Mark Wolters – Page 10 – Wolters World

What to Know Before Planning a Trip to Belize

Posted on August 30, 2023August 30, 2023 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about planning a trip to Belize. For first-time visitors, there are some things you should know before planning your Belize vacation. It’s a fantastic destination that has become very popular with tourists, so if you haven’t been, it’s time to start thinking about a Belize trip!

Where is Belize?

Belize is located in the northern part of Central America. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and Guatemala to the south and west. It’s a pretty small country, with a population of around 400,000.

What Language Do They Speak in Belize?

English is the official language of Belize, even though it is surrounded by Spanish-speaking countries. Many people also speak Spanish or a Belize type of Creole, but all of the signs and anything official are in English. This makes Belize a great first-time international destination, as you’ll get the culture of Central America, without the language barrier.

Shocks to Expect When Visiting Belize

What Paperwork Do I Need to Visit Belize?

If you are visiting Belize from the United States, Canada, or the European Union, you do not need anything other than your passport to visit Belize. Belize does not require a visa for stays less than 30 days, and you may be asked to show proof of “onward travel” or a return flight.

What is the Currency in Belize?

Belize uses the Belize dollar, which is pegged to the US Dollar at a 2:1 exchange. So, you can use US Dollars or Belize dollars pretty much wherever you go in Belize. Belize is still very much cash-based, so stock up on singles, fives, and tens before you leave the United States. It’s easier to just bring cash from home, rather than trying to get money out once you arrive.

If you plan to use credit cards in Belize, Visa, and MasterCard are the most widely accepted; not everyone accepts American Express or Discover cards. We had one tour charge an extra 12% for using a credit card, which is why we recommend bringing cash to Belize.

Is Belize Cheap?

We’ve traveled throughout Central America and Mexico, and Belize is relatively expensive compared to other countries in that region. It’s comparable to Costa Rica, as those are the two most popular travel destinations in Central America. It’s not outrageously expensive, but it’s also not dirt cheap, either. If you travel to the islands of Belize, expect higher prices than the mainland.

What Are Belize Accommodations Like?

Aside from the capital city and a few large resorts, there are very few chain hotels in Belize. So, you’ll need to do a bit more research and read reviews, talk to friends, etc. There are some really cool places to stay in Belize, but they are a little harder to find than your typical Marriott/Hyatt/Hilton hotels.

What Should I Eat in Belize?

With the Caribbean coastline, you can find some fantastic seafood in Belize. Super fresh and simply prepared, we ate a ton of seafood during our Belize trip. Here are some highlights of the food in Belize:

The grilled lobster was by far our favorite dish to eat in Belize
Conch fritters are another seafood favorite
Shrimp is served in many dishes here, too!
If you travel inland, stewed chicken is a popular dish and it’s fantastic. The meat just falls off the bone!
Jerk chicken is popular on the Caribbean side of Belize
BBQ is also very popular, and you’ll see a lot of people grilling on the side of the road; this is a great way to save money in Belize, and the food is delicious!
Fresh fruit and fruit juices abound in Belize
Salbutes & Garnaches are often seen at roadside stands; they are like tostadas with toppings
Fry Jacks are a popular snack in Belize; it’s fried dough and you can get it with sweet toppings or savory fillings.
Belikin is the local beer and rum is a very popular product in Belize, so mixed drinks with rum are everywhere!

Of course, you are in Latin America, so you will have rice and beans with nearly every meal as well.

One thing to note is that because Belize is close to the equator, the sun rises and sets around the same time every day, which is around 5:30. So, most of Belize shuts down fairly early in the evenings, outside of the main tourist areas.

What is the Best Time to Visit Belize?

Belize is great to visit any time, but there are some variations to the seasons in Belize:

June through November is hurricane season; September and October are the rainiest of those months, so this is not the best time to visit Belize
December through March is the dry season and is also the peak visitor season for Belize, so expect to pay the highest prices during this time.
Spring is also a great time to visit Belize and will be slightly less crowded than winter

Getting to Belize

Getting to Belize from the United States is fairly easy. Many airlines fly right into Belize City (BZE) and then travel on from there. The Belize City airport is fairly small, so getting through customs and passport control can take some time.

Getting Around Belize

Getting around Belize is pretty easy; we hired private drivers, which are surprisingly affordable. You can also rent a car, and you won’t find many traffic issues in Belize. The roads are bumpy, and they have HUGE speed bumps, so if you do drive in Belize, be careful and go slow over the speed bumps.

If you are looking for budget travel around Belize, there are bus options as well for getting around the country. They have nicer coach buses, or chicken buses, which are the cheapest option for travel within Belize.

If you are traveling to the Cayes of Belize, there are ferries, water taxis, and seaplanes for getting from the mainland to the islands of Belize.

Is Belize Safe?

Safety is one of the top questions we get for almost any travel destination, and people often wonder if Belize is safe. Central America hasn’t always had the best reputation for safety amongst Americans, but that has really changed recently.

If you look at crime statistics for Belize, it may appear to be unsafe, but the majority of crimes in Belize take place in Belize City, and tourists are largely unaffected by it. We visited several of the more popular tourist areas, like Caye Caulker, and we always felt safe, including our kids.

Just like anywhere you might travel, be aware of your surroundings, don’t be stumbling around intoxicated in the wee hours of the morning, and you likely won’t have any safety issues in Belize.

What Not to Do in Belize

Other Belize Travel Tips

Before you set off for Belize, here are a few other things you should know:

WiFi is available, but it’s typically not the high-speed internet you are used to
Belize power outlets are the same as in the United States, with two flat prongs
Don’t flush your toilet paper! Put it in the bin next to the toilet
Don’t drink the water. It’s ok for brushing your teeth, but drink bottled water only!
Don’t forget the sunscreen! The sun is strong here!
Do not approach any wildlife in Belize; you may see a lot of unique animals if you take a tour in the rainforest, or even snorkeling, but they are still wild animals!

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

A trip to Belize is a great way to relax and enjoy some downtime. As long as you can adjust to “island time” and enjoy the slower pace of life, you will love visiting Belize! Start planning your Belize vacation at Travel Belize.com!

Want more Caribbean travel tips? Check out these other blog posts:

How to Develop Marketing Strategies – Topic 2

Posted on August 27, 2023August 27, 2023 by Mark Wolters

This topic helps firms analyze their current situation in the industry and find ways to improve their business. It also helps them to analyze their competition and develop new business objectives and strategies going forward.

Click Here To Review Topic 1: Introduction Marketing

Click Here for Study Guide for Exam 1

Videos for Topic 2:

What is a Marketing Strategy?

You need to grow your business.

Sustainable Competitive Advantage

How are some businesses so much better than others?

Consumer Excellence Explained – SCA

Treat your customers right and you may see some improvements on your bottom line.

Long-Term Loyalty Customers

Long-Term Customers are much easier to do business with than new customers.

Clients vs Customer Mentality

Client versus Customer is important.

Share of Customer’s Wallet Explained

Why do airlines try to sell you a car rentals?

Customer Relationship Groups Explained

Customers can be a bit difficult.

Operational Excellence Explained – SCA

Always look at the management team.

Product Excellence Explained – SCA

Can you make a better mouse trap?

Locational Excellence Explained – SCA

Why does Walgreen’s build on every street corner?

Typical Sustainable Competitive Advantages

Where do you see sustainable competitive advantages?

How to Develop a Marketing Plan

Developing a marketing plan explained.

SWOT Analysis Explained

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats Analysis Explained

Grand Strategies

Grow, maintain, or shrink your business.

BCG Matrix Explained – Portfolio Analysis

Portfolio Analysis explained.

Growth Strategies / Ansoff Matrix Explained

Easy ways to come up with ideas to grow your business.

Benchmarking Explained

Comparing yourself to others to see who is winning.

Blue Ocean Strategy Explained

Find a new place to do business.

Blue Ocean Strategies versus Red Ocean Strategies

Do you swim in red water?

Big hairy Audacious Goals Explained

Let’s try something different!

The Basics of Marketing – Topic 1

Posted on August 21, 2023August 21, 2023 by Mark Wolters

Principles of Marketing – Understanding Marketing for Students and Entrepreneurs

The first topic covers the basics of marketing so that students can have a firm basis of what to expect in the course as well as covering some of the main ideas, topics, and misconceptions that people have about marketing.

Study Guide for Exam 1

What is Marketing & the Core Aspects of Marketing?

Remember, marketing is about solving problems.

Determine Customers Needs & Wants & Satisfy Them

Needs vs wants vs demands… They are all different.

Marketing Misconceptions

Marketing is not as straightforward as you may think.

What is a Value Proposition and How do you create a Value Proposition

General Types of Marketing

You see marketing in lots of different ways every day.

The Reasons Why People Actually Buy a Product

The coolest stuff does not always win.

Where Sales Get it Wrong in Marketing

Something to think about when you go to the store.

The Marketing Mix Explained – The 4 Ps of Marketing

The 4 P’s of Marketing – Product, Place, Price, Promotion

The Marketing Mix in a Digital Focused World

Just an example from Iceland.

The 4 P’s – Product – Creates Value

Products can be products, services, ideas, and more.

The 4 P’s – Pricing – Captures Value

The price is so much more than just a number.

4 Ps of Marketing – Place – Delivers Value

4 Ps of Marketing – Promotion – Communicate Value

The Basics of Segmentation, Targeting, and Positioning

If you watch this video now, you may have deja vu when we get to topic 8.

Marketing Entails an Exchange

You should read through the slide on this one.

Product Offerings

You should read through the slides on this one.

Marketing Myopia

Value Based Marketing

Value is not just the cheapest option.

Why Marketing is Important

Marketing is pretty cool… just ask any marketing professor.

Ways to Create & Capture Value

Value is in the eye of the beholder.

Why Marketers Fail

What NOT to do in Montreal

Posted on March 9, 2023March 2, 2023 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do on a trip to Montreal, Canada. While many travel blogs will tell you what to do in Montreal, we want to be sure you know what you should NOT do when you plan a Montreal vacation.

Don’t Be an Ugly Tourist

Canadians are notoriously friendly and accommodating but as a tourist, you should at least try not to be an ugly tourist.

Don’t lead with English. Montreal is in the French-speaking part of Canada, and French is one of the official languages spoken here. Almost everyone speaks or understands English, but it’s a nice gesture to at least know Hello, Goodbye, Please, and Thank you.
Don’t discuss politics, especially as it relates to Quebec independence. It’s a touchy subject and chances are, you are not well-versed enough on the topic to bring it up with locals without offending them.
Don’t compare Montreal to Toronto. In any way, but especially when it comes to hockey! There’s a healthy rivalry between the two cities so it’s best not to choose favorites.
Don’t block the escalator at the Metro stations! Like any big city, you have people just trying to get to work; don’t be the tourist that slows them down.
Don’t block the sidewalks, either. If you want to stop and gawk at the architecture or the scenery, step to the side so you don’t hold up everyone behind you.
Don’t point out the endless construction. They are well aware already and the road construction in Montreal is even more frustrating for them than it is for you!
Stay out of the bike lanes! Montreal is super bike-friendly, and there are bike lanes all over the city. If you are a pedestrian or driver, make sure you stay out of the bike lane. Don’t step into the bike lanes without looking both ways!
Don’t forget to tip your servers! Just like in the US, when you are dining out in Montreal, expect to tip between 15-20%.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Visiting Canada

Don’t Miss the Top Things to Do in Montreal Canada

Old Montreal is the heart of Montreal and is the most popular place to go in Montreal. The 18th and 19th-century architecture is really beautiful, including the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal. It is well worth the admission fee to go inside the basilica. Place Jacques Cartier is a beautiful square with excellent street food and people-watching.
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is another must-see when you visit Montreal. In addition to contemporary art, there is a great selection of older European art as well.
The Biodome is really cool. Inside there are four unique ecosystems, including a tropical rainforest and a polar scape.
The Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History is super modern on the outside, but the inside is filled with interesting historical exhibits. It’s really interesting to see how Montreal developed into the city you see today.
Montreal hosted the Summer Olympic games in 1976, and still uses the Olympic Stadium today. Aside from sporting events and concerts, there’s the Montreal Tower you can ascend for great views. There’s also the Insectarium, Botanical Garden, and Planetarium out there.
Montreal has fantastic festivals year-round, so make sure you include a few in your Montreal vacation itinerary. The Montreal Jazz Festival in July is one of the most popular festivals in Montreal.
Visit Mont Royal Park, which has beautiful views looking out over the city. There are sledding hills, hiking, and biking paths, and tons of open space for soaking in the great outdoors. Don’t forget to check out St. Joseph’s Oratory while you’re there; it’s a beautiful Catholic church with amazing views!

Don’t Think Marche Bonsecours Has Food

Marche Bonsecours in Old Montreal opened in 1874 as a public market. Today, it’s still a market in the context of shopping, but it’s not a food market as you might expect. It’s actually now filled with a dozen boutiques featuring a variety of items that are “made in Quebec.” There are some restaurants inside, however, it’s mostly a souvenir shopping center.

Don’t Miss the Best Neighborhoods in Montreal

Montreal is really a cosmopolitan, multicultural city. Rather than becoming a melting pot, Canada celebrates individual cultures. Of course, Old Town is the most popular place to go in Montreal, but there are other great Montreal neighborhoods to explore.

Plateau-Mont-Royal is home to Montreal’s art scene, with colorful homes and trendy restaurants.
Quartier des Spectacles in downtown Montreal is where most of the big festivals are held and is also home to plenty of restaurants and nightclubs
Little Italy is home to some fantastic Italian restaurants, as well as a fun nightlife scene.
Chinatown is also worth visiting, for eclectic shopping and fantastic Chinese food

Don’t Miss Out on Montreal Cuisine

Being such a multicultural city, there are many great cuisines to try when you visit Montreal. From Chinatown to Little Italy, there are plenty of places to try fantastic food. But there are some quintessential French-Canadian things to eat in Montreal. And don’t feel bad going to the super touristy places; they’re famous for a reason!

Montreal bagels are so good! In Montreal, they’re just bagels, but they are a special style unique to Montreal. Montreal bagels are a bit smaller and sweeter than New York-style bagels. Fairmount Bagel and St-Viateur Bagel are two of the best places to try bagels in Montreal, and Fairmount is open 24 hours!
Smoked Meat Sandwiches in Montreal are amazing, and so simple: just bread, meat, and mustard. Schwartz’s is known to have the best sandwiches around. You’ll wait in a long line, but it’s worth it!
Poutine, which is French fries topped with gravy, cheese curds, and toppings. Poutine is everywhere in Montreal, so you’ll likely try several different varieties.
A Steamie is a Montreal hot dog; it’s topped with mustard, relish, onions, and sauerkraut. If you’re looking for cheap eats in Montreal, you get a steamie just about anywhere.
Montreal has some really great Portuguese food, Lebanese food, Italian food, and Chinese food, and more! While you should absolutely try the Montreal classics, make sure you try some international cuisines as well.
Brewpubs and microbreweries are popping up all over Montreal; Canadians love their beer! Just don’t Underestimate the beer’s strength; it may have a much higher alcohol content than what you are used to.

If you visit Montreal when the weather is nice, don’t pass up the terraces. Much like the sidewalk cafes of Paris, they are the place to be when it’s warm outside. The French bistros in Montreal are not to be missed. Steak frites are a class French bistro dish and you won’t have any trouble finding it in Montreal.

A food tour is a great way to sample some of the many dishes of Montreal!

Don’t Expect Cheap Eating in Old Montreal

You can eat really well for a good price all over Montreal, except in Old Montreal. Because it’s a more touristy area, the restaurant and cafe prices are much higher than anywhere else in Montreal, except for possibly the airport! You can look for 5 to 7, or Happy Hour in Montreal. It’s a great way to save money while eating out in Montreal, and it’s also a lively time when a lot of people are out and about. Remember, there is sales tax on top of your menu price, plus tip!

Don’t Drive

If you can help it, don’t drive when you visit Montreal. Crazy traffic and expensive parking make this not such a fun city to drive in. It seems like there is always a ton of construction, making it congested and confusing!

Public transportation in Montreal is super easy to use. The Metro and bus system goes all over and into the wee hours. It feels pretty safe, so it’s really a great way to get around Montreal.

Don’t Pay With US Dollars

You’re in Canada after all, so plan to have some Canadian cash on you, or you can use a credit card in most places. Some places will take US dollars as payment, but you’ll get a terrible exchange rate in the process. And remember, the coins here are valuable! Canada has $1 and $2 coins, so hang on to them!

Don’t Fall For These Montreal Tourist Traps & Scams

Don’t Buy Maple Syrup at a Souvenir Store! It’s not a bad product, but it’s marked up extensively, and you can get the same quality syrup at the local grocery store for much less.
Overhyped restaurants in Old Town; the best restaurants let the food speak for them. If restaurants are aggressively trying to get you in the door, it’s probably not the best food.
Exchange houses will charge high fees and give you a poor exchange rate; you’re better off just pulling money from an ATM in town. Your bank will give you a much better rate than a currency exchange.
Underground City is basically just underground tunnels with shops and restaurants. It’s nice in the winter if you want to stay out of the elements, but otherwise, it’s not all that special.
Montreal Tower at the Olympic Stadium boasts great views of Montreal…for a price. The Ferris wheel in Old Town is another expensive way to get a great view of Montreal. But you can get just as good of a view for free from Parc Mont Royal.
Horse Drawn carriages are found in Montreal, just like in any other major tourist city. It’s pretty touristy, but if you’re wanting a romantic evening, it might be worth it.
Rideshares and taxis are a scam when you consider how great the public transportation is in Montreal. It’s also a super walkable city, and you’ll see a lot more when you’re on foot.

Tips for Souvenir Shopping

Don’t Come in the Winter!

Winter in Montreal is cold, dark, and snowy. If you do visit, take advantage of the Underground tunnels so you can stay out of bad weather. But try to plan your Montreal vacation in spring, summer, or fall. You’ll have more festivals to choose from as well.

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

Don’t be surprised if you fall in love with Montreal! It’s an amazing multicultural city, with fantastic cuisine, historic architecture, and French-Canadian culture. If you are looking for an international vacation closer to home, a Montreal trip is right up your alley!

Want more tips for traveling in Canada? Check out some of our other blog posts:

5 Things You’ll LOVE & HATE about Valencia, Spain

Posted on March 7, 2023March 2, 2023 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about visiting Valencia, a port city on the Eastern coast of Spain. There are so many things to do in Valencia, Spain. It’s a beautiful city with culture and nightlife and amazing food. There’s a lot to love about Valencia, but there are also a few things you might not love when visiting Valencia.

Love #1: Valencia Weather

Valencia has pretty great weather year-round. Winter weather is very mild and lots fewer tourists, so January and February are great times to visit Valencia. It’s sunny almost all the time and rain is rare so you will love Valencia weather any time of year!

Hate #1: Afternoon Siesta

Siesta is a very Spanish tradition of taking a break in the middle of the day. As a tourist, it can be inconvenient as a lot of shops and restaurants close for a couple of hours in the afternoon. It’s pretty enjoyable once you get used to it and plan around it. Live like a local…have a siesta!

Shocks to Expect When You Visit Spain

Love #2: Architecture and History in Valencia

Valencia is known for its beautiful beaches, but there are other things to do in Valencia Spain as well. The Valencia Cathedral has an amazingly beautiful altar and St. Nicholas church has a gorgeous painted ceiling. Additionally, there are some great Valencia museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Ceramics Museum, and the Silk Museum.

On the more modern end of the spectrum, the City of Arts and Sciences is a cultural and architectural complex along the river. The buildings are super cool and they house various museums like an IMAX Theater and Europe’s largest aquarium.

Other parts of town have a cool Art Deco vibe, so the architecture in Valencia is very diverse and interesting. It makes for a fun self-guided walking tour of Valencia neighborhoods.

Hate #2: Stinky Breeze

Farms and orchards surround Valencia, and sometimes if you are downwind of the farms, it can get a little stinky. It’s not constant, but it may be more noticeable on certain days than on others. The plus side of being near orchards is having fresh juice from Valencia oranges every morning. The orange juice here is delicious!

Love #3: Spanish Food at Valencia Markets

There are several markets in Valencia; Mercado Central is the best one, in my opinion. It’s a true market, with butchers and spices and flowers and pretty much anything you can imagine. Horchata originated in Valencia, so make sure you grab a horchata to drink while you walk around.

Hate #3: Turia River Park

Valencia has diverted the Turia river and made a park on both shores for nearly 10 kilometers. It’s a beautiful place to hang out during the day, with playgrounds, gardens, and tapas bars. However, it’s not very well-lit and there are a lot of people who sleep overnight in the park, so we avoid the park after the sun goes down.

Love #4: Valencia Beaches

Balencia has some fantastic beaches. Along with the nightlife, the beaches are a major reason why Valencia is one of the most popular destinations for exchange students.

The City Beaches in Valencia are great because you can take the tram to get there, and there are lots of bars and restaurants on the beach. The main beach is huge and so easy to get to, it’s really one of the best reasons to visit Valencia.

Hate #4: Weather in Valencia

We have a love/hate relationship with the weather in Valencia. It gets extremely hot in the summer months, and not all Valencia hotels have air conditioning. Additionally, the sunscreen in Spain is not great for pasty, white Americans. If you have fair skin, make sure you bring sunblock from home! That said, it can cool down at night, so always have an extra layer to throw on after the sun goes down.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Spain

Love #5: Spanish Feel

A lot of Spanish and Portuguese cities are overrun with tourists from the UK, Germany, and the United States. Valencia is still very much a destination for the rest of Spain, but it doesn’t feel quite as touristy as other towns like Malaga. It really adds to the feel of the town and makes it more of a cultural vacation than just a beach trip.

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

With a prime location on the Spanish coast, plus great food and interesting history and culture, visiting Valencia is a great idea any time of year. There are many outdoor activities, year-round, and great art to take in as well. Interested in more Spain travel tips? Check out these blog posts!

What NOT to Do in Toronto as a Tourist

Posted on March 4, 2023March 2, 2023 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do on a trip to Toronto, Canada. While many travel blogs will tell you all the fun things to do in Toronto, we want to be sure you know what you should NOT do when you plan a Toronto trip.

Don’t Feel Obligated to Go Up CN Tower

CN Tower is the building that sets the Toronto skyline apart from other cities. You’ll have dozens of pictures of the CN Tower, and you can pay to go up to the top, but it’s not really necessary. There are great views of the Toronto skyline all over the city.

Don’t Drive in Toronto

Driving in Toronto is a hassle and I advise you to avoid it at all costs. It’s not just driving, it’s also the parking. It’s like any major city: traffic, congestion, construction, and expensive parking. Just get a PRESTO card and use the TTC; the Toronto Transit Commission. There is a subway, streetcars, and buses that make it easy to get around Toronto. (Just don’t be loud on the TTC; Canadians are a bit more reserved and quiet, so be aware of your surroundings.)

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Visiting Toronto

Another easy way to get around Toronto is by bike; there are bike lanes everywhere and Bike Share Toronto has over 7000 bikes at over 600 stations around the city.

Don’t Miss the Toronto Neighborhoods

Like any major city, Toronto is made up of dozens of smaller neighborhoods outside of the Central Business District. Downtown Toronto is actually pretty quiet in the evening and on the weekends, so the neighborhoods are where the nightlife is.

Regardless of where you stay in Toronto, make sure you check out at least a few of the best neighborhoods in Toronto:

The Distillery District is a revamped distillery that is now home to bars, restaurants, and art galleries
Kensington Market (Jocelyn’s favorite neighborhood in Toronto) is more of a hippie vibe with colorful houses and independent boutiques.
Greektown or Danforth has a nice concentration of international cuisine, including Greek restaurants!
CabbageTown is one of the more historic neighborhoods in Toronto, with cool Victorian homes
Queen West is another hip and trendy Toronto neighborhood, with great dining and entertainment options
Chinatown / Little Italy are great neighborhoods for shopping and eating in Toronto.

In the summer months, you’ll find all kinds of fun festivals and events in the neighborhoods.

Don’t Miss The Top Tourist Attractions in Toronto Canada

When you visit Toronto, there are some things you should absolutely not miss.

The Hockey Hall of Fame – even if you’re not a hockey fan, this museum is so interesting and informative, you will love it! You can get your photo taken with the real Stanley Cup!
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) has one of the best dinosaur collections in the world. Our boys still remember this museum and it’s been years since they visited Toronto.
St. Lawrence Market is one of the best public markets in the world and one of the best places to try Toronto specialties, like the Peameal Bacon Sandwich.
Campbell House Museum is an 1822 house that remains in downtown Canada and now serves as a heritage house and museum.
Casa Loma is a castle that was built in 1914 and at one time was the largest private residence in Canada. Today, the home and gardens are open to the public and host many events, including live music.
The Art Gallery of Ontario has nearly 100,000 pieces of art to explore.
Explore Toronto Street Art and Architecture; either on your own or with a guided tour. Destination Toronto has the latest information on Toronto street art and architecture.
Take a ferry to the Toronto Islands and enjoy the fresh air and green space just outside the city.
Niagara Falls is one of the most popular day trips from Toronto and it’s totally worth it! You can even take a tour from Toronto so you don’t have to drive.

Don’t Just Eat Canadian Food

Toronto is a major international city, so don’t just stick to Canadian food when you visit Toronto. There are ethnic neighborhoods all over Toronto with amazing food from Korea, China, Italy, Greece, and others. Yes, have your Beaver Tails and poutine, but save room for some of the international cuisines found in Toronto. I lived in Portugal for five years, and I had some of the best Portuguese food of my life in Toronto.

Don’t Expect a Cheap Trip to Toronto

Toronto is not a cheap destination. It’s expensive to live in Toronto and it’s expensive to visit. It’s no different than visiting Chicago or New York; accommodation, entertainment, and eating out are going to add up. Along with Vancouver, Toronto is one of the most expensive cities in Canada.

Don’t Forget About Sales Tax & Tipping

Canada, like the US. adds sales tax on top of what you see on the price tag. Expect to pay about 13% sales tax and if you are eating out at a restaurant, plan to pay another 15-20% gratuity to your server. Tipping is customary in Canada!

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Visiting Canada

Don’t forget to get some Canadian dollars; some places will take U.S. Dollars, but I wouldn’t count on it and you won’t get a good exchange rate that way.

Don’t Be in the Way

While you are a tourist in Toronto, this is a working city so most folks on the street are probably trying to get to work or get home. Always stand on the right and pass on the left when you are on the escalators, and always stand to the side if you are debating which direction to go or which bus to take.

Don’t Come to Toronto in the Winter

Unless you have to, I don’t recommend visiting Toronto in the winter. It’s cold. If you do have to visit Toronto in winter, make sure you use the PATH. It’s an underground network of tunnels that connect the city and eliminate the need to be outside in the cold.

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

Don’t be surprised if you fall in love with Toronto! It’s a fantastic international city, with amazing cuisine, friendly people, and safe streets. If you are looking for a safe, urban vacation with both outdoor activities and cultural attractions, a trip to Toronto may be just what you are looking for!

Want more tips for traveling in Canada? Check out some of our other blog posts:

Ten Things That Will Shock You When Visiting Canada

Culture Shocks to Expect When Visiting Lithuania

Posted on March 2, 2023March 2, 2023 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about visiting Lithuania. It’s not a well-known country for many international travelers, which makes it so special! If you’re visiting Lithuania for the first time, there are some shocks you should expect.

Lithuania Food

When you first visit Lithuania, some of the food can be shocking. In the summer, a very popular dish is Saltibarsciai, or cold borscht. It’s a cold pink soup, so it kind of looks like a bowl of Pepto Bismol with stuff sprinkled in it. It looks weird, but it’s delicious! That’s the case with a lot of Lithuanian food; it looks strange, but they really do have great comfort food. In the end, Lithuania food will shock you in a good way!

What to Know Before You Visit Lithuania

Lithuanian Superstitions

Lithuania was one of the last places to be “Christianized” so it has a very strong Pagan history. You still see bits of this today in random superstitions that Lithuanians have. A few common superstitions you’ll notice include:

Looking in a mirror before leaving the house
Not handing a knife or scissors to anyone; you have to set it down
You must look each other in the eye when you toast
Not letting a pole or post come between you and your companion when walking; it’s bad luck and means you’ll have a quarrel soon

What Not to Do in Lithuania

Drinking in Lithuania

Beer (Alus) and Vodka (degtinės) are very good in Lithuania, and quite prevalent. Lithuania seems to be a country that enjoys drinking heavily, and you will be shocked at the various options for alcoholic drinks in Lithuania. This is despite some very particular alcohol laws in Lithuania that dictate when and where you can buy liquor.

Things to See in Lithuania

You might be shocked at the cool things to do in Lithuania.

The Hill of Crosses is a pilgrimage site that is estimated to have over 200,000 crosses.
The Hill of Witches is another cool place to visit in Lithuania; it’s an outdoor sculpture collection along a path in the woods on the Curonian Spit.
The Trakai Island Castle is a fun destination in Lithuania; it’s a 14th-century castle set on an island in Lake Galvė.
Gediminas Castle Tower is what remains of the Upper Castle in Vilnius. Climb the hill and then go up the tower for the best views of Vilnius.
Another Vilnius landmark is the Vilnius Cathedral, which was completed at the end of the 18th century.

Beaches in Lithuania

Shockingly, Lithuania has some fantastic beaches. Most people picture Lithuania as a cold, dreary country, but this is why the beaches are such a nice surprise. And I was surprised at how nice the beaches are. The sand on the Baltic Sea is pristine, and there’s even a spa town along the beach, called Palanga. The Curonian Spit also has some great sand dunes, where our kids had a blast climbing around.

Natural Attractions in Lithuania

Besides the amazing beaches in Lithuania, there are many other natural attractions in Lithuania. There are some gorgeous lakes in Lithuania and spa towns to enjoy. The Lithuanians are really into nature, and many of them have summer homes near the forest. Once you leave the cities in Lithuania, there are endless outdoor opportunities, and you won’t run into many foreign tourists, either.

Post-Russian Revival

For many years, Lithuania was part of the Sovient Union, and you still see evidence of that in some of the older architecture. While they were in and out of Russian rule for quite some time, they seem to have made up for lost time by beautifying the cities in Lithuania, as well as the green spaces.

Lithuanians are very proud of their country, and it’s obvious when you see how clean and well-kept everything is. They also have a fiercely independent spirit, because they fought for that independence. They were the first of the Baltic countries to declare their independence and they fly their flag proudly.

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We will be shocked if you don’t fall in love with Lithuania. It is such a beautiful country, with interesting history, beautiful natural landscapes, hearty food, and amazing people. Visit Lithuania Travel to start planning your own trip to Lithuania!

Want more travel tips for the Baltic region? Check out these blog posts:

The Best & Worst of Ouro Preto, Brazil

Posted on February 20, 2023February 1, 2023 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re in my favorite small town in Brazil, Ouro Preto. It is located on the Estrada Royal, or the Royal Road, in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. This is where you can get a glimpse of Colonial Brazil; a lot of the gems were mined from this region, and Ouro Preto has benefitted greatly from that. It’s also one of the safest and best places to visit in Brazil.

Love #1: Colonial History of Ouro Preto

Part of what makes Ouro Preto so beautiful is the colonial architecture around town. Ouro Preto is surrounded by natural beauty, but the city itself is also wonderful to see. It really has the best of both worlds, which is why it’s my favorite small town in Brazil. Many of the churches have a small admission fee, but it’s totally worth it to go see the interiors.

Hate #1: The Hills of Ouro Preto

Ouro Preto is in the mountains, so it’s a very hilly town. It can’t hurt to prepare for your trip by hitting the Stairmaster for some hill training. If not, expect to have some shin splints, as the hills are quite steep! Even if you’re in good shape, these hills might surprise you!

Love #2: Comida Mineira

The local food you’ll find in Minas Gerais is Comida Mineira. The food is so good here! Yes, there is a lot of beans and rice, but this is Brazilian comfort food at its finest. It’s not just my favorite food in Brazil, it’s quite possibly my favorite food in the world! Queijo Minas with dulce de leche is one of the best desserts in Brazil, and it’s made with local cheese.

What to Eat in Brazil

Hate #2: Photography Ban in Church of Saint Francis of Assisi

Ouro Preto has its own version of the Sistine Chapel, and that is the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi. It’s one of the coolest churches in Brazil, and the ceiling took ten years to paint. It’s really beautiful and worth visiting, but hopefully, you have a photographic memory because you can’t take pictures inside. Several of the churches and museums in the area don’t allow photography, so it can be frustrating when you want to share your trip with friends and family back home.

Love #3: Safety in Ouro Preto

Not all of Brazil is super safe, so one of the reasons I love visiting Ouro Preto is that I feel safe bringing my family here. We don’t feel rushed to get back to our accommodation before dark, because it feels safe, even at night. It’s very relaxing to not have to be on high alert all the time.

Is Brazil Safe?

Hate #3: Finding English Guides

Ouro Preto is really off the beaten path for English-speaking tourists. While it is a big tourist destination for Brazilians, it’s not easy to find English-speaking guides. There are lots of guides all over town, but most of them are giving tours in Portuguese. If you don’t speak Portuguese, you might struggle a bit, so it’s a good idea to try and learn a little bit before you visit.

Love #4: Views from Ouro Preto

The area surrounding Ouro Preto is gorgeous! While it can be exhausting to walk up and down all those hills, they do help you appreciate the views so much more!

Hate #4: Getting to Ouro Preto

If you are prone to motion sickness, you’re not going to love the trip to Ouro Preto. You’ll be on a lot of winding, mountain roads, so make sure you pack some Dramamine if you need it. Trust me, it’s totally worth it, even if you get sick. Just make sure you’re prepared!

Love #5: Day Trips and Surrounding Area

Besides visiting the historic sites, there are so many fun things to do in and around Ouro Preto. There are several mines in the area, where you can pan for gold and take old miners’ carts down to the mines. Mariana is a must-do day trip from Ouro Preto; it’s about an hour by train, and the Mariana train station has an awesome playground that your kids will love.

Make sure you explore some other towns along the Estrada Royal, like Tiradentes, Congonhas, São João del-Rei, São Tomé das Letras, Aiuruoca, São Lourenço, Caxambu, Aparecida and Paraty.

day trips from ouro preto — Mariana on the left, Ouro Preto on bottom left

Hate #5: Getting Tickets for the Train to Mariana

One of the highlights of visiting Ouro Preto is taking the tourist train to Mariana. It’s a beautiful scenic train ride, but getting tickets takes forever. The train doesn’t run every day, so plan ahead and I recommend going to get your tickets the day before you want to ride the train. The panoramic seating sells out the fastest, so that’s another good reason to buy ahead.

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I can’t emphasize enough how much I love visiting Ouro Preto Brazil and Minas Gerais. It’s safe, historic, beautiful, and affordable. There are tons of great day trips in the area, and lots of fun festivals, too!

Looking for more Brazil travel tips? Check out these other blog posts:

10 Best Places to Visit in France

Posted on February 18, 2023January 31, 2023 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about the best cities in France. France is one of our favorite countries, and cities and towns like these are a huge reason we keep coming back. Of course, there are way more than ten best places in France to recommend, but if we have to choose…these are our top ten destinations in France.

Paris

Of course, you have to visit Paris when you plan a trip to France! Paris is the number one EU destination city because there are so many amazing things to see in France. Paris has some of the most famous art museums in the world, the most iconic skyline in the world, and some of the best food in the world.

What to Know Before Visiting Paris

The Loire Valley

A few hours from Paris, the Loire Valley is the best place to see castles in France. While the Loire Valley is one of the most popular day trips from Paris, you’ll barely scratch the surface of all the castles. We recommend staying in Amboise or Blois, renting a car, and taking a few days to explore all the castles.

Best Things to Do in Amboise

Normandy

In the northern region of Normandy, there are several worthwhile destinations. Mont Saint-Michel is an island topped by a majestic abbey. Connected to the mainland by a causeway, it’s surrounded by water at high tide. Of course, the D-Day beaches are also located in Normandy. This is really such an important part of US and European history, you can’t miss it when you visit France.

Shocks to Expect When Visiting Normandy

Bordeaux

In the southwest part of France, Bordeaux is best known for the wine of the same name. Naturally, you’ll want to do some wine tasting and purchasing when you are in Bordeaux. However, the locals call it “Little Paris” because it’s so beautiful and it has a really great vibe.

Shocks of Visiting Bordeaux

French Riviera

In Southern France, the French Riviera is the best place to go. Nice is a beautiful city, although the beaches are small stones, not sand! Cannes is known for the film festival and has a lovely beach. Monte Carlo is also a fantastic day trip from Nice or Cannes.

Avignon

In the 14th century, the Pope moved from Rome to Avignon for a period of time. You can still visit the Papal Palace in Avignon, and there’s a really great bridge to see as well.

Best Things to Do in Avignon

Strasbourg

In the northeast region of Alsace, Strasbourg gives you a taste of Germany, in France. The entire region changed hands many times over the centuries, so there is a distinct German influence on this French town. You have canals running through the city, creating the Grand Ile, which is the hub of things to see in Strasbourg.

What Not to Do in Strasbourg

Nancy

Another Alsatian destination is Nancy. Set on the River Muerthe, Nancy has a distinct mixture of French, Polish, and Lithuanian influences. Stanislaus Square is one of the prettiest squares in France, with elaborate gates and fountains.

Aix-En-Provence

Aix-En-Provence isn’t necessarily the best town in Provence, but it’s perfectly situated as a home base for exploring Provence. It has all of the infrastructure to make it easy for tourists, while not being overly touristy.

Rouen

If you follow the Seine north from Paris, you’ll come to Rouen, an important city from the Roman era and Middle Ages. The Notre Dame Cathedral of Rouen is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in France. At only 90 minutes from Paris, Rouen is one of the popular day trips from Paris, but we prefer to stay overnight and enjoy the city after most tourists have returned to Paris for the evening.

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Narrowing the best cities in France down to just ten really doesn’t do it justice, but you have to start somewhere. Honestly, France has so many amazing places to explore that you can plan a trip every year and still not see all the best cities in France. Want more tips for traveling in France? Check out these blog posts:

Culture Shocks Tourists Need to Watch Out for in Hungary

Posted on February 16, 2023January 31, 2023 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about visiting the Eastern European country of Hungary. The capital city, Budapest, has always been one of our favorite European cities to visit. But if you’re visiting Hungary for the first time, these facts about Hungary may shock you!

Food in Hungary

When you first visit Hungary, it doesn’t take long to notice that they love their paprika and sour cream. Hungarian paprika is on the sweeter side and used in nearly every popular dish on the menu. Paprika features heavily in the two most popular dishes in Hungary: beef goulash and chicken paprikash. If you don’t like paprika, you may struggle to find food in Hungary that you like.

Hungary Transportation

Hungary is a relatively small country, about the size of Indiana, so you would think it’s easy to get around to all the places to visit in Hungary. However, no matter where you are in Hungary, it seems that you have to return to Budapest before traveling on to another destination. Budapest is the central hub of the country, so the fastest routes from Point A to Point B always route through Budapest.

When you’re on the Metro in Budapest, make sure you validate your ticket! They are shockingly thorough about checking tickets on the Metro! Because the tickets are pretty cheap, it’s easiest to just get the 24-hour ticket.

St. Stephen’s Basilica

St. Stephen was the one who brought Christianity to Hungary. St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest is a beautiful place to see a live music performance or mass. What is shocking is that they have St. Stephen’s hand on display, in a case.

Other Places to Visit in Hungary

You may be shocked to find how much there is to do outside of Budapest. Hungary has tons of cute towns and villages, plus national parks, caves, and Roman ruins. Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe and is less than one hour from Budapest. Hungary also has a wine region so you can plan a day around wine tasting. Hungary has some surprisingly good, and affordable, wine!

Hungary Prices

Once you leave Budapest, you will be shocked at how affordable everything is in Hungary. Budapest is a bit pricier than the rest of the country, which is to be expected as it’s the capital city and a popular tourist destination. However, compared to other cities in Europe, even Budapest is very affordable.

Take note that the local currency is the Forint; they do not use the Euro in Hungary. Some places may take Euros, but be prepared to withdraw some cash before you leave Budapest as you may find smaller towns where credit cards aren’t widely accepted.

Tips for Exchanging Money in Europe

Hungarian Taxis

I’ve been visiting Hungary for 20-plus years and have seen it evolve into a more tourist-friendly destination, but there’s one thing that hasn’t changed. The taxis in Hungary will inevitably try to scam you. They can spot the tourists and will try to overcharge you or take the long way because they know you don’t have a lot of options. The best option is to have your hotel pre-arrange your transportation. You can also download a taxi app before you arrive and use that to arrange your transportation.

Mistakes to Avoid in Budapest

Hungarian Language

We’re always big advocates for learning a bit of the local language before visiting a new country, and usually your high school Spanish or French will at least help you read a menu or street sign. Not so in Hungary! Hungarian is nearly impossible to decipher, but the Hungarians know this and it’s never difficult to find an English speaker.

Hungarian Women

There is a surprising number of attractive women in Hungary. You’ll notice people constantly turning their heads to admire the beautiful locals.

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We will be shocked if you don’t fall in love with your Hungary vacation. It’s such a great country to visit; it’s affordable and has a lot to offer with many exciting places to visit in Hungary. From the capital city of Budapest to the natural attractions and outdoor adventures, Hungary is a shockingly fun destination!

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