Mark Wolters – Page 31 – Wolters World

Travel Stories: The Best and Worst of Traveling

Posted on April 2, 2020March 27, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about the best and worst of traveling! Many people wonder why travel is important. Obviously, we love traveling as a family, but there are some drawbacks to traveling, too. These are the things we love, and the things we hate, about traveling!

Love #1: Cool Things to See

Visiting places that you’ve read about, or seen on TV, is such a cool experience. From the Inca Trail to the Grand Canyon to the Great Wall to the Eiffel Tower, traveling opens up the entire world for you. Sometimes it can be a surreal experience to actually stand in the streets of a city you’ve only ever dreamed of visiting before.

Hate #1: Cost of Traveling

Traveling is not free, unfortunately. Even the most budget-conscious traveler has to spend a little bit of money in order to travel. You have to pay for transportation, whether that’s gas in your own car, plane tickets or train tickets. Then you have to pay for food, accommodation, and sightseeing. There are ways to save money while traveling, but it will never be completely free!

How to Save Money While Traveling

Love #2: The People You Meet While Traveling

The more you travel, the more friends you will have around the world. Whether it’s meeting locals or fellow travelers, traveling is a great way to broaden your friendship circle. If you are a fan of slow travel like we are, you can really get to know an area and the locals. It’s a really special treat to be invited over for a traditional dinner at the home of a local while you are traveling.

why you should travel — Travel is great! Except when it’s not.

Hate #2: Bad Service for Tourists

When you travel to heavily touristed areas, you won’t always get the best service. They are dealing with tourists all day, and they aren’t trying to win back your repeat business. This is especially true when you are in very popular areas, like Piazza San Marco in Venice or right next to the tower in Pisa. We always recommend going a few blocks off the main streets, and you’ll get much better food at better prices. Another good approach is to ask your local friends or the concierge at your hotel what their favorite restaurant is.

How to Eat Cheap and Well While Traveling

Love #3: Shared Memories & Experiences

I have traveled solo and with friends, but traveling with my family is by far my favorite. Creating shared memories with my wife and kids brings us closer together. Travel also makes a great conversation starter when you are trying to meet fellow travelers. Sharing your travel tales and experiences is a great way to bond with family, friends, and strangers.

Hate #3: Overrated Tourist Attractions

Every city or country has that one spot that everyone tells you that you HAVE to see. And you might get talked into visiting even though it’s not your usual travel style. For example, I didn’t love Milan, Italy so much. I think Brussels is a bit overrated. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is literally just a leaning tower. It doesn’t look any different in person than in the hundreds of photos you’ve already seen.

Overrated Cities and Attractions in Europe

Love #4: Food Around the World

One of the best parts of traveling is trying new cuisines around the world. I would venture to say that France has the best food in the world, so it’s a great destination for foodies. Other destinations, like China and Mexico, are known for amazing street food. Sure, some destinations are a little heavy on beans and rice, but the food is a great way to bond with your fellow travelers as well.

family travel advice — Can’t say how many times I wish we had more family pictures while traveling.

Hate #4: Tour Groups

If you’re in a popular destination during high season, you’re going to have to deal with tour groups. You’re either going to feel rushed to get ahead of the tour group, or you’re going to get behind them and end up going really slow. Tour groups are great for some travelers, but if you’re an independent traveler and like to go at your own pace, you’ll do best to try and avoid the tour groups. Traveling in the offseason is a great way to avoid huge groups of tourists.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Package Tours

Love #5: Travel Stories

We don’t buy a lot of souvenirs since we travel so much, but we do love to buy artwork while we’re traveling. So, we can sit in our living room and look around at all of the places we’ve traveled to, and remember stories from each destination. The best part of this is when you are not traveling, you can travel back through your memories.

Hate #5: Bad Weather Days

Chances are if you travel often enough, you’re going to run into some bad weather days. If you try to avoid crowds and travel in the off-season, you’re more likely to have bad weather days. Try to anticipate bad weather ahead of time. When you’re planning your travel itinerary, find things you can do indoors on the bad weather days. Save your museum days for the rainy or cold days that you don’t want to be outside.

Rainy Day Travel Advice

Love #6: Cultural Experiences

Besides all of the cool things you get to see while traveling, the cultural experiences will blow you away. Whether it’s running with the bulls in Pamplona or toasting during Oktoberfest, the cultural experiences are what really make travel special. As parents, it’s fun to see how parents do things differently in other countries, and it’s fun to watch our kids bond and play together despite language barriers. At the end of the day, we’re all the same, but we just do things a bit differently.

Hate #6: Missed Connections & Travel Delays

Sometimes the worst part of travel is just getting to your destination. A canceled flight is a horrible way to start your vacation, especially if you have connecting flights. Rebooking your flights, along with everyone else who was supposed to be on your plane, can be stressful. You can help alleviate some of this stress by carefully choosing your itinerary. Try not to book yourself a connection that doesn’t leave you enough wiggle room. This applies to trains as well, make sure you have enough time between trains to find your platform.

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Long Layovers

Love #7: Discovering Hidden Gems

While it’s great to see the big sites and famous cities when you travel, sometimes the best experience is stumbling on to a smaller village that doesn’t see many tourists. I love visiting Bamberg, Germany because there aren’t as many tourists, so it feels like a more authentic German village experience.

How to travel with your family — Why you really should travel with your family.

Hate #7: Travel Stink

When you’ve been traveling for a while, you might start to stink! Whether you’ve been in transit for 28 hours and desperately need a shower, or you’ve been traveling for two weeks and haven’t had time to hit a laundromat, you will stink! If you’re backpacking around Europe, you’ll notice this in your fellow travelers before you realize that you also stink!

Everyday Annoyances of Long-Term Travel

Love #8: History Comes Alive When You Travel

One of the best thins about travel is making history come alive. Whether it’s visiting famous battlefields or even movie scenes, it’s such a fun and unique travel experience. In Salzburg, you can visit all of the sights from Sound of Music. And even when you’re back home, it’s cool to see something on TV after seeing it in real life. Our youngest son gets so excited when he sees the Eiffel Tower on TV because he’s been there already.

Hate #8: Driving Abroad

Some countries are really easy to visit without driving, but other destinations make it nearly impossible to get around without your own vehicle. Whether they drive on the left or the right, it can take some getting used to. Driving through a roundabout in Ireland for the first time can be tricky. Not all traffic signals are the same from country to country.

Everything You Need to Know About Renting a Car & Driving in Europe

Love #9: Travel Surprises

You may have your travel itinerary planned down to the minute, but you’re still going to have some surprises along the way. Sometimes it’s as simple as turning a corner to find a picture-perfect setting or jaw-dropping scenery. Even the surprises that aren’t so pleasant at the time make for great stories later. Getting out of your comfort zone and going with the flow is what makes travel so great.

athens akropolis — She didn’t drop him. Promise!

Hate #9: Travel Planning & Budgeting

Budgeting for a trip can be really difficult, especially if you are visiting multiple countries. For example, one beer in Copenhagen costs about $8, while beer in Portugal is about $1 per glass. Prices can vary widely from country to country, and even amongst cities in the same country. Besides budgeting, planning can also be overwhelming. Trying to narrow down all of your options into an efficient, enjoyable vacation can be tough. It helps to set a budget first, then choose destinations based on your interests and your budget.

How to Choose the Best Travel Guidebook

Love #10: Learning Experiences

Besides experiencing other cultures, you get to learn about them and understand how people are different (and the same) around the world. World culture is about so much more than food and language, and the more time you spend in a place, the more you will understand the nuances of the local culture. Going to local festivals and museums is a great way to learn about the culture and history of a region.

Hate #10: Lack of Space on Public Transit

If you decide to travel by train and bus, you’ll quickly realize that there isn’t a lot of space for luggage. On a lot of European trains, for example, there’s a small overhead rack for your luggage. If you have a large suitcase or you can’t lift it up over your head, you’ll have to put it in the luggage area at the end of the car. This area fills up quickly and is near the exit, so it could be stolen pretty easily if you aren’t able to keep an eye on it. This is why we recommend packing light.

Traveling is such an amazing experience for people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone at home wondering why you should travel, we hope our travel stories inspire you to travel more. Obviously, we think the best parts of travel outweigh the worst parts of travel by far, and we plan to keep traveling as long as we can. Want more of our travel tips? Check out some of our other blog posts:

The Best & Worst Parts of Visiting The Planet Mars for Tourists

Posted on April 1, 2020March 27, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow space travelers! Today, we’re in Iceland, but the landscape makes us think we’re on Mars. With so much news about Mars lately, we thought it would be fun to talk about the five things you would love and the five things you would hate if you visit Mars.

Love #1: Making History

If you decide to visit Mars, you’ll be one of the first humans to ever do so. You’ll be remembered forever, just like Neil Armstrong. If you like to blaze new travel paths, take risks and explore the unknown, then Mars is the perfect vacation destination for you!

Hate #1: Weather on Mars

No matter where you go on Mars, it’s going to be cold. Like 200 degrees below zero cold. There’s also crazy wind and dust storms that will drive you crazy. Then you get the solar storms and radiation from the sun is probably enough to kill you.

Love #2: Exploring Uncharted Territory

If the thought of being the “Lewis and Clark” of outer space is appealing, you’ll love going to Mars! There are very few unexplored areas of earth left, so visiting Mars opens up a whole new world of possibilities for explorers.

Hate #2: Finding Accommodation on Mars

As any pioneer will tell you, being the first to visit a new region means you might have a hard time finding accommodation. Until Mars travel becomes more mainstream and tourism infrastructure is developed, there won’t be many places to stay. You might have to bring your own accommodation to Mars. And you will need shelter because there’s not enough oxygen to breathe on your own on Mars.

Love #3: Running Fun Science Experiments

Being the first to explore Mars means you get to conduct all of the experiments that you want. Dig up some soil, take some air samples and melt some of the ice you find on Mars. You’re starting with a clean slate on a planet just waiting for new discoveries!

mars tourism information — Live long and prosper fellow travelers

Hate #3: Your Fellow Travelers

When you finally get to visit Mars, you’ll most likely be in close quarters with your travel partners. Chances are, these travel partners will be chosen for you, so you may or may not like them from the start. Eventually, spending that much time with anyone is bound to drive you a little crazy. Just the trip to Mars is going to take two years, so by the time you arrive, you might already be sick of your travel partners.

Love #4: 2 Years of Down Time En Route

For many of us, a couple of uninterrupted hours on a plane is pure bliss. It’s a chance to catch up on the book you’re reading or the Netflix series you’re watching. Now imagine having two years on a plane! Think of all the shows and movies you can catch up on!

Long Haul Flight Tips

Hate #4: Loneliness on Mars

It’s very barren on Mars; there are no locals to meet. (That we know of!) Even communicating with your friends and family back home can be challenging. Communication between the Earth and Mars can take anywhere from four to 24 minutes, so don’t plan on getting any FaceTime calls on your birthday! Better brush up on your email writing skills.

Love #5: Body Changes

You’ll have zero gravity en route to Mars, and low gravity once you arrive on Mars. With shrinking bone density and muscle mass, you’ll probably weigh a lot less when you return to Earth. It may not be the best way to lose weight, and it’s certainly not the cheapest!

Hate #5: Mars Travel is Expensive

Looking for a budget vacation? Mars is not it! A trip to Mars can cost billions of dollars. The flights are long and inconvenient, and you’ll need a lot of money to cover your expenses once you arrive. It takes so long to get there, that you’re going to need a lot of vacation time. Flights are limited to a few days every 26 months, so your timing better be just right!

While it may be a while before we can actually travel to Mars, it’s fun to think about the possibilities. And by supporting NASA and encouraging science programs in local schools, Mars travel may not be as far away as you think! Want some of our actual travel tips? Check out some of our other blog posts:

10 Things That Tourists Should Know Before They Visit Buenos Aires

Posted on March 31, 2020March 27, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Five Things You’ll Love and Hate About Visiting Buenos Aires

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about Buenos Aires, Argentina! I used to go to school here, and I love this city! As much as I enjoy visiting Buenos Aires, there are also some things that I don’t love about Argentina’s capital city. So, today, I’m sharing the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate, about Buenos Aires, Argentina!

Love #1: Buenos Aires Neighborhoods

Buenos Aires has so many different neighborhoods to explore. La Boca is a colorful neighborhood with painted houses and tango dancers. San Telmo has Sunday flea markets that draw people from all over the city. Recoleta is famous for the Recoleta Cemetery, which is a must-see in Buenos Aires. Each neighborhood has a different feel, so it’s fun to explore several of them when you visit Buenos Aires.

Hate #1: Argentina Time

Everything runs a bit later in Buenos Aires, and the locals have a pretty relaxed attitude when it comes to schedules. If you’re an early morning person, you won’t find much going on in the morning. It’s a nice time to admire the architecture and enjoy some quiet time before the city wakes up, but not much will be open in the morning. The Natural Science museum doesn’t even open until 2 in the afternoon! This applies to mealtimes as well. Dinner is usually around 8 or 9 pm in Buenos Aires.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Latin America Travel

Love #2: Buenos Aires Architecture

There is so much cool architecture in Buenos Aires. There are buildings from the 19th century, like the Palace of the Argentine National Congress. Each neighborhood has a distinct architectural style, so if you enjoy architecture, you’ll love Buenos Aires!

Hate #2: Inconsistent Service

We’ve had some amazing, attentive service in Buenos Aires. But we’ve also had some very lackluster, inattentive service at some Buenos Aires restaurants. So, just be patient and lower your expectations a bit and you’ll be fine. The people can also be a bit brisk, but that’s pretty typical for larger cities.

Love #3: Things to Do in Buenos Aires

There are so many things to do in Buenos Aires. They have excellent museums, including the National Science Museum and the Latin American Art Museum. The individual neighborhoods have festivals and markets, and there are a TON of great bars and restaurants in Buenos Aires. You can even take a quick day trip over to Colonia, Uruguay.

Hate #3: Taxis and Travel Scams

There aren’t really a ton of travel scams that you need to look out for in Buenos Aires. But there are a few little tourist rip-offs to be aware of. Most of them have to do with the taxis in Buenos Aires. They may claim to not have any change and try to force you to give them a larger tip because they can’t make change. That’s why it’s always good to have small bills on hand. Other places may try to tell you can’t use your credit card because you were given the “deal of the day,” when they clearly take credit cards.

21 Things to Know Before You Visit South America

Taxis in Buenos Aires don’t have to pick you up, so I recommend booking a car service or a taxi through your hotel.

buenos aires safety — Strolling through the cemetary.

Love #4: Affordability in Buenos Aires

While Buenos Aires is not a super cheap destination, it is very affordable for a family of four. With so many diverse things to do, it’s really worth your tourist dollars, and you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck. As a bonus, if you happen to have small bills from the US, you can often pay in US dollars.

Hate #4: Street Obstacles

As much as I love to roam the streets of Buenos Aires, you have to be careful! For one thing, there’s a lot of dog poop in the streets! The sidewalks are also uneven and it’s easy to trip on broken cobblestones.

Crossing the streets is actually the worst part, though. It can be dangerous to be a pedestrian in Buenos Aires. Even if you have the walk light, you still should make eye contact with the drivers to make sure they are going to stop.

Love #5: Argentinian Food

Specifically, beef, wine, and ice cream are some of my favorite things about Argentina. Argentina is known for its beef and it is fantastic. It’s also a major producer of red wines, so you’ll have to have those to go with your steak. The ice cream is the icing on the cake when it comes to eating out in Buenos Aires. Try the dulce de leche, it’s amazing!

Hate #5: Buenos Aires Safety Issues

Many people wonder “Is Buenos Aires Safe?” As with many cities, there’s no clear yes or no answer. There are safe neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, and there are neighborhoods to be avoided. Talk to the people at your hotel and ask them which areas to avoid. For example, La Boca is a cool area in Buenos Aires, but I don’t recommend staying there after dark. Generally, if you stick to the usual travel safety precautions, you’ll be fine.

things to do in buenos aires — The steaks come well done

It’s hard not to love Buenos Aires, Argentina. It’s affordable and there are a ton of cool things to do. I really hope you will decide to visit Buenos Aires because it’s worth it! Want more of our South America travel tips? Check out some of our other blog posts:

What Not to Do on a Trip to Belize

Posted on March 30, 2020March 27, 2020 by Mark Wolters

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

Don’t Worry About the Crime Statistics

Most people worry “Is Belize Safe?” and will google this to find out. Yes, Belize has issues, and the crime statistics do seem high. However, as a tourist, you likely won’t run into any of this crime. It’s mostly concentrated in the cities, not in the tourist areas. Of course, you have to use the usual travel smarts that you would use anywhere in the world.

Honest Travel Safety Advice

Don’t Be in a Hurry

Although all of Belize is not an island, they definitely operate on “island time.” After a few days, you get used to it, and can even start to enjoy island time, but it does take a few days to get used to. You’ll hear “Go Slow” a lot when you visit Belize.

belize beaches — English, great food, amazing water, you should really consider Belize.

Don’t Pass Up The Beach Grills

There are lots of restaurants in Belize, but they also have pop-up grills in these huts along the road and on the beaches. Don’t be scared to try these little shacks. The food is actually really good, and it’s usually way cheaper.

Don’t Worry If You Don’t Know Where Belize Is

A lot of people have heard of Belize but have no idea where it’s actually located. That’s pretty common. It’s in Central America, on a small strip of land between Guatemala and Mexico on the Caribbean Sea. It only became an independent country in 1981, so it’s a relatively “new” country.

Don’t Worry About Speaking Spanish

You might assume that Belize, like most Central American countries, is a Spanish-speaking nation. English is the official language of Belize. Everything is in English, which makes it a great international destination for first-time travelers who might be nervous about dealing with language differences.

Ten Things That Will Shock You in Belize

Don’t Be Surprised at Communication Challenges

Even though you’re both speaking English, you still might have some communication challenges with the Belizeans. They may throw some Creole or Spanish in there and tend to have a heavy accent. But you’ll get through it, just speak a little slowly if needed. It’s no different than traveling in Ireland and trying to understand their English. Or the Deep South, for that matter!

belize hot sauce food vacation — You will eat well in Belize. Come during lobster season.

Don’t Forget Bug Spray & Sun Block

Belize is in a tropical climate and it’s buggy. The bugs can be pretty bad, especially if you are visiting Belize rainforests or doing any activities inland. You also need sunblock to protect your skin as the sun is pretty strong. Chances are, you’ll be enjoying the Belize beaches during your trip, so make sure you don’t get a sunburn and ruin your trip! Even if you’re not at the beach, but out exploring Mayan ruins in Belize, you’ll be in the sun.

Don’t Miss Snorkeling or Scuba Diving

If you’re able to, make sure you get out in the water for snorkeling or diving in Belize. Belize has the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Our kids loved it, as you can see a lot of cool marine life underwater. Even if you’re not a strong swimmer, it’s pretty easy to snorkel. However, when you sign up for an outing, don’t overstate your abilities. Be honest with the guides about your swimming or diving skills. They will help you choose the right equipment for your skill level.

Don’t Assume Every Tour Company is the Same

If you’re going to sign up for a day tour in Belize, make sure you do your research on the tour companies. Some Belize tours are geared towards younger travelers, while other tours are more family-friendly. Prices are pretty similar, but experiences can vary greatly.

Don’t Take Anything From The Reef

This should go without saying, but don’t take anything from the reef when you are out swimming. Don’t even touch it if you can help it. It’s a protected area, and the coral is very sensitive and easily killed when disturbed. You should even try to wear reef-safe sunscreen to minimize the damage done.

belize vacation information — Seriously, go slow. Everything happens a bit slower in Belize. And that is the best part.

Don’t Expect to See Wildlife in the Blue Hole

The Blue Hole is one of the most famous places to go in Belize. It’s really cool to see, but it’s not the best place for viewing marine life underwater. If you want to really see cool underwater activity, the coral reef is a much better spot.

Don’t Worry About Walking Around With Your Drinks

In Belize, it’s totally legal to walk around with a cocktail. As long as it’s in a plastic cup or a can, not a glass bottle, you’re free to enjoy a drink as you stroll the beach.

Don’t Think Marijuana is Legal

You will more than likely smell marijuana in Belize. Don’t assume that it’s legal just because you can smell it. The drug laws are actually pretty strict, and as a foreigner, you really don’t want to get busted for drugs. It’s not worth it.

Don’t Think Belize is Just Beaches

Although Belize beaches are amazing, there is so much more to see and do on your Belize trip. There are Mayan ruins in Belize, and you can even make a day trip over to Tikal in Guatemala. There were over one million Mayans here at one point, which is more than double the current population of Belize. There are jungle tours and spelunking tours.

Don’t Expect to See Jaguars

You might see warning signs around Belize to watch out for Jaguars. They’re actually pretty rare, so unless you are out in the jungle at night looking for them, you’re not likely to see any jaguars in Belize. You will see other animals in Belize; don’t mess with them!

Don’t Expect to Find Any Chains

If you like to travel with hotel points, you might have a hard time finding a place to stay in Belize. There aren’t a lot of chain hotels or chain restaurants in Belize. Most of the hotels are small, independent hotels and resorts. This means you have to do a bit more research before booking your Belize accommodation.

Don’t Worry About Exchanging Money

If you’re coming from the United States, you don’t even have to worry about exchanging money in Belize. Belize has its own currency, the Belize Dollar, but nearly anywhere you go will accept US Dollars. The Belize Dollar is pegged to the US Dollar 2-to-1, so whatever the price is in Belize dollars, you can pay half that in US dollars. It can be hard to find ATMs, so it’s nice to be able to bring money from home and not worry about getting cash when you arrive.

Don’t Expect Latin America Prices

Most Latin American destinations are very affordable and make for a good budget vacation. Belize is more expensive than other Central American countries we’ve visited. Like Costa Rica, there are more tourists here, which drives up the prices a bit.

Don’t Forget the Seasons in Belize

While Belize is close to the equator and warm year-round, there are distinct seasons. Hurricane season is from June until November, with September and October being the rainiest months in Belize. December through March is the busiest tourist season in Belize.

Don’t skip out on a trip to Belize! It’s a great place for outdoor adventure, lazy beach days and a laid-back lifestyle. Our whole family really enjoyed our Belize vacation. Looking for more tips on visiting Latin America? Check out these blog posts!

Packing List for Europe: Men’s Edition

Posted on March 29, 2020March 27, 2020 by Mark Wolters

What to take to Europe for Men

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what I pack for a trip to Europe in the summer. There are lots of blogs out there with fashion tips for traveling women, but what about the guys? Many of our readers have asked us what to pack for a trip. Whether I’m traveling for two weeks or seven weeks, my vacation packing list pretty much stays the same.

Before you start packing for your Europe trip, there are 3 “W’s” to consider:

Weather (check the 10-day forecast right before you leave!)
When Are You Traveling? Shoulder season may require more layers to pack.
Where Are You Traveling? Ireland requires different clothes than Greece!

The Rule of Five

No matter how long your trip is, you pretty much only need five of everything. Five tops, bottoms, underwear, and socks. That’s also about how much will fit in a carry-on suitcase. And we always try to travel carry-on only, as it really simplifies your travel. This doesn’t include what you wear on the plane, which gives you another outfit to recycle throughout your trip.

Watch: How to Do Laundry While Traveling

Bottoms

Even if I’m traveling in May, when I’ll need long pants and shorts, I still stick to the rule of five. If you purchase specific travel clothing for men, pants are usually lightweight, easy to pack and not too heavy for hot weather.

2 pairs of shorts
2 pairs of pants
1 pair of jeans, worn on the flight

Pajamas

It’s always good to have a dedicated outfit to sleep in, or to lounge around the hotel room. Depending on the weather, I’ll either bring shorts and a t-shirt or flannel pajama bottoms.

Swimwear

I almost always have a pair of swim trunks in my suitcase. Whether I’m going to the beach or just planning to use the hot tub and pool at the hotel, it’s always good to have swimwear on a trip.

Tops

Again sticking to the rule of five, I bring five options for what to wear on top. (That might also include an undershirt that isn’t counted in the five.) I usually bring 3-4 t-shirts and two collared shirts. The t-shirts are sometimes used as undershirts under the collared shirt. I typically wear a half-zip shirt on the plane, which layers well when it’s cooler outside.

Want to sport your own Wolters World Gear? Shop here!

Socks & Underwear

If you need to be more lenient on the “rule of five” this is the place to pack more. I usually pack five pairs of socks and then wear compression socks on the plane. I highly recommend compression socks for long flights. Socks and underwear don’t take up that much room, so if you want to bring more, go for it!

What should i wear in Europe — What you take will depend on where you are going. But always pack light.

Toiletries

I keep all of my toiletries, like shampoo and shaving kit, in a separate bag that can easily be pulled out at security. If you wear glasses or contacts, it’s always a good idea to have a backup pair in case you lose or break them.

Extra Bags

I usually throw a couple of extra bags in my bag. You can never have enough Zip-Loc bags on a trip. They are great for separating dirty laundry, keeping your liquids from leaking into your suitcase, and even using it as a waterproof bag for electronics on a rainy day. I also like to have a compact drawstring bag for laundry. These are great for hauling your clothes to the laundromat.

Rain Coat

Even if you don’t think it will rain, always have a raincoat. Something thin that will pack easily, and even if it doesn’t rain, you might get a windy day and be grateful you have it.

Five Things to Never Put in Your Checked Luggage

Personal Items

Everything listed above goes in my carry-on suitcase and gets stored in the overhead bin when I’m flying. For my “personal item” I carry an Osprey backpack filled with travel essentials. This holds everything I need during the flight, and valuable items I don’t want to have out of reach. My backpack holds:

A folder for travel documents
Eyeglasses (in a hard case for protection)
Tripod and camera
Batteries, chargers, power bank, and memory cards
Headphones
Passport
USB Drive
Flashlight
Nail clippers
Luggage locks (I recommend combination locks so you don’t have to keep track of a key!)
Computer or tablet
Prescriptions or medicine
Pens and paper
Guidebooks (yes, we still buy guidebooks sometimes!)
Deck of Cards
Bottle Opener (very important in Europe!)
Power adapters

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men's packing list for europe — That is all I took with me for seven weeks in Europe.

If you see me anywhere in the world, I’ll be carrying these items! If you use a packing checklist like this and continue to refine it after every trip, you’ll have packing down to a science in no time. And it doesn’t matter if you’re traveling for two weeks or two months, you don’t need to pack any more things!

How to Decide if You Should Fly or Drive to Your Next Vacation

Posted on March 28, 2020March 27, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Travel Q&A: Deciding Whether to Drive or Fly

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re answering a travel question from one of our viewers. Mark Finley wanted to know if we have criteria to decide whether to fly or drive on a family trip. What’s the cutoff point where you will decide to fly instead of drive? Obviously, a lot of our trips are overseas and we have to fly, but we do have criteria to help us decide whether to fly or drive on our domestic trips.

Time Spent in Transit

One of the biggest factors when deciding to drive or fly is the time factor. We weigh how much time we would spend flying vs driving. Of course, flying involves getting to the airport early, checking in through TSA and waiting for a flight, so there’s more than just the flight time to consider. Six to seven hours is usually a good cutoff point where we would start considering flights.

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

For example, Nashville is about a six-hour drive for us. If we decide to fly, it’s a 90-minute flight to Atlanta, followed by a 45-minute flight to Nashville. So, 2 ½ hours of flight time isn’t so bad, but that’s not all we account for. It’s one hour to drive to the airport, 90 minutes to allow for check-in and security, plus time on your layover, which is usually at least 90 minutes. So, now the six-hour drive is pretty reasonable.

Length of a Trip

The length of our vacation also factors into our decision to drive vs fly. If we’re on summer break and we have a few weeks to spend, we’re more likely to drive. When driving vs flying, we can stop and explore more along the way, and we’re not in such a rush to get from Point A to Point B.

We love to visit Savannah, which is about a 12-hour drive from our home. But there are so many cool places to stop along the way, that we will gladly drive if we have the time. You can break up the long trip into several days, with stops in Nashville, Knoxville, or even Atlanta.

If we are just off for a weekend getaway, then we’ll usually choose flying as the faster option. This allows us to spend as much time as possible at our destination.

Trip Cost

We also have to factor in prices when we decide whether to fly or drive. We’ve found some great deals on airfare that make the decision to fly an easy one. But there are also four of us to consider, so we have to buy four seats on a plane. If we drive, the cost doesn’t increase by four as we’re all riding in the same car.

Six Reasons You Never Get Cheap Airfares

However, driving can sometimes be more expensive. If gas prices are up, that’s a big factor. On a longer trip, we’ll probably stay in a hotel room along the way. Then you have to factor in the stops for food and snacks too.

It’s not always just about the bottom line. For many people, time is money. If you have limited vacation time, you may want to maximize it by taking the fastest way possible.

Airline Preference

We tend to fly Delta as much as we can, in order to maximize our airline status and earning potential with miles. So, yes, we do consider whether Delta flies to a destination or not. If we can book a trip using miles, then we’re going to spend a lot less than we would if we had to choose another airline.

Convenience of Having a Car

Another thing to consider is whether you’ll need a car at your destination. If you’re visiting cities like Chicago, New York, or Boston, you don’t need a car once you arrive. In fact, having a car in these cities can be more of a headache than a convenience.

However, if we’re visiting Arizona or Texas, we will want to have a car as the attractions are spread apart and there’s no real public transportation. In that instance, we have to also factor in the cost of car rental on top of our flights.

While we don’t have a set cutoff point to decide whether to drive or fly, we do have a decision-making process that helps us decide. As you can see, there are many factors that go into it, with time and money being the biggest decision point to drive vs fly. Want more of our family travel tips? Check out some of our other blog posts:

What Not to Do on Your Finland Vacation

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

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

Don’t Be Loud

The Finns are very quiet, reserved people. It’s pretty quiet in Finland, so if you are a person that talks loud, you will stick out in a crowd. If you want to blend in on your Finland trip, be aware of your surroundings and try to match the volume of the people around you.

Don’t Insult Finnish Pride

Finns love their country and have a lot of national pride. A big part of Finnish culture is the sauna, which is pronounced like “sow-na” not “saw-na” as we say it in the States. Make sure you say it correctly or you will be outed as a tourist immediately.

Don’t Be Modest in the Sauna

When you go to the sauna, and you should absolutely experience a sauna in Finland, you will most likely be in the nude. They are generally divided by gender, so you don’t have to be worried about that. You can wear a towel if you want to, but the general style is to be nude for the sauna.

Don’t Be Scared by the Language

Learning Finnish is nearly impossible, as it’s a very difficult language to learn. But that should not stop you from visiting Finland because many of the people in Finland speak English.

Don’t Skip Learning a Few Finnish Words

Having said that, it always helps to learn a few words of the local language, no matter where you are traveling. Even just a few basics, like hello, thank you, and please, will go a long way towards helping you meet locals and getting to know the local culture a bit better.

Seven Tips for Learning a Foreign Language

Don’t Be Surprised When Cities Have Two Names

Finland actually has two official languages; Finnish and Swedish. So you’ll see most signs in both languages. So, the city of Turku is Turku in Finnish but is Abo in Swedish. They aren’t even similar, so it can be very confusing when you are traveling around Finland.

where to visit in finland — We all love Finland.

Don’t Lump Finland in With Scandinavia

This applies more outside of Finland. If you are in Sweden or Norway and you refer to Finland as being part of Scandinavia, the Swedes and Norwegians might get in a huff about it. Technically, Finland is not part of the Scandinavian Peninsula, it’s more of the Nordic region.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Scandinavia

Don’t Favor Sweden over Finland in Comparisons

Finland was controlled by Sweden for a long time, so there’s a lot of history there between the two countries, and a rivalry remains today. But more importantly, there is a huge hockey rivalry between the two countries. If you’re in Finland, you better side with favoring the Finnish teams.

Don’t Wear Your Shoes In a Finnish Home

If you are lucky enough to be invited over to a Finn’s house for dinner, do not wear your shoes inside. It’s considered rude to wear your shoes indoors. Many homes will have slippers you can wear inside.

Don’t Forget to Bring a Small Gift

It’s also a tradition to bring a small gift when you are invited to someone’s home. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, just a small token of appreciation. Candies, flowers or wine are all appropriate gifts to bring to someone’s home.

Don’t Eat Black Salmiakki Candy (Unless You Like Black Licorice)

You’ll find a ton of great candy in Finland. But a local may try to trick you into eating salmiakki, which is a really salty black licorice candy. If you’re not used to it, it’s quite a shock. In all fairness, you should give it a try, but I don’t recommend buying it in bulk. One piece is probably enough.

Don’t Expect One or Two-Cent Coins

They don’t use one or two-cent coins in Finland. So, if you are paying for something that comes to 1.98, they will round up and you won’t get any change back.

Don’t Steal the Moose Signs

For some reason, tourists love to steal the “Moose Crossing” signs. Don’t do that!

finland vacation — They liked it so much they even let me take silly pictures of them.

Don’t Worry About Tipping in Finland

The wages in Finland are pretty good, so tipping your waiter is not customary here like it is in other countries.

Don’t Disobey Rules and Laws

The reason Finland is such a safe travel destination is that they are very much law-abiding people. They take rules seriously, including not jaywalking or cutting lines.

Don’t Forget Your Bug Spray

A great part of Finland is the Lake District, but don’t forget to bring bug spray!

Don’t Miss Out on Nature in Finland

Helsinki and Turku are great, but don’t miss out on all of the other places to visit in Finland! There are so many islands, lakes, and forests to explore. If you visit in the winter, Finnish Lapland is a winter wonderland and a great place to experience the Nordic culture and the Northern Lights.

Don’t Forget to Pack Layers

Finland weather can be finicky, so be prepared for any weather, no matter the season. Even in the summer, you’ll need a few layers of clothing as it can get pretty cold.

Don’t skip out on a Finland vacation! Very few tourists come here, but they are all missing out by not visiting Finland. It’s such a beautiful country with nature and cities and wonderful people. It’s not as expensive as you might think! Looking for more tips on visiting Scandinavia? Check out these blog posts!

Day 13 of Family Quarantine

Posted on March 26, 2020March 26, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Captain’s Log 26 March 2020

Y’all I am exhausted. I woke up and ran, literally, I actually ran. This is highly unusual. But I didn’t stop there, I walked the dog, I did a lot of landscaping (because most years I am traveling too much to pay attention to my yard), I planted a bunch of seeds (also and unprecedented happening in my world), I have been sewing and starting a handyman project that has been on my radar for two years. All that said, I am too damn tired to write today’s blog. So, my brilliant, charming husband is going to do it for me. I am telling you, I won the dang lottery… jocelyn

Quarantine Day 13 March 26 2020 – The Mark Chronicles

Hey there fellow travelers! Well, I should say hey there fellow stay at home travelers! That’s better! Today, Jocelyn is taking a break from writing the quarantine blog and I am trying my hand at blog writing. I think you will see that my skills are better placed talking in front of the camera than typing out a blog. That may explain why our videos have always done better than our website ever did. Anyway, onto our 13^th day of self-quarantine.

What happened last night

So, for those of you who didn’t know, we have been doing live feeds on our main YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/woltersworld every Wednesday night at 8pm (and Saturdays at 9am) just to give our fellow travelers a chance to have some sort of normalcy during this very not normal time. Honestly, I have begun really looking forward to these live feeds as it gives both Jocelyn and myself a chance to interact and socialize with other adults. Don’t get me wrong, we love each other, but being stuck in the house with just the four of us… we all want some new stories to hear. So, we have really enjoyed talking about travel and all things not coronavirus.

It is fun seeing all the other travelers’ comment and grow friendships via a chat window (shout out to our moderators who keep the trolls and mean people off the chat). We have so many great fans that it really gets me sometimes how many people we have been able to help travel better, and how many people have let us be a part of their travels. It really is an incredible feeling, and so when people are online chatting it just brings a huge smile to my face. So, please pop on sometime. You don’t have to ask questions if you don’t want, as there are plenty of questions and tangent stories that pop up during the feeds. It’s funny, when we first started doing live feeds if we got 45 minutes we thought, wow we did a long feed. Now we are doing over two hours and honestly, I think we would go longer, but an 8pm start means we get a wee bit tired when we hit 10:30pm. So, I am looking forward to Saturday’s 9am chat this weekend.

Anyway, the theme last night was drinking with fellow travelers, so we had a few drinks and let the stories flow. It was a really fun time. Thank you everyone who took part. There were more than a few comments how the more the Glenlivet flowed the more chatting I became. Who knew?

You can watch it for yourself if you like.

Jocelyn’s day

So, I know a lot of people are asking why isn’t Jocelyn writing today’s blog. Honestly, she spent the day digging up the yard and planting flowers and vegetables, and she is just tired. So, I said I can write this one for us. It is probably nice to have multiple perspectives on what it is like being in this quarantine. So, don’t worry. Jocelyn will be back tomorrow with her wit, humor, and way with words.

The Boys

Well, the boys were rather docile today. We think they did their work. They said they did their work. They promised us they did their work. We gave them work to do. We saw them at the table working… but we are still not sure if they actually did their work. It is a weird feeling a parent gets when their kids say, “Homework done” and you just don’t feel like they spent enough time on it. But we are letting them be responsible for their homework and they have to turn it in via email, so they will feel the consequences in their grades if they are not doing what they said they were doing.

Aside from school work the boys enjoyed a bit of “monkey in the middle” as they call it. Basically it is just keep away. It was funny watching Caleb trying to explain to Liam how to best catch a football. Liam is a big conspiracy theory kid, and whenever he sees a triangle he has to point, “It’s the Illuminati” so Caleb said, “catch it like the illuminati sign” and I will be darned, it worked. I think the boys are starting to feel a bit on the down side with all this time at home. Their spirits have been high for the most part, but not having friends to play with is getting to them a bit. It sounds weird, but I am happy they have some of the online games they can play with their friends. Even if it is Liam yelling with his buddies Anthony and Lela playing Fortnite, at least they are still staying connected.

We have had dreary weather lately and they haven’t had a chance to really get out and play. So, we have been dragging them out when it is nice to go for a walk or just something outside. We try, for example Liam and I hit some tennis balls for a bit today, but in general I think we are all getting a bit worn down from it all. But I am glad we are doing our part and staying home. Oh, the boys got out Caleb’s old Taikwando gear and boxed each other for about half an hour. I think they still have too much energy left in them.

professor teaching — Back when I had a real classroom.

My Work

Well, work continues along. I had two live feeds for my university job today where I had office hours and helped my students prepare for their exams. There was maybe 10% of the students online, and I am OK with that. I have been filming my lectures and topics videos for a long time on http://www.youtube.com/professorwolters and I have been sending them the YouTube video lectures. I think that gives my students more leeway on when they can study.

I know some professors are only doing live classes and if a student misses the live feed, they are not able to make up the lost information. That really irks me as there are so many students who are back home now living and working from home with their parents who are also working from home, not to mention the other siblings who may be home as well. I mean there is only so much bandwidth to go around. So, I feel by giving my students the option to watch the videos when it works best for them, I am hopefully giving them a better chance to actually learn the material. I could be totally wrong, but I just really want to give my students a bit more grace than usual these days.

How is it going though?

Well, considering we are all healthy I cannot complain. There are many people who cannot say the same. For that we are blessed. It looks like the weather may warm up, so the boys can play outside more. I don’t know if it is physically possible for me to go on more walks than I am now. I think I am at four or five walks a day. Though, these quarantine blahs have got me snacking too much. I lost 50 pounds and hit the 50 pound mark last week, but the snacks are calling me hard. I think I am doing better than I was the last couple days (that could be because we have no more Hostess products, but I digress). So, I am feeling better. I think I am getting a grasp on how I will work with my class online which was really bothering me, because those students pay so much money to have my classes and I want them to still get the best class possible.

Anyway, I understand a bit better now why Jocelyn writes these. It really does help to deal with the isolation and uncertainty of this coronavirus pandemic. Just putting your words down helps you refocus on what you should be doing. I know now what I will do with my students, with our travel videos, with a lot, and for that I thank Jocelyn for not wanting to do this today. Thanks sweetie!

gross parents kissing — I’m just saying… It has happend before.

Going forward

Well, going forward I think I have a better grip on things. I see my digital marketing slides adding on another 50 slides tonight and 100 tomorrow. I see me recording a podcast with Hawkeye down in Texas. I see Caleb and I fighting over his math lecture tomorrow as I go through three homeworks with him in one go. I see Liam wanting to sneak his Nintendo Switch to he can play instead of doing homework. I can see Jocelyn reading this and going… Mark, you are not writing any more of the blogs, because you are just a rambling fool. And then I see her giving me a big smooch… you never know 😊

Anyway, I am glad I could write something for today March 26, 2020. Another day in quarantine, but also another day I am with my family and we are healthy, happy, and still more or less sane.

Big travel hug to you all!

Mark

BADM Exam 2 Turbo Study Guide

Posted on March 21, 2020March 21, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Welcome studious marketing students. Here is the turbo study guide for our second exam in BADM 320: Principles of Marketing. This collection of videos and marketing topics are here in order to help you be more focused in your studies for the exam. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to me.

Topic 5: Consumer Behavior

This topic covers the area of consumer behavior. We look at how and why consumers act, from their decision making process to how the atmosphere of a store can influence their purchasing. We also take a look at marketing in general from the eyes of the consumer.

Types of Risk that Consumer Face

From performance risk to psychological risk there is a lot to think about.

Consumer Alternatives

What are our alternatives?

Post-purchase Cognitive Dissonance – Buyer’s Remorse

Ever regret the morning after a late night at the bars? That is buyer’s remorse.

4 C’s of Marketing

It is the 4ps but from the consumer’s perspective.

Consumer Decision Making Matrix – Types of Consumer Decision Groups

Mystic is really a nice town.

The Consumer Decision Making Process

Little dude is a lot older now. If you can’t tell from seeing me in this video.

Topic 6: B2B Marketing

Business to Business marketing may not be the most exciting of marketing topics, however the amount of money involved in the B2B side of marketing is significant, hence why there are so many more people involved in decision making. Here are the basics of B2B Marketing.

What is B2B Marketing

So what is B2B Marketing anyway?

B2B Buying Centers

So many get involved in B2B Marketing

B2B Buying Situations

The situation you find yourself in depends on what you are buying.

The Differences Between B2B & B2C Marketing

The differences and similarities between B2B & B2C Marketing

Topic 7: Global Marketing

In today’s ever more integrated world it is important to understand what globalization is and means to business, the ramifications of the global marketplace, and how we as businesses can grow and thrive in a globally competitive business environment.

What Brought About Globalization? The Drivers of Globalization.

Rwanda is awesome. I highly recommend you go there.

Porter’s National Diamond Framework

Yes, I picked the ugliest place in Prague to film. My bad.

Global Market Entry Strategies

Evaluating International Markets: Political System Analysis

Governement and business…

Hofstede’s Model on Culture

Teaching in Beijing was so cool

This funny looking fellow misses his students. Good luck on the exam!

Topic 8: Segmentation, Targeting, and Positioning

Segmentation relates to dividing up your customers into different groups based on similar attributes to the members of that segment. Targeting focuses on which customers firm should be shooting for when they are looking to grow their business. Positioning looks at how firms set themselves up to be seen in a certain way in the marketplace.

Typical Market Segmentation Methods

Sweet Tea vs Catfish

How To Evaluate Market Segment Attractiveness

You can see the damage from the fire in Notre Dame in the video

Mass Marketing vs Micromarketing: Marketing Strategies

Who wouldn’t want their own personally designed pair of Kicks?

Topic 9: Marketing Research

Marketing research helps firms in so many different ways, whether it is in product development, understanding their customers, or analyzing their competition firms are constantly keeping an eye on what is going on all around them.

Primary Data Explained

Do it yourself marketing

Secondary Data Explained

Have someone else do the hard work marketing

Questions You Should Ask (and not ask) in Marketing Research

Apparently my son is channeling Mick Jagger here.

Exploratory vs Conclusive Research

It was a long summer, kind of explains some of these thumbnails.

Topic 10: Branding

Some say it is all about the brand, but in reality the brand does have an extreme influence on a business, only if the firm wants the brand to be influential. The brand needs to flow throughout the business so all members of the company understand what the firm’s brand really means.

Types of Products

So many types of products.

Brand Image vs Brand Identity

Image or Identity?

Primary vs Secondary Packaging

Strasbourg, France is really awesome by the way.

Brand Vision vs Brand Promises

Love me some Coca-Cola & Culver’s.

The 4 P’s of Marketing: The Marketing Mix Explained

If you get this question wrong on the exam, we can’t be friends anymore.

Brand Extension vs Brand Dilution

Who wouldn’t want Cheetos Lip Balm?

The Entire Turbo Study Guide Playlist on YouTube

Five Things You Will Love & Hate When You Visit Las Vegas

Posted on March 19, 2020March 9, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Las Vegas, Nevada! It’s a unique city that everyone should visit at least once in their life. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll when you visit Las Vegas.

Hate #1: Las Vegas Taxis

Taxi prices in Las Vegas are astronomical. You can expect to pay at least $40 to get from the airport to the Strip. It’s also about $20 to go from the Strip to downtown Las Vegas. If you do take a taxi in Las Vegas, ask them to take the local route from the airport, not the highway. It will save you time and money. The airport is practically at the end of the Strip, yet most taxi drivers will take you the long (expensive) way to your hotel. Uber and Lyft are also available in Vegas, so check those prices as well.

Las Vegas tourist information — Don’ts let the glitz trick you. Vegas has a lot to offer.

Hate #2: Prices in Vegas

Las Vegas used to be a cheap destination, with low hotel rates to lure gamblers in. That’s not the case anymore, as it’s become an international destination. Hotels and restaurants are expensive. If you aren’t gambling and you order drinks, they are pretty expensive as well. Sure, there are budget-friendly options in Vegas, but be careful when choosing a budget hotel and make sure you carefully check the location and traveler reviews. It won’t do you any good to save money on a hotel if you then have to take a taxi to the Strip every day. (Also: watch out for those resort fees that are mandatory but not shown in your hotel rate!)

US Hotels Explained for Tourists

Hate #3: People in Vegas

This can be a love or hate, but there are some crazy people in Las Vegas. There’s just crazy/eccentric and then there are the crazy/drunk people in Vegas. The whole atmosphere is unlike any other destination in the world. You can drink on the street, so you see a LOT of drunk people running around. It’s a popular bachelor/bachelorette destination and there’s a lot of people trying to relive the Hangover movies. If you are visiting Vegas with kids, beware of the peddlers on the street handing out cards – they’re for escort services, and the photos are most definitely not family-friendly!

The Most Common Reasons Tourists Get Arrested

Hate #4: Smoking in Las Vegas

Smoking has been banned practically everywhere in the United States, so most of us are not used to dealing with cigarette smoke indoors. Vegas is the lone holdout and still allows smoking in casinos, strip clubs, brothels, and bars. If you don’t like smoking, you have to seek out a non-smoking area. Don’t bother to complain about it as that’s a good way to get into a fight. When you book your Las Vegas hotel, be sure to ask for a non-smoking hotel room.

Hate #5: Summer in Las Vegas

Vegas may have a “dry heat” since it’s in the desert, but even a dry heat can be oppressive when temperatures go over 100-degrees. You have to really stay hydrated, especially if you visit Las Vegas in the summer. The nights still cool down considerably, so you’ll need layers if you plan to go out at night. Summer is probably the worst time to visit Vegas, but you can also score some hotel deals if you do visit in the summer.

Las Vegas sign information — Of course you have to get a picture with the Las Vegas sign!

Love #1: People Watching Along the Strip

One of the best things to do in Vegas is to sit back and watch all of the interesting people along the Strip. You’ll see a lot of street performers and people dressed up as characters. If you want a photo of them or with them, you’ll be expected to pay them. Then there are the different tourists to watch and the local “street workers.” It’s just a really interesting environment.

Love #2: Vegas Never Sleeps

There is no last call in Las Vegas; it’s really a 24/7 city. You’ll see grandmas at the slot machine at 4 am and people knocking back shots at 8 am. You can do almost anything you want in Las Vegas: hang out with Elvis, rent a luxury sports car, have steak for breakfast or waffles for dinner! There are no clocks or windows in the casinos, so they make it very hard to know what time it is. Make sure you don’t get burned out and build some downtime into your Las Vegas itinerary. (Or at least plan a recovery day at home before you go back to work!)

Love #3: Las Vegas Restaurants

Food is such an essential experience of traveling and Vegas is no exception! The food in Vegas is amazing. You can hit a dozen all-you-can-eat buffets or one of 12 Michelin-star restaurants in Las Vegas. You can get fabulous food in Las Vegas at all hours of the day and night. Skip the fast food in Vegas, take advantage of the amazing dining opportunities and try something new.

Love #4: Free Drinks!

No, it’s not an urban legend. You really can drink for free in Las Vegas…if you’re gambling. Now, if you’re at a nightclub or a bar or restaurant, you will have to pay (a lot) for your drinks. But once you are in the casino, if you are gambling, you can get free alcoholic beverages. You can even be at the penny slots, but make sure you are tipping the waitress, which will ensure she comes back around quickly.

Las Vegas hotel information — Theme hotels everywhere, but worth stopping in.

Love #5: Other Things to Do in Vegas

Besides gambling, there are so many cool things to do in Vegas. There are museums in Vegas, like the Mob Museum or the Neon Sign Museum. The Fremont Street Experience is a cool light show. There’s awesome hiking right outside Vegas at Mt Charleston and Red Rock Canyon. You can even take day trips from Las Vegas to see the Grand Canyon or Hoover Dam. Then there are the shows in Vegas: Circus Circus is always popular, and many performers like Britney Spears, Celine Dion and Cher have ongoing residencies in Las Vegas. When you are planning your Las Vegas itinerary, make sure you leave room for some of the cool day trips from Las Vegas!

Las Vegas is a really interesting city, no matter what kind of travel you prefer. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to plan a Las Vegas vacation. Want more tips for traveling in the United States? Check out these other blog posts: