Mark Wolters – Page 16 – Wolters World

What NOT To Do On Your Gulf Shores Vacation

Posted on July 11, 2022July 11, 2022 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit the Gulf Shore of Alabama. While many travel blogs will tell you the best things to see on a Gulf Shores vacation, our Gulf Shores travel guide tells you what NOT to do so you can avoid making these common mistakes.

Don’t Think Gulf Shores is Only Beaches

Of course, the Gulf Shores beaches are the main reason for visiting. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything else to do. Pensacola and Mobile are both great day trips from the area. There are also lots of fun small towns that dot the gulf shores, where you can explore all different kinds of things to see and do.

Some of the best things to see in Pensacola include:

Flora-Bama; It’s a combination of bars, restaurants, and a concert venue on the beach in Pensacola.
Blue Angel’s weekly training sessions
The Naval Aviation Museum
The Seville Historic District has beautiful buildings restored to 18th-century style, which is when the Spanish captured Pensacola
McGuire’s Irish Pub and Peg Leg Pete’s are great places to eat in Pensacola

The Visit Pensacola Tourism website has more ideas to start planning!

Mobile is actually the home of the original Mardi Gras of the United States. So, if you don’t feel like going to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, check out the celebrations in Mobile!

The Mobile Mardi Gras Museum is a great place to learn more about the tradition.
The USS Alabama is a battleship located in Mobile
The USS Drum is a submarine you can visit in Mobile
Mobile Museum of Art
Fort Gaines and Fort Morgan are both 19th-century forts surrounding Mobile

Visit Mobile Alabama has travel ideas as well!

Don’t Make These Beach Mistakes

When you do visit the Gulf Shores beaches, keep these rules in mind. The beaches here are really clean and nice to visit, partly because of these rules.

Don’t bring any glass containers to the beach
Don’t litter
Don’t bring your pets
Don’t forget the sunblock, aloe vera, and a sunhat

The heat and humidity in the summer can be almost unbearable so make sure you’re prepared. Most importantly, don’t miss the sunsets over the Gulf!

What NOT to Do on a Beach Trip

Don’t Be Afraid to Let Out Your Inner Child

Visiting the Gulf Shores is so much fun, and your inner child will be screaming to run wild! The whole region is super family-oriented, so you’ll find tons of video game arcades, go-kart tracks, bumper boats, mini-golf, amusement parks, and much more! There are also lots of state parks with hiking and kayaking, beach-combing, and fishing. You’d have to try really hard not to have a great time at all of the Gulf Shores attractions.

The food at Gulf Shores is… out of this world 🙂

Don’t Miss Out on the Seafood

The seafood is fresh and fantastic here! You can’t go wrong with Gulf Shrimp, and it’s served in so many different ways, that you’ll never get sick of it! Some of my favorites are the shrimp po’boys, shrimp and grits, oyster, grouper, and we even had seafood-stuffed baked potatoes. It’s all delicious!

Don’t Expect Cheap Food

Even though the seafood is fresh and local, it’s still expensive. The Gulf Shores is very much a tourist area, so prices are higher than you might expect. It’s a good idea to stock up on groceries before you arrive at the Gulf Shores. We stock up in Pensacola or Mobile, where the prices are much more reasonable. Hard alcohol is only sold at liquor stores, and the prices are equally inflated the closer you get to Gulf Shores.

Don’t Be Surprised at U-Turns

In most places in America, U-turns are illegal, but there are some spots in the Gulf Shores where there are specific U-Turn lanes. On the main drag, there is a boulevard that prevents left turns in most places, so you may have to drive past your destination and do a u-turn up ahead to double back.

Don’t Forget to Book Ahead for Peak Season

The Gulf Shores are most popular during spring break and summer break, so if you’re traveling during that time, make sure you are booking your Gulf Shores accommodation well in advance. If you’re visiting Gulf Shores by plane, you’ll have to fly into Pensacola or Mobile and then drive to the Gulf Shores. Each of these is about an hour from Gulf Shores, so you’ll also need a rental car once you land. (You might consider renting outside of the airport, as you can save some money this way) These aren’t major airports, so make sure you are also reserving flights and rental cars well in advance.

How to Beat Peak Season Travel Prices

Don’t Be Surprised at the UFOs

Pensacola is allegedly a UFO hot-spot, so you’ll see a lot of tourist attractions capitalizing on this niche. It also happens to be the home of the Blue Angels flight squadron, so you might see all kinds of things up in the sky! You might also see Unidentified Swimming Objects, but those are usually dolphins!

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

Don’t be surprised if you fall in love with the Gulf Shores beaches! With beautiful, pristine beaches and family-friendly activities, it’s easy to fall in love! Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism has lots of great itineraries to choose from!

Want more travel tips for the southern states? Check out some of our other blog posts:

Connecticut Travel Tips: What NOT to Do

Posted on March 20, 2022March 2, 2022 by Mark Wolters

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

Don’t Expect a Cheap Vacation

Everything in Connecticut is pretty expensive, compared to other parts of the U.S. Accommodation, gas, food, and attractions are all pretty pricy. It’s worth it but just be prepared for sticker shock on your Connecticut vacation.

Don’t Expect a Sandy Beach

Connecticut has nearly 100 miles of coastline along the Long Island Sound, but don’t expect to find nice, sandy beaches. The beaches in Connecticut are generally pretty rocky. They are beautiful and scenic, but not your typical swimming beaches.

Don’t Drive I95 Unless You Have To

I-95 is a frustrating experience, especially for those of us who are not from the East Coast. My recommendation is just to avoid I-95 altogether if you can. The back roads are more scenic and much less frustrating. No matter where you drive, don’t let your guard down for a minute! You have to be very vigilant when driving on the East Coast.

The Don’ts of Connecticut

Don’t Fill Up in Connecticut

Gas prices are super high in Connecticut, so if you’re passing through any other states, fill up there. Rhode Island isn’t too far and has much better gas prices in general. Even Massachusetts usually has better gas prices than Connecticut.

Don’t Forget About the Trains

The East Coast has a pretty good train network, so it is possible to visit Connecticut and get around by train. The major train lines from Boston to New York and DC pass through Connecticut, so you can hop off in Providence, New Haven, and even Mystic. You can make a home base in Mystic and take some day trips to Boston or New York on the trains.

Don’t Miss Out on a Boat Tour

You can’t visit the seaside without going on a cruise. There are several charters you can join out of Mystic, and Chester has a ferry to Gillette Castle State Park. We took a fishing boat out into Long Island Sound and had so much fun.

Don’t Pass Up Attractions That Seem Kid-Focused

Of course, we travel with kids so we visit a lot of kid-focused destinations, but we all enjoyed the museums and aquariums of Connecticut. We were really impressed with all of the Connecticut attractions, and they seem to have something for all ages.

Don’t Miss the Mashantucket Pequot Museum

Most people go to Foxwoods to visit the casino, but there’s a fantastic museum just a few minutes away. The Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center is one of the best Native American museums in the United States. They’ve recreated a 16th-century Pequot village in painstaking detail.

Don’t Be Afraid of Roadside Seafood

If you’re driving around the Midwest and someone is selling lobster rolls on the side of the road, keep driving! But in Connecticut, pull over! You’ll see tons of little clam shacks and roadside diners with some amazing fresh seafood! The whole belly clams at Sea Swirl in Mystic is my favorite spot for roadside seafood. For lobster, we go to Ford’s in Noank for the lobster bisque bomb. It’s not cheap, but it’s fresh and tasty!

Simply Jocelyn Shares What to Eat in Connecticut

Don’t Forget to Try Connecticut Pizza

Besides all the great seafood, Connecticut locals are crazy about their pizza. New Haven-style pizza has a thin, cracker crust that is coal-fired. White clam pizza is super popular, but you gotta love clams if you’re going to try it! Pepe’s is probably the most popular, but there are local pizza joints everywhere. Of course, Mystic Pizza is another popular spot, thanks to the Julia Roberts movie, but there are other great pizza places in Mystic. The locals love Stonington Pizza Palace.

Don’t Expect To Find a Lot of Chains

Connecticut is still very much a small-town state, especially along the coastline. You won’t find a lot of chain hotels and restaurants; you are much more likely to find small inns, bed and breakfasts, and mom-and-pop type restaurants. This is actually very charming, but you do have to do a bit more research, especially when booking your Connecticut accommodations. Google Maps is a great resource for finding accommodation near the attractions you want to see.

Don’t Worry About Finding Good Beer

Nothing goes better with pizza than a cold beer. Connecticut has some great local breweries; it’s so easy to find great, local beer. If you are looking for something stronger, you’ll have to go to a liquor store because they don’t sell it at the grocery store. (Hours are more limited than grocery stores, so plan ahead!)

Don’t Miss Leaf Peeping in Connecticut

Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire seem to get a lot more attention for fall colors, but Connecticut is a great place for leaf-peeping as well. There are so many beautiful, winding roads lined with trees. In the fall, it’s a color explosion. Litchfield County is probably one of the best spots in Connecticut to visit during fall color season

Don’t Forget to Visit Mystic Connecticut

Mystic Seaport is the most popular of all Connecticut vacation spots. Mystic has always been a significant seaport along the Connecticut coast, and even today it has lots of cool things to see and do. We’ve visited Mystic several times and have even sent our boys to sailing camp in Mystic. It’s well worth the trip to visit Mystic Connecticut.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Mystic

Some of our don’ts for visiting Mystic include:

Don’t miss the Mystic Seaport Museum – one of the most visited attractions in the state and the largest maritime museum in the country. They’ve recreated a 19th-century fishing village, complete with worker homes, factories, and an impressive collection of sailing ships and boats. There are a lot of fun activities for all ages, including a sailing camp for kids. The Mystic Aquarium and downtown area are also pretty cool.
Don’t confuse the Stonington and Groton parts of Mystic. Mystic is often used for the whole region, and that includes Groton and Stonington. The Mystic River splits the two parts. When choosing your Mystic accommodation, map out your activities before you decide which side to stay on. The drawbridge over the Mystic River is quaint, but it can get frustrating if you’re trying to go back and forth all the time. (Don’t trust your GPS on arrival times, either, as they don’t account for the drawbridge delays!)
Don’t forget that pedestrians have the right of way in the downtown area. There will be lots of tourists wandering around, so drive slowly and cautiously.
Don’t pass up a parking spot! Mystic gets really busy in the summer and if you find a decent parking spot, take it! You might not find a better spot, especially if you visit Mystic in the summer.
Don’t forget your bug spray and tick repellant. It can be buggy in the summer, and they do have the ticks that carry Lyme disease, so make sure you are protecting your kids, your pets, and yourself.
Don’t miss Sift Bakery; their pastries and macarons are amazing!

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Don’t be surprised if you fall in love with several Connecticut vacation spots! Between the food, the people, the history and the nature, it’s a great state to visit! We were pleasantly surprised by how much we loved our Connecticut vacation. Want more East Coast travel tips? Check out some of our other blog posts:

What NOT to Do When You Visit Cleveland

Posted on March 13, 2022March 2, 2022 by Mark Wolters

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

Enjoy the city that is far from a mistake by the lake!

Don’t Call It the Mistake on the Lake

Cleveland has gotten a bad rap and the moniker “Mistake on the Lake,” but it’s actually a really cool city. Our entire family agrees that we could totally live in Cleveland. There’s great architecture, tons of museums, plus lots of cool little neighborhoods to explore. Also, the mistake on the lake was meant to mean the stadium, not the city.

Don’t Miss Cleveland Museums

Cleveland has a lot of cultural attractions, including some especially great museums. Cleveland is probably better known for sports teams and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but you can really soak up some culture at some of these Cleveland destinations:

Don’t Forget Your Long Underwear in the Winter!

Summer is the best time to visit Cleveland, by far! Most parts of Ohio get a fair amount of snow, but Cleveland gets that extra “lake effect” snow. It can get really cold if you visit Cleveland in the winter, so be prepared with some serious winter layers.

Don’t Miss the Amusement Parks

You might think Florida has the best amusement parks, but roller coaster enthusiasts know that Ohio has some of the best in the world. Just an hour from Cleveland, Sandusky is known as the Roller Coaster Capital of the World. Cedar Point has some of the craziest roller coasters and every year they try to outdo themselves with bigger, faster coasters.

Yes that is the leg lamp in the Christmas Story House

Don’t Miss Cleveland Cuisine

Cleveland has a fantastic food and beer scene. We were seriously impressed with the food we had in Cleveland. And it’s not just the downtown area that has good restaurants; we found great food throughout the city.

Don’t Skip Out on the West Side Market

The West Side Market is an awesome place to grab lunch or a snack. Cleveland’s oldest public market has over 100 vendors selling all kinds of amazing food. There’s also a lot of Eastern European food in Cleveland, so that’s also great to try. If you’ve traveled in Eastern Europe, this will bring you right back!

Simply Jocelyn Shares the Best Things to Eat in Ohio

Don’t Miss The “A Christmas Story” House

This 1980s Christmas movie was set in Indiana, but the house is actually in Cleveland. If you are a fan of the movie, you can’t miss visiting the house. They have a huge gift shop, a little museum of memorabilia, and you can tour the house. You can even rent the house to stay overnight! Find out here how to book a stay.

Tips for spending the night at “A Christmas Story House”

Book well in advance, especially for the Christmas season
You can also stay at the Bumpas house across the street
Take the tour before your overnight stay
Don’t expect privacy during the day; the house still has tours, even if you’ve rented it overnight
There’s a more modern apartment upstairs
You can sleep in Ralphie’s bed, but make sure you tell them so they have fresh sheets
Don’t Miss Rowley Inn across the street; they have great food!

Don’t Miss the Chance to Chat with Locals

Cleveland locals are awesome. Like a lot of Midwest cities, they take a lot of pride in their hometown and love talking it up to visitors. If you want local travel tips for Cleveland, just ask! Everyone we met was super friendly and helpful; and they love to help travelers explore the city and will gladly tell you all the fun things to do in Cleveland.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Traveling in the Midwest

Don’t Forget About Public Transportation

There’s actually a pretty good public transit system in Cleveland. The RTA Rapid Transit goes to a lot of places, including the airport, the West Side Market, plus a lot of other spots. Downtown Cleveland has a trolley system that also makes it easy to get around.

Don’t Forget Your Hiking Shoes

Cleveland is not just a big city with culture and cuisine; it’s also known as the forest city. There are a ton of great parks in Cleveland. If you drive less than an hour south, you can visit Ohio’s only National Park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The park has hiking trails, biking trails, waterfalls and a scenic railroad tour.

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Don’t be surprised if you fall in love with Cleveland! Between the food, the people, the architecture and the nature, it’s a great city to visit! We were pleasantly surprised by how much we loved our Cleveland vacation. Want more Midwest US travel tips? Check out some of our other blog posts:

What Not to Do on a Trip to California

Posted on March 6, 2022February 6, 2022 by Mark Wolters

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

Pacific Coast Highway is a definite must.

Don’t Think Northern California and Southern California are the Same

California is a huge state. It’s the third-largest US state by size and the most populated state in the country. But not all parts of California are the same. In fact, Northern California and Southern California are very different. Southern California has beaches, warm weather, desert, and sunshine. Northern California is really more like the Pacific Northwest states of Oregon and Washington than Southern California.

Likewise, California cities are more than just Los Angeles and San Francisco. San Diego is one of our favorite California destinations. California has more national parks than any other state. From Death Valley to Yosemite and Redwoods National Park, there are tons of cool things to see in California. Make sure you get out of the cities to explore some of the nature that California has to offer. Just don’t forget to plan for traffic and long distances. It is about 14 hours to drive from one end of California to the other! There are way too many things to see in California on one trip.

Don’t Think All Californians are Surfer Dudes

The stereotypical Californian is probably a long-haired blonde surfer guy or girl. It’s true, you’ll find a lot of that culture in Southern California, but just like the landscape, the people of California are also incredibly diverse. Don’t buy into the stereotypes and don’t assume you’ll see famous people everywhere you go.

3 Ways to Piss off Californians

Don’t Diss In-N-Out Burger

In-N-Out Burger is a California institution, with a near cult-like following. Californians love their In-N-Out burgers, so don’t diss them. You might think the menu is underwhelming, but there’s a secret menu, so do some research before you go. And even if you think Culver’s or Whataburger is better, don’t tell that to someone from California.

Simply Jocelyn Shares What to Eat in California

Don’t Call it Cali

If you don’t want to sound like a tourist, don’t call California “Cali.” Cali is a city in Colombia. And don’t call San Francisco “San Fran” or “Frisco.” Just call them by their regular names. That said, there is a lot of slang used in California that you might not understand. Don’t stress if you don’t understand it right away; you’ll catch on!

Don’t call it Frisco, no one calls it that in SF

Don’t Plan on Swimming a Lot

The Pacific Ocean is pretty cold. That’s why you see so many surfers wearing wetsuits. It’s not warm water like the Gulf of Mexico or the Caribbean. And while Northern California has beaches, too, it’s not really a beach destination because it can be cold!

Learn more at the Official Visit California website: www.visitcalifornia.com

Don’t Expect a Cheap Vacation in California

California is notoriously expensive compared to most other states in the U.S. It’s not just the cost of living for locals that’s high; tourists can also expect to pay a premium for visiting California. Accommodation, food, shopping, and taxes on everything really adds up. Even the grocery bags aren’t free when you go food shopping!

Don’t Forget to Stock up on Wine

California’s Napa Valley has fabulous wineries. If you are visiting Northern California, make sure you swing through a few of the vineyards to taste some wine. It also makes a great souvenir or gift for someone back home. Even the regular grocery stores in California have amazing wine selections. Be careful to avoid vineyard burnout, though. After a few stops, all of them can start to blur together. (Don’t forget a designated driver if you’re touring several vineyards!)

Visit the Napa Valley website: www.visitnapavalley.com

Don’t Freak Out If You’re in an Earthquake

California does have a lot of earthquakes; second only to Alaska in the United States. But don’t freak out if you happen to experience one. California’s infrastructure has been built to withstand some pretty big earthquakes.

Don’t Forget to Pack Accordingly

Because the various parts of California are so diverse, so is the climate. Southern Californians love to tell you that you can go to the beach and go skiing on the same day. Yes, there are ski resorts in California, too! Ever hear of Lake Tahoe? That’s in California. San Francisco is notoriously chilly in the summer months, so be prepared with some good layers so you don’t have to buy a cheesy poncho at Fisherman’s Wharf!

Don’t Risk Any Wildfires

California is also known for devastating wildfires. The dry climate combined with often windy conditions makes fires very dangerous. So, if you’re a smoker, make sure you don’t throw any cigarette butts out the window. If you’re camping, make sure you are extra careful with your campfire; if you’re even allowed to have them. Many places will have fire bans in place through most of the summer months.

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Don’t let these “don’ts” keep you from planning a trip to California. It’s such a cool state, with so many cool places to travel in California! Want more California travel tips? Check out some of our other blog posts:

Las Vegas: Scams, Mistakes, & What NOT to Do in Las Vegas

Posted on February 27, 2022February 6, 2022 by Mark Wolters

Tips for Las Vegas: What NOT To Do

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit Las Vegas, Nevada. While many travel blogs will tell you what to do in Las Vegas, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do on your trip to Vegas.

Don’t Think Vegas is Just Gambling

There’s a lot more to do in Vegas besides gamble. We don’t gamble and we always have a great time in Vegas. There’s a ton of cool things to do in Vegas that don’t involve gambling. There’s the huge High Roller ferris wheel, ziplining, and then some cool museums and of course, all of the shows and performances. If you can, make sure you take in some Vegas day trips, too. There’s lot of cool things to see just outside of Vegas. Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Valley of Fire State Park and Red Rock Conservation Area are some of the best day trips from Vegas.

Ten Things That Will Shock You in Vegas

Don’t Do the Bus Tour to Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam is a great day trip from Vegas; but don’t do the bus tour, without getting the full details ahead of time. We learned this the hard way. One bus picks you up at your hotel and then brings you to a central meeting spot where more buses converge and eventually make their way to Hoover Dam. It’s way better to rent your own car for the day and drive. Then you’re not wasting time waiting on other tourists and you can stop along the way wherever you want.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Group Tours

Don’t Think All Hotels and Casinos are the Same

If you’ve never been to Vegas, it’s easy to think all hotels and casinos are the same. But that’s not the case. You really should do some research before choosing your Las Vegas hotel. There are a lot of things to consider, like amenities, clientele, dining choices and location! Have a map of the strip open when you are browsing hotels so you can be sure you’re staying in a good area for you.

Don’t Trust Online Hotel Prices

When you book your Las Vegas hotel, don’t think the number you see is what you’re going to pay. You’ll find some great deals for Vegas hotels, but what you don’t see are all the hidden fees that will be added on top of that base price. Resort fees can add up to $45 a night to your room price. Plus valet parking and all kinds of taxes, and that low price you saw online could easily double by the time you check out. Don’t even get me started on the minibar in your hotel; don’t even touch anything or you’ll get charged. They even increase the prices on weekends and holidays!

Don’t Forget to Sign up For Loyalty Programs

When you visit Vegas, make sure you are signing up for the loyalty programs where you are staging and gambling. Even if you’re only visiting Vegas the one time, you can still reap the benefits of the loyalty programs. You might get extra gambling credits, or better dining reservations, room upgrades or other discounts.

Don’t Use Casino ATMs

Casino ATMs will rip you off. Bring cash from home. This will keep you from spending more than you planned, as well as helping you avoid huge ATM fees. I recommend to bring a lot of singles and five dollar bills for tipping, too.

Visit the Las Vegas Visitors and Convention Authority website: www.lvcva.com

Don’t Expect to See Celebrity Chefs at Their Restaurants

Besides gambling and shows, Vegas is known for amazing restaurants. Tons of celebrity chefs have opened up Las Vegas restaurants. Just don’t expect to run into the celebrity chef at their restaurant and definitely don’t expect them to be cooking your food!

Don’t Forget to Tip the Casino Servers

One perk of gambling is that you get free drinks while you’re actively gambling. But just because the drinks are free doesn’t mean you shouldn’t tip your server. The better you tip them, the more likely they’ll come by often to check on you and you might just notice the quality of your drinks improves the more you tip. If you don’t tip, you may never see that server again.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Vegas

Don’t Jaywalk

It sounds funny that you can get in trouble in “Sin City” for jaywalking, but it’s true! There are so many tourists and so many bad drivers that it’s just not safe to cross the street and jaywalk. There are crosswalks and elevated overpasses for pedestrians, so make sure you use them. (Don’t expect the escalators to always be working, though!)

Don’t Forget Good Walking Shoes

We walked about ten miles in just one day of exploring the Las Vegas strip. It’s a lot of walking! Make sure you have comfortable shoes that you can easily walk around in. This is not the place for high heels or even flip flops. No matter what you have planned in Vegas, you will be walking a lot!

Learn more about visiting Las Vegas from Tanya & Dave from Turn It Up World: www.turnitupworld.com

Don’t Overdo It on Your First Day

People get to Vegas and they want to go crazy. Whether it’s gambling too much, drinking too much, or getting too much sun, don’t ruin the rest of your trip by going too hard on the first day. Remember, you are in the desert! Sun protection and hydration are super important during your Vegas trip. Dehydration is not something to mess with; it can really ruin your trip if you’re not careful!

Don’t Drive on the Strip

You might think it’s going to be cool to drive on the strip. But it’s not. It’s a huge pain! Take the roads running parallel to the strip if you want to get anywhere fast. There’s really no novelty in driving on the Strip; it’s really just a big headache. Take in the sights on foot; you’ll appreciate more and won’t have the frustration of sitting in traffic.

Don’t Think Vegas Has to Be Expensive

Vegas can be an expensive destination, but it doesn’t have to be. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a great time in Vegas. There is a ton of free entertainment and you can eat and drink pretty cheaply if you look hard enough.

Don’t Believe What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas

This phrase predates the internet and cell phones. Once upon a time, it was possible to do some crazy stuff in Vegas and get away with it. Now, with social media and cell phones, what happens in Vegas can go viral before you catch a flight home.

Don’t Underestimate Distances

These casino hotels are huge. Just because one is located next to another one, doesn’t mean it’s easy to get between the two. It can take forever just to get through one floor of a casino. Some have entire shopping malls inside, in addition to casinos and restaurants, so it’s easy to get lost. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions!

Don’t Try to Hail a Cab on the Street

In Vegas, taxis can only pick you up from a designated taxi stand. It’s not like New York or Chicago where you can step out in the street and flag down a cab. Pretty much every hotel in Vegas has a taxi stand, and you can also call an Uber.

Don’t Fall For These Las Vegas Scams

Vegas Street Performers: it’s not necessarily a scam, but know that if you interact with the street performers, they will expect you to tip them. Especially if you take photos with them. Some are more aggressive than others. If you don’t want to tip them, don’t make eye contact and just keep walking.
Free Tickets & VIP Access: people will be handing out flyers for clubs and shows and claim to offer “free tickets” but you have to read the fine print. Sometimes that “free” access comes with a drink minimum that you have to spend.
Las Vegas Taxi Scams: this one is pretty well-known, especially before we had other options like Uber and Lyft. Las Vegas taxis are notorious for taking the long way to charge you more. Taxi drivers can often get kickbacks from local spots, too, so take their recommendations with a grain of salt.
“Official” Photographers: this is a common one at the Vegas sign; people will offer to take your photo for you, but then they’re going to expect a tip.
Street sales: don’t buy stuff from random vendors on the street. Whether it’s bottled water, CDs or tickets to shows, there’s usually a scam involved. It’s better to just pop into CVS for what you need, or go to an official ticket booth for events.
Gambling: when it comes down to it, gambling is a scam to separate you from your money; don’t come to Vegas and expect to win big; the odds are against you! Enjoy it for what it is, but don’t expect to go home rich.

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

Don’t let these “don’ts” keep you from planning a trip to Las Vegas. If anything, I hope these tips for Las Vegas encourage you to go. It’s really a unique city with lots of fun things to do besides gambling! Want more tips for traveling through the Southwest US? Check out some of our other blog posts:

What Not to Do When Visiting Nevada

Posted on February 20, 2022February 6, 2022 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you plan a trip to Nevada. While many travel blogs will tell you what to do in Nevada, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do on your trip to Nevada. (starting with the pronunciation: it’s not Nav-ah-da!)

Don’t Think Nevada is Just Las Vegas

Most people think of Las Vegas when they think of Nevada, and that’s where most Nevada travelers go on their first trip. But there’s a lot of cool things to see in Nevada besides the casinos and mega-hotels of Vegas. Nevada has a National Park, National Conservation Areas, dozens of state parks and so much more to explore. Some of the coolest places to visit in Nevada include:

Great Basin National Park
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Valley of Fire State Park
Reno and Lake Tahoe
Carson City
Area 51
Hoover Dam
Lake Mead

Many of these Nevada destinations can be visited on a day trip from Vegas, too!

Don’t Forget Sunscreen

Even when it’s “cold” outside, the sun is still really strong in Nevada. Even just strolling around the Las Vegas strip, you can easily get a sunburn. The hot, dry climate of Nevada calls for lots of sunscreen and water intake!

Don’t Think it’s Just Desert in Nevada

A lot of Nevada is in the desert, including Las Vegas. But there’s a lot of diverse climates and landscapes in Nevada. Northern Nevada is way different and has part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Of course, Lake Tahoe is famous for skiing and beautiful mountain landscapes year-round.

For the latest news on Nevada Travel visit the state website on travel. www.travelnevada.com

Don’t Be Surprised by Gambling Everywhere

Nevada has long been known for legal gambling, so it’s something that draws tourists in from all over the world, and especially from surrounding states. You expect to see it in casinos, but it’s shocking where else you will find gambling in Nevada. Shopping malls, airports, and gas stations are just a few of the places you’ll find slot machines in Nevada.

Don’t Forget to Fill Up the Gas Tank

Nevada is very sparse outside of the larger cities. With such a low population density, you can go a long time without seeing a gas station. If you are planning a Nevada road trip, always take advantage of any gas stations and top off your tank while you can. (Don’t forget to look out for speed traps on the road, too!)

Top Ten Road Trip Essentials

Don’t Forget to Tip the Casino Servers

One perk of gambling is that you get free drinks while you’re actively gambling. But just because the drinks are free doesn’t mean you shouldn’t tip your server. The better you tip them, the more likely they’ll come by often to check on you. If you don’t tip, you may never see that server again.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Vegas

Don’t Miss Out on Local Knowledge

Nevada locals are, for the most part, super friendly. They love sharing their favorite tips and travel destinations. It’s a very chill vibe in Nevada, which you can kind of tell by the lax laws here!

Learn more about Reno & Lake Tahoe from the official Tourism of Reno & Lake Tahoe. www.visitrenotahoe.com

Don’t Worry About Buying Alcohol

Alcohol is readily available at all times in Nevada. Unlike neighboring Utah, which has state-run liquor stores with limited hours, alcohol sales are not restricted in Nevada. There’s not really a last call, so you can have a mimosa at 8am or 8pm or anytime you want!

Always be safe and be prepared when hiking in Nevada.

Don’t Mess Around While Hiking

Nevada has some great hiking trails, but don’t forget to take them seriously. Bring lots of water, sunscreen and a map. Bring someone along with you for safety because if you get lost in the desert or the mountains, you might not see anyone else for a long time!

Don’t Assume Prostitution is Legal Everywhere

Besides gambling, Nevada is also known for legalized prostitution, something no other state has legalized. However, it’s not a blanket statement; it only applies to counties of a certain size. So it’s actually not legal in Vegas. A lot of tourists get caught up by this one. Prostitution is not legal in Las Vegas!

Don’t Try to Export Marijuana

Marijuana is also legal in Nevada, so many tourists try to stock up on products when they visit Nevada. This is a bad idea, though. It’s not legal to take marijuana out of the state. If you choose to partake, keep it in Nevada; don’t try to bring home a souvenir. It’s not worth the risk.

Don’ts of Las Vegas

While Nevada is more than Las Vegas, chances are, you will end up in Vegas at some point. Keep these tips in mind:

Don’t use casino ATM’s; the fees are ridiculous
Don’t expect to win big
Don’t think “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”
Don’t just stay on the Strip

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

Don’t let these “don’ts” keep you from planning a trip to Nevada. It’s such a cool state, with really diverse landscapes and activities! Want more tips for traveling through the Southwest US? Check out some of our other blog posts:

What Not to Do When Visiting Nashville

Posted on February 13, 2022February 6, 2022 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit Nashville, Tennessee. While many travel blogs will tell you what to do in Nashville, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do when you visit Nashville.

Home of the most bachelorette parties we have ever seen.

Don’t Feel Like You Have to Wear Cowboy Boots

For some reason, people visit Nashville and think it’s time to dust off their cowboy boots. That may not be the best choice. Nashville is a walking city, so you’re going to put some miles on your feet, and you may spend a lot of time standing around waiting to get into various Nashville attractions. Comfortable shoes are the best choice for a Nashville trip. Besides, it’s pretty rare to see actual cowboys in Nashville, so you’re just going to look like a tourist.

Don’t Expect to Meet Many Nashville Natives

Nashville is growing like crazy, but it seems like everyone in Nashville is originally from somewhere else. Nashville is definitely experiencing some growing pains from all the new folks moving in, but we’re not sure where the Nashville natives went. This is one town where it’s good to do some research ahead of time because you won’t have much luck asking for travel advice on the street.

Visit the Official Nashville Tourism site www.visitmusiccity.com

Don’t Expect to Enjoy Driving in Nashville

Because Nashville is growing so quickly, the infrastructure hasn’t caught up, so traffic can be a nightmare. They are trying to keep up with widening lanes and increasing the infrastructure, but you can still expect to spend a lot of time sitting in traffic. As much as we’d love to say you don’t need a car in Nashville, you really do. Public transportation in Nashville is not useful outside of the main downtown area.

The Best & Worst of Visiting Nashville

Don’t Miss Nashville Food!

Nashville is famous for having amazing food, so you won’t go hungry on your Nashville trip. Some of Nashville’s best restaurants are not downtown, so you will have to drive when you visit Nashville. And yes, most places will have a line outside, but the lines move fast, and it’s totally worth it! Some of the famous places to eat in Nashville include:

Five Daughters Bakery
Loveless Cafe
Hattie B’s
Prince’s Hot Chicken

Simply Jocelyn Shares the Best Food of Nashville

Like Memphis, every local you talk to has their own favorite, so if you ask around for the best hot chicken, be prepared to try several different spots before choosing your own favorite. And watch out for the hot chicken; it’s not super hot at first, but it sneaks up on you! Don’t be afraid of the cafeteria-style joints, either!

That Nashville Hot Chicken will get to you after a few bites, so be ready.

Don’t Skip the Tour Bus!

While Nashville is lacking in a public bus system, there are plenty of tour buses in town. No matter what kind of traveler you are, there’s a Nashville tour for you! There are typical bus tours, comedy bus tours, pedal pubs, and many more! Lots of tours are tailored to bachelor and bachelorette parties, but there are some family-oriented historic tours of Nashville as well.

Don’t Think Broadway is the Only Place to Go Out

Nashville’s Broadway is lined with live music venues, and it’s definitely the hub of Nashville nightlife. That said, there are more places to hear live music than just the bars on Broadway. For true country music, you’ll find that in other parts of town. Printer’s Alley is another popular spot for live music in Nashville.

Get Tickets for the Country Music Hall of Fame & more www.countrymusichalloffame.org

Don’t Worry if You Don’t Love Country Music

Even if you don’t love country music, you’re going to love Nashville. The Country Music Hall of Fame is really cool, and there’s so much to learn about music. I don’t love Country Music, but I still really enjoyed the Hall of Fame. Just try not to get overwhelmed by all of the ticket options you have. There are tons of different options and combo tickets, so it’s probably helpful to do a little research ahead of time.

Don’t Miss the Opportunity to Visit the Ryman Auditorium or the Grand Ole Opry

The Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry are two classic live music venues in Nashville. They draw really big names, but the venues themselves are relatively small and intimate. Seeing a live performance here is quite a treat!

Don’t Miss the Parthenon!

That’s right, there’s a Parthenon in Nashville. It was built in 1897 for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. Inside, there’s an impressive art gallery and a massive statue of Athena holding Nike. It’s really worth the price of admission, and it’s surrounded by a beautiful park. Vanderbilt University is also nearby, so you can make a day of exploring these two Nashville attractions.

Don’t Miss the Historic Attractions

Many people don’t even realize that Nashville is the capital of Tennessee, so there are lots of historic attractions and museums to explore. One of the best historic things to do in Nashville is to visit Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage. There’s more to Nashville than music and amazing food, so make sure you don’t miss out on some of the lesser-known Nashville attractions.

Don’t Miss Nashville’s Outdoor Adventures

Nashville also has great outdoor adventures as well! There are some fantastic state parks around Nashville; Radnor Lake State Park has some great hiking trails around the lake. Franklin is a great town to explore near Nashville. Even if you don’t have time to leave Nashville, check out Cumberland Park along the river.

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

Don’t let these “don’ts” keep you from planning a trip to Nashville. It’s such a great city, with culture, history, and amazing people and food! Want more tips for traveling through the Southern US? Check out some of our other blog posts:

Morocco Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Go

Posted on February 6, 2022February 6, 2022 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about visiting Morocco, a fascinating country set on the northwest coast of Africa. Morocco is a fantastic destination, with lots of unique regions, each with its own colorful culture and cuisines. The food and the people of Morocco are worth the trip! For first-time visitors, there are some things you should know before planning a Morocco trip.

Lots to see and do and eat and eat and eat.

Morocco Tourist Visa

Most likely, you will not need a visa in order to visit Morocco. If you’re from the European Union, the United States, or Canada, you do not need a visa to enter Morocco. They really want to promote tourism in Morocco, so they make it relatively easy to visit. That said, you might expect some long lines at customs when you get to Morocco.

Morocco Currency

In Morocco, the currency is the dirham. I recommend exchanging some money when you arrive in Morocco, as it’s not easy to get outside of the country before you arrive. You won’t get the best exchange rate at the airport, but you will want to have some local currency on hand before leaving the airport. Cash is king in Morocco! Try to break your dirham down to smaller bills so you can tip and purchase things. Many vendors will claim to not have change, so smaller bills are key!

Some of the nicer restaurants and the hotels will accept credit cards, but you may have trouble using American Express or Discover cards. Visa and MasterCard are more widely accepted, so it’s a good idea to have a backup credit card.

Prices in Morocco

Morocco is not a “cheap” destination, but it is very affordable. Accommodation is reasonable, but where you can really get your money’s worth is eating out in Morocco. We had a great dinner for four, with dessert for less than $70. And that was in a very touristy area, so the prices for food in Morocco are great.

The Medina Experience

Visiting a medina is a unique experience and a “must do” when you visit Morocco. Haggling is part of the culture when you are shopping at the medina, so be prepared to haggle anytime you are buying something. You can expect to pay 25% of 50% less than the initial price you are offered. The more touristy the medina, the less you will haggle down the price. After a while, it can be frustrating to have to play the same old haggling game, but it’s just part of the culture.

Official Morocco Tourism Site: www.visitmorocco.com

Language in Morocco

Arabic is the official language of Morocco, and French is a strong secondary language. Within the tourism industry, you’ll find a lot of French, Spanish, and English speakers. If you are an English-speaker visiting Morocco, you won’t have any trouble finding people to communicate with, however, it definitely helps if you know a little bit of French for your Morocco trip.

Getting Around Morocco

For travel within Morocco, there’s a pretty decent train system. The ONCF goes to a lot of places in Morocco, but you may also find yourself taking buses from one place to another. It’s a large country, so getting from one part of Morocco to another can take a full day of travel. Of course, you can also fly between major destinations in Morocco.

Taking the Train from Marrakech to Casablanca

Within Moroccan cities, you can take taxis everywhere. Just make sure you negotiate the price before you get in the taxi.

Places to Visit in Morocco

Within Morocco, there are four main regions to visit. Unless you have a lot of time to spend in Morocco, I don’t recommend trying to see everything in one trip. It’s best to choose one or two regions and really have an immersive experience, rather than racing all over trying to cover too much ground.

The Atlas Mountains
The Sahara Desert
The Coast
The Plains

Popular cities to visit in Morocco include Marrakech, Fes, Chefchaouen, and Casablanca.

Casablanca Tourism website: from the Morocco Tourism Authority

Marrakech tourism website: from the Morocco Tourism Authority

Weather in Morocco

If you visit Morocco in the winter, it can get really cold. Of course, the weather will vary by which region you are visiting, but don’t just expect it to be hot and dry all the time in Morocco. We often started our day bundled up and then peeled off layers as it warmed up. If you are visiting the desert, there’s a huge swing between day and night temperatures, so be prepared with lots of layers to wear.

Staying Connected in Morocco

We had no trouble staying connected in Morocco. We had WiFi anywhere we needed it, including at restaurants and hotels. You might find the speeds a little bit slower than at home, but overall we did not have any issues getting online in Morocco. Cell service is not necessarily everywhere in Morocco, especially if you are out in the desert or the mountains far away from the cities.

When you need to charge your devices, Morocco has a standard European-style plug, with two round prongs.

Is Morocco Safe?

We brought our kids to Morocco, and we felt safe during our stay. Like any tourist destination, there are the usual pickpockets to look out for, especially in crowded areas. Female travelers may have a different perspective, and it’s definitely recommended that you dress conservatively when visiting Morocco. Moroccan culture is not as inclusive of women, and something that Jocelyn definitely noticed, so that’s something to be prepared for. Maroc Mama is a great resource for women who want to visit Morocco.

Morocco Accommodation

Morocco has been spending a lot of money on tourism infrastructure, so there are plenty of options when deciding where to stay in Morocco. There are new hotels and resorts going up all over. In the desert, you can camp out. Our favorite Morocco accommodation is the riad experience. Riads are all over Morocco and are former homes turned into hotels. Some are very basic, while others are quite luxurious.

Morocco Tours

Tours aren’t often part of our travels, but in Morocco, we found it very helpful to have a tour guide with us. It was easier to get around, especially in the medinas, and the tour guide helped us with the haggling, too. Your Morocco hotel can arrange a tour guide for you, so it’s not something you need to arrange far in advance.

Moroccan Food & Beverage

The food in Morocco is fantastic. A lot of what you will eat is local, so the coastal cities will serve a lot of seafood, while the Plains will have more fresh fruit and vegetables. You will eat really well in Morocco. Tajine is something you’ll see on every menu; it’s a style of cooking named after the pot it’s cooked in, so there are many different types of tajine you can try.

What to Eat in Morocco

Make sure you only drink bottled water in Morocco, as the tap water might give you tummy issues. Make sure you try the mint tea, which is often served as a “welcome” drink. It’s really tasty, and we had some at every opportunity. Moroccan wine is actually pretty good, too.

Mosques in Morocco

If you are not Muslim, you will not be able to enter any of the mosques in Morocco; you will have to admire them from the outside. After touring so many beautiful churches and cathedrals in Europe and Latin America, this is new to us.

Photography in Morocco

Morocco is so beautiful and colorful; you will want to take tons of pictures. If you want to take photos of people, though, be sure you ask them for permission. Some will say no, and you have to respect that and move on. Others may ask for a tip in exchange for the photo.

Similarly, you’ll see photo opportunities set up for tourists, especially with snake charmers. Don’t take advantage of them unless you have some cash you are willing to give them. Photo opps are how some of these guys make a living.

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

A Morocco trip is an amazing family vacation. The people of Morocco are so friendly and welcoming, and we just had a blast throughout our trip. With several unique regions, Morocco is definitely worth multiple trips to get the full experience. Want more travel tips on Morocco and Africa? Check out these other blog posts:

12 Things NOT to Do in Memphis (& to do)

Posted on January 30, 2022February 6, 2022 by Mark Wolters

Memphis Travelers: What Not to Do!

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit Memphis, Tennessee. While many travel blogs will tell you what to do in Memphis, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do when you visit Memphis.

Don’t be surprised if you have a good time in Memphis.

Don’t Worry About Carrying Alcohol on Beale Street

In most US cities, if you’re leaving a bar to move on to the next, you are used to quickly drinking whatever is left of your drink. When you go out on Beale Street, you don’t have to worry about that! Beale Street is blocked off so you can carry your beer or drinks with you, as long as it is in plastic. Just make sure you stay within the barriers and don’t try to carry any glass containers around. Also, make sure you finish your drink before you enter a new bar; they don’t want you bringing alcohol into the bars, especially if it was purchased somewhere else.

Don’t Take Advantage of Street Performers

One of the coolest things you’ll see on Beale Street is the street performers. Don’t take a bunch of photos and videos of them if you aren’t going to tip them. They are out here to earn a buck, so make sure you have some cash on hand to give them a few bucks if you’ve enjoyed their performance.

(Hint: tipping your servers and bartenders well will ensure you get good service once it starts to get busy!)

Don’t Think the Best Memphis Tourist Attractions are Downtown

There are a ton of cool things to see in Memphis, but they’re not all centrally located. We always find it helpful to have a car when we visit Memphis, as some of our favorite Memphis tourist attractions are outside of the downtown area. Graceland and the Memphis Zoo are just two of our favorite places to visit in Memphis, and neither of them is downtown.

That said, when you are downtown, there’s a great trolley you can use to get around, provided you have the exact change for your ticket. There’s also a fun bike rental system where you can rent bikes from several stations around town.

Official Memphis Tourism website: www.memphistravel.com

Don’t Expect The Locals to Agree on BBQ

One of the best things to do in Memphis is to try the BBQ. But if you ask five locals their favorite BBQ spot, you’ll probably get five different answers. There are over 100 BBQ joints in Memphis, and everybody has their own favorite. Don’t worry about getting the locals to agree on one, just enjoy sampling them all! (Central BBQ was my personal favorite!)

Don’t Come to Memphis on a Diet

After a couple of meals out in Memphis, you may wonder where the veggies are. In Memphis, they consider mac-and-cheese to be the side veggie, so this is definitely not the place to stick to a strict diet. Take a few days off your diet and enjoy the local cuisine of Memphis.

What to Eat in Memphis

Don’t Miss Graceland

You don’t have to be a huge Elvis fan to enjoy a day at Graceland. The ticket price may shock you at first, but it’s totally worth it because you get to see a ton of memorabilia and you get to tour the inside of his home, frozen in pure 70s glory. The costumes alone are worth the price of admission.

Don’t Miss the Memphis Zoo

We’ve been to a lot of zoos around the world, especially when our two boys are traveling with us. I can honestly say the Memphis Zoo is one of the best zoos in the country. They have really fun events throughout the year and a lot of really cool exhibits. You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy the Memphis Zoo.

Memphis Zoo Website: www.memphiszoo.org

Don’t Miss the Peabody Ducks

Another Memphis attraction that you might think is just for kids are the ducks at the Peabody Hotel. The ducks are marched out into the lobby every day at 11:00 and they hang out in the fountain until 5 pm when they are marched back up to their penthouse suite. They literally roll out a red carpet for the ducks every day, and it’s super fun to watch them. Just don’t try to feed the ducks or pet the ducks!

Ten Shocks for Memphis Travelers

Don’t Miss Bass Pro Shop at the Pyramid

It seems weird that everyone tells you to go to the Bass Pro Shop when you’re in Memphis, but once you see the building, you’ll know why. This isn’t any Bass Pro Shop. The Memphis Pyramid is a former basketball arena and is now home to the Bass Pro Shop, a hotel, and a restaurant. There’s a shooting range, a bowling alley, and even indoor waterways! However, don’t feel obligated to pay to see the view from the top; you can get an equally amazing view for free from the rooftop of the Peabody Hotel.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask the Locals for Recommendations

While you won’t get them to agree on the best BBQ, the locals are super friendly and helpful to tourists. If you want to know what to do in Memphis, ask a local! They love to share their recommendations and secret spots and you’ll quickly see why Southerners are often called out for their amazing hospitality.

Don’t Visit in Summer and Complain about the Weather

Memphis summers are hot and humid. There’s no way around it. My best recommendation is not to come in the summer, but if you do, know that you’ll be spending a lot of time indoors in the air conditioning. Just stay hydrated and try to stay out of the sun at the peak of the daytime. If you have a choice, May is the best time to visit Memphis. It will be warm, but not boiling, and they have some awesome festivals in May. (Just make sure you book your Memphis hotel in advance!)

Don’t Forget Your Travel Smarts

The same rules for traveling all over the world also apply in Memphis.

Don’t leave valuables in a parked car
Don’t wander alone at night or off the beaten path
Don’t drink too much on Beale Street
Don’t worry about beggars; politely decline and keep moving
Always be aware of your surroundings

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

Don’t let these “don’ts” keep you from planning a trip to Memphis. It’s such a great city, with culture, history, and amazing people and food! Want more tips for traveling through the Southern US? Check out some of our other blog posts:

10 Shocks to Expect When Going on Safari

Posted on January 23, 2022February 6, 2022 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about going on safari in Tanzania. We fell in love with Africa on our safari trip! As with any travel destination, there were many surprises in store for us. If you’re thinking about going on safari, don’t be surprised at these “shocks.”

When you see that first giraffe, be prepared to be a kid again.

Your First “Big 5” Sighting

Of course, the whole point of going on safari is to see wildlife. But it’s still shocking the first time you roll up on a pride of lions or a herd of Cape buffalo. The “Big 5” are the top five animals that everyone wants to see on safari. This includes the Cape Buffalo, Lions, Leopards, Elephants, and the Black Rhino. It’s a thrilling feeling the first time you spot one of these exotic African safari animals!

Everything You Need to Know About A Serengeti Safari

Difficulty of Spotting the Big 5

The “Big 5” are a big deal for a reason; they aren’t always easy to spot. You’re not guaranteed to see any of these African safari animals. You might assume you’ll see thousands of lions and leopards and black rhinos, but that might not be the case! The Black Rhino is pretty elusive and also critically endangered, so you might never see one on your trip.

Other African Safari Animals

Outside of the Big Five, there are some really cool animals you’ll see. And you’ll see a LOT! We saw huge herds of zebras, tons of giraffes, antelope, gazelles, and so many more! The sheer number of animals out on the plains is shocking! It’s such a cool experience to see so many exotic (to us) animals in one place, out in the open.

Safari Roads

Road conditions probably aren’t something you give much thought to when planning your safari trip. So, we were surprised at how bumpy and dusty the roads are. If you are prone to motion sickness, it’s always a good idea to have some medicine on hand, just in case! And because they are dirt roads, it gets very dusty. We found it helpful to have a scarf to cover our faces and keep some of the dust out of our noses and mouths.

Safari Potty

While some of the park visitor centers may have a restroom, that’s it. The rest of the time, you will be going to the bathroom right next to the Jeep. If you do have to go to the bathroom while you’re out on safari, you can’t wander out behind a tree for privacy; you have to stay right next to the Jeep. Your “squatting” muscles will get a good workout.

You Can’t Go Anywhere Alone

For safety reasons, you won’t be allowed out of the Jeep on your own. You will spend a lot of time inside the safari Jeep, and if you do need to get out, you will be escorted by your safari guide. A lot of safari vehicles have open tops so you can pop out and get great views. Similarly, when you are back at camp, you will need an escort at night. Even if it’s a bathroom trip in the middle of the night!

Animals in Camp

Safari camps are not blocked off from the animals; you will be sleeping in the midst of all kinds of wildlife. This is why you can’t wander around camp on your own! We had water buffalo outside our tent munching on grass at night and other animals brushing up against our tent. This is totally normal, but you will have a walkie-talkie to communicate with camp staff if needed. And you might not get a lot of sleep because it can be unnerving.

It really is surprisingly amazing for the whole family.

Safari Guides and Staff

We were shocked at how amazing the safari staff is. They see tourists day after day, but they were still so helpful and friendly. Besides safety, their main focus is to ensure you have an amazing time. Getting to know them and learning about their culture and their country really enhances your safari experience. They were also really great with our boys!

We used Shadows of Africa on our tour and they had excellent guides: www.shadowsofafrica.com

Safari Weather

While the days can be really hot and dry, it gets quite cold at night. Our daytime safari clothes were lightweight, but we were happy to have brought our winter pajamas. The camps also provided heavy blankets, which was great. Your game drives will start early in the morning, so it’s a good idea to have a warm layer to start your day.

What NOT to Wear on Safari

Cold Showers

Our last safari surprise was literally a shock to the system. Not every safari camp has loads of hot water in supply. I had a few cold showers on safari. It will definitely wake you up and get your blood pumping for the day!

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

Don’t let these “shocks” keep you from planning a safari vacation. A Tanzania safari is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a really amazing family vacation. With the right preparation and tour agency, you will be talking about your safari trip for many years to come! Want more of our Africa travel tips? Check out some of our other blog posts: