Wolters World – Page 29 – Honest Travel Advice

Seven Ways to Improve Your Airbnb Rating

Posted on April 27, 2020April 26, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about apartment rentals, specifically with Airbnb. You use Airbnb host reviews to settle on a vacation rental, but did you know the hosts also write Airbnb reviews of guests? If you have poor Airbnb guest reviews, it can affect the apartments you are approved to rent. If you travel with kids, you definitely want to have access to good apartments with extra room for the family. We want to give you seven tips for improving your Airbnb rating on your next stay.

#1: Communicate With the Owner

When you’re booking through Airbnb, realize it’s not a huge hotel chain on the other end. It’s usually someone letting you stay in their home. They want to know a bit about the people coming into their house. Make sure you are clearly communicating your schedule to them so they know when to expect you.

A bonus benefit of communicating with the apartment owner is that they are usually locals, and can easily give you advice on what to see and where to eat. They’re usually more than happy to provide directions from the nearest train station or bus stop. We’ve even had some Airbnb owners offer to pick us up at the airport!

If you find something is broken or isn’t working, shoot the host a note letting them know. Don’t put it in your review or rating without first giving them a head’s up so they can fix it for the next guests.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About European Apartment Rentals

#2: Be Presentable and Personable at the Key Pickup

Yes, you’re going to be exhausted, especially if you’ve just landed on a redeye across the Atlantic. You don’t need to be dressed in black tie to meet your Airbnb hosts, but try to look presentable. Think about if you were handing over your housekeys to total strangers; would you be nervous the whole time? Of course, being polite and personable will go a long way. Remember, you’re putting them at ease about having you in their home. When it comes time to review you after your stay, this first impression will go a long way towards helping you get a good rating.

#3: Don’t Upset the Neighbors

One of the best ways to bomb your Airbnb rating is to annoy the neighbors. Many neighbors may already be annoyed to have Airbnb guests in the building to begin with, so if you are noisy and keep them up late at night or inconvenience them in any way, they are more likely to call the Airbnb host. Or worse, they may even call the police. If you want to party during your stay, go out for a night on the town. Remember, you’re not in a hotel where everyone is on vacation. These people likely have to get up early and go to work. Likewise, if you have kids with you, be mindful of noise early in the morning.

airbnb ratings — Treat the rental like it is your house & the owners will notice.

#4: Leave the Apartment Better Than You Left It

Yes, cleaning on vacation doesn’t sound like much fun. But this is the tradeoff of not staying in a hotel. You won’t have daily housekeeping service, so it’s best to tidy up after yourselves throughout the stay. The condition you leave the apartment in is the last impression you have to make on your Airbnb host. If they come home to a big mess, that will be reflected in your rating. If you take a few minutes to wash the dishes, take out the garbage, and tidy up, they will be super appreciative.

#5: Strip the Beds

Whether the owner is cleaning up, or if they’ve hired a service, stripping the beds is a HUGE help. It takes just a few seconds, but it shows that you took the initiative to help them get ready for their next guests.

#6: Leave a Nice Note

Many Airbnb hosts have a guest book that you can sign. If you see an Airbnb guest book, leave a nice note in it, adding something you loved about your stay. Tell them what you liked and maybe a few things you did nearby. Other guests can read this and get tips on where to eat or what to see. This also helps the hosts make recommendations for future guests.

Also, make sure you review the property you stay at. It won’t affect your Airbnb rating, as it’s a double-blind system, but it’s super helpful to both the host and future guests.

#7: Follow the Rules

This sounds so simple, but you’d be surprised at how many people have trouble following the rules. Your Airbnb listing will provide a list of rules, or they may be printed out and left in the home. Take a few minutes to read them. Make sure you park in the right spot or put the trash out on the correct day. We’ve had several hosts thank us for simply following the rules, which tells us that a lot of guests don’t do this.

How to Cut Costs While You Travel

how to improve your airbnb rating — Your rating on airbnb will influence who will let you stay.

Apartment rentals are a great way to save money when traveling, but it also gives you a more “local” experience. These tips apply to Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway, Couchsurfing, or any home-sharing website. Remember: just treat the home as you would as if you were an invited guest. Having a strong Airbnb rating means you will have a better chance of scoring the perfect vacation rental. For more tips on family travel, check out some of our other blog posts:

Day 46 of Family Quarantine

Posted on April 26, 2020April 26, 2020 by Jocelyn Wolters

Captain’s Log 26 April 2020

To see the previous post, click here.

After a wonderful start to the week, things calmed down and we fell back into the doldrums of life in quarantine. My days are pretty much the same; wake up, fritter away an hour on my phone (for which I have an immense amount of guilt but continue to do regardless), shower, wake the kids, make breakfast, feed kids, tell the kids to start schoolwork, do dishes and some housework, get dressed and put my face on, tell the kids to do schoolwork, read email, check social stuff, tell the kids to do schoolwork, make lunch or tell the kids to make lunch, take a walk, prep dinner, do dishes, tell the kids to finish schoolwork, make dinner, watch a movie with the kids, waste time online, put the kids to bed (theoretically), go to sleep, rise and repeat.

After more than 6 weeks of this, I am getting boooored. When the governor announced this mandated SIP would go on until May, 30 my get up and go, got up and went. I should be doing something productive but productivity, like Elvis, has left the building. I am riddled with guilt about that as I watch Mark work his tail off conducting two courses online and putting out 3 new videos a week. So, last night I made a decision to get my rear in gear. Starting Monday. I need today to adjust to the idea of ‘doing’.

I am turning off social media unless it is for Wolters World. I waste an enormous amount of time reading inane crap online. I have read articles from a gazillion news outlets and every one of them says something different; stay home, create herd immunity, wear/don’t wear masks, social distance is 6ft or maybe 10ft, sitting 6ft apart to spend time with someone is not actually social distancing, we should absolutely sit 6ft apart and spend time with others, covid numbers are being altered to the plus or minus, more than 60% of us have it, only 20% of us have it—it goes on into infinity. What I do know is that I have the power to shut down all that noise and that is what I am going to do.

I am going to walk, write, workout (Lawd, I haven’t done that in almost 3wks!), read, call family and friends, and clean something everyday. One week of being a sloth is far more than enough but, it is a deep hole I have sunk into on this couch. I know energy begets energy so, off I go! If I write next week and it isn’t full of energy and productivity, I hope someone reaches through their screen and shakes some sense into me. Though my intentions may be good, I will likely slip back into the pit of slovenliness as it is hard to keep busy when you are confined to the house and have a nice warm spot on the couch that fits you like a glove.

This is my spot. It is perfectly formed in the shape of me. No one else may sit here. Mostly, because I am not moving.

On the idea of confinement, I have found that many people have been taking confinement quite differently than we have. Apparently, some people are still shopping—like going to stores other than the grocery—I didn’t even know anything else was open for Pete’s sake. Mark did some filming in a friend’s field for a change of background, and decided to surprise us all with Chik-Fil-A. He said the traffic on that end of town was as it always is and the pick-up line was long, as per usual. Mark has been to the chiropractor and the grocery store two times in 46 days, I have been absolutely nowhere except on walks around our neighborhood.

Other people are going about their lives in a semi-normal state. Why am I not doing that?! I would relish wandering the aisles of Target alone for an hour (I sorely miss alone) in a mask or even a full hazmat suit, I really couldn’t care less. I am so jealous of people who are out. I also cannot blame them, our county has had 102 confirmed cases with 81 recovered since March, 5. It is hard to stomach another month of lockdown when your county has so few cases. As far as I can tell, downstate Illinois is being mandated based upon numbers in Chicago and the suburbs and we are all going a little bit nuts. I’ll stay home, keep towing the line but, I won’t enjoy it and I understand how others are not.

I did do a couple things this week. Mark and I each read a bedtime story for a local mom’s website called Chambana Moms. I read one of my favorites, The Three Little Javelinas by Susan Lowell, illustrated by Jim Harris. It is a take on The Three Little Pigs set in the Sonoran Desert near Tucson where I lived as a child. It is also a Reading Rainbow Book, I miss Lavar Burton. Mark read Liam’s favorite, Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site while sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch. It was fun, we do enjoy bedtime books in our house so sharing that was natural for us.

Hmm, I said I did a couple things this week. Truth be told that may have been the only thing I did this week other than talk to friends and family via video or phone and host a couple live feeds with our followers. I mean, I did housework and cooked but, Mark probably did near as much as I did. Seriously, I am a sloth. Oh wait, I cut Liam’s hair. It turned out pretty well and as his hairdresser is shut down until the end of May it will be so grown out that my mistakes won’t be a big deal. I just couldn’t handle the 1986 mullet look any longer. Oh, and please, tell me how in the holy heck hairdressers are supposed to pay their rent with no customers.

Me, pretending to be a hairdresser. Liam pretending to–he’s not pretending, he is that happy.

So, that is it. I am a bored sloth with scissors and a spatula, occasionally a mop. I pray the governor doesn’t extend the SIP longer. I’m really going to need a therapist if he does. And a whole lot of people are going to be destitute. Grrrrr.

Until next time…

Jocelyn

Five Key Tips for Choosing Airbnb Apartments and Homes

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

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re answering some reader questions about our travels. While there are pros and cons of Airbnb, we prefer apartment rentals, as they allow us more flexibility when traveling with the kids. A lot of our readers ask us how we choose our Airbnb apartments, so today we’re sharing some tips for choosing a good vacation rental.

#1: Set a Budget

The first thing you have to do when looking at vacation rentals is to determine your budget. It’s really important to be realistic about prices in each city you are visiting. For example, on a recent trip, we stayed in Wales for a bit before moving on to London. We got a two-bedroom house in Wales for less than a one-bedroom apartment in London.

How to Save Real Money While Traveling

#2 Location

Your location preferences will vary for each trip. Your budget will also impact your choices of location. The nearer you want to be to the city center, the more you will need to spend. However, if you’re in a city with good public transportation, carefully choosing your location may mean you don’t need to spend money on a rental car. In Paris, we have a great apartment that we rent. It’s not in a popular tourist area, so we get a great price for a two-bedroom apartment. For the same price close to the center, we’d only get an efficiency apartment. Because the Metro in Paris is so easy to use, it’s not an inconvenience to stay a bit farther out.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About European Apartment Rentals

If you’re not visiting a city, but doing a road-trip vacation instead, then location is less important as you’ll already have a car. Wales, Ireland, and Scotland are all great destinations for a family road trip, and it’s easy to find cozy cottages scattered around the countryside. If you are near a larger city, you may need to ensure you have a parking space available for your rental car. If you have to pay for parking, make sure you take this into account when comparing vacation rentals.

airbnb kitchens — Sometimes the kitchen is in the closet.

#3 Amenities

After setting a budget and choosing a location, your next priority should be the amenities that come with the rental. Make sure you read the fine print; if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Some sites like Airbnb let you rent a single room in a home with others. That may or may not work for you. As a traveling family of four, we prefer to have our own space. We prefer a rental with a kitchen so we can prepare meals at home rather than eating out three meals per day. We typically have breakfast at home, eat lunch on the go, and then make a nice dinner at home to end our day. We like to find rentals that include a washer and dryer so we can do laundry. This means we can pack lighter and recycle our clothes throughout a trip.

#4 Airbnb Rating & Guest Reviews

Of course, you want to read the Airbnb host reviews, but you also have to read between the lines a bit. Good Airbnb reviews don’t always translate to a good fit for us. We’ve had some interesting experiences with Airbnb apartment. One place had several reviews mentioning “attentive hosts” but we found that meant they liked to peer through the windows at us. I look for specific keywords, like “clean, good communication, good for families or children.” I also may give more weight to reviews from families who stayed on the property with children. I look for reviews mentioning noise levels. If accessibility is important to you, then you may even want to reach out to the host ahead of time to make sure the rental is right for you.

Along with the Airbnb guest reviews, make sure you look through the photos. Don’t just look at the photos posted by the host, but check out the photos posted by other guests. If there are any issues with cleanliness or broken items, you’ll find them in the pictures.

#5 Go With Your Gut

Sometimes, you just have to go with your gut. After traveling for a long time with our kids, I usually have a pretty good gut feeling about choosing our Airbnb rentals. The more you do it, the more you learn, and the better you get. We’ve certainly had some challenges, but the rewards outweigh the risks for us as we’re much more comfortable in a home or a flat than we are in a hotel room.

airbnb vacations — Apartment rentals are vital when traveling with kids.

Airbnb apartments are a great way to save money when traveling, but it also gives you a more “local” experience. These tips apply to Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway, Couchsurfing, or any home-sharing website. Communication is key! For more tips on family travel, check out some of our other blog posts:

BADM 320 Principles of Marketing Exam 3 Turbo Study Guide

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

Hey there students, here is the turbo study guide for Exam 3. These videos should prepare you well for the main topics covered in the third exam. Remember, the third exams covers topics 11-15. That is New Product Development, Service Marketing, Pricing Models, Supply Chain Management, and Advertising. I hope this study guide helps!

Topic 11: New Product Developmet

Why do firms create new products

RWW Screening Model

Acceptance of New Products

Competitive Positioning

First Mover Advantages

Product Life Cycle

Topic 12: Service Marketing

Products vs Services

GAPS Model

How to improve service recovery

Topic 13: Pricing Models

5 Cs of Pricing

Pricing Tactics

Pricing Strategies

Ethical Issues with Pricing

Topic 13: Supply Chain Management

What is Supply Chain Management?

Data Warehousing vs Data Mining

What do distribution centers do?

Value Chain Analysis

How to strengthen Supply chains

Supply Chain Conflict

Topic 15: Advertising

What is Advertising?

Advertising Scheduling

Pull vs Push Advertising

Types of Advertising

Goals of Integrated Marketing Communication

Good luck on the exam!

Visit Haarlem: What to Know Before You Go

Posted on April 23, 2020April 22, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re traveling to Haarlem, the Netherlands. Only 15 minutes by train, this is one of the best day trips from Amsterdam. It’s a lot more affordable, so it’s a great place to stay near Amsterdam, too! Before you visit Haarlem, there are a few things you should know. These Haarlem travel tips will help you start planning and help you have a more enjoyable visit!

Haarlem Museums

There are two museums in Haarlem that you really should visit. The Frans Hals Museum is dedicated to Frans Hals, a Dutch painter. The museum has a wonderful collection of his artwork, along with other Dutch masters. The Teylers Museum is the oldest museum in the Netherlands. This collection includes art, natural history, and science. The building itself is worth the visit.

What NOT to Do in the Netherlands

Other Things to Do in Haarlem

There are a few churches in Haarlem worth visiting. The St. Bavo Church is located on the Grote Markt and is the main cathedral for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Haarlem-Amsterdam. It also contains an organ that was played by Mozart. The Grote Markt is the central hub of Haarlem, so you’ll definitely spend some time wandering around this area. The City Museum and the Archaeology Museum are also interesting.

It’s also fun to take a canal tour of Haarlem. You’ll get a bit of history of the area, and it’s a nice way to get your bearings when you first get to town. There are also plenty of bike rentals, which is a fun way to see the city. You can ride down to the beach in about 20 minutes.

The Corrie Ten Boom House is now a museum where you can learn about the Holocaust. The Ten Boom family was hiding Jews here for safety during WWII and they were caught.

Haarlem netherlands information — Some fun around Haarlem

Netherlands Tulip Fields

If you visit the Netherlands in the spring, you will definitely want to see the Netherlands tulip fields. The most famous of the tulip fields in the Netherlands is Keukenhof, which is only 20 kilometers from Haarlem. It’s really easy to catch a bus from Haarlem to Lisse, where the Keukenhof Gardens are located. Of course, there are other Netherlands tulip fields to explore, as Haarlem sits amidst many flower fields. The best thing to do is to rent a bike and explore the tulip fields at your leisure.

Walking Around Haarlem

One of my favorite things to do in Haarlem is to walk around and soak in the atmosphere. You have the beauty and culture of Amsterdam without the crowds of drunk or high tourists. Haarlem sees far fewer tourists, so you really feel like you can blend in and have a true Dutch experience. You’re also not paying inflated tourist prices like you would in Amsterdam.

Getting from Haarlem to Amsterdam

You can travel from Haarlem to Amsterdam for as little as eight Euros round-trip. If you decide to stay in Haarlem, you’ll save much more than 8 Euros per night on your accommodation. It’s just 15 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station. Grab a train to Den Hague, and Haarlem is one of the stops along the way. From Haarlem to Amsterdam, there are plenty of trains to choose from. The Haarlem train station is pretty cool, too.

Six Rules for European Train Travel

Haarlem tourist attractions — We got to have a nice date day in Haarlem while the grandparents watched the kids.

We actually prefer to stay in Haarlem and take Amsterdam day trips by train or taxi. It’s a much more relaxing atmosphere and experience. I hope these facts about Haarlem encourage you to plan your own trip! If you want more tips on traveling in Europe, check out some of our other blog posts:

Visit Lithuania: What to Know Before You Go

Posted on April 22, 2020April 22, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re traveling to Lithuania. It’s a great travel destination that many travelers tend to overlook. Therefore, there’s not a lot of Lithuania tourism information out there. We feel that there are a few facts about Lithuania you should know before you visit, which will make your trip much more enjoyable!

Where Is Lithuania?

Lithuania is one of the three Baltic countries that separate Poland from Russia, along with Latvia and Estonia. Lithuania is bordered by Russia, Belarus, Latvia, and the Baltic Sea.

Are There Things to Do in Lithuania?

Expect a nature-based vacation in Lithuania. Lithuanians really love to be outdoors enjoying nature, and there are plenty of places to do so in Lithuania. Many people have a summer house on one of the thousands of lakes in Lithuania. Between the lakes of Lithuania and the Baltic Sea, there are some really great beaches in Lithuania. (Don’t forget the bug spray; the bugs can be pretty bad, especially in the forests!)

Other things to do in Lithuania include the Nemunas River Valley, which has lovely castles and scenery. The Hill of Crosses in northern Lithuania claims to have over 100,000 crosses set upon a small hill. Along the coast, you have the Hill of Witches, with fairytale characters carved out of the woods.

Are There Cities in Lithuania?

Yes, although there is a lot more natural area than urban areas in Lithuania, there are some cities worth checking out. Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania and the largest city, with over half a million residents. Vilnius has several museums, a palace, cathedrals, and loads of bars and restaurants. Trakai is a smaller “castle town” about 30 minutes from Vilnius.

Money in Lithuania

Lithuania is part of Europe, therefore they use Euros. Because Lithuania is one of the more affordable countries in Europe, the prices are quite low and you won’t have much use for bills larger than 50 Euros. Transportation, hotels, and restaurants in Lithuania are very affordable.

Communication in Lithuania

Yes, Lithuania was part of Russia many years ago. That is ancient history by now, and Lithuania has its own language: Lithuanian. Some of the older residents may still speak Russian, but the younger and middle-age Lithuanians speak Lithuanian, and a lot of them also speak English. However, they really love when travelers speak a few words of Lithuanian. Even if you butcher the language, it shows that you tried. The people of Lithuania are super friendly, and they love sharing their local favorites with travelers.

Seven Tips for Learning a Foreign Language

Lithuania Accommodation

There are plenty of hotels throughout Lithuania, including out in the natural areas. It’s super fun to rent a cabin in the woods near a lake and enjoy some downtime in Lithuania. In the cities, apartment rentals are also a great option, especially if you are traveling with kids.

tourist information on lithuania — Nature abounds in Lithuania.

Getting Around Lithuania

The bus is an easy way to get around Lithuania. If you do take a bus for a long-distance trip in Lithuania, make sure you take the express bus, or you might be in for a long ride. If you stay in Vilnius, you can use the bus system to take day trips around the country. You can also get a bus to Riga, Moscow, and many other nearby countries. Lithuania does have a train system, but it does not run frequently, so we usually take the bus instead.

Within the cities, there are public buses and trams to get around. Just make sure you validate your ticket before boarding; they are sticklers about it, unlike in other countries. If you want to take a taxi, call one from your hotel. You’ll get a better rate than flagging one down on the street.

Is Lithuania Safe?

Lithuania is generally pretty safe. The low prices and easy access tend to make Vilnius popular with weekenders and stag parties, so you might run into groups of drunk revelers from time to time. Lithuania today feels much safer than when I lived here ten years ago, so we haven’t been on high alert during our visit to Lithuania.

Honest Travel Safety Advice

Outlets in Lithuania

If you’re visiting Lithuania from the United States or the UK, you’ll need a power adapter for your electronics. The plugs in Lithuania are the standard European plug, with two round prongs.

Lithuania attractions — Hill of Crosses, Fun People, Trakai, what is there not to love?

Lithuanian Food

The food in Lithuania is very hearty, and they serve up large portions. There are a few traditional Lithuanian foods that I recommend you try. Cepelinai is a giant dumpling with a meatball inside, and it’s all covered in a sour cream sauce and bacon bits. In the summertime, you’ll see a lot of cold soups, including cold herring soup and Saltibarsciai, a beetroot soup. Kept Duona is fried garlic bread, with mayonnaise and cheese sauce. It’s a popular snack to have when you go out for a beer. Sakotis is my favorite dessert in Lithuania, but you can only get it at a bakery as it’s not usually served in restaurants. The food was probably the biggest surprise for Jocelyn on her first trip to Lithuania.

Beer and vodka are the main adult beverages in Lithuania. Beer is “alus” and there are some pretty good national brands made in Lithuania. Arbatos is tea, which is another common drink in Lithuania.

Tipping in Lithuania

Service in Lithuania isn’t bad, but it’s not the fastest. We try to order everything at once, rather than ordering drinks, then appetizers, then the main meal. Tipping is customary in Lithuania, around 10% is sufficient. When you tip, you should leave it as cash, not added on to your credit card bill.

There’s a reason I stayed in Lithuania for 3 ½ years! The people are amazing, the food is fantastic, and it’s a relaxing, affordable place to visit in Eastern Europe. It’s been great returning with my family to see it again through their eyes. I hope these facts about Lithuania encourage you to plan your own trip! If you want more tips on traveling in Europe, check out some of our other blog posts:

What Not to Do On Your Outer Banks Family Vacation

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

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do on a trip to the Outer Banks, North Carolina, or OBX as you will see in the stickers in people’s back windows. While many travel blogs will tell you the best things to do in the Outer Banks, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do when you visit Outer Banks, North Carolina.

Don’t Underestimate the Ocean

The water around the Outer Banks can be dangerous; riptides can happen and you should always be on alert for them. Also, it probably goes without saying, but don’t leave your kids unattended on the beach. The tides can come in pretty quickly and catch you off guard, so keep an eye on the kids, and on the water.

Also, pay attention to which sand dunes you can climb. Some are protected for restoration, while others are open for climbing.

Don’t Miss Sunrise and Sunset

Because the Outer Banks is surrounded by water, you can watch the sunrise and sunset over the water. So, whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, make sure you make your way down to the beach. Sunrise is particularly magical as you just might have the beach all to yourself.

Don’t Forget Sunblock & Bug Spray

Obviously, a beach vacation requires a lot of sunblock. But you also need bug protection as there can be a lot of bugs that bite during the summer season. It’s also nice to have a hat and long-sleeve rash guard to help keep your skin out of the sun; many of these items are pre-treated to block UV rays, which also means you won’t have to reapply sunscreen as often. If you do forget any of these things, there are plenty of shops where you can buy them.

Don’t Bring Glass to the Beach

Conveniently, OBX has pretty relaxed liquor laws, so you can bring your cocktails or beer to the beach. It just can’t be in a glass container. If you’re stocking up for the week, you don’t have to worry about crazy liquor laws like in some Southern states. You can buy booze pretty much anywhere; they even have drive-thru liquor stores!

Don’t Underestimate Traffic

Some of the smaller roads may seem pretty safe, but you have a lot of tourists driving through and it can be dangerous. Pay extra attention when crossing the street, even the small frontage roads that seem like they don’t have much traffic.

Also, sometimes the main road going through the Outer Banks can be really busy. If you are visiting with friends who are staying in a different area, it’s not super easy to go back and forth to different sides of the highway. Try to book your accommodation near each other to minimize the time you spend in the car.

Don’t Assume the Outer Banks are Easy to Reach

It’s totally worth it once you arrive, but it’s not necessarily easy to get to the Outer Banks. The nearest major airports are in Norfolk (80 miles) or Raleigh Durham (190 miles) so you will have to drive to the Outer Banks. There aren’t many entry points, so as you enter the Outer Banks, you’ll see a lot of stores and chain restaurants, but once you get past those main entry points, the commercialism thins out and leaves you with quaint beach towns.

Top Ten Road Trip Essentials

Don’t Forget to Book OBX Accommodation in Advance

There are a few hotels around the Outer Banks, but this is primarily a destination with home rentals. You’ll find lots of apartments, condos and beach houses to rent, but in order to get the one you want, you need to do this well in advance, especially if you visit the Outer Banks during high season.

OBX attractions — Lots of family fun on the Outer Banks.

Don’t Visit Outer Banks From Mid-July to Mid-August

This is the peak time for tourists to visit the Outer Banks, so prices will be the highest during those last few weeks of summer before school starts. Beaches and local restaurants will also be the most crowded and you’ll need to book your Outer Banks rentals way in advance. Early summer or early fall are the best times to visit the Outer Banks, as you’ll have great weather and fewer crowds.

Don’t Miss Out on Outer Banks Activities

While the beaches of the Outer Banks are the main draw, there are many more things to do in the Outer Banks. There are some National Park Service sites where you can get your National Park passport stamps. Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kitty Hawk, or the Bodie Island Lighthouse on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. There are also lots of family activities, like waterparks and mini-golf.

Don’t Miss All the Lighthouses of Outer Banks

While you can tour some of the lighthouses in the Outer Banks, not all of them are open to the public. Some of them are privately owned and can only be admired from afar. You can climb the Bodie Island Lighthouse and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, to name a few. If you are really into lighthouses, you can easily spend a full day driving around to the different lighthouses.

Don’t Drag Sand All Over Your Rental

After a day at the beach, don’t forget to rinse off all the sand before you come back to your Outer Banks rental home. A lot of rentals have outdoor showers for this purpose. This isn’t just a courtesy to your homeowners, but the sand will get everywhere in the house and drive you crazy.

Don’t Drive on the Beach (Unless You Know What You’re Doing)

In some areas of the OBX, you can actually drive on the beach. Don’t ruin your vacation by getting your rental car stuck on the beach. You can’t drive on every beach, so make sure you know the rules.

family attractions on the outer banks — OBX is well worth the visit.

Don’t Miss Out on the Wild Horses

There are wild horses at the northern end of the Outer Banks near Corolla. If you want to see them, you need to have a four-wheel-drive vehicle. There are tours you can take if you don’t have the right vehicle. When you’re there, don’t approach the horses. They are wild.

Seven Reasons to Hire a Private Tour Guide

Don’t Think You Can Camp on Any Beach

Camping on the beach sounds a pretty cool thing to do; falling asleep to waves lapping on the shore. But you can’t just camp on any beach in the Outer Banks. There are designated campgrounds in the Outer Banks, so make sure you are following the rules and camping where it’s allowed.

Don’t Miss Out on Great Food

There are some great places to eat in the Outer Banks, so make sure you don’t miss out on some of these classics:

North Carolina BBQ – it’s all about the sauce. North Carolina BBQ sauce is a thin sauce with a hint of vinegar
Seafood – you’re at the ocean, don’t miss out on the fresh seafood!
Duck Donuts – imagine a Chipotle of donuts – you pick the toppings when you order! (Don’t freak out about the line to get in; it moves fast)

Don’t Feed the Wild Animals

It might seem cute to feed the gulls and the pelicans but you really shouldn’t. They keep coming back for food and become a nuisance. It’s also not good for the animals as they aren’t getting their natural diet and can become dependent on humans to survive.

The Outer Banks is really a great family beach vacation destination. Just remember what NOT to do on your Outer Banks vacation! Looking for more tips on family travel in the United States? Check out these blog posts:

Day 40 of Family Quarantine

Posted on April 21, 2020April 21, 2020 by Jocelyn Wolters

Captain’s Log 21 April 2020

To see the previous post, click here.

Today I feel human again. I feel alive, like all my synapses are firing at full capacity! I have so much to say. Yesterday was the best quarantine day, to date but, past week was the most hectic to date. However, when you have ADD and all your synapses are firing fully that means all that information comes out all tangled so, I will try to get it in order for you and share the most amazing week we have had in quarantine.

Yesterday may have been the best quarantine day yet but, the last week has been nuts (that is why I haven’t posted in a week). So to begin with, Mark did this crazy Marketing Marathon last Tuesday. He taught his entire semester-long Principles of Marketing course in one day to raise money for the Emergency Deans Fund to aid students at his university. It was 15h and 43m of lecturing live on YouTube. It was nuts. It was wonderful.

15h 43m is a looong class!
But it was all for a good cause, and raised over $1600 for students in need.

Mark had people from around the world logging in, some even stayed on the entire session! YouTube put it on their home page—which pushed more people to watch, especially trolls. It was hilarious, Mark and his viewers would put the trolls in their place saying, put your money where your mouth is. A few actually donated or stayed on to watch. We have trusted followers who moderate our Live chats, they did an amazing job that day. I helped a bit so our Mods could do their daily stuff too. I also made Mark lunch and dinner, supplied snacks and drinks (lots of hot tea for his voice and caffeine to stay awake). I chatted with viewers when Mark had to take toilet breaks too.

The best part of the marathon was that over $1600 was donated by these wonderful people. Right now, given the economic climate, there are more students who have emergent needs. There are also less people who are able to donate. The fact that so many gave speaks volumes to me. People really do pull together when needed.

Last week was also Holy Week for me as a Greek Orthodox. Normally, that would mean at least daily liturgy of some sort. I was trepidatious about having the most important week of the church online. I have to say, though I don’t want to do it again there were some beautiful things about it.

I was able to explain a lot to the boys about what things meant during the different liturgies and why we did them. Usually, when they have questions during church, I have to put them off until later and half the time we forget to address them. When church is on a laptop in your living room you can answer those questions in full without disrupting anyone else, which is brilliant.

The Easter Vigil is my absolute favorite moment of the church year. It is so beautiful with so much meaning and deep emotion. It is also rather long and late at night which makes it difficult with children. Liam was so in tune this year. Maybe because he could wear his comfy clothes (aka pajamas) and wander as needed during the 2+ hour service. It was sad, not being with everyone, celebrating in our own homes. It was wonderful being online with people around the country, celebrating with people we would otherwise not see.

Easter liturgy at home with candles but sans incense and Church had some hidden blessings but, next year I want to be in the church.

We watched the liturgy with dim lights as the first half of the service is conducted in almost complete darkness. At one point Father comes out with a lit candle to share with the church symbolizing Christ rising from the dead. It is a powerful, beautiful moment as we share that light with the people around us. I had candles at the ready and we sat there with them lit for the rest of the service. For the first time ever, my kids didn’t intentionally spill the wax on their fingers and make ‘wax fingerprints’. Liam asked that we go outside and sing just like we do at church so, we did. I am glad we went out in the cold night and sang Christ is Risen to our neighborhood. I missed hearing the choir sing it in their lovely voices but, I loved hearing my sweet sons voice singing what our church has sung for 2000 years. In all, it was a dichotomy. There were silver linings and it was lovely but, next year I want to be in the church not online with the church.

A big chunk of last week was spent working on something that has been on Mark and my minds a lot in the past 40 days. We see the economic downturn happening in our online business. It won’t affect us greatly as it is only what pays for our travel, Mark has another job. However, there are so many musicians, artists, churches, dancers, creators, restaurant employees, hairdressers and many more that have been cut off from most or all income right now. It has weighed heavily on us as we have friends who work in every one of those professions (and many more who are in jeopardy) so we have been looking for a way to help.

We launched Pause for the World, last week. It is an initiative that allows organizations, small businesses, the self-employed, or those who work in those jeopardized professions to earn money. The concept is simple. Pause for the World is an online store that sells a bevy of fun, quirky logo’d t-shirts, hoodies and sweats. When a business signs up on the website, they get a referral code/link to distribute among customers, friends, and family. Each item sold through their referral earns them $10. They get paid through PayPal weekly. That is it. I told you it was simple. Mark and I have designated any sales without referrals to benefit our local Meals on Wheels. I wish it would go viral so loads of hurting people and businesses could profit from it.

Liam turned 9 yesterday. At the beginning of quarantine, he cried one night lamenting not having a birthday party with his friends or his family. He said he thought he wouldn’t get any presents or see anyone. Well, we were forethinking when the idea of quarantine loomed. We don’t do a lot of presents; our priority is giving our kids the gift of travel but they do get a few gifts. Before SIP began, we went to Barnes and Noble and got him a Lego set and a terrarium kit for carnivorous plants. I ordered a throwback 80’s game for Caleb to gift his brother a few weeks ago too. Liam’s face when he saw those wrapped presents sitting at the breakfast table was a beautiful sight.

I sent out an invitation to a surprise drive-by birthday party about a week ago and almost two dozen families came to celebrate Liam ‘with’ us. Some came with signs, one with a bullhorn and another blowing bubbles. It was like a parade in his honor.

He received several phone calls, video calls, and even a Zoom meeting just for him. People from around the world called him or sent messages—they made Liam’s 9^th Birthday one to remember always. At the end of the night I asked if it had been a good day. He replied, it was GREAT! So, so much better than I expected.

So yesterday was the best quarantine day we’ve had. A few of those people who drove by stopped to talk, 6-8ft apart of course. The kids managed to play some game of their own making by running far away from one another in some sort of race but where neither is next to nor near the other. It made me laugh to see these new games pop up out of this odd necessity. It was a little sad to see the kids back up when another came too close—how they have adjusted to that is beyond me. But no one had hurt feelings, not one kid got closer than 6ft, actually, they were definitely further apart than that as they do not recognize spatial distances so 6ft to them is more like 8-10ft.

We adults stood and talked across a 6-8foot invisible wall. And while that should make me sad, it didn’t. I was elated to have a face to face conversation with friends minus a screen. Only a few people had left their houses in the last month and at that, only for groceries. I thought for sure there would be some social awkwardness but there wasn’t. There was just this deep need to see people; to share some of portion of our lives with one another.

Airhugs from 6ft or more may not be as good as real hugs but, seeing friends in real life is!

Everyone misses friends—no, check that, this isn’t missing others, it is Saudades. Saudades is a Portuguese word that more or less means, a deep and sad longing, one that touches your inner self. We are all experiencing this soul-wrenching longing for companionship, for time spent with loved ones, for our normal lives. But give us 5 minutes of standing across the street from one another to talk and that Saudades is quelled enough to call the day the best day of quarantine.

The day ended with a massive amount of handwashing—as if the germs could make great leaps of space, but, just in case…

Until next time,

Jocelyn

What to Eat in Chicago

Posted on April 21, 2020April 19, 2020 by Mark Wolters

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

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

Chicago Deep Dish is not like the “pan pizza” you’ve had from Pizza Hut or Domino’s. Chicago Deep Dish is on a whole other level. My Italian friends thought it looked more like a cake than a pizza. The crust is super thick and then filled with toppings. It is more like a pie than a pizza! Pizza this thick takes a long time to cook, so don’t wait until you’re hungry. In fact, at places like Giordano’s in Chicago, they’ll have you put in your order and then go walk around town a bit while your pizza cooks. Be warned that you will be lucky to finish two pieces of pizza; this stuff is super heavy and filling!

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Visiting Chicago

Some of the best places for Chicago deep dish include:

Giordano’s
Pizzeria Uno (and their 2nd location, Pizzeria Due)
Lou Malnati’s
Gino’s East
Pizano’s (local’s favorite alternative to Lou Malnati’s)
Pequod’s (a local favorite on the north side!)

Chicago Hot Dog

Hot dogs are a favorite of Chicagoans. A Chicago dog, usually Vienna Beef, is a beef hot dog. A “Chicago dog” comes with tomatoes, pickle, mustard, pepperoncini, and celery salt on a poppyseed bun. That’s right, no ketchup on a Chicago dog! It’s considered a sacrilege to put ketchup on a Chicago dog, and you might be ridiculed for it. Try it Chicago-style, you just might love it!

What Not to Do When You Visit Chicago

Some of the best places to try a Chicago hot dog include:

Wrigley Field
Wiener Circle (open until 4 am!)
Superdawg Drive-In
Portillo’s
Any Vienna Beef hot dog cart along the lakefront path

Italian Beef Sandwich

Another popular Chicago food is the Italian beef sandwich. The sandwich is made of a hoagie roll filled with shaved beef and green peppers on top. Then you’ll get a side of “au jus” to dip your sandwich; it’s like a taste of heaven. This isn’t a sandwich to eat with your hands; you’ll need a fork and knife to take down an Italian beef in Chicago.

Some of the best places in Chicago to try an Italian Beef include:

Portillo’s
Luke’s Italian Beef
Al’s Italian Beef
Tony’s Italian Beef
Mr. Beef

Garrett Popcorn

Another famous Chicago food is Garrett’s popcorn. There are several Garrett’s locations in Chicago, including the sports arenas and airports, but you will typically see a line down the block at the Michigan Avenue and State Street locations where most tourists are. (Hint: the location in Ogilvy train station is usually quick!) Garrett has several flavors of popcorn, but you really need to try the Chicago Mix. It’s caramel popcorn and cheese popcorn blended together. The combination of sweet and salty makes this some of the best popcorn you will ever have! With their decorative tins, Garrett popcorn makes the perfect Chicago souvenir if you’re looking to take something home!

Ethnic Restaurants Around the City

Now that we’ve mentioned the popular “Chicago-style” foods, we have to mention all of the ethnic enclaves around the city. There are huge populations of immigrants throughout Chicago which means you can get some amazing food from all over the world, right here in the Midwest. Each ethnicity in Chicago has an area where the restaurants and businesses are concentrated. This is also a great way to see some other parts of Chicago that aren’t the downtown tourist area. A food tour is a great way to explore some of these areas. Some of the best Chicago neighborhoods for ethnic food include:

Greektown – just west of the loop, tons of great Greek restaurants
Little Italy – just south of Greektown, near the UIC campus
Chinatown – south of the loop, several spots for weekend dim sum
Pilsen – Mexican neighborhood on the west side
Little India – along Devon Avenue on the north side near Rogers Park
Portage Park – traditionally Polish neighborhood on the north side

Chicago Beer

While you’re filling up on Chicago style food, don’t forget to try some local Chicago brews. Goose Island is probably the most famous as it’s nationally distributed. I like Half Acre, Two Brothers Brewery, and Revolution Brewing. You’ll see these beers all over town, from the grocery store to the ballpark.

what to eat in chicago — They even have a huge bean you can(NOT) eat 🙂

Chicago has so much to offer as a Midwest travel destination! You won’t be bored, and you definitely won’t go hungry with all of the tasty Chicago food. If you’re traveling with a family or a group, there are several food halls popping up in Chicago where you can each order from a different food stand so everyone gets their favorite Chicago food! Check out the French Market, Eataly, FoodLife, or the Revival Food Hall.

Looking for more tips on travel in the Midwest United States? Check out some of these other blog posts!

Costa Rica: What to Know Before You Go

Posted on April 20, 2020April 19, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re traveling to Costa Rica. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world, and it’s a great travel destination. Whether you’re planning a Costa Rica honeymoon or a family trip to Costa Rica, you’re going to love it! We feel that there are a few things you should know before your trips to Costa Rica, which will make your trip much more enjoyable!

Language of Costa Rica

Spanish is the main language spoken in Costa Rica. However, with such an emphasis on tourism, there are many people who speak English in Costa Rica. It’s always helpful to know a little bit of Spanish so you can attempt to speak with the locals. They will appreciate it, even if they speak English.

Costa Rica Currency

The money in Costa Rica is called colones, or the colon. The bills start at 1,000 colones and go up to 50,000 colones. Most places will also accept US Dollars, although you’re likely to get your change back in Costa Rican currency. If you plan to spend US Dollars in Costa Rica, make sure you have small bills. Most places won’t accept anything larger than a $20 bill. To get cash in Costa Rica, I recommend the ATM over going to the bank as that can take a long time.

Prices in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a very affordable travel destination. It’s significantly cheaper than traveling in Western Europe or the United States. The biggest part of your vacation budget will be spent on excursions such as zipline tours, kayaking, or surfing lessons. It’s easy to save money in Costa Rica by eating at the mom and pop restaurants rather than the tourist restaurants.

Getting Around Costa Rica

You can rent a car to get around Costa Rica. The roads aren’t awful, although they’re not great, either. The roads are bumpy and very curvy, so make sure you give yourself extra time to get where you are going. Traffic rules are treated as a suggestion, not a rule, so be extra cautious around other drivers. I don’t recommend driving at night in Costa Rica.

If you aren’t comfortable renting a car, there are a few buses to get around the tourist areas. Many hotels will offer transfers to nearby attractions, and it’s also pretty easy to hire a driver to take you around.

ziplining in costa rica — You will not run out of adventure tourism in Costa Rica.

Electrical Outlets in Costa Rica

The electrical outlets in Costa Rica are the same as in the United States, so you won’t need any kind of adapters to charge your electronics. It does seem like devices don’t charge as fast, and the internet is a bit slower, but everything works the same as back home. Just slower.

Safety in Costa Rica

Some people wonder if it’s safe to visit Central America. Costa Rica is actually very safe for visitors. Of course, there is the usual petty crime of pickpockets and car looting, but use your common travel sense and you’ll likely be OK. Tourism is a major industry in Costa Rica, so they make sure that tourists feel safe when visiting.

Honest Travel Safety Advice

You should also know that it’s safe to drink the water in Costa Rica. When you go to a restaurant, they’ll offer you tap or bottled water. You will be fine if you drink tap water.

Costa Rica Accommodation

When it comes to finding accommodation in Costa Rica, there are lots of options. You can find mom and pop places that are relatively inexpensive. There are also big resorts and bungalows around the beaches where you can relax and enjoy modern amenities. Budget travelers and luxury travelers will each find something to suit their needs.

costa rica family attractions — Costa Rica is great for the whole family.

What to Eat in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has an ocean on both sides of the country, so seafood is fresh and plentiful. Plantains are an important part of Costa Rican cuisine, as are beans and rice. Rice and beans are served with almost every meal in Costa Rica. The fruit in Costa Rica is also really great. You’ll have fresh pineapple, mango, and papaya. For dessert, I recommend having tres leches cake; it’s awesome!

Ticos in Costa Rica

The locals of Costa Rica are known as Ticos, and they are so friendly! They are great with tourists, and many of them speak English, so it’s easy to strike up a conversation. Costa Rica family vacations are made extra special by the Ticos.

The Don’ts of Visiting Costa Rica

Tipping in Costa Rica

When you go out to eat in Costa Rica, you will see a 10% service charge added to your bill. You’re always welcome to leave more for your server, but know that the tip is already included in your check. If you hire tour guides or drivers, then you should tip them at the end of the day. Tipping isn’t really a Costa Rican custom, but it’s become a frequent practice in the tourism industry.

Best Month to Visit Costa Rica

You might hear that Costa Rica has a wet season and a dry season. However, it’s a tropical rainforest, so rain is possible at any time, meaning there really isn’t a best month to visit Costa Rica. September and October tend to be the rainiest months in Costa Rica. The high season is around Christmas and New Year. If you visit over the holidays, be prepared to start making reservations up to six months in advance as it’s a very popular time to visit Costa Rica.

Bug Spray & Sunscreen Are Essential

Even during the rainy season, the sun in Costa Rica is very strong, so make sure you have adequate sun protection, including sunscreen, hats and long-sleeve shirts. Rash guards are great as they usually block UV rays and you can wear them in the water. If you are going into the rainforest at all, you will need bug spray!

We have really enjoyed our Costa Rica family vacations and hope that these travel tips help you enjoy your Costa Rica trip as well. If you’re looking for an affordable and safe family vacation destination in Latin America, Costa Rica is perfect! If you want more tips on traveling in Central America, check out some of our other blog posts: