Author: Mark Wolters

ljubljana travel

What Not to Do When Visiting Slovenia’s Capital City Ljubljana

Posted on by Mark Wolters

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

Don’t Worry About Your Safety

Slovenia travel is generally very safe, especially in Ljubljana. It’s a great destination for going out in the evening to enjoy dinner and drinks, and you don’t have to worry about your safety like you might in other places. It’s safe for pedestrians and cyclists, so don’t be afraid to explore on foot or on a bike while you’re here. Of course, you should use your usual travel sense and smarts to stay safe, but this is not a particularly dangerous or sketchy place to visit.

Safety Tips for Travelers

Don’t Think You Have to Walk Up to the Castle

The castle overlooking the city is one of the best places to visit in Ljubljana, but don’t think you have to climb that hill. There’s a funicular you can take up to the top. The funicular ticket includes admission to the castle, so this is a great way to go. Plus, kids will love the fun of riding in a funicular!

Don’t PreBook a Boat Ride

The Ljubljana River runs right through the city, and boat rides are a popular thing to do when visiting Ljubljana. There are boats departing every 30 to 60 minutes in the busy season, so it’s pretty easy to walk up and get a ride. Most boats have the same narrated tour and stops, so you don’t have to worry too much about which boat to choose. If you’re traveling with a large group or family, you can actually rent out a whole boat for sightseeing, or for an evening dinner cruise.

Dragons, streets to wander, and some stairs up the castle walls.

Don’t Worry About the Language Barrier

Nobody expects you to know Slovenian when you visit Slovenia. It’s a difficult language, but don’t let that keep you from visiting. Most people in tourist areas will speak some English, Italian, or German. However, it never hurts to learn a few basic words like please and thank you.

Don’t Miss Open Kitchen Fridays

If you visit Ljubljana in the warmer months, don’t miss Open Kitchen on Fridays. Restaurants from all over town set up stalls and tents by the market hall. It’s a great way to sample different foods from great restaurants, at a decent price. Not only will you get to try some great food, but it’s also popular with the locals, so you’ll have a great time!

The Official Tourism Website of Ljubljana: CLICK HERE

Don’t Worry About Going Hungry or Thirsty

The food, wine, and beer in Ljubljana are fantastic and very reasonably priced. You can eat (and drink) very well here. Slovenian wine comes in red and white, and you can’t go wrong. You’ll see a lot of fish, beef, and pasta on the menus; it’s a nice mix of good quality food. Service is also top-notch all over Slovenia.

How to Eat Cheap and Well While Traveling

Don’t Forget to Recycle

Ljubljana is very clean! You won’t see litter anywhere, so make sure you don’t litter as well. They also are very serious about recycling; most places have several trash bins for different recyclables and trash.

The river plays an important roll for tourists as well as locals.

Don’t Forget to Relax!

You may be tempted to run all over sightseeing in Ljubljana but don’t forget to set aside time to relax and soak in the atmosphere. It’s a beautiful city with sidewalk cafes, and one of the best things do to in Ljubljana is to sit back and take in the atmosphere with a good meal or drink al fresco.

The Official Slovenia Tourism Website: CLICK HERE

Don’t Miss Out on the Rest of Slovenia

Ljubljana makes a great base for exploring the rest of the country. It’s not a huge country, so you can easily make day trips from Ljubljana to see all the best Slovenia attractions. Of course, Lake Bled and the castle on the lake is a big attraction, and there are also caves and gorges in the mountains of Slovenia. There are plenty of tours you can sign up for, or travel on your own.

And to add a bonus tip: Don’t Pronounce the “J’s” in Ljubljana! It’s loob-lee-ahna.

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

Don’t let these “don’ts” keep you from planning a trip to Ljubljana Slovenia. It’s a beautiful city with friendly people and fantastic food! Add on a few day trips from Ljubljana and you can easily spend a week exploring Slovenia. Want more of our Mediterranean Europe travel tips? Check out some of our other blog posts:

What NOT To Do When You Visit Dallas/Fort Worth

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit the Dallas Forth Worth part of Texas. While many travel blogs will tell you the best things to do in Dallas Fort Worth, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do on your trip to DFW.

Don’t Underestimate the Size of the Metro Area

Dallas-Fort Worth is huge! The suburbs are really spread out, and you’ll meet people who live in Dallas and maybe only visit Fort Worth once a year. Keep this in mind when you are making plans for your Dallas trip because it can take a long time to get from one attraction to another. Dallas and Fort Worth are separated by other towns in between, like Arlington and Irving, so don’t plan on zipping between the two a lot. As an added bonus, there is always construction, tolls, and traffic, so don’t expect a quick commute anywhere in the Dallas Fort Worth region.

Don’t Forget the “FW” in DFW

Dallas gets a lot more attention than Fort Worth, and a lot of people tend to forget about Fort Worth altogether. Dallas is a big cosmopolitan city, but when you visit Fort Worth, you feel like you’re in Texas. There are a lot of cool places to visit in Fort Worth, but my favorite is to visit the Fort Worth Stockyards. Twice a day, every day, they do a cattle drive through the area. (Don’t think you’re too cool for the cattle drive!) Fort Worth is also a great place for dinner and drinks. The Fort Worth Zoo is one of the top-ranked zoos in the country, too!

Don’t Underestimate Dallas as Just the JFK Assassination

Yes, a lot of Dallas attractions are related to JFK’s assassination. You can visit the grassy knoll, and the spot in Dealey Plaza where it happened, but there is much more to see in Dallas. There are lots of places to visit in Dallas:

  • The Dallas Museum of Art
  • The Perot Museum of Nature and Science
  • The SMU Campus
  • The George W Bush Presidential Library
  • Pioneer Park and Reunion Tower
  • Texas Rangers in Arlington
  • Six Flags Over Texas
  • Dallas Cowboys and Jerry World (aka AT&T Stadium) in Arlington
  • Dallas Arboretum
  • Dallas World Aquarium
  • South Fork Ranch from the TV show Dallas

Dallas has fun things to do for all ages; from fun kids activities to excellent nightlife.

Don’t Count on Public Transportation

Texans love their cars and trucks, so there really isn’t a good transit system between towns and cities. There are some public transportation options in downtown Dallas or downtown Fort Worth, but they’re not great beyond the downtown area. You will most likely need a car when you visit Dallas Fort Worth.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Visiting the USA

Don’t Worry About Starving in Dallas Fort Worth

You will eat well when you visit Dallas. From fine dining to hole-in-the-wall restaurants, Dallas has great food and huge portions. We love to fill up on BBQ and Tex-Mex anytime we visit Texas. In general, Dallas has more upscale and international dining, while Fort Worth has cowboy bars and steakhouses. Don’t be afraid of the dives and hole-in-the-wall joints; they often have the best food!

What to Eat in Texas

Don’t Underestimate Texas Weather

Texas weather can be crazy! Summer heat (and humidity) is nearly unbearable. If you visit Dallas in the summer, make sure you plan your itinerary so that you’re indoors in the worst part of the day. It can also get cold in the winter; sometimes even with snow, but more often with ice. It’s not cold like other parts of the country, and it can catch you off guard. If you visit Dallas in the spring and summer months, there’s also the potential for tornadoes.

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

Dallas Fort Worth is a really cool destination, with a lot of Texas culture and tons of things to do for kids and adults. Don’t let these don’t keep you from planning a trip to Dallas Fort Worth because there are so many things to do in DFW area. Want more travel tips for traveling in Texas? Check out some of our other blog posts:

iowa travel

What NOT To Do When You Visit Iowa

Posted on by Mark Wolters

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

Don’t Miss the Bridges of Madison County

It’s not just a movie; there really are six covered bridges in Iowa’s Madison County. They are less than one hour from Des Moines, so a tour of the bridges makes a great day trip through the Iowa countryside. Pack a picnic lunch and plan to spend the day on the road; you’ll even get to leave the main highway and enjoy some backroads. Just don’t expect to drive on the bridges. They are historic, so they are closed to traffic, but you can walk through them.

(Don’t drive on gravel roads like you would the highway, drive in the middle unless someone is coming!)

Don’t Think Iowa is Just Cornfields

Yes, there is a lot of corn in Iowa. Iowa produces more corn than any other state, and more than most countries. But, there’s more to Iowa than the cornfields. The capital city of Des Moines (the “S” is silent in both words!) is often ranked as a top city for young people to move to. It’s a great city with a vibrant downtown and a lot of cultural things to do. You also have big college towns, like Iowa City and Ames. Then there are lots of fun towns along the rivers, like Keokuk Cedar Rapids, and Davenport.

That said, there are a lot of farms in Iowa and a lot of farm equipment on the roads. Give them a wide berth and the right of way.

The Official Travel Iowa Website: CLICK HERE

Don’t Forget to Fill Up on Gas and Snacks

Depending on where you are in Iowa, gas stations may be few and far between. Always make sure you fill up on gas before heading out into the countryside. Iowa gas stations also have some great snacks to fill up on. Casey’s is like the Midwest version of Buckee’s; I found Puppy Chow, Scotcharoos, and Casey’s is famous for its pizza.

Don’t pass up the gas station treats driving through, whether on the I80 Truck Stop or elsewhere.

Don’t Count on Cell Service

You might not always have cell service in Iowa. Of course, the cities and towns will have cell towers, but driving out in the countryside, you may lose your signal. It’s always a good idea to have a paper map or download maps so they’re available offline just in case you go out of cell range.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Midwest Travel

Don’t Call RAGBRAI a Race

Every summer, thousands of cyclists make their way across Iowa in the Register Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa or RAGBRAI. It’s not a race, it’s a bike ride. It’s really just an excuse to party. Every year, it’s a different route with different start and endpoints, and it’s a blast. The towns selected for the stops each year roll out the red carpet, and a few kegs, for the riders passing through. There’s no medal for the fastest rider, it’s all just about having a good time.

Don’t Call Iowans Hicks

If you assume that Iowa is all corn, then you might also assume that all Iowans are hicks. Iowa is actually one of the most educated states in the country. It has one of the highest literacy rates and one of the highest graduation rates. Iowa also has one of the lowest crime rates, so they’re obviously doing a few things right.

Don’t Miss the Amana Colonies

Iowa is in the top ten states of the US for the Amish population. There are several Amish settlements in Iowa, a couple of which predate statehood! The Amana Colonies are one of the largest settlements of Amish in Iowa and have become a bit of a tourist attraction as well. Located northwest of Iowa City, it’s a great place to shop for handcrafted goods and indulge in some Amish comfort food.

The Amish still drive a horse and buggy, so you do have to be careful when driving through Iowa’s Amish areas. There are usually signs warning you, but anytime you are not on the Interstate, use caution especially when cresting a hill.

Don’t Skip Pella, Iowa

Pella is a little Dutch town southeast of Des Moines. It was founded by immigrants from the Netherlands and is the most Dutch town I’ve ever seen outside of the Netherlands. It’s adorably quaint and feels like a step back to the 1950s. They have Dutch architecture, windmills, and a huge tulip festival in the spring. Most importantly, they have a Dutch bakery that sells Dutch Letters. If you’ve never had a Dutch letter pastry, this is a great place to try one!

Iowa has bridges of madison county, Amish, and a Swedish museum?

Don’t Miss the Grotto of Redemption

Of all the places to visit in Iowa, this is one of the most unusual. If you happen to be near West Bend in north-central Iowa, check out the Grotto of the Redemption. It’s the largest man-made grotto in the world, and it can be a bit overwhelming as there’s a lot going on. It’s like a homemade shrine that almost looks like ruins; it’s very unique.

Don’t Miss Out on Iowa Cuisine

Of course, the corn is fresh in Iowa, but there are plenty of other great things to eat in Iowa. Some of the best places to visit in Iowa are the local mom-and-pop restaurants in some of the smaller towns.

  • Go to Maid-Rite for a “Maid-Rite” sandwich, which is also called a “loose meat burger.” It’s basically a sloppy joe without the sauce; good, seasoned ground beef on a bun.
  • Casey’s Pizza is amazing! They sell it by the slice, and they even have breakfast pizza, which is so good. Casey’s Pizza is a staple for many Iowans. Don’t knock gas station pizza until you’ve tried Casey’s. (Happy Joe’s Pizza is also really good Iowa pizza!)
  • Pork Tenderloin is practically the state sandwich of Iowa. Each restaurant tries to outdo the next with the largest pork tenderloin. (The St. Olaf Tap in Olaf holds the current record, with a tenderloin that overlaps FOUR hamburger buns!)
  • Iowa State Fair food. If you visit Des Moines during the Iowa State Fair, don’t miss it. They have some of the craziest food. They’ll deep-fry anything, and they have over 80 different foods served on a stick!

Simply Jocelyn shares the “must eat” foods of Iowa

Don’t Confuse Iowa and Iowa State Fans

There may not be a bigger rivalry than that of the University of Iowa and Iowa State. The University of Iowa Hawkeyes in Iowa City and Iowa State University Cyclones in Ames are major rivals, especially when it comes to sports. Whichever team you root for, don’t doubt Iowa Pride. Iowans are proud of their state, and rightly so!

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

Like many states in the Midwest, Iowa is truly underrated. There are some great towns, fantastic food, and some of the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet. They have cosmopolitan cities, farm towns, and everything in between. You’ll have a great time on a trip to Iowa. Want more travel tips for traveling in the Midwest US? Check out some of our other blog posts:

shetland islands

Five Things You’ll Love and Hate About Scotland’s Shetland Islands

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about visiting the Shetland Islands of Scotland. It’s a beautiful region that should be on every Scotland itinerary. There’s a lot to love about Scotland’s Shetland Islands, but there are also a few things you might not love when you visit the Shetland Islands of Scotland.

shetland islands

Love #1: Natural Beauty

When you visit the Shetland Islands, you won’t believe the views. Between the coastline and the hills, you’ll want to spend all of your time outdoors. There are fantastic hiking and walking trails all around.

Hate #1: Shetland Island Weather

The weather in the Shetland Islands can be challenging. There’s a lot of wind and rain, and the fog can seemingly roll in out of nowhere. If it’s foggy, you might miss out on some spectacular views. If you plan to visit the Shetland Islands in the winter, expect high winds, rough seas, and fog, all of which can impact your travel plans. Make sure you pack lots of layers for all kinds of weather!

Love #2: Stone Buildings

Since there aren’t trees in the Shetland Islands, nearly all of the buildings are made of stone. There are the croft houses, which are old stone houses with thatched roofs, which were commonplace homes until 30 to 40 years ago. In Jarlshof, you can visit former settlements which are thousands of years old. Scatness is another area with stone ruins you can visit.

You will see a lot of sheep and ponies.

Hate #2: Shetland Islands Ferry Accommodation

You can take a ferry to the Shetland Islands from Aberdeen; it’s about a 12-hour trip. You can also fly, but many travelers want to take the ferry so they can bring along the rental car. The problem is, if you want a cabin on the ferry, they sell out super quickly. If you plan to take the ferry and want a cabin, make sure you plan ahead!

Two-Week Scotland Itinerary

Love #3: Local Hospitality

People in Scotland are generally nice everywhere, but in Shetland, they are extra nice. They are super welcoming and helpful, which is great. They even opened up a museum for us on a closed day because we were tracing our ancestry around the islands.

Hate #3: Isolated Attractions

A lot of the things to see in the Shetland Islands are isolated from other areas. So, as you drive around sightseeing, it often feels like you are backtracking. There aren’t major roads connecting all of the attractions, so you’ll drive out to one, then back, then on to another, and back. It really takes a lot of time to get between places.

Around Shetland

Love #4: Scandinavian Influence

This region has a strong Scandinavian background and Nordic heritage. There is a lot of shared history between Norway and Scotland, and it’s really interesting to learn about it. If you visit during the last week of January, the Nordic heritage of this area will be on full display at the Fire Festival or Up Helly Aa. They dress as Vikings and go through the streets with lit torches.

Hate #4: Lack of Public Transportation

If you prefer to leave the driving to others, there’s not much for public transportation in the Shetland Islands. There are some buses from the airport, and ferries between the islands, but to see most of the islands, you will need to drive. Not only will you have to drive on the left, but you should also know how to drive a stick shift car. You can upgrade to an automatic, but they’re not always available.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Scotland

Love #5: Ponies & Puffins

Those adorable Shetland ponies are from….Shetland! You’ll see them all over the islands, as many people keep and breed them. You’ll also see a lot of sheep and lambs, otters, and seals along the shore. The real star of Shetland wildlife is the puffin: adorable, colorful-beaked sea birds.

Hate #5: Communication Breakdown

Don’t worry, you’ll have a cell signal and WiFi on most of the islands. But you might have some communication issues when it comes to speaking with the locals. Scottish accents can be difficult to understand, and they get more difficult the farther north you travel. There’s not much you can do to prepare; just know that they are speaking English!

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

With beautiful scenery, friendly locals, and rich history, Shetland Islands make a fantastic travel destination in Scotland. Whether you are tracing your ancestry like we did, or just enjoying a unique destination, I highly recommend visiting the Shetland Islands. Interested in more UK travel tips? Check out these blog posts!

miami tips

What NOT To Do When You Visit Miami

Posted on by Mark Wolters

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

miami tips

Don’t Forget to Review Your Restaurant Bill

Every South Beach restaurant we visited was adding a 20% service charge automatically to the bill. Even though they are adding gratuity to your bill, they will still have a place to add a tip on the receipt. If you’re not paying attention, you could end up tipping twice. While that may not be the worst thing in the world for the server, it’s not cheap to eat out in Miami, so make sure you are paying attention to the bill.

Don’t Expect Great Service

We didn’t get the best service on our Miami trip. Of course, there are some places with good service, but overall it’s not as friendly or attentive as you might expect in the South. Maybe they know they’re already getting 20% so they make less effort, or maybe poor service led to poor tipping which forced the restaurants to add the tip automatically. Have patience and go in expecting mediocre service; you may get a nice surprise.

Don’t Opt for Bottle Service or Drink Specials

When you go out for the night in Miami, there are some tricks they use to get you to spend more money. Bottle service is way more expensive than just ordering the drinks as you go. Likewise, they may offer you a “two-for-one” on drinks and hope you don’t realize the one large drink you’re upgrading to is way more than two of the mediums you were about to order. Pay attention to the prices!

Official Miami Tourism Website: CLICK HERE

Don’t Expect to Buy Liquor After 8 PM

A Miami vacation is expensive, especially in South Beach, so you might try to save money before going out by buying drinks at the grocery store. But that doesn’t always work out. After 8:00, the only place you can buy liquor is in the bars and restaurants. At a much higher price, of course. So, if you want to pre-party to save some money on your Miami trip, make sure you plan ahead.

Art is everywhere.

Don’t Confuse Miami and South Beach

South Beach is actually in Miami Beach, not Miami. You have to take a causeway to get there. It’s all part of the Miami metropolitan area, but South Beach is totally separate. Additionally, there’s way more to Miami than South Beach. There are tons of cool Miami neighborhoods to explore. Beyond the neighborhoods of Miami, there are also some great day trips to the Keys and the Everglades.

Don’t Expect 24/7 Parties in Miami

While Miami nightlife is pretty legendary, there are places and times when it’s not one big party. Even South Beach gets a little quiet in the mornings and weekdays. If you want a chill, relaxing vacation, you can definitely find relaxing areas in Miami. You’ll see this, especially if you explore outside of South Beach.

Don’t Visit Miami in July or August

The heat and humidity of summer in Miami are no joke. It’s literally built in a swamp and the worst time you could possibly visit is in July and August. After that comes hurricane season, so you can expect lots of rain and possibly hurricanes in the autumn months. December through May is probably the best time to visit Miami.

Eight Ways to Beat Peak Season Travel Prices

Don’t Drive in Miami

If you don’t have to, don’t drive in Miami. It’s not fun. Traffic is crazy and parking is expensive. Uber and Lyft are easy to grab in Miami, so it makes sense to let someone else do the driving. Preferably a local who knows their way around.

Don’t Forget About Public Transportation

Miami actually has a pretty useful public transportation system. There are elevated trains, trolleys, and buses to get you to all kinds of places in Miami. It’s often free to use, as well.

Cool istallations all over the place.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Smarts

Miami is just like any other big city, with petty crimes and scams to watch out for. Just because you’re in the “sunshine state” doesn’t mean you can leave valuables lying around in your car for everyone to see. Don’t leave your valuables on a beach towel while you go swimming. Don’t walk through areas you aren’t familiar with late at night.

Six Safety Tips for USA Travelers

Don’t Forget Sun Protection

The sun in Miami is strong. Sunblock isn’t just a must for the beach. You can get a pretty good sunburn just walking around Miami neighborhoods. Make sure you apply and reapply often, regardless of what you’re doing that day.

Don’t Miss the Cuban Culture

Miami has over 1 million Cuban immigrants living there, and they’ve brought the best of their culture to areas like Little Havana. You can have amazing Cuban food in Miami, from fancy restaurants to street food. You can get Cuban food in South Beach, but you’ll pay three times as much. Plan a ½ day to spend walking around Little Havana and soaking up the culture. Besides the food, there is great art, shopping, and some history, like the Bay of Pigs Memorial. They also have cigar factories, which are fun to visit even if you don’t smoke cigars.

Besides the Cubans in Miami, there’s a ton of other cultures blending in. They have Haitians, Puerto Ricans, and lots of other Latin immigrants and people from all over the world. Plenty of New Yorkers have emigrated to Miami, too!

Don’t Worry About Fitting In

Miami has a certain reputation that can be intimidating if you’re thinking about planning a trip to Miami. Yes, there are beautiful people everywhere in Miami. But it’s truly a city for everyone. There are all kinds of travelers in Miami, so don’t worry about fitting in or sticking out. They’ve seen it all here.

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

Don’t let these “don’ts” keep you from planning a trip to Miami. If you want a fun, relaxing beach vacation, then Miami is a perfect choice. With so many fun places to visit in Miami, you’ll have a great time! Want more travel tips for traveling in Florida? Check out some of our other blog posts:

athens greece travel

What NOT To Do On Your Athens Vacation

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit Athens, Greece. It’s one of Jocelyn’s favorite destinations, and we always have fun when we visit Athens. While many travel blogs will tell you what to do in Athens, Greece, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do on your Athens vacation.

Don’t Mix Up the Parthenon and the Acropolis

A common mistake many travelers make is to confuse these two Athens attractions. The Acropolis is the hill, while the Parthenon is the building ruins on top of the hill. Both are some of the top things to see in Athens.

Don’t Skip the Parthenon

Many people skip the Parthenon because they think it will be too crowded or too hot. It’s such a cool, quintessential Athens experience, you have to see it up close. Yes, it will be hot and crowded, but it’s totally worth it. When you get up there, don’t stop to take a photo right where everyone else is. There are better pictures to be taken, just keep walking.

Don’t Drive in Athens

I do not recommend driving in Athens. It will stress you out and it’s not worth it. Use public transportation, take an Uber or taxi, or hire a driver. Driving in Athens is not for first-time visitors.

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Athens

Don’t Assume You Have the Right of Way

As a pedestrian in Athens, you have to be careful as you walk around. Don’t assume you have the right of way, and don’t step out in traffic without making eye contact with the driver. Always pay attention in Athens traffic!

You may be overwhelmed with tourist gittiness when you see the Parthenon for the first time.

Don’t Be Surprised by Strikes

Worker strikes are popular in Athens, and it can impact your trip. It’s not usually a huge city-wide strike, but you might find a few Athens attractions closed during the strike. When we tried to visit the Temple of Zeus, they were closed due to strike from 8am to 11am. It was slightly inconvenient but it didn’t ruin our trip. Don’t let the news coverage of strikes keep you from visiting Athens. If you think transportation might be affected, just have a backup plan for getting to the airport.

Don’t Worry About Language Barriers

Chances are, you don’t speak Greek. But don’t let that keep you from visiting Athens. It’s easy to find English speakers in Athens. Most of the signs and menus we came across were in both Greek and English, so it hasn’t really been a problem at all during our Athens vacations.

Don’t Drink the Tap Water

The tap water isn’t necessarily going to harm you, but I recommend sticking to bottled water. You can buy it everywhere, and we always pick up a few extra bottles at the end of the night to cool off when we get back to our accommodation.

Don’t Mess With the Summer Heat

Yes, it gets very hot in Athens in the summer. You’ll be out in the hot sun all day exploring Athens attractions, so make sure you are prepared. Have sunblock, lots of water, a hat, and light clothing that will keep you cool. (But make sure you are also dressed appropriately to enter churches!)

Yeah, the kids loved it, and so will you!

Don’t Forget Good Walking Shoes

You will be walking a LOT on your Athens vacation. Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes that you can wear all day long on uneven surfaces. Make sure you have good traction, too. The cobblestone streets and marble at the Acropolis are really worn down and slippery.

How to Choose the Best Shoes for Europe

Don’t Feel Pressured to Buy Things

When you visit the markets in Athens, don’t feel pressured to buy anything, You’ll run into some high-pressure salespeople who will try to make you feel bad for not buying anything. A lot of stores sell the same things, especially in tourist areas, so do a bit of price shopping before you commit to anything. You can also bargain with the shopkeepers; it’s expected! You can also save money by paying in cash; you’ll get a cheaper price, so include that in your bargaining.

Don’t Expect to Pay With a Credit Card Everywhere

When you are shopping, not only will you get a better price with cash, but that might be your only option. Merchants have to pay credit card transaction fees, so you might often find that the credit card machine is “broken.” Whether legitimately or just conveniently for the merchant, it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand.

Don’t Skip the Athens Museums

Besides the great outdoor attractions in Athens, there are also some really great museums in Athens. Across from the Acropolis, the new Acropolis Museum is really cool. The Archeology Museum is fantastic as well. The Benaki Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art are also cool places to visit in Athens. Spending the heat of the day indoors in a museum isn’t a bad idea, either!

Don’t Refuse Food at Someone’s Home

If you are lucky enough to have friends in Greece and are invited into someone’s home, don’t refuse any food they offer. Greeks are proud of their food, and it’s an insult to refuse it. So, accept the fact that you’re going to gain some weight on your Athens trip!

Don’t Miss Outdoor Dining in Athens

There are many squares in Athens, many of them lined with outdoor cafes. They might be a little pricier, especially in the tourist areas, but it’s worth it. Enjoy the views, the atmosphere, the food, and the people watching.

Don’t Miss Out on Athens Day Trips

Besides visiting all of the Athens attractions, it also makes a great home base for some day trips around Greece. My favorite Athens day trip is to visit Delphi, where you can see old ruins. Jocelyn’s favorite day trip from Athens is Nafplio. It’s about two hours from Athens, and it’s such a beautiful city to spend time in. Mycenae is another great Athens day trip!

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

Don’t let these “don’ts” keep you from planning a trip to Athens. It’s a cool city with a lot of great stuff to see. With delicious Greek food and rich history, Athens sightseeing should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. Want more travel tips for traveling in Greece? Check out some of our other blog posts:

ecuador

What To Know Before Your Ecuador Vacation

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about the things you need to know before your trip to Ecuador. Ecuador is a great place to visit; it’s super affordable, the locals are friendly, and there’s a ton of diversity in the landscapes and wildlife. Today we’re sharing some of our best Ecuador tourism tips with you.

Best Places to Visit in Ecuador

Besides, the Galapagos Islands, what else is there do to in Ecuador? The Ecuador mainland is split into three regions:

  • Oriente is the inland region along the Amazon rainforest
  • The Andes Mountains are where you’ll find cities like Quito and Cuenca
  • The Coastal region has the beaches of Ecuador

No matter what you want to do in Ecuador, there’s a region for it.

Ecuador Currency

Conveniently, Ecuador uses the U.S. Dollar. So, you can bring cash and spend it here. You don’t have to worry about exchanging money. It’s a good idea to have lots of small bills, as you won’t see anything larger than a $20 bill. It always helps to have crisp bills as well, so we go to the bank before a trip and get crisp, small bills. When you do get change, you might get a few Ecuadorian coins. Paying with a credit card is not always possible, especially in smaller towns. Likewise, it’s not always easy to find an ATM. 

Getting Around Ecuador

It’s pretty easy to get around Ecuador so you can visit multiple regions in one trip. Most travelers will take the bus in Ecuador, but there are also some flights within Ecuador you can take. Flying around Ecuador is pretty affordable. It’s only about 30-minutes to fly from Quito to Cuenca, versus 7 hours to drive yourself, or even longer by the bus. Because of the topography, overland travel in Ecuador can take a really long time.

US State Department International Travel Page on Ecuador: CLICK HERE

Ecuador Accommodations

As we mentioned, you can get a really nice hotel or hacienda in Ecuador for a great price. You can expect all of the usual hotel amenities, especially in the larger cities. You’ll usually be provided with a lot of bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Hotels will also call a taxi for you to get around; make sure you grab a card from the hotel so you take a taxi back to the hotel. We highly recommend staying in a hacienda; even though they are usually on the outskirts of town, they are really a great place to stay.

Food in Ecuador

Ecuadorian cuisine has a lot of bananas, potatoes, and corn. You will see these often, as a side dish or an ingredient. You might also see popcorn as a side dish! Empanadas are a great street food to eat in Ecuador. They also eat a lot of soups and stews. Of course, you will see cuy, especially in more rural areas. Cuy is guinea pig, and they roast them on a spit, often out front of the restaurant. As you move closer to the coast, you’ll have more seafood and fish. There are also local beers and liqueurs you can try in each region.

Tipping in Ecuador

People in Ecuador

The people in Ecuador are super friendly! However, you won’t run into a lot of English speakers outside of the Ecuador tourism industry. It definitely helps to know a little bit of Spanish when you visit Ecuador. If you’re hiring a guide in Ecuador, you can easily find one that speaks English, but if you’re traveling on your own, you may want to brush up on Spanish just a bit.

Is Ecuador Safe?

This was probably the top question we got when planning our Ecuador vacation. We felt very safe in Ecuador, even with our kids in tow. We talked to a lot of guides and locals, and people all agreed that Ecuador is a safe family travel destination. Keep your usual “travel smarts” about you: don’t leave valuables in your car,  keep an eye on your luggage when traveling by bus, etc.

Watch Out for Altitude Sickness & Sun Stroke

Many parts of Ecuador are at a high elevation; the capital city of Quito is over 9,000 feet above sea level. Be prepared for altitude sickness and plan your Ecuador itinerary accordingly; save the strenuous activity for a few days into your trip when you’re better acclimated. You’re basically on the equator, so the sun is super strong. Make sure you have lots of sunscreen and you reapply frequently. 

Don’t Drink the Tap Water

The tap water in Ecuador is not safe to drink. Most hotels will have plenty of bottled water or refillable water jugs you can use. You might even consider brushing your teeth with bottled water, as even that can make you sick.

Pay Attention in Traffic

I don’t recommend driving in Ecuador, but even walking around as a pedestrian can be a bit dangerous. Don’t assume any cars will stop for you and always pay attention when crossing through traffic.

Ecuador Prices

Ecuador is very affordable, so those U.S. Dollars will go a long way! You can get a good lunch for $3. We stayed in really nice hotels for around $60-80 per night. If you want to really save money, there are lots of hostels in Ecuador for under $10 per night. Ecuador is a great budget-friendly destination.

Galapagos Prices

Like we said, Ecuador is very affordable…except for the Galapagos Islands. If you want to visit the Galapagos, be prepared to spend thousands of dollars per person. The most popular way to visit the Galapagos is to take a cruise. You can also do a land-based tour to save a little bit of money, but it’s still going to be way more expensive than the Ecuador mainland. That said, you get what you pay for. Look at it as a once-in-a-lifetime trip and splurge; don’t try to cut corners to save a few bucks.

Ecuador Plugs

Fortunately, the electrical plugs in Ecuador are also the same as the U.S. You won’t always see that third prong on the bottom, but most of your chargers and cords will work in the outlets in Ecuador. The voltage is 110, so it takes things a little bit longer to charge, but we were able to plug all of our electronics directly into the wall.

Internet in Ecuador

Yes, they do have internet in Ecuador. WiFi is readily available in most places to visit in Ecuador. We even had 4G connectivity around the country. Depending on where you stay in Ecuador, you might not have WiFi in every room; you may have to go to the common areas to access the internet. The more rural areas may have slower internet, but you’ll be able to check your email if you need to.

Toilets in Ecuador

The toilets in Ecuador are usually the normal toilets (not a hole in the ground) but the plumbing can’t handle anything except human waste. Even toilet paper cannot be flushed down the toilets; there will be a little wastebasket next to the toilet for anything you need to throw out. These get changed often, so it’s not as gross as it sounds. You may see signs in newer places like the new airport that tell you it’s OK to flush your TP. If you don’t see a sign, don’t do it!

Shocks of Traveling to Ecuador

Weather in Ecuador

With so many regions, Ecuador weather is not the same across the country. It can be cool and rainy in the rainforest and the mountains, while the coast and the Galapagos Islands get very hot and sunny. Be sure to pack layers and dress appropriately for the area of Ecuador that you are going to visit.

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

We loved our trip to Ecuador; it’s such a diverse, amazing country with friendly people and fantastic scenery.  We definitely plan to return for a trip to the Galapagos Islands. Looking for more South America travel tips? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You’ll Love and Hate About Germany’s Harz Mountains

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about visiting the Harz Mountains of Germany. It’s a beautiful region of Germany, with half-timbered houses and picturesque towns like Wernigerode and Goslar Germany. There’s a lot to love about Germany’s Harz Mountains, but there are also a few things you might not love when you visit the Harz Mountains of Germany.

Love #1: German Immersion

When you visit the Harz Mountains, there is no doubt you are in Germany. This is where Germans come for vacation; it’s not an internationally known destination, so you are mostly surrounded by Germans. There are thousands of half-timbered houses in the region, so it’s like stepping into a postcard. When you visit larger cities in Germany, you are surrounded by international tourists, so the Harz Mountains are a great way to immerse yourselves in German culture.

Hate #1: Getting to the Harz Mountains

While travel throughout Europe is pretty easy compared to the States, the Harz Mountains aren’t exactly easy to reach. From Berlin, you have to take multiple trains and it takes around three hours. This is a more secluded region, so there’s no fast train to get here. The quickest connection is from Hanover to Goslar Germany.

Six Unwritten Rules for Train Travel in Europe

Love #2: Hidden Helpfulness

Despite seeming kind of cold at first, once you start talking to the locals, they really open up. It may take a while, but you’ll find helpful locals hidden under their tough exterior. They’re also very proud of their heritage and culture, so if you can get them to open up, you’ll be amazed at what you can learn from them.

Hate #2: Getting Around the Harz Mountains

Once you’ve arrived in the Harz Mountains, it’s not that easy to get between towns. There are not many options for getting around the region. You will find some buses, and there are trains that run once per hour, so it’s not impossible to get around. It’s just not as convenient as some other places in Germany.

Love #3: Half-Timbered Houses

Everywhere you go in the Harz Mountains, you will see half-timbered houses. Being surrounded by them really makes you feel like you’re back in medieval times of Germany. A lot of the towns in the Harz Mountains were spared during World War II, so you can see some really well-preserved architecture during your trip. There are town halls and churches dating back to the 13th century!

Culture Trip’s Take on Why You Should Visit the Harz Mountains: CLICK HERE

Hate #3: German Service

German service can take some getting used to. They’re very professional, but not necessarily outgoing or friendly. If you’re used to over-the-top service, then German service can take some getting used to. This is pretty standard all over Germany, not just in the Harz Mountains.

Five Things You MUST Eat in Germany

Love #4: Harz Mountains Culture

As in many countries, culture can change from region to region, and that’s no exception in the Harz Mountains. I love the culture here of touring castles, and museums. Even the smallest villages usually have a local museum so take a few minutes to check it out and learn about the town.

Goslar, Quedlinburg, Wernigerode, you have options!

Hate #4: Lack of English

Because this is such a German tourist destination, they don’t have many international travelers here. So you won’t hear a lot of English and may have trouble finding English speakers. Don’t let it scare you off; just have your translation app ready and brush up on a bit of German before you visit the Harz Mountains. And as more tourists have been visiting from around the world, English is becoming spoken more and more at restaurants and bars.

Love #5: Harz National Park

Besides the architecture and the culture, the nature surrounding the Harz Mountains is astounding. Visit Harz National Park for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. There’s an old steam train that does sightseeing trips to Brocken Mountain, the highest peak in Northern Germany. With beautiful surroundings, the Harz Mountains and Harz National Park are truly a mountain retreat. 

Hate #5: Holiday Crowds

Of course, everyone wants to see the Christmas markets, so if you visit the Harz Mountains during the holidays, expect it to be crowded. Some of the most centrally-located hotels may fill up a year or more in advance for the holidays! It’s definitely worth soaking in the holiday spirit if you are willing to plan in advance and deal with larger crowds than usual.

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

With beautiful surroundings, unique culture, and well-preserved historic architecture, the Harz Mountains make a fantastic German travel destination. We’ve been coming for many years, and will likely make many more visits in the future. The fact that it’s hard to reach and mostly visited by German tourists makes it that much better, in our opinion! Interested in more German travel tips? Check out these blog posts!

Surprises to Expect on Your First Trip to Louisiana

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about travel to Louisiana, a fantastic Southern state with its own unique culture and landscape. There are lots of cool things to do in Louisiana but be prepared for these shocks before you visit Louisiana.

Louisiana Accent

The accent you’ll hear in Louisiana isn’t just an everyday “Southern accent.” It can be difficult to understand the locals sometimes, and they may have a hard time understanding you. The Louisiana accent is a result of Cajun French and English, although you won’t hear much French spoken in Louisiana.

Louisiana Cuisine

Part of Louisiana culture is the cuisine, and there are so many good things to eat and drink that are distinctly “Louisiana.” Any trip to Louisiana will inevitably revolve around food because you should try everything at least once! Whether it’s beignets at Cafe du Monde, crawfish etouffee, a shrimp po’boy, gumbo, or the famous Hurricane frozen drink, these are just a few quintessential Louisiana foods. It’s an unusual mix of French, Cajun, and Creole cuisine.

Simply Jocelyn shares tips on throwing a crawfish boil

Louisiana Pace

Things move a little bit slower in the South, especially in Louisiana. Especially when it comes to service. It’s not anything personal, they really do just live life at a slower pace. You just have to get used to it; it’s kind of like “island time” when you visit the Caribbean. Just bring your patience and try to relax and join the slow-paced life in Louisiana.

You will sweat… a lot…

New Orleans

Most first-time visitors to Louisiana are coming to New Orleans. It’s one of our favorite cities in the US, but it can be shocking the first time you visit. The heart of New Orleans is the French Quarter, and it can be a bit like Vegas in terms of crazy tourists who come here to party. Bourbon Street can get pretty rowdy, and you’ll see a lot of drunken tourists or pickpockets and scammers out and about. It’s a fun scene if you know what you’re getting yourself into. (There’s a lot to see in New Orleans outside of the French Quarter as well!)

Best Cities to Visit in the Southern USA

More Than New Orleans

There’s more to Louisiana than just the city of New Orleans. The state is known as a Sportsmen’s Paradise. When you plan your Louisiana trip, try to spend some time outside of NOLA as well. Take a swamp tour to see the gators or step back in time on a plantation tour.

The Official Travel Louisiana Website: CLICK HERE

Elevated Roadways

When you drive through Louisiana, there are a surprising number of elevated highways and roadways. With so many low-lying areas that are at or below sea level, elevated roads are needed to avoid frequent flooding.

Louisiana Cemeteries

Similarly, you’ll see a lot of above-ground graves and mausoleums in the cemeteries of Louisiana. In fact, visiting cemeteries is one of the top things to do in Louisiana. These are built above ground for the same reasons that the roads are elevated. There’s no room to dig underground before hitting the water table, so the cemeteries here are above ground.

It is gorgeous in Louisiana.

Louisiana Hospitality

People in Louisiana are so friendly. The South in general is known for Southern hospitality and manners, but Louisiana seems to take it one step further. These are some of the friendliest people we’ve met in all of our travels. They will gladly tell you where to go, what to eat, what to see, and on and on. If you’re not sure what to do, just ask a local.

Shocks of Visiting the Southern US

Alligators in Louisiana

Yes, there are alligators in Louisiana. Lots of them. You don’t have to go on a swamp tour to see alligators; you’re liable to just see them sunning themselves on the side of the road. They’re not tourist attractions, they are real and can be dangerous if you have kids or pets running around. You’ll also see a lot of turtles and probably some cool birds, like pelicans. Louisiana is a great destination for wildlife and bird-watching.

Louisiana Humidity

Many Americans tend to travel in the summertime when school is out. If you visit Louisiana in the summertime, nothing can prepare you for the heat and humidity. It can feel so muggy you’ll feel like you can’t breathe. Louisiana is basically built on the swamp, so be prepared! Along with swampy air comes lots of mosquitos and other bugs. The best time to visit Louisiana is in the winter when it’s cold up north.

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

Louisiana really has something for every type of traveler! We enjoyed the amazing food, historic tours, and natural attractions found all over Louisiana. If you can avoid the shocking heat and humidity of Louisiana, you’ll love it even more! Want more Louisiana travel tips? Check out these blog posts:

What NOT To Do When You Visit Branson Missouri

Posted on by Mark Wolters

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

Don’t Drive the Main Strip Unless You Have To

Traffic in Branson can get pretty bad, especially along the main strip through town. It’s worse in the summer, but it can be bad anytime. There’s a lot to look at, so you have a lot of slow drivers who are gawking at all the Branson resorts and attractions. It is where most of the attractions in Branson are located, so you probably won’t avoid it entirely; just leave yourself some extra time and patience.

Don’t Expect an Easy Drive

Branson is located in the Ozarks, and you will most likely arrive by car. The roads can be winding and narrow, so be prepared for mountainous driving at times when you drive to Branson. Branson is at least 45 minutes from the nearest interstate, so you’ll be driving on state highways most of the time.

What NOT To Do on a Road Trip

Don’t Expect Las Vegas

Branson is often called “the Vegas of the Midwest.” It’s a bit misleading. Branson has a lot of shows and live performances. That’s the extent of the similarities between Vegas and Branson. It’s not a party city and is much more of a family destination than Las Vegas.

What to Expect in Las Vegas in 2021

Don’t Think All Shows are the Same

The quality of shows in Branson varies greatly. There are some really good shows in Branson and some that aren’t so good. Make sure you do your research and read reviews. If something is priced too good to be true, it’s probably not a great show. Remember, you can leave at intermission if you’re not enjoying the show!

Visit the Explore Branson Website for Official Details: CLICK HERE

Don’t Think Silver Dollar City is Just Roller Coasters

Silver Dollar City is one of the top attractions in Branson. It’s a 1880’s-themed amusement park in Branson. It’s more than just an amusement park with roller coasters, though. We really enjoyed the Marvel Cave, which is a cool lesson in geology.

Don’t Expect Authentic Anything

Branson is a town totally geared toward tourists. You’re not going to find much in the way of authentic things to do. Hotels, restaurants, museums, and attractions in Branson are all very tourist-oriented. If you like to blend in and explore local culture, Branson is not really the place for that. Don’t shun it, just embrace it and you’ll have a great time!

Don’t Worry About Finding Accommodation

Because Branson is so geared towards tourists, there is a huge selection of accommodation for all types of travelers. There are tons of affordable motel-type places. There are global hotels, like Marriott and Best Western. There are huge Branson resorts with waterparks on site. The same goes for restaurants; there are plenty of restaurants to choose from when you visit Branson. Don’t think you have to stay in Branson. We actually chose to stay in a quieter town in Arkansas and visit Branson on a day trip.

Don’t Miss Out on Nature Around Branson

There is a lot to do outside of Branson as well. If you like to spend time outdoors, the Ozarks are a great area. Table Rock Lake is a great place to get out on the water and you can rent a lake house. Eureka Springs Arkansas is about an hour from Branson. Bull Shoals Lake is another spot to visit, and the Buffalo National River is about 90 minutes away also.

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

Don’t let these “don’ts” keep you from planning a trip to Branson. If you can embrace the over-the-top attractions and the cheesiness of it all, you really will enjoy a Branson vacation. Whether you spend an entire week exploring the Branson shows and museums, or just visit the surrounding area and make a day trip to Branson, it’s definitely worth a visit. Branson is a great family travel destination.

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