The climate is predominantly continental - generally speaking the weather is slighlty different in most parts of the country due to geography also. For example Summers in Bratislava can get quite warm anything from 20-35! However Winters are reasonably mild with some light snowfall in early November or as late as early March. In other parts of the country particularly in mountain regions summers are less hot but winters can be much colder with quite heavy snowfall and low temperatures - it can be common to experience as low as -25 in some places.

Slovakia is a very safe country by European records, however as with anywhere no place is ever 100% safe. Slovaks are generaly law abiding people but do watch out for pickpokets who to prey on the unsuspecting traveller, places to watch are trams, main pedestrainised areas and late night travel in Bratislava.

Slovak lanuage is a Slavic language much like Czech, Croatian or Russian. Most people in Bratislava in hotels, shops or restuarants will speak English. Many of the younger population certainly now consider English, German and other key languages an important tool for communication and they are only too happy to converse in these languages. Generally speaking the older generation will only speak Slovak, Russian or some German. It is useful to know some Slovak as any attempt will be most appreciated.

Some phrases are highlighted here. (Please see Discover Slovakia)

Like many stores in western Europe, Bratislava and other large cities have several large shopping centres dedicated to sports, clothing, food and cosmetics - outside of Bratislava and the larger cities most shops are available but in certain places the choices may be limited.

As mentioned earlier, Slovakia is largely a safe country and the countryside does not hold any dangers to visitors. The only thing to bare in mind in very remote parts of the country are the brown bear and wild boar as these animals can become agressive or angry if approached.

In restaurants and hotels this is common it is normally around 10% of the value.

Bratislava is gradually opening up and due to the fact that so much foreign investment has poured in over the last 10-15 years the city is transforming itself to become stylish, cosmopolitan and confident. However like anywhere please try to respect the country you are in. Slovak people are mild mannered and quite conservative and any unruly behaviour will be met with strange & disapproving looks. Most people in the countryside look disapprovingly upon homosexual issues and also people with a latin/black skin will often be met with resistance as Slovak people hold a great fear towards unkown things.