Mark Wolters – Page 30 – Wolters World

What Not to Do When You Visit Morocco

Posted on April 13, 2020April 11, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit Morocco. We had a great time visiting Morocco with our kids! While many travel blogs will tell you the best things to do in Morocco, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do when you visit Morocco.

Don’t Expect to Enter Any Mosques (Unless You’re Muslim)

Oftentimes, travel involves visiting historic churches and cathedrals around the world. And there are some beautiful mosques in Morocco, however, unless you are Muslim, you cannot enter the mosques. There is one exception: the Hassan II in Casablanca is open for tours and is one of the top Morocco attractions that we recommend.

Don’t Expect Everything to Be Open on Fridays

Fridays are the holy day in Morocco, so many places are closed on Friday. In larger cities, this won’t be as much of an issue, but in smaller towns, you’ll find things closed or shops may have shorter business hours.

morocco tourism information — Morocco is on a lot of travel itineraries for a good reason.

Don’t Ignore the Call to Prayer

When you hear the call to prayer, be respectful of the locals. If you are bargaining for something, hold off until the prayer is over. The prayer time only lasts three to five minutes, so it’s a good time for you to take a quiet minute as well.

Don’t Expect to Get Through Customs Quickly

When you land in Morocco, customs can take a long time to clear. It’s a long process, but if you have kids, you may be able to get to the front of the line. Just plan for some extra time. If you get through quickly, you may end up waiting for your ride at the other end anyway, as they usually account for long customs delays.

How to Breeze Through International Arrivals

Don’t Plan to Check-In Online

When it’s time to fly home, don’t assume you can check-in online. You will probably have to check-in at the airport counter before your flight.

Don’t Bring Drones

You are not allowed to fly drones in Morocco, so don’t bother bringing them on your Morocco vacation. If you do have a drone, it’s possible that it will get confiscated at the border when you arrive, so it’s best to just leave it at home.

Don’t Ever Stop Haggling

Haggling is a huge part of the shopping experience in Morocco. It’s not a scam, it’s just how things work here. Yes, it gets a bit old after a while to continue haggling, but it’s just the culture. A general rule of thumb is to pay between 25-50% less than the original price you are quoted. Don’t forget to bargain with your taxi driver, too! Make sure you do this and agree on a price before you get in the car.

Don’t Try to Bargain Everywhere

Bargaining happens mostly in the souks, so it’s not universal that you will be haggling over prices everywhere in Morocco. When you are shopping at retailers like Zara or major grocery stores, you do not bargain on the prices. If you aren’t sure whether to bargain or not, just listen to those around you. You’ll quickly get the hang of it!

traveling with kids in morocco — Make sure you have money to tip for photo opportunities.

Don’t Rely Solely On Credit Cards

You will need some cash when you visit Morocco. Not every place takes credit cards, and even those that do may not have a working machine when you are there. It’s always good to have some cash as a backup. When you do get cash, make sure you have small bills that you can use for small purchases and tips. Very few vendors (and taxi drivers) will have change, so large bills are not very useful unless you are making large purchases.

Don’t Drink the Tap Water in Morocco

The tap water in Morocco is not safe to drink, so bring along a filtered water bottle, or plan to drink bottled water. You can brush your teeth with tap water, but it’s not recommended that you drink it.

Don’t Forget to Carry Some Toilet Paper

Not all public restrooms will have toilet paper readily available, so it’s always good to carry a little bit of your own. And don’t be surprised if you encounter a squat toilet or two in Morocco!

Don’t Let Your Guard Down Around Traffic

Traffic in Morocco is crazy, and you have to be really careful, whether you’re riding around in a taxi or just walking the streets as a pedestrian. Even in the medinas where there aren’t as many vehicles, you have to watch out for random donkeys and carts. It’s just a very busy place and you need to adhere to basic travel safety measures.

Don’t Get Pickpocketed!

When you visit the medina, be prepared for pickpockets and use your travel smarts to stay aware of your surroundings. It’s easy to get swept up in your surroundings, but we have lots of tips on keeping your valuables safe!

The Most Common Techniques Used by Pickpockets

Don’t Freak Out When You Get Lost

Notice we don’t say “if” you get lost, but “when.” You will get lost wandering the alleys of the medinas. Always have a map and GPS with you, and you’ll eventually find your way out. The shopkeepers are usually pretty helpful. Even if you aren’t buying anything, they will likely give you directions to find your way back.

Don’t Pet the Stray Cats

You’ll see TONS of stray cats in Morocco. Yes, they’re cute, but don’t pet them. I know it is super tempting… and they will come right up to you, but best to leave the cats alone.

Morocco vacation information — Morocco was a great experience.

Don’t Trust Everyone

For the most part, we meet friendly locals when traveling, but that’s not always the case. Someone may appear to be super helpful, but they may really be looking out for themselves. Don’t let your guard down if your spidey senses are telling you something might be off. That said, don’t assume everyone is out to rip you off.

Don’t Just Hop in a Taxi

Don’t think all taxis in Morocco are the same. For example, in Casablanca, there are little red taxis that are shared taxis, so someone else might hop in with you. When you hear about a “grand” taxi, it just means larger, it’s nothing fancy.

Don’t Plan on Buying Train Tickets Online

Unless you have a Moroccan credit card, you won’t be able to buy your train tickets online. You’ll need to go to the train station a few days before your departure and buy your tickets then.

Don’t Forget to Tip!

Yes, tipping is customary in Morocco. Tipping is part of the culture, so this is why we recommend having small bills and coins readily available. If someone helps you with your bags, you should tip them. If you have a local guide or a tour guide, plan to tip them as well. This also applies if you plan to have your picture taken with someone or someone’s animal. The snake charmers and monkey handlers will expect a tip in exchange for your photo opportunity.

Don’t Take Photos of People Without Asking

If you’re going to take photos of locals, make sure you ask ahead of time. If they say no, respect that and move on. This also applies to photographing children. If the parents are ok with it, they may ask for a tip, or you can offer one.

Don’t Use Your Left Hand

Most important occasions call for the use of your right hand, not your left hand. This goes for hand-shaking and eating. The left hand is reserved for the toilet and other cleaning duties and should not be used for hand-shaking or communal dining.

Don’t Wear Your Shoes in Someone’s Home

If you are invited into someone’s home, make sure you remove your shoes before entering. This also applies to the mosque. Some homes may have slippers you can wear, but all outdoor shoes should remain outdoors.

Don’t Miss Out on Tajine

You’ll see tajine used a lot with respect to food, but it’s not a single dish. It’s actually the vessel that the food is cooked in, so you can have many different varieties of “tajine” in Morocco. We had excellent tajine with beef, rabbit, chicken, and more. Think of “tajine” like the word casserole; it’s cooked in that type of dish but has no bearing on what is actually in the dish.

Don’t Worry About Finding Good Vegetarian Food in Morocco

Although we enjoyed some great meat dishes in Morocco, there is also a lot of great vegetarian cuisine in Morocco. You can even get a vegetarian tagine, and they are excellent.

Don’t Try to Rush Dinner

When you go out to eat in Morocco, don’t be in a hurry. Service in Morocco is on the slower side, so dinner can be a long, drawn-out affair. If you visit Morocco with kids, plan to go to a restaurant a bit early, before they start to get hungry, or you might have some hangry kids on your hands before the food eventually arrives.

Don’t Worry About Your Budget

Morocco is a very affordable travel destination, so you don’t have to worry about going over your travel budget. You may have to spend a bit to get to Morocco, but once you arrive, hotels, food, and tours are very reasonably priced.

Don’t Expect Easy Access to the Sahara Desert

You probably expect to see the Sahara Desert when you visit Northern Africa. But it’s actually 8-10 hours drive from Marrakech. So, make sure you do your research if the Sahara Desert is on your travel wish-list. Don’t plan on seeing the Sahara on a day trip; you’ll probably need to sign up for one of the overnight Morocco tours. If you sign up for a “Morocco desert tour,” there’s a good chance it’s not going all the way to the Sahara Desert.

Don’t Try to See All of Morocco in One Visit

Morocco is a huge, diverse country and it would be a great disservice to try and see it all in one visit. There are four distinct regions of Morocco: mountains, plains, desert, and the coast. I recommend choosing one, or two at the most, of these regions and explore them in more depth. If you try to see more during your Morocco trip, you’ll feel rushed and you won’t come away with a good sense of the local culture.

Don’t Expect Solo Female Travelers to Be Treated Equally

There are some parts of Morocco where solo female travelers are not treated as well as families or couples who are traveling. The social norms here are different, and most women we’ve spoken with recommend dressing a bit more conservatively to avoid drawing unwanted attention. Jocelyn even noticed a difference when bargaining; she felt like she had less bargaining influence than Mark did when shopping.

Morocco is an amazing country, and we really enjoyed our time there as a family. Don’t let any of these don’ts keep you from visiting Morocco because it’s truly a wonderful, enchanting place. Just remember what NOT to do on a visit to Morocco! Looking for more tips on family travel around the world? Check out these blog posts!

Five Things You’ll Love and Hate When You Visit Bruges Belgium

Posted on April 12, 2020April 11, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about Bruges, Belgium! It’s a beautiful city, one of my favorites in this part of Europe! As much as I enjoy visiting Bruges, there are also some things that I don’t love about the capital of West Flanders. So, today, I’m sharing the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate, about Bruges, Belgium!

Love #1: Roaming Bruges

One of my favorite things to do in Bruges is just wandering the streets. Bruges has amazing architecture, from churches and the Town Hall. The Market Square is stunning and at the center of everything in Bruges. It’s such a photogenic city, you’ll love just roaming the streets, taking it all in. Taking a Bruges canal tour is another great way to see Bruges.

Hate #1: Bruges Tourism

Bruges gets more popular every year, and there are a lot of tourists. You’ll see a lot of school groups from within Flanders, and a lot of weekend tourists from all over Europe. If you visit Bruges in the summer, it can feel crowded, and you’ll have the usual issues that come with a lot of tourists. Prices are inflated, and service is not that great. Spring and fall are great times to visit Bruges, as there are fewer crowds, but the weather is still good.

Love #2: Religious Experiences in Bruges

There are some cool religious experiences in Bruges. You can visit the Holy Blood Church where you can see the blood of Christ. At the Church of Our Lady, there’s a Michelangelo sculpture of Madonna and Child, known as Madonna of Bruges.

Hate #2: Bruges Traffic

Bruges is pretty small; you won’t need a car to get around. But as a pedestrian, you’ll notice the traffic is a bit hectic. Between bicycles, tour buses, horse-drawn carriages, and delivery trucks, you have to be pretty careful when crossing the street in Bruges.

Love #3: Day Trips from Bruges

One of the best day trips from Bruges is to visit the World War I battlefields of Flanders. There’s a lot of attention given to WWII sites in Europe, but less is known about WWI. Flanders Fields are less than 80 kilometers from Bruges, so it makes for a great day trip, especially for history buffs.

You can also travel all over Belgium and back in one day. Antwerp is just under two hours by train, Ghent is just 45 minutes, and Brussels is 90 minutes. This makes Bruges a great home base for your Belgium trip.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About European Train Travel

Hate #3: Prices in Bruges

Along with tourism, prices in Bruges are also increasing. If you want lunch with a nice view, you’re going to pay extra for those restaurants. In general, you’ll pay a bit more for things in Bruges than you might pay in smaller towns nearby. This is just the effect of Bruges tourism.

brugge tourism — yeah, you will have that face if you walk to the top of the bell tower too.

Love #4: Bruges Tourist Sights

There are lots of great things to do in Bruges. Of course, there’s a chocolate museum and a French Fry museum. The Groeninge Museum has a great collection of classical Flemish art. Bruges was a wealthy city for many years, and you can tell by the architecture and infrastructure.

Hate #4: Service in Bruges

Service is pretty lackluster anywhere you go in Belgium, so this isn’t exclusive to Bruges, but it’s something you’ll notice. The servers are professional and knowledgable, but they’re not particularly friendly or helpful. You just have to be a little more proactive with your needs and requests.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Belgium

Love #5: Bruges Atmosphere

Besides roaming the streets, my other favorite thing to do in Bruges is to grab a table on Market Square and enjoy a fresh plate of mussels, fries and a nice Belgian beer. There are other squares in Bruges, and they all have a great atmosphere.

Hate #5: Bruges Hotels

Bruges hotels can be expensive and they book up quickly in the high season. The best place to stay in Bruges is near the Old Town, and it’s quite small, so there aren’t a ton of guest rooms. We prefer to stay in Bruges, so we can enjoy it after the day-trippers go home. However, if you want to save money, you can stay in a nearby village and come into Bruges for the day.

bruges attractions — I woudl so eat those fries…

I’ve been to Bruges so many times and I keep coming back because it’s just such a great city. The “loves” I have for Bruges far outweigh the “hates” so I encourage everyone to visit Bruges at least once in their lifetime. Want more of our Belgium travel tips? Check out some of these other blog posts:

The Best Stops on Route 66

Posted on April 11, 2020April 11, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about the “Mother Road:” Route 66. One of the most famous road trips in the United States, Route 66 crosses eight states. Running over 2,400 miles from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, there are some really things to see on Route 66.

Chicago, Illinois

Our list of Route 66 stops kicks off in Chicago, Illinois. Chicago is the birthplace of the skyscraper and is known for amazing architecture. Our favorite thing to do in Chicago is to take an architectural boat tour through the city. It’s a great way to learn about the history of the city and how the various architectural styles grew up in Chicago. There are also some really great museums in Chicago, like the Art Institute and the Field Museum. Sports fans also love Chicago for the chance to visit Wrigley Field, one of the oldest baseball stadiums in the United States. And don’t forget to try Chicago-style pizza while you’re here!

The Don’ts of Chicago

Springfield, Illinois

Springfield is the capital of Illinois and the home of Abraham Lincoln. It’s a great city for history, especially for history buffs. The Lincoln Presidential Museum has the largest collection of Abraham Lincoln memorabilia. The museum really helps you see what it was like to be the President during the Civil War. In Springfield, you can also see the State Capitol, Lincoln’s law offices, and you can even visit Lincoln’s tomb. When it’s time for lunch, Springfield is the birthplace of the corn dog.

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

St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis is known as the gateway to the West, which is why the Gateway Arch was built here. You can take an elevator to the top of the Gateway Arch and get a beautiful view of the St. Louis area and the Mississippi River. St. Louis has a great art museum and the zoo is actually really great. If you like baseball, you can catch the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. St. Louis is also the home of Budweiser beer; you can take a tour of the Budweiser brewery and see the famous Clydesdale horses. St. Louis has a lot of great Route 66 landmarks.

Get your kicks on Route 66

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

OKC has a great entertainment district with a lot of restaurants and bars. There are also some great museums; one of my favorites is the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. The National Museum of Western Art is fantastic, as are the Botanical Gardens and the Oklahoma City Zoo. OKC also has some fun Route 66 attractions that were built during the heyday of the highway.

Amarillo, Texas

Route 66 just barely cuts through Texas, but Amarillo is a great place to stop. One of the best things to see in Amarillo is Palo Duro Canyon State Park. It’s a great place to get out and stretch your legs on a hike. The most famous stop in Amarillo is Cadillac Ranch, where dozens of Cadillac cars have been buried in the ground. You can also visit the Big Texan and try your hand at finishing the 72oz steak. The RV museum is also a fun way to see how people have been traveling along Route 66 for decades.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Once you’re in New Mexico, we suggest detouring around Albuquerque and visiting Santa Fe instead. Santa Fe has a really fun artsy vibe and some really interesting museums. The artist Georgia O’Keeffe spent much of her career, and you can see her art throughout town. The Canyon Road art district is full of local artisans and is a great place to shop for souvenirs. The St. Francis Cathedral is also really neat.

Route 66 tourism — You will see a lot of fun stuff along the way.

Flagstaff, Arizona

Another of our favorite Route 66 stops is the Arizona town of Flagstaff. Flagstaff is a great home base for visiting some of the sights around Northern Arizona. Of course, the Grand Canyon is something you have to see at least once. Flagstaff is part college town and part mountain town, which gives it a pretty fun vibe. There are some great restaurants, a huge brewery scene, and some really good museums as well. The Lowell Observatory is really interesting; Pluto was discovered here. Besides the Grand Canyon, we also recommend visiting Meteor Crater and Sedona. Both are really worth the day trip from Flagstaff.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About the Southwest

Williams, Arizona

Another Arizona stop along Route 66 is in Williams. This is really the gateway to the Grand Canyon. The entire town is pretty much dedicated to Route 66 nostalgia, so you’ll find diners and souvenir shops galore. From Williams, you can ride the Grand Canyon Railway up to the Grand Canyon. This is a really fun way to visit the Grand Canyon without driving yourself.

Small Town America

Ok, this isn’t necessarily one stop along Route 66. But the real joy of driving the Mother Road is visiting all of the little towns along the way. Many of these towns were “left behind” when the big interstate routes were built, so they still retain some of that old Americana charm. Seeing the small towns of America is what’s really special about taking the “back roads” instead of the major interstates. Sure, it might take a little longer, but you get to eat a mom and pop diners instead of fast-food chains.

Los Angeles and Santa Monica, California

At the end of the road, we come to Los Angeles and Santa Monica on the Pacific Ocean. Of course, LA is known as the home of Hollywood, where movies are made and it’s the place that movie stars call home. There are a ton of fun tourist attractions in Los Angeles. LA also has some amazing museums. But the true end of the road is in Santa Monica, home of the Santa Monica pier.

route 66 america highway — Meteor Crater in Arizona.

Driving Route 66 is a quintessential American experience. Much of the original route has been replaced by interstates, so you’ll find yourself on major highways sometimes, and other times you’ll have to leave the highway to try and find what’s left of Route 66. If you want more tips on travel in the United States, check out some of our other blog posts:

The Best Cities to Visit in America

Posted on April 10, 2020April 7, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about my list of must-visit cities in the USA. Now, I’m not talking about the best destinations or the top destinations, because then you’d see places like Disney or the Grand Canyon. These must-visit cities in US offer a well-rounded vacation destination, with culture, cuisine and history.

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is the home of the skyscraper. Chicago has a rich history of wealth and development, so there are some really great museums to check out. The Art Institute, the Field Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Shedd Aquarium are the top museums in Chicago. The architecture in Chicago is fantastic; it really is the birthplace of the skyscraper and the former training grounds for Frank Lloyd Wright.

Sports fans will also love Chicago. Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs baseball team, is one of the oldest baseball stadiums in the country. Chicago also has another MLB team, the Chicago White Sox, the Chicago Bulls basketball team and the Chicago Blackhawks NHL team.

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Chicago

New York, New York

This list would not be complete without mentioning the Big Apple. New York is quite possibly the coolest city in America. New York such an international city and a cultural melting pot, so you won’t get as much as the “Americana” feel, but it’s a city everyone should experience at least once. There are so many great neighborhoods in New York: from Chinatown to Little Italy, and all of the outer boroughs that are often overlooked by tourists.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the Met, is probably one of the top three art museums in the world. The food and culture in New York are amazing, and you can get pretty much any cuisine you want, anytime you want. There are so many iconic experiences in New York: from Broadway Plays to the Statue of Liberty to a stroll in Central Park.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About New York

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is another of my favorite cities in the United States. It’s one of the birthplaces of the country, and there is so much history to explore in Boston. The Freedom Trail is a great place to start your Boston vacation; this 4-kilometer walk takes you around the city to various points of interest. Once you’ve explored the city, you can head out to the harbor islands and check out the seaside a bit. If you are interested in history, you’ll love visiting Boston. It has some of the oldest buildings and business in the country, including the Union Oyster House, the oldest continuously-running restaurant in the country. Bell In Hand is the country’s oldest continuously-operating tavern, and the Omni Parker House is the longest continuously operating hotel in the United States.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Boston

best destination in america — When in the Big Apple.

Washington DC

You can’t come to the United States without visiting the capital city. There are so many cool government monuments in DC, including the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. The museums in Washington DC are first-class. The Smithsonian Institution comprises 17 museums and galleries, including the National Zoo, the National Portrait Gallery, the American Indian Museum and the Museum of American History.

Georgetown is a great neighborhood for eating and drinking in Washington DC. I would argue that Washington DC has the best public transportation system in the United States. It’s so easy to use, it will take you anywhere, and it’s very clean.

Five Things You Have to Eat in Washington DC

Charleston, South Carolina

Now, Charleston is smaller than the other cities on this list, but I think it really represents the South, which is a unique culture to experience. Charleston is one of the best southern cities to visit. You can go to the Battery and see historic homes and streets lined with ancient oak trees. They also have a really great aquarium in Charleston; our kids love it. Of course, you can also get your fill of delicious Southern food here in Charleston!

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About the South

Miami, Florida

If you want to know where all the beautiful people are, head to Miami. Specifically, South Beach. It’s not great for the ego, but Miami is an amazing city with fierce Latin vibes. The beaches are fantastic, there’s a great Art Deco district, and Little Havana is the hub of Cuban culture in Miami. Miami nightlife is pretty legendary and as an international melting pot, you can get some amazing food in Miami, too.

What NOT to Do When You Visit Florida

New Orleans, Louisiana

Another unique American city is New Orleans. The French Quarter is the main destination for tourists visiting New Orleans. Whether you visit for Mardi Gras or any other time of year, Bourbon Street and the French Quarter is where to find New Orleans nightlife. New Orleans does have a distinctly European feel, and even the food and local dialect have a lot in common with the French. New Orleans also has a lot of history and cool architecture, but its reputation as a party town is well-deserved.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About New Orleans

San Antonio, Texas

Texas has some really great cities. Austin, Dallas, and Houston are all cool places to go in Texas. But our favorite is San Antonio. Between the Alamo and the Riverwalk and the Icehouses where you can get a cold beer, San Antonio is just a great city to visit. San Antonio also has some of the best Tex-Mex food in the States, so you’ll eat really well in San Antonio. Add to all of this the friendly locals, and I think San Antonio is well worth your time.

Five Tips for Visiting San Antonio, Texas

San Francisco, California

San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the USA. Starting with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, to the most famous prison in the world, Alcatraz. Fisherman’s Wharf is the tourist hub of the city, but still worth visiting, especially if you’re in San Francisco with kids. San Francisco has one of the best Chinatown districts, with amazing food. Of course, you can’t miss out on Haight Ashbury and a ride on the famous cable cars. San Francisco is totally unlike any other city in the US, so you really should see it for yourself.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About California

Los Angeles, California

For being in the same state, Los Angeles and San Francisco are totally different, which is why they are both on this list. Now, it’s not necessarily one of our favorite places to go, but you can’t argue the icon status of Los Angeles. There are so many cool things to see in Los Angeles, and you will sometimes feel like you are in a movie because some locations have been featured so many times. A lot of LA tours and attractions can be on the cheesy side, but if you love movies and TV, you’ll love LA! If you want beaches and an urban environment, Los Angeles has both. From a scenery perspective, the Los Angeles area is one of the most beautiful cities in the USA.

I think these are great cities where you can really go and get a good sense of American culture. They are not listed in any kind of order because I love them all. Each of them gives you a unique perspective on American culture and cuisine. Don’t try to see all of these in one trip! Make sure you pick a region and start exploring at your own pace. If you want more tips on travel in the United States, check out some of our other blog posts:

Best Southern Cities to Visit

Posted on April 9, 2020April 7, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about my list of the best southern cities to visit in the United States. We’ll leave out Texas and Florida because those states have enough cool destinations to fill a whole blog post. So, these are some of our favorite destinations in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia is an amazing city full of parks, squares, and historic homes. Savannah is home to one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the US, with over a million spectators. The liquor laws are pretty relaxed, so you can enjoy a cocktail as you stroll around town enjoying historic downtown Savannah. With old trees dripping with Spanish moss, you really feel like you’re in the Deep South when you visit Savannah, Georgia. Savannah is definitely one of the best places to visit in the South.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is just two hours from Savannah and is another fantastic Southern city full of history and charm. The historic district is lined with cobblestone streets and charming historic buildings. The Antebellum homes are beautiful, and you can even tour some of them to get a feel for what Charleston was like in the 19th century. They also have a really great aquarium in Charleston; our kids love it. Of course, you can also get your fill of delicious Southern food here in Charleston!

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About the South

New Orleans, Louisiana

Another one of the best cities in the South to visit is New Orleans. The French Quarter is the main destination for tourists visiting New Orleans. Whether you visit for Mardi Gras or any other time of year, Bourbon Street and the French Quarter is where to find New Orleans nightlife. New Orleans is more than just a party city, though; New Orleans has a distinctly European feel. Even the food and local dialect have a lot in common with the French. You can take a riverboat tour or visit the Voodoo Museum, and make sure you don’t miss the famous New Orleans cemeteries with the above-ground tombs.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About New Orleans

Natchez, Mississippi

Natchez, Mississippi is a historic southern town that sits on the Mississippi River. Natchez is best known for having several Antebellum mansions overlooking the river. Natchez is the oldest city along the Mississippi River and years of preservation efforts have earned the town the designation of a Preserve America Community. When you visit Natchez, you can tour some of the historic homes, drive the Natchez Trace Parkway, or visit the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, which features three ceremonial mounds and a reconstructed Natchez house.

sights in the south — We’ve been going down south for some time.

Helen, Georgia

For a taste of Bavaria in the South, check out Helen, Georgia. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen features half-timbered houses just like those you’d expect to see in Germany. Not only does the town have lots of fun shops and restaurants, but the location is also perfect for outdoor adventures. You can go river tubing, zip-lining, hiking, and swimming in the nearby Chattahoochee National Forest.

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is the heart and soul of country music. Even if you don’t love country music, you will love Nashville. There’s live music pouring out of nearly every bar in downtown Nashville. Outside of the legendary nightlife, Nashville is quite a booming metropolis. They’ve got some great museums, a nice riverwalk and of course, the Grand Old Opry. For my fellow ‘70s and ‘80s kids, there’s also an entire museum about the Dukes of Hazzard.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

Heading back to the coast, the Outer Banks of North Carolina are a great family destination in the south. These barrier islands sit off the coast of North Carolina, with fun little beach towns up and down the whole area. The Outer Banks is really a beach destination; it’s a great place to take the kids on summer break and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the beach towns. Besides the beaches, there are also some cool lighthouses to check out when you visit the Outer Banks.

visit the deep south — The South is a lot more than you expect.

Memphis, Tennessee

If Nashville is the home to country music, Memphis is home to the blues and rock and roll. Music is everywhere in Memphis, and Beale Street is the main destination for live music in Memphis. If you’re an Elvis fan, you’ve probably already been to Memphis, where you can tour Graceland, his home in Memphis. Memphis has great museums, including the Civil Rights Museum. Memphis is also famous for BBQ, and they have some of the best restaurants for BBQ ribs and good Southern food.

The Great Smoky Mountains

Over on the Tennessee and North Carolina border, you have the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Smoky Mountains and the town of Asheville, North Carolina. The mountains in this region are unbelievable. There several scenic drives you can take for breathtaking views of the area, Asheville is a funky little Southern town, with the Biltmore Estate, and the downtown area with its distinct hippy vibe.

Atlanta, Georgia

For a more urban destination in the south, check out Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta has a lot of great attractions, including the aquarium and several great museums. If you want to experience Southern culture in the context of a big city, Atlanta is really fun to visit. I just don’t recommend driving in Atlanta; their traffic is legendary.

The Don’ts of Visiting Atlanta

Gulf Shores, Alabama

If you’re looking for a more relaxed vacation on the beach, check out Gulf Shores, Alabama. It’s a great family destination with nice beaches where you can kick back and relax. Other great beach destinations in the South include Hilton Head Island, Myrtle Beach, and dozens of others.

Fun times in Savannah.

I think these are great southern cities where you can really go and get a good sense of Southern culture. They are not listed in any kind of order because I love them all. It’s hard to narrow down the list; we also love Hot Springs Arkansas, Oxford Mississippi are a few more worth your time. Don’t try to see all of these in one trip! Make sure you pick a spot and start exploring at your own pace. If you want more tips on travel in the United States, check out some of our other blog posts:

New England Travel: What Not to Do on Your New England Vacation

Posted on April 8, 2020April 7, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit New England. New England is gorgeous, with so many cute towns and scenic landscapes.

While many travel blogs will tell you the best things to do in New England, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do when you visit New England.

Don’t Be Put Off by The New England Shield

If you’re not from New England, you’ll notice a distinct “shield” from the locals. The locals are actually super friendly and helpful, but they do have a bit of a shield you have to break through first. They are happy to recommend a restaurant or destination, but they probably won’t invite you to their home right away.

Don’t Go Crazy Driving I-95

Driving through New England, especially the cities can be a nerve-wracking experience. I-95 is the interstate that runs up and down the East Coast. You might think that you can take the backroads and leave the interstate behind. While you will see more of the New England towns this way, you’ll still have a lot of traffic to deal with, especially on weekends. (There’s a reason they call Massachusetts drivers Mass-holes…don’t let them get to you!)

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About New England

Don’t Stay at Chain Hotels

Chain hotels can be good for some trips, but the best places to visit in New England are the small towns. These towns tend to have more charming inns and bed-and-breakfasts, and it would be a shame to miss out on that experience. Even the roadside motels are fun; a throwback to the 1950s. If you can find a seaside cottage, you’ll be glad you did.

new england vacation tourism — So much to enjoy in New England.

Don’t Forget to Book Ahead

New England accommodations fill up early, especially during the leaf-peeping season in the fall. If you follow our advice and stay in the quaint inns or cottages, you’ll need to reserve them well in advance of your New England trips. July and August get pretty busy as well, especially for the weekends. Remember, there are some big cities in New England, so you have a lot of local residents heading out to the seaside for weekend getaways.

Don’t Expect Consistent Cell Service

Of course, you’ll have good service in the larger cities, but as you drive through New England, you will likely have spotty service along the way. Some of the sparsely populated areas like Vermont have very few residents. If you are relying on your cell phone for navigation, make sure you download some offline maps before you leave the city. Better yet, pick up a road atlas or a state map at the visitor’s center when you cross each state line.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About the Family Road Trip

Don’t Drink Beer That’s Not From New England

There are so many awesome beers to sample in New England. Vermont and Connecticut have some of the best beers I’ve had in the United States. Vermont beer isn’t widely exported, so I make sure I take advantage of trying all of them when I visit Vermont. (Don’t expect to buy alcohol everywhere; many states have state-run liquor stores with limited hours, and many are closed on Sundays.)

what to eat in new england — You can’t go wrong with the food (or the beer)

Don’t Forget to Try the Local Specialties

Every area of New England has its own local specialty. Lobster rolls are probably the most ubiquitous New England food, as well as clam chowder, of course. Some of the best lobster rolls are found at the little unassuming roadside stands along the back roads of New England. Oysters, whoopie pies, Necco wafers, Boston cream pies, and Boston baked beans are other New England specialties. Flavored seltzer water is really popular, too. If you aren’t sure what the local specialty is, ask your server.

Also, don’t be too proud to wear a bib when you eat lobster!

Don’t Expect to See a Lot of Chain Restaurants

As you travel through New England, you’ll notice far fewer fast-food chains like McDonald’s and Wendy’s. There are way more mom-and-pop places, which is a great way to experience local cuisine.

Don’t Expect to Hear the Hard-Core New England Accent

One surprise for a lot of New England visitors is how much that legendary accent seems to be dying off. New England is a bit of a melting pot, so there are lots of accents and dialects, but the typical New England accent isn’t as widespread as you might think. However, you will hear some New England slang that you might not understand. For example, a milkshake is just milk with a flavor stirred in, not an ice cream drink.

Don’t Diss the Local Sports Teams

New England sports fans are pretty hardcore, especially in Boston and New York. The Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, and the New York Yankees are the hometown teams and you’ll see memorabilia all over the place.

Don’t Think That New York is New England

Although New York is on the upper East Coast, it’s not really part of New England. New England is Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine. That doesn’t mean you won’t see a ton of New Yorkers in New England. You’ll see a lot of New York license plates as New England is a great weekend getaway from New York.

Don’t Visit in Winter (Or Don’t Complain if You Do!)

If you decide to visit New England in winter, don’t complain about the weather! It’s cold and it snows. A lot. It’s a really fun experience to be in a Nor’easter with tons of snow, but don’t plan on going anywhere for a while.

New England trips are perfect for all kinds of travelers. Whether you visit New England with kids, as a solo traveler or as a couple, you’ll find so many great things to do in New England. Just remember what NOT to do on a visit to New England! Looking for more tips on travel in the USA? Check out these blog posts!

The Best & Worst of Visiting St. Louis

Posted on April 7, 2020April 7, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about St. Louis, Missouri! St. Louis is on my list of top ten cities in the Midwest because it’s a great family destination, whether you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway from Chicago or want to spend a full week exploring the Gateway City. As much as I enjoy visiting St. Louis, there are also some things that I don’t love about it. So, today, I’m sharing the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate, about St. Louis, Missouri!

Love #1: Friendly Locals

The Midwest is known for having friendly people, and St. Louis is no exception. Locals in St. Louis are happy to give you directions, recommend their favorite restaurants, and tell you all about their favorite places to visit in St. Louis.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate When You Visit the Midwest US

Hate #1: Downtown St. Louis at Night

When you visit St. Louis, you’ll probably stay downtown to be near the St. Louis tourist attractions. But once the sun goes down, there isn’t much to do in St. Louis. It is getting better, but unless there’s a baseball game at Busch Stadium, downtown St. Louis is pretty quiet at night. It can even be a bit unsettling if you’re out walking around at night.

Long time ago. Look at that only partially bald head.

Love #2: Easy Access

Although St. Louis is really a driving city, they do make it easy to get around. There are lots of highways to help you get around the city.

Hate #2: Driving in St. Louis

You will likely have to do some driving while you’re in St. Louis, and that means dealing with bad drivers and lots of traffic at certain times of the day. This is one reason we try to choose a St. Louis hotel that is downtown so we can minimize our driving as much as possible.

Love #3: Cultural Attractions in St. Louis

St. Louis has a lot of great cultural attractions. The St. Louis Art Museum is fantastic. The St. Louis Zoo is amazing, and it’s free. The Arch isn’t just a cool sculpture, it’s a great lesson in American history where you can learn why St. Louis was called the Gateway to the West.

Hate #3: Limited Public Transportation

Like many US cities, St. Louis does not have a great public transportation system, which is why you end up driving a lot of places. There is a light rail system that serves the downtown area, and a train that will take you to the casinos in Illinois, but to reach most St. Louis tourist attractions outside of downtown, you’ll need to drive.

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

Love #4: Small Towns Around St. Louis

Not all of the St. Louis suburbs have that suburban feel; many of them feel like their own small town. Towns like Kirkwood give you that small-town feel and you’re just outside of a major metropolitan area. This really gives you the best of both worlds when you visit St. Louis. Each town around St. Louis has its own charm and character, so it’s fun to visit a few of them.

Hate #4: Summer Weather in St. Louis

Like much of the Midwest, St. Louis gets really hot and humid in the summer. It can really put a damper on your sightseeing, as the humidity can just suck the energy right out of you. Late spring and early fall are the best times to visit St. Louis.

Love #5: Proximity of Downtown Attractions

Although a lot of St. Louis tourist attractions are located in the suburbs, the downtown attractions are nearby one another. The City Garden, the old State Capitol, and the St. Louis Gateway Arch are all within walking distance of one another. Busch Stadium is also downtown, so you can walk from the baseball game back to your hotel.

Hate #5: Distance Between St. Louis Tourist Attractions

While the downtown attractions are nearby, many of the attractions are out in the suburbs. . St. Louis feels more suburban, with everything spread out, and many of the best St. Louis tourist attractions are not located downtown. You’ll have to travel out to Forest Park to visit the St. Louis Art Museum.

With so many fun things to do in St. Louis, it’s a great family vacation destination, especially for those of us who live in the Midwest and can easily reach St. Louis for a weekend getaway. Want more of our USA travel tips? Check out some of these other blog posts:

Is Rwanda Safe for Tourists?

Posted on April 6, 2020March 27, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about travel to Rwanda in East Africa. When we set off on our Rwanda vacation, the biggest question you all had for us was about safety. Everyone wanted to know if it is safe to visit Rwanda. Most people think of the 1994 genocide when Rwanda is mentioned, so it’s not a place with positive associations for many people. So, today, we’re addressing safety concerns and giving your our Rwanda safety tips.

Is Kigali Safe?

We visited the capital city of Rwanda and found it to be very safe. People are out strolling the streets day and night. We visited some shopping malls and never felt unsafe. I never felt like I had to worry about my backpack or my pockets when we visited Kigali.

Honest Travel Safety Advice for World Travelers

Should I Drive in Rwanda?

Rwanda is known as the country of 1000 hills, so there are a lot of winding roads and there are a lot of distractions. It’s best to leave the driving to others. Even as a passenger, there are some safety tips you should heed:

Always wear your seatbelt
Bring motion sickness pills if you are prone to motion sickness
Brace yourself for speed bumps; they’re big!
Don’t leave valuables in your car when you get out

Are the Moto-Taxis Safe?

Chances are, you will take a moto-taxi during your visit to Rwanda. It’s a motorcycle taxi, and the law requires that they have a helmet to provide to their passengers. They might seem scary, but it’s all part of the experience. The moto-taxis in Rwanda really come in handy and they do a pretty good job of following the traffic rules and keeping you safe.

What About All the Guys With Guns?

Yes, you will see police or security guards who appear to be heavily armed. They may even do a sweep under your car. It’s really just standard security procedures, it’s nothing to be alarmed by. Similarly, some of the malls may employ metal detectors upon entry. While it may make you uneasy, it’s actually a sign that they take safety and security very seriously in Rwanda.

Is it Safe to Visit the Gorillas of Rwanda?

One of the major reasons people visit Rwanda is to see the mountain gorillas. It’s actually pretty safe to be around the gorillas, provided you follow the rules from your guide. For example, flash photography is not allowed around the gorillas. Make sure you wear the right clothes, including long sleeves, long pants, and good hiking boots. (Save the safari clothes for when you’re actually on safari!)

safety in rwanda — Caleb loved going out and playing soccer with the local kids.

Are There Any Health Concerns on a Trip to Rwanda?

Rwanda is close to the equator, and you’ll spend a lot of time in the rainforest. So, be prepared with lots of bug spray and sun protection. A wide-brimmed hat will do a lot to protect you from the sun. You can even buy clothing that is pre-treated for bugs and sun protection. As far as vaccines for Rwanda, see your travel health professional for the latest recommendations. Whether or not you will need additional vaccines to visit Rwanda will depend largely on the activities you have planned during your Rwanda vacation.

We decided to take anti-malaria pills for our trip. The key, though, is to see a doctor first, and you have to start taking them before your trip. I do not recommend taking these on an empty stomach!

Can I Drink the Water in Rwanda?

No! Do not drink the water in Rwanda. Do not even brush your teeth with the water in Rwanda. Bottled water is readily available and plentiful wherever you go.

Everything You Need to Know About Traveler’s Diarrhea

What Can I Eat in Rwanda?

It’s safe to eat most of the food in Rwanda, especially if it is cooked. If you’re a vegetarian, you will be pleasantly surprised by all of the non-meat-based dishes in Rwanda. There are a lot of vegetables to eat. Regardless, you still might experience some tummy troubles, so always be prepared with a few medications to help any digestive issues you experience.

If your guide warns you about trying too much of the local hot sauce, listen to them! They do like their spicy foods in Rwanda!

What Are Rwanda Hotels Like?

Rwanda accommodations vary quite a bit. You can find every range of accommodation in Kigali. In the mountains, you will likely stay at some type of lodge. They are safe, but they do typically have armed security guards at the entrance.

In your hotel room, we always recommend using the room safe to lock up any valuables you might have, including passports and electronics. You can also put things in your suitcase and lock up your suitcase while you are away from your room.

Do I Need Cash in Rwanda?

Yes, cash is king in Rwanda, and you won’t find many places that accept credit cards. They will accept US Dollars if you have them, or the Rwandan Franc. There aren’t a lot of ATMs in Rwanda, so you’ll probably have a lot of cash on you when you arrive. Make sure you split it up and don’t keep it all in one place.

rwanda genocide tourism — Seriously, one of our most amazing family adventures was in Rwanda

We loved our time in Rwanda, and we never felt uncomfortable during our visit. We brought our parents and our kids to Rwanda because we were confident we would all be safe. I would even dare to say that Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa to visit. Obviously, trouble can and does happen in any country in the world, but using these travel safety tips will go a long way. If you want more tips on family travel, check out some of our other blog posts:

The Most Overrated Sights in Paris

Posted on April 5, 2020March 27, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about all the places to visit in Paris. Paris is a great city and we visit often, however, there are some Paris attractions that are totally overrated. We’re going to save you some time and frustration by telling you which Paris sights you should skip and which attituded and rumors are overrated.

The Mona Lisa Experience

The Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most popular attractions in Paris. It’s located in the Louvre, and people crowd around this tiny little painting. Yes, it’s an iconic piece of art, but after fighting and shoving your way to the front of the crowd to get a glimpse, you may be a bit let down.

Notice that we don’t list the whole Louvre as being overrated. There is a ton of cool art to check out, but you might be underwhelmed by some of the most popular pieces.

Ascending the Eiffel Tower

I’ve done this several times, and you do get a great view of Paris. However, the entire experience is underwhelming. You have to go through security checks, wait in several lines, and be crammed in with a lot of other people. If you are claustrophobic or you don’t like heights, this is not the Paris experience for you. If we visit Paris with friends who want to go up the Eiffel Tower, we usually hang out in the park below and wait for them.

Shopping on the Champs Elysees

The Champs-Elysees is probably the most famous shopping street in the world. Because of its popularity, it’s also the most expensive street in Paris. It’s also pretty touristy, so you’ll pay more to shop or dine along the Champs-Elysees than you will anywhere else in Paris. There are way better places to go shopping in Paris. We recommend exploring other arrondissements in Paris and finding out of the way boutiques and cafes.

most instagrammable shots in paris — Look who is an instagram influencer!

TGV Schedule

If you are traveling around France and returning to Paris for a flight back home, don’t count on the TGV being on time. The TGV is great, you can get anywhere in France relatively quickly. However, you can’t count on it being on time. We almost always come back to Paris the night before our flight so that we don’t have to worry about missing our flight due to train delays.

Parisian Reputation

If you’ve never traveled to Paris, you’re going to assume everyone is rude. That’s the reputation that Parisians have, but it’s pretty unwarranted. Sometimes, you’ll get bad service if you are in a heavily touristed area, so I think this Parisian reputation mostly comes from the service industry. All the Parisians we have met are perfectly friendly and helpful. The reputation of rude Parisians is just not true.

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Visiting Paris

Anti-Americanism

Another rumor you might have heard is that the Parisians hate Americans. We’ve been coming to Paris for years and have not experienced this at all. If you have a bad experience, don’t assume it’s because you are American. Now, if you are a loud, demanding tourist, you might be shunned a bit, but we’ve always had great experiences traveling in Paris.

Uncleanliness of Paris

Another unfounded rumor about Paris is that it’s a dirty city. I haven’t found Paris to be any dirtier than any other capital city in Europe, or the United States for that matter. There are over two million people in Paris, so of course, it’s not going to be squeaky clean like a small Midwest US town. Paris has great parks and green spaces to escape to when you are feeling too constricted by the concrete streets and buildings. The dog poop rumors are true, though, so watch where you step!

12 Things That Will Shock You in Paris

What is NOT Overrated in Paris?

There are plenty of things in Paris that are not overrated. These include:

Food in Paris – AMAZING!
Traffic in Paris – definitely frustrating, do not recommend! You don’t need a car in Paris.
Public Transportation in Paris – easy to use and takes you anywhere you want to go
Shopping in Paris – fantastic!
Number of Tourists – there is no “off-season” in Paris; expect crowds year-round.

Paris travel information — However, you really should visit Paris, because it is not overrated. It is over-awesome!

Some people may go so far as to say all of Paris is overrated. We don’t agree with that at all, but we do agree that these sites in Paris are overrated. There are still plenty of cool things to see in Paris, though! If you want more tips on family travel in France, check out some of our other blog posts:

What Not to Do at a National Park (so you don’t get in trouble, but can still have fun)

Posted on April 4, 2020March 27, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit any of the National Park Service sites in the USA. While many travel blogs will tell you the best things to do in the National Parks and Monuments, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do when you visit a National Park!

Don’t Be Disrespectful

Treat the National Park and National Monuments with care and conservation. This includes obvious things like not littering or not adding graffiti. But it also includes less obvious things like staying on the trails. Stepping off-trail might not seem like a big deal, but if everyone does it, it can start to cause erosion. A lot of the National Park rules are for your own safety.

Don’t Mess with the Animals

At least once a year, we hear about tourists having an unpleasant encounter with buffalo or elk at places like Yellowstone National Park. Even the cutest little chipmunks can carry diseases and they will bite you. Don’t feed animals in the national parks, and follow all park rules for maintaining an appropriate distance.

Don’t Forget a First Aid Kit

We always have a small First Aid kit on hand when we’re out traveling. It doesn’t have to be anything major. Ours is a small Ziploc bag with some Neosporin, bandages, sunscreen and bug spray. If you’re in the desert, tweezers are great for removing cactus spines.

The Most Common Travel Illnesses and Injuries

Don’t Forget Sun Protection

Sunscreen is a must for nearly any travel destination. Besides putting sunscreen on, you can also protect your skin with a hat and long sleeves that cover your arms. There are lots of hiking clothes now that are lightweight to keep you cool, but they protect your skin. Some even block UV rays. Nearly every NPS site has a National Park Service store that sells hats and hiking supplies, as well as some cool souvenirs to take home.

Don’t Get Dehydrated

Make sure you are drinking lots of water when you are touring the National Parks. Many are in a dry climate or higher elevation and you’ll need a lot of water to stay hydrated. The best way to do this is to carry a refillable water bottle everywhere you go. This helps reduce the plastic going into our landfills, but also saves you money as you’re not buying bottled water everywhere you go. Most National Park sites have bottle filling stations at the visitor center.

Don’t Count on Cell Phone Service

Depending on your provider and what National Park you are in, you may not have cell phone service. Many National Park visitor centers will have WiFi, but once you set off for a hike, you will quickly lose your signal. This even applies while driving; just because you’re on a paved road does not mean you will have cell service. That’s why a paper map or road atlas is one of our road trip essentials.

Top Ten Road Trip Essentials

Don’t Forget About Junior Ranger Programs

If you are visiting National Parks with kids, make sure you check out the Junior Ranger program. It’s a fun way to get the kids excited about visiting the national parks and monuments. With the junior ranger program, it’s easy to make learning fun!

problems at national parks — National Park service

Don’t Miss Out on Other Programs for All Ages

The National Park sites have programs for all ages. Whether it’s guided hikes, interpretive reenactments or stargazing programs, there’s always something going on at the National Parks.

Don’t Forget Your National Parks Passport

You can buy a passport at any of the National Park stores and then get stamps at every site you visit. This is especially fun for kids, but adults can collect the stamps, too. With over 400 National Park sites in the US, that’s a lot of stamps you can collect!

Don’t Forget to Dress in Layers

If you’re going to be hiking in National Parks, it’s important to dress in layers. Mornings usually start off pretty cool, but the sun can get hot very quickly. Layers are great as you can easily add and remove them when you get too hot or too cold. It’s always a good practice to have warm clothes just in case you end up not getting back before dark.

Don’t Bring Your Drones

Drones are prohibited at National Parks and National Park sites. Drones can be very annoying to other visitors who are out to enjoy nature and they can disturb wildlife as well.

National Park Camping Tips from Grant and Bonnie of Our Wanderfilled Life

Grant and Bonnie are high school teachers who spend most of their vacation time touring the Nationals Parks and camping in their RV. We asked them for some of their “don’ts” for visiting National Parks.

Don’t Forget About all the National Park Sites

There are currently 61 designated National Parks. However, there are over 400 sites managed by the National Park Service. These include National Monuments, National Lakeshores, National Historical Parks, National Military Parks, and National Battlefields.

Don’t Forget to Make Reservations

If you are planning to stay overnight in the national parks, you must have reservations well in advance. There are a few park campgrounds that are first-come, first-served, but a lot of campgrounds and lodging choices book up months in advance, especially in high season. Even some tours or trails require advance reservations or permits.

Don’t Expect a Lot of Amenities at National Park Campgrounds

Campgrounds at most National Parks are quite sparse. They will usually have bathrooms, but sometimes that’s just a vault toilet. Most campgrounds do not have the luxurious hot showers and running water you would expect at a state park or a private campground.

Don’t Forget to Check the Food Storage Requirements

Food storage requirements vary by location. If you are in an area with bears, requirements will be very strict, especially if you’re in an area with grizzly bears. Some areas do not even allow soft-shell campers as bears can get inside for food. If a campsite provides a bear box for your food, make sure you put everything in there, including scented non-food items like toothpaste or deodorant.

Don’t Ignore Warning Signs

Warning signs are there for a reason, so don’t ignore them. Some of the warning signs may be over the top, but there’s usually an incident that prompted the sign. We’ve all heard about the tourists at Yellowstone who don’t stay on the boardwalk and fall into a boiling geyser. If there’s a warning sign, heed the warning, even if it seems silly. They are there to keep you safe!

National park service information — Family time is National Park Service Time.

Don’t Skip the Visitor Center

Chances are, you’re excited to get to a national park and see the big sites. But don’t pass right by the Visitor Center. This should be your first stop at the park. Besides paying your entry fee, you can learn a lot about the park at the visitor center. You can get a park map and also talk to the rangers about trail conditions, road conditions, or just to answer any questions you might have.

Don’t Gripe About the Fees

Yes, the National Parks are taxpayer-funded, and a lot of people take issue with paying entrance fees to access public lands. The National Parks are woefully underfunded, and the small sliver of your tax dollars that go to the NPS does not even cover the cost of your visit to one park. If you’re going to visit a lot of National Parks, the annual pass is a great deal. Senior Citizens can get a lifetime pass for the bargain price of $80. If you have a child in 4th Grade, your whole family can get in free for the duration of the school year.

Don’t Stay in Your Car

The National Parks have a lot of beautiful scenic drives and you can see a lot from your car. But once you get out of your car and start hiking, you’ll see so much more. The majority of National Parks visitors do not get out of their cars or do not go beyond the scenic viewpoints. If the park feels crowded to you, all you have to do is hike a couple of miles in and you’ll feel like you have the park to yourself.

Thanks to our friends Bonnie and Grant from Our Wanderfilled Life for their National Park camping tips! With over 400 National Park sites to choose from, we hope you’ll get out and explore some of these special places. Just remember what NOT to do on a visit to a National Park! Looking for more tips on travel in the USA? Check out these blog posts!