Category: USA

Greetings from New Orleans, Louisiana! Every travel blog tells you what to do when you travel, but we like to tell you what not to do, so you can be prepared for your New Orleans vacation. Whether you’re visiting for Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest or some other fun occasion, these are the “don’ts” of visiting New Orleans.

#1 Don’t Call It N’awlins

Don’t call New Orleans “N’awlins” and it’s not New Or-leens. It’s New Orleans. If you can say it correctly, we’ve got our first don’t out of the way.

#2 Don’t Worry About Liquor Laws

You can walk around New Orleans with an open container of alcohol, which is unusual for most places. So, you can carry your drink from place to place and not worry about getting in trouble.

#3 Don’t Drink from Glass Bottles Outside

One rule, though, is that you can’t walk around with glass containers. Everything has to be in plastic cups, so when you get that cocktail to go, make sure it’s in a plastic container.

#4 Don’t Pee in Public

You’re likely to imbibe in a few drinks while visiting New Orleans, and you’ll notice a distinct smell in the French Quarter, but that doesn’t mean it’s OK for you to pee in public. That’s the easiest way to get a ticket in New Orleans. Pop into the nearest bar; they all have bathrooms.

#5 Don’t Bare Your Breasts for Beads

For starters, you’ll have your photo on the internet forever. Outside of the French Quarter, you can actually get arrested for public nudity, and nobody wants that. You can buy beads (very cheaply) at Walgreens and keep your dignity intact.

#6 Don’t Think New Orleans is Just the French Quarter

When most of us think of New Orleans, we think of the French Quarter. It’s where a lot of tourists go, and it’s all you’ll see on TV during Mardi Gras. There are so many things to do in New Orleans that aren’t in the French Quarter. Check out the WWII Museum, NOMA, the Aquarium, the Garden District and so much more!

#7 Don’t Stay in the French Quarter

Don’t stay in a French Quarter hotel when you visit New Orleans. It’s super noisy well into the wee hours of the morning, so it can be hard to sleep with so much going on outside. You’ll also get better hotel deals if you stay outside the French Quarter.

#8 Don’t Drive in New Orleans

Like many big cities, driving in New Orleans is a pain. Finding parking is nearly impossible. If you are driving to New Orleans, park at your hotel and leave your car for the duration of your visit. You can use the street cars, Uber or Lyft or just walk everywhere.

Watch: How to Use NOLA Streetcars

#9 Don’t Leave Valuables in Your Car

New Orleans isn’t the safest city, and small thefts are common. Don’t leave valuables in the car, even if you are using the valet parking at your hotel. If you have to leave anything in the car, be sure it’s out of sight or hidden away.

#10 Don’t Be Complacent About Safety

Lots of people come to New Orleans to party, so you’ll see a lot of drinking and a lot of tourists. We saw a bunch of fights in the evening, and pickpockets are around. Just be on alert, and if you see a fight starting to brew, get out of the way. Use your usual travel precautions to stay safe.

#11 Don’t Fall for Street Scams

One of the most common street scams in New Orleans is a guy who wants to make a bet with you, and guess where you got your shoes. Don’t fall for it. They’ll harass you when you don’t pay up, and follow you to pay them. Just keep walking and don’t fall into the scam.

#12 Don’t Visit New Orleans in July and August

New Orleans is literally built on a swamp. It’s hot and humid, and July and August are the worst months to visit. If you can avoid it, don’t visit during the hottest months. The rest of the year, the weather in New Orleans is great! (If you ignore this advice, then don’t complain about the heat!)

#13 Don’t Worry About Being a Tourist

This city is really geared towards tourists, and the tourism infrastructure is great. There are tours you can take all over – from swamp tours, plantation tours, and cemetery tours. There are also tons of hotels and restaurants. Just about everyone is a tourist in New Orleans. Don’t worry about sticking out.

#14 Don’t Get Your Tour Guide in Trouble

Tour guides have rules to follow, so make their job easy and follow their directions. Most tours have to stay on the sidewalk, no walking in the street, and tour groups can’t block the sidewalk. Don’t cause your tour guide to be fined!

#15 Don’t Forget to Tip

Many people in New Orleans work for tips, so be sure to tip. This includes servers, bartenders, tour guides, and musicians. Not only is tipping expected, but you’ll get much better service if you are a good tipper.

#16 Don’t Mess with the Cops

The police in New Orleans are super helpful, and super professional, so don’t hesitate to ask them for help. You can only imagine the things they have to deal with when it comes to tourists, so don’t mess around with them. This goes for their horses, too.

#17 Don’t Be Surprised When You See Vomiting or Crying (or both!) on Bourbon Street

People visit New Orleans and get out of hand, forgetting how much liquor they can handle. As a result, seeing someone puking on the street is pretty common. So is crying, and sometimes you’ll see both at the same time. Also, be careful as you’re walking around, and take care not to get puked on. It happens more than you’d like to think.

#18 Don’t Be in a Hurry

Things move slower in the South. Even more so in Louisiana and New Orleans. Just because it’s a big city doesn’t mean it’s fast paced; there’s a reason they call it the Big Easy. So, settle in and relax and get with the rhythm of New Orleans.

#19 Don’t Try to Diet in New Orleans

The food in New Orleans is fantastic. Some New Orleans specialties include crawfish Étouffée, jambalaya, gumbo, oysters, pecan pie and beignets. Don’t forget about all the calories in those drinks, too!

Read: Five Things to Eat in New Orleans

#20 Don’t Be Scared to Bring Your Kids

Aside from the French Quarter at night, New Orleans is very family-friendly. There are tons of things for kids to do in New Orleans. There’s an aquarium, the Audubon Zoo, city parks and fun architecture. New Orleans isn’t just for adults. Even Mardi Gras parades are family friendly!

#21 Don’t Forget to Make Dinner Reservations

With so many tourists visiting New Orleans all the time, you better have dinner reservations if there is a specific restaurant you want to visit. This is especially true during any festivals, and you’ll want to make your reservations way in advance.

#22 Don’t Overdo It on Your First Night

You’re going to want to indulge as soon as you arrive in New Orleans, and eat a ton and drink a ton, but take it easy on your first day, so that you’re not miserable on your second day.

#23 Don’t Forget Cash and ID

If you look under 30, you’re likely to get carded to get into bars, especially along Bourbon Street. It’s so much easier to pay with cash when you’re out at the bars, rather than running a tab on your card. Don’t forget about those pickpockets, though, and keep cash in your front pockets.

Don’t let these “don’ts” scare you off. New Orleans is really a fantastic city; with lots of things to do, awesome food and friendly people. Have you been to New Orleans? Feel free to add more “don’ts” in the comments below! For more travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos:

• The Don’ts of Mardi Gras in New Orleans
• Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About New Orleans
• Ten Shocks of the South

The “Don’ts” of Chicago: Vacation Tips for First-Time Visitors

Greetings from Millennium Park in Chicago! Most travel blogs tell you what to do when you travel, but we like to tell you what not to do. With these Chicago travel tips, you will be better prepared for your visit. Whether you’re here for the great museums, awesome people or amazing food, keep these “don’ts” in mind when you visit Chicago.

Chicago Vacation Tip #1: Don’t Drive

Chicago traffic is horrible; year-round, every day, all day. Whether you are driving in from the airport, or driving in from elsewhere, driving in Chicago is not a pleasant experience. The drivers are pretty aggressive, so it can be stressful. Also, parking in Chicago is really expensive. We recommend using public transportation to get around. Both Chicago airports are served by the CTA system, so there’s no need to rent a car. If you are driving to Chicago, then just park at your hotel once and leave it the whole time you’re visiting. Use Uber, public transit or even the bike rental system to get around once you arrive in Chicago.

Chicago Vacation Tip #2: Don’t Skip Public Transportation

The CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) system is actually really tourist-friendly, so don’t worry about not driving while in Chicago. The El, or Elevated Train, will take you pretty much anywhere in the city. The bus system is also great, and easy to use. Pretty much any tourist attraction in Chicago is served by the CTA. It’s also really affordable to use public transportation in Chicago, so don’t miss out!

Chicago Vacation Tip #3: Don’t Worry About Being Bored

Chicago is chock-full of world-class museums, festivals, concerts and food! The Art Institute is one of the best art museums in the world. The Shedd Aquarium is one of the best aquariums in the world, and the Field Museum is one of the best natural history museums. For science, head to the Museum of Science & Industry. Not into museums? No problem! Check out Broadway classics for a fraction of the price you’d pay in New York. Chicago is great for families, too. There are amusement parks, zoos and playgrounds. In the summer, there are festivals nearly every week. Our favorite is the Taste of Chicago. Sports fans can choose from NFL, NBA and two MLB teams and soccer.

Chicago Vacation Tip #4: Don’t Just Stay in the Loop

Most visitors to Chicago stay in the Loop and River North areas, but there are so many cool neighborhoods and suburbs of Chicago to explore. Make sure to set aside time to check out areas like Evanston, Lincoln Park, Greektown and many others. Public transportation makes this easy. If you’re leaving the city, you’ll use the Metra train system.

Chicago Vacation Tip #5: Don’t Expect Evening Activity in the Loop

Chicago’s true downtown is really a business district, so after work hours, it gets pretty quiet in the Loop. If you’re staying downtown, this can be surprising, especially in such a big city. The shops will also close earlier as downtown workers make their way home after 6 or 7 pm.

Chicago Vacation Tip #6: Don’t Be Lackadaisical About Safety

Chicago has a very dangerous reputation, but probably one of the biggest dangers for a tourist is crossing the street. So, pay close attention when walking around, especially with traffic lights. If at any time you feel uncomfortable on the street, just pop into a store or restaurant and call a cab or an Uber. There are definitely areas of Chicago you want to avoid, but they aren’t areas you would accidentally end up in. It’s always a great idea to ask your hotel for advice and suggestions. Use your normal “travel sense” when going around Chicago, just as you would any other city in the world.

Read: 13 Most Common Methods for Pickpockets

Chicago Vacation Tip #7: Don’t Mess Around with Falling Snow or Falling Ice

If you visit Chicago in the winter, the snow and ice can be dangerous. An icicle falling from 30 stories up can be really dangerous, so when you see the warning signs, heed them, don’t stand around where there might be ice falling.

Chicago Vacation Tip #8: Don’t Skip Chicago in the Winter

Chicago in winter can be magical. Yes, it can be cold, windy and snowy, too. Many of Chicago’s best attractions are indoors, so you can visit those world-class museums with fewer crowds, and the weather won’t matter. Spring, summer or fall are all better times to visit Chicago, but don’t be afraid to come in the winter. From ice skating to Zoo Lights to the Christkindl Christmas market, there are lots of things to do in Chicago in winter.

Chicago Vacation Tip #9: Don’t Miss the Architecture Boat Tour

Chicago has a rich architectural history and is home of the skyscraper. Make sure you stretch your neck before your Chicago visit, because you’ll spend a lot of time craning your neck to take in all the amazing architecture. The architecture boat tour on the Chicago River is the best way to take in all of the cool buildings, and you’ll get the history behind the buildings as well.

Chicago Vacation Tip #10: Don’t Call it Willis Tower with Locals

The tallest building in the city is always going to be the Sears Tower for locals, even though the name changed to Willis Tower in 2009. Old habits die hard in Chicago, so calling it Willis Tower is a sure way to stand out as a visitor in Chicago. Whatever you call it, you can go up to the observation decks at the top for great views of the city, as well as the famous Skydeck observation boxes.

Chicago Vacation Tip #11: Don’t Think You Have to Pay for Great City Views

While you can pay to go to the top of the Sears Tower, or the Hancock building, there are other places to get great aerial views of the city. On the 96th floor of the Hancock building, you can visit the Signature Room bar for free. Spend your money on a drink at the bar rather than admission to the observation deck.

Chicago Vacation Tip #12: Don’t Expect to See Locals at Navy Pier

Navy Pier is a popular tourist destination in Chicago, and is great for visitors. However, it’s pretty rare to see locals at Navy Pier. It’s one place they really don’t hang out because Navy Pier is all about the tourists.

Chicago Vacation Tip #13: Don’t Expect to Hear the Chicago Accent

The Chicago accent is famous, thanks to SNL skits about Ditka and “Da Bears” but people don’t really talk like that in most areas of Chicago. Chicago is a city of transplants, so you’ll have to get into some real working class neighborhoods to hear that thick Chicago accent. (If you’re set on hearing it, head to a White Sox game!)

Chicago Vacation Tip #14: Don’t Believe Everyone is From Chicago

Most likely, when someone says they’re from Chicago, they’re actually from the suburbs. The city of Chicago is actually fairly small, so most of the population is located in the suburbs. People who were born and raised in Chicago will let you know the difference, and are quick to call out any “posers” who claim to be from Chicago when they actually grew up in Naperville.

Chicago Vacation Tip #15: Don’t Come to Chicago on a Diet

The food in Chicago is legendary; with huge portion sizes and lots of meat and grease, you will have a hard time sticking to a diet in Chicago. Chicago-style pizza is so thick you’ll struggle to eat more than one piece. Chicago has some really great restaurants; it’s not all just pizza and hot dogs. There are tons of ethnic neighborhoods with amazing cuisine, like Greektown and Little Italy. Chicago has great Mexican food, Polish food and German food, too.

Watch: Five Things to Eat in Chicago

Chicago Vacation Tip #16: Don’t Think You Can Finish a Deep Dish Pizza

You might think that you can finish of a deep dish pizza in Chicago, but it’s nothing like the deep dish you order from Pizza Hut back home. With all of the meat and cheese, Chicago deep dish is so filling, it’s hard to finish one or two pieces. If you’re traveling alone, go for the individual deep dish pizza; it will be more than enough! Don’t be surprised that it takes around 45 minutes to bake one of these pizzas, and don’t let them talk you into appetizers while you wait!

Chicago Vacation Tip #17: Don’t Put Ketchup on Your Hot Dog

If you get a Chicago hot dog, don’t put ketchup on it! Chicago dogs come with so many toppings, like pickles, onions, tomatoes, relish and mustard, that you really don’t need ketchup. Locals might even call you out for putting ketchup on your dog!

Chicago Vacation Tip #18: Don’t Forget to Bring the Whole Family

There is something for everyone in Chicago and the whole family will have a great time. Even some of the big museums, like the Museum of Science & Industry have exhibits that kids will love. We can spend an entire day there and not get bored. Don’t think Chicago is just for romantic weekends or adults-only getaways; it’s a lot of fun for the whole family.

Read: Best Family Travel Hacks

Chicago Vacation Tip #19: Don’t Miss a Baseball Game at Wrigley Field

Even if you’re not a big baseball fan, spending a day at Wrigley Field is a classic Chicago attraction. The whole area around the stadium, Wrigleyville, is an experience, too. There are tons of bars and restaurants, and the streets fill with baseball fans before and after the games. Most games are during the day, so you can sightsee in the morning, catch an afternoon game and still have a fun night out. If the Cubs aren’t playing during your visit, you can still go to the Wrigleyville bars to watch the away games on the big screen.

Chicago Vacation Tip #20: Don’t Underestimate O’Hare Airport

Chicago has two airports, with O’Hare being the larger one. It’s one of the busiest airports in the U.S. so don’t underestimate the time it can take to get through everything when you are arriving or departing. Give yourself plenty of time, and follow whatever guidelines the airline recommends, whether that’s two or three hours prior to your departure time. You’re likely to find long check-in lines, long security checkpoints, and big distances between gates and terminals. If you are arriving on an international flight and connecting to another flight, you’ll have to exit the international terminal, and go through security again at the domestic terminals, so leave plenty of time between flights.

Chicago Vacation Tip #21: Don’t Expect a Lot of Public Toilets

There aren’t many free toilets in Chicago, and you may not want to use the ones you do find. Your best bet will be to buy something in a shop or a restaurant so that you can use the bathroom inside.

Chicago Vacation Tip #22: Don’t Forget to Buy Metra Tickets Before You Board the Train

If you’re taking the Metra trains anywhere, make sure to buy your tickets inside the station before you get on the train. If you buy your ticket on the train, you will pay a surcharge for doing so, and you’ll have to pay cash.

Chicago Vacation Tip #23: Don’t Pass Up Chicago

Chicago should really be the first city you visit in the States. Because of the culture, the sports, festivals, food and awesome people make Chicago one of the best cities in the world.

Don’t let these “don’ts” scare you off. Chicago is an amazing city, with fantastic culture, friendly people, and amazing food. If you’ve been to Chicago, feel free to add more “don’ts” in the comments below! For more travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos:

• Top Ten Things to See in Chicago
• Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About the Midwest USA

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Chicago

Travel Don’ts: Tips for Your Washington DC Trip

Greetings from Washington, D.C. Every travel blog tells you what to do when you travel, but we like to tell you what not to do, so you can be prepared for your trip. These are the “don’ts” of visiting Washington, D.C.

Washington DC Trip Tip #1: Don’t Stand Left on the Escalators

When you are out and about in DC, make sure you stand to the right when you are on an escalator or moving sidewalk. Nothing annoys DC locals more than trying to dodge a bunch of meandering tourists moving slowly. Just remember: stand right, walk left.

Washington DC Trip Tip #2: Don’t Afraid to Take the Metro

The Metro system in DC is pretty clean, and easy to use. It goes to most of the places you’ll want to visit.

Washington DC Trip Tip #3: Don’t Expect the Metro to Go Late into the Night

While the Metro is great for travelers, it doesn’t run super late at night. Pay attention to the schedule so that you don’t miss the last train.

Washington DC Trip Tip #4: Don’t Eat on the Metro

Eating on the Metro is really frowned upon, so don’t plan to eat while you’re riding around. (It doesn’t hurt to speak in a lower tone as well; the DC Metro has a more chill vibe than some other cities, so there’s no need to shout)

Washington DC Trip Tip #5: Don’t Bother with Rush Hour

Don’t try to drive, or even take the Metro, during rush hour. It’s crazy packed with everyone trying to get to work or get home from work. Wait until after 9am to set out for the day; the Smithsonian Museums don’t open until 10:00 anyways. The streets practically empty out before and after rush hour, so it pays to wait.

Washington DC Trip Tip #6: Don’t Block the Intersection

If you do decide to drive in DC, pay attention to the signals and make sure you don’t get stuck in the intersection at a red light. It can cause a lot of problems if a driver ends up blocking the intersection.

Washington DC Trip Tip #7: Don’t Stop in the Middle of the Sidewalk

There are so many things you’ll want to take a picture of in DC, but remember to step aside before you do so. There are a ton of locals trying to go about their everyday business in the midst of hordes of tourists. Stepping aside allows them to continue on without slowing everyone down for a tourist photo opp.

Washington DC Trip Tip #8: Don’t Forget to Look Up From Your Phone

Whether you’re chasing Pokemon, or following a map app to the next DC attraction, don’t forget to look up from your phone to see where you’re going. DC sidewalks are crowded, so it’s important to pay attention to where you’re going.

Washington DC Trip Tip #9: Don’t Leave Valuables in the Car

This is common travel sense for any city, but a good reminder not to leave any valuables in your car.

Washington DC Trip Tip #10: Don’t Trust Hotel Distance from Attractions

A lot of hotels will claim to be a “ten minute walk from the Mall” or “15 minutes from the White House.” Don’t rely on the hotels to tell you how close (or far) they are from major attractions, look it up to verify. DC involves a lot of walking, but make sure you at least know what you’re signing up for.

Washington DC Trip Tip #11: Don’t Forget Good Walking Shoes

You will be walking a lot in DC, so don’t forget to bring good walking shoes.

Washington DC Trip Tip #12: Don’t Mess With Heat & Humidity

DC is very hot and humid in the summer; don’t forget to stay hydrated. There are water fountains around where you can refill a bottle of water.

Washington DC Trip Tip #13: Don’t Forget Sunblock and Bug Spray

If you are visiting DC in the summer, don’t forget to bring sunblock and bug spray.

Washington DC Trip Tip #14: Don’t Lose Your Metro Card

DC Metro fares are based on distance, so you need the card when enter the train and when you exit. Don’t tuck it away or throw it away after you swipe into the Metro station.

Washington DC Trip Tip #15: Don’t Say You’re Going to the Smithsonian

The Smithsonian is a huge collection of museums, with over 20 individual destinations. So, if you tell someone you’re going to the Smithsonian, that doesn’t really narrow down your destination.

Washington DC Trip Tip #16: Don’t Miss the DC Monuments at Night

Seeing the DC monuments lit up at night is a highlight of any trip to DC. Even though you’ll be tired after a long day of touring DC, make sure you get to see the monuments lit up at least once during your visit.

Washington DC Trip Tip #17: Don’t Worry About Paying at the Smithsonian Museums

The Smithsonian Museums are all free, which is really cool. Definitely take advantage of this; not only are they great museums, but it’s a great way to save money on your DC vacation. If you want to visit one of the more popular Smithsonian museums, you may be able to go online and get a “convenience” ticket for a small fee.

Washington DC Trip Tip #18: Don’t Get Stuck Behind an 8th Grade Class

It’s tradition for many 8th grade classes to take a trip to DC, and they come from all over the US between March and May. If you visit during this time, you may be surrounded by a lot of junior high kids. If you get stuck behind them getting into a museum, or even a restaurant, it can be frustrating. The best approach is to avoid these months.

Washington DC Trip Tip #19: Don’t Forget About the Museums Away from the National Mall

There are so many great museums on the National Mall, it can be easy to forget there are other museums in Washington D.C. The National Postal Museum is located near the Capitol and Union Station. The Portrait Gallery, located near the Capital One Arena has some great portraits.

Washington DC Trip Tip #20: Don’t Forget About the 2nd Set of Doors at National Mall Museums

When you visit the National Mall museums, there is usually a second set of doors to the museums. Rather than entering through the National Mall, try to find the entrance doors on the other side, which often have shorter lines. Entering the museums often requires a bag search and metal detector, so it can take a while if you’re in a long line.

Washington DC Trip Tip #21: Don’t Try to Visit All of the Smithsonian Museums

If you try to hit all of the Smithsonian Museums, you’ll get museum burnout pretty quickly. Since they are free, it’s tempting to want to see all of them, but it’s best to plan for one to two museums per day.

Washington DC Trip Tip #22: Don’t Disrespect the Monuments

There are many great monuments around DC that pay homage to historical figures and fallen soldiers. It’s really important to show proper respect at these monuments. Fountains aren’t for cooling off and splashing around; Arlington Cemetery isn’t a park to be running around.

Washington DC Trip Tip #23: Don’t Sleep In

If you want to beat the crowds, get up early and be the first one at the museums. There’s too much to do in DC to spend too much time sleeping. Some of the museums will also have extended evening hours, which many people don’t know about.

Washington DC Trip Tip #24: Don’t Expect a Cheap Vacation

Even though many of the DC attractions are free, it’s still going to be an expensive vacation. Hotels, parking and restaurants are all pricy. Many people travel to DC for work, so hotels take advantage of that with higher rates and they aren’t catering to budget travelers.

Watch: Tipping in the USA Explained

Washington DC Trip Tip #25: Don’t Forget to Make Dinner Reservations

There are lots of great restaurants in DC, and really great international cuisine, but don’t forget to make reservations. DC gets a lot of tourists, so restaurants fill up quickly every night, especially in summer.

Read: What to Eat in Washington DC

Washington DC Trip Tip #26: Don’t Be Afraid to Take a Bus Tour

DC is huge, and to see everything efficiently, a bus tour is a great introduction to the city and a great way to get your bearings. Along the way, you’ll get a history lesson and explanation of some of the major sights. Another way to see the sights is to rent a bide with the bikeshare app.

Watch: Seven Reasons to Hire a Private Tour Guide

Washington DC Trip Tip #27: Don’t Just Stay in DC

There’s so much to see outside of DC, so make sure you leave time to explore the areas outside of the main city center. Some great day trips from DC include Mount Vernon, Monticello, Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens. Breaking up your visit with day trips is a great way to avoid museum burnout.

We hope that you enjoy your visit to Washington D.C. Feel free to add more “don’ts” in the comments below! For more travel tips about the United States, check out these blog posts and videos:

• 17 Don’ts of Visiting the USA
• Safety Tips for Visiting the USA
• What to Know About Hotels in the USA

Don’ts of San Diego: Travel Tips for Your First Visit

Greetings from sunny San Diego, California! Every travel blog tells you what to do when you travel, but we like to tell you what not to do, so you can be prepared for your trip. First of all, don’t pass up the chance to visit San Diego as it’s fantastic! That said, these are the “don’ts” of visiting Austin, Texas.

San Diego Travel Tip #1: Don’t Think Balboa Park is “Just a Park”

One of the best things to do in San Diego is to visit Balboa Park. But it’s more than just a park. In addition to beautiful green space, it also has 16 museums, theaters, gardens and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. You can fill up a lot of time by visiting Balboa Park, so don’t skip it.

San Diego Travel Tip #2: Don’t Confuse the San Diego Zoo with San Diego Zoo Safari Park

The San Diego Zoo is world-famous and is located in Balboa Park. It’s a typical park with animals in enclosures. It’s on the pricier side, but totally worth it. The San Diego Safari Park is about 45 minutes outside of town. The Safari Park is the kind of park you drive through to see wildlife on a “safari.” They’re both cool, but very different.

San Diego Travel Tip #3: Don’t Expect to “Do” San Diego in a Weekend

San Diego has so much to see, and is spread out over a large area, so it’s not possible to see it all in a weekend. To make the best use of your time, strategize which areas of the city you are visiting each day so that you aren’t driving back and forth all over. Each area, like Coronado Island, La Jolla, the Gaslamp District and Balboa Park all have enough attractions to spend a full day.

San Diego Travel Tip #4: Don’t Expect La Jolla to be a Cheap Beach Stop

La Jolla is a beautiful, rocky coastline just north of San Diego. It’s a perfect day trip from San Diego, but it’s very expensive there. The best way to see La Jolla is to visit in the morning, and then visit other areas for shopping and/or eating out.

San Diego Travel Tip #5: Don’t Mess with the Seals at La Jolla

Everyone loves to see the seals at La Jolla Beach, but they are wild animals. Trying to get a selfie with the seals is dangerous for tourists, and dangerous for the seals. Don’t approach them; it’s best to take photos from a distance.

San Diego Travel Tip #6: Don’t San Diego is Out Of Your Price Range

San Diego is actually pretty affordable for a vacation destination. San Diego is not super expensive, especially when compared to Los Angeles or San Francisco. It’s possible to find good, affordable hotels just 15-20 minutes from the city center. San Diego is a popular convention destination, and prices rise steeply when there’s a big convention in town, so plan ahead to avoid those. For some of the expensive San Diego attractions, check online or at your hotel for discounts.

San Diego Travel Tip #7: Don’t Run Into the Beach Boulevard

Often when you arrive at the beach, there is a boulevard between the parking lot and the beach. Look both ways before you step into the boulevard, as these are popular with cyclists, runners and skateboarders.

San Diego Travel Tip #8: Don’t Ignore the Flags on the Beach

Watch out for rip tides at the beach!  There will be flags on the beach to indicate any dangerous conditions, so make sure to pay attention to the flags. There are often lifeguards around that you can check in with as well. (Don’t forget the sunblock, too!)

San Diego Travel Tip #9: Don’t Bring Alcohol or Glass to the Beach

Glass containers and alcohol are not allowed at the beach. There are plenty of beach bars you can visit for a cocktail, but that’s the only way to legally enjoy an alcoholic drink on the beach.

San Diego Travel Tip #10: Don’t Think San Diego is Just Beaches

San Diego has beautiful beaches, but there’s so much more to see. In addition to Balboa Park, there’s Legoland, SeaWorld, Mission Bay and lots of cool day trips to mountains and sand dunes. There’s kayaking, hiking, surfing, golfing and so much more! San Diego sunsets are an amazing experience, so make sure to catch at least one during your visit.

San Diego Travel Tip #11: Don’t Forget to Bring Your Kids

San Diego is great for kids of all ages. There are so many family friendly things to do, and the locals are very friendly and helpful. Even if you don’t have kids, San Diego is great.

San Diego Travel Tip #12: Don’t Forget to Turn with the Coronado Bridge

Any visit to San Diego will include a trip to Coronado Island. As you cross the Coronado Bridge to the island, you’ll get amazing views of the San Diego skyline. Beware, though, the bridge has very low sides, so don’t get caught up in looking at the skyline and not paying attention to the road. If you are afraid of heights, let someone else drive, or take the ferry over from downtown!

San Diego Travel Tip #13: Don’t Fight the Traffic

California traffic is legendary, and San Diego is no exception. Don’t try to fight it, just plan around it. A 20-minute drive can easily turn into a 2-hour drive during rush hour. This is why it’s critical to plan ahead and ensure you’re not driving back and forth; and if you’re taking day trips from San Diego, time them so you aren’t on the road at rush hour. Nobody wants to spend their vacation time sitting in traffic.

San Diego Travel Tip #14: Don’t Rely on the Trolley System to Get Around

You’ll see a trolley system in the downtown area, but it’s not super helpful for tourists. There are three lines, and access is pretty limited unless you are going to or from the convention center. Lyft and Uber are the best way to get around San Diego.

San Diego Travel Tip #15: Don’t Feel Bad to Valet Your Car and Leave it There

Parking is expensive around San Diego, and we’ve already mentioned the traffic, so driving in San Diego isn’t the most pleasant experience. Don’t feel bad if you just valet your car when you arrive and use rideshare apps during your stay. You will probably save money over paying for parking everywhere. (If you do drive around, don’t forget a credit card for the meters, unless you usually carry $10 in quarters!)

San Diego Travel Tip #16: Don’t Stay at a Beach Hotel Unless Your Main Goal is the Beach

If you are coming to San Diego to see the sights, like the zoo or historical attractions, don’t bother staying at a beach hotel. Beach hotels are super expensive, so unless you are really spending a lot of time on the beach, it’s not worth the premium price you will pay. Better to save some money and then Uber over to the beach once or twice during your visit.

San Diego Travel Tip #17: Don’t Visit During Major Conventions like ComicCon

ComicCon and other big conventions take over downtown San Diego. It gets super crowded, and very expensive. Hotels can be hard to come by, especially if you want to stay downtown. ComicCon is usually mid-July; it’s a fun experience in itself, but if it’s not the reason for your visit, try to avoid it.

San Diego Travel Tip #18: Don’t Plan on Clean Eating in San Diego

Of course, it’s possible to find great, healthy food in San Diego, but there are so many temptations. San Diego is a foodie mecca and craft beer haven. There are over 200 breweries and taphouses in San Diego. From craft burgers to fish tacos, the food in San Diego is fantastic.

Read: Five Things You Must Eat in San Diego

San Diego Travel Tip #19: Don’t Drink Beer That’s Not From San Diego

There is so much good beer made right here in San Diego, that it would be a shame to drink anything else. The local breweries are heavily involved in the local culture, and many of them are dedicated to charitable causes. You can even get local craft beer at the zoo.

San Diego Travel Tip #20: Don’t Laugh When the Locals Freak Out About Rain

San Diego is infamous for the best weather in the country, but even they get rain occasionally. What you’ll notice, though, is the locals aren’t used to rain at all. Since it’s so rare, they tend to freak out with a little bit of rain.

San Diego Travel Tip #21: Don’t Compare San Diego to Los Angeles

Even though they are both Southern California cities with awful traffic, they are very different. The vibe in San Diego is way different than the vibe of Los Angeles, and it’s not fair to compare the two. Most travelers have a favorite between the two; mine is San Diego hands down.

Watch: Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About California

San Diego Travel Tip #22: Don’t Get Complacent With Safety

Overall, San Diego is a pretty safe city, but there are definitely some things to look out for. Don’t leave valuables in the car, don’t ignore riptide warnings, don’t go hiking without letting someone know where you’re going. These are basic safety precautions to take anywhere you travel, but it’s easy to get complacent in such a beautiful, friendly city.

It is nearly impossible to have a bad time in San Diego; that’s how awesome it is. Don’t let these “don’ts” scare you off. Feel free to add more “don’ts” in the comments below! For more travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos:

• 17 Don’ts of Visiting the USA
• Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Visiting California
• The Best of the West: Top 10 West USA Destinations

Don’ts of Texas: Tips for Your First Visit

Greetings from Austin, Texas! Every travel blog tells you what to do when you travel, but we like to tell you what not to do, so you can be prepared for your trip. Whether you’re in Austin to shop on Congress Street, or to throw back a few drinks on East 6th Street, these are the “don’ts” of visiting Austin, Texas.

Austin, Texas Tip #1: Don’t Freak Out About the Bats

There are anywhere from 700,000 to 1.5 million bats in Austin, but they’re not flying all over the city. They all live under the Congress Bridge and put on a nightly show in the warmer months. It’s really cool to see, and a huge part of Austin’s identity, so you’ll see bat memorabilia all over town.

Austin, Texas Tip #2: Don’t Expect to See the Bats Between November & February

The bats fly south for the winter, so if you want to see them, you have to visit when it’s a bit warmer.

Austin, Texas Tip #3: Don’t Visit During a Festival Unless it’s the Reason for Your Visit

Unless you are specifically visiting Austin for a festival, try to avoid visiting, especially during SXSW. Austin isn’t a huge city, so a big festival can really cause a hike in hotel prices and reduced availability. Even a UT football game can cause hotels to raise their rates.

Austin, Texas Tip #4: Don’t Drive in Austin

The population of Austin has exploded in recent years, and the infrastructure can’t keep up. Highways, surface streets and even parking are all very challenging in Austin. If you have to drive in, just valet your car and leave it there for the duration of your stay.

Austin, Texas Tip #5: Don’t Count on Public Transportation

Texas is really a car-based state and not many people rely on public transportation. There are a few buses around the downtown area of Austin, but they’re not widely prevalent, and not really ideal for tourists visiting Austin.

Austin, Texas Tip #6: Don’t Be Afraid to Uber Everywhere

Uber and Taxis are everywhere in Austin. Austin is a really young city, so Uber is super popular, and many people don’t even have cars, they just Uber everywhere. After about five Uber rides, the longest we had to wait was two minutes; so you can see how prevalent they are.

Austin, Texas Tip #7: Don’t Speed When You Drive

If you decide to drive in Austin, don’t speed! The police in Austin are pretty strict about speeding, parking and traffic laws in general. Because of the parking restrictions, it’s also really important to be ready for your Uber when it arrives so that your driver doesn’t get a ticket for standing in a zone.

Austin, Texas Tip #8: Don’t Come to Austin on a Diet

One of the best things about Austin is the food, so come hungry, and leave your diet at home. The BBQ in Austin is great, and it’s brisket or beef BBQ, not the pork you’ll find elsewhere in the South. In addition to excellent BBQ, there’s also really good Tex-Mex food in Austin, not to mention interesting international cuisines popping up all over town. Make sure you also have chicken-fried steak while you’re here.

Read: Five Foods You Have to Eat in Texas

Austin, Texas Tip #9: Don’t Be a Snob About Food Trucks

Food trucks are all over Austin and usually one of the best places to eat. From breakfast tacos to late night snacks, some of the best food in Austin comes from a truck. If you’re craving something, there’s probably a food truck selling it.

Austin, Texas Tip #10: Don’t Eat Breakfast in Your Hotel

Hotel breakfast is not worth it in Austin. Instead, go have a breakfast taco somewhere. It will be cheaper than a hotel breakfast and way more delicious! If you’re picturing a breakfast burrito from McDonald’s, the breakfast tacos in Austin are totally different. You just have to experience them to believe it.

Austin, Texas Tip #11: Don’t Judge Your Tacos By Price

Tacos that cost more aren’t necessarily better than the cheap tacos on the street. It’s hard to find a bad taco in Austin, so don’t think you have to spend more for the best taco in town.

Austin, Texas Tip #12: Don’t Fall for “Keep Austin Weird”

“Keep Austin Weird” was a slogan started many years ago, referring to how Austin is “weirder” than the rest of Texas. With so many jobs and new residents flooding in, gentrification follows and the “weird” vibe is much less prevalent than ten years ago. Austin is still eccentric, especially compared to Dallas or Houston, but the chains and hipsters have also moved in. Anymore, “Keep Austin Weird” is just a marketing slogan.

Austin, Texas Tip #13: Don’t Go to a BBQ Place if There’s No Line

The best BBQ joints are going to have a line to get in. Follow that line, don’t try to find someplace where there is no line, because that’s not a good sign. Franklin’s is one of the most popular BBQ joints for tourists, and the wait can be as long as two hours to get a table. The longer the line, the better the BBQ!

Austin, Texas Tip #14: Don’t Worry About Having a Good Time

It’s hard to have a bad time in Austin, no matter what you like to do. Shopping is great, the nightlife scene is legendary and I think you can tell we love the food. There are several cool neighborhoods and districts within Austin, each with their own vibe. Rainey Street has a more relaxed vibe where old houses have been turned into restaurants and bars, while Sixth Street is where Austin goes to party. If you’re visiting Austin with kids, there are also plenty of things to do, from museums and parks, and even a day trip to San Antonio.

Read: Five Tips for Visiting San Antonio

Austin, Texas Tip #15: Don’t Expect to Find “Real” Locals

Austin is full of transplants, many of them from recent tech booms, so there aren’t a lot of natives in Austin.

Austin, Texas Tip #16: Don’t Expect Live Music Everywhere All the Time

Austin is well known for having an amazing live music scene, but don’t expect it to be all over. The live music venues are really concentrated in a few areas of Austin, especially if you are looking for music throughout the day. Sixth Street and Red River are both good areas to catch live music in Austin.

Austin, Texas Tip #17: Don’t Be Surprised by Beggars

Don’t be surprised by the beggars in Austin. With so many tourists, there are a lot of beggars on the streets. But, they are not aggressive, so you can easily say no and keep walking. Some of them have a sense of humor, as evidenced by the “Need Money for Weed” sign we saw downtown. The more aggressive “beggars” are the ones working for non-profits, trying to get you to sign up for something.

Don’t let these “don’ts” scare you off. Austin is really a fantastic city; with lots of things to do, awesome food and friendly people. Feel free to add more “don’ts” in the comments below! For more travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos:

• The Don’ts Of Visiting Texas
• 17 Don’ts of Visiting the USA
• Ten Things That Will Shock You About the South