Mark Wolters – Page 24 – Wolters World

What NOT to Do on a Guys’ Trip

Posted on September 17, 2020September 14, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about guys’ trips. You know, those weekend getaways you take with your buddies every once in a while. Whether it’s for a bachelor party or celebrating milestone birthdays with your oldest buds, these are some things you should NOT do if you want to have the best guys’ trips.

Don’t Just Go to Vegas

Las Vegas is the most popular destination for a guys’ trip, but there are so many more options out there. Don’t limit yourself to the most popular destinations when brainstorming guys’ weekend ideas. We’ve done guys’ trips in New Orleans, Providence, Illinois and others. The truth is, these weekends are about catching up with old friends. Chances are, you’re going to have a good time no matter where you go!

Don’t Assume Everyone Has the Same Budget

Probably the hardest part of planning a guys’ weekend is budgeting. If you don’t discuss this ahead of time, it can cause some uncomfortable situations and ill will later in the trip. Some friends want to really go all out and enjoy an extravagant trip, while others maybe can’t afford that. It’s important to sort out the financials before your trip so that once you arrive, everyone can relax and have fun.

Don’t Assume Everyone Wants to Do the Same Thing

For some of your friends, this might be their one chance to travel all year, while others in the group may have already visited your destination a dozen times. Make sure you leave room in your plans to accommodate everyone, and know that it’s OK to split up a bit during the trip. Let the adrenaline junkies go bungee jumping, while others hang out at a bar and watch football. As with the budgeting, make sure you account for different tastes and activity levels.

Don’t Be Stuck in the Past

Sure, there’s going to be some reminiscing about old times on your trip, but make sure you are creating new stories, too. It’s fun to rehash old memories, but if that’s all you do, you’ll eventually run out of things to talk about. Creating new memories and stories for future trips is also important!

Don’t Forget to Bring Cash

Even though nearly every establishment accepts credit cards, it’s always helpful to have cash with you. Especially when you’re traveling with friends and splitting up the bill. If you’ve ever waited tables, you’ll know what I mean. Running a tab across six credit cards is a lot more difficult than everyone just throwing in some cash. It’s faster, too, so you can be on to the next spot.

advice on traveling with friends — Amsterdam, St. Louis, Lithuania… friend trips can be anywhere!

Don’t Forget to Bring a Deck of Cards

A deck of cards is always a good thing to have on hand. Cards are a great way to get over a lull in the conversation and get everyone involved in the conversation. You’d be surprised at how easily guys will open up over a game of cards, and they’re a great tension reliever, too.

Six Things To Always Bring Traveling

Don’t Get Arrested!

Some guys see a guys’ weekend as a chance to let loose away from family and responsibilities. That’s fine, unless it’s taken too far. You know your friends pretty well, so make sure everyone is looking out for each other and keeping each other in check. You can still have a lot of fun without crossing the line and getting into trouble.

Most Common Reason Tourists Get Arrested

Don’t Assume Word Won’t Get Out

Don’t do anything on a guys’ trip that you wouldn’t want anyone else to find out about. Chances are, the guys you are traveling with have spouses, significant others, or siblings who will get all the dirty details of your trip. If you expect them to keep some secrets, think again. And if your spouses are all friends with each other, don’t do anything you don’t want your spouse finding out about!

Don’t Feel You Have to Invite Everyone

A guys’ trip is supposed to be fun. Everybody has that one friend who likes to get in fights or can’t hold their alcohol. Or the guy who brings politics into every conversation. You don’t have to invite those guys. Especially if their actions tend to put you at risk. If you have a friend starting fights, there’s a good chance you can get swept up in it and get hurt or arrested just for being nearby.

Don’t Forget to Make Reservations

Obviously, you’ll need hotel reservations for your guys’ trip. But depending on the size of your group, you’re probably going to need dinner reservations as well. This will help structure your days a bit and will save you from running all over town trying to find a place that can accommodate your group. You might just have one nice dinner out and spend the rest of the weekend eating street food, but make sure you have a reservation for your dinner. Same goes for brunch, too!

Don’t Scrimp on Space

Sure, your guys trips probably started when you were 18 and you could cram 6 guys into one hotel room. Someone inevitably slept on the floor or in an armchair. Those days are gone. Make sure everyone has a place to sleep when you are on a guys’ trip. If you’re staying in a hotel, get multiple rooms so you can all spread out. House rentals work really well for friends trips, too.

Don’t Wing It!

Having a central location with all of your information is super helpful. There are trip planning apps, or even a simple Google doc will really help coordinate. Knowing everyone’s flight arrivals can help coordinate transportation and save some money if you know when others are arriving.

Don’t Be Afraid of Alone Time

This is especially true if you are on a longer trip with your friends. You may need some alone time, and that’s OK. It’s still YOUR vacation, so you want to come home refreshed and recharged. Maybe that means going for a run or hitting the gym every morning. Maybe you have work to do and need to sneak away with your laptop for a few hours.

Don’t Think You Don’t Need a Guys’ Trip

I travel a LOT, so it can be easy to think I don’t need a guys’ trip because I’m always getting away. As much as I love traveling with Jocelyn and the kids, I still need those guys’ trips where I’m able to reconnect with old friends. The older you get, the harder it can be to fit these trips in, but that’s why they are so important.

Don’t Forget to Call Home

Your spouse or significant other is probably going to take on some extra responsibilities while you’re gone, especially if you have kids. So, don’t forget to call home and check in during your trip. And make sure you reciprocate when they want to go on a trip with their friends.

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

I hope this helps you start planning a trip with your guy friends, and makes those trips run smoothly so you’ll want to keep taking them for years to come. Looking for more travel tips? Check out some of our other blog posts:

Best Scandinavian Cities and Baltic Capitals to Visit

Posted on September 16, 2020September 14, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about Northern Europe, which includes Scandinavia and the Baltics region. Europe is such a vast and diverse destination, and there are thousands of cool places to visit. I lived in Lithuania for over three years, and in Finland for a year, so I’ve spent a lot of time in this region. To help you build out a northern Europe itinerary, I’m going to help you narrow down some of my favorite Scandinavian cities and Baltic capitals to visit.

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is a great city and one of my favorite places to visit in Northern Europe. The city is made up of an archipelago, so there are different islands that form neighborhoods. It’s really a fun city to wander around. Stockholm has great restaurants and a busy nightlife scene. Just make sure you dress the part if you want to get into the nightclubs. Besides wandering around Old Town, some of my favorite things to do in Stockholm include:

Take a boat tour to see Stockholm from the water. There are cruises, water taxis, and hop-on-hop-off tours available.
Visit the Vasa Ship Museum. It’s an old ship that sank in the harbor and it’s been restored at the museum. In the same area, you can also check out the ABBA museum.
Visit the Nobel Museum, home of Alfred Nobel and the world-famous Nobel prize
See the collection at the National Museum of Art
Visit the Photography Museum (eat at the restaurant on the top floor for great views of Stockholm!)
Visit the Museum of Modern Art. See why Sweden is the capital of modernity!
See the Royal Palaces, as Stockholm is the home of Swedish royalty. There are some good museums in the palaces.
Tour City Hall, which also happens to be where the Nobel Prize is awarded each year
Go to the Stockholm Cathedral and see the statue of St. George slaying the dragon
Go to Skansen Open Air Zoo and Museum. It’s open year-round, but summer is really a fun time to visit and they have interpreters
Another great place to learn about Swedish culture and history is the Nordiska museum. While I prefer Skansen, Nordiska is better if you are visiting during colder weather
Head south of town to the Royal Game Park (Kungliga Djurgårdens,) where the locals go to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Oslo, Norway

Oslo is one of the friendliest cities we’ve ever been to, and the architecture is really fantastic. Oslo is often the gateway for travelers who are visiting the fjords of Norway, but I do recommend spending a few days in the capital city as there is a lot to see and do!

Visit the Viking Ship Museum, which contains three restored long-boats. It’s my favorite museum in Norway.
Go to the Norwegian Folk Museum, an outdoor living history museum where you can learn about the last 200 years of Norwegian history
Visit the National Gallery, where you can see “The Scream” by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. There’s also an entire Munch Museum, where you can see more of his work.
Go to the Akershus Fortress, to see well-preserved history of Norway
See the City Hall, Cathedral, and the Opera House which is a really cool modern building.
Visit the Freedom Center, Fram Museum, and Kon-Tiki Museum. These niche museums show a fun aspect of Norwegian history.
Try some classic Norwegian dishes, including reindeer, elk, and salmon. For dessert, try a Kvikk Lunsj, which is a Norwegian version of the Kit-Kat. For a budget-friendly meal, try the Norwegian hot dog.
Walk Karl Johans gate from the Palace to the Station. This is the main shopping street of Oslo, as well as a nightlife hub.
Go to Holmenkollbakken, the oldest ski jump of its kind in the world. There’s also a museum of ski jumping on site.

Norway is very expensive, so look into getting the Oslo Pass that includes transportation and entry to several of the best Oslo attractions.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn has a very small, but very cool, Old Town area. The entire Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a great town to just wander around and enjoy the sights and the views. Tallinn also has a really great nightlife scene; one of the best on this list.

Check out several Tallinn museums, including the KGB Museum, the Museum of Occupation, and the Estonian History Museum.
Old Hansa is one of my favorite restaurants in Northern Europe, I highly recommend eating here when you visit Tallinn.

See the Baltic Capitals in this Ten-Day Itinerary

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is another great city in Scandinavia. There are tons of fun things to do in Copenhagen.

Tivoli Gardens is the world’s oldest amusement park
Drinking a beer and people watching at Nyhavn is my favorite thing to do
See the Little Mermaid statue in the harbor
Visit the Royal Palaces

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Visiting Copenhagen

Riga travel — Mom and I in Riga back in the day.

Vilnius, Lithuania

I worked in Lithuania for several years, so I have some great memories here. It’s also one of the more affordable cities on this list. The best thing to do in Vilnius is just to wander around. I say that for many cities, but getting lost amongst the winding streets and alleys is the best way to see a new city. You’ll see lots of cool architecture, find neat cafes and bars. I have lots of tips and recommendations for Vilnius, but these are my top recommendations for anyone visiting Vilnius.

Visit Castle Hill, which is where most of the Vilnius sites are located. This includes the Cathedral, Cathedral Square, and the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. You can climb the cathedral tower for great views of the city.
Take a day trip to Trakai, the summer palace of the Dukes. The castle is cool, but it’s also in a beautiful park surrounded by a lake, so it’s a great day spent in nature. You can rent paddleboats and paddleboards, or enjoy the beaches.
Explore Pilies Street, which is the main street lined with restaurants and bars
Visit St. Anne’s Church, one of the cutest churches in Northern Europe

Helsinki, Finland

Finland’s capital city is another great town to visit in Scandinavia. Whether you visit Finland and explore the various areas, or you visit Helsinki on the ferry from Tallinn or Stockholm, there are some great things to see and do in Helsinki.

Visit Luther Cathedral and Uspenski Cathedral
Wander around Kauppatori Square (Market Square)
Take in the Harbor on a harbor cruise
Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art
Try a Hesburger, my favorite fast-food joint in Finland

Riga, Latvia

Riga is kind of like a Baltics version of Las Vegas. Riga is known for casinos and nightlife, and with low prices, it’s become a popular weekend destination in Northern Europe. There is a lot more to see in Riga besides cheap drinks, cool clubs, and casinos!

Admire the various architectural styles. Riga has 14th-century ornate architecture like the House of the Black Heads and early 20th-century Art Nouveau architecture.
See the remaining city walls at the Swedish gates
Explore Riga museums, including the Occupation Museum, which details the Nazi and Soviet occupations of Latvia. There are a lot of great museums in and around Riga.
Climb the tower at St. Peter’s Church
Eat at LIDO. It’s kind of a cheesy buffet, but it’s a great way to sample different Latvian dishes
Try Rigas Balzams, a black liquor that is featured in many mixed drinks.
Visit in the summer if you can. Even then, it’s not terribly warm, but the winters in Riga are bitter cold!

Riga is another affordable city on this list. There are many hotels, but you can also get an apartment rental for a great price, and staying in a private home is the perfect way to experience Latvian culture.

baltic and scandinavia travel tips — Hanging out in Lithuania.

Bergen, Norway

For the best scenery in Northern Europe, you should visit Bergen, Norway. This is the best place to visit if you want to see the famous fjords of Norway. In addition to being a gateway for scenic tours, Bergen is also a university town. There’s a great fish market and the wharf is fun to explore, but most people visit Bergen for the outdoor adventures to be had.

Lapland

Lapland is the area near the Arctic Circle and it encompasses parts of Norway, Sweden, and Finland. This is one of the best places to view the Northern Lights. The area is very remote, but it is spectacular. In winter, travelers come here for adventure tours like dog-sledding and sleeping in igloo hotels.

St. Petersburg, Russia

While technically not in the Baltics or Scandinavia, St. Petersburg is so close and it’s an awesome city to check out. You can take a ferry to St. Petersburg and if you visit as part of a cruise, you can get around some the laborious Russian visa process. Some of the best things to see in St. Petersburg include:

Hermitage / Winter Palace
Peter and Paul Fortress
Palace Square
St Isaac’s Cathedral
St. Petersburg has several interesting museums to explore as well

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

There are so many more Scandinavian cities worth visiting, but we’ll leave some to be discovered by surprise. I think these are some of the best places to visit in Scandinavia and the Baltics, and I think you’ll enjoy them if you decide to plan a trip to this region. Looking for more tips on travel in Northern Europe? Check out these other blog posts:

The Best Day Trips from Lisbon

Posted on September 15, 2020September 14, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about the best day trips from Lisbon, Portugal. Lisbon is one of the top cities in Europe, and well worth visiting. It also makes a great base for some incredible day trips. If you are going to stay in Lisbon for a while, make time for some of these Lisbon day trips.

Sintra

Just 30-45 minutes from Lisbon by train, Sintra is the top day trip from Lisbon that I recommend. Think of Sintra as the “Versailles of Portugal.” The best things to see in Sintra include:

Visit the Palacio da Pena, which sits on a hill overlooking Sintra. This 19th century palace is painted in many colors, and looks like something out of Disney World.
In the National Palace, see collections of art and historic artifacts inside the best-preserved medieval palace in Portugal.
Visit the ruins of the Moorish castle, or Castelo dos Mouros.
Tip: if you are traveling with two or more people, it’s more economical to take a taxi up to the palaces rather than the bus, which can be expensive.
Visit the Toy Museum, which has toys going back hundreds of years.
Go hiking or biking at the Sintra-Cascais National Park
Visit the gardens at Quinta da Regaleira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
See how the monks lived at Convento Capucho
Visit the Sintra Modern Art Museum
Try Queijadas, a local pastry treat

There are trains from Lisbon to Sintra every 20-30 minutes during the week. Many people commute to Lisbon from Sintra, so it’s easy to travel back and forth.

Six Rules for European Train Travel

Cabo da Roca

This cape is the westernmost point of continental Europe and offers a dramatic landscape of rugged cliffs dropping off into the ocean. It’s not far from Sintra, so you can combine both into a single day trip from Lisbon.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Visiting Lisbon

Cascais

For a beach getaway near Lisbon, Cascais is the best choice. It’s easy to reach from Sintra or Lisbon. The laid back atmosphere and affordable prices have led to Cascais becoming a popular spot for retirees.

Estoril

Estoril is just one train stop from Cascais, and you can even walk between the two. Estoril has some big casinos and is best known for a major tennis tournament each summer.

Obidos

About 90 minutes north of Lisbon, you’ll find the medieval town of Obidos, one of my favorite towns in Iberia. Obidos is an old walled city, and the best thing to do is just to wander the streets and take in the atmosphere. You won’t see as many international tourists here, so you’ll get to experience small-town Portugal. Other things to do in Obidos include:

Drink Ginga from a chocolate cup. It’s a sour cherry drink, served in a chocolate cup.
Walk the city walls for spectacular views of the surrounding area
Visit Obidos during a festival. They have a ton of festivals in Obidos, so try to time your visit to coincide with one of them. My favorite is the Medieval festival each summer.
Tour the churches of Obidos, including the Church of Santa Maria, where a 9-year-old king was once married to a 7-year-old bride.
The area around Obidos is great for outdoor adventures including hiking and cycling.

Tomar

About 90 minutes from Lisbon, the city of Tomar is one of my favorite cities in Portugal. There’s a really cool pedestrianized Old Town area with many restaurants overlooking the river. Tomar is best known for the UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Convento de Christo. Once the seat of the Knights Templar, the chapel is one of the most stunning in all of Europe.

Visit the John the Baptist church in the Plaza Republica
Attend the Festa dos Tabuleiros, which happens once every four years
See the world’s largest collection of matches at the Museum of Matches

Santarem

On the same train line as Tomar, Santarem is about one hour from Lisbon. This is a good place to experience “inland Portugal.” There are some really nice squares in Santarem, and we’ve gotten some good souvenirs here. It’s a nice stop on your way back to Lisbon from Tomar.

easy day trips from lisbon — Day trips just add to Lisbon’s wonder.

Setubal

Traveling South from Lisbon, Setubal is about 90 minutes by train. They are most famous for a dish called “Choco.” It’s not chocolate, it’s cuttlefish. Choco Frito is a popular dish you have to try in Setubal. There’s also a large nature reserve here, and it’s a good place to spot dolphins.

Evora

About two hours east of Lisbon by train, the city of Evora may actually be a better weekend getaway from Lisbon. There are so many great things to see in Evora that it’s worth more than a day trip. Some of my favorite things in Evora include:

See the Roman temple, which is really well-preserved because it was used in the Middle Ages as the foundation for a home and it wasn’t re-discovered until many years later in the 19th century.
The cathedral here was built in 1186, the cloisters are well worth checking out
Visit the Museum of Evora, which houses Flemish paintings, Ecclesiastical furnishings, Roman statues and more.
See the Chapel of Bones, where the bones of more than 5,000 people were used to build a chapel. It’s truly a macabre attraction, but it’s so interesting, you have to see it.
Hang out in Giraldo Square. This is where you’ll find the tourism office, and many cafes and restaurants. It’s an important part of Evora history, and a popular place for tourists to visit.

Fatima, Alcobaca, and Batalha

Our last Lisbon day trip is actually three destinations in one. If you opt for a tour from Lisbon, most of them will combine these three places. Batalha is an unfinished church, while Alcobaca is a monastery that you can tour. The real highlight of this day trip is Fatima, where the Virgin Mary appeared before three children in 1917. Fatima is a very important religious pilgrimage site, and the three children who saw the Virgin Mary are now buried in the Basilica here. Each May and October, millions come to celebrate the apparitions

There are hourly buses to reach Fatima from Lisbon, so it’s a great Lisbon day trip. Make sure you take the bus and not the train, as the train station in Fatima is not conveniently located to the sites.

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

While living in Lisbon for five years, these day trips from Lisbon became my favorite excursions. I recommend these Lisbon days trips to anyone visiting Lisbon. Looking for more tips on travel in Portugal? Check out these other blog posts:

Best Places to Visit in Northern Italy

Posted on September 14, 2020September 14, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about Northern Italy travel and the best places to visit in Northern Italy. Italy is such an amazing country, and there are thousands of cool places to visit. To help you build out an Italy itinerary, I’m going to help you narrow down some of my favorite North Italy cities and towns.

Venice

Venice is one of the most-visited cities in Italy, for good reason! With the canals and bridges, it’s unlike any other city in Italy. Or Europe for that matter! You cannot visit Northern Italy without stopping in Venice. Here is my list of top ten things to see in Venice:

Wander the streets and canals of Venice. Get lost!
Visit Piazza San Marco, the Basilica San Marco and climb the bell tower.
Visit the Ducal Palace
Walk across the Rialto Bridge over the Grand Canal
Take a gondola ride, or opt for a more budget-friendly Vaporetto ride
View the art collection at Gallerie del Accademia
Take in the contemporary art collection at the Peggy Guggenheim Museum
Take a day trip to Murano to see the glassmakers in action
Visit the St. John & St. Paul Church and the surrounding piazza
Attend the Carnival festivities in the Spring.

11 Things You Should NOT Do in Venice

Cinque Terre

Along the rugged coastline of the Italian Riviera, there are five small towns nestled between steep cliffs and rocks. The villages have colorful buildings perched above the sea, and you can hike between them. Every step you take is like walking into a postcard.

northern italy itinerary — Liam has been visiting Northern Italy since he was a wee lad.

Lake Como

This is where the rich and famous people vacation. George Clooney has a residence here, for example. You don’t have to be rich to visit Lake Como, though. There are plenty of outdoor activities in and around the lake. It’s the perfect spot for an active or relaxing vacation.

Bolzano (Bozen)

In the Tyrol region near the Austrian border, Bolzano is another great town in Northern Italy. They have a fantastic archeological museum which houses the famous “iceman” that was found in this region in the 1990s. The town has a distinct Austrian feel, so you get to experience a new culture here.

Verona

Located in Veneto, Verona is halfway between Milan and Venice. It’s a great place to visit a smaller town in Northern Italy, with some worthwhile sights. It also happens to be on the train route from Munich to Rome, so it’s a great place to stop off. Some of our favorite things to do in Verona include the following:

See Juliette’s Balcony (from Romeo & Juliet)
Visit the Arena; an original Roman arena that’s still used for concerts today
Go to Piazza delle Erbe, the main square of Verona
Visit the Castelvecchio and get a family photo on the bridge
Try “Cavalo,” better known as horse meat
Go to Basilica di San Zeno and the Cathedral
Go to the Piazza dei Signori
Hike up to the San Pietro Castle for great views of the city

Dolomites

The Dolomites are a large mountain range in Northern Italy. The dramatic peaks offer hiking opportunities for every level, from a family day hike to mountain climbers scaling the peaks. This area was very important during WWI, so there are also many monuments in the region.

Bergamo

Located in the foothills of the Italian Alps, Bergamo is widely known as a city of culture and wealth. The city is full of museums, so a visit to Bergamo is a great educational experience.

Trento

Another city near the mountains is Trento. The castle here is pretty famous, and it’s also known for the frescoes painted on the buildings in town. If you like public art, Trento is a great place to visit. Trento is also a great place to stay for exploring the Dolomites.

Torino

Also known as Turin, this city is famous for housing the Shroud of Turin, which many believe is the cloth Jesus was wrapped in after the crucifixion. The city also hosted the Winter Olympics in 2006, so it’s a popular winter sports destination.

engaged in italy — the two on the left are from when we got engaged. On the right is Milano.

Genoa

Also called Genova, Genoa is a coastal city just a few hours from Monaco. It’s an important port city and is the hometown of Christopher Columbus. They also have one of the largest aquariums in Europe. Pesto originated here, so you definitely want to try some here.

Milan

Milan is not one of our favorite towns in Northern Italy, but it’s typically where you will fly in and out for this trip. As the fashion capital of the world, there are some worthwhile things to see in Milan. Here are my top things to see and do in Milan:

The Duomo. A stunning building with beautiful stained glass and you can go up to the roof and walk around!
Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II is a shopping mall with amazing architecture
La Scala Opera House, one of the most famous opera houses in the world
See the original painting of the Last Supper (you have to make a reservation!)
Visit Castello Sforzesco and the museums within
Visit St. Maurizio’s Church
Eat a Panzerotti at Luini’s; it’s so good!
Visit the Gold District for shopping (or window shopping!)
Visit the Science & Technology Museum; even kids will love this one!
Visit the Poldi Pezzoli Museum, an expansive art collection organized by time period
Visit the Museo del Novecento, the 20th Century Art Museum for modern art

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Visiting Milan, Italy

Padua

Also known as Padova, this town is located halfway between Vicenza and Venice. Padua has one of the most cool-looking basilicas, dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua. There are also some beautiful frescoes around town, particularly at the Scrovegni Chapel near the train station.

Bassano del Grappa

This Northern Italian town is the home of grappa, a very strong grape liquor. Bassano del Grappa has some beautiful squares and is also famous for the 13th-century wooden bridge, Ponte Vecchio. It’s only an hour from Vicenza by bus, but I like to spend the night in Bassano as it’s a very quiet town. Some of my favorite things to see in Bassano del Grappa include:

Check out the Ponte Vecchio, the most famous bridge in town
Sample the local grappa in a small shop at the end of the bridge
Visit Piazza Liberta and Piazza Garibaldi
Visit the Museum of the Alps

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

There are so many more North Italy cities worth visiting, but we’ll leave some to be discovered by surprise. I think these are some of the best places to visit in Northern Italy, and I think you’ll enjoy them if you decide to plan a trip to this region. Looking for more tips on travel in Italy? Check out these other blog posts:

Best Canadian Food To Eat in Canada!

Posted on July 31, 2020July 21, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow foodie travelers! Today, we’re in Canda, talking about food! There are so many cool things to do in Canada, and all that sightseeing will definitely help you work up an appetite. If you want to experience traditional Canadian food, there are some really great Canadian foods that we recommend trying. It’s not just maple syrup; Canada has some really tasty treats!

Poutine

When people think of Canadian cuisine, poutine is often the first thing that comes to mind. If you’re going out for beers with friends, or are looking for a quick appetizer or snack, it doesn’t get any tastier than Canadian poutine. Originally from the Quebec province, you can get poutine all over Canada. What is poutine? It’s a bowl of French Fries with cheese curds, covered in gravy. It sounds weird, but it’s amazing! In most places, you can add other toppings like pulled pork or steak. Poutine is “hands-down” the best snack food in Canada! Be sure to pair it with a local beer.

Tim Horton’s

If you are driving across Canada, you will inevitably stop at a Tim Horton’s along the way. This magnificent chain is unique to Canada. Imagine if you combined a Starbucks, Dunkin, and a Subway, and that’s what Tim Horton’s is. They have great sandwiches and donuts, which is why they are everywhere in Canada!

What NOT to Do in Canada

Seafood

Yes, Canada is a huge country with coasts and plains, but there is some really great seafood in Canada. Seafood is a major ingredient in Canadian cuisine. Along the coasts, you’ll get fresh ocean fish, and in central Canada, rivers and lakes produce really tasty fish as well. No matter where you are in Canada, you will find good seafood or fish. Salmon, halibut, fish-n-chips, PEI mussels, chowder, oysters, and trout are just some of the seafood options you’ll find in Canada.

eat in canada — Eat well! Don’t worry, you will.

Canadian Sweets

Canadians love their sweet treats. When it comes to Canadian sweets, you have to try salmon candy. It sounds weird, but it’s really tasty. It’s smoked salmon bits glazed and candied in maple syrup. On the west coast, they also have what’s called a Nanaimo bar, which is like a seven-layer bar. Another Canadian classic is the Beaver Tail, which is fried dough dusted with cinnamon and sugar. You might also want to compare American brands with Canadian brands. For example, Kit Kats are different in Canada than in the US. It’s fun to do a taste test of the same product between the two countries.

Maple Syrup

This is probably the first thing people think of when it comes to Canadian food. It is everywhere and you’ll find maple flavoring in everything from chewing gum to pizza. Canadian maple syrup also makes a great souvenir to bring home. If you visit Canada in the winter, you have to try maple syrup snow candy, which is made by freezing the syrup on a stick and rolling it in snow.

Ten Things That Will Shock You in Canada

Canadian Snacks

In addition to unique candies, there are some great snacks to try in Canada. You’ll find unique items like ketchup chips in a bag. There are some really great smoked meats in Canada, too. Back bacon is a good one too. Also known as Canadian bacon, it’s a tasty snack or breakfast item.

Caesar Cocktail

Canadians love their cocktails. Canadian beer is really popular, but if you don’t like beer, you’ll find plenty of mixed drinks to enjoy. A Caesar Cocktail in Canada is their version of a Bloody Mary with clam juice. Like a Bloody Mary, a Caesar Cocktail is often enjoyed the morning after a big night out.

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Canada has some really fun and tasty food and trying new food is always a part of our family travels. While travel in Canada can be expensive, some of the best Canadian food is cheap street food and snacks. You can eat really well in Canada, without breaking the bank. Looking for more tips on travel in Canada? Check out some of these other blog posts!

Two Week Scotland Itinerary for a First Time Visitor

Posted on July 30, 2020July 21, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about how to build a travel itinerary for Scotland. Sometimes the most difficult part of travel is deciding where to go and building out a travel itinerary. There are so many cool places to visit in Scotland that it can be hard to narrow them down. This Scotland travel itinerary covers a two-week trip, so you can increase or decrease accordingly, depending on how much time you have to spend in Scotland.

Edinburgh

It’s best to start your Scotland itinerary in Edinburgh. The capital city is a great place to begin your trip and learn about the history of Scotland. Edinburgh is loaded with historical sites that are concentrated in the old town center. It’s a very walkable city, too. Some highlights of Edinburgh include:

Edinburgh Castle
Holyrood House
Walk the Royal Mile
The Museum of Childhood
National Gallery
National Museum of Scotland
Shopping on Princes Street
Hike up Arthur’s Seat

Stirling

Once you’ve brushed up on Scottish history in Edinburgh, I suggest going to Stirling, which is about an hour away. You can spend one night there and cover the highlights in a day, or you can even visit on a day trip from Edinburgh. Some things to do in Stirling include:

Stirling Castle
William Wallace Memorial
Church of the Holyrood
Stirling Smith Art Gallery

Fort William

Continuing on, Fort William is about two hours from Stirling and is a nice base for some outdoor activities in Scotland. Located near Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, there are many places to hike and explore waterfalls and lochs near Fort William. There are many cool small towns to choose from in Scotland; we like Fort William because of the access to everything nearby.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Scotland

Isle of Skye

After another two-hour drive, you arrive at the Isle of Skye, one of the most beautiful places in Scotland. Make sure you stop at the Eilean Donan Castle on the way! If you are looking for wild and natural beauty, the Isle of Skye is the place for you! Finding accommodation on the Isle of Skye can be difficult, so we often stay in nearby Plockton. There are a lot of cool sites on the Isle of Skye. Some of our favorites are:

Kilt Rock
The Old Man of Storr

Mistakes to Avoid When You Visit Scotland

Inverness

From Skye, we head to Inverness. Along the way, be sure to stop at Loch Ness to learn the history of the Loch Ness Monster. Our boys really loved our stop at Urquhart Castle, too. Inverness is the de facto capital of the Northern Highlands, which is another beautiful region of Scotland. Black Isle is another great place to see nearby. We recommend spending a few days of your Scotland itinerary in the Scottish Highlands before continuing on.

edinburgh airport — Scotland is so much fun even the kids get along.

Aberdeen

From the Highlands, we head back East to Aberdeen. Along the way from Inverness to Aberdeen, there are several castles and ruins to check out. Aberdeen is known as “the Granite City” due to all of the granite buildings and monuments. Scotland’s third-largest city is an important shipping and fishing hub, so there is a lot of maritime history here as well.

Shetland Islands

From Aberdeen, we recommend flying to the Shetland Islands. This archipelago off the northern coast of Scotland has a lot of historic sites from the Iron Age and Bronze Age. Within the Shetland Islands, you can take ferries around to explore the various islands. The Orkney Islands are another popular destination in this region.

Glasgow

From the islands, I recommend flying back to Glasgow to wrap up your Scotland travel itinerary. While Glasgow is a more industrial city than Edinburgh, there are still many cool things to see, in addition to a growing foodie scene. Glasgow has really been undergoing a cultural revolution over the last decade or so.

Kelvin Grove Art Gallery
Botanical Gardens
Glasgow Street Art

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While I do recommend spending as much time in Scotland as you can, realistically most of us have limited vacation time. This Scotland itinerary is meant to help you enjoy a two-week trip to the region, getting to know some of my favorite places. Even if you can only spend one week in Scotland, it’s well worth the journey! Looking for more tips on travel in the UK? Check out these other blog posts:

Visiting Japan with Kids

Posted on July 29, 2020July 21, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about traveling to Japan with kids. We visited Tokyo with our two boys, and we have some tips for other parents who may be interested in a family trip to Japan.

Japan is Very Safe

One of the reasons that Japan is a great family destination is that it’s very safe. If your kids are a bit older, you can easily give them a bit more freedom than you might in other cities, and they don’t always have to be right by your side. Even when walking near traffic, it’s not like other countries in Asia. The drivers in Japan are very orderly, and pedestrians have the right-of-way. The biggest concern is probably the bicycles, so just make sure your kids are aware of bikes and listening for the bells to get out of the way.

18 Things That Will Shock You in Japan

Japan is Very Quiet

Japanese culture is very quiet; you won’t hear much talking on trains or in public. This can be hard for kids, especially if you’re on a long Metro journey. Talking quietly is ok, but we all know how hard that can be for children. If you know any silent games that can occupy them, it will help pass the time on public transportation.

25 Don’ts of Traveling in Japan

Japan is Very Clean

Another thing we loved about Japan is the cleanliness. As a mom, sending boys into a public bathroom can be a gross experience sometimes, but not in Japan. Bathrooms are typically spotless, and so are the streets. It’s rare to see trash on the streets in Japan. It’s astounding that a city of 35 million people can be so clean! That said, it’s not easy to find trash cans, so if your kids snack a lot, make sure you have a Ziploc bag to gather all of your trash until you can find a bin.

Expect a Lot of Walking

A lot of the sites in Japan are spread out, and you will do a lot of walking during your trip. Of course, there is public transportation, but you’ll still be walking a lot. So, it’s important to have comfortable shoes for you and your kids. Many places in Japan request that you remove your shoes before entering, so it’s best to have slip-on shoes for your kids that they can easily take off and put back on throughout the day.

Plan Downtime for Play

Although Japan is very clean and orderly, most of the cities are still huge with massive amounts of people. Touring sites can be exhausting, so it’s important to let your kids run a bit each day. It’s pretty easy to find a local park where they can run and play and burn off some energy. This is really important no matter where you are traveling, but especially in huge cities like those in Japan.

Balance the Temples and Shrines

The temples and shrines of Japan are really cool, and even the kids enjoyed them. However, like castles and churches in Europe, you really have to balance out your activities to avoid “temple burnout.” Even adults can get burned out, so imagine how the kids feel. This is why it’s important to allow time to run and play and incorporate some sights of their choosing as well. Japan has amazing toy stores! We also found a really cool drum museum in Tokyo that the kids loved.

Explore Pop Culture

In addition to ancient shrines and temples, Japan has a lot of cool Manga and pop culture attractions that the kids will love. Cartoons and anime are everywhere in Japan, and the kids will love it. Along with the huge toy stores, there’s a lot to keep the kids entertained.

Eating in Japan with Kids

If you have a picky eater, traveling in Japan will be a challenge. You may want to try introducing some foods before you leave, like rice or noodles. You may also end up relying on the convenience stores in Japan, where they have lots of great options for snacks and food. They are way more elaborate than convenience stores anywhere else in the world.

If you have food allergies, have someone write them out on a piece of paper in Japanese!

Visit the Amusement Parks

Tokyo has a few amusement parks nearby. Our kids were so happy we planned a kid-centric day at the amusement parks. There’s a Universal, Tokyo Disney, and Joypolis. There are also several zoos in the area, so it’s really easy to plan a kid-centric day that they’ll enjoy. The lines can be super long, so if you can visit during the week, that is better than visiting on the weekends when all the locals are also out.

Japanese Hotels with Kids

Hotel rooms in Japan are quite small; depending on the size of your family, you may need to get more than one room. For a family of four, you will typically need to get two rooms or consider staying at a Ryokan. A Ryokan is a traditional Japanese guest house, and you’ll typically have futon mats on the ground. Don’t expect typical Western-style hotel rooms in Japan. In Kyoto, we actually rented an apartment, which is always a great option when traveling as a family.

Pharmacies in Japan

Pharmacies are readily available in Japan, and you can easily get diapers, baby food, over-the-counter medications, and other things you might need. However, if you need a prescription filled in Japan, you need to have your prescription with you, especially for things like pain killers, which are highly controlled.

Japan is Expensive

Traveling in Japan is quite expensive, but you can get discounts for children. Plan to spend a bit more on hotels and dining out than you would on a usual family vacation. Many places have reduced fares or free admission for kids under a certain age, so that helps balance out the budget. Most of the shrines and temples you visit are free, so that also helps.

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I hope this helps you feel more confident about planning a family trip to Japan. It’s really a wonderful place to bring your kids as they can experience a vastly different culture in a very safe destination. International travel with kids can seem overwhelming if you’ve never done it, but we’ve had so many unique family vacations. Not only are you teaching your kids how to be good travelers and global citizens, but you’ll create an incredible family bond through travel experiences. For more tips on family travel, check out some of our other blog posts:

Nicaragua Food You Must Try!

Posted on July 28, 2020July 21, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow foodie travelers! Today, we’re in Nicaragua, talking about food! There are so many cool things to do in Nicaragua, and all that sightseeing will definitely help you work up an appetite. If you want to experience traditional Nicaraguan food, there are some really good food in Nicaragua that we recommend trying. Remember, this is Central America, so that means every meal will likely feature beans and rice, aka Gallo pinto. Even breakfast!

Seafood

If you are visiting Nicaragua beaches, you should definitely have fresh seafood! Corvina is a popular fish served here, and you’ll also see ceviche on a lot of menus. Seafood across Central America is fantastic!

What to Know Before You Visit Nicaragua

Jalapeno Steak

The beef is pretty good in Nicaragua, and I like to have a “jalapeno steak.” It’s a steak smothered in a spicy, jalapeno sauce. It’s spicy but really tasty! If you like spice and you are craving steak, you have to try it!

Nacatamal

This is a tamale wrapped in a plantain leaf. (You don’t eat the plantain leaf!) Like Mexican tamales, there are many variations of this tamale. You might find rice and pork, or potatoes and beef. We even had some from a gas station, and they were delicious!

Nicaragua Street Food

If you get sick of Gallo pinto, Nicaragua has a lot of great street food. They even have things like hot dogs and hamburgers, and the French Fries are actually really good! Our favorite street food in Grenada is the Quesillo. It’s a tortilla filled with white cheese, spices, and crema. It’s messy and delicious! We also had something called vigron, which is a yucca base with chicharron on top. You’ll also see pupusa and elote, but my favorite street food in Nicaragua is tostones. These are fried plantains with cheese and they are super tasty!

How to Eat Cheap and Well While Traveling

Empanada

Another popular Nicaragua street food or snack is the empanada. I think every culture has this food – whether you call it a calzone, or pierogi, it’s very similar. An empanada is a doughy pocket baked with filling. Often it’s rice and beans, or cheese and meat. Empanadas are a great on-the-go snack that you can buy almost anywhere on your Nicaragua vacation.

eating in nicaragua — Quesillos, pupusas, and more tasty treats.

Nicaragua Alcohol Drinks

There are two brands of beer that are local to Nicaragua. Tona and Victoria. They are both good, but I find Tona to be a bit smoother and easier to drink. You should also try Flor de Cana, which is the local rum made in Nicaragua. A Nica Libre is a rum and Coke, and they also make lots of frozen mixed drinks with rum.

Nicaragua Non-Alcohol Drinks

The first rule of drinking in Nicaragua is you do not drink the tap water! Bottled water is everywhere, and you can also get the usual international soda brands you drink at home. With so much fruit grown in Central America, there is a lot of fresh fruit juice to drink.

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We found that Nicaragua food was pretty good, and it’s so cheap! We often ate for $2 or $3 per person, including drinks! If you’re not sure what to order, ask your server to recommend something. Our Nicaragua vacation was one of our all-time favorite family trips; we can’t recommend it highly enough! Looking for more tips on travel in Central America? Check out some of these other blog posts!

Amsterdam Travel Mistakes to Avoid

Posted on July 27, 2020July 21, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about mistakes that people often make when they visit Amsterdam. While many travel blogs will tell you the best things to do in Netherlands, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do when you travel to Amsterdam. We brought in some local help for this post, with our friend from Dutchified.

Mistaking a Coffee Shop for a Cafe

Amsterdam has long been a destination for partying and drug-taking since drugs are legal in Amsterdam. However, the terminology of where you can buy cannabis in Amsterdam is confusing. A coffee shop in Amsterdam is a place where you can purchase and consume cannabis. A cafe is what you might expect a coffee shop to be elsewhere. It’s a place to purchase coffee and baked goods. It’s not where you go to buy cannabis.

Buying Drugs on the Street

The whole point of having legalized drugs in Amsterdam is to have them regulated so you know what you’re getting. If you bypass the coffee shops and opt to buy drugs on the street, there’s no telling what’s mixed into them.

Underestimating the Strength of Drugs in Amsterdam

While marijuana is legal in more states in the US these days and travelers may be used to purchasing it legally, the potency of these drugs can vary quite a bit. If you choose to partake in the drug scene in Amsterdam, start off slow and give yourself time to adjust. Do not assume anything in Amsterdam is the same strength as what you’ve experienced at home. Again, part of legalization is having access to knowledgable vendors who can help you make a choice that is right for you.

Only Visiting the Red Light District

Amsterdam has long been branded as an “Adult Disneyland” with legal drugs and prostitution. However, that’s pretty much confined to the Red Light District of Amsterdam. There are so many other great things to see in Amsterdam, and it’s a shame that many travelers never leave the Red Light District. There’s a Museum District, markets, canals, and amazing architecture. When it comes to Amsterdam sightseeing, there are some really great museums, from major art museums to small niche museums. Don’t miss out on them!

If and when you DO visit the Red Light District, be respectful of the workers there. Do not photograph the women in the windows; they are just doing their job and taking their photos is very disrespectful.

Missing Other Parts of the Netherlands

Besides missing out on great Amsterdam neighborhoods, there are also great day trips from Amsterdam that allow you to experience Dutch culture outside of the big city. I’ve stayed in Utrecht and Haarlem, both of which are a quick train ride away from Amsterdam. Not only will you save a ton of money on accommodation, but you will also see a different side of the Netherlands, one that is less touristy. The Netherlands is actually quite small, so you can get around the entire country very quickly.

Visit Haarlem: What to Know Before You Go

Looking for Weekend Deals

With a reputation as a party city, Europeans from all over converge on Amsterdam nearly every weekend. There are very rarely any good deals to be had in Amsterdam over the weekend. We recommend visiting Amsterdam during the week or staying outside the city.

Lots of hugging of friends in Amsterdam.

Overpacking

This is a common problem Americans have when coming to Europe. In Amsterdam, all of the buildings are tall, narrow, and historic. That means very narrow staircases, not elevators. If you are renting a flat in Amsterdam, be prepared for steep stairs to reach your accommodation. The lighter your suitcase, the happier you will be.

Common Mistakes Made by First-Time Travelers

Missing Out on the Anne Frank House

You HAVE to pre-book tickets if you want to visit the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam. Without a pre-booked ticket, you could wait hours in line only to never get in. This is an important part of Amsterdam’s history that you don’t want to miss out on: pre-book your ticket before you go!

Expecting Dutch Culture

Amsterdam is really an international city. You wouldn’t visit New York and expect to experience the full breadth of American culture. Yes, you will find Dutch food in Amsterdam, but you’ll also find Japanese food, Italian food, and many other international cuisines. To really experience a culture, you have to get out into the smaller towns and villages. Don’t try to just eat Dutch food, as you’ll be pretty limited in what you eat. Jocelyn’s favorite restaurant in Amsterdam is solely based on avocados. There are great Indonesian and Thai restaurants in Amsterdam.

When it comes to food in Amsterdam, street food is really where it’s at. Bitterballen are a popular street food snack in Amsterdam. They come piping hot out of vending machines.

Don’t miss out on the grub! The bitterballen are my favorite.

Avoiding Public Transportation

Amsterdam is quite small and traffic is often congested, so while you may be tempted to take an Uber or a taxi, it’s much quicker to use the public transportation. Actually, most places you will visit in Amsterdam are easily reached on foot or bicycle.

Trams are everywhere, and an easy way to get around. However, there’s a certain “tram etiquette” you should know about. Not all doors are meant for entry and exit. The front doors are the entrances, while the rear doors are for exiting. This helps alleviate congestion at the tram stops.

Bicycle Mistakes of Amsterdam

Biking is a major form of transportation in Amsterdam. The bike lanes here are like freeways, and you cannot just step into them. That said, renting a bike in Amsterdam is a quintessential experience you should have. You just need to know the rules of the road, don’t take up a whole lane, and don’t ride in the wrong direction. Be sure not to ride in the tram lanes, as your bike tire can easily get stuck and cause an accident.

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Amsterdam is a fun city full of culture and excitement. By avoiding these common tourists’ mistakes, you’ll have a great time when you visit Amsterdam and the Netherlands. Want more tips on travel in the Netherlands? Check out some of our other blog posts:

Ten Day Itinerary: The Baltic Capitals

Posted on July 26, 2020July 21, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about how to build a travel itinerary to the Baltics region, which includes Latvia Lithuania, and Estonia. Sometimes the most difficult part of travel is deciding where to go and building out a travel itinerary. There are so many cool places to visit in the Baltics that it can be hard to narrow them down. This tour includes the Baltic capitals of each country, but don’t be afraid to venture out to smaller towns as there are many things to see in the Baltic region.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is a great place to start your Baltics itinerary. It’s one of the largest cities in the Baltic states, it has a good-sized airport, and is also one of the most visited cities in the region. There’s a ferry from Helsinki that arrives several times a day, and the ride only takes two hours. So, if you are spending several days in Tallinn, you can also make a day trip to Finland! There’s also an overnight ferry from Stockholm and a bus from St. Petersburg. In short, there are many ways to arrive in Tallinn.

What to Know Before You Visit Estonia

Once you reach Tallinn, some of my recommendations for things to do include:

Tallinn Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking around Old Town is really my favorite thing to do in Tallinn.
Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a beautiful Russian Orthodox Cathedral on a hill in Old Town.
Tallinn’s Town Hall Square is one of the prettiest squares in Europe and a great place to start your day of exploration in Tallinn.
Check out several Tallinn museums, including the Estonian History Museum, the Tallinn City Museum, and The Museum of Occupations.

Tip: Try to avoid visiting Tallinn on the weekends; they get a lot of weekend tourists from nearby countries, and it drives the prices way up!

baltic itinerary — Get ready for some nature on your travels.

Riga, Latvia

A four-hour bus ride from Tallinn will bring you to Riga, the capital of Latvia. Riga is known regionally as a party city. A lot of Europeans grab a quick flight here on the weekends to enjoy the affordable food and drink. Bars and restaurants are a major attraction in Riga. However, some other things to do in Riga include:

Riga’s Old Town, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is full of amazing Art Nouveau buildings.
Visit the Occupation of Latvia Museum, where you can learn about Nazi and Soviet occupations of Latvia.
There are several parks and canals in Riga, and a summer boat ride is a great way to spend an afternoon here.
Go to LIDO for some tasty Latvian food
Visit The Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia just outside of town.

Ten Best Affordable Cities in Europe

Vilnius, Lithuania

Another four-hour bus ride takes you from Riga to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. I used to work in Lithuania, and have many fond memories of Vilnius. Of the three cities in our Baltics itinerary, Vilnius is the most affordable for accommodation and dining. My recommendations for your visit to Vilnius are:

Vilnius Old Town, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are several cool churches and squares to explore as you walk around Old Town.
The Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania has a lot of cool historic information
Climb Gediminas Hill and the castle tower for views out over Vilnius
Take a day trip to Trakai, to see the castle, and enjoy some outdoor recreation on the lake.

vilnius church — Some cool churches in Lithuania

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While I do recommend spending as much time in each of these cities as you can, realistically most of us have limited vacation time. This Baltics itinerary is meant to help you enjoy a 10-day trip to the region, getting to know the three capital cities. Looking for more tips on travel in Eastern Europe? Check out these other blog posts: