Austria Travel Information

Austria is a country located in central Europe and is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and thriving music and arts scene. From the majestic Alps to the baroque architecture of Vienna, Austria has something to offer every type of traveler. In this article, we'll take a look at the top 10 things to do in Austria.

1. Visit Vienna

Vienna, the capital city of Austria, is a hub of culture and history, and is home to numerous museums, galleries, and historical landmarks. Visitors can explore the city's beautiful parks and gardens, visit the famous St. Stephen's Cathedral, and enjoy the local cuisine and shopping.

2. Explore the Austrian Alps

Austria is home to the majestic Austrian Alps, offering stunning views, and an array of outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking. The Austrian Alps are also home to several popular mountain resorts, including St. Anton and Kitzbühel.

3. Visit the Salzburg Festival

The Salzburg Festival is a world-renowned music and arts festival that takes place every summer in Salzburg. Visitors can enjoy performances of opera, classical music, and theater, as well as exhibitions and events throughout the city.

4. Visit the Schönbrunn Palace

The Schönbrunn Palace is a former imperial summer residence located in Vienna. Visitors can explore the palace's beautiful gardens and interiors, as well as visit the palace's many museums and exhibitions.

5. Explore the Historic Center of Salzburg

Salzburg is a beautiful medieval city located in the heart of Austria, known for its stunning baroque architecture and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the city's historic center, visit its many museums and galleries, and enjoy the local cuisine and shopping.

6. Take a Lake District Tour

Austria's Lake District is a stunning region of clear blue lakes and rolling hills, offering an array of outdoor activities and scenic beauty. Visitors can take boat tours, go hiking, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.

7. Visit the Hofburg Palace in Vienna

The Hofburg Palace is a former imperial palace located in the heart of Vienna. Visitors can explore the palace's numerous museums and exhibitions, including the Imperial Apartments, the Treasury, and the Spanish Riding School.

8. Enjoy the Natural Beauty of the Wachau Valley

The Wachau Valley is a beautiful region of rolling hills and vineyards located along the Danube River. Visitors can explore the local wineries, go hiking, or simply enjoy the scenic beauty of the valley.

9. Visit the Kunsthistorishes Museum in Vienna

The Kunsthistorishes Museum is one of the largest art museums in the world, located in Vienna. Visitors can explore the museum's vast collection of art, including works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and other famous artists.

10. Explore the Hohe Tauern National Park

The Hohe Tauern National Park is the largest national park in Austria, offering breathtaking scenery and an array of outdoor activities. Visitors can go hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.

Climate

Austria has a temperate climate, with warm summers and cold winters. In the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 30°C (86°F), while in winter, temperatures can drop to below 0°C (32°F). Snow is common in the mountains and some areas of the country during the winter months, making it an ideal destination for winter sports.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Austria depends on the type of activities you are interested in. If you are interested in winter sports, then the best time to visit is from December to March. If you prefer outdoor activities and warmer weather, then the best time to visit is from June to August. The spring and autumn months are also a great time to visit, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

Festivals and Holidays

Austria is known for its numerous festivals and holidays, including the Salzburg Festival, the Viennese Opera Ball, and Christmas markets. These events can attract large crowds, so it's recommended to book your accommodations in advance if you plan to visit during these times.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

Austria is home to a variety of hotels, from budget-friendly options to luxury hotels. Many hotels in Austria offer a traditional and elegant atmosphere, and some have a rich history dating back hundreds of years.

Guesthouses and Bed and Breakfasts

Guesthouses and bed and breakfasts are a popular option for travelers who want a more intimate and personal experience. These types of accommodations offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and many are located in charming historic buildings.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals, such as apartments and villas, are an increasingly popular option for travelers visiting Austria. These types of accommodations offer more space and privacy, as well as the convenience of having a kitchen to prepare your own meals.

Hostels

Hostels are a budget-friendly option for travelers and are typically geared towards backpackers and young travelers. Many hostels in Austria offer a lively atmosphere and a chance to meet other travelers

Train

Austria's rail network is extensive, with trains connecting major cities and tourist destinations. The trains are modern, clean, and punctual, making it a convenient option for getting around the country.

Bus

Buses are a popular option for traveling between smaller towns and villages in Austria. They are also a convenient option for traveling to and from the airport.

Car Rental

Car rental is a popular option for travelers who want the freedom to explore the country at their own pace. Renting a car in Austria is straightforward, and there is a good network of roads and highways.

Taxi

Taxis are widely available in Austria, and they are a convenient option for short trips within cities. Taxis are generally more expensive than other forms of transportation, but they offer a convenient and comfortable way to get around.

Bicycle

Austria is a popular destination for cyclists, with a well-developed network of bike paths and trails. Bicycles can be rented from a variety of shops and are a great way to explore the country and take in the scenery.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.