Author: Mark Wolters

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Girls’ Trips

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about girls’ trips. Getting away with your best girlfriends is a fun tradition for my friends and I (Jocelyn filming this video). 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 girls getaway trips.

Love #1: It’s a GIRLS Trip

The best part of girls’ trips is traveling with just the girls. If you’re a mom or a wife, you get to enjoy your travels and only worry about yourself! You don’t have to worry about husbands, kids, boyfriends or anyone else. (If kids or husbands are invited, it’s NOT a girls’ trip!). Therefore take the time and enjoy being with your friends and being free from the responsibilities that you have left behind.

Hate #1: Missing The Family

While I love traveling with my friends, I always miss my husband and kids back home when I’m away on a girls’ weekend (the kids more than Mark). Not only do I want to share my travel experiences with my family, but I’m also missing out on milestones and activities back home. Liam lost his first tooth while I was away on a girl’s trip for example.  

Horseback riding with my girls in Puerto Rico

Love #2: No Housework

When you’re on a girls’ trip, you get to leave the responsibilities of home at home. You don’t have to worry about dishes, cleaning, laundry or any other day-to-day chores. Of course, you might decide to rent an apartment and do some cooking, which requires a bit of cleaning, but that’s totally your choice. And on a girls’ trip, nobody’s looking to you to do any of their chores for them!

Hate #2: Carrying Your Own Luggage

When I’m traveling with friends, we’re all responsible for our own stuff. It’s kind of nice having my husband or kids along to tote my luggage and bags, especially after a day of shopping. This is just one of the many reasons that I miss having my husband along when I travel. He makes a good pack mule.  

Common Mistakes Made by First-Time Travelers

Love #3: Having Your Squad With You

Besides the pleasure of traveling with your besties, these girls have your back. If you forgot something, there’s a pretty good chance one of your girlfriends will have you covered. From hair ties and tampons to band-aids and moisturizers, traveling with all-girls can be super convenient. There’s always a few moms in the group, so someone always has tissues, TP, snacks, and anti-bacterial hand sanitizer.

Girls trip!

Hate #3: Money Issues

Traveling with friends can bring up some money issues. Even without any real issues, it gets tricky trying to keep track of who paid for what and then sorting out the balance at the end of the trip. It helps to decide ahead of time how you will split the bills, and how everyone will settle up at the end. Sometimes, it’s easiest to have one person pay for everything and then even up at the end of the trip. Paying back friends after a girls’ trip can also cause friction, so make sure you’re paying your friends back on time! There are some great apps now that make it easy to split travel costs.

bike in amsterdam
My about to die of pneumonia on a girls trip in The Netherlands, my girlfriends hit up the pharmacy for me while I was hacking up a lung.

Love #4: Not Being Rushed

Women have a different process with time. When I travel with my husband, we’re on the go constantly. When I travel with my girlfriends, it feels like we slow down a bit more to savor the experiences. Some of the best girls’ trips are just spent sitting around our rental house, drinking wine and catching up on each other’s’ lives. We don’t have impatient kids with us who are getting hungry or bored, or boyfriends or husbands wanting to dote on us constantly… or something like that.  

Rainy Day Travel Advice

Hate #4: In-Fighting

Even the best of friends can get snippy after a while, especially in a group of all women. Everyone has different budgets, different travel styles, and being away from your husband and kids can also put stress on you. Sometimes not everyone can agree on what activities to plan, or where to eat. Usually, there’s a bit of bickering towards the end of the trip, but if you’ve had the same travel squad for years as I have, everything will sort itself out. One thing we recommend is discuss before the trip that it is OK for people to split up for a day and do their own thing. We usually plan the fourth day out of a week away as a “free” day where people can do whatever they want without feeling pressured to hangout with the group if they don’t want to.

Love #5: Shopping

If you’ve tried shopping on vacation with a husband and kids in tow, you know it’s not always the most fun for them, or for you. On a girls’ trip, you can meander and browse at your leisure, and you have your girls to give you honest feedback about whatever you are trying on. Some of the best girls’ trips are shopping trips!

Hate #5: Bathroom Space

When you’re traveling with all women, there’s never enough bathroom space. Unless there is one bathroom per person, you’re always going to be waiting for someone else to finish getting ready. This can cause friction if you have one person who preps for hours while everyone else is getting hangry. After a few trips with the same crew, you’ll quickly learn who to send off the showers first so the entire group isn’t waiting on them.

I think girls’ getaway trips are so important for friendships and your own sanity. There are a few downsides, but the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, in my opinion! Want more travel tips? Check out these blog posts:

5 Things Travelers Love & Hate about Package Tours (and what you should know before you sign up)

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about package tours. Traveling on group tours is a popular way to travel for many people. 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 group tours.

Hate #1: Losing the Local Flair

When you travel with a tour group, you miss out on a lot of local interactions. Typically, these package tours travel pretty quickly, so you are hopping from one attraction to the next without much time to meander between attractions. The tour is selling you seeing a ton of locations, but they usually do not mention the lack of time to take those many sights in. With a large group, you also miss out on some of the mom-and-pop restaurants in favor of larger places that can accommodate a large tour group.

tour guides
Sometimes the guides you get on tours are the true highlight.

Love #1: Seeing All the Sights

Tour groups intentionally hit all of the highlights of a region. The tour company does all the research so that you can get the most bang for your buck. While you may have less time at each stop, you will get to see the best of the best in whatever region you are visiting. This is why many people take a tour to get a feel for a country or region, then come back later on their own to see the places they enjoyed the most on their tour. So, the tour works as a “tasting” of a country.  

Hate #2: Little Independence

When you take a package tour, you are on their schedule. This can be good for travelers who don’t like to plan, but you really don’t have any flexibility in your schedule. If you are really enjoying one attraction, you won’t have the option to linger and skip something else instead. Some tours really pack a lot into their travel itinerary, and it can feel rushed. And the lack of ability to spend time in spots you enjoy on the tour in order to get to the next spot can be rather annoying for independent minded travelers.

segway tour
Segway tours… Be prepared for people to want you to go into traffic.

Love #2: No Planning or Research

This is probably the best reason to take a package tour. You don’t have to do any planning at all! They do it all for you! For most travelers you either love planning your trip or you hate planning and researching all those travel destinations. When you take a package tour, they do all of the work. They procure tickets, set the schedule, make reservations, and all those annoying bits of traveling while you get to just show up and have fun without a care in the world.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About All-Inclusive Resorts

Hate #3: Rushing Through Sights

On a package tour, you don’t have a lot of time to savor the moments of travel. They want you to see as much as possible as quickly as possible. If you only have a week and you want to see several countries very quickly, then you will love this aspect of tour groups. This can be quite stressful when you get a total of five minutes to see a UNESCO World Heritage sight from the outside, and then you are off to a local market where you can spend more money.

Love #3: Cultural Learning

If you are traveling to a different culture, or to a destination with a different language, the tour company will take care of ensuring you can make your way around. They’ll ensure you have English-speaking guides, and will likely brief you on the local culture and customs before you depart for your tour. Some tour companies pride themselves on sharing as much local information as possible to a large group. So I recommend you listen to those guest speakers that come and talk about the destinations you will be seeing on your trip. They can let you know what to grab at the market or at lunch when you have a bit of free time to yourself.

china tour
We spent about 20 minutes taking pictures with this school group in China. They loved the boys.

Hate #4: Traveling in a Large Group – Everyone’s problems are YOUR problems

When you’re traveling in a large group, you are generally eating at larger, sometimes impersonal, restaurants that can accommodate large groups. Instead of quaint boutique hotels, you’re generally staying in mega-hotels on the outskirts of town. Inevitably, in large groups, there’s always someone you’re waiting on every day or one person who likes to complain about everything. One bad apple in the group can really affect your time on the tour, and this is definitely the case on package tours. Do be prepared to never want to see some of the people on your tour ever again.  

Seven Reasons to Hire a Private Tour Guide

Love #4: Group Tour Pricing

There’s something to be said for having one price to pay for an entire trip. It’s a reason why cruises and all-inclusive resorts are so popular. You know upfront how much you’re going to spend, and this makes it easy to stick to a travel budget. You won’t have to agonize over which hotel to choose and how to save money at restaurants because you’ve already paid for almost everything upfront. The all-inclusive aspect of tour packages can be very appealing. Though, not everything may be in the original sticker price, see our 5th hate for that.

Hate #5: Hidden Fees & Extra Excursions

Whether it’s the overall price of the package tour or the hidden expenses, you are paying a premium for the convenience of someone else doing all of the planning. Most tour packages will offer additional excursions above and beyond the base price of the group tour. However, you have to pay for those in addition to the package price you pay upfront. And those excursions can add up over a couple week tour. You may look at getting your own private guide for some spots on your itinerary if you really want to spend more time at a certain destination. And remember, at some locations you don’t have to do the excursions, you can explore the city on your own.

Love #5: Tour Guides

A good guide can make a huge difference in your travel experience. Most travel guides are extremely passionate about sharing their local culture with you. You’ll find history majors, architects, and artists all moonlighting as tour guides. If you can, try to choose a tour operator that uses local guides, as it really helps open you up to the local culture. When you read reviews on the tours you may take, make sure you read the reviews on their guides. Some companies we have worked with have incredible guides and make sure that all their guides are top notch, while others seem to be happy with whoever shows up at the tourist sight that day.

There are many things that make package tours worthwhile. Group travel is not for everyone, but there’s something to be said for taking a laid-back “easy” vacation and letting someone else do all the research and planning. Want more travel tips? Check out these blog posts:

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate On a Puerto Rico Vacation

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Puerto Rico, a Caribbean island that’s also a part of the United States! It’s a great tropical destination and feels like you are leaving the country, but you don’t need a passport for a Puerto Rico getaway. 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 (or maybe just be mildly annoyed by) on your Puerto Rico vacation.

Hate #1: Random Rain

This is the Caribbean, so it’s quite common to get a random rain shower in the middle of the day. They move in and out pretty quickly, but it’s still an interruption to your day, whether you’re out exploring the town or relaxing on the beach. When it’s not raining, it’s typically pretty hot and humid. Much of the island is covered in rainforest, and the rainy season in Puerto Rico is from April to November. That’s eight months of the year!

Rainy Day Travel Advice

Love #1: Puerto Rico Weather & Beaches

Aside from the occasional rain shower or hurricane, the weather in Puerto Rico is pretty amazing. Hot, humid weather is perfect for relaxing on the beach or enjoying some fruity cocktails poolside at your Puerto Rico resort. Puerto Rico beaches are pretty spectacular, too. There are over a dozen fabulous Puerto Rico beaches to explore, and then there’s the nearby island of Vieques, with more beaches to explore on a day trip from the Puerto Rico mainland.

horseback riding in puerto rico

Hate #2: Puerto Rico Traffic

There is a massive amount of traffic in Puerto Rico. From San Juan to Rincon, it is supposed to take two hours, but it took us four for some reason. For a small tropical island, it’s shocking how much traffic there is in Puerto Rico. Make sure you try to avoid driving around the major cities at rush hour or you can easily double your time spend in Puerto Rico traffic. Otherwise just pack some patience with your driving glasses.

Love #2: No Language Barrier

Puerto Rico feels like an exotic destination, but it’s really easy for all travelers to get around Puerto Rico and communicate with the locals. A Puerto Rico vacation is perfect for new travelers who haven’t left the United States but want to experience a different culture. In this aspect, Puerto Rico is the best of both worlds.

Hate #3: Driving in Puerto Rico

Aside from traffic, another thing you need to know about Puerto Rico is that you’ll need to rent a car to get around the island. There is very little public transportation in Puerto Rico, so driving is essential. Some of the signs use the kilometers, while others use miles. There are also curvy mountain roads, crazy speed bumps placed randomly on the roads and an apparent disregard for any and all traffic laws. Be prepared to drive defensively and always be paying attention as you never know what the other drivers might do.

puerto rico vacation
You will enjoy Puerto Rico

Love #3: Puerto Rico Sunsets

The sunsets in Puerto Rico are fantastic, and enjoying them is one of the best things to do in Puerto Rico. I could plan an entire Puerto Rico trip around finding the best sunset spots on the island. You may even want to take a sunset cruise while you’re in Puerto Rico. Whether you’re on the beach, your hotel patio or sitting on one of the walls at the Castillo San Cristobal, make sure you take a moment to enjoy a sunset in Puerto Rico.

Hate #4: Puerto Rico Accommodation

It can be hard to find affordable accommodation in Puerto Rico. Unlike many other Caribbean destinations, there are fewer all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Rico, and since it’s an island, they have a captive audience to charge a bit more for hotel rooms. A lot of Caribbean cruises leave from Puerto Rico, so shifting your Puerto Rico vacation by one day to avoid cruise ship crowds may help. Be prepared to spend a bit more on accommodations, but you can save money elsewhere in Puerto Rico. It’s very cheap to eat, for example.

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About All-Inclusive Resorts

Love #4: Historic Sites in Puerto Rico

If you can tear yourself away from the beaches of Puerto Rico, it’s really fun to explore San Juan and the historic Old Town. There are several forts around the island that are interesting to visit, as well as smaller villages of Puerto Rico. There are many more things to do in Puerto Rico besides just laying on the beach!

Hate #5: It Can Feel “Too American”

Yes, you’re in the Caribbean, but it’s also still in a US Territory. So, you may be expecting an exotic destination and be disappointed that you hear English all over or that you can pay with U.S. Dollars. You’ll see McDonald’s, Wal-Mart and every other trapping of American society in Puerto Rico. However, if it’s your first trip out of the States, this can be comforting.

Love #5: Unique Culture of Puerto Rico

Technically, although Puerto Rico is classified as a commonwealth and a territory of the United States, it really is its own country. Puerto Rican people have a very strong culture, and the food is fantastic. You get a new cultural experience with the benefits of not leaving the US; you don’t need a passport, you don’t need to exchange currency, and it’s relatively safe compared to other Caribbean destinations.

There are some really great places to visit in Puerto Rico and lots of outdoor adventure opportunities beyond the beautiful beaches. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to plan a Puerto Rico getaway. Want more of our travel tips? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate When You Visit Shanghai

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Shanghai, China! It’s one of the coolest cities in Asia and I love it here. 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 Shanghai vacation.

Hate #1: Prices in Shanghai

If you’ve been traveling around China, you’ll notice that the prices are pretty affordable. In general, China is not an expensive destination, however, Shanghai is the most expensive city in mainland China. Shanghai attractions, hotels and restaurants tend to be more expensive, but still, offer a better deal than other major Asian cities like Hong Kong or Singapore.

Love #1: Shanghai Skyline at Night

Seeing the Shanghai skyline lit up at night is such a cool experience. I highly recommend taking a nighttime boat tour so that you can see the lights of Shanghai from the river. It’s one of my favorite things to do in Shanghai.

Shanghai skyline
The city is just so cool to look at, the skyline is always changing

Hate #2: Lack of “Old China”

There’s not a lot of the “Old China” in Shanghai as it’s quite a modern city. The city has changed entirely in the last 20 years. In 1990, there were no skyscrapers. There are some Shanghai day trips you can take to experience that Old World China, like Suzhou and Hangzhou.

Love #2: French Concession Area

Europeans ruled this area for quite a while and it’s still evident in the architecture and the food. The French Concession area of Shanghai is where it’s most evident. It feels like a little slice of Europe in one of Asia’s largest cities. It’s a great place for shopping, and if you get tired of Chinese food, come here for good Western food.

Hate #3: Pickpockets & Safety Issues

We traveled through China for six weeks before arriving in Shanghai and it was the first time I felt that I needed to keep an eye on my pockets and my belongings. I still feel pretty safe here, but less so than in other parts of China. This goes back to being a more modern, global city as opposed to some of the more traditional areas of China.

Liam was done with having his picture taken

The Most Common Pickpocket Techniques Used on Tourists

Love #3: International Vibe

While Shanghai doesn’t have the “Old China” feel, it’s absolutely a global city of international cultures. There are tons of ex-pats living in Shanghai, plus the European influence we already mentioned. As a port city, there’s just a huge mix of cultures and cuisines, so you aren’t just limited to a Chinese experience. You’ll also find more English speakers than in other parts of China. People are used to seeing Westerners in Shanghai, so you won’t be gawked at like you are in Chinese regions.

Hate #4: Crowds & Chaos

This is something I’ve noticed all over China and it definitely takes some getting used to. It’s just a different culture here. The cities are unbelievably crowded, which leads to smog and pollution. People spit in the streets everywhere, and there is no organization when it comes to lines. If you value your personal space, you’ll definitely notice that it’s not something that is respected in China.

12 Things to Know Before You Visit China

Love #4: Shanghai Cuisine

The food in China is different everywhere you go, but I thought Shanghai had the best food in China. The local specialty are the dim sum dumplings, and one in particular that you must try is xiao long bao. It’s a dumpling served with a straw. It has soup in it that you suck through the straw before eating the dumping. It is delicious.

bund shanghai
Filming on the Bund in Shanghai

Hate #5: Shanghai Weather

Shanghai has a tropical climate, and it gets very hot and humid. If you visit Shanghai in the summer, you can expect temperatures above 100 degrees during the day. My wife never sweats and Shanghai made her sweat! Plan your Shanghai sightseeing accordingly so that you are not outside in the heat of the day. Always have a bottle of water with you so that you can stay hydrated.

Love #5: Day Trips from Shanghai

While you can’t get the Old China vibe in Shanghai itself, there are plenty of great day trips from Shanghai where you can get a better experience of older Chinese culture. Suzhou is sometimes called the Venice of the East because it has so many gardens and canals. The city has more UNESCO recognized gardens than any other place in the world. You can even take a gondola on the canal, for a fraction of what they charge in the “real” Venice. In Hangzhou, visit West Lake, with islands, temples, bridges, and gardens. My favorite Shanghai day trip is to Xitang, an old river town. Your hotel can help you arrange day trips from Shanghai during your visit. It’s worth getting out of the city at least once.

Shanghai is a great city; you will have a nice time when you visit.  The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to plan a Shanghai vacation. Want more China travel tips? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Salvador de Bahia, Brazil

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Salvador, the capital city of Bahia Brazil! It’s a pretty cool city and a great place to experience Brazilian culture. 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 when you visit Salvador, Brazil.

Hate #1: Guys Tying Ribbons on You

As you walk around Salvador, you’ll have a lot of guys trying to tie ribbons on you. These are called fitas, and it gets annoying after a while because they are constantly after you and you just keep saying “no thank you,” “no thank you.” We visited in June for the festival and it was one of the things we noticed right away.

Love #1: Pelourinho Historic District

This area of Salvador is also called the “high city” and is full of interesting historic attractions. The Sao Francisco Church is spectacular, and the whole district is filled with historic colonial buildings. The area is full of colorful buildings and quaint squares with small side streets that are the perfect way to wander through Salvador.

the ribbons in brazil
You will get a few of these don’t worry

Hate #2: Photo Opportunities with Locals

Another way you’ll be targeted as a tourist in Salvador is by women dressed in traditional Bahian clothing. It’s a really cool thing to see, but they are there to have their picture taken so they can ask you for money.  If you decide you’re willing to pay for the opportunity, make sure you negotiate the price upfront, or you will be overcharged.

How to Avoid Travel Scams & Ripoffs

Love #2: Taking the Elevator to Lower Town

A unique thing to do in Salvador is to take the elevator to travel from upper town to lower town. It’s a cool feature of the city and the locals are proud of it. It only costs about 25 cents, so it’s definitely worth it for the experience. Once you’re in the lower town, you can visit the indoor market and of course, more churches and interesting architecture to explore. The Portuguese Colonial influence is very prevalent here.

Hate #3: Pace of Life in Bahia

Most other parts of Brazil make fun of Bahia for being a little bit slower than everywhere else. Everything takes just a little bit longer in Bahia, so be prepared for a more relaxed pace. When you go out to eat in Bahia, it can feel like it takes forever to get your food and, eventually, your bill. But as love #3 will tell you the wait is worth it.

They started at $50, we got down to $5. Negotiate those pictures with locals.

Love #3: Bahian Cuisine

The location on the sea means you can get really great seafood in Bahia. Make sure you try Dende Oil, which is a spicy oil that’s very popular in Bahia. Other Bahian dishes that you have to are acarajé, which is a fried bean curd product, and moqueca, which is a stew often served with seafood. If you stay at a resort in Salvador, they may not be serving a lot of traditional Bahian cuisine, so make sure you get off property to have some local dishes.

Hate #4: Salvador Safety

Salvador is not one of the safest places in Brazil to visit. While it’s absolutely worth a visit, you do have to be vigilant about your safety. Be especially careful if you are out at night, and stay close to your hotel. If you want to head out for the night, stay in a group of friends and don’t go out alone. We do not recommend visiting the favelas alone at any time. Ask your hotel which parts of town to avoid.

Is Brazil Safe? Safety Tips to Visit Brazil

Love #4: Bahian Culture

In addition to amazing cuisine, Bahian culture is one of my favorite things about this part of Brazil. It’s really the hub of Afro-Brazilian culture, so it’s such a unique culture that is derived from a couple of different cultures. If you get the chance to bring your kids to Salvador, it’s really an educational experience to witness the unique culture here. Something special you can do is to get a feta, or ribbon, and tie it outside of the church while you make three wishes.

bahia brazil
The kids loved the beaches and running around to grab some ice cream

Hate #5: Proximity of Tourist Attractions

Some of the best things to do in Salvador Brazil are far from the city center. There’s the high city and the low city, but then you have to travel quite a bit to see some of the churches and attractions in Salvador. Traveling around Salvador isn’t always easy, so this is a challenge for those visiting Salvador.

Love #5: Bahia Beaches

There are over 45 kilometers of beaches here. The beaches are super pristine, with nice soft sand and warm water. There are bars and cafes set up along the beaches, so you don’t even need to leave at lunchtime. A bit further north at Praia do Forte, there’s a turtle refuge which is really cool. At certain times of the year, the riptides can be a bit strong, but in general, the beaches of Bahia are very family-friendly.

Salvador de Bahia is a pretty interesting travel destination in Brazil. Other than the crime and safety issue, the “hates” are really just small annoyances and by no means a reason not to visit Salvador. Want more tips for planning a trip to Brazil? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Visiting Cancun

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Cancun, Mexico! I love it here; the beaches and the Cancun activities really make it a great family vacation destination. 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 (or find mildly irritating) on your Cancun trip.

Hate #1: Lack of Mexican Culture

While technically, you are in Mexico when you are on a Cancun vacation, it doesn’t really feel like Mexico. There are so many tourists in Cancun, and the entire town is geared towards the tourist industry, so you don’t really meet many “local” or get a good feel for Mexican culture. Most people choose to stay at all-inclusive resorts in Cancun, so you really have to make an effort to go off-property and experience authentic Mexican culture, which you can find.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About All-Inclusive Resorts

Love #1: Cancun Beaches & Cenotes

Most people visit Cancun first and foremost for the beaches. The beaches are fantastic and there are a ton of excellent beach activities around Cancun. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and parasailing are just a few of the things to do in Cancun. When you need a break from the beach, you can go swimming in the cenotes around Cancun. Cenotes are sinkholes filled with freshwater, and they are so fun to swim in. When it’s time to decide what to do in Cancun, you’ll have lots of options. Helpful hint, if you go to a cenote and use the lockers pay extra special attention to the key they give you. If you lose it you have to pay for another one, and you would be surprised how easy they slip off when you are in the cenotes.

Hate #2: Driving Around Cancun

If you want a bit more freedom during your Cancun vacation, you really need to rent a car. Driving around Cancun can be frustrating, though. When you see a sign that says “topes” it means speed bumps and they can really mess up your car if you don’t slow down. Traffic in Mexico can also be a bit nerve-wracking, so take your time and make sure you have all the proper insurance and permits needed for driving in Mexico. Additionally, we would not recommend driving after dark.

Love #2: Cancun Tourism

The tourist infrastructure in Cancun is pretty great. Around the 1970s, the government decided to build up Cancun as a beach destination. Before that, there really wasn’t anything around as far as tourism goes. This is why there are so many amazing Cancun resorts to choose from, so many people speak English and it’s really easy to get around. Cancun was pretty much built for tourism, so it’s really an easy destination to visit. If you’ve traveled to other parts of Mexico, you’ll appreciate the tourist infrastructure in Cancun.

Hate #3: The $1 Touts

When you visit the major tourist sites, like Chichen Itza, you’ll run into a lot of touts shouting “One dollar!” What they actually mean is they’ll give you $1 off the price of whatever it is they are selling. Also, a lot of the tours will take you a craft market at the end of the tour and they all have the same kind of tourist stuff. It can get annoying after a while and it almost feels like the amusement park rides that let you off but force you to go through a gift shop before exiting.

Souvenirs: What Not to Buy When You Travel

Love #3: Cancun Nightlife

One of the main reasons that travelers visit Cancun is for the party scene. Whether you are partying at your hotel or hitting the town and checking out the pubs and bars there, the Cancun nightlife scene has something for everyone. There is fun for all ages in Cancun, so don’t think it’s just a destination for college kids. Many of the All-Inclusive resorts in Cancun are geared towards the nightlife crowd, so be sure to do your research and if you choose the right spot, you’ll have a great time!

Hate #4: Cancun Prices

If you are traveling around other parts of Mexico, you’ll notice that the prices in Cancun are a bit higher. It’s still a very affordable vacation destination, however, the prices are higher because it’s such a popular tourist destination. And the ATM fees are insane high. So just bring US dollars with you as they are accepted all over Cancun.

Love #4: Cancun Weather

Cancun has great weather, especially if you are coming from a cold-weather destination. It’s the perfect winter break from gray skies and snow back home. Cancun is warm and sunny almost all year-round. Of course, the summers can be hot and hurricane season can have an impact on the weather in Cancun, but it’s generally pretty pleasant all the time. Don’t forget your sunblock!

Hate #5: Cancun Seasons

If you come at the wrong time of year, you might regret it. Cancun in the summer is oppressively hot, so it’s not enjoyable to do anything but stay in the swimming pool or ocean. The other bad time of year to visit Cancun is March when most colleges are on spring break. If you are looking for a wild party atmosphere with lots of drunk college kids, then you’ll love Cancun during spring break. However, if you want to visit Cancun with kids, make sure you pick the right time of year and the right kind of resort.

Love #5: Mayan Sites

This was a major hub for the Mayan civilization, so there are great sights you can visit around Cancun. Chichen Itza is probably the most popular, and there’s also Coba and Tulum. There are so many fantastic day trips from Cancun that allow you to see some of the Mayan histories in the area.

There are so many more things I love about Mexico, including the weather, but you get the point. I love Mexico! The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to plan a Mexico vacation. For more tips on what to do in Cancun, check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About a Beijing Vacation

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Beijing, China! There are tons of cool things to do in Beijing. 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 Beijing vacation.

Hate #1: Beijing Air Quality

The air pollution in Beijing can be pretty bad. There are times when you can’t even go outside because Beijing air quality is downright dangerous. On our first two days in Beijing, the warnings said that children and the elderly should not be outdoors. It’s possible to have some clear days with blue skies but be prepared with some face masks just in case. You can get better quality masks for a better price if you buy them in your home country.

kids at great wall in china
If you have kids be prepared to have their pictures taken a lot

Love #1: Visiting the Great Wall of China

China’s Great Wall is one of those icons of world travel, and you absolutely have to see it when you visit Beijing! It’s definitely one of the coolest things to do in Beijing and possibly the coolest thing you’ll see in all of China. Though don’t expect to get those Instagram pictures of you alone on the Great Wall, it is busy all the time outside of Beijing.

Visit the Seven “New” Wonders of the World

Hate #2: Size of Beijing

Beijing is huge and there are people everywhere. It can feel like complete chaos at all times, but especially when you’re on the Metro. There are 25 million people living in Beijing, so you will be surrounded by lots of people all the time. Every tourist attraction near Beijing, including the Summer Palace, and the Great Wall, will be packed with people.

Love #2: Beijing Sightseeing

There are many interesting Beijing attractions to check out. Yes, the Great Wall is one of them, but there are so many other historic things to see in Beijing. There’s Beihai Park, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and so many other interesting Beijing sites. Don’t expect to see all of the Beijing attractions in a couple of days. No matter how long you are in Beijing, it won’t feel like enough time to cover all the cool stuff.

great wall of china
This is not by Beijing, the Beijing version all you see is people in the picture 🙂

Hate #3: Language Barrier

There are not many people in Beijing who speak English, so unless you speak Chinese, it can be challenging to communicate. Even if a guidebook says your hotel has English-speaking staff, it may mean they have one person on staff who speaks English and that person may or may not be working at all times. So, it helps to know a few words of Chinese and if you can recognize a few Chinese characters, it will be helpful. Make sure you take a couple business cards from your hotel to give to taxi drivers to help them find where you want to go. A lot of taxi drivers  are not from Beijing and do not know the city very well, so also have a major sight that is near your hotel written down in Chinese so that might help the taxi driver.

Love #3: Beijing Food

The food in Beijing is fantastic. You can get different cuisines from all over China, and there’s some really great street food in Beijing, too. Eating out in Beijing is a fun experience, and there is plenty of after-dinner evening activity to enjoy, too.

Everything You Need to Know About Traveler’s Diarrhea

Hate #4: Beijing Traffic

Whether you are a driver, passenger or pedestrian, the traffic in Beijing is insane. Crossing the street is nerve-wracking, to say the least, so just follow the lead of the locals and try to get in the middle of a pack of people who are crossing. Better yet, look for an overpass you can take to avoid crossing the street. When taking a taxi, make sure you have a card from your hotel that you can give the driver. Most aren’t from Beijing and they won’t speak English, so you need a way to communicate your destination.

summer palace in beijing
no idea how we got both of them to look at the same time

Love #4: Green Space in Beijing

For such a huge, crowded city, Beijing actually has a lot of green space you can enjoy. Beihai Park is a nice place to escape, and there are bamboo gardens around the city as well. It’s nice to have the green space to balance out the pollution of Beijing.

Hate #5: Beijing Guidebooks

Beijing is changing so quickly that the guidebooks can’t keep up. Museums move, metro lines are extended, rail stations move, and hotels open and close regularly. No matter how new your guidebook is, some information will likely be outdated. We ran into this with Metro lines in particular.

Love #5: Safety in Beijing

For a city of 25 million, Beijing is incredibly safe. Tourist crimes are practically unheard of, and the Chinese culture is just one where crime and safety aren’t an issue for travelers. The locals are typically pretty friendly and want to be helpful, even when it’s hard to communicate with them.

Even with crowds and congestion, Beijing is an amazing city! The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to plan a Beijing vacation. Want more China travel tips? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Latin America Travel

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re visiting Latin America. Latin America extends from the Sonoran Desert of Mexico in the North, all the way down to Tierra del Fuego in Chile in the South. I’ve lived in South America and have been to some of the best places to visit in Latin America, so it’s a part of the world that I really love. 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 about Latin America Travel.

Hate #1: Safety Concerns

This not only applies to your physical safety but also your physiological safety, financial safety, and the safety of your health. There are definitely places in Latin America that are not safe. There are other places that are marginally safe, where you need to exercise more caution and not be flashy. And there are areas that are completely safe where you don’t have to worry in the least. There are some areas where robberies are common or even kidnappings (though this is not something most tourists need to worry about). The best thing you can do is to research your destination thoroughly and talk to travelers like you who have recently been there. You can also check out the US State Department’s website on safety issues in various countries.  

Safety Advice for Visiting Brazil

On the health front, make sure you are traveling with bug sprays and sunblock, and also ensure you have a method for water purification if heading on hikes. There are very few places in Latin America where it’s OK to drink the water from the tap. It’s important to stay hydrated, but you don’t want to get sick from the water, either.

latin america tourism

Love #1: People & Culture of Latin America

Hands down, the best thing about Latin America is the people who live here. I’ve traveled to nearly every continent (sorry Antarcticans) on the planet and Latin Americans are the most fun and friendly people I’ve met. They will go out of their way to make sure you feel welcome. They are so proud of their culture and they want to share it with visitors. Knowing a bit of Spanish will go a long way to helping you get to know the locals better. If you get invited to a party, don’t miss the chance! They love any excuse to celebrate!

Hate #2: Distance Between Cities & Attractions

Obviously, Latin America covers a huge area. Even within each country of Latin America, there are huge distances between major cities or between attractions. There really aren’t any trains to speak of and flights can be pricy, so chances are, you’ll be taking buses between cities in Latin America. There can be a huge discrepancy in the quality of buses, though, so don’t always take the cheapest fare you can find. Sometimes it’s worth the extra money to get a nicer bus, especially for those long-haul trips. This is not like Europe where you can get from city to city in a couple of hours; I’ve taken bus rides in Latin America that were 18 hours or more!

Love #2: Natural Beauty of Latin America

The cities in Latin America are pretty great, but the natural attractions are even better! There’s Iguazu Falls in Argentina, Angel Falls in Venezuela, Mexico’s Sonoran Desert, plus hundreds of amazing beaches. Sunsets and sunrises, lakes, oceans, islands, mountains, glaciers and more! Even if you are mainly visiting the cities of Latin America, plan at least one nature tour during your visit. There are so many to choose from; one of my favorites is Pantanal in Brazil.

Hate #3: Language Barrier

Unless you are in Cancun or another very touristy area, you won’t find many people that speak English. You really need to know a bit of Spanish (or Portuguese) to get by in Latin America. The more Spanish you know, the easier it will be to get around, meet new people and experience Latin America. Without it, you might really struggle to communicate with the locals and you’ll be left to speak only with those working in the tourist industry.

skinny mark
I’ve been traveling in Latin America so long some of my friends there know me as skinny

Love #3: Low-Key Tourism

You’ll notice that Latin America is not overrun with tourists like other parts of the world. Sure, Cancun and the Mayan sites get a lot of tourists, but it’s still nowhere near the crowds you might see in European or Asian cities. This is especially true if you get off the beaten path and visit some smaller towns in Latin America; you’ll be one of the few tourists in town. If you’ve traveled to places like China or Venice, you’ll really notice how “uncrowded” the tourist sights of Latin America really are.

Hate #4: Lack of Tourist Infrastructure

In some areas, like Cancun, the tourist infrastructure is the backbone of the city. In most major cities, however, there isn’t a tourist infrastructure like you might expect. There aren’t as many tours, buses, hotels, and guides. Depending on your destination, you may be on your own and reliant on travel guide books or the Internet rather than local tours. If you are traveling to locations without a lot of hotels or hostels, you need to plan ahead and make sure you have your accommodation sorted out before you arrive.

Love #4: Latin America History

There is a lot of interesting history in Latin America, from Native history to Colonial history and much more. The Spanish Colonial cathedrals are prolific throughout Latin America, but there are ancient ruins from Mayan, Aztec and Inca civilizations. Chichen Itza and Machu Picchu are two well-known examples, but these types of sites exist throughout Latin America.

5 things to love in latin america

Hate #5: Extreme Weather & Rainy Season

For the most part, the weather in Latin America is great and it’s what draws many tourists down here for the first time. However, there is a rainy season and it’s possible to encounter some extreme weather. The sun is extremely powerful, so you have to be super diligent about sunscreen. Again, you have to research your destination to find the best time to visit. Rainy season can cause floods and metro closures in a city like Buenos Aires, so choose your time of year carefully. Even the Inca Trail is closed for a bit during the rainy season.

Rainy Day Travel Advice

Love #5: Laidback Latin Vibe

At first, this can be confusing or frustrating, but after a few weeks in Latin America, you’ll come to appreciate the laid-back attitudes and the relaxed atmosphere. Everything just moves a bit slower; things get done “manana” instead of right away, and once you learn to go with the flow, you’ll find yourself more relaxed as well. Some vacations, especially in Europe, can be taxing as you rush from sight to sight, but I feel like you can really relax on a Latin America vacation. The pace of the locals pretty much forces you to relax!

There are so many amazing places to visit in Latin America. It’s home to some of my favorite places and people. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to plan a Latin America tour. Want more tips for planning a Latin America vacation? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate on a Prince Edward Island Vacation

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Prince Edward Island, Canada! With cool history and awesome beaches, PEI is really a great place to visit. 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 Prince Edward Island vacation.

Hate #1: Getting to Prince Edward Island

It used to be that you could only get to PEI by ferry. While you can still take a ferry to Prince Edward Island, there’s now the Confederation Bridge connecting the island to the mainland. It’s a very long bridge, about ten miles long, so if you are leery of long bridges, or bridges with low sides, it can be a bit nerve-wracking. There are even some stoplights on the bridge, so you will be on it for a while. Fortunately, the views are amazing, especially if you are crossing the bridge at sunset. However, if you are squeamish about long bridges, I recommend taking the ferry to Prince Edward Island.

Love #1: PEI Nature and Beaches

Prince Edward Island is an outdoor paradise, with several beautiful beaches to explore. Cavendish Beach is one of the most popular things to do in PEI, or you can go out to the East End and see the lighthouse. Basin Head Beach was once voted the best beach in North America. Surprisingly, the water here is a bit warmer than some of the East Coast beaches that are further south, so in the summer, you can get a true beach experience.

Prince edward island coast
The red from the beach isn’t coming out of any white clothing, just fyi

Hate #2: PEI in the Off-Season

The best (and some say only) time to visit Prince Edward Island is from May through September. PEI is absolutely beautiful in the summer. However, winter lasts a really long time in this part of Canada. They don’t measure the snow in inches; it’s measured in feet. By February, the locals are getting cabin fever. A lot of tourist places close up for the winter, so it’s not the best time to visit Prince Edward Island.

Love #2: Prices on Prince Edward Island

A Prince Edward Island vacation is actually pretty affordable, especially compared to other destinations in Canada. Most Americans visit Canadian cities, like Toronto or Vancouver, which tend to be on the pricier side. While Canada is generally a bit more expensive than the US, Prince Edward Island is very reasonable. The hotels, food, and attractions are all fairly priced. If you are planning a Canada road trip, plan to end it on Prince Edward Island and you’ll love having lower prices at the end of your trip.

What to Know Before You Visit Canada

Green gables in prince edward island
Yes, Anne does come out and chat. It’s pretty fun.

Hate #3: Summer Crowds

PEI is gorgeous, and attractions like the Green Gables house bring a lot of tourists to visit. Since we know the best time to visit Prince Edward Island is in the summer, the majority of tourists are all visiting in the same short window. This means you need to plan ahead when reserving your PEI accommodation, as there aren’t a ton of hotels and cottages to rent, so they can book up quickly.

Love #3: Prince Edward Island History

There is so much history to take in on Prince Edward Island. Some of it is fictional history, like at Green Gables. But this is actually where Canada was founded, and PEI recently celebrated 150 years anniversary. In Charlottetown, you can see the historical government buildings like the Province House, and there are interpreters who give historic tours as well.

Hate #4: Green Gables Attractions

One of the most popular things to do in PEI is to visit the Green Gables house. The house itself is pretty small, but it seems an entire tourist industry has built up around the house, making it feel a bit over-commercialized. The house itself is worth visiting, but the hype around it gets old after a bit. There are so many interesting historic attractions on Prince Edward Island but they tend to get overshadowed by some of the tourist traps.

eating ice cream in prince edward island
Eat the ice-cream where you see the cow… trust them

Love #4: Eating and Drinking in PEI

Yes, you will eat lobster when you visit Prince Edward Island. It’s fantastic and much better than the lobster you can get at home, even when it’s out of season. All of the seafood in PEI is fantastic. Make sure you get out into some of the smaller villages and eat at the mom and pop places, which are more authentic and less expensive. Something you must try when you visit PEI is the Raspberry Cordial. It’s part of the Green Gables lore, but it’s actually really tasty. There are some pretty good local beers in PEI, too!

Hate #5: Driving on Prince Edward Island

Driving on the island can be a bit frustrating, especially when you first arrive and are finding your way around. A lot of drivers on the island are from New Brunswick, and they are typically aggressive East Coast drivers. There are also a lot of cyclists and pedestrians, so you really have to pay attention when you are driving on Prince Edward Island.

Love #5: PEI Locals

Canadians, in general, are a friendly bunch and the locals on Prince Edward Island are no exception. We’ve had great conversations with locals, including bartenders and the folks at our hotel. Everyone has been very nice and forthcoming with travel tips. You might think a small island that gets overwhelmed with tourists for a short window each summer might be annoying for the residents, but if they are annoyed by tourists, they certainly don’t let on.

Ten Things That Will Shock You in Canada

We really enjoyed our Prince Edward Island vacation, it’s really a neat place to visit in Canada. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to plan a Prince Edward Island vacation. Want more tips for planning a Canada trip? Check out these other blog posts:

Five Things You Will Love & Hate on Your Toronto Vacation

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Toronto, Canada, an awesome city with so many amazing things to do and sights to check 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 Toronto vacation.

Hate #1: Driving & Parking in Toronto

Toronto is the largest city in Canada, with over six million people living in the metropolitan area That’s a lot of traffic! As with any big city, expect to fight traffic, especially if you are trying to drive at rush hour. Once you get downtown, it can be nearly impossible to find parking and once you do find parking, it’s super expensive. Fortunately, Toronto has a good metro system, so you can park your car at your hotel and just use public transportation to get around during your Toronto vacation. Also, have a heads up when you are driving downtown as we have seen more than our fair share of fender benders just walking around downtown Toronto.

you feel the prices are about as high as the CN Tower

Love #1: Culture & Entertainment

As a huge city, there are a ton of interesting things to do in Toronto. The nightlife and restaurants are fantastic. They have amazing museums, including the Royal Ontario Museum. There’s also the Art Gallery of Ontario and they even have a shoe museum in Toronto. The Stanley Cup lives at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. No matter your travel style, you’ll never run out of things to do in Toronto. And that is not even getting into the markets and shopping.

Hate #2: Prices in Toronto

As with many large cities, Toronto is expensive. Toronto hotels, parking, and restaurants are on the pricier side, but since it’s such a large city, there are plenty of options to choose from. If you want to, you can find deals in Toronto, especially on food. Check out Chinatown, Little Italy and the St. Lawrence Market where you can get tasty food without spending a fortune.

14 Tips for Saving Money While Traveling

Stanley Cup
Lord Stanley in the house!

Love #2: Toronto Outdoor Activities

Although it’s a huge city, Toronto has a lot of green space and outdoor activities. Take a ferry over to Center Island, which is car-free, so you can rent bikes and explore the island. Niagara Falls is an easy day trip from Toronto, and Lake Ontario is right here, so there are lots of activities on the lake. In the summer, everyone loves to be outside, so you’ll also have outdoor cafes, outdoor markets and tons of fun street festivals. 

Hate #3: Construction & Delays

It seems like there is always construction in Toronto. Between buildings and roads, it can feel like one big construction site. This makes driving and parking even more frustrating than normal because it can disrupt the traffic flow, cause traffic delays and result in fewer parking spots available. Even public transportation can be affected by construction delays, so give yourself a bit of extra time to get around during your Toronto vacation.

Love #3: Toronto Neighborhoods

One of the best things to do in Toronto is just wandering the various districts. There are so many interesting and unique districts in Toronto, from the financial district to Chinatown. There’s even a district underground where you can use tunnels to get around the city when it’s cold outside. There’s the waterfront area and islands to explore as well. Make sure you get out and explore some of the neighboring districts to get a feel for the “real” Toronto.

How to Eat Cheap & Well While Traveling

Hate #4: Not as Walkable as You’d Expect

Most people don’t associate Canada with huge cities, so it’s kind of a shock how large Toronto really is. Even when you look at a map of Toronto, it seems like it would be pretty walkable, but it’s not. Toronto is actually huge, and it takes a lot longer to get from one place to another if you are walking. Fortunately, the streetcars and the subway are convenient and easy to use, so you don’t have to walk everywhere.

hockey hall of fame
CN Tower and Hockey hall of fame, what more do you need?

Love #4: Toronto Small Businesses

As you explore the various districts of Toronto, you’ll see that there are a lot of independent businesses to check out. You don’t have to just frequent the chains, as there are small boutiques, pubs, and restaurants that independently owned, which is always our preference when traveling. And the local business owners seem to appreciate the business a bit more than some of the chain stores.

Hate #5: Summertime Crowds in Toronto

As one of the largest cities in North America, Toronto is crowded! It’s the financial center of Canada, and there are tons of people who work downtown and live in the metropolitan area. Then you add all of the tourists who visit Toronto in the summer, and it can be really crowded. There are lines to get into Toronto attractions, lines for the ferries and of course, this also leads to traffic and parking problems. If you plan to visit Toronto in the summer, make sure you are planning ahead and booking your hotel, rental car, and excursions in advance.

Love #5: Toronto City Vibe

The overall vibe in Toronto is just cool. The architecture is interesting (hello CN Tower), the attractions are great for tourists, and the history is pretty cool, too. There’s a great mix of sports, entertainment, and art that make Toronto such a neat place. The people are what really give Toronto a good vibe. Canadians are great, so it’s fun to visit such a large city where people are so friendly.

There are so many fun things to do in Toronto. It’s one of our favorite cities in North America. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to plan a trip to Toronto. Want more tips for planning a Canada vacation? Check out these other blog posts: