Author: Mark Wolters

6 Travel Scams to Watch Out for in Germany

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Visit Germany: Travel Scams to Watch Out For

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about travel scams you might run into in Germany. Generally, Germans are pretty straight-laced and rule-abiding, so you aren’t likely to run into any trouble when you visit Germany. However, there are a few things worth mentioning so you can be on the lookout to avoid them as you visit Germany tourist attractions.

Germany Train Ticket Scams

You might run into people trying to re-sell their train tickets. The Bayern ticket is good for a group of people traveling through Bavaria, and I’ve seen people trying to re-sell those in Munich. You might also find someone trying to sell a U-Bahn or S-Bahn ticket in some of the larger cities. Most of the time, these tickets are already used and you’ll basically be throwing money away trying to buy one from someone on the street. You are better off to research your Germany itinerary and buy the right transportation package, the legal way.

Also, when you go to buy your German train ticket, if anyone other than a uniformed employee tries to help you, ask them to step away. They may be trying to scam you by buying an extra ticket, grabbing your ticket, or grabbing your change.

Germany tourist
Germany for the most part is safe to visit, but there are some scams out there

The Bump

This pickpocket move is a bit more traditional; someone on the street or on public transportation will bump into you. A few blocks later, you realize your phone (or wallet or passport) is gone. You might think you would definitely feel this happening, but you can’t. These thieves are trained professionals, and super smooth when they are picking your pocket. This happens most often in crowded areas, especially during big festivals like Oktoberfest or Christmas Markets.

Watch: What to Do if You Lose Your Passport

Bird Poop / Mustard Scam

I see this one a lot, and it’s even happened to my parents. Someone will walk by you and notice something on your shirt, or they may even “accidentally” squirt some mustard on you. They nicely offer to help clean you up, while their accomplice swoops in to pickpocket you or snatch your bag while your attention is diverted. Even if there is something on your shirt, politely refuse help and clean it off yourself. The people who run this scam will be dressed nicely or seem like other tourists. Do pay attention at all times with your personal property.

Six Most Popular Places for Pickpockets

travel scams
Is he a happy go luck tourist or a scam artist? He stole my mom’s heart.

Sympathy Scams

Sometimes when you are eating at a restaurant, someone will drop off a card telling you they are blind or deaf, or some other way to drum up sympathy from you. Often, it’s not even true, but it’s almost always a scam. Don’t even take the card from them, or they’ll expect you pay them. This happens most often at fast-food restaurants around the train station, as a lot of tourists are passing through. You may also see them pass through trains on longer stops. They may have even have small trinkets you can buy in order to help them.

Street Beggars

These aren’t necessarily scammers, but something to look out for and be aware of. In larger cities of Germany, a lot of street beggars congregate around the train station, so when you exit, you may be overwhelmed with several people asking you for money. They are usually harmless and not aggressive, so you can pass by and not worry too much about it.

Not a Scam: Toilet Women

When you visit Germany, you’ll notice women in or right outside of the public toilets, asking for money. Many people think this is a travel scam, but it’s not. These ladies actually keep the public restrooms clean, so it’s entirely appropriate to tip them. I always try to carry some coins to toss in and generally tip them around 50 cents. They are called Toilettenfrauen or Toilet women, and make sure you leave them a tip after you use that clean bathroom.

travel scams in germany
Hey, don’t be too worried, we let our kids wander around Germany

Hopefully, by discussing these travel scams and rip-offs, we can help you avoid becoming a victim during your Germany vacation. Fortunately, tourist crime in Germany is pretty rate. Germans are typically very honest and tend to look out for each other, so your risk of falling victim to a travel scam in Germany is pretty low. Need more travel tips for Germany or elsewhere? Check out these blog posts!

Five Things You Will Love & Hate On Your Crete Vacation

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit the island of Crete! It’s a beautiful island, well worth checking out. 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 hate on your Crete vacation.

Hate #1: Driving Around Crete

My biggest frustration when we visit Crete is having to drive around the island. There are some buses and taxis, but you really need a car to get around and see the most sights. If you decide to rent a home or apartment rather than stay in a hotel, then you will definitely need a car. Driving in Crete can be a hair-raising experience. Greek drivers can be a bit crazy, and you’ll likely find some winding mountain roads to explore. (Tip: most rental cars are manual transmission, and you’ll need an international driver’s license in order to rent a car in Greece.)

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

Love #1: Crete Weather

The weather is why everyone loves to visit Crete! Crete is really a great destination throughout the year. Most tourists visit Crete in July and August, but the good weather extends way beyond the main summer months. It doesn’t really get cold in Crete, and there’s not a rainy season to worry about, so you will enjoy the weather in Crete whenever you decide to visit.

why you should have a crete vacation
We love Crete, so this may be a bit biased

Hate #2: Sun in Crete

Yes, the sun is a big reason many travelers visit Crete, but it’s very strong, especially in the summer. It’s really easy to get a sunburn, and it can get really hot. Often, there’s a nice breeze coming off the water that cools the temperature down a bit. This feels really nice, but you may not notice that you are getting a sunburn because it’s not so hot out. You really have to wear sunblock all the time or you will likely end up with a nasty sunburn.

Love #2: Things to Do in Crete

The tourism infrastructure in Crete is fantastic. It’s easy to find Crete tours and Crete accommodations. Whether you want a standard hotel in Crete, or prefer a home rental, there are many to choose from. Renting a private home and cooking your own meals can be a great way to visit Crete on a budget. We’ll get to the beaches, but there are so many other things to see in Crete, like the Knossos archeological site. You can also explore monasteries and churches, each with their own interesting history.

Hate #3: “Crete Time”

Everyone in Crete seems to be on “island time” meaning everything takes just a little bit longer than you expect. Nobody is in a hurry, and you won’t be either once you acclimate to the slower pace of life in Crete. Just give yourself extra time for everything, especially when you are out to eat.

loving Crete is a given… at least we think so

Love #3: Crete Beaches

There are so many beautiful sand beaches in Crete. The water is clear and warm, and there is great snorkeling, too. The beaches are kid-friendly and super relaxed. There beach bars all over the island, where you can rent a chair or have a chair free if you order food or drinks. You can even find empty beaches if you want to get away from the crowds for a day. Best of all, the beaches of Crete are safe. You don’t have to worry constantly about your belongings, and you won’t run into a bunch of touts trying to sell you things. Many of the beaches on the north side of Crete have lifeguards, which is great.

Hate #4: Seasonality of Crete

Tourism in Crete is very seasonal. In the high season or summer, it can be very crowded with tourists. But if you try to visit Crete in the low season, it can be really challenging to get to Crete. The low-cost carriers reduce airline service to Crete in the low season, so it will be harder to find affordable flights if you travel off-season. Some flights cease altogether in the offseason, so you may have to fly through Athens to Crete, or consider the ferry routes.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Europe in Winter

Love #4: Locals of Crete

One of the things we love about Crete is the chance to meet locals. They have been welcoming travelers for centuries, yet they still love to share their beautiful island with visitors. If you can learn a few Greek words before your Crete vacation, you will find locals opening up to you even more and welcoming you. Even with crowds of tourists in the summer, the locals are super hospitable.

swimming in crete
don’t forget your snorkel

Hate #5: Ferries to Crete

Aside from direct flights to Crete, you can also take a ferry from the mainland and other Greek islands. Not all of the ferries are bad, but if you are visiting Crete on a budget and don’t want to spend the money on a room for the overnight ferry, be prepared to be awake all night watching your things. I highly recommend finding a cheap flight if you can and skipping the ferry experience. You’ll save a lot of time that you can spend on the beaches of Crete instead of sleeping on a ferry.

Love #5: Prices in Crete

Greece is a very affordable travel destination, and Crete is no exception. It is surprisingly affordable, even in the peak summer season. When you visit Crete restaurants, you eat really well for a very fair price. The portion sizes are big enough to share! You will pay a bit more in the touristy areas along the water, but overall, Crete is very reasonably priced for tourists. 

Crete is all of the best parts of Greece, plus their own unique culture and cuisines layered in.  Between the beautiful beaches, great weather and amazing food, it’s hard not to love everything about Crete. Want more tips for planning a Mediterranean vacation? Check out these other blog posts:

What Not to Do On Your Cruise Ship Vacation

Posted on by Mark Wolters

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

Don’t Assume All Cruise Lines are the Same

Just because two cruise ship companies offer similar itineraries, it does not mean they are the same. The itinerary and the ports of call are only part of what you want to look for in a cruise vacation. You should also look at the size of the boat and the maximum number of passengers you’ll be traveling with. The excursion choices can also be different from ship to ship. It’s important to find the best cruise ship for your travel style.

Don’t Arrive the Same Day as Your Cruise Departure

If you are flying into your port city for the cruise, don’t plan to arrive the same day that your cruise is leaving. Most cruises leave late in the afternoon, so it can be tempting to book a morning flight and save a night in a hotel. However, if there are any delays with your flights or baggage, the cruise ship is not going to wait for you. You can meet it at the next port, but it will be at your own expense. Arriving a day early allows you a bit of time to get into vacation mode and adjust to any time or climate change as well.

what not to do on a cruise
The don’ts of cruising

Don’t Lose Your Cruise Ship ID

Of course, you don’t want to lose your passport or driver’s license, but you will get an identification card or wristband that becomes your ID for the duration of the cruise. You’ll need this to board the boat, and it will also be used to pay for things on the ship. It might also work as your room key. If they give you an audioguide for tours, don’t lose that either, as you will have to pay to replace it.

Don’t Skip Orientation

On the first day aboard, there will be an orientation for all cruise ship passengers. Don’t skip it, especially if it’s your first cruise. Not only will this orientation give you important safety and emergency procedures, but you’ll also learn about the dining hours and locations, and excursion information.

Don’t Assume the Price is All-Inclusive

Some cruise lines bundle everything into one price, which is really convenient and helpful for budgeting for your cruise vacation. But not all cruise ships do this. Some companies will have additional packages you can purchase which include bottled water or upgraded drinks and soft drinks. You will have to do some research on a la carte pricing vs package pricing to see what works best for you.

family cruise tips
Cruise vacations can be quite fun for the family

Don’t Feel Like You Have to Take the Cruise Line Excursions

Your cruise will come with a wide variety of excursions you can add on to your package. Some cruise lines have excellent guides and tours, but others may seem overpriced, or may not fit your travel style. You can always book excursions on your own, or just go ashore and wander the towns at your own pace.

Seven Reasons to Hire a Private Tour Guide

Don’t Feel Like You Have to Take an Excursion Every Day

You may feel pressured to make the most of your cruise vacation and fill up your itinerary with daily excursions. It’s not hard to get burned out on being shuffled around on tours day after day. It’s totally OK to just chill out on the boat for the day, or roam around town on your own. You might actually really enjoy relaxing on the boat while the rest of the passengers are gone. This is even more important if you are cruising with kids.

Don’t Miss Your Boat!

Just like the original departure day, if you are off wandering a port of call on your own, or with another tour agency, it’s your responsibility to make sure you are back on the boat in time. The boat will not wait for you and you will have to get yourself to the next port on your own. The larger your ship, the less likely they are to wait for you if you are running a few minutes behind. Give yourself plenty of time to get back to the boat.

cruise vacation information
Captain, what should I do with my hands?

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

The people who work on the boat are there to help you. They want to help you, so don’t be afraid to ask them for help or even if you just have random questions that you’ve been wondering about. Whether you aren’t feeling well or have dietary restrictions, be sure to let the staff know and they will go out of their way to accommodate you.

Don’t Expect to Get Along With Everyone on the Cruise

Whether you’re on a small ship or a mega-cruise line, you probably won’t get along with everyone. This happens in any kind of group travel situation. If you foresee a huge issue, especially with your dining group, you can always ask to change tables. It could even be a language barrier with your table mates.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Package Tours

Don’t Smuggle Contraband On-Board

As with airlines, most cruise lines will have a list of things you can’t bring on board. Some of it is for safety reasons. You might think you’ll want a candle to freshen up your small cabin, but anything flammable is a big “no” on a boat. You might be wondering can you bring alcohol on a cruise. There are usually rules about bringing alcohol or even soft drinks and water. Sometimes you can’t bring anything to drink, other ships will allow you a certain amount, one or two bottles of wine, for example. Of course, weapons and drugs are always prohibited.

Cruising can be a fun way to travel if you do your research and pick the best cruise ship that fits with your travel style. They take care of everything, so a cruise ship vacation can be incredibly relaxing. Hopefully, this post gives you a good start on researching the perfect cruise ship vacation for you! Looking for more of our family travel tips? Check out these blog posts!

What Not to Do On Your Canada Vacation

Posted on by Mark Wolters

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

Don’t Compare Canada to the United States

Yes, the US and Canada are similar in many ways, our love of Kraft and great comedians for example. However, don’t call Canada the 51st state, or say Canadians and Americans are the same. This won’t make you any friends in Canada, as they are proud of their individual culture and heritage. And you will definitely find quite a few differences (and similarities) while you are there.

Ten Ways the USA and Canada are Similar

Don’t Use a Canadian Accent

People (Americans) love to mimic the Canadian accent (eh, buddy, what are you talking aboot, etc.), but don’t do it. It’s rude and the Canadians won’t appreciate it any more than you would appreciate having someone mock your accent. Unless you are traveling to remote regions and very small towns, that stereotypical Canadian accent isn’t really something you’re going to hear as much as you would think if your Canada travel preparations are just watching Strange Brew.

Don’t Line Jump

Canadians are pretty polite overall, and that means they respect the line and don’t skip ahead of others. Line jumpers are not appreciated in Canada and it’s considered rude, so make sure you are following the locals and waiting your turn.

canada vacation information
Canada isn’t cooky, it’s cool!!! and cooky 🙂

Don’t Rush on Public Transportation

Along with that Canadian politeness, it’s also considered rude to rush on to the train or bus as soon as it arrives. This isn’t other countries where there is a lack of space; you can let all of the passengers off before you board the bus. Canadians are quite civilized, so there’s no need to rush the people who are trying to exit.

Don’t Expect to Hear Much French Outside of Quebec

Although French is an official language of Canada, it’s not widely spoken outside of Quebec and the nearby provinces. French is more common in the eastern areas of Canada, but you aren’t likely to hear any French if you are in Vancouver or in the western provinces. New Brunswick and Ontario will give you some French practice too if you are looking to brush up.

Differences between Canadian French and French in France

Don’t Forget Your Basic Travel Safety Rules

Canada as a whole is a pretty safe travel destination. But there are basic travel safety precautions you should use anywhere you travel, even in Canada. The larger cities of Canada have some undesirable neighborhoods that you should try to avoid. Ask your hotel if there are any places you should not go.

canada travel
The Nordiques should still be in the NHL, just saying

Don’t Feed the Animals

Canada has a lot of amazing parks and wildlife, which is a big reason people visit Canada. You are bound to see a lot of cool animals in Canada, and you may even see other tourists feeding them. But don’t even be tempted. It’s a good way to get hurt yourself, and it’s not good for wild animals to become accustomed to humans and human food.

Don’t Forget to Take Advantage of Gas Stations

Canada is also known for wide-open spaces, and if you are driving through Canada, you should plan to take advantage of the gas stations and rest stops when you see them. I always fill up when I can because you just never know when the next gas station will be. And sometimes there is a Tim Horton’s at that rest area/gas station.

food in canada
Tim Horton’s and Poutine should do you few a few meals

Don’t Miss Out on Tim Horton’s

Tim Horton’s is a Canadian legend. It’s a fast food place/coffee shop/donut shop/Canada, but so much more and is one of the best places to visit in Canada. They are often found along the highway, making a perfect place for a rest stop. They have sandwiches, coffee, and donuts that are all really tasty. Don’t forget to grab some Tim-Bits for the road! And if you are not road tripping through Canada do not worry. Tim Horton’s can be found in towns and cities as well. Though many locals will tell you to visit local coffee shops instead.

Don’t Eat at International Chains in Canada

Sure, you can get Pizza Hut and Subway in Canada, but Canada has its own chains (like Tim Horton’s) to check out, plus all the great mom and pop restaurants. Some of the other chains we like are Swiss Chalet and Harvey’s, and of course, Tim Horton’s. Canada has a really diverse mix of immigrants, so the food is great everywhere you go. Make sure you try poutine at least once, and beaver tails are a sweet treat the whole family will love.

Don’t Forget to Tip Your Waiter

When you eat at a sit-down restaurant in Canada, it is customary to tip them 15-20%. You don’t need to tip at a fast food place, but if you have a server taking your order and bringing your food, you should expect to tip them. And you know they will be nice anyway as they are Canadians after all.

Don’t Expect to Pay the Sticker Price

Canada charges a sales tax, and it varies by province and city. Just like in the US, there’s a provincial tax, a goods and service tax, and so on. So, if the item you are purchasing has a tag for $10, you will end up paying $11.50 or $12.00, depending on where you are in Canada. The tax added on to your purchases will be different by province so do take care.  

Don’t Miss the National Parks in Canada

Not only does Canada have diverse cultures, but the landscape as you travel across Canada is amazing and diverse. Wherever you are staying, if you see that there’s a National Park or a Provincial Park nearby, don’t miss it! Experiencing nature and wildlife is one of the best things to do in Canada. Canadian cities are fantastic, but the real beauty lies in the natural areas of Canada.

Don’t Freak Out About the Prices

If you watch HGTV, you know that prices in Canada are insane. However, this mostly applies to real estate. Traveling to Canada isn’t necessarily expensive. It’s not a budget destination, but I find the prices in Canada to be comparable to the US or Western Europe.

Don’t Throw Away Canadian Coins

In Canada, the coins go up to two dollars, so they are more valuable than American coins. You can actually buy something with your Loonies and Toonies in Canada, so pay attention to what coins you have before tossing them out or giving them away.

Don’t Forget Your Manners

This really applies anytime you are traveling or at home, but Canadians are known for being polite. You’ll hear “sorry” more times than you can count and you’ll find yourself saying it a lot more after a few days in Canada.

Don’t Think Canada is All Ice and Snow

Many people tend to think of Canada as the Great White North, covered in ice and snow. Yes, some areas are cold and icy, especially in the winter. However, we spent a summer exploring Canada and we had great weather that was warm and sunny. We even spent a few days at the beach!

We love to visit Canada and find it to be an excellent family travel destination. When you do visit, don’t forget to chat with the locals! I hope this helps you known some of the things to avoid doing when you visit Canada. Looking for more of our Canada vacation tips? Check out these blog posts!

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Spontaneous Travel

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about last-minute trips. When we travel, we like to have some plans, but we also like to leave room for spontaneous travel activities. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to share both the positives and the negatives of travel. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate about a spontaneous trip.

Hate #1: Last-Minute Prices

Sometimes you can get great deals on last-minute deals, but sometimes spontaneity can cost you. Especially when it comes to airlines; last minute flights are rarely cheap. Airlines overbook flights intentionally, so it’s not like there is extra inventory they are trying to dump at the last minute. The same applies for train tickets; the farther in advance you purchase, the more money you can save. However, you may find a package deal on last-minute vacations, so that’s an option.

Love #1: Excitement of the Unknown

The best part of spontaneous travel is the excitement of the unknown. Before you set your plans, the whole world is your oyster, and the possibilities are endless. It’s such an exciting feeling to be traveling on a whim.

Spontaneous Travel

Hate #2: Finding Accommodation

It can be hard to find accommodation with short notice. Especially if you are traveling to festivals like Mardi Gras or Oktoberfest. You’ll always find accommodation eventually, but you may pay a lot more, or you may end up in a hostel somewhere that’s not the best place to stay. Check with the local tourism office, or consider staying in a smaller town near your destination.

Love #2: No Schedule

There’s no rush to get up early in the morning, or racing around town to see a museum before it closes. You’re on your own schedule and you can do whatever you want. This freedom really helps you relax and enjoy your vacation so you don’t feel worn out and exhausted when you get home.

Hate #3: Spontaneous = Solo

As you get older, it’s harder for most of your friends to just take off for a few weeks to travel, so most of the time, last-minute travel is solo travel. Everyone has their own obligations and schedules, so last-minute travel is not possible for many people. Sometimes, we mix up how spontaneous we are. We might set our dates and have flights into one European city and out of another, leaving the rest of the itinerary open for last-minute whims.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Solo Travel

family last minute travel
When it is last minute that means a grab and go… and we go!

Love #3: Meeting New People

Since you are often traveling solo, it’s easier to meet new people. Even if you aren’t traveling solo, you’re more likely to rely on locals for recommendations on what to do next. I’ve met some of my best friends while traveling spontaneously. Without a firm plan, it’s easy to tag along with new friends and see where they are going.

Hate #4: Lack of Research

Chances are, if you are traveling spontaneously, you haven’t had a chance to do much research on your destination. This can lead to some problems upon arrival. Whether it’s as serious as not having the proper visa, or as simple as not knowing what sights to see, you might feel like you are lacking a bit without researching ahead of time. I recommend grabbing a guidebook on your way out of town, and studying a bit on the flight to your destination so you’re better prepared when you arrive.

Eight Rules for Choosing a Guidebook

Love #4: No Drama

Sometimes, overplanning can create a lot of drama, as everyone wants to do different things. With spontaneous travel, if you’re solo, there’s never any drama. But even if you’re traveling with others, you can all go off and do your own thing. Nobody has to stick to an agenda.

last minute travel
Look… I even film spontaneously 🙂

Hate #5: Finding the Time to Be Spontaneous

The hardest thing about spontaneous travel is finding the time to actually be spontaneous. The older you get, the more structured your life becomes. Once you have kids, you have school and sports schedules to work around. It just becomes harder to pick up and go. Of course, we still travel a lot, but it’s usually more planned out than when we were younger.

Love #5: Last-Minute Deals

I know I said you usually pay more for spontaneous travel, but sometimes you can get really good deals at the last minute. This usually applies more to hotels than flights or trains, but it’s worth checking anyway. Especially if you are only staying one night, hotels often drop their rates to sell rooms. Sometimes you can get great package deals, too, because they really want to fill those spots rather than leave them empty.

Spontaneous travel can be really fun, but you can also weave a bit of spontaneity into a planned trip to make it more exciting. Want more of our travel tips? Check out these blog posts, and tell us your favorite spontaneous trip tips in the comments!

5 Things You Will Love & Hate about the Family Road Trip

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about road trips with the family. We fly a lot as a family, but sometimes it’s nice to switch things up and take a family road trip. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to share both the positives and the negatives of travel. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate about a road trip with kids. We filmed this one on a family road trip that took us from Illinois to Florida up to Prince Edward Island in Canada and back home. It was a trip alright.

Hate #1: Are We There Yet?

Try to keep track of how many times the kids ask “Are we there yet?” Sometimes it comes from the copilot, too. If you’re driving this is going to become your biggest pet peeve of the family road trip. You can head this off by having games and activities ready, as well as making sure all devices are charged and ready to use. And it might be good to set a rule on who gets to choose the music channel, as I feel it should be the drivers decision especially on long road trips.

Top Ten Road Trip Essentials

Love #1: Brings Your Family Together

You’re experiencing this road trip as a family. We all remember the family road trips from our childhood, now this is our chance to make new memories with our kids. We’ll talk about these road trips for years and hopefully encourage our kids to do the same thing when they have families. I know for me I still remember sleeping in the rest stops because my dad wouldn’t spring for a hotel room as he thought he could make it from Florida to Illinois in one go. Good times.

On the road again…

Hate #2: Other Drivers

Driving isn’t so bad, but other drivers can turn your road trip into a nightmare. There’s always a slow driver that likes to hog the left (passing) lane or the guy who tailgates you until you can get out of the way. Of course, there are tons of drivers who are distracted by cell phones, which is kind of scary. So, make sure if you are driving through large cities you take extra care and don’t fall into the road rage pit of despair.

Love #2: Freedom and Independence

When you’re on a family road trip, there are no flights to catch or timetables to be on. You’re on your own schedule and you leave when everyone is ready. You pretty much have ultimate flexibility for your vacation. If you find a place you like, you can decide to stay a few extra days. If there’s bad weather, you can decide to move on to the next destination. We usually give ourselves a few days leeway in our road trips in case we do find that cute small town or fun national park that calls to us.

Hate #3: Pit Stops

Road trips inevitably involve pit stops. There’s usually junk food involved as you’re typically eating on the run. Pit stops are usually initiated by someone who has to use the bathroom, and depending on where you go, the bathrooms at roadside stops can be pretty bad. We always carry toilet seat covers with us in case we run into a nasty bathroom along the way. Also, it seems we pick up new wrappers at every pit stop and the car just gets messier and messier, so while you are pumping gas and the rest of the crew is inside using the facilities try to do a mini-clean by throwing away the easy to grab soda bottles, candy wrappers, and smelly beef jerky leftovers.

yeah… you better smile after asking “Are we there yet” 400 times in 2 minutes

Love #3: Taking the Back Roads

We love to take the back roads rather than the interstate when we’re on a family road trip. You get to pass through small towns, and you never know what you’ll find once you leave the interstate behind. You also get the chance to support local businesses rather than the big chains. The food at a Main Street Cafe is almost always going to be better than McDonald’s. Road trip food doesn’t have to be awful! That is one of our favorite parts, whether it was grabbing a grinder in New Hampshire or a lobster roll in Maine the road trip back road stops and eating were always great.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Visiting the United States

Hate #4: Rush Hour Traffic

We try to avoid hitting the major cities around rush hour, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. If it looks like we’re going to hit a city at the wrong time, we may stop and seek out something to do during rush hour rather than spend that time sitting in traffic. It is amazing how a couple hours at a park will help take the edge off of the kids and get you through the worst part of rush hour.

Love #4: Education for Everyone

A family road trip is an education disguised as a vacation. Every place you visit is an opportunity to learn some history of the country or the region where you are. In Mystic, Connecticut, my kids learned about the seafaring life in the 1800s. We visited Colonial Williamsburg and learned a ton about American history. When in Athens, Georgia they had a tour of the University of Georgia. This is a chance to learn history, geography, geology and so much more. You can even get the kids involved in reading the maps and planning out your route.

Hate #5: Road Construction

Summer is the best time for road trips, but it’s also the road construction season. Construction can slow traffic down to a crawl or a complete standstill, and accidents are more likely to happen around construction sites. Traffic apps like Google Maps or Waze are pretty good at alerting you to construction and delays so you can alter your route if needed. And remember, tickets in construction zones double in lots of places.

You too can be this cool on a family road trip

Love #5: Visiting Cool Spots

The whole point of a road trip is to see cool things. Sometimes a road trip is about getting to a destination, but as the saying goes, it’s not about the destination, but the journey. You get to see so many cool things when you’re on a family road trip. Your kids get to see how people live in other parts of the country. Whether it’s the world’s largest ball of twine in Kansas or an ostrich farm in Arizona, road trips open up a whole world of possibilities.

We love to take a family road trip each summer. Whether we’re overseas or home in the States, it’s fun to travel at your own pace and stop at whatever attractions catch your eye. Want more of our travel tips? Check out these blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About a Long Layover

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what to do during a layover. The more you travel, the more time you spend in airports. Unless you live in a major airline hub city, layovers are an inevitable part of travel for most of us. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to share both the positives and the negatives of travel. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate about having a long layover.

Hate #1: Boredom

No matter what airport you are in, you’re going to get bored on a long layover. You’re constantly checking your watch or your phone to see if it’s moved at all since the last time you checked. Besides shopping and eating, there isn’t much to do at the airport, so it’s easy to get bored. Make sure you have something to read or work to work on so you can pass the time more quickly.

bored at the airport
that dude is bored… seriously bored.

Love #1: Quick City Tours

Can you leave the airport during a layover? If your layover is long enough, you just might get to leave the airport and see a bit of the city. Some cities and airports will even organize layover tours for you, or you might just catch the train and head downtown for a couple of hours. I usually recommend doing this with layovers of six hours or more. Don’t forget to leave time to go back through security again, so you really need a decent amount of time to explore. Heck, you might even research how to book a flight with a multi-day layover. This is really popular in Iceland, especially. Some cities we have done layover day stop overs, Reykjavik, Lisbon, London, Helsinki,

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Reykjavik, Iceland

Hate #2: Airport Prices

Everything at the airport is expensive. If you want to grab a bite to eat or a snack, the prices at the airport are super inflated. Plan to pay about $4 for a bottle of water at the airport if you are lucky. Therefore, if you are going to be stuck you may want to bring a refillable water bottle, some snacks that will travel well, and entertainment so you don’t have to overpay for books or such at the airport.

Love #2: Standby Options

Sometimes there’s an earlier flight available, but they won’t book it for you because the layover is too short. If your first flight arrives early, you then have a chance to get bumped up to that earlier flight. Not only does this shorten your layover, but you get home earlier. So, head to the gate of the earlier flight and speak with the gate agent. They may be able to help you, or they may not. It is a case by case basis.

Hate #3: Dealing with Baggage

If you have luggage with you, it gets cumbersome to move it around with you on your layover. If you just have a backpack, it’s not too bad, but if you’ve accumulated some shopping bags, or you have kids and their bags, it’s a lot to lug around during your layover. That is one reason we will actually check our carry-on size travel bags, just so we don’t have to deal with lugging our carry-on with us all over the airport for five hours.

cute kids traveling
but sometimes that baggage is pretty cute

Love #3: Duty-Free Shopping

Sometimes you can find some good deals in the duty-free shop, and it’s fun to browse while you have some time to kill. If you can get free WiFi in the airport, it’s easy to pull up “regular” prices to see if you’re really getting a good deal by purchasing stuff at the Duty-Free shop. Also, duty free can be a nice gift for your house sitter of babysitter.

Hate #4: Gate Assignments

Gates are usually assigned anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours before your flight, so if you have a longer layover, you won’t even know which gate you’re supposed to be at. Gate assignments can also change frequently, so you have to pay attention and be prepared to move to a new gate before boarding. A lot of airports in Europe won’t even announce the gate changes, you will only see them on the board. So make sure you are checking the boards often to see if your gate has changed.

Tips for Not Missing Your Flight

Love #4: Airport Lounges

If you have airline status, you will probably get access to the airline lounges at the airport. Other travel credit cards will give you a couple of passes each year that you can use to access the lounge. You can also buy a day pass to the lounge, and sometimes it’s worth it if you have a really long layover and don’t want to leave the airport. They have drinks, snacks, and WiFi that are all included in the pass. Many also have showers you can use. It’s a nice way to treat yourself while traveling. For us our cut off is 4 hours, if our layover is 4 hours or longer we will go to the lounge and pay for access just to give ourselves space, food, and a bit of sanity (and did we mention the complimentary drinks).

hey, you may see us on a layover, please come over and say hi.

Hate #5: Lack of Connectivity

Some airports or terminals are better than others, but with so many devices that we all travel with, it can be really hard to find power outlets. Free WiFi is becoming more common in airports, but you still have to pay for it in some places. I always carry a backup power bank just in case I can’t find an outlet to charge my phone.

Love #5: The End of the Layover

Honestly, the best part of any layover is boarding your next flight and getting on with your travel day. Eventually, every layover must come to an end. Thank goodness!

Ok, so I struggled to come up with anything good about a long layover, except that you have a better chance of not missing your flight. Want more of our travel tips? Check out these blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Renting European Apartments

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about renting apartments while staying abroad. With sites like Airbnb and VRBO, vacation apartments are becoming more and more popular with travelers. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to share both the positives and the negatives of travel. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate about staying in European vacation rentals.

Hate #1: Finding a Good Apartment

When choosing a hotel, you usually have thousands of reviews to read, and it’s fairly easy to find a good hotel. When it comes to vacation apartments, though, it can be hard to narrow down your search and find a good apartment. We’ve had good and bad experiences renting apartments, so we really try to make sure we are selective when choosing an Airbnb, but it takes time. Therefore, if you know someone that has enjoyed staying in an apartment in a destination you are looking to visit, I would ask them for the contact information for that apartment rental firm. It sounds silly, but it can make your search a lot easier.

apartment rental travel
Guitars are hardly ever included with the rental… but every so often we get lucky

Love #1: Freedom

Your apartment rental becomes your home away from home and you can come and go as you please. You don’t have housekeeping knocking on your door in the morning, and unlike many hostels which kick you out during the day, you can do whatever you want in your apartment, even if that means taking a nap in the middle of the day. This freedom is especially nice if you are family traveling and need some time in the middle of the day to be free… to be at the apartment recharging the kids (and you phone’s) batteris.

Rainy Day Travel Advice

Hate #2: Arrival & Departure Logistics

Rather than walk up to a hotel front desk when you arrive at your destination, you have to make arrangements with the apartment owner to meet them and get the keys. We’ve rented from amazing owners who picked us up from the airport, gave us tons of maps and books for the city, and made us feel very welcome. We’ve had other experiences where we had to wait two hours for the owner to show up with the keys. You can also rent an apartment hotel in some cities. You’ll have the amenities of an apartment, with the staff and service of a hotel. However, always make sure you have the App downloaded on your phone and have contact information for your property manager, as you never know when a plane or train may be delayed and you do not want them thinking you are never coming.

Love #2: Deeper Cultural Experience

When you stay in a local apartment, it helps you to experience the local culture on a deeper level than if you were staying in a hotel. You’re going to the markets and the grocery shops, and cooking like the locals do. Living like a local is my favorite thing about renting apartments while abroad. You can save a lot of money on eating out, too. Also, by being in a neighborhood staying where other locals live you get a much more robust cultural experience, whether it is finding local restaurants and bars or just having your kids make friends playing football with the local children.

How to Save Real Money While Traveling

Hate #3: Apartment Rental Kitchens

It’s nice to have a kitchen while traveling, but kitchens in other countries can be very different than what you are used to. Kitchens are usually much smaller than what we are used to in the United States, and the appliances and utensils can take getting used to. Some apartment owners provide the bare minimum in their rental kitchens, while others are fully-equipped for cooking large family meals, and not knowing if they have the basics in the kitchen. Do you want to buy a whole container of dish soap for two nights in an apartment? Look on the list of provided items and read reviews to see if you will need to bring your own shampoo as well.  

Yeah… wearing your own PJs around the house is more fun than getting dressed for housekeeping.

Love #3: Room to Spread Out

Most apartments have more room than a typical hotel room, so you can spread out and relax. If you are traveling with kids, that extra space really helps. Whether it’s giving the kids room to play, or having a separate room where they can nap without being disturbed, having more space is one of the best reasons to rent an apartment instead of a hotel room. Though not having a cleaning staff while you are there can make spreading out a bit messier than usual.

Hate #4: Garbage & Recycling

If the owner doesn’t meet you and explain everything, it’s always a challenge to figure out where the garbage & recycling are supposed to go when you take them out. If you’re not sure, this is a good thing to ask ahead of time and have them show you where everything goes before they leave you in the apartment. Also, before you check out make sure you take out the garbage if it is required (or not) as this is one way to get one less star if you leave lots of garbage in your rental apartment.

Sometimes it is nice to just kick back and relax in your “second” home

Love #4: Home Base for Day Trips

This is especially true in Europe, where there are endless day trip possibilities in the major cities. Rather than moving from hotel to hotel, we can unpack in one apartment for a week or more, and then set out on day trips using the train system or our rental car. Some cities we always use apartment home bases are Paris, London, Berlin, Munich.

Hate #5: Toilet Paper & Supplies

This really varies by apartment, but we’ve had some rentals that didn’t supply the basics like toilet paper and paper towels. Things like dish soap, laundry detergent, and even salt and pepper, are not always provided by the host. If these things aren’t provided, it can really drive up the cost of your stay. If these things aren’t provided, ask your host where you can purchase them easily.

Love #5: Having a Home Away from Home

At the end of the day, you can come back to your apartment and relax. You don’t have to sit in your hotel bed watching TV, you can relax on the patio or the sofa, fix up a snack, and unwind. After a couple of days, your apartment rental really starts to feel like your second home and it’s nice to come “home” at the end of a long day of travel. We have found our home away from home in a few countries over the years and have come back to the same apartments time and time again.

We’ve rented apartments all over the world while traveling. I prefer it because it feels more relaxing and you feel more at home than if you were staying in a hotel, especially when traveling with kids. Want more of our travel tips? Check out these blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Being an Exchange Student

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about study abroad programs. I have studied abroad several times and taught classes abroad. As a professor, I have had many exchange students who come to study in the USA. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to share both the positives and the negatives of travel, whether it’s short-term or long-term. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate about being a foreign exchange student.

Hate #1: Getting a Student Visa

If you are studying in a country that requires a visa, it can be kind of a hassle to get. I’ve had to do this several times, and you end up wasting an entire day at an embassy or consulate. Fortunately, a lot of undergraduate study abroad programs will help arrange this for you, but most Master’s and Ph.D. students are on their own to obtain a student visa. So when you are looking at programs make sure you schedule a day or two to deal with waiting for an interview or filling out an incredible number of forms.

Love #1: Studying Abroad is Fun

For most people, studying abroad is one of the best times of your life. You get to meet new people, oftentimes you are treated like a local celebrity, and living in a new country opens up a ton of new travel possibilities. Student exchange programs often have additional activities and opportunities to meet other students, in addition to the friends you will make through classes and living arrangements. And let’s not forget the incredible amount of parties that exchange students are famous for, just saying you are an exchange students puts people in a different frame of mind, you are already cool and fun just by being an exchange student.

study abroad tips
Backpacks & hating Mondays are international.

Hate #2: Finding Accommodation

Figuring out where to live while you study abroad is a frustrating process. You can a dorm or an apartment, live with roommates or on your own or have a host family that you live with. I’ve tried each option, and they all have their pros and cons. Make sure you ask at the study abroad office if they have a program in place for helping students find housing.

Study Abroad Housing Options

Love #2: Side Trips & Travel

Continuing with the first “love” is all of the travel you’ll do while studying abroad. You definitely have to take advantage of living in a new country and getting out to see more than the city where you are studying. Find out where the locals go on the weekends and holidays, and take advantage of shorter flights to nearby countries. If you study abroad in Europe, you’ll be amazed at how many countries you can visit just by traveling on the weekends. 

Hate #3: Studying Abroad

It used to be that exchange students got a bit of a pass when it comes to actual school work. But professors these days do not really differentiate and expect the same effort from all of their students. A lot of grades today also depend on teamwork, so you’ll be put on teams with students who are taking their grades very seriously, and will expect you to do the same.

Love #3: Improved Job Prospects

This is a good reason to present to your parents so they will approve your study abroad plans. Studying abroad looks great on your resume, and nearly every job interview I’ve had turns to my study abroad experience. It’s a great conversation starter, and it shows that you are adaptable and willing to put yourself in uncomfortable situations.

The classroom you will never have class in, but is in all the brochures.

Hate #4: Getting Sick Abroad

It’s inevitable that you’ll end up sick at some point while you are studying abroad. Even if it’s just a minor cold or cough, it sucks being in a foreign country. Maybe you don’t speak the language and you don’t know what medicine to buy, or you don’t know where to find a doctor that speaks your language. It’s always a good idea to carry a small amount of medicines from home. I’ve had a couple of situations where some instructions were lost in translation when a doctor prescribed medicine to me.

Love #4: New Friends & Family

Nothing compares to the new friends and family you will make during your time abroad. You’ll have an easy bond with your fellow exchange students, as you are all new in town and going through the same “loves and hates.” You’ll also meet the locals, and if you live with a host family, you’ll likely form a strong bond with them as well.

Homework sucks no matter where you study.

Hate #5: Leaving New Friends at the End of Your Term

The worst part of studying abroad is when it all comes to an end. You’ll end up making so many new friends from all over the world, and saying goodbye to them can be really hard. You may or may not ever see these friends again, and it really can feel like heartbreak to leave your new life behind, even if you are super excited to also reunite with your friends and family back home.

Love #5: Broadening Your Horizons

Regardless of your travel experience or cultural background, studying abroad will open your eyes and broaden your horizons. You’ll see the world from a new perspective, in addition to learning a new language. There is just something that happens when you study abroad, it is not a vacation sensation. It is a life changing opportunity that really broadens your horizons and helps you better understand the world.

Seven Tips for Learning a New Language

The entire study abroad experience, including the “hates,” is worth it. Of course, the hates are just things to think about when choosing a study abroad program, not a reason to stay home! Want more travel tips? Check out these blog posts:

Why It Sucks & Rocks (at the same time) to Travel Abroad with Your Kids

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about traveling with the kids. We obviously travel a ton with our two boys, and we love seeing our favorite places through their eyes. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, about different aspects of travel. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate about travel with kids.

Love #1: Seeing Everything Through Their Eyes

You never forget the first time you saw the Eiffel Tower or the Acropolis. When you travel with your kids, you get to see everything again for the first time, through their eyes. It’s one of the most magical experiences you can have as a parent or a traveler. It also brings back those memories you had the first time you saw those places.

Hate #1: No Romantic Moments

When you’re traveling with toddlers especially, you miss out on what are typically romantic moments of travel. You don’t get to linger and spend one-on-one time with your partner, and dancing until dawn is out of the question. (Unless you bring the grandparents along to watch the kids!). Mark & I always try to find some way to have some romance when we travel with the kids. It may be having a bottle of wine together in the hotel, letting the kids play in the park while we sit at a café and chat over a couple glasses of wine. There are ways to have a bit of romance, but it is not the same.

kids travel
Who wants to show their two troublemakers the world? ME!!!!

Love #2: Creating a Family Bond

The memories and bonds that you create by traveling as a family are indescribable. You will have incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, which makes you a really tight-knit family. We have so many travel memories to look back on and reminisce over when we’re not traveling. It helps make dinner conversation years later more fun as you reminisce over your previous family travel adventures!

Hate #2: Small Worries Become Big Problems

The small worries you have at home are magnified when you are traveling. Instead of having your local doctor on speed-dial, you probably have no idea where the nearest hospital is, and whether they even speak English. One of our sons tripped on a cobblestone street and we ended up in the emergency room while abroad. After a few stiches and throwing out three blood soaked shirts everything turned out ok, but it just adds a bit of stress to have issues come up in a foreign country. Oh, and then there was the time in China when Liam smashed his hand in a metal door and we ended up in three hospitals and ended up joining a hospital program on the spot to get him into a doctor that didn’t want to put him under to take an X-ray.

Love #3: A Different Kind of Education

Traveling with your kids helps bring history and culture alive, and gives them a whole new perspective on learning. Our son was so excited when they learned about Van Gogh in school because he’d already seen his work in Amsterdam. It really helps pull together parts of their education that could otherwise be kind of boring. And when they kids are back home in class they really do add a lot to the classroom. Everyone of the boys teachers over the years have made it a point to mention how they both bring their experiences abroad into the classroom to help explain topics. Though Liam has a way of pointing out that the teacher may be saying a city name wrong or not knowing the right food that goes with the right town, but we are teaching him how to be a bit more couth with his teachers.

kids in rome travel
Remember that time I strangled you in Rome dad????

Hate #3: Using Public Toilets

This can really happen anywhere and anytime, but when you are traveling, you are forced to use more public toilets. Whether it’s finding a place to change diapers, or just helping your kids go potty in a tiny stall, it is definitely one of my pet peeves when traveling with toddlers or infants. I carry a lot of seat covers and anti-bacterial wipes, and we always make sure that everyone goes before we head out sightseeing for the day, even if they say they already went we point them back to the toilet.

Love #4: The Grandmothers

When you are traveling with kids, the grandmothers of the world will come out of the woodwork. Especially in Greece, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, we’ve had so many grandmas help us with our kids and play surrogate grandma while we’re traveling. When your kids spill something, there’s a grandma there cleaning up after them and giving them cookies and candy. Even if you don’t speak each other’s language, grandma’s are universal. And what is wonderful the kids get to see an insight into the local cultures that way too.

unrealistic family travel picture
Yeah, real families don’t have pictures like this when they travel. That’s why you know it’s BS.

Hate #4: Getting Around with a Stroller

If you have a smaller child who still uses a stroller, getting around in a different country can be challenging. Europe is notoriously not adapted to mobility challenges. Many hotels still don’t have elevators, and even the cobblestone streets and sidewalks pose a challenge for strollers. We usually just grabed a cheap $20 umbrella stroller when the kids were younger as they were thin and worked on cobble stones and small sidewalks. The big ones got to be quite tough to get around when we had to carry it up multiple flights of stairs.

Mobility Issues in Europe

Love #5: Travel Possibilities

By traveling with our kids, they are assimilating into our life. We don’t have to cater to kids and spend every vacation at Disney World. They are used to traveling off the beaten path, riding chicken buses through South America, and experience some level of discomfort while traveling. This opens up so many possibilities for traveling as a family, and we rarely have to worry about whether our kids will enjoy a destination or not. They have learned to have fun no matter where we are. It won’t be long before we travel with teens, which will even further open up the travel possibilities for our family! 

Hate #5: People Hate You

From the minute you board your first flight, people are waiting for your kid to throw a tantrum or be loud and nobody wants to sit by you. Restaurants are the same; we used to get a lot of looks and eye-rolls when eating out with two young kids. Some countries are more kid-friendly than others, but the more you travel with kids, the more adaptable they become.  Our boys are better behaved than some of the adults we’ve seen lately on planes. It is not always fun dealing with people like that, but with all the traveling you do with your kids you are making them wonderful ambassadors to the world.

Five Ways to Deal with Screaming Children on a Plane

We are strong advocates for traveling with kids as early and as often as possible, and the “hates” are just little things to have a heads up on, rather than a reason not to travel with kids! Want more family travel tips? Check out these blog posts: