Mark Wolters – Page 27 – Wolters World

10 Things That SHOCK Tourists When They Visit Memphis

Posted on June 14, 2020June 8, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about Memphis, Tennessee. We love to help travelers prepare for their vacations, and other than telling you the best things to do in Memphis TN, we also love to share the things that will surprise you about a new destination. So, today, we’re sharing the ten things that will shock you when you visit Memphis, Tennessee.

The Peabody Ducks

Don’t be surprised when the Peabody Ducks turn you into a five-year-old child again. You don’t have to stay at the Peabody Hotel if you want to see the famous Peabody Ducks, but you do want to get a good viewing spot early on. The ducks are marched from their penthouse suite down to the lobby each morning, where they spend the day lounging in a fountain before repeating their march again that evening. It’s pretty funny how even the most serious adults get so excited to see the ducks. They are truly Memphis celebrities.

Beale Street Memphis

Beale Street is the heart of live music in Memphis. It’s lined with bars, and relaxed liquor laws mean you can get alcoholic drinks to go and walk up and down the street. This is shocking to most people because it’s pretty rare in the United States. There are only a handful of cities where you can have an open container of alcohol outside of a drinking establishment. New Orleans and Savannah, Georgia are two other cities that allow this. You might not be able to bring drinks from one place into another, but you don’t have to rush and finish a drink when you leave a place. This does apply only to certain areas of Beale Street, so stay inside the barriers with your drinks.

Summer Weather in Memphis

There are some fun summer festivals, but the heat and humidity in Memphis in the summer is insane. If you visit Memphis in June, July, or August, prepare to be sweating a lot! The humidity is oppressive, so even once the sun goes down, it barely cools off. The best time to visit Memphis is in spring or fall when the weather is warm but still tolerable.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Memphis

Graceland

You can’t visit Memphis without visiting Graceland. You can take several different tours of Graceland, the home built by Elvis Presley. It’s been meticulously maintained in 1970s shag carpet glory. They’ve recently expanded the grounds with one of the newest museums in Memphis, and you can also tour his airplanes. Graceland is just one part of the extensive musical history around Memphis. (The price of entry might also shock you. Tours start at $41 and go up from there, depending on what you want to see at Graceland.)

National Civil Rights Museum

One of the most moving experiences you can have in Memphis is to visit the National Civil Rights Museum. The museum is located in the Lorraine Hotel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. It’s one of the best museums in Memphis and the entire United States. They do an excellent job presenting the Civil Rights movement in terms of American history. It’s incredibly moving and a must-see museum in Memphis. This is your must see Museum in Memphis.

Friendly Locals

We are always pleasantly surprised by how friendly the locals in Memphis are. Memphis presents Southern hospitality at its finest. If you need help, just ask a local. They’ll answer your question and probably ten other questions you didn’t know you had! Of course, you have to ask any local their favorite Memphis BBQ joint, and be prepared to have ten different answers!

Food in Memphis

Of course, you know you’re going to have some good BBQ in Memphis. But it’s still shocking how good ALL of the food is. The side dishes, the desserts, the hot chicken, the local brews, and even the donuts are to DIE for. No matter how long I’m in Memphis, I never get sick of the food!

Five Things You Have to Eat in Memphis

The Pyramid

If you fly into Memphis, you might be shocked to see a giant glass pyramid sitting on the banks of the Mississippi River. Originally built as a basketball arena for the Memphis Grizzlies, the building is now a giant Bass Pro Shops and one of the most popular Memphis attractions. Inside, you can fish, check out the shooting range, or take the elevator up to the observation deck and restaurant on the top floor. There’s even a hotel in the building. It’s not just a Bass Pro Shop; you have to see it to believe it!

wandering around Memphis — Something for everyone in Memphis.

Street Beggars

Memphis is a popular city for tourists, and the climate is pretty warm year-round. This combination leads to a lot of homeless people and a lot of beggars in the street. They really tend to congregate around Beale Street, especially as it gets later in the evening. Don’t worry too much about them, but just know that they’re there, and you will be asked for money several times as you walk around downtown.

Memphis Crime Rate

It’s not a secret that Memphis has a fairly high crime rate compared to other US cities. It’s largely concentrated in a few areas of town, but there are definitely parts of Memphis you should avoid if you are a tourist. The downtown area, especially around Beale Street, is very busy and heavily patrolled. However, common travel sense should prevail, which means you shouldn’t walk around alone at night, or stray far from the busy tourist areas. Don’t leave valuables in plain sight in your vehicle, don’t flash money around.

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I have visited Memphis many times and think it’s a great city for all kinds of travelers! Hopefully, these “shocks” will help you prepare for your Memphis vacation. Want more tips for traveling in the South? Check out some of our other blog posts!

What to See & Do on Prince Edward Island

Posted on June 13, 2020June 8, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about Prince Edward Island in Canada. It’s a great place for a family vacation in the summertime! This Canadian province is one of three maritime provinces, along with New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Although PEI is Canada’s smallest province, there are still plenty of things to do in PEI. These are some of our recommendations for your Prince Edward Island vacation.

Visit Green Gables

The primary reason we decided to visit PEI is that Jocelyn is a big fan of the novel “Anne of Green Gables.” You can visit the home that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery to write the book. It’s fun to read the book and watch the mini-series ahead of time. This is probably the most popular tourist attraction on the island, so nearby you’ll see a lot of touristy things, like mini-golf and carnival rides. Avonlea Village is another attraction inspired by the novel, where you can stroll through shops and cafes in an old-time setting.

prince edward island vacation — PEI is our favorite region in Canada. It is gorgeous.

Beaches of Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island has some excellent beaches, including Cavendish Beach, which is close to Green Gables. PEI National Park runs along the north part of the island and has several fun beaches to explore. Basin Head Beach was named the best beach in Canada, so that’s another must-see beach on PEI. Surprisingly, the water isn’t as cold as you think it would be!

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Prince Edward Island

Charlottetown

Charlottetown is the capital city of Prince Edward Island. It’s also the largest city on the island with a population of almost 40,000. There’s actually a lot of interesting history here, which is best experienced on a walking tour. There are also boat tours on the harbor and horse-drawn carriage rides. Don’t miss the ice cream at Cow’s, near the harbor!

hidden mice statues on PEI — Lots of fun to be had in PEI.

Brackley Drive-In

If you’re looking for things to do in PEI at night, there’s a drive-in movie theater in Brackley Beach. It’s not specifically a family-friendly theater, so you do want to double-check what is showing before you promise your kids a night at the movies.

Driving Tour of the Island

The best thing to do in Prince Edward Island is just to explore by car at your own pace. There are loads of small lanes to explore, with hidden beaches and beach towns. It’s a pretty small island, so there’s really no way to get lost. And you can drive the entire island in a day easily, depending on how often you stop. Charlottetown is relatively central, so it makes a great base for your PEI vacation.

Top Ten Road Trip Essentials

What to Eat on Prince Edward Island?

Of course, seafood is fantastic on PEI. We had excellent mussels and lobster, plus lots of amazing desserts. There’s some pretty good local beer in PEI, but we all loved the raspberry cordial drink from Green Gables.

When is the Best Time to Visit PEI?

The climate here changes quickly so there’s a fairly short season to visit Prince Edward Island. May through September is the best time to visit PEI. Winter in PEI can be harsh and snowy, and a lot of tourist attractions are only open seasonally. Given that the majority of tourists visit in summer, you do need to book ahead of time before all the PEI hotels are full.

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These are just a few of our favorite memories from our Prince Edward Island vacation. The best part of visiting PEI is the opportunity to relax and unwind while enjoying a slower pace of life. Looking for more Canada travel tips? Check out these other blog posts:

Ten Things About Croatian Culture that Shock Visitors

Posted on June 12, 2020June 8, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re in Vis, Croatia! We love to help travelers prepare for their vacations, and other than telling you the best things to do, we love to share the things that will shock you upon arriving in a new destination. Today we’re sharing the top ten travel shocks of Croatian culture.

Croatia Culture Shock #1: The Stone Beaches

The beaches of Croatia look so inviting, but you’ll get the first shock of your Croatia vacation when you step barefoot on to a beach. They are not soft, sandy beaches. Croatia beaches have small stones, rocks and pebbles…and they hurt your feet! Make sure you bring some water shoes.

Watch: Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Visiting Croatia

Croatia Culture Shock #2: Number of Tourists in Dubrovnik

When you visit the historic center of Dubrovnik, you’ll be shocked at how many tourists they can fit into town. The cruise ships arrive in the morning, releasing thousands of passengers into Dubrovnik for the day. If you aren’t visiting Dubrovnik on a cruise, you can enjoy how quiet the town gets in the evening, after the cruise ships depart.

Croatia Culture Shock #3: Historic Stone Cities

Croatia has beautiful stone cities, with so much history. Dubrovnik still has the city walls you can walk on, Šibenik has St. James Cathedral, and Split where the historic city was built inside of a Roman palace, and many cities with narrow, winding cobblestone streets. Croatia has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, many of them in the historic city centers.

Croatia Culture Shock #4: Architecture in Croatia

It’s really cool to see how various architectural influences show up in Croatia. The Venetians ruled for a time, so there is a lot of Italian influence, and even a Colosseum. In Zagreb, you can see the Hapsburg influence which is reminiscent of Austrian architecture. It’s an interesting way to follow the history of Croatia, through the architecture.

Croatia Culture Shock #5: Intense Heat & Sun in Summer

It can easily reach 100 degrees in Croatia in the summer, and it’s oppressively hot. Visiting Croatia in the shoulder seasons is the way to have good weather in Croatia. You’ll also have fewer tourists to content with, too. There are a ton of mosquitos in the summer, too, so the best time to visit Croatia is spring or fall, for milder temperatures.

Rovinj with the boys on our first visit to Croatia.

Croatia Culture Shock #6: National Pride

The Croatians are so proud of their country, and they take really good care of it. It’s not just national pride, but regional and local pride as well. Most Croatians are very proud of their hometown and they’ll tell you it’s the best city in Croatia. Historic areas and museums of Croatia are really well preserved and well cared for. On that note, do not call this area Yugoslavia; Croatia became independent in 1991, so it hasn’t been “Yugoslavia” for a very long time.

Croatia Culture Shock #7: Excellent Tourism Infrastructure

The tourist infrastructure in Croatia is fantastic; not just in the most popular areas. There are tons of buses and ferries to help you travel around Croatia. There are lots of restaurants and hotels in Croatia, and tons of nightclubs, too.

Croatia Culture Shock #8: English is Widely Spoken

With so much tourism in Croatia, there are many English speakers in Croatia. It’s shocking how well many Croatians speak English. It is very easy to travel in Croatia, even if you don’t speak the local language.

Watch: Learn Croatian: Top Ten Croatian Words for Tourists

Croatia Culture Shock #9: Natural Beauty in Croatia

It’s not just beautiful women! There is so much natural beauty in Croatia, it’s really shocking! The coastline and the islands are magnificent, then there are mountains and waterfalls, and the Lake District. This all combined makes Croatia one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

Croatia Culture Shock #10: Cost of a Croatia Vacation

After reading and seeing for yourself how awesome Croatia is, with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, beaches, islands, mountains, waterfalls and history, you will be shocked to find out how affordable a Croatia vacation can be. This is what makes Croatia great; it’s so much more affordable than other places in Europe, so many Europeans vacation here in the summer.

We hope these ten shocks of Croatian culture make you want to visit Croatia, and lessen the shocks you have upon arrival. Have you taken a Croatia vacation? We’d love to hear what shocked you; just leave a comment below! For more Wolters World travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos:

Why We Loved Driving in Iceland (even though we thought we might die)

Posted on June 11, 2020June 8, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about travel to Iceland. If you really want to travel around Iceland and see the countryside, you’re going to have to rent a car. Driving in Iceland will give you total freedom to stop when you want and explore at your own leisure, but there are some definite drawbacks as well. That’s why we’re sharing the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate, about driving in Iceland.

Love #1: Beauty of Iceland

The reason you are visiting Iceland is to see the majestic landscapes. As you are driving around Iceland, you won’t be disappointed. Through your windshield, you’ll see glaciers, icebergs, mountains, and fjords. The best thing about Iceland driving is that you can take any backroad you want to, and go searching for hot springs on a whim.

Ten Things That Will Shock You in Iceland

Hate #1: Roads in Iceland

The roads in Iceland range from dirt paths to narrow paved roads. There are one-lane bridges, which can really test your driving skills. Many roads do not have a shoulder or a guardrail, and you might be looking at a precipitous drop-off. Or, fog may be obscuring your view entirely. The wind is another issue when driving in Iceland; it can whip off the ocean suddenly and catch you off guard. On top of all this, you also have to look out for sheep in the road!

advice on driving in iceland — It is so gorgeous you will want to stop all the time for pictures.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Iceland

Love #2: Iceland Drivers

In a lot of our “love & hate” posts, we mention local drivers as a hate, but not in Iceland. Icelanders are a very rule-following society, so they really do follow the rules of the road. They aren’t going to zoom past you or muster up any road rage at you. The drivers to look out for are the other tourists. Also, if a local warns you about a road, listen to them!

Hate #2: Steep Mountain Passes

Iceland is not a flat country. In fact, a lot of the roads you will drive on are winding mountain roads with lots of switchbacks. Some of them are even closed in the winter, but you could run into freezing rain or snow almost any time of year. (Remember, this is also on narrow roads with no guardrails!)

Love #3: Convenient Pull-Outs

The roads in Iceland have a lot of pull-outs where the popular sights are. You don’t have to block traffic and park in the middle of the road to take your pictures. You can easily pull off the road and get out to enjoy the views along the way. They are very well-marked as well, so you know when they are coming up.

Hate #3: Cyclists and Hitchhikers

In addition to watching out for sheep on the road, you also have to be mindful of so many cyclists. They are often in the road and don’t always ride single-file, so it can be hard to pass them, especially on some of the more narrow roads in Iceland. Hitchhikers are also a common sight on the roads in Iceland. They aren’t typically dangerous; just something else to watch out for as you drive around Iceland.

driving in icelan — Yeah, Jocelyn wasn’t super happy on the switchbacks.

Love #4: Convenient Sights Near the Road

It’s almost like the main road in Iceland was built specifically to bring you to the best attractions. The N1, or the Ring Road, goes right by a ton of the major sights that you’d want to see. Lagoons, glaciers, waterfalls, and so much more are really easy to reach from the highway.

Hate #4: Driving Manual Transmission

If you’re coming to Iceland from the US, you probably expect to have an automatic transmission when you rent a car. However, in Iceland, most of the rental cars are still manual transmission. If you don’t know how to drive a stick shift vehicle, then you can expect to pay a lot more for your rental car. Make sure you read the fine print when you reserve your car so you get something you are able to drive!

Love #5: Lack of Traffic

Even though Iceland tourism is growing every year, traffic is still pretty light. So, if you’re a little nervous about driving in Iceland for the first time, there’s usually nobody to rush you or drive you off the road. You can really take your time and drive at your own pace without worrying about anyone else rushing you on your Iceland road trip.

Hate #5: Lack of Services

As you travel around the countryside of Iceland, you’ll notice that the gas stations and restaurants are rather sparse. Iceland only has about 350,000 residents and about half of them live in Reykjavik. Once you leave the capital city, there’s not much out there. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but you should make a habit of topping off your tank anytime you see a station. And if you’re visiting Iceland with kids, make sure you keep some snacks in the car!

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Iceland really is a magical destination, and well worth exploring at your own pace with a rental car. Don’t let the “hates” of Iceland driving intimidate you, as there’s really nothing to fear about an Iceland road trip. Take your time, enjoy the sights, and pull over often to take photos! Want more of our family travel tips? Check out some of these other blog posts:

Top 10 Things to Do in Ottawa

Posted on June 10, 2020June 8, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about Ottawa, Canada. It’s the capital city of Canada, and with a population of just under one million residents, it’s really a great city to visit. We think you will be pleasantly surprised at all the things to see when you visit Ottawa. These are our top ten things to do in Ottawa, Canada.

Byward Market

One of our favorite places to go in Ottawa is the Byward Market. There’s the traditional market where you can get fresh fruits and vegetables, but there’s also some excellent restaurants and bars in the area, and it’s a great place to shop. It’s not just about the market, it’s just a fun area to walk around and explore. It’s also a great place to find cheap eats, which can be challenging elsewhere in Ottawa.

What to do in Ottawa — Lots of fun things to do in Ottawa

Visit Parliament Hill

When you’re in the capital city, you may as well visit the home of Canada’s Parliament. Parliament Hill overlooks the Ottawa River and is in a beautiful Gothic building. They offer free guided tours of the House of Commons and the Senate, although you do need to reserve tickets ahead of time online.

Canadian Museum of History

One of the best Ottawa museums is the Canadian Museum of History, formerly known as the Canadian Museum of Civilization. It’s a great place to learn about the human history of Canada. In addition to compelling exhibitions that include a Children’s Museum and the First People’s Hall, the architecture and the riverside location also make this a worthy stop when you visit Ottawa.

What to Know Before You Go to Canada

National Gallery of Canada

If you prefer art museums, then check out the National Gallery of Canada. It’s one of the largest art museums in North America and houses the largest collection of Canadian art in the world. Canadian art isn’t quite world-famous, so it’s actually really cool to see some lesser-known artists. From Impressionist to Indigenous art, you can easily spend half a day browsing the collection. There’s also a cafeteria, a tapas bar, and a coffee shop as well as a really nice gift shop if you need a souvenir to bring home.

Gatineau Park

On the Quebec side of the river, Gatineau Park is a great place to escape the hustle and traffic of the city. It’s a huge park just outside of the city and has a ton of fun activities to offer. There are hiking, biking, and walking trails. Lakes and waterfalls throughout the park and in the winter, there are ski trails through the woods. You can even take the bus to the park if you don’t want to drive. This is where you’ll find most of the locals on any nice summer weekend in Ottawa.

Canadian War Museum

You don’t actually hear much about Canada’s role in the major wars, but they actually played a really big part in many of the wars of our history, including WWI and WWII. The Canadian War Museum has a great collection of artillery and equipment, but also has a nice representation of the history and the people behind the stories, including the families back home during the wars. There’s also an impressive War Memorial near the Rideau Canal.

Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal runs from the Ottawa River through the city, and it’s another great place for urban recreation. There’s a pathway that follows the canal through the city, and you can rent bikes at a few places to ride along the canal. You can also see the locks in action. In winter, the canal freezes over, and locals frequently skate on the frozen canal. There’s a ton of beautiful architecture and scenery along the canal, so make sure you save time for a stroll.

Experience Ottawa Multiculturalism

Aside from experiencing Canadian culture in Ottawa, you can explore several different neighborhoods of different ethnicities. Ottawa has a great Chinatown and a Little Italy neighborhood, where you can experience the multiculturalism that Canada is known for. Rather than a melting pot of cultures, Canada celebrates and embraces different cultures, and encourages their uniqueness.

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Canada

Eat a Beaver Tail

If you’re in Prague, you eat a Trdelnik. If you’re in Italy, you have a gelato. In Canada, you eat Beaver Tail. Don’t worry, it’s not actually any part of the beaver! It’s a sweet treat you can buy at street stands almost anywhere in Canada. It’s like the Canadian version of an elephant ear.

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These are just our ten favorite Ottawa experiences. There are many more things to see in Ottawa, including the Museum of Nature, which is perfect for kids. At only two hours from Montreal, Ottawa makes the perfect weekend trip for those looking to experience the capital of Canada. Looking for more Canada travel tips? Check out these other blog posts:

Best Things to See Along the Croatia Dalmatian Coast

Posted on June 9, 2020June 8, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about the Dalmatian Coast Croatia. With destinations like Split, Trogir, Korčula, and more, there are a ton of cool things to see and do along the Dalmatian Coast. Split, Croatia is a great central location along the Croatia Dalmatian Coast. Split is the perfect home base for most of these destinations, and you can easily take day trips from there by ferry, bus, or taxi.

Saint Domnius Cathedral & Diocletian’s Palace

One of the most popular attractions in Split is Diocletian’s Palace and the Saint Domnius Cathedral. There is a lot of history here that’s tied to the Roman Empire, and the Palace is a great place to learn about it. An entire city was built within the walls of the palace. Today, there are tons of small little alleyways to explore in what was once the palace.

The interior square of the palace complex is one of my favorite places in Split. It sits at the base of the bell tower, surrounded by Roman columns. It’s a great place to start your exploration of the city. You’ll soon see why Diocletian’s Palace is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Split Museums

The locals have a lot of pride in their history and their city. As a result, there are a lot of smaller, niche museums to visit. There’s the City Museum, an Ethnographic Museum, as well as several art galleries. Ivan Meštrović is one of the most famous Croatian artists; the sculptor is from Croatia, and several of his statues can be seen around Split. There’s now even a Game of Thrones museum for fans of the series.

Split Nightlife

Like many Mediterranean beach towns, Split has a lot going on at night as well. There are tons of restaurants and bars along the Riva, which is the beachfront promenade of Split. Many other villages along the Dalmatian Coast can be sleepy, so if you’re looking for things to do after the sun goes down, Split is an excellent choice.

Getting Around Split

Split is relatively small, so it’s easy to get around. It is a stop for many Mediterranean cruise ships, so the harbor is also where the bus station and the train station are located. You can easily take a bus to or from the airport to get into the city. From the harbor, it’s very easy to grab a ferry to explore some of the Dalmatian Coast islands.

views around croatia — Some views around the Dalmatin Coast.

Dalmatian Coast Beaches

Croatia is quickly becoming a beach destination, with beautiful beaches all along the coast as well as on nearby Dalmatian Islands. These aren’t soft, sandy beaches, so make sure you bring your water shoes to save your feet! There are beaches up and down the coast, so take a few days to find your favorite.

The Don’ts of Visiting Croatia

What to Eat on the Dalmatian Coast

The food here is good, and there are a few local things you should try. We always ask the waiter what the local specialty is, as it can change from town to town, and we always want to eat what the locals are eating. Of course, pizza and gelato are pretty good in Croatia, too!

Black Risotto made from squid ink
Homemade Gnocchi
Soparnik, a savory Croatian pie with Swiss Chard inside
Seafood, including locally-grown mussels

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Visiting Croatia

Day Trip from Split to Trogir

For a short day trip from Split, head to the yachting town of Trogir. It’s a small town, and most cruise ships will stop here for a couple of hours to let travelers wander the streets for a bit. There are a few fun things to see if you decide to visit Trogir. There are a couple of small fortresses or castle ruins scattered around the area, including Kamerlengo Castle. Further into town, make sure you visit the cathedral to see the intricate stone carvings, as well as the bell tower, which is a cool example of many different periods of architecture.

Hiring a tour guide in Trogir is recommended, as they can really add to your visit and explain a lot of the historical significance in the architecture. From Split, it’s easy to reach Trogir by bus or taxi in just 40 minutes.

Korčula Croatia

Another beautiful destination along the Dalmatian Coast is Korčula. Not only is this one of the beautiful Dalmatian Islands, but it’s also the home of Marco Polo. In the summer, you can visit the Marco Polo house, as well as the Marco Polo Museum. The St. Mark’s Cathedral in town has some spectacular art on display, so that’s well worth a visit. The City Museum is a former home and is a good place to understand the history of the island and how life has changed for residents. The Icon Museum was one of my favorite things to see in Korčula.

There’s a great area along the city wall and the waterfront that has several restaurants. One of the best things to do in Korčula is to rent a boat or take a boat trip to see the beaches. Of course, if you are visiting on a day trip from Split, you will be on a ferry for about four hours, which leaves you just enough time to walk around town before returning to Split for the evening.

Šibenik

Another amazing spot along the Dalmatian Coast is the town of Šibenik, which is about an hour northwest of Split. One of the most famous attractions near Šibenik are the waterfalls along the Krka River. Like many small towns along the Dalmatian coast, the best thing to do is just to wander the narrow cobblestone streets and explore at your own pace. The waterfront is also lined with cafes and restaurants, so you can enjoy a wonderful view of the sea while you relax with a glass of Croatian beer.

Other things to see in Šibenik include these spots:

St. James Cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Šibenik City Museum – one of the best small-town city museums I’ve been to
St. Michael’s Fortress – summer concerts are really popular here
Gardens at St. Lawrence Monastery
Lots of children’s activities, including a small aquarium

Krka Waterfalls are the main thing to see near Šibenik, so you should absolutely make time to go see them. There are boardwalks around the falls, so you can walk around to see them from different angles. You’ll be in the sun, so don’t forget a hat and sunscreen! The falls are about 25 minutes from town, so you can drive, take a bus, or sign up for a tour from Šibenik.

Most travelers pass right through Šibenik en route to the waterfalls, so it’s really a nice town to explore, and much more affordable than some of the other areas along the Dalmatian Coast.

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These are just some of my favorite spots along the Dalmatian Coast. There are lots of cool places to explore in Croatia, as well as nearby Montenegro and Slovenia. While less popular than nearby Italy, Croatia tourism is growing every year, so we suggest going sooner rather than later! Want more travel tips for Croatia and the Mediterranean? Check out some of our other blog posts:

8 Ways to Beat Peak Travel Season Prices

Posted on June 8, 2020June 8, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re dishing out tips about traveling during high season. Of course, we love traveling off-peak and in the shoulder season, but sometimes summer and school holidays are the only times we can get away. So, we’re sharing our best budget travel tips for dealing with high season travel, whether you’re going to Europe in summer or Mexico for spring break.

Plan Ahead

Last minute deals are great, but they are a bit of a unicorn during the peak season. Depending on where you are traveling to, all of the accommodation may book up months in advance, leaving you with very few options. Flights are usually scheduled up to a year in advance, so you can keep an eye on flights and buy when the price is within your budget.

We also recommend booking as much as you can before you arrive. For example, if you are visiting Europe in summer, you will need to pre-book your tickets for popular attractions like the Louvre or the Colosseum. Make sure to reserve skip-the-line tickets whenever they are available. This may reduce your flexibility, but you’ll save so much time over waiting in line for some of these attractions.

Compare Different Websites

We’re pretty loyal to Delta, but that doesn’t mean we don’t check prices on several websites before purchasing. Many people use Kayak or Skyscanner, and the Hopper app will predict if prices are going to drop or increase. When you do your trip research, make sure you use “incognito” mode. Some websites use cookies to show you different prices based on your search history.

Consider Alternate Locations Near Your Destination

Many international destinations have fantastic public transportation systems to help you get around. So you can save a lot of money on accommodation by staying outside of the city you are visiting. For example, when visiting Amsterdam, I like to stay in Haarlem. It’s a quick train ride to Amsterdam, but much less crowded and much more affordable. You can easily explore Amsterdam as much as you want, and have the experience of another Dutch city that’s not so touristy.

Likewise, choosing less popular spots nearby allows you to avoid some of the crowds during high season. Rather than spending a week in Paris, maybe you go to the Loire Valley or Normandy. You still get to experience French culture, cuisine, and history. But you won’t have the crowds and the high prices of Paris. Many times, the smaller “out of the way” towns are some of our favorites of all of our travels.

alamo san antonio tips — Don’t forget to visit early to beat the lines.

Find Accommodation With a Kitchen

If you visit a smaller town during peak season, you might have trouble even getting a table at a restaurant! Service will be lacking and prices will be inflated, so we like to rent an apartment where we can do some cooking at home in addition to eating out. This also happens to be one of our top family travel tips, as eating out with kids three times a day can be tiring, especially in places like Spain where dinner is served very late.

How to Choose the Right Vacation Rental

Pay Attention to Amenities When Booking Accommodation

With inflated accommodation pricing, you want to be sure you’re not paying for anything that you’re not going to use. For example, we visited Crete for the beautiful beaches; there is no reason to pay more for a hotel with a swimming pool. By really zoning in on the amenities you need, you can save money on accommodation. Be realistic about how much you will use the gym or the spa while you’re on vacation.

Start Your Days Early

If you are visiting a city like Paris or Rome during the high season, the best thing you can do is to start your days early. Jet lag can usually actually help with this. Get up and hit the museums and attractions as early as you can, as the crowds will build throughout the day. Generally, things get going much later in these cities due to late nights and 9 pm dinners, so you can usually beat the crowds by heading out around 9 or 10 am. This applies to amusement parks like Disney World, too. People like to sleep in on vacation, so you can get a jump start on the day if you’re willing to get up earlier.

travel in peak season — High season doesn’t mean you have to bust your budget.

Pick Cheaper Destinations for High Season Travel

Since we know peak season travel means higher prices, you can help your travel budget by choosing cheaper destinations. Spain, Portugal, and Greece will be much more affordable than France, Germany or Switzerland.

Ten Best Affordable Cities in Europe

Be Open to Other Airport Choices

You can also save a lot of money by choosing other airports to fly into. When we last visited Greece, we actually found a great flight into Sweden, so we started our trip there. We got to visit some Baltic countries before heading to Greece, and we saved a lot of money on our flights. Just don’t forget to factor in all of your transportation costs, including train tickets, when you are comparing different destination cities.

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We use all of these strategies and tips to save money when we travel during the high season. People always ask how we can afford to travel, and this is how. We save money where we can, and splurge on what matters. Money saved on a peak season trip may enable us to add another trip to our calendar in the off-season. Looking for more family travel and budget travel tips? Check out these other blog posts:

What to Know Before Taking a Nicaragua Vacation

Posted on May 16, 2020May 10, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re traveling to the Central American country of Nicaragua. A lot of people do not have the most positive perspective on Nicaragua, but it’s really a cool place. The Iran-Contra affair was over 30 years ago, so it’s time to gain a new perspective on Nicaragua as a travel destination. There are a ton of cool places to visit in Nicaragua, so let’s share our tips so you can start planning your own Nicaragua vacation.

Places to Visit in Nicaragua

There are many cool places to visit in Nicaragua. Aside from the Corn Islands to the east, we recommend sticking to the western and southern parts of Nicaragua. The capital city, Managua, was destroyed in an earthquake in the 70s and has not really been rebuilt to be of much interest.

Lake Nicaragua is a huge lake in the southern part of the country. There are volcanoes in the lake, as well as an island you can visit.
San Juan del Sur has some of the best Nicaragua beaches for surfing. It’s the Nicaragua surf capital!
For a more urban experience, Granada is one of the most popular destinations in Nicaragua. It’s a beautiful colonial city, with volcanoes nearby.
Near Granada, you have Las Isletas de Granada, a group of 365 islands full of wildlife and adventure opportunities.

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Learn a Bit of Spanish

Tourism is relatively new in Nicaragua, so it helps if you can speak some Spanish. You won’t find as many English speakers as Costa Rica and Belize, so knowing a little bit of Spanish will be helpful. Even if it’s just “hello, please, thank you, goodbye” the locals will be so appreciative of your attempt to communicate with them.

Prices in Nicaragua

Nicaragua is a very affordable destination. You can expect to pay between $25 to $30 per night for decent accommodation. Of course, you can spend more or less depending on your budget.

Eating out in Nicaragua is super cheap. We ate breakfast at the market for $2 apiece. At a restaurant, you might spend $4 or $5, which is still a great deal.

Transportation in Nicaragua is also super affordable, so all around this is a cheap vacation once you arrive.

Nicaragua Currency

The local currency in Nicaragua is Cordobas, but you can also pay in US dollars if you need to. Cash is still mostly preferred, so it’s good to have some on hand. Make sure you have smaller bills since the prices are so low. Some places in the larger cities will accept credit cards, but it’s safe to just have cash just in case. Finding an ATM can be challenging, so make sure you bring some cash from home!

Is Nicaragua Safe?

Obviously, you want to keep your usual travel sense about you, especially in the larger cities. However, we found Nicaragua to be very safe and comfortable. Use the hotel safe, split your cash into different spots, and don’t flash expensive jewelry or electronics. These travel safety tips apply to any destination, not just Nicaragua.

If you take buses around the country, keep an eye on your belongings. This also applies to the beach; make sure one person in your party can stay with your belongings while you are out surfing or swimming.

The biggest danger in Nicaragua might be the sun and the heat. I used 70 SPF on my face and still got a sunburn. The sun is incredibly strong in Nicaragua. Make sure you have sunscreen and bug spray because the mosquitos can be annoying.

Honest Travel Safety Advice

Tipping in Nicaragua

Plan to tip around 10% when you eat out in Nicaragua. Since prices are so low, it’s easy to be generous with the tipping, and it will be much appreciated. We leave a few bucks a day for the cleaning staff at the hotel as well. 10% is also the general guideline for any drivers or tour guides that you would want to tip.

Nicaragua Costa Rica border — At the boarder between Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

Shopping in Nicaragua

Don’t expect to find a lot of souvenir shops in Nicaragua. Since tourism hasn’t really taken off yet, the souvenir industry hasn’t moved in quite yet. You’ll find the usual t-shirts and cigars, but don’t plan on a lot of shopping during your trip. The shops they do have tend to close early, so make sure you do your shopping early in the day, rather than waiting until evening. A lot of places are closed on Sunday, so plan ahead!

Getting Around Nicaragua

There are a few ways to travel around Nicaragua. The most popular is probably the “chicken bus.” These are old school buses that now serve as public transportation. You’re just as likely to have a chicken or a goat sitting next to you as you would another passenger. The buses transport cargo, livestock, and people! This is the cheapest way to get around Nicaragua. You’re looking at less than a dollar for an hour-long ride. If you plan to get around using these buses, make sure you pack lightly!

If you want to splurge a bit, you can also opt for an express bus, which has fewer stops and is usually more comfortable. It’s also pretty cheap to hire a private driver through your hotel.

Time is usually the determining factor in which method of transportation you choose. Chicken buses take the longest, but you can flag them down almost anywhere, and it’s by far the cheapest option.

Taxis in Nicaragua are shared, meaning someone else might hop in with you. You don’t pay for the whole taxi; you pay for your seat in the taxi. If you want the whole taxi to yourself, just let the driver know you want to pay for the whole car.

Staying Connected in Nicaragua

With AT&T cellular service, we had mobile and 4G service in many places around Nicaragua. There are also internet cafes around if you need to hop online. If you prefer, you can buy a new SIM card for Nicaragua. It’s easy to buy one at the border crossings or at the airport.

Water in Nicaragua

Do not drink the tap water in Nicaragua. Hotels will have big jugs of filtered water for you to drink and also to use to brush your teeth. The same goes for ice or raw fruit and vegetables; use caution and your best judgment. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. We did not have any issues, but we were cautious.

Everything You Need to Know About Traveler’s Diarrhea

Toilets in Nicaragua

Remember, you don’t flush anything down the toilet, including toilet paper. There will be a basket next to the toilet where you can throw your TP and anything else. The plumbing is too old to handle paper, and this is pretty common in Latin American countries.

Electricity in Nicaragua

Electrical outlets in Nicaragua are the same as in the United States so if you’re coming from the US, you won’t need any converters or adapters.

Food in Nicaragua

Like many Central American countries, beans and rice are a staple in Nicaragua. It’s served at pretty much every meal. Expect rice and beans and eggs for breakfast, and rice & beans with chicken or beef for lunch and dinner. There’s a ton of fresh fruit and fresh fruit juices. The street food in Nicaragua is really good. We loved quesillos and nacatamales the most!

Tona and Victoria are the two local beers I recommend trying while you are in Nicaragua. Tona is really smooth, while Victoria is just slightly bitter. Rum is also a local specialty, so try the Flor de Cana rum in Nicaragua.

Nicaragua is a great budget-friendly alternative to nearby Costa Rica, which has higher prices as it’s a more popular destination. We felt very safe there, and would highly recommend Nicaragua as a family adventure destination! Want more tips on travel in Central America? Check out these other blog posts!

Left Side Driving: Driving in Ireland & the UK

Posted on May 15, 2020May 10, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about left side driving. Driving on the left is one of the big reasons many people don’t explore more of England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. It can be intimidating, but it’s worth it because you can see so much more if you have your own car.

Car Rental in the UK

There are plenty of rental car agencies to choose from, including global brands like Hertz and Avis. We find it easiest to rent a car directly at the airport unless we are first going to spend a few days in a larger city like London or Dublin, where a car is not needed. You do not need an international driver’s license for driving in Ireland or the UK, so that’s one less thing to worry about!

Everything You Need to Know About Renting a Car in Europe

Most Cars are Manual Transmission

In the UK, most rental cars are still manual transmission, also known as a stick shift. You can get an automatic, but it will cost a lot more. If you don’t know how to drive a stick shift, it’s worth learning because you’ll save a lot of money on your car rental.

Pay for the GPS

When you rent your car, I recommend getting the GPS that is offered. The best part of driving in Scotland, Ireland or Wales is that you can get out into countryside and explore small villages. The downside is you might not have cell phone coverage out there! It’s a nice peace of mind to have when you’re out exploring off the beaten path. GPS is also helpful in the roundabouts because it will tell you which exit to take.

Top Ten Road Trip Essentials

Pay for the Insurance

I also recommend adding additional insurance at the rental car agency, especially if you are not super comfortable driving on the left. Again, it’s more for peace of mind than anything else. Just don’t assume your auto insurance from home or your credit card will cover any damages you incur.

driving tips — It is always an adventure when you drive on your own.

Do Not Drive in London!

As I mentioned already, we do not keep a rental car for our entire trip if we are visiting the larger cities. In a place like London, having a car is more of a burden than anything else. We typically start our trip by exploring outside of the city, return the car and then spend a few days in the city before flying home. Parking is expensive and hard to come by and traffic is a nightmare. With easy to use public transportation, there’s no reason to have a car in London.

Roundabouts

Roundabouts are actually more confusing than driving on the left. We are starting to see these more in the States, so they are not as foreign, but they still take some getting used to. The lane you choose in the roundabout will depend on where you plan to exit the roundabout. What’s great is that if you miss your exit, you can just circle around again. Just don’t end up like Clark Griswold in European Vacation!

Traffic Lights

Red, yellow, and green still mean the same thing that they do everywhere. However, some of the traffic lights will give you a yellow light as it turns from red to green. This is simply to give you a head’s up that your light is about to turn green. This is especially handy in a stick shift, as you’ll have a second to get the car back into gear before taking off.

Traffic Enforcement

Police and fire engines almost always have their lights on. It doesn’t mean you are getting pulled over. When you hear the sirens, that’s when you need to pull over. The motorways have variable speed limits, and they are equipped with speed cameras, so mind your speed at all times. This means the speed limit on the same stretch of road can vary based on road conditions and traffic, so you always have to pay attention. We once got a ticket mailed to our US home because we were captured driving in Scotland in a bus lane.

parking in the UK — Parking is always fun in the UK & Ireland.

Parking is a Premium

Even outside of London, parking can be very expensive in some areas. Make sure you are factoring this into your accommodation prices, and if parking is not included, find out how much more you are going to pay for parking your rental car.

When you are driving in England and need to pay for parking, most places will have a pay station. You’ll have to enter your license plate number into the pay station in order to pay for your parking spot. You’ll get a receipt that you place on your dashboard.

Gas is in Liters

You may see the gas prices and think it’s a steal, but it’s actually measured in liters. There are 3.78 liters in a gallon, so it will add up quickly. Petrol is quite expensive in Europe, which is why you see so many small cars on the road. Between narrow lanes and high petrol prices, nobody is driving the big SUV’s that Americans are so fond of. We always buy the rental car package that allows us to return the car on empty, as it can be hard to find gas stations near the airport.

Expect Narrow Lanes

There are few ultra-wide roads like we are used to in the States. The farther into the countryside you explore, the more narrow the lanes will become. Sometimes the road will even narrow down to one lane for two directions of traffic. Just look for spots where you can pull out to let someone by. If need be, just take it a bit slower than you are used to. There’s really nothing to worry about if you are paying attention.

Ireland and UK Driving takes some getting used to, but it’s pretty easy after the first day. It’s worth it to learn how because you’ll have so much more freedom to explore small towns. If you want more tips on travel in Europe, check out some of our other blog posts:

Top European Cities to Visit for Accessible Travel

Posted on May 14, 2020May 10, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about places to visit in Europe if you have mobility challenges. Many European cities are very old, with cobblestone streets, narrow stairways, and high curbs. It can be a nightmare to get around if you have mobility challenges, or even if you are pushing a stroller with a toddler. So I wanted to share the top European destinations for mobility-challenged travelers.

Munich, Germany

Germany overall has made some great strides towards improving accessibility for all citizens and travelers. From the beer halls to the museums, you’ll find many accessible travel options in Munich that allow you to get around a bit easier than in other cities. Even at the Christmas Markets, they keep the sidewalks clear of snow and debris, and the cobblestones are even so you don’t get hung up on them.

The Best Christmas Market Foods to Try

London, England

Not all London attractions are wheelchair accessible, however, much of the city is easy to navigate. The taxicabs are equipped to accommodate a wheelchair or walker, and a lot of the museums are being retrofitted to make them accessible.

Paris, France

The streets of Paris can still be tricky with cobblestones, but the majority of Paris museums are accessible. The streets are relatively flat, so it’s fairly easy to get around. And despite the rumors, Parisians are actually super helpful and friendly, so you don’t have to worry about the rude locals you’ve heard about. That’s only in the service industry; generally, the locals in Paris are more than willing to lend a hand.

Berlin, Germany

In 2013, Berlin won the “Access City Award” which recognizes cities for improving accessible travel in an urban environment. Reasons cited for this award included public transportation and building codes requiring accessibility for new construction. The museums and sites make Berlin a very worthwhile destination.

Salzburg, Austria

For a smaller town in Europe, consider Salzburg in Austria. Salzburg won the Access City Award in 2012, citing outstanding achievements in several key accessibility areas. Public spaces, transportation, communication, and services are all part of Salzburg’s accessible travel innovation.

What to Know Before You Visit Austria

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm was a finalist in 2013 due to its accessibility initiatives. Northern Europe and Scandinavia in particular, seem to be the most advanced in terms of opening access to everyone and incorporating these initiatives into their city planning.

accessible travel — Europe is developing more accessible options for travelers.

Barcelona, Spain

Although Spain tends to lag behind other European countries in terms of accessibility, Barcelona has actually made some great strides. Barcelona was an Access City Award finalist in 2011, thanks to a “tourism for all” approach to making its top sights and attractions accessible.

Avila, Spain

Avila was actually the first city to win the Access City Award back in 2010. With a plan to improve accessibility to public buildings and to give incentives for private initiatives, Avila has been at the forefront of mobility issues for travelers and citizens.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Slovenia’s capital city has done a lot to make the city more accessible. All of the public buildings require accessibility and as a smaller city that was rebuilt more recently, the streets are very easy to navigate.

Krakow, Poland

This one surprised me, but Krakow was nominated for the accessibility award several times. The layout of the city lends itself well to those with mobility challenges. There is also a “Poland Without Barriers” national initiative to improve access to buildings and public spaces.

There may be other European cities that are better for wheelchair travel, however, I wanted to also highlight cities that I feel are also worth visiting. Overall, European cities are making great strides towards accessible travel. In general, southern European countries like Italy and Portugal remain the most challenging as they have some of the oldest infrastructures. If you want more tips on travel in Europe, check out some of our other blog posts: