best and worst parts of visiting Italy

The Best & Worst of Visiting Italy as a Tourist

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today I’m in Rome, Italy. We love exploring new cities, and we know our fans do, too. There’s a lot to love about traveling, but we like to share a realistic picture with our fellow travelers. So, today we’re sharing the five things that travelers love, and the five things that travelers hate, about Italy vacations.

Hate #1: Tourists Everywhere! (yes you will hate yourself)

There are tourists everywhere in Italy, which means long lines to see all the attractions, and it can be hard to get a table at a restaurant in Italy. But, there are tourists for a reason, and you are one of them, so just bring your patience and try to go with the flow. (It doesn’t hurt to get up early and try to beat the crowds in Italy, though!)

If you are open to alternative locations, it’s possible to visit less popular attractions and avoid some of the larger crowds.

  • Visit Lucca instead of Florence
  • Instead of Rimini, visit Ravenna
  • Stay in Vicenza or Verona instead of staying in Venice

It’s also really important to pre-book your tickets for the train and try to book “skip the line” tickets for the most popular attractions.

Hate #2: Pickpockets & Beggars

Because there are so many tourists in Italy, there are a lot of people targeting tourists. Italy has some of the worst pickpockets in Europe. And it’s not just men doing the pickpocketing; it’s women and children, so you always have to be on high alert when traveling through cities in Italy.

Read: Most Common Pickpocket Techniques Used on Travelers

Scams are another annoying and common occurrence. Read up on the most common tourist scams in Italy so you are prepared.

Hate #3: Bathrooms in Italy

Women especially will hate this part of traveling in Italy. The public bathrooms are rustic, to say the least. Many times, you’ll just have a hole in the ground, or if there is an actual toilet, it will likely be missing the seat.

best and worst of italy

Hate #4: Not Much English Spoken

Of course, Italian is the official language of Italy. For a country with so many tourists, there, there really isn’t a lot of English spoken in Italy. The locals will still try to communicate with you, and we can’t fault them for not speaking English, but it will help you greatly if you learn a few Italian phrases when you are planning a trip to Italy.

Watch: Ten Italian Phrases You Should Know

Hate #5: Traffic & Trains in Italy

Whether you are a driver or a pedestrian in Italy, the traffic is annoying, and sometimes terrifying. Just crossing the street can be scary, so pay close attention and follow the locals’ lead when crossing streets in Italy.

Perhaps we can blame poor time management on the traffic, but that’s something else to keep in mind. Time is a “suggestion” in Italy and you can expect to wait a bit if you have plans with Italians. It won’t be long before you’re on “Italian time.”

Trains in Italy are often late as well, which can be frustrating. I’ve been on super hot trains with no air conditioning, and super crowded trains with no room to move.

Love #1: People in Italy

The people in Italy are amazing. I’ve visited 20 times, and have traveled all over Italy, from Vicenza to Rome and the people everywhere in Italy are amazing. They are friendly, helpful and accommodating, even if you don’t speak their language.

Love #2: Food and Wine

The food and the wine in Italy are so good! Of course, you’ll eat tons of pizza and pasta, but make sure you try the meats and cheeses and desserts, too! Then there’s all the regional specialties to try as you travel around Italy. Ask around to find out what the region is known for, and be sure to try it.

It’s not just the food we love, but the entire dining experience in Italy. Dining in Italy is not just a means to an end; it’s an opportunity to linger and enjoy each others’ company. And although Italy is famous for pasta, it’s not often served as the main course. So, if you order pasta as your main dish, it may arrive prior to the other entrees.

Aperitivo time is something we love about Italy. It’s kind of an afternoon “happy hour” and the drinks will vary by destination. It’s just a nice way to relax between sightseeing and dinner. It’s also a nice way to meet locals.

Love #3: Cheap Public Transportation

The trains, buses and metros in Italy are all super cheap. It’s much cheaper to travel around Italy than in Germany, Portugal or Spain. They have fast trains which you can pay more for, or you can take the budget route and take a slower train.

Love #4: Weather in Italy

The weather in Italy is incredible. In the north, the mountains of Italy have great ski weather, while southern Italy has amazing beach weather. There’s not really a rainy season in Italy or a cold season in Italy; there’s always good weather in Italy.

Love #5: Italy Attractions

There are so many things to do in Italy; you’ll never get bored. Just in Rome, there are so many attractions like the Coliseum, the Forum, and the Vatican. In every city in Italy, you’ll find churches and museums to explore, and then there’s the gorgeous countryside of Italy, with beautiful landscapes. The variety of attractions is really astounding; whether you are into history, religion, fashion, art, or outdoor adventures, you will find it in Italy!

With these five loves and hates, you will be better prepared for your trip to Italy, and know what to expect when you arrive. Have you been to Italy? What did you love or hate? Tell us in the comments! For more travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos:

With these five loves and hates, you will be better prepared for your trip to Italy, and know what to expect when you arrive. Have you been to Italy? What did you love or hate? Tell us in the comments! For more travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos:

What Tourists Love & Hate about Budapest

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today I’m in Budapest, Hungary. We love exploring new cities, and we know our fans do, too. There’s a lot to love about traveling, but we like to share a realistic picture with our fellow travelers. So, today we’re sharing the five things that travelers love, and the five things that travelers hate, about trips to Budapest.

Hate #1: Prices in Budapest

Most travelers expect Eastern European prices when they visit Budapest, but it’s relatively expensive compared to other Eastern European countries. It’s less expensive than central European cities like Vienna, but don’t expect a cheap vacation when you visit Budapest.

Read: Ten Inexpensive Cities of Europe to Visit

Hate #2: Language Barriers

Not knowing Hungarian can really be a challenge. Hungarian language is not similar to English, German or any of the Latin languages, so it can be difficult to even suss out a few words when you are looking at signs and menus. Even the alphabet is different!

Hate #3: Taxi Drivers in Budapest

The taxi drivers in Budapest are notorious for ripping off tourists. It’s even mentioned on the tourist brochures. It’s best to call a taxi ahead of time, or have your hotel send someone for you at the airport or train stations.

Hate #4: Intolerance in Budapest

Budapest can be a bit intolerant in terms of homosexuals and people of color. There’s a bit of a Neo-Nazi problem in Budapest. You won’t see it so much while Budapest sightseeing during the day, but if you are out at night, be aware of this and do some reading up on recent experiences in Budapest from these groups.

Hate #5: Service in Budapest

Even though tipping in customary in Budapest, the service is not great. In fact, it can be downright bad at some restaurants in Budapest. Set your expectations before you arrive; don’t expect good service in Budapest.

These “hates” of Budapest are things you will see in the most heavily touristy areas, and they aren’t necessarily representative of all Hungarians. Most of them are super friendly and helpful, especially if you try to speak a few Hungarian words.

Love #1: Baths of Budapest

Budapest is known for the bathhouses and thermal baths. These are a big highlight of any trip to Budapest, so make sure you include these in your trip to Budapest. Your hotel can recommend one and will even make spa appointments for you.

Love #2: Castle Hill

Some of the best things to do in Budapest are found on Castle Hill. Many Budapest museums are here, including the Budapest City Museum, the Matthias Church and amazing views of the Danube. It’s a nice place to just walk around, enjoying the view.

Love #3: Budapest Architecture

As you walk around Budapest, the architecture will amaze you. The Hungarian Parliament Building is the third largest in the world, and overlooks the Danube river. Anyone interested in architecture is going to love walking around Budapest.

Watch: Top Ten Sights in Budapest

Love #4: Walking Along the Danube

A quintessential experience of a trip to Budapest is just walking along the Danube River. It’s beautiful in daytime and at night, with great views of the Parliament and the Chain Bridge. You can also take a boat tour along the river for even better views. You can even take a day trip to Vienna or Bratislava on the Danube.

Love #5: Nightlife in Budapest

Budapest is a great destination for travelers who like to enjoy nightlife. Budapest has so many bars, coffee houses, theaters, operas, cinemas and nightclubs. No matter your age, or taste in activities, there will be something for you to do in the evening in Budapest.

With these five loves and hates, you will be better prepared for your trip to Budapest, and know what to expect when you arrive in Hungary. Have you been to Budapest? What did you love or hate? Tell us in the comments! For more travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos:

The Best & Worst of Visiting Prague as a Tourist

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today I’m in Prague, Czech Republic. We love exploring new cities, and we know our fans do too. Prague is one of the coolest cities in Europe and there’s a lot to love, but we like to share a realistic picture with our fellow travelers. So, today we’re sharing the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate, about a trip to Prague.

Hate #1: Crowds of Tourists

If you visit Prague in the summer, you will be shocked at the numbers of tourists from the old town square, across Charles Bridge and up to the Palace.  In addition to tourists, you’ll have people all over the streets trying to sell you something, which gets annoying after a while. It’s a testament to how great Prague is, that so many people want to visit, so just be prepared to deal with crowds.

Hate #2: Tourist Traps of Prague

With so many tourists, Prague also has a lot of tourist traps. The restaurants around the touristy areas are overpriced and less authentic. To find more affordable food, just go a few blocks from the main area, and you’ll save loads of money. This goes for hotels too. A common tourist scam is someone waiting next to you at the ATM, offering to change your money for smaller bills. Just decline and move on. You’ll also see a fair amount of beggars, buskers and drunks in the streets of Prague.

Hate #3: Drunk Tourists

The fact that Prague is a party city may be a “love” for you, but dealing with drunk tourists can be annoying. With easy access to the rest of Europe and lower prices than most other Western European cities, Prague has become a party weekend destination. There’s great nightlife in Prague, but that tends to attract the “stag party” crowd. If you’re visiting Prague with kids, these are the crowds you want to avoid.

Hate #4: Prague is Not Cheap, It’s Affordable

Prague has a reputation for being a cheap European destination. Many Americans mistakenly assume the Czech Republic is Eastern Europe and therefore super cheap. Prague is actually in Central Europe, and the prices more closely match Central Europe than Eastern Europe. However, it’s still an affordable destination in Europe. You can still get good deals on food, hotels and tours.

Hate #5: Prague Train Station

If you arrive in Prague by train, your first impression of Prague may not be great. The Prague train station (hlavni nadrazi) has been improved recently, but it’s still very crowded and enclosed compared to other European train stations. Once you exit the train station, it’s not the nicest part of town. Just be ready for it, and know where you’re going before you exit the station. After just a few blocks, you’ll be in a better area and more comfortable with your surroundings.

Love #1: Architecture & History of Prague

The first thing you’ll notice in Prague is the architecture, and the history behind it. The Old Town has so many interesting buildings and churches, then you have the Castle Hill, the Jewish Quarter and so many other interesting neighborhoods. Prague escaped most of the damage that other European cities experienced during World War II. So much of the history is left intact, and everywhere you look, there are amazing buildings and views.

Love #2: Charles Bridge

Watching the sunrise from Charles Bridge is one of the best things you can experience in Europe. It’s a great way to see the bridge without crowds of tourists, too. The whole atmosphere of the bridge is fun, and you can’t beat the views of Prague Castle from Charles Bridge. There are 30 statues on Charles Bridge, each with an interesting story. Some you can pray at, some you can rub for good luck, but take your time to check out the details of Charles Bridge.

Love #3: Czech Beer & Cuisine

You can get any international cuisine in Prague, thanks to so many tourists coming in. But you really need to try Czech cuisine because it’s really delicious. There’s a lot of pork and dumplings; my favorite is duck with dumplings and red cabbage. It’s not just the food; Czech beer is world-famous and the birthplace of Pilsner.

Watch: What to Eat in Prague

Love #4: Exploring the Districts

There’s so much more to Prague than just the old town square. The Jewish Quarter, cemetery and museum are very moving, even more so if you can hire a guide to walk you through everything. The castle district is full of narrow, winding streets to explore. And best of all, it’s easy to explore all of these areas on foot. Prague is a very walkable city. There is public transportation, but I prefer to walk and enjoy the architecture along the way.

Read: Seven Reasons to Hire a Private Tour Guide

Love #5: The Prague Vibe

When you backpack through Europe, you may stumble on a city that zaps your energy, while other cities seem to invigorate you. Prague is one of those cities; the vibe here is so energizing, you can’t help but love it. The people are fantastic, and you’ll want to keep coming back. Even if you don’t like beer, museums, history or Czech food, Prague has great shopping, too!

With these five loves and hates, you will be better prepared for your trip to Prague, and you’ll know what to expect when you arrive in Prague. Have you been to Prague? What did you love or hate? Tell us in the comments! For more travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos:

Five Things Tourists Love & Hate About Vienna, Austria

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today I’m in snowy Vienna, Austria. We love exploring new cities, and we know our fans do too. There’s a lot to love about traveling, but we like to share a realistic picture with our fellow travelers. So, today we’re sharing the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate, about a trip to Vienna, Austria.

Hate #1 The Weight You’ll Gain in Vienna

There’s so much great food in Vienna that you are bound to gain weight. From wienerschnitzel to pastries and the cafe culture of long leisurely meals, there’s so much food in Vienna that you will want to try. The Habsburg Empire had broad reaches across Europe, and brought cuisines from all of those areas back to Vienna. You won’t believe the pastry shops!

Hate #2 Vienna is Expensive

A big drawback of a trip to Vienna is that it is expensive. Hotels and restaurants are pricy and it adds up quickly. Your travel budget won’t go as far in Vienna as it does in other European cities.

Read: 10 Best Cheap Cities in Europe to Visit

Hate #3 Too Much to See

It may seem like a weird thing to hate on, but there is never enough time to see all the great things to do in Vienna. There’s Hofburg Palace, Schonnbrun Palace, Belvedere Palace, plus tons of churches and museums, not to mention the parks and the gardens. It would take at least a week to see the highlights of Vienna, and remember, it’s expensive here, so you’re spending a lot of money while you’re visiting all these amazing sights.

Watch: Top Ten Sights in Vienna, Austria

Hate #4 Service

Service in Austria is not great. You’ll find less than stellar service in stores and especially in Viennese restaurants. And, you’re expected to tip for this bad service! Most Austrians will agree, service is not the forte of Vienna. My tip is to have your order ready the first time your server comes around, as it may be a while before they ever come back to you.

Hate #5 Quiet Nights in Vienna

As much as there are so many things to do in Vienna during the day, the city basically shuts down at night. The stores close by 6:00, and there isn’t really very much nightlife in Vienna, especially during the week. In the summer, there’s a bit more activity with festivals in Vienna, but this isn’t really a stag do destination. Vienna is more of a cultural destination than a party destination.

Love #1 Cleanliness of Vienna

Vienna is super clean. In the winter, the sidewalks are quickly cleared of snow. You will rarely see any garbage, or even dog poop, on the streets of Vienna. They do a great job keeping their city very clean.

Love #2 Habsburg Influence

Everywhere you go in Vienna, you will hear about the Habsburg Empire, and you will see their impact. They ruled the Holy Roman Empire for over 300 years, and built many of the impressive buildings you see around Vienna. Arts and culture were highly valued amongst the Habsburg family, which is why Vienna is the “City of Music.”

Love #3 Safety in Vienna

You will feel very safe walking around Vienna at all hours. There really aren’t the pickpockets and tourist scams that you often see in other European cities. It gets dark pretty early in the winter, but you can still comfortably stroll around Vienna without worrying for your safety.

Love #4 Public Transportation in Vienna

The transit options in Vienna are amazing. There’s the Metro, buses and trams and they go everywhere in Vienna. It’s not the cheapest; it’s still Vienna after all, but a day pass is reasonably affordable. It’s also super easy to use; you stamp your ticket once and it’s good for the rest of the day. You can hop on and hop off at your leisure. I recommend taking the buses and trams so that you can see the sights while you ride. The Vienna Metro is faster, but it’s underground so you miss out on the sights.

Love #5 Cafe Culture

Cafe culture is huge in Vienna, and a big part of daily life for the Viennese. You can drink coffee, tea, hot chocolate or whatever you want. But the best part of the cafes are the pastries. You cannot visit Vienna without sampling some cakes, especially Sacher Torte, which was invented here. The cafes are everywhere in Vienna, not just downtown or in the tourist areas. While the service in Vienna isn’t great, they also don’t rush you out of your table, so you can really enjoy a leisurely morning break.

With these five loves and hates, you will be better prepared for your trip to Vienna, and know what to expect when you arrive in Austria. Have you been to Vienna? What did you love or hate? Tell us in the comments! For more travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos:

How to Get from Vancouver to Seattle on Amtrak Cascades Train

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re in Vancouver, British Columbia and we are headed to Seattle on the Amtrak train. There are many ways to travel from Vancouver to Seattle, but the train is an easy and inexpensive option. So today, we’re sharing everything you need to know about taking the train from Vancouver to Seattle.

Amtrak Cascades Schedule

You can travel from Vancouver to Seattle twice a day on the Amtrak Cascades route. The early morning train leaves Pacific Central Station in Vancouver at 6:35 and the afternoon train leaves at 5:45. The entire trip takes about four and a half hours to travel from Vancouver to Seattle by train.

Amtrak Cascades Reservations

You should reserve your tickets online at amtrak.com when you are making your travel plans. With only two daily departures, you want to be sure you can get the departure time and seats you want. When you are booking your tickets, make sure you have the passport numbers for everyone in your reservation, as you will need that information to complete your booking.

Amtrak Cascades Departure

You will be instructed to arrive one hour before departure, but that’s a bit much, especially if you are traveling in business class. 45 minutes should allow plenty of time to clear customs and board the train to Seattle. As you wait, you will receive a U.S. customs form to fill out. Hang on to this as you’ll need it later when crossing into the United States. Passengers are then split into two lines at the station: one for business class, and one for economy class. Next, you will go through Canadian customs, show them your paperwork, answer a few questions and then be on your way to boarding the train to Seattle.

Amtrak Cascades Seating

As you wait in line at the station, an Amtrak employee will come through the line, check your tickets and hand out seat assignments. You don’t always get to choose your seats, but if you can, ask to sit on the right side of the train for the best views between Vancouver and Seattle. (If you are traveling from Seattle to Vancouver, try to sit on the left side of the train.) The trains are numbered, so it’s easy to find your car and your seat. When you make your reservation, you can choose from Coach Class, Business Class and First Class.

Amtrak Cascades Amenities

Each train has a cafe car, where you can purchase food and snack items for the journey. It’s not anything exceptional, but our train did have some craft beers available, as well as Ivar’s clam chowder from Seattle. Other items you can buy are standard train fare: hot dogs, sandwiches, chips, candy and soda. They will take American or Canadian currency, but only Canadian bills, not coins. You will get your change in U.S. Dollars. If you’ve got a few Canadian bills leftover from your Vancouver visit, you may as well spend them in the cafe car.

Watch: Five Things You Have to Eat in Seattle

With a four and a half hour trip, you want to be sure to bring something to do on the train. Books, music or podcasts are great, and if you have kids, make sure you have enough to keep them entertained during the trip. Luckily, you can get up and move around and check out the cafe car, so the trip will go pretty quickly. There are electrical outlets at each seat, so you don’t have to worry about draining your electronics along the way.  (Canadian and US plugs are the same, so no worries about having an adapter for your plugs!)

Watch: Train Travel with Children

Amtrak Luggage Rules

When you make your reservation online, you’ll see several symbols on the schedule indicating what you can bring on board. This is important if you are traveling with a bicycle or oversize luggage. More generous than the airlines, each Amtrak passenger is allowed two personal items and two carry-on items. If you have larger luggage, you may be asked to check your bag. Two checked bags are free of charge, while Amtrak will charge $20 for each additional bag. Baggage works just like the airlines; you’ll be given a baggage tag and your bag will be loaded in another car.

U.S. Customs

When the Amtrak Cascades train reaches the U.S. border, border patrol agents will board the train, checking passports and documents, and they will take the customs form that you filled out at the train station. The whole process is pretty fast, and only takes about 20 minutes.

Alternatives to Travel From Vancouver to Seattle

You can take a bus from Vancouver to Seattle, and it’s a bit faster than the train, but it’s not nearly as comfortable. Of course, you can fly from Seattle to Vancouver in less than an hour, but it’s more expensive and restrictive. The train is a great option for families and much less stress than dealing with airports. Driving from Vancouver to Seattle is the fastest option, but it can be a hassle to pick up a rental car in Vancouver and leave it in Seattle.

Amtrak Cascades Arrival

After the four and a half hour journey, you’ll arrive at King Street Station in Seattle. This puts you right in downtown Seattle, between historic Pioneer Square and the International District.

The Vancouver to Seattle train is very comfortable and an affordable way to travel between the two cities. We highly recommend this travel option and hope these tips help you start to plan your train trip from Vancouver to Seattle! For more travel tips and tricks, check out these blog posts and videos:

Seven Reasons to Hire a Private Tour Guide

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today we’re in Washington DC with Rob from Trip Hacks DC. If you’re coming to DC, check out his site. He has info on the Metro, museums and almost everything you need to know before visiting DC. Rob is also a private tour guide, so today we’re talking about the reasons you should hire a private tour guide. You may think you don’t need a private tour, but taking tours by locals can really give you a lot of bang for your buck. Maybe you are visiting friends and you think they can be your private tour guide; chances are, they don’t know the city as well because they live there, they aren’t tourists. They may live and work in the city, but they won’t know it as well as a tour guide.

#1 A Private Tour is Time Efficient

When you are visiting a new destination, especially large cities, you only have limited time to explore. Most of us don’t plan enough time to truly experience a destination, so travelers need to be super efficient with their time. This is where a private tour guide comes in handy. They know the fastest way between monuments, and the best route to cover the most ground in a short time. On your own, you may wander a bit trying to get your bearings, and lose valuable vacation time.

#2 Get More Out of a Destination

On a guided tour, you are usually limited to the script of the guide. The private guides know their stuff, so if you want an academic background, you can get it. It’s not just facts, they know the who, what, when, where, why and how.

Watch: The Don’ts of Visiting Washington DC

#3 Get Stories and Facts

Sure, you can look up all the facts online, doing a self-guided tour aided by Wikipedia. However, you won’t be as efficient with your time. More importantly, a private tour is about more than facts. A private tour allows for the stories behind the facts. It’s the stories that really make these destinations come alive, and if you are traveling with kids, good stories will keep them engaged for much longer than a running list of facts.

#4 Ask As Many Questions As You Want

If you ask too many questions on a guided tour, others in the group will quickly get annoyed with you. With a private tour guide, you can ask all the questions you want. Often, you will find your private tour guide has certifications related to the area, whether it’s geology or archeology, and they can put a spin on the tour based on their certification.

Watch: Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Package Tours

#5 Tour Tailored to Your Preferences

With a private tour guide, you can have the tour tailored to your particular interests. If you are more into history or architecture, they can give you more of a historical context on the tour than a guided tour might provide. Whether you are traveling with kids, visiting from a foreign country or already knowledgable about the basics of the destination, the tour will be tailored to you, not generalized for a large group. In fact, the tour guides prefer to give the tour that will be most engaging for you, so don’t be afraid to ask up front about how your interests can be worked into the tour.

#6 Become Familiar With the Area

Sometimes, a new destination can be overwhelming and even scary. You don’t know where to start or maybe you don’t speak the local language. A private tour can really help you gain a comfort level that you can carry throughout the rest of your trip. You might request a tutorial on how to use the local public transportation system; a private guide can definitely help you with that! A tour guide can tell you where to eat, but they can also go with you and show you how to order, even how to eat something if you’re not familiar with it. Don’t think a tour guide can only talk about monuments or museums.

#7 A Tour Guide is More Than a Tour Guide

While you have a private guide, take advantage of their knowledge! Just because you are touring monuments doesn’t mean you can’t also ask them for their favorite restaurant, shopping district, or spot to take photographs. This is where you can really get off script and ask them anything. Maybe you’re considering relocation, and you can ask them about growing up in the area, or how it is to raise kids, the commuting, etc.

We know, tours aren’t for everyone. Independent, experienced travelers tend to shy away from tours, but as you can see, hiring a private tour guide can be really beneficial, for even the most seasoned travelers. Having that local perspective really brings so much more out of a destination. Have you hired a private tour guide? Tell us about it in the comments!

For more travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos!

Customs Clearance for First Time Flying Abroad

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re in Waterford, Ireland. We often get travel questions from our fans, so today I’m going to answer one that comes up quite often. For travelers about to embark on their first time flying abroad, the biggest question is “what happens when I get off the plane?” In this post, we’re going to cover arrival procedures for international flights, including the documents you need for customs clearance. With this list of airport procedures for first time fliers, you’ll float through customs on your first international trip!

What Do I Need When Arriving in a New Country?

Always make sure you have your passport, and keep it in arms reach at all times. Never put it in your checked baggage! (Never put anything important or valuable in your checked bag!) It’s always recommended to have your passport valid for at least six months after your trip, or you could get turned away. If it’s going to be close, go ahead and renew your passport before your trip.

Watch: Passport Issues

Will I Need a Visa for International Travel?

Visa requirements will vary by the country you are visiting, and the country you are from. This may also apply to countries you are traveling through, so be sure to research visa requirements for each country you will set foot in on your travels. United States passport holders do not currently need a visa to visit countries of the EU, or the UK, but other places like Russia and China do require a visa in advance of your travels.

What Happens When I Get Off the Plane?

Just like a domestic flight, make sure you have all of your belongings before you exit the plane; you can’t get back on the plane if you forgot something! Then just follow the signs to Customs or Passport Control.

What Documents Do I Need Upon Arrival?

The Customs official will want your passport, so have that readily available. Additional documentation may be needed depending on the country. They may ask where you are staying, for how long, and what is the purpose of your trip. We always have the following ready at customs in case we are asked:

  • Passport
  • Hotel confirmation with address
  • Flight details, including a return flight which you may be asked to show
  • Any paperwork we were asked to fill out on the plane, such as customs declarations

Other things you may be asked for in certain countries include financial stability that proves you can afford to stay in the country. Sadly, this usually only happens if you are from a poor country, traveling to a richer country.

Watch: How to Get Through Customs Quickly

What Happens to My Luggage?

You won’t get your checked luggage until after you’ve cleared through passport control. Baggage claim for international arrivals is usually located just past the passport control area.

What if I Have a Connecting Flight?

If you are arriving in the US from abroad, and connecting to another flight, you will need to collect your luggage upon entry to the U.S. Even though most flights will check your bag to the final destination, this does not apply to international flights arriving in the U.S. So, you will clear customs, retrieve your bags and then drop them off again for your next flight. Make sure you have enough time for all of this in your layover itinerary, as it can take time to go through all of these steps. (This is mostly specific to the US, as most flights to Europe will check your bag all the way to your final destination. If you aren’t sure, and have a tight layover, call the airline to confirm the process.)

What Happens After I Get My Luggage?

Many countries will have a second control after baggage claim, where you hand them your declarations paperwork, and they may scan your bag before you leave the airport. This is a good reason to continue to have your passport and paperwork in an easily accessible location, as you never know when you will need it throughout the whole arrivals process.

I hope these tips help you feel more comfortable about your first international flight, and help you to be prepared for the process of clearing customs and arriving in a new country. If you have other travel questions, feel free to post them in the comments!

For more travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos:

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

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Greetings from New Orleans, Louisiana! Every travel blog tells you what to do when you travel, but we like to tell you what not to do, so you can be prepared for your New Orleans vacation. Whether you’re visiting for Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest or some other fun occasion, these are the “don’ts” of visiting New Orleans.

#1 Don’t Call It N’awlins

Don’t call New Orleans “N’awlins” and it’s not New Or-leens. It’s New Orleans. If you can say it correctly, we’ve got our first don’t out of the way.

#2 Don’t Worry About Liquor Laws

You can walk around New Orleans with an open container of alcohol, which is unusual for most places. So, you can carry your drink from place to place and not worry about getting in trouble.

#3 Don’t Drink from Glass Bottles Outside

One rule, though, is that you can’t walk around with glass containers. Everything has to be in plastic cups, so when you get that cocktail to go, make sure it’s in a plastic container.

#4 Don’t Pee in Public

You’re likely to imbibe in a few drinks while visiting New Orleans, and you’ll notice a distinct smell in the French Quarter, but that doesn’t mean it’s OK for you to pee in public. That’s the easiest way to get a ticket in New Orleans. Pop into the nearest bar; they all have bathrooms.

#5 Don’t Bare Your Breasts for Beads

For starters, you’ll have your photo on the internet forever. Outside of the French Quarter, you can actually get arrested for public nudity, and nobody wants that. You can buy beads (very cheaply) at Walgreens and keep your dignity intact.

#6 Don’t Think New Orleans is Just the French Quarter

When most of us think of New Orleans, we think of the French Quarter. It’s where a lot of tourists go, and it’s all you’ll see on TV during Mardi Gras. There are so many things to do in New Orleans that aren’t in the French Quarter. Check out the WWII Museum, NOMA, the Aquarium, the Garden District and so much more!

#7 Don’t Stay in the French Quarter

Don’t stay in a French Quarter hotel when you visit New Orleans. It’s super noisy well into the wee hours of the morning, so it can be hard to sleep with so much going on outside. You’ll also get better hotel deals if you stay outside the French Quarter.

#8 Don’t Drive in New Orleans

Like many big cities, driving in New Orleans is a pain. Finding parking is nearly impossible. If you are driving to New Orleans, park at your hotel and leave your car for the duration of your visit. You can use the street cars, Uber or Lyft or just walk everywhere.

Watch: How to Use NOLA Streetcars

#9 Don’t Leave Valuables in Your Car

New Orleans isn’t the safest city, and small thefts are common. Don’t leave valuables in the car, even if you are using the valet parking at your hotel. If you have to leave anything in the car, be sure it’s out of sight or hidden away.

#10 Don’t Be Complacent About Safety

Lots of people come to New Orleans to party, so you’ll see a lot of drinking and a lot of tourists. We saw a bunch of fights in the evening, and pickpockets are around. Just be on alert, and if you see a fight starting to brew, get out of the way. Use your usual travel precautions to stay safe.

#11 Don’t Fall for Street Scams

One of the most common street scams in New Orleans is a guy who wants to make a bet with you, and guess where you got your shoes. Don’t fall for it. They’ll harass you when you don’t pay up, and follow you to pay them. Just keep walking and don’t fall into the scam.

#12 Don’t Visit New Orleans in July and August

New Orleans is literally built on a swamp. It’s hot and humid, and July and August are the worst months to visit. If you can avoid it, don’t visit during the hottest months. The rest of the year, the weather in New Orleans is great! (If you ignore this advice, then don’t complain about the heat!)

#13 Don’t Worry About Being a Tourist

This city is really geared towards tourists, and the tourism infrastructure is great. There are tours you can take all over – from swamp tours, plantation tours, and cemetery tours. There are also tons of hotels and restaurants. Just about everyone is a tourist in New Orleans. Don’t worry about sticking out.

#14 Don’t Get Your Tour Guide in Trouble

Tour guides have rules to follow, so make their job easy and follow their directions. Most tours have to stay on the sidewalk, no walking in the street, and tour groups can’t block the sidewalk. Don’t cause your tour guide to be fined!

#15 Don’t Forget to Tip

Many people in New Orleans work for tips, so be sure to tip. This includes servers, bartenders, tour guides, and musicians. Not only is tipping expected, but you’ll get much better service if you are a good tipper.

#16 Don’t Mess with the Cops

The police in New Orleans are super helpful, and super professional, so don’t hesitate to ask them for help. You can only imagine the things they have to deal with when it comes to tourists, so don’t mess around with them. This goes for their horses, too.

#17 Don’t Be Surprised When You See Vomiting or Crying (or both!) on Bourbon Street

People visit New Orleans and get out of hand, forgetting how much liquor they can handle. As a result, seeing someone puking on the street is pretty common. So is crying, and sometimes you’ll see both at the same time. Also, be careful as you’re walking around, and take care not to get puked on. It happens more than you’d like to think.

#18 Don’t Be in a Hurry

Things move slower in the South. Even more so in Louisiana and New Orleans. Just because it’s a big city doesn’t mean it’s fast paced; there’s a reason they call it the Big Easy. So, settle in and relax and get with the rhythm of New Orleans.

#19 Don’t Try to Diet in New Orleans

The food in New Orleans is fantastic. Some New Orleans specialties include crawfish Étouffée, jambalaya, gumbo, oysters, pecan pie and beignets. Don’t forget about all the calories in those drinks, too!

Read: Five Things to Eat in New Orleans

#20 Don’t Be Scared to Bring Your Kids

Aside from the French Quarter at night, New Orleans is very family-friendly. There are tons of things for kids to do in New Orleans. There’s an aquarium, the Audubon Zoo, city parks and fun architecture. New Orleans isn’t just for adults. Even Mardi Gras parades are family friendly!

#21 Don’t Forget to Make Dinner Reservations

With so many tourists visiting New Orleans all the time, you better have dinner reservations if there is a specific restaurant you want to visit. This is especially true during any festivals, and you’ll want to make your reservations way in advance.

#22 Don’t Overdo It on Your First Night

You’re going to want to indulge as soon as you arrive in New Orleans, and eat a ton and drink a ton, but take it easy on your first day, so that you’re not miserable on your second day.

#23 Don’t Forget Cash and ID

If you look under 30, you’re likely to get carded to get into bars, especially along Bourbon Street. It’s so much easier to pay with cash when you’re out at the bars, rather than running a tab on your card. Don’t forget about those pickpockets, though, and keep cash in your front pockets.

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

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

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

#1 Never Call a Welshman an Englishman

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

#2 Don’t Call Wales England

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

#3 Don’t Expect an Urban Experience in Wales

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

#4 Don’t Forget Your Hiking Boots

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

#5 Don’t Forget to Shop Before 6 p.m.

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

#6 Don’t Complain About the Rain in Wales

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

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

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

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

#8 Don’t Expect Consistent Mobile Service

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

#9 Don’t Be Claustrophobic While Driving in Wales

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

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

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

#11 Don’t Forget Your Pub Etiquette

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

#12 Don’t Plan Pub Dinners with Kids

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

#13 Don’t Miss the Chance to Meet Locals

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

#14 Don’t Bother Learning Welsh

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

Read: Ten Things That Will Shock You in Wales

#15 Don’t Forget to View the Night Sky

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

#16 Don’t Skip the Trains in Wales

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

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

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

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

10 Things That Will Shock You in Granada Nicaragua

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today we’re posting from Granada, Nicaragua! We love to help travelers prepare for their vacations, and other than telling you the best things to do, we love to share the things that will shock you upon arriving in a new destination. Today we’re sharing the ten travel shocks of visiting Granada Nicaragua.

#1 Volcanoes

Nicaragua is full of volcanoes! And in Granada, Nicaragua, you can take day trips to see the volcanoes up close. Laguna de Apoyo is a lake inside a volcano crater that you can swim in. At the Masaya Volcano, you go when it’s still dark and you can see the lava and magma bubbling up from the ground.

#2 What a Beautiful City Granada Is

Granada is the colonial gem of Latin America, and you’ll be shocked at how cute it is. With beautiful churches, plazas and markets, there are so many things to do in Granada, Nicaragua. Everything is so colorful; the architecture in Granada is amazing. There are also tons of museums and a monastery to check out. You can attend workshops and learn how to make chocolate, or cigars.

#3 How Cheap a Nicaragua Vacation Can Be

Nicaragua is so affordable, it’s shocking. We just had a meal for seven people, including drinks, for less than $20.00. It’s not just the food in Nicaragua that is affordable; the tours, hotels and almost everything here is very affordable.

Watch: How to Find the Best Cheap Food When You Travel

#4 Quality of Hotels

The quality of hotels in Nicaragua is really shocking, especially considering how affordable they are. There are so many cheap places to stay in Granada, and you’ll get a ton of value for your money, including swimming pools and a full breakfast.

 #5 Granada Locals

The locals in Granada are so nice! They are super helpful, even the sales people trying to sell you tours. Even the beggars are pretty polite and won’t harass you too much. If you want to give them money, buy the trinkets they are selling, rather than just giving them money outright.

#6 Drink Specials

If you like to enjoy a cocktail here and there, you’ll be shocked at the excellent drink specials you can take advantage of in Granada, Nicaragua! Especially on the Calle La Calzada, you’ll see a lot of “BOGO” drink deals; buy one get one free. We were drinking rum and cokes for about $1 each. Happy hour is every hour in Granada, Nicaragua! (Psst: there are awesome food deals in Granada, too!)

#7 Las Isletas

Sometime during your Granada, Nicaragua vacation, you will take a tour of Las Isletas, the small islands around Lake Nicaragua. The nature you see is amazing: birds and even monkeys on Monkey Island. The natural beauty surrounding Granada is stunning. You can even rent your own island for an overnight stay!

#8 Safety in Granada

Nicaragua has a reputation as an unsafe destination, so we were shocked at how safe we felt in Granada. Nicaragua is now ranked the safest country in Central America, in terms of violent crimes. Even at night, we haven’t felt uncomfortable or unsafe at all. Much of this goes back to the friendliness of the local people in Granada. 

Watch: Is Nicaragua Safe?

#9 Bugs in Granada

The bugs are pretty bad in Granada, Nicaragua. Make sure you bring really good bug spray! Zika virus has been reported in Nicaragua as well, so be sure to check the most recent CDC alerts for any information on Zika Virus, especially if you are a susceptible demographic.

#10 Sun in Granada

The strength of the sun in Nicaragua is shocking! You will get sunburned so much more easily than you do at home, thanks to the strength of the sun’s rays here. Bring the strongest sunblock you can find; and reapply it frequently. The best way to avoid ruining your Nicaragua vacation with sunburn is to stay indoors between noon and 2pm. Enjoy a siesta, and find some shade to wait out the heat of the day.

We hope these ten tips help you prepare to visit Granada, and lessen the shocks you have upon arrival. After just four days, I am smitten with Granada, Nicaragua. Have you been to Granada? We’d love to hear what shocked you; just leave a comment below! For more Wolters World travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos: