville. There’s the Plaza de Espana, cathedrals, the tomb of Columbus, Old Town and so much more. You will not run out of things to do in Seville because it’s such an interesting city and there’s always something going on. You will love it, but you might also hate it because you will want to stay forever to see all the sights.

Love #2: Seville Accommodation

Finding a place to stay in Seville is not a problem at all. They hosted the World Expo in 1992, so there are tons of hotels plus apartment rentals and hostels. Yes, it’s a bit more expensive than other areas of Spain, but finding a place to stay in Seville, for any budget or travel style, will be relatively easy.

Love #3: Seville Nightlife

Whether you want to relax at a bar and enjoy tapas, hit up the nightclubs, or check out the theater, there are tons of nightlife options in Seville. Everything in Spain operates on a later timeline, so dinner is later and the nightlife definitely goes into the wee hours, if you can handle it.

Love #4: Day Trips from Seville

While Seville is fantastic, it’s also in a prime location in Andalusia, one of Spain’s best regions. Seville is just 45 minutes from Cordoba, less than two hours from Cadiz, two hours to the beaches of Malaga and less than two hours from Ronda. Even Granada is doable as a day trip from Seville. If you like to stay in one place and not move hotels all the time, Seville is a great home base for exploring Andalusia.

Read: Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Spain

Love #5: Seville Historic District

You will fall in love with the Santa Cruz neighborhood. The atmosphere is so much fun, it makes you feel like you are Spanish, and you’ll want to just sit and soak it all in for a while. Everywhere you go in Seville, just walking around is a fun experience. Make sure you leave some slack in your schedule to just slow down and enjoy life in Seville.

Obviously, we love Seville and can’t recommend it highly enough! 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 Seville. Want to know more about travel in Spain? Check out some of our other blog posts!

The Best (and worst) of Visiting Reykjavik, Iceland

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Reykjavik, Iceland! We spent some time in Reykjavik before setting off on a road trip around Iceland. 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 Reykjavik travel.

Hate #1: Blue Lagoon Advance Booking

One of the main reasons people visit Reykjavik is to see the Blue Lagoon. These thermal spas outside Reykjavik are very popular and most people don’t realize that it sells out in advance. So you can’t just roll up and hit the pools, you have to book your tickets ahead of time, sometimes months in advance. We booked our spots just a few days in advance and there were already some time slots that were full.

Hate #2: Sulfur Water

You may notice the tap water that you have in your hotel sink and shower smells like sulfur. You might think something is wrong with the pipes or your hotel, but that’s just how the water in Iceland is. It’s all part of the same geothermal effect that makes the spas here so great. Don’t worry about drinking water, though. The restaurants will serve you tap water and it’s fine; no sulfur smell!

Hate #3: Reykjavik Weather

The wind and weather in Reyjavik can be unpredictable. It can easily drop 20 degrees during the day, so you really have to pack some layers when you visit Reykjavik. Even in the height of summer, it can get cold. Having a waterproof layer is also a good idea as it rains often in Iceland. The wind can also catch you off guard, especially if you are driving in Iceland.

Hate #4: Finding Reykjavik Accommodation

Finding a place to stay in Reykjavik in high season can be a challenge. Tourism in Iceland has exploded in recent years. They’re doing a good job keeping up with it, with lots of tours and English speakers, but accommodation still fills up in the high season of July and August. If you want to have a good selection of Reykjavik accommodation to choose from, you want to book ahead as far as you can. Keep in mind, the town itself is pretty small so even if you’re not staying in the heart of downtown, it’s still pretty easy to get around.

Hate #5: Prices in Reykjavik

While it’s pretty cheap to get to Iceland, it’s very expensive once you arrive. Reykjavik hotels, restaurants, tours, and rental cars are all expensive. Going out for dinner can easily cost $20-$30 per plate, and alcohol drinks are also very expensive. So, when you see that cheap flight to Reykjavik, you have to factor in the total cost of your trip when setting your vacation budget.

Read: How to Cut Costs While You Travel

Love #1: The Blue Lagoon

Relaxing in the thermal hot spas of the Blue Lagoon is one of the best things about visiting Reykjavik. You’re soaking in relaxing turquoise blue waters, surrounded by lava fields, and smearing volcanic mud on your faces. It’s such a relaxing, fun experience. You can even get a massage in the water. They make it so easy to visit, too. You can book your Blue Lagoon admission and a bus to pick you up from the airport all on the same ticket. After your soak, you then hop on a bus that will take you into Reykjavik. It couldn’t be easier; they’ll even store your luggage for you while you soak.

Love #2: Natural Beauty Around Reykjavik

While a road trip around Iceland is great, you don’t have to travel far from Reykjavik to see some of the natural beauty of Iceland. There are waterfalls, geysers, and icebergs all in a days’ reach of Reykjavik. A popular tour from Reykjavik is the Golden Circle, which passes by Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir. You can also book a whale-watching cruise, go horseback riding or hiking.

Love #3: Icelandic People

The people in Iceland are so friendly and happy. They speak English extremely well and are so proud to share their homeland with you. The people of Iceland are some of the friendliest people that we’ve met anywhere in the world. This also translates to a very safe environment. Crime in Iceland is almost non-existent.

Love #4: Getting Around Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a very compact city, so it’s really easy to get around. You can pretty much walk everywhere in Reyjkavik. If you aren’t able to get a hotel right in the center of town, you can find a guest house on the outskirts, take the bus in and still walk around. It’s a very walkable city, which is great when you’re traveling. You’ll be surprised by how much you can see on a stroll around town.

Love #5 Reykjavik Museums

Although Reykjavik is relatively small for a capital city, it has a surprising number of quality museums. There’s the Saga Museum, several art and photography museums, the Settlement Center, Maritime Museum and even a phallic museum, which makes for some interesting family conversations!

Obviously, we loved Reykjavik and can’t recommend it highly enough! 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 Reykjavik. Want to know more about traveling to Iceland? Check out some of our other blog posts:

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate on a Barcelona Vacation

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Barcelona, one of my favorite cities to visit in Europe.

Even though Barcelona is a great city, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new place. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate, about Barcelona travel.

Hate #1: Barcelona Pickpockets

There are a lot of pickpockets and bag snatchers in Barcelona, especially in the touristy areas, so you really have to pay attention at all times. Hide your wallet and leave your passport at the hotel in the safe so you lessen your chances of being robbed.

Read: How to Avoid Travel Scams & Rip-Offs

Hate #2: Barcelona Tourists

Yes, you will hate yourself a bit when you see all the hordes of tourists in Barcelona, especially in the summer. Over one million tourists visit Barcelona each year and you will feel overwhelmed by tourists at popular sites like Sagrada Familia. Just be prepared: book attractions online, arrive early, book your hotels in advance and go with the flow. You can also visit in the off-season and avoid a lot of the crowds.

Hate #3: Barcelona Sites are Spread Out

There are so many things to see in Barcelona, but the sites are spread pretty far apart from each other. The Metro is great, though. Make sure you have a strategic plan for visiting the Barcelona sites so you can be efficient with your time, and get to know the subway system.

Hate #4: Language in Barcelona

If you speak Spanish and are excited to use it, you will be disappointed to learn that they speak Catalan in Barcelona, not Spanish. The language of Catalunya is a mix between French and Spanish, so you can probably get by. Most people will also speak Spanish, but if you hear a language you don’t understand, it’s Catalan.

Read: How to Piss off a Catalan

Hate #5: Barcelona Traffic

Traffic in Barcelona is crazy; there’s an accident every 19 seconds here! Even if you aren’t driving but just walking around, be really careful around traffic, especially when crossing the street.

Love #1: Barcelona Sites

Strolling along La Rambla and through the Gothic Quarter is one of the best things to do in Barcelona. From the cathedral to the Picasso Museum, you really feel like you’re in Europe when you hang out just wander the streets, people watch and visit the attractions.

Love #2: Barcelona Architecture

Most people know about Gaudi and some of his crazy designs and buildings, but there’s much more to Barcelona architecture. The historic churches and palaces are amazing and if you can arrange an architecture tour, I highly recommend it.

Love #3:  Barcelona Culture

Barcelona is a melting pot of culture. With Catalan, Spanish and international cultures blended together, Barcelona is a very worldly city.  There is fantastic art, including Picasso, opera, festivals, and live music.

Love #4: Barcelona Beaches

Barcelona is one of the best beach cities in the world. What’s crazy is that the beaches of Barcelona were all developed after 1992, and it’s brought a whole new culture to Barcelona. Now there are promenades and beach-side restaurants where you can sip cava on the beach. Beyond the beaches, there are tons of parks and green spaces in Barcelona so you can really enjoy time spent outdoors.

Love #5: The Nightlife

Barcelona has the best nightlife in Europe. They have some of the best nightclubs in the world, but it’s also other aspects of nightlife. Going out to eat, going to shows or the opera. There are evening activities for kids, young adults, and seniors so everyone can enjoy the nightlife of Barcelona.

Obviously, I love Barcelona and can’t recommend it highly enough! The “hates” are really just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to visit Barcelona. Want to know more about travel in Spain? Check out some of our other blog posts!

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Scandinavia Travel

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re in Helsinki Finland. For our purposes today, I’m considering Scandinavia to include Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. I know some people don’t consider Finland to be part of Scandinavia, but we’re counting it today! (You could even include Iceland in this list of loves and hates!) Here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new country. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate, on your Scandinavia trip.

Hate #1: Prices in Scandinavia

Yes, everything is expensive in Scandinavia. Norway is the most expensive, but you’ll find much higher prices than other countries in Europe, like Germany. The biggest drawback to visiting Scandinavia is knowing how much money you are going to spend. (This is the only true “hate”; everything else on this list is more of mild irritation.)

Read: How to Cut Costs While You Travel

Hate #2: Weather and Darkness

From October through April, the weather in Scandinavia is not great. It’s cold, rainy and very dark. If you go as far north as Lapland, you’ll have almost 24 hours of darkness in the winter. The people have a more subdued, depressed state in the winters vs the smiling faces you will see in the summer when the weather is great.

Read: Rainy Day Travel Advice

Hate #3: Scandinavian Food

I love food, but there aren’t that many dishes that I love in Scandinavia. The salmon is good, anything with mushrooms or a mushroom sauce and the reindeer is unique. The cuisine just isn’t too exciting, but they do a good job of adapting other cuisines, so don’t be afraid to try Spanish or Italian restaurants as they’re not bad!

Hate #4: Alcohol

There are a few issues with respect to alcohol. There’s actually a lot of alcoholism in Scandinavia, and it’s not really a problem for tourists, but you might run into some drunken crowds late at night. This really just affects tourists when you want to buy alcohol, perhaps to have a drink at your hotel before going out. You can only buy alcohol at state-run liquor stores. They have weird hours and are very expensive.

Hate #5: Not Enough Bang for Your Buck

Scandinavia is gorgeous, but it can feel like you’re not quite getting enough for the money you’re spending. There are good museums, but they’re not the Louvre, yet they cost just as much. Once you resign yourself to just spending a lot of money and not worrying about the prices, you’re going to LOVE Scandinavia!

Love #1: Natural Beauty

You can’t even imagine how much natural beauty there is in Scandinavia. Seeing the fjords for the first time from Bergen, or the Northern Lights of Lapland are practically a religious experience. There are lakes, forests, islands and so much to explore; a visit to Scandinavia is really a nature vacation.

Love #2: National Pride

People in Scandinavia are really proud of their countries. They love to celebrate their history and share their culture with travelers. The festivals are a great way to experience Scandinavian culture, but you can really learn a lot from the locals about their country.

Love #3: Safety & Cleanliness

Maybe it’s due to that national pride, but the countries of Scandinavia are some of the safest countries in the world to visit. A lot of our travel guides talk about pickpockets in various parts of Europe and South America, but it’s not really an issue when you visit Scandinavia. The air is fresh and the streets are kept very clean. Because it’s so safe, Scandinavia is a great destination for newer travelers who want an overseas experience without some of the risks of larger European cities.

Love #4: Cities & Towns of Scandinavia

Stockholm and Oslo are both super cool; I change my mind often which one I like better. Copenhagen, Bergen, and Helsinki are all really fun to visit. The cities all have great museums, lots of culture and some nightlife. They are really perfectly sized cities for visitors; not too big to be overwhelming, but big enough to occupy several days of your trip.

Love #5; No Language Barrier

So many speak multiple languages in Scandinavia, and some of them speak better English than we do! You get all the benefits of experiencing a foreign culture, without having to mime things in the street to communicate with the locals. Best of all, they don’t get insulted at “having to” speak English. They do love it if you throw out a few local words, but there’s no attitude about using English. This is another reason Scandinavia is a great first-time overseas destination.

As you can see, I really love the countries of Scandinavia! The “hates” are really just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to take Scandinavian vacation. Want to know more about Scandinavia travel? Check out some of our other blog posts!

5 Things You Will Love & Hate about Visiting Iceland

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! We’re in Iceland! We spent two weeks driving around the country of Iceland, seeing icebergs and fjords and whales and waterfalls. We had a great time in Iceland. Here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new country. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate, about traveling to Iceland.

Hate #1: A Car is Necessary

If you really want to explore Iceland, you’ll need a car to get around. And if you’re from the US, be prepared for manual transmission vehicles or you will have to pay extra for an automatic. The roads can be challenging, too. You’ll see a lot of one-lane bridges, or switchbacks, and you won’t see a lot of guardrails where you might expect to in some places. The driving can be scary, but it’s totally worth it to be able to travel at your own pace.

Watch: Advice for Driving in Iceland

Hate #2: Lack of Accommodation

It’s getting better, but once you leave the main cities, it can be hard to find accommodation in Iceland. As soon as you start planning a trip to Iceland, you really need to sit down, map out your trip, and make reservations as early as possible. Especially in the summer! Iceland tourism has really ramped up, and they are struggling to meet the demand. On your Iceland road trip, you’ll be staying in guest houses, not hotels, and once they are full, the next guest house may be a few hours away.

Hate #3: Distance Between Services

Iceland is pretty sparsely populated, so it can be a long way between restaurants, guest houses, and even gas stations. It’s a good idea to fill up anytime you see a gas station, and always have some snacks in the car, especially if you are visiting Iceland with kids!

Read: Top Ten Road Trip Essentials

Hate #4: Weather in Iceland

The weather in Iceland can be temperamental. We visited in July and it rarely got over 50 degrees. You really have to pack carefully and bring lots of layers to wear in Iceland so that you can stay comfortable in the changing weather. All of that beautiful green scenery doesn’t happen without a lot of rain, so be prepared for any kind of weather when you travel to Iceland.

Bonus Hate: If you visit Iceland in the summer, you’ll have almost 24 hours of daylight. It’s a cool experience, but you’ll miss out on the Northern Lights and it can be hard for kids to adjust to it. Be prepared for arguments about not going to bed because it’s still light out!

Hate #5: Prices in Iceland

Yes, Iceland is expensive. Flights to Iceland are pretty inexpensive and with the free stopovers, tourism in Iceland has grown exponentially. Although it may be cheap to get there, it’s definitely not cheap once you arrive. Accommodation and food are expensive in Iceland. You can save money by shopping at the grocery stores. Most guesthouses don’t include breakfast, so if you bring your own breakfast and have picnic lunches along the way, you’ll save a lot of money on eating out.

Love #1: Natural Beauty of Iceland

The first thing you will love about Iceland is the scenery. It feels like you are on another planet at times. From lava fields to icebergs to geysers to mountains to fjords, everywhere you look in Iceland, there is something amazing to see. It’s a nature photographer’s dream, so bring plenty of memory cards and camera batteries because you will probably take thousands of pictures like we have.

Love #2: Icelandic People

The people in Iceland are the nicest, kindest, most helpful people. We’ve traveled all over the world and the people of Iceland are easily the friendliest people we’ve met. They speak perfect English and are eager to share their country with you. On top of that, Iceland is very safe with very little crime.

Love #3: Thermal Spas in Iceland

You can’t visit Iceland without visiting a hot pot or a geothermal spa. The Blue Lagoon near Reykjavik is the most popular, but they are scattered all over Iceland. Even if you don’t make it to one of the geothermal spots, a lot of the towns around Iceland have public swimming pools that have the same warm water as some of the spas.

Love #4: Outdoor Activities in Iceland

Iceland is an outdoor adventure paradise. There’s hiking, mountain climbing, fishing, whale watching, glacier hikes, and even snorkeling! It’s one of the best outdoor destinations in the world, so be prepared to spend a lot of time outside when you visit Iceland!

Love #5: Eco-Friendly Iceland

Iceland’s approach to energy and sustainability is really impressive. Most food you eat will come from Iceland and the menu will tell you specifically where everything is from. You’ll see this in the souvenirs, too. The most popular thing to buy is an Icelandic sweater; they are handmade from wool made from local sheep and often sewn by a local. There’s a very local-centric feeling in Iceland, and it feels very healthy.

Obviously, we love Iceland and can’t recommend it highly enough! 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 Iceland. Want to know more about traveling to Iceland? Check out some of our other blog posts:

The Best (and worst) Parts of Visiting Spain

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate On a Spain Vacation

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re in Spain, one of my favorite places to visit in Europe. A trip to Spain is always a good time, whether you visit Seville, Madrid, Barcelona or elsewhere, Spain is awesome! Here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new country. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate, on a Spain vacation.

Hate #1: The Weather

A lot of people come to Spain for the great weather because it’s supposed to be sunny and warm all the time. However, if you visit southern Spain in the summer, it’s oppressively hot, so you should stick to beach destinations in Spain at that time of year. In the winter, northern Spain can be cold and even snowy, so it’s not always sunny and warm in Spain.

Hate #2: Foreign Languages are Not a Priority

In much of Europe, foreign languages are heavily emphasized in primary school so that you can often find someone who speaks English, French or Italian nearby. In Spain, that’s not always the case. It is super helpful to learn a bit of Spanish before you visit Spain.

Read: Seven Tips for Learning a Foreign Language

Hate #3: Siestas and Sundays

What’s wrong with siestas, you ask? Who doesn’t love an afternoon nap? Well, siesta in Spain can be super frustrating if you happen to need something like aspirin at 2:00 in the afternoon. Stores, banks, pharmacies all close up during the afternoon siesta, and it’s even the law in some smaller towns. Keep this in mind when planning your day and don’t find yourself caught off guard needing something during siesta. The same goes for Sundays; pretty much everything, including grocery stores, is closed on Sundays, so you have to plan ahead!

Hate #4: Tourist Scams

As a traveler or a tourist, you will be taken for a fool in many places in Spain. Taxis, bars, and restaurants are known to take advantage of tourists, so pay attention to prices and review your bills before paying them. Have a good idea in advance how much a taxi should cost; you can easily ask at the hotel for an estimate so you know when you’re not getting ripped off. At a tapas bar, don’t fall for the “full portion” swap where you order a small plate and get the full-size dinner.

Hate #5: Pickpockets

Everyone warned me before visiting Spain to watch out for the pickpockets. It’s no surprise that Barcelona has been named the “Pickpocket Capital of the World” by TripAdvisor, with Madrid not too much farther down the list. It’s not just picking your pockets, it’s bag slashers and bag snatchers and a whole host of other ways to get robbed in Spain. Always be on your toes!

Read: The Most Common Pickpocket Techniques

Love #1: Regionality

One of the coolest things about Spain is that everywhere you go in Spain is completely different from the next region. Andalusia, Catalunya, Galicia, and Madrid are all so different and interesting. The cultures and cuisines vary from region to region, and much like the United States, there are so many unique places in Spain that you really have to visit more than just one big city to get a feel for the “real Spain.”

Read: How to Piss Off a Catalan

Love #2: Spanish Tapas Bars

No matter how much of a tourist you are, there’s something about sitting in a tapas bar, enjoying wine and good food that will make you feel like you are Spanish. It’s just such a part of the culture, and something Spaniards really do, so you can interact with locals and learn about the culture, all while filling up your belly with amazing food and drink.

Love #3: Spain Tourist Attractions

Spain is popular with tourists for a reason; the sights here are incredible. There are tons of museums and the Prado in Madrid is one of the top art museums in the world. On top of museums, there are fantastic cathedrals, forts, and towers. Not only does Spain have enough history and culture to fill several vacations, but there’s also a ton of natural beauty! You can hike in the Pyrenees, find remote beaches and so much more! You are going to fall in love with all of the Spain attractions.

Love #4: Nightlife in Spain

No matter where you are from, I challenge you to try and keep up with the Spanish and their nightlife. They can party all night long, every night. If you are looking for a nightlife destination, you can’t beat the nightclubs of Spain. (Don’t worry if nightlife isn’t your scene, you’ll still have a great time in Spain!)

Love #5: People of Spain

No matter where you travel in Spain, the people are what make this country so special. It seems counterintuitive that so many tourists get ripped off because when you actually meet Spanish people, they are so kind and welcoming. Even if you don’t speak Spanish, they will try to help you and make you feel welcome.

Obviously, we love Spain and can’t recommend it highly enough! 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 Spain. Want to know more about travel in Spain? Check out some of our other blog posts!

How to Piss Off Catalans

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re in Barcelona, Spain or Barcelona Catalonia. In case you aren’t aware, Catalonia is a separate region in Spain and although it’s been a part of Spain for centuries. However, a separate culture and language remains in this area which includes Barcelona, Girona, Lleida and Tarragona. Since we’re here, I thought it would be a good time to talk about the five ways you can piss off a Catalan. Of course, this is a bit tongue-in-cheek, but hopefully it will help you see a few of the differences from Spanish to Catalan culture.

#1 Call a Catalan Spanish

If you really want to insult Catalan culture, call a Catalan Spanish. Despite all being part of the same country technically, the Catalan people are proud of their heritage and embrace the differences from Catalan to Spanish culture.

#2 Tell them Moritz Beer is German

To assum Moritz Beer is German is an honest mistake, as a lot of Europe beer comes from Germany and Spain isn’t generally known for beer. However, the Moritz beer you’ll see all over Barcelona and elsewhere is not from Germany, it’s from Molins de Rei, just outside Barcelona. This Catalan beer is supposedly the only beer in the world with labels written entirely in the Catalan language.

#3 Imply that Madrid Nightlife is Better than Barcelona

Nightlife in Spain is practically a religion, so naturally there is a strong rivalry between Spanish cities for the best nightlife. Spaniards, and Catalans, have the uncanny ability to stay out well past sunrise at nightclubs and beach parties, but if you prefer Madrid nightlife over Barcelona nightlife, you might want to keep that opinion to yourself. At least until you are safely out of Catalonia!

Watch: The Don’ts of Visiting Barcelona

#4 Comment on their Spanish Skills

You may hear a Catalan speaking a poor version of Spanish and make a comment, not realizing that they are actually speaking Catalan, not Spanish! It’s similar, but Catalan is actually closer to French and Italian than Spanish.

Read: Seven Tips for Learning a Foreign Language

#5 Predict that Real Will Win the Clásico

While nightlife is almost a religion in Spain, football is a religion in Spain and Catalonia. The majority of Catalans root for FC Barcelona. El Clásico refers to any football match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. So, to suggest to a Catalan that Real is going to win El Clásico will not be received kindly.

Hopefully you don’t take this post too seriously, but if you do find yourself in Barcelona or Catalonia, maybe you’ll understand Catalan culture a bit better. For more travel tips and destinations, check out these blog posts and videos:

Tips for Not Missing a Flight

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today we’re at St. Louis International Airport and we’re sharing the six simple ways that travelers miss flights or six things you can do to ensure you do not miss your flight.

#1 Get to the Airport on Time

Don’t aim to get to the airport on time, aim to get there early. This way, if you get stuck in traffic or have to run back to the house, you have a cushion of time built in. This is probably the top cause for missing a flight.

#2 Pick Flights You Can Make

You can avoid missing your flight by first booking flights you know you can actually make. If you can’t get up early enough for a 6 am flight, don’t book a 6 am flight. Don’t cause yourself more stress by booking a flight that will have you rushing to the airport. If you have a meeting until 6 pm, don’t book the 8 pm flight.

#3 Consider Your Connections

Along with choosing flights you can make, pay attention to the connection time, especially with international travel. An hour layover may sound like plenty of time, but if you are arriving in the US from Europe, you’ll have to clear customs, claim your luggage, re-check your luggage and check back in through security. You might barely make it. Add in a 20-minute delay and one hour probably won’t be enough time.

Read: Travel Documents You Need for International Travel

#4 Dress the Part

The faster you get through the security checkpoint, the faster you can be at your departure gate. Wear shoes you can slip on and off easily. Don’t wear a belt or anything with a lot of metal. Have layers you can easily remove and don’t wear scarves, hats, or other accessories that are going to slow you down. Keep your laptop in a laptop sleeve where it’s easy to remove and put back in your bag.

Read: Long-Haul Flight Tips

#5 Have Liquids Separated

If you have anything liquid in your carry-on, have it already separated into a clear plastic bag that you can pull out and send through the scanner. Nothing should be larger than three ounces, and it all has to fit in a one-quart clear bag. Keep this bag on top of your carry-on so you can easily pull it out without digging through your whole bag.

#6 Pay Attention to Announcements & Information Screens

You’ve arrived at the airport two hours early, got to your gate, catching up on the latest book and start to notice you’re the only one at the gate and you should be boarding soon. If you weren’t paying attention and your gate changed, you could now find yourself sprinting across the airport and even missing your flight. It’s so easy to miss the announcements, so make sure you have the app for your airline downloaded, and occasionally check the screens as well.

With these six travel tips, let’s hope you never miss a flight again. If you have missed a flight before, share with us in the comments what made you miss the flight. In the meantime, for more travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos:

What Flight Attendants Want Travelers to Know