Author: Mark Wolters

west virginia tourism

What NOT To Do When You Visit West Virginia

Posted on by Mark Wolters

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

Don’t Confuse West Virginia with Western Virginia

West Virginia and Virginia are two very different states. So even the western part of Virginia is quite different from West Virginia the state. Each state has a very different history and vibe. You will definitely experience a different atmosphere and cuisine between the two.

Don’t Mis-Pronounce Appalachia

The mountain range called Appalachia is the heart and soul of West Virginia. Northerners often pronounce it as Appa-lay-sha, which is not correct. It’s Apple-at-cha. Knowing how to pronounce this super-important region properly will keep you out of hot water with the locals.

Don’t Miss Out on the Appalachian Mountains

Once you learn how to say the name, you can’t miss out on visiting this glorious mountain range. The mountains are a huge part of the allure of West Virginia because there are so many great things to do. From scenic drives to whitewater rafting, from hiking to mountain biking, the mountains of West Virginia will keep you busy!

The Official West Virginia Tourism Website: CLICK HERE

Don’t Forget How to Drive in the Mountains

The roads in West Virginia are pretty good, but you still need to use different skills when driving in the mountains. No matter which direction you go, you’ll drive through some mountains. Expect winding roads, steep hills, and even tunnels as you drive through the mountains of West Virginia. Be ready for car sickness, especially if you are prone to it.

Top Ten Road Trip Essentials

West Virginia eats!

Don’t Miss the Bridges

West Virginia has some of the coolest bridges around, even on the highway. In other states, you see plain, concrete bridges. But in West Virginia, there are really unique bridges. The New River Gorge Bridge is really neat, too.

Don’t Forget Sturdy Shoes

With all of the outdoor activities in West Virginia, you’ll need some good footwear. Not only can you avoid injury, but you’ll be much more comfortable and able to cover more ground. Make sure those shoes are already broken in, so you don’t suffer blisters during your trip.

Don’t Forget to Pack Layers

Temperatures can vary widely in a day, so you want to be sure you have a couple of layers of clothing that you can add and remove quickly. If you start out early in the morning, it might be considerably cooler than the afternoon.

Travel Must-Haves: Toiletries

Don’t Except Cell Reception Everywhere

There are many places in West Virginia where you might not have cell reception. Of course, there are towers, but with so many hills and ridges, your service may be going in and out. It’s always a good idea to have maps printed or downloaded ahead of time so you have a backup set of directions.

Don’t Forget to Try Local Delicacies

When you visit West Virginia, there are a few local foods that you have to try. West Virginia has their own special version of pepperoni rolls and hot dogs. West Virginia pepperoni rolls are delicious! It’s soft white bread filled with pepperoni and cheese. It’s like a homemade extra delicious Hot Pocket. West Virginia hot dogs come with chili (no beans) and coleslaw on top. Here in West Virginia, coleslaw isn’t just a side dish, it’s a condiment.

Don’t Worry About Your Travel Budget

West Virginia is a very affordable family destination. It’s not very expensive, and we got a lot for our money. Our hotel prices seem about 20% less than what we usually spend elsewhere for a hotel room near the highway. There are plenty of mom-and-pop restaurants that serve great food for an affordable price, too.

Be prepared for beauty in West Virginia.

Don’t Miss Harper’s Ferry

The small historic towns are some of the best places to visit in West Virginia. The best-known small West Virginia town is Harper’s Ferry. The Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers meet here, and the town is so picturesque. It’s like you’re walking around in a Hallmark movie.

Don’t Diss the Coal Industry

The coal industry has been a vital part of the West Virginia economy for decades. Even though coal mining has declined, it’s still an important part of many families’ histories. Just be mindful of that when you are talking with the locals.

Don’t Call Them Rednecks and Hillbillies

The people of West Virginia do not live up to the redneck/hillbilly stereotype; they actually call themselves Mountaineers. The people in West Virginia are fantastic. They are helpful, and friendly, and love talking about their home state. Don’t assume anything you’ve heard based on stereotypes!

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Don’t let these “don’ts” keep you from experiencing the best West Virginia attractions. If you want a fun, affordable family vacation, then West Virginia is a perfect choice. With so many fun places to visit in West Virginia, you’ll have a great time!

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

Morocco Culture Shocks: What to Expect on a Trip to Morocco

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about travel to Morocco. We loved our family trip to Morocco, but there are definitely some things that took us by surprise. If you’re planning to visit Morocco, be prepared for these culture shocks!

Morocco is well worth a solo trip or a family trip.

Your First Balak Moment

Balak means head’s up or pay attention! You’ll hear it a lot and you’ll eventually get used to it, but the first few times you get yelled at while visiting Morocco are shocking. There’s a lot going on in Morocco, so it’s easy to get distracted and step out in front of a car or a donkey.

Negotiating for Everything

You will get used to haggling very quickly in Morocco! Bargaining for prices is just part of the culture in Morocco; they’re not trying to rip you off, it’s just how they do business. The price they first offer you will be about 25-50% higher than what you end up paying. Yes, it is time-consuming and can be annoying after a while, but it’s just how they do things here. The best approach is to have a price in mind that you are willing to pay and stick with it. (Tip: Always have exact change because the vendors and taxi drivers miraculously never seem to have change for you.)

Your Medina Experience

Your first trip to the medina is unforgettable and shocking. These are the old town areas with winding streets and alleys of shops and vendors. You WILL get lost, and that’s half the fun. Don’t worry about getting lost; someone will help you find your way out. The whole experience is sensory overload. There are people, animals, and you can buy almost anything you can imagine, from beautiful rugs to butchered animals.

Helpful and Kind Locals

Despite the frenetic pace and the haggling, the locals in Morocco are truly kind and helpful. We had no qualms about asking for directions or asking for help in any way. Moroccans are very kind so don’t be afraid to chat with the locals or ask for help. It’s also a very multicultural country, so you will hear several languages spoken as you wander the streets of Morocco. That said, be prepared with a lot of small bills, as you will be tipping a lot of people frequently in Morocco.

Yes that is a snake around his neck, and yes we did tip the guy.

Moroccan Bathrooms

As you travel through Morocco, it’s always a good idea to have a few packets of tissues on you as most public bathrooms do not have toilet paper in the stalls. Sometimes, there is a bathroom attendant who will sell you a bit of toilet paper, but we always have some of our own…just in case! If it’s not an emergency, we will either return to our hotel room or stop into a nice restaurant to use the restroom, as they are typically much cleaner and they have toilet paper!

Morocco Weather

The weather in Morocco can be shocking, to both extremes. It’s extremely hot in the summer, and it’s fairly common to exceed 100 degrees. The best thing you can do is to cover your skin with a lightweight fabric to protect it from the sun. Even more shocking is the fact that it gets cold in Morocco in the winter. You will need a sweatshirt or a light jacket at the very least for the mornings and evenings.

The Size of Morocco

If you look at a map, Morocco doesn’t seem extremely large, but because it’s close to the equator, Morocco is often shrunken down on maps. Morocco is actually quite huge, and it would be difficult to see the whole country in one trip. I recommend choosing one or two regions to focus on from the four main regions of Morocco. They are pretty far apart and you don’t want to spend your whole trip in transit. 

  • The Moroccan Coast which is developing quickly as a beach destination
  • The Plains, where you’ll find Fez and Marrakech
  • The Sahara Desert
  • The Atlas Mountains

Moroccan Architecture

What’s most shocking about Moroccan architecture is the difference between the interiors and the exteriors. Most exteriors in Morocco are bland stucco and not particularly exciting or photogenic. However, once you step inside, you’ll be blown away. Interior design in Morocco is so beautiful; whether it’s a riad or someone’s home. There’s a reason why so many people want to bring home lamps and rugs from Morocco. Of course, there are some beautiful exteriors in Morocco as well, but don’t always judge a book by its cover.

So many great experiences in Morocco.

Moroccan Mosques

The mosques in Morocco are beautiful, but you can’t go inside unless you are Muslim. There is one mosque in Casablanca that allows tourists inside, but in general, you will not be allowed to peek inside these beautiful buildings.

Stray Cats

You’ll notice a lot of stray cats in Morocco. Interestingly, you don’t see a lot of stray dogs, though. Even though the cats, and especially the kittens, are very cute, you don’t really want to pet them. They likely have fleas or any other disease so it’s best to leave them alone.

Moroccan Wine

You may think that alcohol will be hard to come by in a Muslim country like Morocco. We were surprised that you can actually find great wine in Morocco. Most riads we stayed at had wine on the menu, and we tried some really good local wines during our trip.

Moroccan Hashish

Another surprise is the number of men we saw and smelled who were smoking hashish out in public. Don’t think this means it’s legal; you can get arrested for it, especially as a tourist.

The Most Common Reasons that Tourists Get Arrested

Scams in Morocco

The positive Morocco culture shocks far outweigh the bad shocks of a trip to Morocco, but there are some things to be wary of. As in any city, keep your wits about you in crowded places like the medinas. Taxis can also be challenging, so make sure you agree on the price before you get in the car or you might get scammed. If you want to take any photos of people, it will cost you. Make sure you ask before taking anyone’s photo and be prepared to pay them a fee. This also applies to the various tourist situations, like the snake charmers. Allowing photos is how they make their living.

How to Avoid Travel Scams & Rip-Offs

Female Travelers in Morocco

Despite all of the positive experiences we had in Morocco, female travelers should prepare themselves to be treated differently than their male counterparts. From negotiating in markets to having conversations with locals, the women are frequently left out. Our guide recommended that Jocelyn let Mark do all of the negotiating to get a better price. If you are a woman considering going to Morocco solo, make sure you read up on other solo female travelers’ experiences. Maroc Mama is a great website to peruse before your Morocco trip!

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We had a wonderful experience in Morocco and we highly recommend that you visit Morocco as well. Visiting Morocco with kids was so much fun, and our kids loved it. The people and the food of Morocco are fantastic, as well as the incredible things we got to see and experience. Most Morocco culture shocks were positive for us. Want more tips on visiting Morocco with kids? Check out these blog posts!

What NOT To Do When You Visit Krakow, Poland

Posted on by Mark Wolters

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

Don’t Expect Ugly Communist Architecture

Krakow tourism is thriving with ten million tourists per year; it’s not an ugly city. You might think you know what to expect in Poland, and there are Polish cities with nothing but Communist architecture, but Krakow is not one of them. Krakow was largely spared during the war, so they still have a lot of Pre-War architecture. The main square is the largest in Europe, and it’s amazing!

Don’t Think You Have to Pay to Visit the Castle

The Wawel Royal Castle is up the hill from Krakow’s Old Town. You don’t have to pay to go up the hill to see the castle. You do have to pay to go inside the cathedral or the museums, but to go up the hill and walk around is completely free.

Don’t Take Photos Inside the Churches

Krakow has beautiful churches, and you’ll likely visit many of them during your Krakow trip. However, save your photos for outside of the churches. They don’t want photos taken inside, so please be respectful of the rules at each Krakow church that you visit.

JP2 is well represented in Krakow.

Don’t Walk Around in a Tourist Daze

Krakow is so beautiful that it’s tempting to walk around gawking at everything around you. It’s easy to be distracted by all of the amazing sights, but make sure you are paying attention to where you are walking. Krakow drivers are usually moving pretty fast and not looking out for tourists who accidentally wander into the road.

Don’t Mix In With the Stag Parties

Krakow is affordable and accessible from many places in Europe, so it’s become a popular stag (bachelor) party destination. If you visit Krakow on a weekend, don’t be surprised to see large groups of drunk young men wandering the streets. They’re just having a good time, but I like to avoid them just in case a fight breaks out.

10 Shocks of Visiting Krakow Poland

Don’t Drink (Alcohol) in Public

Krakow is not like some places in Germany, where you can grab a few beers to go and enjoy them in the park. You cannot drink in public here, only at bars and restaurants. And don’t think you can play dumb to get out of a ticket if you are caught drinking in public.

Don’t Miss the Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter has a lot of interesting history in the synagogues, cemeteries, and museums. But there’s more to the Jewish Quarter than historic spots. It’s actually a great neighborhood for Krakow nightlife. There are tons of great restaurants, cafes, and bars in Krakow’s Jewish Quarter.

Eat and walk well.

Don’t Expect Over-The-Top Service

In general, Poland doesn’t have the most friendly service, and Krakow is no different. It is efficient, but not overly friendly. If you know this going in, you won’t be caught off guard.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Travel in Eastern Europe

Don’t Just Stay on the Tourist Walk

The “tourist walk” in Krakow extends from the main gate down Main Street to the Town Square. It is a beautiful area with beautiful buildings, but this is where most of the tourists spend all of their time in Krakow. Make sure you plan for time outside of the tourist zone as well. There’s a lot to see in Krakow besides Town Square.

Don’t Just Stay in Krakow

Yes, Krakow is my favorite city in Poland, but it’s also a great home base for exploring other nearby areas of Poland. A couple of day trips from Krakow that I highly recommend include:

  • A trip to the Salt Mines; there’s a salt mine just outside Krakow that they’ve turned into a tourist destination. It’s a really fun place to visit with kids.
  • Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau, the concentration camp near Krakow. It’s not a fun visit, but an important part of history that needs to be remembered. Don’t feel like you have to join a tour at Auschwitz; you can visit on your own during certain hours. The signage is really good, so you can learn but also move through at your own pace. Plan on about two hours each way from Krakow to Auschwitz.

Don’t Fly Somewhere Other than KRK

When you book a flight to Krakow, make sure you are flying into KRK, the main airport. There’s another Krakow airport, but it’s at least an hour away. So if you find a really great deal, make sure you’re flying into the right airport before you purchase.

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Don’t let these “don’ts” keep you from planning a trip to Krakow. It’s my favorite city in Poland, and so much fun to visit. With fantastic Polish food, amazing architecture, and rich history, Krakow should be on everyone’s travel bucket list.

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

Shocks to Expect on Your Trips to Prague

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about travel to Prague, one of my favorite cities in the world. I love to visit Prague any chance I get, and there are some fun things that will shock you when you visit Prague.

You will be shocked how much you LOVE Prague!

Beauty of Prague

The beauty of Prague is stunning. You might be expecting an Eastern European vibe with post-Communist-style architecture, but that’s not the case. Prague was largely spared from destruction in WWII, so the Old Town is original and authentic. There are different neighborhoods in Prague with different architecture, and it’s really just a beautiful city to walk around. Especially if you love architecture!

Prices in Prague

For being such a popular European city, Prague travel is surprisingly affordable. It’s certainly not the cheapest city in Europe, but it’s very affordable, which is a nice surprise for travelers used to prices in London, Paris, or Munich. Attractions in Prague are very affordable, and you can get a great meal for a good price in Prague. Beer is also very affordable, and tasty!

Sunrise or Sunset on Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge is a major attraction in Prague, and it’s always bustling with people. Watching the sunrise or sunset from the bridge is really a spectacular sight to see, and you may just have the bridge all to yourself. Take advantage of the jet lag during your Prague travel and go catch the sunrise; you won’t regret it!

We have been having fun in Prague since before we knew you could have kids.

Prague Tourists

Prague is no longer a secret destination in Europe. The word is out and Prague is often quite crowded with tourists. With affordable prices, it’s become an especially popular weekend destination for other Europeans. Fortunately, most of the tourists stick to a five-block radius near Old Town, so it’s easy to escape the crowds by exploring other areas of Prague.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Prague

Drunk Prague Tourists

Prague has quite the nightlife scene and has become a popular bachelor/bachelorette party destination for many Europeans. Prague is also home to one of the largest nightclubs in Europe, so it’s safe to say it’s a bit of a party city after dark. It’s nothing to worry about, but something to keep in mind as you’re liable to see crowds of rowdy drunk tourists, especially on the weekends.

What NOT To Do in Prague

Prague Train Schedules

Prague is a great home base for day trips throughout Central Europe, and the train system is pretty convenient. However, when you are departing from Prague, they don’t assign the train tracks very far in advance. So, you’ll have a lot of people standing around the board waiting for the track assignment and then everyone goes running for their train. You may only have five or ten minutes to get to your train once the track number has been assigned.

It really is even more gorgeous than this picture.

Prague Train Station Neighborhood

The train station in Prague isn’t in the best area, so you might see some “interesting” activity when you exit the train station. Don’t let that give you a negative impression of Prague; in fact, it’s pretty common in Europe that the nicest neighborhoods are not right next to the train station. Just know this ahead of time and you won’t be shocked. Fortunately, Old Town is just a few blocks away so it’s easy to get out of this neighborhood quickly.

Tourist Prices

While we already mentioned how affordable Prague is, you will be surprised at the tourist upcharge you’ll see in the busiest areas of Prague. The farther you go from the Old Town and most touristy areas, the lower the prices will be. Prices on the main square for food and souvenirs can be more than double prices just a few blocks away.

Eating & Drinking in Prague

You will be shocked how well you eat and drink in Prague. Not only will you pay a good price, but the food and the beer in Prague are fantastic. Czech food tends to be comfort food, so you’ll have a lot of dumplings, meat, and potatoes, and you’ll always be full at the end of a meal in Prague.

Prague Beer Spas

Beer is so popular in Prague that you can even bathe in it at a beer spa! There are several places in Prague where you can soak in beer, and of course, there’s a tap next to the tub where you can refill a glass for drinking as well. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Prague, this is definitely a unique experience. Just make sure you make reservations in advance as they do fill up, especially on the weekends!

Prague Scams & Pickpockets

Like any major tourist city, you do have to be on alert for scams and pickpockets in Prague. If you are taking the tram or gathered around the astronomical clock, keep an eye or a hand on your pockets as those are popular places to be pickpocketed.

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Prague really has something for every type of traveler! Mark has been coming to Prague for over 20 years and has evolved from the nightclub scene to finding the best things to do in Prague with kids. Every one of our trips to Prague has been fantastic! Want more tips on visiting Central Europe? Check out these blog posts!

Surprises to Expect on Your Aruba Family Vacation

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about travel to Aruba, a fantastically happy island in the Caribbean. Aruba is an awesome beach getaway for the whole family, but there are some things that might surprise you on your first trip to Aruba.

You will get the Pats game, don’t worry.

Food in Aruba

I was shocked at how GOOD the food in Aruba is! Of course, the seafood in Aruba is fantastic. There are so many great varieties of seafood to try in Aruba. But it’s not just the seafood that is great! There are great restaurants of all kinds in Aruba. The steaks are delicious, and we had some excellent Italian food as well. Eating in Aruba restaurants is a great experience overall; good service and great food!

Prices in Aruba

Aruba is expensive! An Aruba trip is not a budget vacation destination. While the food is delicious, it also comes with a hefty price tag. The supermarket prices are a bit higher than in the US, but you can save some money by stocking up on groceries and getting a hotel room with a kitchen. Or look for a hotel that includes breakfast so you can eat a big meal at the beginning of the day. Just be sure to splurge on dining out in Aruba a couple of times while you’re visiting.

Aruba Chain Restaurants

We were shocked at how many fast-food chains we saw in Aruba. We saw all the usuals, in multiple. Burger King, McDonald’s, Subway, KFC…Aruba has them all. It feels a bit less exotic when you are driving around seeing all of these global chains, but they are surprisingly very busy. While eating at American chains isn’t usually our style, they do come in handy when all of the other dining options are super expensive. (We were spending around $200 per meal for a family of four, without alcohol, so yes, Subway does look pretty good sometimes!)

Yes that is a donkey…

East Coast vs West Coast Beaches

You might think all beaches are the same on Aruba, but that’s not the case. They change drastically from the East Coast to the West Coast. The West Coast beaches of Aruba are postcard-perfect, with sandy beaches and calm water. These are the beaches for relaxing and taking in the sun. On the East Coast of Aruba, it’s very different. You’ll find rocky shores and big waves. It’s still beautiful, but much more rugged and I don’t recommend swimming on this side of the island unless you are a strong swimmer.

Nature in Aruba

Besides the beautiful beaches, Aruba actually has a lot to offer. There is natural beauty everywhere. You’ll see natural bridges that have been carved out by waves, and even cactus growing all over the island. There’s also a National Park in Aruba: Arikok National Park, which has hiking trails, caves, and beaches. The caves even contain cave paintings!

What to Pack for a Caribbean Vacation

Getting Around Aruba

It’s really easy to get around Aruba! I recommend having a car for at least part of your stay so you can explore the island at your own leisure. The whole island is only 19 miles long, and 5 miles wide, so you can easily drive around the entire island in one day. If you don’t want to drive, there are also some buses that go around the island. Your hotel can also recommend a driver for hire. Aruba tours are expensive, so we saved money by renting a car and doing our own Aruba tours.

Donkey Sanctuary

Stumbling upon the Donkey Sanctuary in Aruba was a fun surprise. It’s a fun stop as you drive around Aruba, especially if you’re visiting Aruba with kids. For a small donation, you can feed and pet the donkeys who live at the sanctuary.

New England Souvenirs


Everywhere we went in Aruba, we saw New England sports teams gear for sale. A lot of visitors to Aruba are from the East Coast, so they sell a lot of Giants, Jets, Patriots, and Yankees merchandise. If you’re a big sports fan, you’ll be able to catch any of the games, as they are big sports fans in Aruba.

Safety in Aruba

Many people wonder “Is Aruba Safe?” We felt very safe during our trip to Aruba. There are always so many tourists around, we never worried about exploring the neighborhoods of Aruba, even at night. Of course, as with any travel destination, you have to use common sense, but overall, Aruba is a very safe destination.

Baby Beach

Many people will recommend that you visit Baby Beach and it’s a beautiful beach. It’s shallow and calm, with some great tide pools, It’s a fun place to snorkel with kids. But the shock of Baby Beach is the oil refinery that sits right next to the beach; it’s definitely an unexpected sight in such a scenic place.

Oranjestad on Cruise Days

Aruba’s capital, Oranjestad, gets so packed on days when the cruise ships are in port. If you’re planning to visit Oranjestad during your trip, you might see when the cruise ships are in and visit on a different day. Otherwise, be prepared for big crowds and long wait times if you are eating out or joining any Aruba tours. I would choose a day when just one ship is in port, as you might find fewer things open if there are no ships that day.

What NOT to Do in the Caribbean

Aruba Sunsets

No matter how many beautiful sunsets you’ve seen, you will still be shocked at how beautiful the Aruba sunsets can be. Pick a spot at any of the west coast beaches and settle in for a spectacular show. There are a lot of great restaurants and bars perfectly situated on the beaches, so you can enjoy a drink or a meal while the sun goes down. Catching the sunset each day became a priority on our Aruba trip.

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Aruba really has something for every type of traveler! We enjoyed the amazing food, beautiful beaches, and natural attractions found all over Aruba. Aside from the high prices, we mostly found pleasant surprises on our Aruba family vacation. Want more tips for tropical family trips? Check out these blog posts:

10 Shocks to Expect When Planning a Trip to Spain

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about travel to Spain, a fantastic country with a unique culture on the Mediterranean coast of Europe. We have visited Spain many times over the years, and it’s always one of our favorite places to return to. For first-time visitors, there are some shocks you might expect on your first tour of Spain.

Spanish People

The people of Spain are so fantastic! They know that their economy depends on tourism, and they don’t appear to resent the tourists that visit their country. The locals in Spain are fun, friendly, and helpful. Don’t be surprised on your Spain trip if you end up staying out all night partying with the locals, or being fed by someone’s abuela.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Spain Travel

Language Barriers

English is not widely spoken in Spain, so you may have to brush up on your Spanish a little bit. If you venture outside of the major cities, you might have some issues finding an English speaker. It definitely helps if you can speak a little Spanish when you visit Spain. Similarly, there are some areas of Spain so popular with ex-pats that you might never hear any Spanish! Costa del Sol is a very popular retirement destination for Brits, so you’ll hear a lot of English spoken there.

Siesta

We may joke about siesta in the US, but it’s a real thing in Spain. In more rural areas outside of the big cities, you can expect everything to be closed from around 2:00 in the afternoon until around 5:00. Even the government offices will take siesta in the afternoon! If you don’t plan ahead, this can definitely throw a wrench in your plans. Get your shopping done before mid-afternoon so you’re not caught off guard.

It is fun all over Spain!

Time in Spain

Interestingly, time is a bit irrelevant in Spain. A meeting time is merely a suggestion, and if you have plans, don’t be upset if the person you are meeting is later than the agreed-upon time. The Spanish have a very “laissez-faire” attitude to a lot of things. They move at a slower pace without the sense of urgency you get in other cultures. Things also happen much later in Spain; dinner often starts around 9:00 pm.  If you are going out to the nightclubs, plan to be out all night!

Lunch in Spain

Thanks to some ancient laws, restaurants in Spain still serve a two-course lunch for a very good price. This is a great way to save money while traveling. The lunch special isn’t always offered to tourists, so be sure to ask if they have a lunch special before you order.

Best Tips to Save Money While Traveling

Food in Tourist Areas

Spain has amazing food! But if you are anywhere near a main tourist area, you will have the worst paella and sangria of your life! They know tourists want to eat paella and drink sangria, so they all serve a version of it. But, it’s not homemade or hand-crafted, and you can tell. Paella and sangria are not “fast food” items, they should be eaten only in authentic Spanish restaurants. Go a bit away from the tourist areas before choosing your restaurants in Spain.

Take the family, young or old the whole family will love Spain.

Simply Jocelyn shares tips for making white sangria!

Tapas Culture

Tapas is becoming more popular in the States, but the origins are in Spanish pubs. Tapas are little snacks you get to go with your alcoholic beverages. Often, these little plates are free while you are drinking beer and cocktails. They aren’t always free, but you can always ask if you’re not sure.

Service in Spain

The concept of time doesn’t really apply to service in Spain, either. The slow pace is also experienced in restaurants. They are friendly, but the service is very slow, and you may have to ask for things a few times. Expect meals to take a long time, as Spaniards like to linger over their meals, which is why the servers don’t rush. (Also, pay attention to the prices on the menu; sometimes they are in grams, not priced for the entree!)

Bull Fighting

You might think bullfighting sounds like something you “have” to do in Spain. It is a part of their culture and history, but it’s not like they show in the cartoons. It is bloody, messy, sport, and if you’re not prepared, it can be traumatizing. Be sure you know what you’re getting into before you decide to go. The same goes for Running of the Bulls in Pamplona; it’s not always pretty.

Singing Spaniards

People of Spain love to sing. What’s funny (or shocking) is when you’re in another country, like France or Italy and a group of Spaniards starts singing. It happens often when we’re traveling in Europe, especially at notable sites and events like the Spanish Steps or the Duomo in Florence.

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Remember, Spain is not just a singular entity. It’s a rich country with multiple cultures and languages. Just like the Southern US is different from the Northern US, the same goes for Spain. It’s also more than beaches and warm weather. There are some amazing surprises in store for anyone planning a trip to Spain!

Want more Mediterranean travel tips? Check out these blog posts:

Five Things You’ll Love and Hate About Ottawa Canada

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about visiting Ottawa, the capital city of Canada.

There’s a lot to love about visiting Ottawa, but there are also a few things you might not love when you visit Ottawa, Canada.

Love #1: Size of Ottawa

For a large capital city, Ottawa is surprisingly compact. All of the major attractions in Ottawa are easy to get to from the city center. The Museum of Civilization, The National Gallery of Canada, Parliament, and the Rideau Canal are all in close proximity, making it easy to see the best attractions in Ottawa in a short amount of time.

Hate #1: Ottawa Nightlife

It can get a bit dull in Ottawa after the sun goes down. There’s not much in terms of nightlife in Ottawa. The downtown area is actually the government center of the country, so it tends to be busier during the week than on the weekends. If you are looking for nightlife in Ottawa, you’ll need to ask around as it’s not plentiful.

Love #2: Byward Market

One of my favorite things to do in Ottawa Canada is to visit the Byward Market. It’s so much fun to just wander around and check out the restaurants and shops. You’ll find fruit stands, ice cream shops, souvenir shops, and so much more. We ended up spending a full day of our Ottawa trip just wandering around the market and chatting with locals.

Hate #2: Ottawa’s Appearance

If you visit Ottawa after visiting Toronto or Montreal, you may notice that Ottawa is not as “spruced up” as those other cities. They seem to draw more tourists, so they spend more money keeping the tourist areas nice and updated. There are many great things to see in Ottawa, but they could definitely use an injection of funds to clean things up a bit.

The little ones will love Ottawa in summer.

Love #3: Ottawa Museums

Because it’s the capital of Canada, Ottawa has some really great museums. The Museum of Civilization and the National Gallery of Canada are two excellent museums in Ottawa. The Canadian Museum of Nature is also fantastic. The Canadian War Museum is also worth visiting. For a city of less than one million people, the quality of museums in Ottawa is really surprising.

Hate #3: Parking and Driving in Ottawa

Like any major city, parking and driving in Ottawa can be a hassle. There are lots of one-way streets in the city center, so it can be confusing. Make sure you have your GPS running because it will save you a lot of time. Parking in Ottawa is sparse and expensive, so keep this in mind when planning your Ottawa trip.

Love #4: Natural Beauty in Ottawa

Although it’s a capital city, there is still plenty of nature that is easily accessible from Ottawa. The locals will tell you to go to Gatineau Park, which is the largest green space in the region at 360 square kilometers. Even in the winter, the park is full of locals ice skating and snowshoeing. It’s also a great spot for outdoor recreation in the summer.

Five Ways the USA & Canada Are Similar

Hate #4: Prices in Ottawa

Ottawa is expensive. They get a lot of government travelers and charge high rates for everything. Expect to pay “business class” prices for Ottawa hotels and restaurants. You can find good deals on food by heading out to some of the other neighborhoods, but you’ll need to ask around.

What to Eat in Canada

Love #5: Festivals & Locals

The culture is Ottawa really stands out thanks to the people who live there. There are always festivals going on to celebrate something, and it’s a great way to experience the local culture. The locals are all super friendly, and we’ve had great service when dining out at Ottawa restaurants. If you are looking for a fun destination with kids, Ottawa is a great choice. There are tons of family-friendly activities in Ottawa.

Hate #5: Ottawa Winters

If you find yourself visiting Ottawa in the winter, it’s going to be cold! If you are just in Ottawa for a few days, there are plenty of indoor things to do, such as the Ottawa museums. However, if you’re here for a longer time, you may find that the cold and dark days aren’t the best. We definitely recommend visiting Ottawa in the summertime, but be prepared if you must visit Ottawa in the winter. You may as well embrace it and get outside with the locals!

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With friendly locals and fun festivals, Ottawa is a great Canadian city to visit, especially if you are traveling with kids. It’s not the cheapest city or the cleanest city, but it’s a good manageable size with world-class museums. When you are planning a trip to Canada, I highly recommend visiting Ottawa. Interested in more Canadian travel tips? Check out these blog posts!

What to Know Before You Visit Slovenia

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about visiting Slovenia, a beautiful country nestled between Italy, Austria, and Croatia. Slovenia travel doesn’t get nearly as much attention as its neighboring countries, but it’s really worth visiting, even just for the natural beauty. For first-time visitors, there are some things you should know before visiting Slovenia.

Where is Slovenia?

Many people confuse Slovakia and Slovenia and often wonder where Slovenia is located. Slovenia is located just south of Austria. It shares borders with Austria, Hungary, Croatia, and Italy. There’s a small slice of Adriatic coastline, but it’s mostly a mountainous country. It’s a fairly small country, approximately the same size as Massachusetts. You can drive across Slovenia in about four hours. This makes it easy to explore the country on day trips from one base town. Ljubljana is a great choice for where to stay in Slovenia.

Things to Do in Slovenia

There are many cool things to do in Slovenia, and much of it is outdoors as Slovenia is a beautiful country with mountains, lakes, and beaches.

  • Ljubljana is the capital city and well worth exploring. You’ll see historic bridges and castles, as well as experience some of the local culture and cuisine.
  • Visit Postojna Cave, where you take a train deep into the mountain before embarking on a cave tour on foot. There are dozens of caves and tours in Slovenia; Postojna Cave is the second-longest cave in the country.
  • Visit Lake Bled, and take a boat tour out to the island in the middle of the lake. This is the picture postcard view that’s become a worldwide screen saver and famous photo. It’s great to see it in person!
  • Slovenia wine country is a great way to tour the country and sample local wines
  • Hiking in the summer or skiing in the winter

Where to Stay in Slovenia?

Slovenia has a wide range of accommodation to suit any kind of traveler. Ljubljana makes a great home base as you can easily access the rest of the country without moving hotels. However, it can be fun to stay in some of the smaller villages as well. You’ll find regular hotels, Airbnb’s, alpine resorts, bed-and-breakfast inns, and hostels.

Is Slovenia Safe?

Slovenia is very safe to visit. Our innkeeper mentioned she “heard of” a tourist getting their bag stolen once, so that tells you that petty crimes are a rare occurrence. We felt very safe during our trip to Slovenia. Of course, always use your usual travel smarts, but there’s not too much to worry about in terms of safety in Slovenia.

Getting Around Slovenia

It’s pretty easy to get to Slovenia. You can take the train or the bus from Italy or Austria, or take a bus from Croatia. There are lots of buses and trains to get around within Slovenia as well. However, this is a great country to explore by car. It’s simple to rent a car and take your own self-guided Slovenia tour. The roads are great so it’s an easy country to drive in.

Connectivity in Slovenia

Staying connected in Slovenia is not a problem. We had WiFi and/or cell coverage pretty much everywhere we went in Slovenia. There were a few areas in the mountains with spotty coverage, but overall, we had no trouble getting service in Slovenia.

Service in Slovenia

Slovenia is a well-educated country, and we had excellent service everywhere. They are happy to help you decide what to see or what to eat. Plan to tip around 10-15% when you are dining out in Slovenia.

Slovenian Cuisine

Fish is a very popular thing to eat in Slovenia. There are many rivers, and the ocean is not far away. You’ll also see a lot of grilled vegetables as well as steak and meat. You’ll notice an influence of Serbian and Croatian food in the cuisine here. You’ll also see Austrian and Italian food in Slovenia, and the wine is really good, too. However, desserts are the best part about eating out in Slovenia! They have some really good sweets to try, from layer cake to cream cake to pastries.

Shocks to Expect When You Visit Slovenia

Other Slovenia Travel Tips

A few other things to know before you visit Slovenia:

  • The currency in Slovenia is the Euro
  • Credit cards are widely accepted (mostly Visa and MasterCard)
  • Slovenian language is notoriously difficult, but many people speak English
  • Tap water in Slovenia is ok to drink

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I’ve been to Slovenia several times, with my family and as a solo traveler. It’s really a great country to visit, with beautiful scenery and fantastic food. As a smaller country, it’s easy to explore a variety of attractions. Want more travel tips for the Balkan region? Check out these blog posts:

klaipeda tourism

Things to Do in Klaipeda, Lithuania

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about Klaipeda, one of the coastal cities in Lithuania. I lived and worked here for quite a few years, so I thought I would share my favorite things to do in Klaipeda. If you’re planning a trip to Lithuania, I highly recommend you check out Klaipeda on the Baltic Sea.

Curonian Spit

Across the harbor from Klaipeda, there’s a spit of land, the Curonian Spit, that has several great beaches on the Baltic Sea. There are several ferries running from the mainland, as well as buses that run up and down the Spit if you choose to take a foot ferry.

  • You can take a foot ferry over to the town of Smiltynė and enjoy some of the beaches. This is also where you’ll find the Lithuanian Sea Museum, which has dolphins, seals, and other ocean animals found in this area.
  • Further down the Curonian Spit, you’ll find Juodkrantė, a seaside resort village. This is where you’ll find the Hill of Witches. Lithuania is famous for wood carvings, and the Hill of Witches is a forest full of wood carvings representing different myths and legends of Lithuania. Before you visit, buy the booklet that explains the carvings; it’s a lot more interesting that way.
  • Continuing along the Curonian Spit, you’ll come to the Dead Dunes. These are giant sand dunes that are continuously shifting and have even buried villages in their path. They are fun to visit and a great place for kids to burn off energy trying to climb the dunes.
  • Nida is the farthest you can travel on the Curonian Spit before you reach Russia. It’s a small town with some interesting museums and a view of Russia!

What to Know Before You Visit Lithuania

Palanga

This is another beach community that is north of Klaipeda, not far from the Latvia border. It’s a popular seaside town where the locals go to enjoy the Baltic Sea beaches. There’s lot of shops and restaurants for tourists to enjoy.

Klaipeda Old Town

While there aren’t a ton of things to see in Klaipeda, there is an Old Town area with a couple of squares and fountains to explore. However, Klaipeda is more of a “going out” town than a culture and sights town. There are some great restaurants and bars in Klaipeda. It’s also a great destination for families, as there are a lot of parks to visit. It’s not very touristy, so you can really relax and blend in with the locals as you enjoy the city. It’s also a nice base for exploring the coastal area of Lithuania.

Klaipeda Zoo

If you’re visiting Lithuania with kids, they actually have a great zoo in Klaipeda. We visited when they had baby lions and we were able to hang out with them and pet them. For a small town, the zoo is really well done.

Lithuanian Food

The food in Lithuania is really good and you should try as much of it as you can when you visit. Cepelinai is a popular dish; it’s a giant potato dumpling with a meatball inside, and you cover it with cream and bacon bits. Fried bread is also served often. Not only is the food good, but the prices are really great. You can eat well for cheap in Lithuania.

What NOT To Do in Lithuania

Getting to Klaipeda

It’s pretty easy getting to and from Klaipeda. You can take a bus to Riga in about five hours, and a bus to Tallinn in about four to five hours. You can even visit Kaliningrad from Klaipeda. There are also overnight ferries you can take to Germany. While there are a few trains, buses are usually the faster route, especially if you take the express bus. 

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As a port city and home to a university Klaipeda Lithuania is a bit more international, and you won’t have too much trouble finding English speakers. For a low key family vacation, we really enjoyed our time in Klaipeda. Looking for more tips on travel in the Baltic region? Check out these other blog posts:

What Not to Do When You Visit Mississippi

Posted on by Mark Wolters

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

Don’t Miss The Trails

Mississippi is rich in history, and there are a ton of trails to explore. Of course, there are hiking trails, but I’m talking about historic trails you can drive along. If you are driving through, this is where you’ll find the best things to see in Mississippi.

  • The Natchez Trail totals over 400 miles across Tennessee and Mississippi and is lined with historic homes.
  • The Mississippi Blues Trail traces the history of the blues with stops at several museums and historic homes of famous musicians.
  • On the Mississippi Freedom Trail, you can see some of the historic sites of the Freedom Movement in the state, including places like the Civil Rights Museum in Jackson.
  • For natural beauty, follow the Great River Road along the Mississippi River.

Don’t Skip the Small Towns

The small towns are what really make up Mississippi. They have a lot of pride in their communities, and it shows! Many historic homes and buildings have been beautifully restored. You really need to get off the main Interstate and explore some of the back roads. That’s when it really gets interesting.

Don’t Assume There’s No Culture in Mississippi

People make a lot of incorrect assumptions about the South, and this is one of them. There are actually many great cultural attractions in Mississippi. A few of the best cultural stops for your Mississippi trips include:

  • The Civil Rights Museum
  • The Mississippi Museum of Art
  • Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
  • Vicksburg National Military Park

There’s a lot you can learn in Mississippi!

Don’t Mess With the Wildlife

There are lots of critters in Mississippi, many of them with scales and you don’t want to mess with those. Especially if you are in the swampy parts of the state. There are poisonous snakes to look out for, as well as alligators. Be extra careful when you are around water, and don’t let your kids get too close to the water. You just don’t know what’s lurking around.

Don’t Be on a Diet

One of the best things to do in Mississippi is trying out the local cuisine. It’s good! Mississippi has fantastic Southern cuisine, as well as fresh seafood along the Gulf. The shrimp and grits are amazing, as well as the oysters. Be prepared to eat well and often! Of course, crawfish is a must in Mississippi. And it’s not cray-fish, it’s craw-fish. Make sure you don’t mispronounce it!

Simply Jocelyn Shares What to Eat in Mississippi

Don’t Be Confused by “Coke”

In many parts of Mississippi, Coke just means soda, not necessarily Coca-Cola. So a server may ask what kind of “coke” do you want? They might not even have Coke products. It’s just used as a synonym for pop. You might also see some people drinking actual Coke…with peanuts in it. That’s definitely a southern tradition.

Don’t Forget Your Manners

Part of Southern hospitality and culture is in the manners. If you want to blend in with the locals, it’s important to always remember your manners. You also may need some extra patience, thanks to the slow pace of everything. No matter how slow the service is, don’t forget your “please” and “thank yous.”

Don’t Be Afraid of the Locals

Along with that Southern hospitality comes Southern friendliness. The locals here are super friendly and typically more than willing to give you advice on things to do, and most especially, where to eat. And don’t worry about the accent; you’ll get used to it!

Best & Worst of Visiting the South

Don’t Think Mississippi is All The Same

Mississippi is surprisingly diverse. There are rolling hills with trees and woods, and then there are palm trees and beaches. Don’t forget the swamps! In order to really see Mississippi, you need to get out and explore all of the areas, not just the popular Mississippi vacation spots.

Don’t Forget to Bring Extra Cash

Some of the best food is found in the smaller mom-and-pop places and food trucks. We found that a lot of them still preferred cash over credit and debit cards. So, it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand just in case. I also noticed that American Express and Discover Card were not as widely accepted as MasterCard and Visa.

Don’t Be Shocked by Confederate Memorabilia

You’re in the south after all. You’re going to see some Confederate flags, statues, and memorabilia that aren’t necessarily PC in the rest of the country. This seems to be slowly changing, and every time I come back, I see less and less. But it’s definitely something you’ll likely see, which can be a shock the first time.

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Don’t let these “don’ts” keep you from planning a trip to Mississippi. It is surprisingly diverse in terms of landscape and natural beauty, not to mention packed with historic sites. Want more tips for traveling through the Southern US? Check out some of our other blog posts: