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What to Expect in Las Vegas in 2021

Posted on May 2, 2021May 2, 2021 by Mark Wolters

Las Vegas 2021: What to Expect

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re in Las Vegas, Nevada; one of the most popular travel destinations in the United States. Things are a bit different this year with the pandemic, so we wanted to share some travel tips and insights about visiting Vegas during the pandemic. People are starting to travel again, and Vegas is slowly making a COVID comeback. Some things haven’t changed, but others have, so let’s see what Vegas is like this year!

Mask Requirements

The biggest change in Las Vegas is the mask requirement. You can’t go indoors to any establishment without wearing a mask. This includes casinos and restaurants. Make sure you always have a mask (or two) with you in Vegas so you won’t be turned away from any establishments. Since it’s hard to socially distance on the Strip, even outdoors, I recommend keeping your mask on all the time unless you are heading out of town into the nearby recreation areas to hike.

Hand Sanitizer

Since we travel with kids, we’ve always carried hand sanitizer, but now it’s essential. I always have a little bottle in my pocket. I recommend also bringing a small spray bottle of hand sanitizer; if you’re gambling, you can use this to spray the buttons on the machine. If you forget yours, there are hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere, so don’t worry too much about it. I have also started carrying some hand lotion because the hand sanitizer really dries out your skin.

Travel Must-Haves: What Toiletries to Carry

Cleanliness in Vegas

I have never seen Vegas this clean before. The restaurants, stores, and casinos are all sparkling. Even the streets seem cleaner! The hotels are doing a great job employing people to ensure constant cleanliness; you’ll notice a lot more people cleaning in the common areas. Regardless, we still come prepared to clean our own spaces, just in case. We always carry disinfecting wipes and wipe down tables before we eat. Vegas is doing a great job, but being prepared gives us extra peace of mind.

Vegas Dining

Las Vegas restaurants are open, but with limited capacity. This makes reservations a must for dining out in Vegas! Without a reservation, you can expect a long wait or you might even be turned away from some of the more popular restaurants because they just can’t cram as many diners in like they could before.

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Las Vegas

Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon is a great place for hiking near Las Vegas. For now, they are requiring reservations to visit. This helps keep the crowds down and allows you to enjoy the recreation area with social distancing. It’s easy to reserve, just go to the website and pick your one-hour entry time. You can stay as long as you want, you just have to choose a time window to enter the park. It does get full on weekends and holidays, so make sure you are planning ahead!

Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam is one of the best day trips from Vegas, but at the moment, the Hoover Dam tours are on pause. You can still visit the dam, and walk across it, but you can’t join the tour. Keep checking the website to see when tours open up again, as it shouldn’t be too much longer. More info: https://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/service/

Gambling in Vegas

Las Vegas is open for gambling! However, you’ll noticed some changes. The slot machines are open as usual. Not all of the tables are open, and you might notice some plastic dividers around the tables to help with social distancing.

Las Vegas Monorail

Many visitors like to use the monorail to get around Las Vegas. It is currently closed, but scheduled to reopen in May. Check ahead if you are planning to rely on the monorail. That way you can have a Plan B if it’s not open when you visit. Their website is https://www.lvmonorail.com/

Download Your Hotel’s App

If you have an app for your hotel, it can minimize the contact you have with the staff. Depending on the hotel, you may be able to check in on the app and use a digital key to get into your room, bypassing the front desk (and the crowded lobby) all together.

Las Vegas Car Rental

Getting around Las Vegas has always been a bit challenging. Do you take an Uber, taxi, or public transportation? Parking is often pretty expensive at hotels, so that’s not something we normally do. However, given the pandemic, a lot of hotels are offering free parking. If you are extremely COVID-conscious, this may be your preferred option over riding in other cars all the time. Having your own car also makes it easier to explore some of the Las Vegas attractions that are not on the strip.

Las Vegas Buffets

One of the things that a lot of people love about Las Vegas are the buffets. People will choose their hotel based on how good the buffet is. Sadly, most buffets in Las Vegas have closed due to COVID, so don’t plan your trip around your favorite Vegas buffet. They WILL re-open, so keep checking the websites and start planning your buffet attack plan! But now that it is buffets are stargint to open up.

Las Vegas Shows

Like the buffets, the shows in Las Vegas are on hold. If you want to see Cirque du Soleil or any of the other big shows in Las Vegas, you’ll need to wait a bit longer. They are slowly starting to schedule shows out for the future, so it won’t be too much longer until you can see your favorite show in Las Vegas. But as May has started, more and more shows are opening up!

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We felt really comfortable when we visited Las Vegas in February of 2021. We did spend a lot of our time off the strip in some of the recreation areas surrounding Las Vegas, but we were also very comfortable with the cleaning procedures in place at all of the hotels and casinos we visited. Want more tips of traveling in the USA? Check out these other blog posts!

How to Avoid a Bear Attack

Posted on January 14, 2021January 14, 2021 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! This summer, we spent a lot of time in the American West. Also known as the Wild West, or bear country. While black bears are pretty common in many parts of the United States, grizzly bears are found in just a few American states like Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. National Parks like Yellowstone are a popular place to see grizzly bears in their wild habitat. But before you visit bear country, there are some things you need to know!

Bears Are Not Friendly

Sometimes, bears can seem very playful, almost like puppy dogs. Especially the little bear cubs. But they are not! They are wild animals, and they will protect their food and their young.

What NOT to Do At Grand Teton National Park

Always Maintain 100 Yards Distance

The minimum distance you should have between you and a bear is 100 yards. That sounds like a pretty safe distance, but a grizzly bear can cover 100 yards in six seconds. That’s not much time to think about what you’re going to do if they start to charge. Bring a telephoto lens if you want to photograph the bears.

Bears Aren’t Confined to the Parks

Glacier National Park and Yellowstone and other parks are great places to see bears. But you might also see them outside of the parks. That’s right, the bears don’t recognize our artificial boundaries; they wander in and out of the parks as they please. So don’t let your guard down just because you have left the National Park.

Bear safety is for all visitors to national parks.

Carry Bear Spray and Know How to Use It

Bear spray is proven to be one of the best ways to prevent a bear attack, once the bear is already charging you. Of course, avoiding a charge is the best approach, but sometimes that’s not always possible. Even more important than carrying bear spray is knowing how to use it. If you have it tucked away in your backpack, it’s of no use when a bear is closing in on you.

Keep it holstered on your belt or backpack, in easy reach
Know where the safety is and how to remove it
Spray in short bursts so you don’t run out

Don’t Feed the Bears

There’s a saying in bear country: A fed bear is a dead bear. A bear that is fed by humans, either intentionally or unintentionally, will likely become accustomed to humans and have to be killed. By storing your food properly, you are ensuring that you and the bears all stay safe. Bears can easily break into a car or chest cooler to steal your food, and they have an impeccable sense of smell. If you are camping, the campground will give you strict instructions on how and where to store your food. (Hint: NOT in the tent!) If you are camping, you will have to hang your food at least 10 feet off the ground and four feet from the tree base, as bears can easily climb trees.

What NOT to Do at a National Park

Be Careful When Hiking

If you are hiking in bear country, it’s entirely possible that you will run into a bear. However, there are things you can do to avoid running into bears and ensuring you all keep a proper distance. The best bear safety tips for hiking are:

Make Noise – the best thing you can do to avoid a surprise bear encounter is to make noise while you hike. If bears hear you coming, they will get out of the way.
If you’re hiking near a stream, make sure you are louder than the stream
Safety in numbers – if you can, hike in a group. A group of people is way more intimidating to a bear than just one person.
Avoid blind corners; be extra loud if you are going around a blind corner. You might even toss a rock or something ahead of you on the trail.

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He looks cute to you, but you look tasty to him.

It’s entirely possible to enjoy a bear sighting from a distance or from the safety of your car. If you do spot a bear, enjoy the moment and consider yourself lucky. If you follow these basic bear safety steps and guidance from the park rangers, you’ll be bear aware and stay safe! Looking for more family travel tips? Check out these other blog posts:

What Not to Do When You Visit Wyoming

Posted on December 28, 2020December 28, 2020 by Mark Wolters

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

Don’t Tell Anyone What to Do

Wyoming is part of the Western frontier, and the people are very independent. It’s actually the first U.S. Territory that allowed women to vote, and they have a strong history of independence. People in Wyoming are super friendly, but the pioneer spirit lives on, so don’t try to tell them what to do!

Don’t Expect Good Cell Service

A lot of Wyoming is wide open plains. With just a few cities in the state, cell service is not always the best when you’re traveling around Wyoming. If you’re relying solely on your cell phone for navigation, make sure you download any maps you need ahead of time. I recommend carrying a road atlas; many visitor centers also still hand out free maps, which can really come in handy on a Wyoming road trip. GPS will only tell you the fastest way to get somewhere, but that’s not always the most interesting route.

Don’t Mess with Animals in Wyoming

The animals in Wyoming are a big draw for travelers, and it’s really cool to see bears, wolves, elk, and bison. But don’t forget that this is still wildlife and not to be messed with. Know the rules for being around wildlife and stay far enough away that you don’t disturb them. Every year, tourists have bad interactions with buffalo because they got too close. Pay attention when driving, too, as animals in Wyoming can be on the road almost anywhere.

Don’t Ignore the Rules and Warnings at the National Parks

Two of the most popular places to visit in Wyoming are Yellowstone and Grand Teton. It may seem like the parks have a lot of rules, but they are meant to keep you safe. If a sign says to stay on the path; stay on the path! If they tell you to stay 100 yards from the buffalo; stay 100 yards from the buffalo! People die in the parks every year and most of the deaths and accidents are highly preventable, just by following the simple park rules.

Don’t Forget Sun Protection

Elevation in Wyoming ranges from 6,000 to 10,000 feet above sea level, so the sun is very strong. Having good sun protection is a must when you visit Wyoming. Sunscreen and a hat are essential, especially if you are out hiking or doing outdoor activities.

Don’t Trust the Weather Forecast

Weather in Wyoming can be all over the place. We went from 94 degrees on a Sunday to several inches of snow two days later. Packing for a Wyoming road trip means you must have lots of layers you can easily add or remove. Have a warm insulating layer, as well as a waterproof jacket for rain, snow, and wind. Wind can be a real issue in Wyoming, especially when you are driving across the plains.

Don’t Miss the Rodeo

Rodeos are a big part of life in Wyoming. Frontier Days in Cheyenne is one of the biggest rodeos in the country, but you can find local rodeos all over Wyoming in the summer and fall. It’s a super fun experience and a great peek into the cowboy culture of Wyoming.

Things to Do in Cheyenne Wyoming

Don’t Miss Out on Local Cuisine

Wyoming is a ranching state, so beef is a prominent item on every menu. The burgers and steaks are fantastic, but you might also see some more unique items on the menus in Wyoming. They serve a lot of bison meat, which is a healthy alternative to beef. Elk is another meat commonly served at Wyoming restaurants. Rocky Mountain Oysters are a thing, too. (Hint: they are not oysters!)

Don’t Pass Up a Gas Station

Since Wyoming towns are so spread apart, we recommend filling up your tank every chance you get. You never know where the next gas station will be and you don’t want to take the chance of running out of gas. Make sure you stock up on water and snacks as well. If you happen to have any car trouble, you could be waiting a while, so you’ll be glad you have supplies on hand.

Top Ten Road Trip Essentials

Don’t Miss Out on Chatting with the Locals

The people of Wyoming are super friendly and helpful. For the most part, they seem to be very chatty and enjoy making small talk with travelers. They aren’t necessarily outgoing or boisterous, but once you start talking, they are very forthcoming with tips and recommendations for your Wyoming trip.

Don’t Expect Budget Prices in Jackson

When you visit Jackson, expect to pay top dollar tourist prices for everything. Wyoming is very affordable, but the saying in Jackson is that the billionaires have driven out the millionaires. It’s very pricy, from real estate, lodging, activities and eating out. And don’t call it Jackson Hole; that refers to the entire surrounding valley, not the town.

Don’t Wait to Make Reservations

Wyoming is very popular for visitors; from summer in Yellowstone to Frontier Days in Cheyenne. Demand nearly always outpaces the supply of lodging, so if you plan to visit any of Wyoming’s cities, make sure you are looking ahead. If you are visiting Jackson in the summer or during ski season, you’ll also need dinner reservations for most places.

Don’t Think Wyoming is Just Yellowstone

Yellowstone certainly draws the most visitors to Wyoming, but there are many more things to do in Wyoming after you’ve visited Yellowstone. Cheyenne is a great city with a number of museums and festivals, and there’s Devil’s Tower National Monument in the northeast corner of Wyoming. Of course, there’s also Grand Teton National Park and skiing in Jackson.

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Don’t let these “don’ts” keep you from planning a Wyoming road trip. It’s a beautiful state with two of the best national parks, plus so many other places to visit in Wyoming. Want more of our US road trip tips? Check out some of our other blog posts:

Things to Do in Cheyenne, Wyoming

Posted on December 22, 2020December 19, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about Cheyenne, the capital of Wyoming. Cheyenne is most famous for Frontier Days, one of the largest rodeos in the United States. We recently stopped in Cheyenne on a “great American road trip” through the Western States. Cheyenne is relatively small, with about 60,000 residents, but it’s a quintessential Western frontier town. Here are our recommendations for things to do in Cheyenne Wyoming!

Frontier Days

Cheyenne’s Frontier Days is the largest outdoor rodeo in the United States, and it takes place each summer. It’s the biggest event in Cheyenne, so the city is packed during Frontier Days. If you are visiting during Frontier Days, be prepared for crowds and make sure you reserve your Cheyenne hotel way in advance.

Even if you miss Frontier Days, there are usually some fun rodeo events going on. We visited in the fall and got to see a double-lasso competition at the rodeo arena. There’s always something fun happening in Cheyenne!

Downtown Cheyenne

The downtown area fills a space of about six to eight blocks and makes for an easy afternoon stroll. There are shops, museums, and restaurants. They also have some fun murals to check out. Just beware that shops tend to close early here, so get your souvenir shopping done in the afternoon.

What NOT to Buy When Souvenir Shopping

Cheyenne Depot Plaza

This former Union Pacific Depot is now a National Historic Landmark, and a popular open-air market in Cheyenne. You’ll often find farmer’s markets and live music here on the weekends, so it’s a great place to stroll around and meet locals. There’s also a small train museum, which is super interesting, as Cheyenne was a major transportation hub during the railroad days.

Cheyenne Museums

There are some great museums in Cheyenne, many of them detailing the history of Wyoming and the frontier lifestyle of the past. A few Cheyenne museums that you should check out include:

Wyoming State Museum
Cheyenne Depot Museum
Nelson Museum of the West
Frontier Days Museum
Cowgirls of the West Museum
Messenger Museum

Other things to see in Cheyenne include the State Capitol and the Governor’s Mansion.

Cheyenne Day Trips

From Cheyenne, it’s less than an hour to Fort Collins, Colorado, and Rocky Mountain National Park. You can also make a day trip to Scott’s Bluff National Monument in Nebraska. The University town of Laramie is also less than one hour from Cheyenne. These day trips make Cheyenne a great place to stay when exploring southeast Wyoming and Northern Colorado.

Where to Eat and Drink in Cheyenne

Cheyenne has a handful of good breweries, and it’s part of the Wyoming Beer Trail. The Accomplice Brewery is right downtown, as well as a few others. Just don’t drink and drive! Downtown Cheyenne is very walkable, and Ubers are readily available if you don’t want to walk.

What NOT To Do on a Road Trip

Of course, when you’re in Wyoming, good steak is plentiful, and you’ll find several old-school Western Steakhouses in Cheyenne. You can also try some cuisine that is unique to the West, like bison, elk, or “Rocky Mountain Oysters.”

Where to Stay in Cheyenne

There are plenty of places to stay in Cheyenne. If you want to stay right downtown, there are several historic hotels to choose from. If you prefer chain hotels with modern amenities, you’ll be staying on the outskirts of town near the interstate.

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Cheyenne is a great city to visit, even if it’s just a day trip from Fort Collins. It’s easy to get around and the people are super friendly. Just be prepared for a wide range of weather; we had 90 degrees and snow, all in the same trip! Looking for more tips on road trip destinations in the United States? Check out these other blog posts:

What Not to Do When You Visit Alabama

Posted on December 18, 2020December 7, 2020 by Mark Wolters

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

Don’t Forget to Pick a Team

Alabama football is a serious business. Everyone is either Crimson Tide for the University of Alabama or an Auburn Tiger for Auburn University. There is no middle ground, so pick a side and stick to it! We are big fans of the Georgia Bulldogs, but when we visit Alabama…Roll Tide!

Don’t think football is the only sport in Alabama! Talladega, anyone?

Don’t Forget the First Mardi Gras Celebration

New Orleans likes to lay claim to America’s Mardi Gras celebration, but the first one ever was held in Mobile, Alabama. It’s still a great celebration in Mobile! It’s one of our favorites because they throw Moon Pies off the floats…pretty tasty!

Don’t Worry About Driving in Alabama

Driving in Alabama is a piece of cake. The roads in Alabama are really nice; since they don’t have such drastic weather changes, the roads don’t buckle as they do elsewhere. It is a long state, so if you are taking an Alabama road trip, it takes about five hours to drive from the northern border to the coast. It’s a nice drive, with rolling hills. You do need to drive, though, as public transportation is pretty rare in Alabama.

What Not to Do on a Road Trip

Don’t Skip the Small Towns

Although the highways in Alabama are nice and smooth, you should take a few exits and travel the backroads. The small towns that were bypassed by the interstate system are some of the best places to visit in Alabama, and they are also where you’ll find some of the best southern food. Skip the chain restaurants and check out authentic Southern food at the dozens of mom and pop joints you’ll see along the way.

Don’t Forget Your Southern Manners

They are all about manners in the south, so don’t forget to be polite and say please and thank you. You are expected to hold the door for the person after you, even if they’re a bit farther behind.

Things that Will Shock You in the South

Alabama travel — Alabama white sauce with your BBQ, just try it, you will love it!

Don’t Skip the Alabama White Sauce BBQ Sauce

When you order barbecue in Alabama, you might be surprised to find a white sauce on your food. In Alabama, they have white barbecue sauce. It sounds weird, it looks weird, but it’s delicious. It’s a mayonnaise-based sauce, and you have to try it! And don’t forget to wash your food down with Southern sweet tea!

Don’t Assume Alabamans are Simple

Many people think of Forrest Gump when they think of Alabama, but the people of Alabama are not simpletons. Sometimes the accent leads to assumptions about intelligence, or lack thereof. But there are many smart people in Alabama. It’s where Space Camp is held! Astronauts are not dumb!

Don’t Forget About Alabama Outside of Gulf Shores

Some of the best places to visit in Alabama are the Alabama vacation spots along the coast. But there is a lot more to Alabama than just the beaches. Mobile and Montgomery are great cities where you can learn more about the Civil Rights Movement. Selma is known for an important march in the Civil Rights Movement. Huntsville and Birmingham are two other Alabama cities worth visiting. In the north of Alabama, you have lots of forested hills that are great for hiking and outdoor recreation.

Don’t Visit Alabama in July or August

Alabama summers are notoriously hot and humid. They also tend to get tropical storms in late summer and early fall, so that may not be the best time to visit. Northern Alabama is not as hot as Southern Alabama, but it’s still ridiculously humid.

Don’t Forget Your Bug Spray

Along with heat and humidity come some pretty big bugs. The mosquitos are notorious, and you’ll probably run into a palmetto bug or two. (That’s a fancy word for flying cockroaches) If you plan to spend any time outdoors in Alabama, make sure you have your bug spray!

BBQ Alabama tourism — Even the little man was loving the BBQ.

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Don’t let these “don’ts” keep you from visiting Alabama. It’s a really neat southern state with a unique culture and there are a lot of fun things to do in Alabama. I really hope you will decide to visit Alabama because it’s worth it! Want more of our Southern US travel tips? Check out some of our other blog posts:

10 Things That Will Blow Your Mind About Nebraska

Posted on December 16, 2020December 7, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Nebraska Road Trip Shocks

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about travel in Nebraska. This part of the Midwest is often referred to as “flyover country” and many Midwesterners groan about the long drive across Nebraska to get to the Mountain West. We drove across Nebraska this summer, and there were some things that surprised us on our Nebraska road trip.

Nebraska is More Than Corn Fields

Yes, the state mascot is the cornhusker, so corn and cornfields are definitely a major part of Nebraska. And while there are a lot of cornfields in Nebraska, there’s actually more than that. The topography isn’t totally flat. The western part of the state has really cool sandstone buttes at Scotts Bluff National Monument and Chimney Rock.

Driving Through Nebraska

If you don’t fly over Nebraska, then you’ll probably have to drive through it. It is seven hours to drive across Nebraska, and if you’re like many Midwest families headed to the Black Hills, you will drive across it at some point. Stretches between towns are long and desolate, so make sure you fill up your gas tank whenever you can. Fortunately, driving through Nebraska is pretty easy. The roads are nice and the speed limit on the interstate is 75 miles per hour.

We were shocked, though, at how short the highway on-ramps are. They don’t give you much room to merge and get up to speed!

Nebraska Weather

The weather in Nebraska is all over the place. They get hot humid temperatures in the summer and bitter cold and wind in the winter. Sometimes you can get both in the same day! Don’t always trust the forecast; have layers to bundle up when it’s cold and to remove when it’s hot.

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Midwest US Travel

Things to See in Nebraska

The best way to break up the long drive across Nebraska is to check out some of the sites along the way. Many Nebraska tourist attractions are not far from the highway, so you won’t get too far off route exploring. There are some great museums in Nebraska, including art museums in Lincoln and Omaha, the International Quilt Museum, a Pioneer Village, and the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum. The Henry Doorly Zoo is one of the best zoos in the United States.

Friendly Locals

It doesn’t take long to realize how friendly everyone in Nebraska is. Total strangers will wave or nod as you pass by on the road, especially if you get off the beaten path. Everyone we met in Nebraska was super friendly, interested in our travels, and helpful with recommendations for their favorite things to see in Nebraska. They don’t want anything from you; they’re just naturally friendly.

Love for the Cornhuskers

Nebraska loves their Cornhuskers! While cornhusking is a job that many teenagers do in the summer, in this case, we’re referring to the University of Nebraska sports programs. Of course, the Big 10 Football team is the biggest, but they get behind every Cornhusker team. And they travel all over to follow their teams. My hometown at the University of Illinois fills with Nebraska license plates anytime the Cornhuskers are coming to play the Fighting Illini.

Nebraska Time Zones

If you are driving across Nebraska, don’t let a time change catch you off guard! Most of Nebraska is in the Central Time Zone, but the Western part of the state is in the Mountain Time Zone. Keep this in mind if you’re planning to visit any attractions in Nebraska. If you’re driving west, you’ll gain an hour, and if you’re driving east, you will lose an hour.

Nebraska Food

Nebraska has invented some pretty tasty treats over the years and has managed to keep some of them secret from the rest of the world. The Reuben Sandwich and Kool-Aid both come from Nebraska. They also really like their Dorothy Lynch dressing. It’s a Nebraska staple, similar to French dressing, but they put it on everything!

Simply Jocelyn shares the best things to eat in Nebraska!

Ask any Nebraska native what food they miss most from home, and many will say “Runza.” A Runza is a beef and cabbage sandwich, or bread pocket. There’s even a fast-food chain called Runza. You have to try one when you visit Nebraska.

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We really enjoyed our Nebraska road trip this summer. Sure, we didn’t intentionally visit Nebraska, but we made sure to explore a bit of the state rather than just passing through. I’m so glad we did! Interested in more Midwest travel destinations? Check out these other blog posts:

What Not to Do When You Visit Santa Fe New Mexico

Posted on September 20, 2020September 14, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do on a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico. While many travel blogs will tell you what to do in Santa Fe, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do when you visit Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Don’t Visit Santa Fe if You Don’t Like Art

Santa Fe is all about art, and the best Santa Fe attractions feature a lot of art and art galleries. Performance art is also very important in Santa Fe, as well as museums and churches. Georgia O’Keeffe lived here and the museum of her artwork is amazing. If you love art, you’ll love Santa Fe. If you are not into art exhibits and galleries, you might not love visiting Santa Fe.

Don’t Miss Out on the Non-Art Attractions in Santa Fe

Ok, so there’s a lot of art in Santa Fe. But there are lots of other things to do that are not art-related. Northern New Mexico is also an outdoor paradise, so there are lots of opportunities for hiking. The Santa Fe National Forest and Bandelier National Monument are two great places to hike near Santa Fe.

santa fe chilis — Celebrate Christmas everyday with all those chilis

Don’t Skip the Churches

In the US, churches don’t always rank high as tourist attractions, but the churches in Santa Fe are a definite exception. There’s the cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, and the Loretto Chapel has a cool spiral staircase. My favorite Santa Fe church is the Santuario de Guadalupe, which was built in the late 1700s.

Don’t Use the Train to Commute From Albuquerque

There’s a train, the Rail Runner, that runs from Santa Fe to Albuquerque. It sounds like it would be a great way to get from the Albuquerque airport to Santa Fe, but it’s not. The Albuquerque train station is not anywhere near the airport, so you’ll have to find a way to get between the two, and the train schedule is not very conducive to visitors. There are shuttles from Albuquerque to Santa Fe, or you can take rideshare, as it’s only an hour’s drive.

Don’t Miss Out on Christmas Dinner

In Santa Fe, dinnertime is Christmas-time year-round. In Santa Fe, or anywhere in New Mexico, if you order something “Christmas-style” you’ll get both red and green chile sauce, giving your meal a festive look. New Mexico is famous for chiles, so make sure you try both red and green sauces during your trip. And don’t assume all chiles are the same, heat-wise. Some of them might catch you off guard, although in general green chile is milder than red chile.

Santa fe fun — So much to love in and around Santa Fe.

Don’t Skip the Other Cuisines in Santa Fe

The southwest food is amazing in Santa Fe, but that’s not all they have. We had excellent French and Italian food in Santa Fe, as well as really good American food. Santa Fe is a foodie paradise; you will eat really well on your Santa Fe trip. And don’t go looking for Tex Mex; New Mexico Mexican food is different than the more Americanized version you might be used to.

Don’t Forget Your “Margarita Trail” Passport

If you like margaritas, then you’re going to want to check out Santa Fe’s Margarita Trail. You can download a free app, or an upgraded version, that directs you to the best margaritas in town. You can get a stamp at each place, and you can earn swag based on how many stamps you collect. Remember that alcohol can affect you differently at this elevation, so take it easy when you first arrive.

Don’t Forget Good Walking Shoes

You will do a lot of walking in Santa Fe. Whether you are taking in some of the trails at nearby Bandelier or taking in an art walk in the historic district, you will need good shoes. Santa Fe has several areas that are great for shopping so plan to be on your feet a lot. Also, as you walk around Santa Fe, don’t forget to watch where you’re going. In the older parts of town, the doorways and walls are much lower than you might expect.

Don’t Ignore the Elevation

Santa Fe is at an elevation of over 7,000 feet, so it’s really easy to get a sunburn. You might not even plan to be outdoors, but you will be walking from one area to another, and that’s enough to get a sunburn at this altitude. There are over 300 days of sunshine in Santa Fe, so you’ll definitely need sunblock during your trip. Make sure you drink a lot of water to help with any altitude issues you might experience, too.

How to Deal with Altitude Sickness

Don’t Expect a Young Crowd

Santa Fe is a popular retirement destination, so the demographics skew a bit older. While the margaritas are good, there’s not a huge nightlife scene in Santa Fe. It’s more of a relaxing destination than a party scene.

Don’t Be in a Rush

Things move at a slower pace in the Southwest, especially the drivers. Whether it’s all of the retirees converging on Santa Fe or just a more relaxed attitude, it’s easy to get frustrated when driving here. As a driver, you should always be on high alert for tourists who might just step out into the road. That’s another reason cars drive slowly in Santa Fe!

Don’t Expect a Low Season in Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a year-round destination; there is no one “best time to visit Santa Fe.” There are festivals throughout the year so there’s never really a low tourist season in Santa Fe. October is the big international Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, and the holiday season is always busy in Santa Fe. Because of this, you don’t want to wait on booking your accommodation. Places fill quickly, and prices can be high.

Don’t Expect Santa Fe to Be Cheap

The Southwest has some great budget destinations, but Santa Fe is not one of them. Prices are higher than anywhere else in New Mexico, including hotels and food. It’s worth it, but you need to be prepared and know what to expect. Wealthy tourists love Santa Fe, so you can also expect to see some astounding prices in some of the shops downtown.

Souvenirs: What Not to Buy When Traveling

Don’t Miss Meow Wolf

Meow Wolf is one of the newer art installations in Santa Fe, and it’s really worth a visit. It’s a wild experience that is really hard to describe, but you’ll have a good time when you go. You can buy timed tickets online in advance to save some time. If you are claustrophobic or have seizures, some parts may not be suitable for you. Do some research online to see it will work for you.

Don’t Forget to Look Up

The dark skies of Northern New Mexico are perfect for stargazing. You can see a lot of stars right in town, but if you drive even a little way out of Santa Fe, you’ll see the most incredible night skies you could ever imagine. The sunsets are pretty spectacular, too.

Don’t Skip the Santa Fe Day Trips

There are some great day trips from Santa Fe. If you’re visiting for a while and have time, make sure you explore some of the nearby destinations. Bandelier National Monument is one of the best day trips from Santa Fe, and Taos is a great little ski town about 90 minutes away.

Don’t Get “Turquoised Out”

Turquoise is everywhere in Santa Fe. Nearly every store you see in Old Town has turquoise for sale, from home decor to jewelry and accessories. Don’t buy the first thing you see, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about the jewelry if you plan to buy some. A reputable dealer will not be offended if you ask about the origin of the turquoise.

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Don’t let these “don’ts” keep you from visiting Santa Fe, New Mexico. It’s a really neat city with a unique culture and cuisine to die for. I really hope you will decide to visit Sanat Fe because it’s worth it! Want more of our Southwest US travel tips? Check out some of our other blog posts:

What to Expect on Your Summer 2020 Road Trip

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

Hey there, fellow travelers! This summer, we’re setting off on a family road trip to explore the Southeast United States. Given how much summer 2020 travel has changed, we wanted to share with you what it’s like to take a family road trip in 2020, and share with you some long-distance driving tips for these changing times.

Expect Less Traffic

One unexpected benefit of summer 2020 travel is the reduction in passenger car traffic. We see a lot of trucks on the road, but far fewer passenger cars. Even in some of the larger cities, traffic is much better than in previous years because more people are working from home.

Road Trip Potty Breaks

One thing to consider is that many restaurants and fast-food places are only open for drive-through customers. So, if you’re used to stopping at McDonald’s to use the restroom, that might not be a viable option. Make sure you are using the bathrooms at rest stops and gas stations, and don’t count on being able to go into any restaurants.

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Family Road Trips

Mask Usage…or Lack Thereof

Don’t expect everyone to be wearing masks. We had ours at all times to wear in public places, but not everyone is going to be wearing a mask. Rules and regulations vary from state to state and county to county. You will have to decide ahead of time what you are comfortable with. If you aren’t quite ready for eating in restaurants, then make sure you pack enough snacks to get by or plan on eating fast food in the car.

Top Ten Road Trip Essentials

Toll Booths

You may want to do a bit of research ahead of time on the toll roads you’ll be driving on. Many states closed their toll booths to eliminate personal contact, so you need to figure out how you’ll pay tolls. In Georgia, you can’t drive in the Express Lane without their Peach Pass. Other states like Illinois and Indiana use EZ-Pass that is not specific to just one state. If you plan to pay online after the fact, you may want a small notepad to keep track of the tolls you passed through as you’ll be asked to enter the date/time online.

Overnight Stops at Hotels

On our latest road trip, we broke the drive up into two days so we could stop at some sights along the way. Staying in hotels during a pandemic can be frightening to some people, but we did a lot of research and did our due diligence to ensure we felt safe. We had one parent enter the hotel room first and wipe down all high-touch areas before the rest of the family came in. Hotels have enhanced cleaning procedures now, but we did this for our own peace of mind. It can’t hurt, especially when you are traveling with kids who touch everything.

Here’s what we noticed has changed about staying in hotels during the pandemic:

Reduced contact at check-in. Hotels are encouraging you to book online, check-in online using their app, and even use the app as your mobile key. If you do have to visit the front desk, you’ll see plastic shields in front of the attendant, as well as social distancing markers on the floor. Please respect these as the hotel staff is being exposed to travelers day in and day out just to keep the business running.
Valet parking may be eliminated to reduce contact
Expect reduced amenities, including coffee and water bottles in rooms. You probably won’t see pens and paper pads in the rooms anymore. Many hotels have removed anything that’s not part of the furnishings, in order to eliminate the number of items requiring sanitization between guests.
If you are staying several nights in the same hotel, you will see that housekeeping services have been reduced. Some hotels are only cleaning rooms by request and will require that you vacate the room for the housekeeping staff.
Continental breakfast has been eliminated or reduced to a to-go sack in most hotels. Buffets may be a thing of the past now, so at the most, you can expect a hotel to give you a bag with some yogurt, fruit, and a granola bar.
Room service or on-site dining may be closed or have reduced hours as well.
Hotel gyms and swimming pools may also be closed or have new restrictions.

Essentially, the changes are going to vary from hotel to hotel, even within the same brand. If a particular amenity is important to you, call the hotel ahead of time to find out what’s available!

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Of course, you may decide not to travel at all in 2020. For our family, we weighed the risks vs. rewards and are taking extra precautions to ensure our own safety. The most important thing about travel in 2020 is to be flexible and be willing to invest a bit of time in advance research and planning. COVID-19 may have taken away spontaneous travel, but that doesn’t mean we can’t travel at all!

Looking for more travel advice? Check out these other blog posts:

10 Things That SHOCK Tourists When They Visit Memphis

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

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

The Peabody Ducks

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

Beale Street Memphis

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

Summer Weather in Memphis

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

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Memphis

Graceland

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

National Civil Rights Museum

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

Friendly Locals

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

Food in Memphis

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

Five Things You Have to Eat in Memphis

The Pyramid

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

wandering around Memphis — Something for everyone in Memphis.

Street Beggars

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

Memphis Crime Rate

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

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

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

New England Food You Must Try!

Posted on May 12, 2020May 10, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow foodie travelers! Today, we’re in New England, talking about food! There are so many cool things to do in New England, and all that sightseeing will definitely help you work up an appetite. There are so many great New England food spots that it would take ages to try them all. So we’re going to tell you the top five things to eat and drink in New England.

Lobster

Of course, when you think of New England, you probably think of lobster. It’s everywhere, and that’s because the chilly waters of the Atlantic Ocean are prime lobster habitat. Order a whole lobster and dip the meat in butter. Have a lobster roll, lobster bisque, lobster macaroni and cheese, and every derivation you can imagine. Lobster ice cream? You can find it in New England! (When you order lobster, don’t be ashamed to wear the bib…you will be glad you did!)

Oysters

Another New England seafood staple is oysters. You can get fresh, delicious oysters up and down the East Coast. They come in several variations and preparations, from salty to sweet. You typically order oysters by the dozen, and many restaurants will let you mix up the dozen and try several different preparations. If oyster shooters aren’t your favorite, you can also try fried oysters, oysters Rockefeller, or oyster stew.

Clams

Last on the New England seafood list is clams. Have steamed clams, fried clams, or clam chowder. They make clam-flavored potato chips. When you get fried clams, you have to choose between whole belly clams or clam strips. New England clam chowder is our kids’ favorite soup; it’s the white clam chowder, and it’s creamy and delicious!

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Boston

Regional Specialties

Now that we’ve covered seafood along the coast of New England, the next “must eat” food is actually several foods. Each area of New England has a regional specialty. Often, they are sweet treats, but these are a few of our favorite regional New England foods:

A fluffernutter is a sandwich made with peanut butter and marshmallow fluff. This New England staple is so delicious, and you can get them toasted to make everything extra ooey-gooey.
Boston baked beans are a Boston staple, obviously.
Boston Creme Pie is one of Mark’s favorites
Vermont is home to Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, where you can tour the factory and try some of the newest flavors.
Whoopie Pie is another of our favorite New England desserts you should try. Invented in Maine, it’s a little sandwich made of dense chocolate cake with marshmallow fluff or buttercream frosting in the middle.
In the summer, you’ll see a lot of blueberry treats, like blueberry muffins, blueberry pie, and blueberry sundaes.

What NOT to Do When You Visit New England

New England Drinks

You will need something to wash down all this great New England food! Jocelyn’s favorite is flavored seltzer water. At the grocery stores in New England, you’ll find as many varieties of seltzer water as soda. Mark prefers New England beer, and there is a lot to sample! Vermont and Connecticut have some of the best breweries in the USA. (Note: liquor laws vary by state, but you can’t always buy liquor at the grocery store. Sometimes, you have to visit a specific liquor store.)

Although they do speak English in New England, there are some New England food names that might leave you scratching your head. A “grinder” is actually just a sub sandwich and a “frappe” is a milkshake. A milkshake in New England is just flavored milk! Keep this in mind as you sample all the good New England cuisine and drinks! Looking for more tips on travel in the northeast United States? Check out some of these other blog posts!