Greetings from Prague! There are so many great things to do in
Prague, but there are also some “don’ts” when you visit Prague. These Prague
tips are the things tourists should not do when visiting Prague.
Prague Tip #1 Don’t Overlook Prague
When planning a European vacation,
many travelers tend to focus on the major destinations like London, Paris,
Spain and Italy. Prague is one of our favorite cities in Europe to visit. There
are so many sites, from the town square to the Charles Bridge, amazing castle views
and historic architecture.
Prague
Tip #2 Don’t Be Deterred by All the Tourists
Prague is seeing more tourists every
year, but don’t let that scare you off. They are coming for a reason, and that’s
because Prague is such a great destination. The tourists tend to stick to a few
main areas and streets, so it’s still really easy to escape the crowds and find
the more authentic side of Prague.
Prague
Tip #3 Don’t Expect a Dirt Cheap Destination
Sure, Prague is more affordable than
many other European cities, but it’s not a dirt cheap destination. It’s
possible to get good deals in Prague, but it’s not the cheapest city in Europe.
Prague has an amazing cultural scene,
with operas, concerts, theaters and puppet shows. Make sure to take advantage
of all that Prague has to offer. If you’ve never been to the opera, Prague is a
good place to do so as it’s fairly affordable. Yes, Prague has good beer and
cool sites, but make sure you check out the cultural side of Prague as well.
Prague
Tip #5 Don’t Be the Drunk Tourist
Prague is a popular weekend
destination in Europe, so you’ll see a lot of drunk tourists in town to blow
off some steam. Even if you aren’t drinking, be aware of the big groups roaming
the streets as they can get rowdy.
Prague
Tip #6 Don’t Expect Super Good Service
The service in Prague is improving,
but it’s not the overly friendly service you’d see in the US, or the super
efficient service you’d expect in Germany. That said, Prague has some really
nice restaurants, and as tipping becomes more widespread, the service is
improving. Service is very hit or miss in Prague.
Prague
Tip #7 Don’t Forget to Tip
In general, tourists are expected to
tip around 10%. More for great service, less for mediocre service. If paying by
credit card, you have to tell them to add the tip before they run the card. If
paying in cash, give the tip directly to the server, don’t leave it on the
table.
Prague
Tip #8 Don’t Forget Basic Travel Safety
Along with increased tourism, Prague
has its fair share of tourist scams and pickpockets. Be extra aware when you’re
in a large crowd, at popular places like the astronomical clock, as pickpockets
like to target crowds where distracted tourists gather. Keep an eye on your
wallet, phone and any other valuables.
Prague
Tip #9 Don’t Eat Anything but Czech Food
The food in Prague is fantastic. From
meat and potatoes, to beer and desserts. Try the duck and the dumplings, the
sauerkraut and beef and pork dishes. Skip the Italian restaurants and all other
cuisines and fill up on Czech food while you can.
This is Central Europe, not Eastern
Europe. They will let you know if you call it Eastern Europe, because it is
not.
Prague is one of our favorite places, with good reason. With
these tips, you will love your Prague visit. For more travel tips, check out
these blog posts and videos:
Greetings from Venice, Italy! Venice receives about 20 million
tourists each year, and there are many “must do’s” for anyone visiting Venice.
However, there are also many “don’ts” for visitors to Venice, so that’s what
we’re sharing here.
Venice Tip #1: Don’t Bring Heavy Luggage
In Venice, there aren’t taxis and
buses to get from place to place; there are boats. Lugging heaving luggage in
and out of these boats is really inconvenient, and they can sometimes charge
extra for heavy bags.
Gondolas are the icon of Venice, and
therefore very popular with tourists. A 30-minute gondola ride can cost 80
Euros, and if you want singing while you float, that will cost extra.
Venice Tip #3: Don’t Feed the Pigeons
It’s actually illegal to feed the
pigeons in Venice, especially in places like the Piazza San Marco, and it’s
possible to receive a fine for doing so.
Venice Tip #4: Don’t Be Surprised To See Risers in the Streets
At certain times of the year, the
water levels are high enough to flood the streets. In that case, they will put risers
in for pedestrians to stay above the water. This is less of an issue in the
summer, but if you visit in other seasons, you might see it.
Venice Tip #5: Don’t Forget a Map, and Don’t Freak Out if You
Get Lost
Getting lost in Venice is practically
a rite of passage for tourists. A map is helpful, but either way, most tourists
get lost at least once. The people in Venice are generally very helpful, so
getting lost isn’t a big deal, as a locals are often willing to point you back
in the right direction.
This may seem obvious, but this
happens often enough that it’s worth mentioning. The areas around the water can
be super slippery, so even if you don’t plan to go in the water, you need to
exercise caution around the water.
Venice Tip #7: Don’t Wear Skimpy Clothes to visit Churches
For anyone planning to visit any of
Venice’s churches and cathedrals, skimpy clothes are a “don’t.” The churches
won’t allow anyone in who isn’t modestly dressed.
It costs 2 Euros to use public toilets
in Venice. Rather than spend that money, it’s better to buy a spritz or coffee
to use the bar or cafe toilets.
Venice Tip #9: Don’t Be Upset By Separate Lines for Tourists
& Locals
This is especially common during busy
season, and you may even see different prices for locals vs tourists. Venice is
a fairly small town of 50,000 people that receives 20 million tourists. The
locals have to be able to commute to work and continue their daily lives
without dodging tourists all day long.
Venice Tip #10: Don’t Forget to Ask How Much the Drinks Cost
At some of the restaurants near
tourist attractions, they’ll have a special “tourist menu.” The price of the
meal may be a great value, but ordering drinks can add another 4 Euros to the
bill. The little add-ons to this special price may end up not being such a
bargain after all, so be sure to ask about drink costs.
Venice Tip #11: Don’t Forget to Explore Other Parts &
Islands of Venice
Venice itself has many islands to
explore, and then you can also visit Burano, Murano, Pellestrina and many more,
whether you want more culture, or to visit some beaches. While there are many
things to do in Venice, it’s always great to take a day trip out of the city to
explore surrounding areas.
These are just a few travel tips for first time travelers to
Venice. For more Italy travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos:
Airport Tips: Five
Mistakes That People Make At the Airport
Greetings from Reykjavik, Iceland! This is a really cool place to visit, and getting to be very popular with stopover visits between the U.S. and Europe, but well worth visiting. On our way here, we noticed quite a few mistakes made by travelers at the airports, so today we’re sharing the top five mistakes that people make at the airport.
Airport Tip #1: Allow Plenty of Time
It’s pretty widely communicated that travelers need to arrive at
the airport two to three hours ahead of a flight, yet still people don’t give
themselves enough time. The plane will not wait because a passenger got stuck
in traffic, or if the TSA lines are too long. The gate will close about five
minutes before the departure time, whether every passenger has arrived or not.
Allowing plenty of extra time makes the travel day much less stressful.
Airport Tip #2: Be TSA Ready and Know the Rules
TSA rules haven’t changed much in the last 15 years, yet
travelers still stroll up to the security line unprepared for what they need to
do. Key things to pay attention to: having coats/outer layer removed, shoes
removed, pockets emptied, wearing shoes easy to remove and put back on, and
having laptops and other electronics ready to go in a separate bin. When it
comes to liquids, it has to be 3 ounces or less, and separated into one one-quart
clear bag. (Think 3-1-1) People who have this all sorted out ahead of time can
breeze through security, while others get glares from the passengers they are
holding up behind them. Keep the TSA rules in mind when you pack your bag, so
the things that need to be separated are easily pulled out and thrown into
their own bin.
Airport Tip #3: Don’t Screw Around at Security Checkpoints
Waiting in line for TSA or customs is not the time to be joking
around. They have a serious job of keeping us all safe, so it’s best if
travelers take it seriously as well. This also applies to checking in at the
gate, or shopping in duty free. Some duty-free purchases have to be delivered
to the flight, so it’s not always possible to just buy something five minutes
before boarding.
Airport Tip #4: Pay Attention to Gate Information
Another frequent travel mistake is not paying attention to gate
information and departure screens. Gates can and do change frequently, so just
because the ticket says one thing, it’s not always correct. Changes aren’t
always announced over the PA system so it’s up to the passengers to pay
attention to the screens to make sure they’re in the right place. Sometimes,
downloading the airline app is also a good way to stay on top of gate changes,
although the departure screens are always the most accurate.
Airport Tip #5: Don’t Yell at Airport Personnel
Yelling at gate agents, check-in desk attendants or security
agents doesn’t solve any travel problems. If a traveler is late to the airport,
or a flight is delayed or canceled due to weather, it’s not their fault.
Generally, they will do whatever they can to alleviate a situation, but yelling
at them never works out in the travelers favor. They’re more likely to offer
solutions to travelers who can remain calm and personable.
These are just some of the most common travel mistakes we see at the airport, and avoiding them is guaranteed to make your travel day go smoother! If you want more travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos:
Ciao from Rome! Today we’re sharing ten things that are going to shock you about visiting Italy. With these Italy travel tips, hopefully you’ll be prepared for these cultural differences and less shocked!
Italian Culture Shock #1: There are No Spaghetti &
Meatballs
This comes as shock to many Americans,
but spaghetti and meatballs aren’t served together in Italy. Of course, you can
order spaghetti, and they do serve meatballs, but they aren’t eaten together.
To that point, Italian food is more than great pasta. There are amazing cheese
and delicious meats in Italy as well. Every region has their own specialty, so
be sure to sample them all!
Italian Culture
Shock #2: The Italians are Loud!
Many people are shocked when visiting
Italy at how loud the Italians are. It’s also shocking how much they can
communicate even when you don’t speak Italian. It almost seems like the farther
south you travel, the louder they speak. Don’t be alarmed, loud talking doesn’t
mean they are angry, just passionate.
Italian Culture
Shock #3: Italian Concept of Time
Italians have a different concept of
time. If you are going to meet someone at 9:30, they’ll probably arrive around
10:00. Italians are not late, they just show up when they show up. (Trains and
buses are an exception, though. These leave on time so don’t be late!) So,
think of it as a more relaxed approach to punctuality.
Italian Culture
Shock #4: Shop Hours
Many stores in Italy close for a
couple of hours in the middle of the day. Similar to the Spanish siesta, but it
doesn’t always apply to big cities and chain stores. However, if you’re
planning to pop back into that boutique you like, you may have to do it in the
morning or late afternoon/early evening. Banks often close early as well, so
get your money out in the morning.
Italian Culture
Shock #5: Tourist Crowds from Around the World
Italian cities and regions are very
popular with tourists from around the world. Tourist hordes reach a new level
in Italy, especially when it comes to the lines to get into major attractions
like the Coliseum or the Vatican Museum. The best thing you can do is book
everything in advance so you can skip the ticket lines.
Italian Culture
Shock #6: Different Dishes Served at Different Times
Eating out in Italy can be time
consuming. In the US, most entrees will be served to a group at the same time.
In Italy, they have many courses, and they are all served consecutively. The
first plate (Primi) is pasta, and the second plate (secondo) is the meat
course. If you order pasta and your dining partner orders meat, they will come
out at different times. The more tourist-oriented restaurants will know to send
it all at the same time, but you can always just ask your server to do this.
When you are done eating, you also need to specifically ask for your bill. They
won’t just bring it to the table, even when you are obviously finished eating,
as Italians like to linger after a meal.
Italian Culture
Shock #7: The Nonas
The Nonas, or Grandmas, in Italy are
super attentive and caring, which can be shocking to a tourist. Nonas will drag
your kids into a store to show them something, or tell a wife her husband is
too skinny and that she needs to feed him more. They will look out for you and
are good to have around, it just takes some getting used to.
Italian Culture
Shock #8: Friendly Italians
You might be shocked at how friendly
the Italians are. Especially if you speak a little bit of Italian. Whether you
speak the same language or not, they are very welcoming and helpful. After a
few visits, it’s not hard to get to know your local restaurant owners or
servers. They will soon be treating you like family. Italians aren’t just loud
and crazy. They are loud, crazy and super wonderful.
Italian Culture
Shock #9: Difference Between North and South
Northern Italy and Southern Italy are
very different. Northern Italy is more industrial, with more museums and snow.
The South has more farmland, fewer museums, and is generally a poorer region,
but the people are more friendly. There can be heated debates between regions
about politics or sports, too. Remember, Italy is only about 150 years old, and
it an assembly of several old kingdoms, so there are many diverse cultures and
cuisines to be found within Italy.
Italian Culture
Shock #10: Calcio (Football) Fans
Calcio (Football, or soccer as the
U.S. calls it) is practically a religion in Italy. The three religions of Italy
are fashion, soccer and Catholicism and they’re all in the news practically
every day. If you want to attend a match while in Italy, I don’t recommend
going to the derby games as they can get pretty boisterous or even dangerous.
Fights break out, people are throwing things (even cups of urine!) and you can
expect some serious police pat-downs.
Italian Culture
Shock #11: Driving & Crossing Roads
Driving in Italy, and crossing the
roads, can be a shocking experience. Its amazing how pedestrians weave in and
out of traffic. The best advice is to follow the Italians, make eye contact
with the drivers so they know you are going to cross, and only cross in the
crosswalks. If you get hit by a car and you are not in the crosswalk, you will
have to pay for the damages on their car.
For more Italy travel tips, check out some of our other videos and blog posts:
Five Things You’ll Love
& Hate About Visiting Europe in Winter
Greetings from Copenhagen, Denmark! Today we’re sharing the things you’re going to love, and hate, about visiting Europe in winter.
Europe in Winter Travel Hate #1: Weather
Winter weather in Europe can be gloomy, dark and wet. Some
cities, like Copenhagen, are made to be explored outdoors, but that’s not as
much fun in the cold snow or rain. The weather doesn’t get bone-chilling cold,
like in Minnesota, but even 30-degree weather can be pretty cold if you are out
exploring all day. Colder weather means bringing more clothes, so traveling
light becomes more challenging.
Europe in Winter Travel Hate #2: Seasonal Closures
Some places will just close during the winter, while others will
have shorter winter hours. In Copenhagen, the Tivoli Gardens are one of the
best things to do, but aside from the Christmas holiday, they are closed in
winter. Santorini, Greece practically becomes a ghost town in the winter. Make
sure you check before you book, that enough places will be open to make it
worth the trip.
Europe in Winter Travel Hate #3: Packing Extra “Stuff”
As I mentioned above, winter weather requires winter clothing. We
like to travel light, and buy clothes while we travel. Packing winter coats,
gloves, hats and warm layers doesn’t leave much room for shopping upon arrival.
You may have to bring a larger suitcase, or more suitcases for the family,
which makes it harder to get around as you travel from city to city.
Europe in Winter Travel Hate #4: Rain and Drizzle
The beauty of exploring European cities is doing so much walking
and being outdoors as you go from place to place. While it may not be freezing
or snowing in all of Europe, it’s very wet. You will get wet, and so will your
things. Cobblestones can be very slippery, too, so you have to be extra
careful. Good (waterproof) walking shoes are a must when visiting Europe in
winter.
Europe in Winter Travel Hate #5: Limited Daylight
It gets dark very early in winter, so your sightseeing hours are
reduced. In some cities, you may not want to be out after dark, walking around.
You’ll need to get up early and take advantage of every minute of daylight that
you have.
Europe in Winter Travel Love #1: Off Season Pricing
One of the best reasons to visit Europe in winter are the prices.
You won’t find great discounts during Christmas and New Year’s, but January and
February and November have really great deals on flights and hotels. This is
the time to use your frequent flier miles for a low-tier ticket to Europe. One
of the reasons we are able to travel so much is that we travel to Europe in the
off-season and save a ton of money that way.
Europe in Winter Travel Love #2: Fewer Tourists
Fewer people travel to Europe in winter, so there are fewer
crowds to contend with. Fewer tourists means shorter queues to get into popular
attractions. The Louvre in December vs the Louvre in July can be as much as
hour difference, just to get in! With less time spent waiting in line, you’ll have
time to visit more attractions each day.
Europe in Winter Travel Love #3: Better Service
With fewer tourists and crowds, we will often get better service
in the winter. In the busy season, they are focused on getting you in and out
as quickly as possible. In the off season, the servers are more attentive, and
have more time to slow down and chat with you. It’s much easier to get to know
the locals when there are fewer tourists, too.
Europe in Winter Travel Love #4: Christmas Markets
The best part of winter in Europe are the Christmas markets.
Germany, the Czech Republic, Copenhagen and many more countries throw fabulous
Christmas markets. The shopping, the Christmas market foods and mulled wine,
plus the decorations, make Europe in winter a very special experience.
Europe in Winter Travel Love #5: Cultural Experience
With fewer tourists, more attentive service and a slower pace,
you get a much better chance to experience the local culture than you would in
the summertime. People have much more time to get to know you, and explain
their local traditions. It’s a great time to visit and see how the locals live
day to day.
For more travel tips about visiting Europe in the winter, or Europe travel, check out these blog posts and videos:
17 Things Flight
Attendants Want You to Know: Air Travel Tips from the Pros
We’ve been researching and
chatting with many flight attendants recently, and we’ve compiled this list of
17 things flight attendants wish passengers knew before boarding a plane. Knowing
these things will make your flight better, and make their jobs easier.
Air Travel Tip #1: Flight Attendants are Not Your Mother
The number one job of a flight attendant is your safety, not
helping you do things like put your bags in the overhead bin. If your bag is
too heavy for you to lift up, then it’s not fair to ask them to lift it for
you. This could cause them an on-the-job injury if they throw their back out.
Repercussions are worse if they are hurt doing something they are not supposed
to do; they could face denied insurance claims or time off requests.
Air Travel Tip #2: Don’t Blame Flight Attendants For Delays
Most things that happen with air travel are way beyond the
control of the flight attendant, so don’t take it out on them when weather
delays your flight. Yelling at a flight attendant for something out of their
control will not help you at all. In fact, their number one job is your safety,
so it’s best to stay on their good side at all times.
Air Travel Tip #3: Plane Travel is Public Transportation
Air travel these days is glorified public transportation.
Regardless of how much you paid, or how many miles you have with this airline,
everyone in your cabin is equal. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you are
more important than the person sitting next to you. You all basically have the
same rights.
Air Travel Tip #4: Have Your Stuff Ready When You Board the
Plane
Blocking the aisles while you sort out your belongings can
actually cause flight delays. If it takes too long to board the plane, the
pilot can miss their departure window and have to wait for the next one. The
best thing travelers can do is to be prepared when they board. Have whatever
you want during the flight in the outside pocket of your carry-on so you can
easily remove it before putting your luggage away.
Air Travel Tip #5: Have Your Meal Order Ready in Advance
We all know, it’s chicken or pasta, it shouldn’t take forever to
decide and give your order to the flight attendant. They have to walk down the
aisles saying “chicken or pasta?” 400 times. Save them the hassle of having to
ask one more time by having your order ready. There is almost always a menu card
in the seat back pocket, or an announcement before they come around, so there’s
no reason to be indecisive while they wait.
Air Travel Tip #6: Be Specific With Drink Orders
Flight attendants are serving global customers on a daily basis.
“Regular coffee” might mean one thing to you, but something totally different
to someone else. Be very specific with your drink order so they don’t have to
clarify what you mean. Coffee, black will suffice.
Air Travel Tip #7: Have Your Kids’ Orders Ready
If you are flying with children, have all of their orders ready
to go, too. If you have the whole families order ready to go, it can really
speed up the process and the flight attendant will love you for it.
Air Travel Tip #8: Diet Soda is Not a Thing
Again, be specific. Diet soda isn’t actually a thing; you have to
order a Diet Coke, Diet Pepsi, or whatever it is that you specifically want.
(Again, the menu card in the seat back pocket will tell you what beverages are
served on board.)
Air Travel Tip #9: Tell the Flight Attendant About Any
Allergies When You Board
If you have any serious allergies, be sure to let them know as
you are boarding the plane. They can’t help you avoid any issues if they don’t
know ahead of time.
Air Travel Tip #10: Do Not Count on Flight Attendants for Help
With Medicine
If you are diabetic or have any condition that requires medicine,
water, or food, do not count on the flight attendants to provide it. Do not
count on the plane to have anything for you. Small, short flights may not even
have a beverage cart. If you have a delay and are sitting on the tarmac, the
flight attendants can’t get up and serve you water, so it’s best to be
self-sufficient and bring anything you might need. This also applies to flying
with kids; have snacks on hand for them.
Air Travel Tip #11: Pay Attention to the Safety Briefing
The main job of the flight attendant is to keep you safe. If you
have no idea how to react in the event of an incident, they will have a harder
job to keep you safe. Even if you fly all the time, things change. New planes,
new configurations and new safety rules pop up all the time, so take a few
minutes to pay attention to the safety briefing.
Air Travel Tip #12: Save The Flight Attendant Extra Trips
If your neighbor rings the call button to order something, use
that opportunity to order something as well. Don’t wait and call them back
again a few minutes later.
Air Travel Tip #13: Give The Flight Attendant Your Trash
Before Landing
As the flight descends, the flight attendants will come through
for a final sweep of the cabin. There isn’t always a cleaning crew scheduled
between flights, so it’s very helpful to give them your trash when they are
coming through. This will help them turn the plane over for the next flight
more quickly, and ensure they can get to their next flight on time.
Air Travel Tip #14: Stay in Your Seat Until the Seatbelt Sign
is Off
When the plane lands, do not get up until the seatbelt sign is
turned off. You may think you’re at the jet bridge, but if the seatbelt sign is
still on, it’s on for a reason. If the plane moves forward and you’re up and
about, you can get hurt or end up hurting other passengers. The real safety
reason for this is in case of a fire. If there’s a fire and there’s luggage
already blocking the aisles, this could be very bad.
Air Travel Tip #15: Flight Attendants are not Babysitters
Most flight attendants love kids, but they are not there to
babysit. Parents need to take care of their children at all times. We’ve seen
kids playing around the galley, which can be really dangerous for them. Having
unsupervised, out of control kids annoys other passengers and presents many
safety issues. The best thing parents can do is take advantage of play areas at
the airport to burn off some excess energy before a flight.
Air Travel Tip #16: Bring Snacks & Entertainment for Your
Kids
Make sure to have snacks your kids like, and sufficient entertainment
to get them through a flight. Don’t hope your kids will like the snacks that
are served on board. If the entertainment is electronic, make sure everything
is charged up! Nobody wants a tantrum at 25,000 feet because the iPod died.
Air Travel Tip #17: Getting Drunk on a Plane Doesn’t Excuse
You From Watching Your Kids
This is surprisingly common on flights to holiday destinations.
Parents get drunk on the plane while their kids run wild up and down the
aisles, disturbing everyone around them. Kids are still the responsibility of
the parents, not the flight attendants, so keep that in mind.
These are things that
flight attendants have been telling us for years, so we thought it was
important to share it with our readers. Many thanks to all of the flight
attendants who shared their stories with us. Remember, be nice to the flight
attendants! It’s their job to ensure you have a safe flight and a positive
travel experience. Check out some of our other travel posts and videos:
Greetings from Cancun,
Mexico! Cancun is a really great place to visit, and there are so many fun
things to do, but there are also some things I recommend you don’t do when you visit Cancun.
Cancun Travel Tip #1: Don’t Drink the Water
This is true all over Mexico, and Cancun is no exception. They
sell bottled water everywhere; it’s cheap and easy to get, so don’t risk
getting sick by drinking the water.
Cancun Travel Tip
#2: Don’t Worry About Ice
While you should not drink the water in Cancun, the ice at hotels
and restaurants here is usually filtered and purified so you can have ice in
your margarita without getting sick.
Cancun Travel Tip
#3: Don’t Be Pressured into Buying Things at the Airport
When you fly into Cancun and exit through customs, you will be
flooded with people trying to sell you things. Whether it’s car rentals or
timeshare offers, taxis and other services, don’t get flustered by all of the
people getting in your face at the airport. Smile, say “no gracias” and move
on. (Also, don’t take a taxi from the airport, ask your resort ahead of time
what shuttle services they offer.)
Cancun Travel Tip
#4 Don’t Take the First Price as the Final Price
Bargaining is a huge part of the Mexican culture. Whether it’s
the price of a tour, or some trinkets you want to buy at the market, the price
they initially give you is not the price you will end up paying. Be prepared to
haggle a bit when you are shopping in Cancun. This does not apply in grocery
stores or restaurants, but most other places.
Cancun Travel Tip
#5 Don’t Trust Everything
If you want to join some tours or day trips from Cancun, there
are many opportunities to purchase the tour. Whether it’s at the airport, your
hotel, or on the street. However, there are also scams out there, so make sure
to get everything in writing, with contact information, including phone
numbers. It’s probably safest to book through your hotel, but those are often a
bit more expensive.
Cancun Travel Tip
#6 Don’t Forget Sunblock
Even if you don’t plan to spend your time sunbathing on the
beach, you will need sunscreen. The sun in Cancun is very hot and very strong;
so you will need it no matter what you plan to do. A bottle of sunscreen that
might be $5 at your local drugstore could cost as much as $20 or $30 at your
all-inclusive resort. So don’t forget the sunscreen!
Cancun Travel Tip
#7: Don’t Worry About Pesos
Since there are so many American tourists in Cancun, U.S. dollars
are accepted almost everywhere. It can even be hard to find an ATM that has
pesos, most of them will dispense U.S. dollars. The ATM fees and poor exchange
rate can add up quickly, though, so it’s easiest to just bring cash from home.
You can also often negotiate a better price on things if paying in cash.
Cancun Travel Tip
#8 Don’t Go to the Timeshare Presentations
From the minute you land in Cancun, you’ll be offered special
deals and prices in exchange for attending a timeshare presentation. They’ll
tell you that you only have to go for one hour and no purchase is required.
However, they use high pressure sales tactics and often go on for more than an
hour.
Cancun Travel Tip
#9: Don’t Just Stay at the Resort
With so many all-inclusive resorts, it can be tempting to just
stay at the resort and never venture out. There’s so much more to Cancun than
the hotel zone and the beach. Take a day trip to Isla Mujeres, go swim in
cenotes, or visit Tulum or Chichen Itza. There are also water parks and nature
parks you can visit.
Cancun Travel Tip
#10 Don’t Lose Your Resort Wristband
If you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort in Cancun, you will
receive a wristband to wear during your stay. If the wristband is lost, it can
be very expensive to replace it at the resort.
Cancun Travel Tip
#11 Don’t Pee in Public
Cancun has a party atmosphere, and there is often a lot of
drinking. There’s a large police presence in Cancun, and they will ticket
anyone caught peeing in public. It’s not worth the trouble or the hassle.
Cancun Travel Tip
#12 Don’t Forget to Tip
Plan to tip 10-20% for waiters and bartenders, plus 50-100 pesos,
per day, for housekeeping at your hotel. People working in the service industry
in Cancun rely heavily on tips for their income. Even at an all-inclusive where
drinks are included, it doesn’t hurt to tip the bartenders every once in a
while.
Cancun is a great vacation
destination; don’t be scared to visit Cancun! For more Mexico travel tips,
check out these other blog posts and videos:
Greetings from Nashville,
Tennessee, the home of Country Music! Music City USA is a great place to visit,
and it’s easy to have a good time in Nashville. Today, we’re sharing the five
things you are going to love, and five things you are going to hate, about
visiting Nashville.
Nashville Travel Hate #1: Drunks on Broadway
If you are heading out for a night on Broadway, where most of
Nashville’s bars are, you will see a lot of drunk people. It can get annoying
when you’re out trying to have a good time with your friends. Nashville is a
popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties, which can easily get
out of control.
Nashville Travel Hate #2: Driving Around Nashville
For a fairly large city, it’s surprising to drive in and find
only a 4-lane highway. Most bigger cities in the U.S. have 6-8 lanes for
traffic flow, but not in Nashville. Traffic isn’t as bad as Atlanta or other
big cities, but you can hit a lot of stop-and-go driving into Nashville.
Fortunately, traffic in downtown Nashville is very manageable.
Nashville Travel Hate #3: Lack of Public Transportation
Nashville doesn’t really have public transportation to speak of.
For this reason, many hotels offer a shuttle service to the Broadway area so
that you don’t have to deal with driving and parking. If you want to see sites
outside of downtown, like the Grand Ol’ Opry, you’ll have to drive or take a
taxi.
Nashville Travel Hate #4: Feeling Unsafe Downtown
During the day, it’s very safe to wander around downtown
Nashville. There isn’t a huge homeless presence in the downtown area, so that’s
not generally an issue to worry about. However, as in any tourist destination,
petty crimes do happen, and Nashville is no exception. Make sure you lock your
car, and take the normal travel precautions of paying attention to your
surroundings.
Nashville Travel Hate #5: It’s Not All Country Music
Nashville isn’t just the country music capital of the nation,
it’s the Music capital. You can find country music, Southern hospitality and
down-home comfort food, but it’s not all about country music. However,
Nashville is a hot hangout for hipsters, who are fast overtaking the country
music singers in town. This does tend to take away from that “Southern” feel
that you’d get in Charleston or Savannah.
Nashville Travel Love #1: Live Music on Broadway
Listening to live music on Broadway is a quintessential Nashville
experience. There is live music at all hours of the day, at nearly every bar on
the strip.
Nashville Travel Love #2: Live Shows
As the capital of country music, Nashville is home to some
amazing concerts and live shows. The Ryman Auditorium is home to the famous
Grand Ole Opry, and they get some really big acts that play here.
Nashville Travel Love #3: Museums
Nashville also happens to be the state capital of Tennessee, so
there are some great museums to check out. The State Capitol, the State Museum
of Tennessee and the War Memorial are some of the great things to do in
Nashville, besides listen to music. The Country Music Hall of Fame is also a
fun spot, even if you’re not a huge country music fan.
Nashville Travel Love #4: Nearby Nature
Although Nashville is a big city, it’s fairly compact, and
surrounded by rolling, wooded hills. if you love the outdoors, there is plenty
of outdoor adventure in Nashville. There are hiking and biking trails,
horseback riding, and so much more. In some large cities, access to nature can
be difficult, but in Nashville, it’s right at your doorstep.
Nashville Travel Love #5: The Food
Being in the South, one of the best things about Nashville is the
food. Nashville has a lot of influences on the culinary scene because it’s such
a melting pot of people from all over the U.S. So, while the Southern fare is
excellent, there are plenty of options to please any palate. (But don’t skip
out on the Southern comfort food and hot chicken, the local specialty!)
These are the five things I
love and hate about Nashville! For more Southern U.S. travel tips, check out
some of our other videos and blog posts:
Greetings from fabulous
Las Vegas, Nevada! There are many shocking things about Las Vegas culture, and
today we’re sharing ten of them to help you prepare for your Las Vegas
vacation.
Las Vegas Culture Shock #1: Gambling Everywhere
Yes, Vegas is famous for gambling, but
it’s still shocking how ubiquitous gambling is in Las Vegas. From the moment
you step off the plane, you are surrounded by blinking lights and the sounds of
slot machines. Missed the slots in the terminal? There’s more in baggage claim,
don’t worry! Gambling is at the restaurants, shops and convenience stores.
Las Vegas Culture Shock #2: Taxi Prices
With no public transportation to speak
of, the taxis in Las Vegas have cornered the market on airport transportation.
It’s easily going to cost $40 from the airport to the strip. Coming back to the
airport will be slightly cheaper. Want to go from the strip to the Fremont
Street area? Plan on at least $20 for that trip. If the driver asks which way
to take, local or highway, the local will be slightly cheaper. The drivers can
be a bit shocking, too.
Las Vegas Culture Shock #3: Smoking
While most of the U.S. no longer
allows public smoking, it’s still very prevalent in Las Vegas. Bars, casinos,
strip clubs and brothels are all exempt from the public smoking ban. If you don’t
like the smell of smoke, make sure you ask for a non-smoking room. Don’t bother
complaining about the smoke around you in casinos; it’s not worth getting into
fisticuffs over.
Las Vegas Culture Shock #4: 24/7 Non-Stop Activity
Vegas is truly the city that never
sleeps. It is go-go-go all the time. People love Vegas because anything goes.
If you want breakfast for dinner, gambling at 4 am, or day parties that never
end, you’ll find it in Vegas. There’s no such thing as “last call” in Las
Vegas. Want to rent a sports car and try out a racetrack? Vegas. Want to try a
high powered machine gun at a shooting range? Vegas.
Las Vegas Culture Shock #5: Open Containers
In Vegas, you can drink alcohol, in the
open, any time of day. Most cities in the U.S. have laws against open liquor
containers in public, so seeing everyone walking around with their beers or
cocktails is shocking at first. Beware, though, this only applies to the Strip,
not everywhere in Las Vegas. (Glass containers are not allowed, either)
Las Vegas Culture Shock #6: Crazy Drunk People
Vegas is known as a party destination,
but it’s still a shock to see so many crazy and/or drunk people wandering
around. The movie Hangover is not much of an exaggeration of the crazy stuff
that happens in Vegas. There are many kinds of crazy in Vegas: crazy funny,
crazy scary, crazy drunk and crazy cool. Be especially careful around the crazy
drunk people.
Las Vegas Culture Shock #7: Porn Peddlers
Sure, strip shows and escorts are a
major part of the Las Vegas culture. But the porn peddlers are the people on
the street handing out “playing cards” featuring escorts. They are everywhere
in Vegas and hand them out like candy, even if you are walking with your family
in the middle of the day.
Las Vegas Culture Shock #8: Prices
Vegas is expensive. There are deals to
be had, but what will really shock you are the resort fees. These hidden costs
are popping up in nearly every Vegas hotel. Your room rate may be $150, but if
you don’t pay attention the resort fee can add another $20-$50 per night to
your room bill. Resort fees cover the pool, WiFi and other things you expect
for free in most hotels, but it’s not optional.
Las Vegas Culture Shock #9: Food
There are so many amazing options for
eating in Las Vegas. Whether you want all-night buffets or world-class dining,
Vegas has it all. Many celebrity chefs have restaurants in Las Vegas. You can
also find any cuisine you want in Vegas. French, Italian, Ethiopian, and sushi
are all here in Vegas. If you are on a budget, there are cheap buffets and
dining deals, but you can also splash out on a five-course expensive meal.
Las Vegas Culture Shock #10: Free Drinks
It’s true, you can get free drinks in
Las Vegas. You have to be gambling to receive comp drinks, but you can get them
anywhere in a casino. If you’re not gambling, expect to pay high prices unless
you venture outside to the casino to nearby bars. If you want good service,
make sure you’re tipping the cocktail waitress at least $1 for every drink they
bring. The better the tips, the better the service.
Las Vegas Culture Shock #11: Heat
Vegas weather can be shocking. It’s
generally very hot, but there are also huge shifts in the temperature from day
to night. Summer temperatures often reach 115 degrees (46 Celsius.) Even though
it’s a dry heat, it’s still way too hot to be outdoors. The only way to enjoy
Las Vegas in the summer is in the air-conditioned casinos and hotels. In the
other seasons, it can get really chilly at night, so make sure you bring layers
if you visit in the fall, winter or spring.
Las Vegas Culture Shock #12: More than Casinos
Vegas is not just casinos. There are
so many things do to in Vegas beyond gambling. There are endless entertainment
options, including shows and performances at the hotels. Just outside of Vegas,
there are cool state parks and nature experiences to have. Go to Mt.
Charleston, Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam or even the Grand Canyon in just a day
trip from Vegas. There are great live performances from famous comedians and
musicians, too.
Las Vegas Culture Shock #13: No Clocks
There are no clocks in the casinos of
Vegas. They want you to lose track of time and just keep gambling. With no
closing time or last call, there’s no need to know what time it is.
For more Las Vegas tips, check out
some of our other blog posts and videos:
Greetings from Oslo,
Norway! Today we’re sharing the five things you’re going to love, and five
things you’re going to hate, about visiting Norway.
Norway Trip Hate #1: Norway is Expensive
People say Norway is a “once in a
lifetime” experience. This is true, because nobody can afford to come back a
second time! For example, expect to pay between $10 and $20 for a beer at a bar
in Norway. An average fast food meal might be $15, and you’ll pay around $7 for
a hot dog on the street. When you are planning your Norway vacation, be sure to
do your research, and know that lodging, food and transportation will all be
very expensive.
Norway Trip Hate #2: Weather in Norway
The weather in Norway is very chilly,
and can trick you unexpectedly. Even May and June will be cooler, and the
winters are very dark and cold. (The flip side is a lot of sunlight in the
summer!) Be sure to pack lots of layers for your Norway trip.
Norway Trip Hate #3: Travel Times
When you plan your travels around
Norway, it will take longer than you expect to get everywhere. With the fjords
and varied terrain, it’s never a straight line from Point A to Point B, and the
transportation (whether driving or taking a bus) isn’t necessarily fast.
Norway Trip Hate #4: The Service
People in Noway make a decent living,
so they aren’t relying on tips for their income as they do in the States. So,
the service isn’t overly attentive as you might be used to. They aren’t rude,
or mean, but service isn’t their number one priority.
Norway Trip Hate #5: Little Things
Then there are just some little things
you won’t expect in Norway, such as the number of beggars on the streets. You
might also notice a lot of drinking or drunk people in the streets. And lastly,
the food in Norway is really expensive, but not very exciting. There are a few
iconic Norwegian foods, such as reindeer steak and elk steak, but otherwise
there’s nothing worth mentioning.
Norway Trip Love #1: Fjords & Nature
The fjords and natural beauty of
Norway are the best reason to come here. Don’t miss the chance to take a boat
tour of the fjords, Norway has lakes and hiking, plus a lot of cool winter
activities, too.
Norway Trip Love #2: National Pride
Norwegian are proud to be Norwegian.
They get pretty excited for national sports and fans love to paint their faces.
The national pride is really evident in the museums and historic sites
dedicated to the Viking heritage.
Norway Trip Love #3: Norway is Safe, and Organized!
This is great for tourists. Norway is
very safe, so you don’t have to worry about pickpockets, or thieves. It’s also
very well organized. If something is supposed to be done, it will get done.
Norway Trip Love #4: Norwegians Speak English
Norwegians speak English really well,
so that makes it very easy for English-speaking visitors.
Norway Trip Love #5: The Northern Lights
Seeing the Northern Lights in Norway
is a phenomenal travel experience. If you visit Norway in winter, make sure you
get outside after dark to experience the lights.
For more Norway
travel tips, check out some of our other blog posts and videos:
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
