Wolters World – Page 30 – Honest Travel Advice

What Not to Do When Visiting Buenos Aires

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

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

Don’t Be Afraid to Give the Finger

No, not that finger! The “finger wave” comes in really handy if someone is bothering you. It’s an easy way of saying “no thanks” to beggars or persistent shopkeepers. Simply wave your index finger while shaking your head “no” and that will get the message across. And don’t be surprised if you get the finger wave for wearing the wrong soccer jersey!

Don’t Go to the Superclasico Soccer Match

Attending a soccer match in Buenos Aires can be a lot of fun, but I do not recommend going to the Superclasico. This is the match between local rivals Boca Juniors and River Plate. It can get a bit rowdy, and unless you’re super invested in one of these teams, it’s not worth it.

Don’t Be Put Off By the Service

Service in Buenos Aires can sometimes be a little smug. Argentinians are generally a bit more “posh” than other parts of South America, so it can come across as haughty. You’ll see this in the service as well as with some taxi drivers who may not want your business. Therefore, it helps to just be patient and go with the flow. Don’t get upset and don’t take it personally.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Buenos Aires

Don’t Be Afraid of Public Transportation

Buenos Aires is huge, and although taxis and Ubers are readily available, they can take a while due to traffic. The Subte is the local subway in Buenos Aires, and it goes to most of the Buenos Aires attractions that you would want to see.

Don’t Miss Recoleta Cemetery

Recoleta Cemetery is one of the most popular things to see in Buenos Aires. The tombs are really incredible. Many famous figures from Argentinian history are entombed here, including Eva Peron. But don’t expect anything elaborate for the tomb of the beloved actress and First Lady. It’s tucked down a side alley and is quite simple in comparison to some of the others. When you hear the bell ring at the end of the day, don’t ignore it! Head to the nearest exit right away.

Don’t Stay in Boca After Dark

Boca is a great neighborhood in Buenos Aires, with colorful buildings and lively streets full of people. It’s a bit touristy, so you can expect to pay a bit more for your meals here. However, don’t linger after dark in Boca. There are some “less desirable” areas of Boca that you are better off skipping. For that matter, you shouldn’t really wander around anywhere at night in Buenos Aires. Get a taxi to and from your destination.

Don’t Assume it Will Be Hot

Many people think Buenos Aires is warm all the time. Our last visit was during July and August, which is winter in Argentina. I definitely could have used a winter coat on that trip as it was quite chilly in Buenos Aires. June, July and August are the coldest months for visiting Buenos Aires.

Don’t Miss Out on the Steak & Wine!

Sorry vegetarians, but the best thing to eat in Buenos Aires is the meat! You’ll be able to find salads if you want, but they eat a lot of meat in Argentina. They’re pretty famous for steak. The food in Argentina is so good that we have a separate post all about it! The wine in Argentina is also fantastic, so make sure you try a few local varieties to go with your steak. Don’t forget to tip your waiter; about 10% is customary.

What to Eat in Argentina

Don’t Skip the Ice Cream

Somehow, when ice cream came to Argentina, they found a way to improve it! The ice cream, or helado, in Argentina, is so delicious. From little mom-and-pop ice cream shops to chains like Freddo, I recommend having as much ice cream as possible when you visit Buenos Aires.

Don’t Bring Large Bills

You can use US Dollars in many places throughout Buenos Aires, but it will be really hard to spend large bills. Try to bring 5’s and 10’s and you will be glad you did. I brought mostly five-dollar bills on my last trip and they were perfect for getting around in taxis. ATMs aren’t as common as you might expect for a large city, so having some cash on hand is definitely the way to go.

Don’t Miss the Museums

With all of the free things to do and outdoor fairs and markets, you might be tempted to skip the museums, but that would be a mistake. Buenos Aires has some amazing museums. The National Museum of Fine Arts, The Museum of Latin American Art, and the Natural Science Museum are a few of our favorites. Check the hours, as some don’t open until the afternoon, but they will be open in the evening.

buenos aires attractions — That in the middle. that is the finger I was talking about.

Don’t Plan to Get Far with High School Spanish

Although they speak Spanish in Buenos Aires, many locals have their own dialect and accent, which can make it difficult to understand. The conjugations are a bit different than the Spanish you are used to, so even if you think you know a bit of Spanish, you might have trouble communicating with the locals.

Don’t Tempt Fate in Traffic

Drivers in Buenos Aires are crazy, so you have to be really careful as a pedestrian. Always look both ways before crossing, and never assume a car is going to stop, even if they have the red light. I’ve actually seen a lot of people get hit by cars trying to cross the street, so please be extra careful when walking around Buenos Aires.

Don’t Interfere with the Dog Walkers

You’ll see dog-walkers with up to a dozen dogs walking around Buenos Aires. It’s a funny sight that we’re not used to in the United States. But be aware, they do not like you to try and pet the dogs. It’s hard enough to keep them together and behaved without someone trying to come in and pet them. (On that note: don’t forget to watch where you walk; they don’t do a great job of picking up after the dogs!)

Don’t Expect Taxi Drivers to Take You

Taxi drivers in Buenos Aires have a lot of leeway in which passengers they pick up. They may not feel like driving to where you want to go, or they just might decide they don’t like the way you look. We’ve been refused taxi service several times in Buenos Aires. If you are in a hurry, you can try Uber or have your hotel call a taxi for you. Also, you don’t have to tip the taxi drivers here.

Don’t Flash Valuables

People in Buenos Aires dress very well, so it’s not the place to dress like a slob in sweatpants and t-shirts. However, the last thing you want to do is to flash expensive jewelry or accessories around. Leave the valuables at home so you don’t become a target.

Don’t Open Your Door to Strangers

This is especially for those of you in an apartment rental, as it’s not so much an issue in hotels. If you rent an apartment or stay with a family, do not open the door to anyone you don’t know. This is an easy way to get robbed.

Don’t Be Early

In Argentina, it’s pretty normal to show up 20 to 30 minutes after the agreed meeting time. Tours and transportation run on time, but generally social gatherings will have a late start. Even dinner is pretty late in Buenos Aires; expect to eat dinner around 8:00. 10:00 is normal dinner time in Buenos Aires. If you go to a nightclub, don’t go before midnight because nobody will be there; they’re still eating dinner!

Don’t let these “don’ts” keep you from visiting Buenos Aires, Argentina. It’s affordable and there are a ton of cool things to do. I went to college here for a bit and I really love it. I really hope you will decide to visit Buenos Aires because it’s worth it! Want more of our South America travel tips? Check out some of our other blog posts:

What Not to Do On Your Orlando Florida Vacation

Posted on April 18, 2020April 15, 2020 by Mark Wolters

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

Don’t Expect to Find a Beach

A lot of my European friends have mentioned this one. Florida is a state with many beaches, but Orlando is pretty much land-locked. The only water around Orlando is swampy retention ponds and lakes. The beaches closest to Orlando are at least one to two hours drive from Orlando. One of the best beaches in Florida is Clearwater Beach; it’s a two-hour drive from Orlando. If you want to visit the beach during your Orlando trip, you’ll need to set aside a full day and rent a car to get there.

Don’t Mess Around Near the Water

As I mentioned, the water around Orlando is swampy. It’s also prime alligator habitat, so don’t mess around near the water. They are not domesticated and they will eat you or your pets. There are stories every year about alligators coming out of the ponds at golf courses and parks. Don’t feed them and don’t go near the water. Don’t let your kids play near the water.

Don’ts of Visiting Florida

Don’t Assume Orlando is Just Disney

Yes, Orlando is famous because of Disney. But there are so many things to do in Orlando that aren’t Disney-related. You can easily fill a week or more just visiting the Disney and Universal theme parks, but if you need a break from theme parks, there are more options. There are water parks, nature preserves, day trips to the beach, zoos, and more.

Don’t Skip Disney

That said, if you’re coming to Orlando, you have to experience the magic of Disney at least once. Disney really is for all ages. Even if you aren’t visiting Orlando with kids, you’ll find something on the Disney properties to entertain you. Epcot has some really great international restaurants, and the Downtown Disney District is full of entertainment options, including nightclubs, shows, and restaurants.

The Don’ts of Visiting Disney World

Don’t Expect Disney-Level Service Everywhere in Orlando

Disney Magic is all about customer service and making sure everyone who sets foot on Disney property has a magical day. It’s really pretty incredible how they do this. But once you leave Disney and set out into Orlando, don’t expect that same level of service. Outside of Disney, Orlando is like any other overly-touristed town where the locals are used to churning tourists in and out of their establishments.

Don’t Stress Out While Driving

You will need a car to get around Orlando, and it can be stressful. You’ve got locals who are in a hurry and tired of tourists, and you’ve got tourists who have no idea where they are going. Always give yourself some extra time to get where you need to go as traffic jams can and do pop up throughout the day. Also, don’t text and drive!

Don’t Blow Through the Tolls

Florida has toll roads, and you do have to pay the tolls. Even if you are from out of state, or out of the country, they will find you. They will bill the rental car company, and the rental car company will pass that bill along to you, with an added “service fee” on top of the toll fees. Most rental car companies give you the option to rent a Sun Pass to pay the tolls; this is the easiest option.

disney world wolters world — Yes, even we spring for the ears when we go.

Don’t Forget About Free Transportation

There are also free transportation options in Orlando. If you are staying at a Disney hotel, you won’t need to drive to any of the Disney parks; they have free shuttles that run continuously. They aren’t necessarily fast, as they make a lot of stops, but they are convenient.

Don’t Forget to Check Your Airport Code

There are several airports in the Orlando area, and you don’t want to find out that you’re at the wrong airport when your flight is about to leave. This also means you have a few different options when buying a flight to Orlando. Don’t forget to check some of the nearby airports, as you could end up saving a lot of money.

Some of the airports around Orlando include:

MCO – Orlando International
SFB – Orlando Sanford International
MLC – Orlando Melbourne International
DAB – Daytona Beach International
TPA – Tampa International
PIE – St. Pete / Clearwater International

Don’t Forget to Search for Deals on Your Orlando Vacation

Now, you won’t find many deals or discounts for Disney World, but you can find some good deals on other attractions and accommodations in Orlando. You can save money by booking early and searcing online for options. A lot of hotels also have coupons for local attractions. Ask the front desk, or browse through the rack of brochures to find coupons and discounts.

Don’t Rule Out Staying on Disney Property

Yes, you will probably spend more on a Disney hotel than you would at an off-site hotel. But there are other factors to consider beyond the room rate. Staying at a Disney hotel is super convenient; you have free transportation to the parks, you get early entry to the parks and early Fast-Pass access. Staying at a Disney hotel makes it easy to go back to the room for a mid-day break. Rather than driving to your hotel and back to Disney again, you just hop on a shuttle. In fact, staying on Disney property may save you the expense of renting a car, as many hotel packages also include airport pickup.

what tourists should know about orlando — Remember, everyone has different dreams in Orlando.

Don’t Try to Do Everything

If you try to do everything there is to do in Orlando, you will be exhausted. Remember, this is supposed to be a vacation. You don’t want to be stressed out and rushing around the entire time. Plan a down day to enjoy your hotel pool or go relax on the beach. Prioritize what you really want to see and save the rest for your next Orlando trip.

Don’t Forget to Pack Good Walking Shoes

You will be doing a lot of walking when you visit the parks in Orlando. You can end up walking five to ten miles in a day without even realizing it! Everyone in the family needs to have good, comfortable walking shoes. Flip-flops or new shoes probably aren’t going to cut it. A blister or sore feet can really ruin the rest of your day.

Don’t Forget the Sunblock, Bug Spray, and a Rain Poncho

The sun in Orlando can be pretty intense. You’ll be outdoors the majority of the time in Orlando, and even in the winter, you can still get a pretty bad sunburn. The hot, humid weather of Florida is also very conducive to bugs; be prepared for mosquitos, especially if you are doing any swamp tours or nature hikes. You’ll also want a rain poncho as Florida tends to get a little bit of rain every day. It doesn’t last long, but you’ll be glad to have a poncho when those afternoon thunderstorms hit.

Don’t Forget to Hydrate

Along with the strong sun, you really need to make sure you stay hydrated when you are visiting Orlando. The heat and humidity can really zap the moisture right out of you; you’ll probably be sweating quite a bit, so make sure you are also drinking a lot of water. Most of the parks offer free ice water, so bring your refillable bottle!

Don’t Think Every Season is the Same

While there’s not really a “low” season in Orlando, there are better times to visit than others. The week between Christmas and New Years is the busiest time to visit Orlando. Followed by Spring Break and Summer Break as the next busiest times. Obviously, anytime school is in session, you’ll have fewer crowds to contend with in Orlando. You’re also more likely to save money on flights and accommodations during those times. October and March are our best times to visit Orlando.

Don’t Dwell on the Prices

An Orlando vacation is not cheap. Do your research and budget accordingly. If you dwell on the prices throughout your trip, it can really ruin your Orlando vacation. If you’ve planned ahead and know what to expect, you can enjoy your Orlando trip without letting the high prices stress you out.

Orlando is really an American icon and someplace that everyone should visit at least once. We’ve taken an Orlando family vacation several times, and there’s always something new to see, in addition to our old favorites. Just remember what NOT to do on a visit to Orlando! Looking for more tips on family travel in the United States? Check out these blog posts:

The Best Food in Kansas City, Missouri

Posted on April 17, 2020April 15, 2020 by Mark Wolters

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

Kansas City BBQ

Kansas City is known for its amazing BBQ. There are so many Kansas City BBQ restaurants around town, and every local has their favorite. Some of the best BBQ in Kansas City is at Arthur Bryant’s, Joe’s, Gates Bar-B-Q, and Q39. Once you choose a restaurant, you still have to choose what kind of BBQ you want. There’s burnt ends, brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and more.

KC BBQ is mostly famous for the “wet” style of BBQ, which is smothered in a sweet BBQ sauce. You can get a dry rub in Kansas City, but the sauces are what set Kansas City BBQ apart from other places, like Memphis. Each Kansas City BBQ restaurant will have its own lineup of sauces, from sweet to spicy. I recommend trying them all and a bottle of Kansas City BBQ sauce makes a great souvenir! If you go during lunch or dinner, expect to wait a while to get your BBQ because these places are popular!

What NOT to Do When You Visit Kansas City

Kansas City Strip Steak

Once you’ve had your fill of Kansas City BBQ, it’s time to try another local fave. Kansas City Strip Steak is this amazing tender cut of beef. It’s similar to a New York strip, but the KC strip still has the bone attached on one side. The marbling and the flavor is to die for. It’s not hard to see why Kansas City is still called cow town!

Pan-Fried Chicken

Sorry, vegetarians, we’re still talking meat and we’re halfway through the list! Head over to Stroud’s for their pan-fried chicken. With your chicken, the side dishes are served up family-style, so you can share with the whole table. It’s one of the best places to eat in Kansas City that isn’t BBQ!

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Visiting the Midwest

Joe's BBQ in KC — Great BBQ & you can fill up your gas tank.

Boulevard Beer

You need something to wash down all this tasty Kansas City cuisine. I recommend Boulevard Beer, which is a local beer brewed right in Kansas City. They make several excellent beers, including a great lineup of seasonal beers. They’ve got a great pale ale, unfiltered wheat and the Tank 7 has a little extra kick to it. If you have time, take a tour of the brewery. You’ll get great views of Kansas City and get to sample some delicious beer.

Kansas City Sweets

After all this savory food in KC, you’re going to want to satisfy your sweet tooth. LaMar’s Donuts and Coffee is a great local chain with yummy donuts. They have lots of varieties of donuts, but I thought the glazed donut was perfect. If you want some sweets to take home as a souvenir, check out Christopher Elbow, a local line of handcrafted artisan chocolates.

what to eat in KC — It will be a non-stop eating fest in KC.

Kansas City 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 food in KC. Besides all the yummy food I’ve already listed, Kansas City is a melting pot of international cuisines, so don’t be afraid to try Italian, Croatian, or Argentinian food in Kansas City! Looking for more tips on travel in the Midwest United States? Check out some of these other blog posts!

Argentinian Food: What to Eat in Argentina

Posted on April 16, 2020April 15, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow foodie travelers! Today, we’re in Argentina, talking about food! There are so many amazing cuisines around the world, and trying the local food is a big part of travel. But as travelers, we don’t always have the time, or the money, to try all of the local foods in a new destination. That’s why we’ve narrowed down the list for you, to tell you the best Argentina traditional food to try!

Argentinian Beef

When people think of Argentina cuisine, they tend to think of steak. There are a million different ways to eat steak in Argentina. You’ll have Asado, BBQ, lomo, lomito, and chorizo. You’ll see lots of parrillas, which are the steakhouses, and most of them have an open kitchen where you can see all the different cuts of meat being prepared. When you order your steak, you order your side dishes separately, and they are usually served family-style in portions large enough to share. Also, just a head’s up that they like their steaks well-done in Argentina, so let them know if you like your steak with a bit of pink in the middle.

What to Know Before You Visit South America

Choripan

Choripan is basically chorizo sausage, in bread, with a chimichurri sauce on top. This is one of the Argentinian foods you’ll see at fairs and festivals all over the country. It’s a staple takeaway food in Argentina.

Super Pancho

Another common street food in Argentina is the super pancho, which is really just a hot dog. If you buy a super pancho on the street, make sure you try the mustard before you put it on the hot dog. It might be different than what you are used to!

Dulce de Leche

When it comes to Argentina desserts, nothing beats dulce de leche. It looks like caramel, but it’s actually condensed milk (leche) and sugar boiled down into a syrup. Dulce de leche is often served as a topping for pancakes or your morning pastry. For a more portable dulce de leche, try alfajores, which is dulce de leche sandwiched between cookies and then dipped in chocolate.

Helado

Another of my favorite Argentina desserts is helado, also known as gelato or ice cream. Yes, ice cream is good everywhere, but somehow Argentina ice cream is even better. When I studied in Argentina, I pretty much ate steak and ice cream non-stop. There are good chains, like Freddo, but there are also lots of good mom-and-pop ice cream shops to check out. My personal favorite is banana split ice cream…it’s so good!

what to eat in argentina, eating steak — Everyone was eating steak like it was going out of style.

Italian Food in Argentina

Believe it or not, Italian food is a big part of Argentinian cuisine. You usually choose your pasta and then choose your sauce and/or toppings. I really like gnocchi in Argentina. You can get pizza in Argentina, too, but it’s a bit different than Italian or American pizza. It’s got a thicker dough base than traditional pizza.

Argentinian Wine

Argentina is also known for its wine. The area around Mendoza produces really great red wine, especially syrah and malbec wines. It’s really excellent wine, and I highly recommend spending an afternoon enjoying a bottle at a local cafe, watching the world go by. If you’re not a wine drinker, Quilmes is one of the most popular local beers in Argentina.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Buenos Aires, Argentina

Empanadas

Empanadas are a great snack to try in Argentina. If you haven’t tried them, empanadas are the Latin version of calzones. It’s a doughy pocket with meat, cheese, and sauce inside. You can get sweet empanadas, too. It’s a great food to take on the go and eat in the park.

Omelets & Quiche

More snack options in Argentina include omelets and quiche. These are usually available all day long, making them a great snack in the middle of the day.

Medialuna

One of the most common snacks in Argentina is the medialuna, which is shaped like a half-moon, hence the name. It’s a croissant, but with a very sweet glaze and a sugar coating. These are often eaten for breakfast, or for a snack during the day.

what to eat in buenos aires — The boys were a bit tired having an 11pm dinner, but they were good the next day for Helado.

When Do You Eat in Argentina?

Dinner time in Argentina is pretty late. Some restaurants don’t open until 8 pm. If you are visiting Argentina with kids, you might need to plan accordingly as you’re probably not used to eating that late. Fortunately, you can usually grab some snacks at a cafe, or pick up some street food to tide you over until dinnertime.

I studied in Argentina and have always loved the food. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also very affordable, so you can eat really well in Argentina, without spending a fortune. I hope you get the chance to visit Argentina and try some of the amazing Argentinian cuisines! Looking for more tips on South America travel? Check out some of these other blog posts!

Moroccan Food: What to eat on your vacation in Morocco

Posted on April 15, 2020April 15, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re in Morocco, talking about food! When we visited Morocco, we had the opportunity to take a cooking class at Faim d’Epices. Thanks to our chef, Ilham, we learned so much about Moroccan cuisine. Because trying local cuisine is one of the best parts of travel, we wanted to share with you the best Moroccan food to eat when you visit Morocco.

Couscous

The most popular Moroccan food in Morocco and in Moroccan dishes around the world is couscous. Couscous is similar to rice or pasta in that is is a starchy base for your Moroccan meals. It is made of tiny balls of wheat that are steamed or boiled. On top of the couscous, you add seven vegetables and meat, which can be chicken, beef, lamb, or whatever you have on hand. This is NOT the instant couscous you might buy in your local American or European grocery store! A Moroccan couscous dish cooks for about three hours. Because of this, couscous is prepared in larger batches once a week.

Tajine

Tajine is a style of cooking that is done in a terra cotta pot. The name tells you how it’s prepared, but not necessarily what is in the dish. Think of it like “BBQ” or “casserole.” A tajine usually contains some kind of meat and vegetable, although you can also get vegetarian tajine.

Tajine is served with bread, which is used to eat the stew without using spoons or forks. It is similar to a stew and is usually served mid-day for lunch.

The Don’ts of Visiting Morocco

Seafood

If you are in Morocco near the coast, make sure you take advantage of the fresh seafood that is available. In many restaurants near the sea, you can buy your seafood directly from the market and have the restaurant prepare it for you. Sardines are a particularly popular fish to eat in Morocco. And yes, you can even have seafood tajine!

Harira

Another common Moroccan food you might see is Harira. This is a tomato-based soup that is thickened with chickpeas and/or lentils. Beef or lamb is also usually added to harira for extra heartiness.

food in morocco — Moroccan food is just so good.

Moroccan Desserts

Moroccan desserts are usually fruit-based, using dates, figs, or oranges. Moroccans don’t typically make cakes or cookies, but crepes with jam are a popular dessert. Many Moroccan desserts are just a sweet take on traditional Moroccan food, like couscous. Many times, fruit is served at the end of a meal for a simple, sweet ending.

Moroccan Beverages

One of Jocelyn’s favorite things to drink in Morocco is mint tea. Mint tea is served throughout the day in Morocco, and is also used as a “welcome drink.” It’s a social drink, similar to having a glass of wine with friends in the States. Although Morocco is a Muslim country and alcohol is not widespread, you will find some Moroccan wines and beers in some areas. Since fruit is so prevalent in Morocco, fruit juice, especially orange juice, is also a popular drink in Morocco.

Moroccan Flavors

Some common Moroccan flavors you’ll find include cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and orange blossom. Pears, prunes and other fruits are also used frequently in both sweet and savory varieties of Moroccan cuisine.

moroccan cooking class — Making our Tajines outside of Marrakech

When Do You Eat in Morocco?

You may wonder when to eat when you visit Morocco. Breakfast is typically very early; in the countryside, they eat breakfast at around 5 am. In the city, breakfast is served around 7:30 or 8:00 in the morning. In the afternoon, there is usually tea time with light food such as bread, jam, and tea. Lunch is the main meal of the day and is often a tajine with bread and salad. Dinner in Morocco is served after the last prayer, which is at 8:00, and tends to be a lighter meal.

Want to make Moroccan food at home? Follow Faim D’Epices on YouTube!

Morocco is a great place to visit, with a unique cuisine to experience. Taking a cooking class in Marrakesh is definitely a cool way to learn about local cuisine and sample a ton of great food! As they say in Morocco, Besseha! (Bon Appetit!)

Looking for more tips on what to eat while traveling? Check out some of these other blog posts!

Day 32 of Family Quarantine

Posted on April 13, 2020April 13, 2020 by Jocelyn Wolters

Captain’s Log 13 April 2020

To see the previous post, click here.

I’ve had it. I am sick of this steaming pile of horse crap. 32 days of being in my house with my three wonderful men has me at the end of my rope. I know in my last post I was explaining all the wonderful coping mechanisms for being in isolation. Well guess what, those work really great when most of the time you are by yourself and there aren’t people (I swear, intentionally) irritating you.

My workload has doubled, no tripled. And most of it is not even work I like. It is work Mark likes. Don’t get me wrong, I love writing and I take great joy in our Live streams but I don’t love being tied to a computer. As a matter of fact, I may be the only Gen X/Xennial that hates technology.

I like working with people. I thrive on having conversations, figuring out solutions to problems. I like being creative in finding those solutions. I am finding fulfillment in one part of my work right now. We are building a new initiative called Pause for the World. It is cool, small businesses, schools, churches, and other organizations who are struggling financially can share a referral link and for each Pause for the World t-shirt that is sold they get $10 straightaway. This is the one bit of work that is satisfying to me right now and I am grateful for it.

This one can make me laugh like no one else.

I have mentioned this before but, if one more person leaves a glass, plate, bowl, fork, knife, or spoon on the counter I might make them eat it. If it’s dirty put it in the dishwasher. If the dishwasher is full run it. If the dishes in the dishwasher are clean put them away and then put your used china and silverware in it. If you drop something pick it up. There are no flipping, magic elves that do those things you neglect, there is only me. If you wake up, brush your teeth. If you smell (or I tell you, you smell) take a bath. I could go on ad nauseum or at least until the cows come home. Actually, cows can come trade places with the boys in my house, they’d be cleaner.

Truly, we have more days laughing than not. I just need to remember that on the bad days.

When you see me working, join in. If I am typing, be quiet or interrupt with an, ‘excuse me, mama’. Stop washing all the laundry you can find and then leaving it in the washer. Stop putting things in the dryer and leaving them there too. And if by some miracle, you actually remove things from the dryer Fold Them. We currently have a pile of clean clothes the size of a baby elephant on the laundry room floor. Oh, and our laundry room is about the size of a closet so, I literally cannot open the door fully, nor shut it.

Grace. I am doing my absolute best to give a good measure to each of the people in my home. I do not feel two of them are giving me one ounce of grace. The biggest one, he is giving me grace but, it’s not enough to make up for the smaller people.

The worst of all of this is that it is Holy Week for us. As Greek Orthodox our Pascha (Easter) is a week after Western Easter this year. Usually, this makes me happy because I get to celebrate twice. I love Pascha/Easter more than any other holiday both liturgically and secularly. It is just a beautiful, fulfilling time of year for me. But somehow, with kids who are doing absolutely nothing or whining to high heaven when made to do anything it is less than fulfilling this year. Mark loves Christmas. He loves it so much that I let him keep one tree up until Mother’s Day. But my favorite holiday…I get eye rolling and fussing.

Seriously, as I am writing this, I asked one child to brush his teeth and put the puzzle pieces away that have been untouched on the coffee table for 4 days and he forgot (actually forgot) what the second thing was. When Mark told him to put the puzzle away he came to my room in tears, real live tears, because it was going to be too hard and take a long time. It’s like 40 pieces, you open the box, swipe them in and close the box. 25 seconds, max, if you drop one.

I am tired of cajoling my children into everything. Why can’t they just do what I ask without question, just once a day? I could live with perfect obedience if only just once a day. I swear I am losing my voice some days. Today one of my children came into the kitchen with a whole bunch of marker tattoos all over his face, neck, chest, and arms. Every one of them was spelled backward as he had done them in a mirror. At least I got in one good belly laugh today.

This is usually the time of year when I go on a girl’s trip to anywhere just to be surrounded by women who understand what motherhood is like. On days like this when I have had it with being surrounded by boys I bust out the Delta app and find a cheap flight to somewhere, call my best friends and see who can go with me. Now, I can’t even call my friends and see who can go to lunch.

I am yearning for some time laughing with other women.

I am trying to remember why we are doing this but, I am losing sight. I am sure tomorrow I will remember and be in a better frame of mind. Oh wait, maybe not because Mark is doing a marathon tomorrow. Not a real marathon. He is teaching his entire Principles of Marketing course online tomorrow starting at 8am to raise funds for his university’s Student Emergency Fund. I am so glad he is doing this, there are a lot of students who really need help right now. But tomorrow, trying to get the boys to do their schoolwork and keep the volume to a low roar, keep the dog from barking at every human he sees, get my own work done and do all of it without being able to talk to him—well, that is going to be a challenge.

After writing this and adding a whole bunch of pictures of who we usually are has made me feel so much better. I love these stinky, messy, obnoxious men more than words.

Until next time,

Jocelyn

What Not to Do When You Visit Morocco

Posted on April 13, 2020April 11, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit Morocco. We had a great time visiting Morocco with our kids! While many travel blogs will tell you the best things to do in Morocco, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do when you visit Morocco.

Don’t Expect to Enter Any Mosques (Unless You’re Muslim)

Oftentimes, travel involves visiting historic churches and cathedrals around the world. And there are some beautiful mosques in Morocco, however, unless you are Muslim, you cannot enter the mosques. There is one exception: the Hassan II in Casablanca is open for tours and is one of the top Morocco attractions that we recommend.

Don’t Expect Everything to Be Open on Fridays

Fridays are the holy day in Morocco, so many places are closed on Friday. In larger cities, this won’t be as much of an issue, but in smaller towns, you’ll find things closed or shops may have shorter business hours.

Don’t Ignore the Call to Prayer

When you hear the call to prayer, be respectful of the locals. If you are bargaining for something, hold off until the prayer is over. The prayer time only lasts three to five minutes, so it’s a good time for you to take a quiet minute as well.

Don’t Expect to Get Through Customs Quickly

When you land in Morocco, customs can take a long time to clear. It’s a long process, but if you have kids, you may be able to get to the front of the line. Just plan for some extra time. If you get through quickly, you may end up waiting for your ride at the other end anyway, as they usually account for long customs delays.

How to Breeze Through International Arrivals

Don’t Plan to Check-In Online

When it’s time to fly home, don’t assume you can check-in online. You will probably have to check-in at the airport counter before your flight.

Don’t Bring Drones

You are not allowed to fly drones in Morocco, so don’t bother bringing them on your Morocco vacation. If you do have a drone, it’s possible that it will get confiscated at the border when you arrive, so it’s best to just leave it at home.

Don’t Ever Stop Haggling

Haggling is a huge part of the shopping experience in Morocco. It’s not a scam, it’s just how things work here. Yes, it gets a bit old after a while to continue haggling, but it’s just the culture. A general rule of thumb is to pay between 25-50% less than the original price you are quoted. Don’t forget to bargain with your taxi driver, too! Make sure you do this and agree on a price before you get in the car.

Don’t Try to Bargain Everywhere

Bargaining happens mostly in the souks, so it’s not universal that you will be haggling over prices everywhere in Morocco. When you are shopping at retailers like Zara or major grocery stores, you do not bargain on the prices. If you aren’t sure whether to bargain or not, just listen to those around you. You’ll quickly get the hang of it!

traveling with kids in morocco — Make sure you have money to tip for photo opportunities.

Don’t Rely Solely On Credit Cards

You will need some cash when you visit Morocco. Not every place takes credit cards, and even those that do may not have a working machine when you are there. It’s always good to have some cash as a backup. When you do get cash, make sure you have small bills that you can use for small purchases and tips. Very few vendors (and taxi drivers) will have change, so large bills are not very useful unless you are making large purchases.

Don’t Drink the Tap Water in Morocco

The tap water in Morocco is not safe to drink, so bring along a filtered water bottle, or plan to drink bottled water. You can brush your teeth with tap water, but it’s not recommended that you drink it.

Don’t Forget to Carry Some Toilet Paper

Not all public restrooms will have toilet paper readily available, so it’s always good to carry a little bit of your own. And don’t be surprised if you encounter a squat toilet or two in Morocco!

Don’t Let Your Guard Down Around Traffic

Traffic in Morocco is crazy, and you have to be really careful, whether you’re riding around in a taxi or just walking the streets as a pedestrian. Even in the medinas where there aren’t as many vehicles, you have to watch out for random donkeys and carts. It’s just a very busy place and you need to adhere to basic travel safety measures.

Don’t Get Pickpocketed!

When you visit the medina, be prepared for pickpockets and use your travel smarts to stay aware of your surroundings. It’s easy to get swept up in your surroundings, but we have lots of tips on keeping your valuables safe!

The Most Common Techniques Used by Pickpockets

Don’t Freak Out When You Get Lost

Notice we don’t say “if” you get lost, but “when.” You will get lost wandering the alleys of the medinas. Always have a map and GPS with you, and you’ll eventually find your way out. The shopkeepers are usually pretty helpful. Even if you aren’t buying anything, they will likely give you directions to find your way back.

Don’t Pet the Stray Cats

You’ll see TONS of stray cats in Morocco. Yes, they’re cute, but don’t pet them. I know it is super tempting… and they will come right up to you, but best to leave the cats alone.

Morocco vacation information — Morocco was a great experience.

Don’t Trust Everyone

For the most part, we meet friendly locals when traveling, but that’s not always the case. Someone may appear to be super helpful, but they may really be looking out for themselves. Don’t let your guard down if your spidey senses are telling you something might be off. That said, don’t assume everyone is out to rip you off.

Don’t Just Hop in a Taxi

Don’t think all taxis in Morocco are the same. For example, in Casablanca, there are little red taxis that are shared taxis, so someone else might hop in with you. When you hear about a “grand” taxi, it just means larger, it’s nothing fancy.

Don’t Plan on Buying Train Tickets Online

Unless you have a Moroccan credit card, you won’t be able to buy your train tickets online. You’ll need to go to the train station a few days before your departure and buy your tickets then.

Don’t Forget to Tip!

Yes, tipping is customary in Morocco. Tipping is part of the culture, so this is why we recommend having small bills and coins readily available. If someone helps you with your bags, you should tip them. If you have a local guide or a tour guide, plan to tip them as well. This also applies if you plan to have your picture taken with someone or someone’s animal. The snake charmers and monkey handlers will expect a tip in exchange for your photo opportunity.

Don’t Take Photos of People Without Asking

If you’re going to take photos of locals, make sure you ask ahead of time. If they say no, respect that and move on. This also applies to photographing children. If the parents are ok with it, they may ask for a tip, or you can offer one.

Don’t Use Your Left Hand

Most important occasions call for the use of your right hand, not your left hand. This goes for hand-shaking and eating. The left hand is reserved for the toilet and other cleaning duties and should not be used for hand-shaking or communal dining.

Don’t Wear Your Shoes in Someone’s Home

If you are invited into someone’s home, make sure you remove your shoes before entering. This also applies to the mosque. Some homes may have slippers you can wear, but all outdoor shoes should remain outdoors.

Don’t Miss Out on Tajine

You’ll see tajine used a lot with respect to food, but it’s not a single dish. It’s actually the vessel that the food is cooked in, so you can have many different varieties of “tajine” in Morocco. We had excellent tajine with beef, rabbit, chicken, and more. Think of “tajine” like the word casserole; it’s cooked in that type of dish but has no bearing on what is actually in the dish.

Don’t Worry About Finding Good Vegetarian Food in Morocco

Although we enjoyed some great meat dishes in Morocco, there is also a lot of great vegetarian cuisine in Morocco. You can even get a vegetarian tagine, and they are excellent.

Don’t Try to Rush Dinner

When you go out to eat in Morocco, don’t be in a hurry. Service in Morocco is on the slower side, so dinner can be a long, drawn-out affair. If you visit Morocco with kids, plan to go to a restaurant a bit early, before they start to get hungry, or you might have some hangry kids on your hands before the food eventually arrives.

Don’t Worry About Your Budget

Morocco is a very affordable travel destination, so you don’t have to worry about going over your travel budget. You may have to spend a bit to get to Morocco, but once you arrive, hotels, food, and tours are very reasonably priced.

Don’t Expect Easy Access to the Sahara Desert

You probably expect to see the Sahara Desert when you visit Northern Africa. But it’s actually 8-10 hours drive from Marrakech. So, make sure you do your research if the Sahara Desert is on your travel wish-list. Don’t plan on seeing the Sahara on a day trip; you’ll probably need to sign up for one of the overnight Morocco tours. If you sign up for a “Morocco desert tour,” there’s a good chance it’s not going all the way to the Sahara Desert.

Don’t Try to See All of Morocco in One Visit

Morocco is a huge, diverse country and it would be a great disservice to try and see it all in one visit. There are four distinct regions of Morocco: mountains, plains, desert, and the coast. I recommend choosing one, or two at the most, of these regions and explore them in more depth. If you try to see more during your Morocco trip, you’ll feel rushed and you won’t come away with a good sense of the local culture.

Don’t Expect Solo Female Travelers to Be Treated Equally

There are some parts of Morocco where solo female travelers are not treated as well as families or couples who are traveling. The social norms here are different, and most women we’ve spoken with recommend dressing a bit more conservatively to avoid drawing unwanted attention. Jocelyn even noticed a difference when bargaining; she felt like she had less bargaining influence than Mark did when shopping.

Morocco is an amazing country, and we really enjoyed our time there as a family. Don’t let any of these don’ts keep you from visiting Morocco because it’s truly a wonderful, enchanting place. Just remember what NOT to do on a visit to Morocco! Looking for more tips on family travel around the world? Check out these blog posts!

Five Things You’ll Love and Hate When You Visit Bruges Belgium

Posted on April 12, 2020April 11, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about Bruges, Belgium! It’s a beautiful city, one of my favorites in this part of Europe! As much as I enjoy visiting Bruges, there are also some things that I don’t love about the capital of West Flanders. So, today, I’m sharing the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate, about Bruges, Belgium!

Love #1: Roaming Bruges

One of my favorite things to do in Bruges is just wandering the streets. Bruges has amazing architecture, from churches and the Town Hall. The Market Square is stunning and at the center of everything in Bruges. It’s such a photogenic city, you’ll love just roaming the streets, taking it all in. Taking a Bruges canal tour is another great way to see Bruges.

Hate #1: Bruges Tourism

Bruges gets more popular every year, and there are a lot of tourists. You’ll see a lot of school groups from within Flanders, and a lot of weekend tourists from all over Europe. If you visit Bruges in the summer, it can feel crowded, and you’ll have the usual issues that come with a lot of tourists. Prices are inflated, and service is not that great. Spring and fall are great times to visit Bruges, as there are fewer crowds, but the weather is still good.

Love #2: Religious Experiences in Bruges

There are some cool religious experiences in Bruges. You can visit the Holy Blood Church where you can see the blood of Christ. At the Church of Our Lady, there’s a Michelangelo sculpture of Madonna and Child, known as Madonna of Bruges.

Hate #2: Bruges Traffic

Bruges is pretty small; you won’t need a car to get around. But as a pedestrian, you’ll notice the traffic is a bit hectic. Between bicycles, tour buses, horse-drawn carriages, and delivery trucks, you have to be pretty careful when crossing the street in Bruges.

Love #3: Day Trips from Bruges

One of the best day trips from Bruges is to visit the World War I battlefields of Flanders. There’s a lot of attention given to WWII sites in Europe, but less is known about WWI. Flanders Fields are less than 80 kilometers from Bruges, so it makes for a great day trip, especially for history buffs.

You can also travel all over Belgium and back in one day. Antwerp is just under two hours by train, Ghent is just 45 minutes, and Brussels is 90 minutes. This makes Bruges a great home base for your Belgium trip.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About European Train Travel

Hate #3: Prices in Bruges

Along with tourism, prices in Bruges are also increasing. If you want lunch with a nice view, you’re going to pay extra for those restaurants. In general, you’ll pay a bit more for things in Bruges than you might pay in smaller towns nearby. This is just the effect of Bruges tourism.

brugge tourism — yeah, you will have that face if you walk to the top of the bell tower too.

Love #4: Bruges Tourist Sights

There are lots of great things to do in Bruges. Of course, there’s a chocolate museum and a French Fry museum. The Groeninge Museum has a great collection of classical Flemish art. Bruges was a wealthy city for many years, and you can tell by the architecture and infrastructure.

Hate #4: Service in Bruges

Service is pretty lackluster anywhere you go in Belgium, so this isn’t exclusive to Bruges, but it’s something you’ll notice. The servers are professional and knowledgable, but they’re not particularly friendly or helpful. You just have to be a little more proactive with your needs and requests.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Belgium

Love #5: Bruges Atmosphere

Besides roaming the streets, my other favorite thing to do in Bruges is to grab a table on Market Square and enjoy a fresh plate of mussels, fries and a nice Belgian beer. There are other squares in Bruges, and they all have a great atmosphere.

Hate #5: Bruges Hotels

Bruges hotels can be expensive and they book up quickly in the high season. The best place to stay in Bruges is near the Old Town, and it’s quite small, so there aren’t a ton of guest rooms. We prefer to stay in Bruges, so we can enjoy it after the day-trippers go home. However, if you want to save money, you can stay in a nearby village and come into Bruges for the day.

bruges attractions — I woudl so eat those fries…

I’ve been to Bruges so many times and I keep coming back because it’s just such a great city. The “loves” I have for Bruges far outweigh the “hates” so I encourage everyone to visit Bruges at least once in their lifetime. Want more of our Belgium travel tips? Check out some of these other blog posts:

The Best Stops on Route 66

Posted on April 11, 2020April 11, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about the “Mother Road:” Route 66. One of the most famous road trips in the United States, Route 66 crosses eight states. Running over 2,400 miles from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, there are some really things to see on Route 66.

Chicago, Illinois

Our list of Route 66 stops kicks off in Chicago, Illinois. Chicago is the birthplace of the skyscraper and is known for amazing architecture. Our favorite thing to do in Chicago is to take an architectural boat tour through the city. It’s a great way to learn about the history of the city and how the various architectural styles grew up in Chicago. There are also some really great museums in Chicago, like the Art Institute and the Field Museum. Sports fans also love Chicago for the chance to visit Wrigley Field, one of the oldest baseball stadiums in the United States. And don’t forget to try Chicago-style pizza while you’re here!

The Don’ts of Chicago

Springfield, Illinois

Springfield is the capital of Illinois and the home of Abraham Lincoln. It’s a great city for history, especially for history buffs. The Lincoln Presidential Museum has the largest collection of Abraham Lincoln memorabilia. The museum really helps you see what it was like to be the President during the Civil War. In Springfield, you can also see the State Capitol, Lincoln’s law offices, and you can even visit Lincoln’s tomb. When it’s time for lunch, Springfield is the birthplace of the corn dog.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About the Midwest USA

St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis is known as the gateway to the West, which is why the Gateway Arch was built here. You can take an elevator to the top of the Gateway Arch and get a beautiful view of the St. Louis area and the Mississippi River. St. Louis has a great art museum and the zoo is actually really great. If you like baseball, you can catch the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. St. Louis is also the home of Budweiser beer; you can take a tour of the Budweiser brewery and see the famous Clydesdale horses. St. Louis has a lot of great Route 66 landmarks.

Get your kicks on Route 66

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

OKC has a great entertainment district with a lot of restaurants and bars. There are also some great museums; one of my favorites is the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. The National Museum of Western Art is fantastic, as are the Botanical Gardens and the Oklahoma City Zoo. OKC also has some fun Route 66 attractions that were built during the heyday of the highway.

Amarillo, Texas

Route 66 just barely cuts through Texas, but Amarillo is a great place to stop. One of the best things to see in Amarillo is Palo Duro Canyon State Park. It’s a great place to get out and stretch your legs on a hike. The most famous stop in Amarillo is Cadillac Ranch, where dozens of Cadillac cars have been buried in the ground. You can also visit the Big Texan and try your hand at finishing the 72oz steak. The RV museum is also a fun way to see how people have been traveling along Route 66 for decades.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Once you’re in New Mexico, we suggest detouring around Albuquerque and visiting Santa Fe instead. Santa Fe has a really fun artsy vibe and some really interesting museums. The artist Georgia O’Keeffe spent much of her career, and you can see her art throughout town. The Canyon Road art district is full of local artisans and is a great place to shop for souvenirs. The St. Francis Cathedral is also really neat.

Route 66 tourism — You will see a lot of fun stuff along the way.

Flagstaff, Arizona

Another of our favorite Route 66 stops is the Arizona town of Flagstaff. Flagstaff is a great home base for visiting some of the sights around Northern Arizona. Of course, the Grand Canyon is something you have to see at least once. Flagstaff is part college town and part mountain town, which gives it a pretty fun vibe. There are some great restaurants, a huge brewery scene, and some really good museums as well. The Lowell Observatory is really interesting; Pluto was discovered here. Besides the Grand Canyon, we also recommend visiting Meteor Crater and Sedona. Both are really worth the day trip from Flagstaff.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About the Southwest

Williams, Arizona

Another Arizona stop along Route 66 is in Williams. This is really the gateway to the Grand Canyon. The entire town is pretty much dedicated to Route 66 nostalgia, so you’ll find diners and souvenir shops galore. From Williams, you can ride the Grand Canyon Railway up to the Grand Canyon. This is a really fun way to visit the Grand Canyon without driving yourself.

Small Town America

Ok, this isn’t necessarily one stop along Route 66. But the real joy of driving the Mother Road is visiting all of the little towns along the way. Many of these towns were “left behind” when the big interstate routes were built, so they still retain some of that old Americana charm. Seeing the small towns of America is what’s really special about taking the “back roads” instead of the major interstates. Sure, it might take a little longer, but you get to eat a mom and pop diners instead of fast-food chains.

Los Angeles and Santa Monica, California

At the end of the road, we come to Los Angeles and Santa Monica on the Pacific Ocean. Of course, LA is known as the home of Hollywood, where movies are made and it’s the place that movie stars call home. There are a ton of fun tourist attractions in Los Angeles. LA also has some amazing museums. But the true end of the road is in Santa Monica, home of the Santa Monica pier.

route 66 america highway — Meteor Crater in Arizona.

Driving Route 66 is a quintessential American experience. Much of the original route has been replaced by interstates, so you’ll find yourself on major highways sometimes, and other times you’ll have to leave the highway to try and find what’s left of Route 66. If you want more tips on travel in the United States, check out some of our other blog posts:

The Best Cities to Visit in America

Posted on April 10, 2020April 7, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about my list of must-visit cities in the USA. Now, I’m not talking about the best destinations or the top destinations, because then you’d see places like Disney or the Grand Canyon. These must-visit cities in US offer a well-rounded vacation destination, with culture, cuisine and history.

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is the home of the skyscraper. Chicago has a rich history of wealth and development, so there are some really great museums to check out. The Art Institute, the Field Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Shedd Aquarium are the top museums in Chicago. The architecture in Chicago is fantastic; it really is the birthplace of the skyscraper and the former training grounds for Frank Lloyd Wright.

Sports fans will also love Chicago. Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs baseball team, is one of the oldest baseball stadiums in the country. Chicago also has another MLB team, the Chicago White Sox, the Chicago Bulls basketball team and the Chicago Blackhawks NHL team.

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Chicago

New York, New York

This list would not be complete without mentioning the Big Apple. New York is quite possibly the coolest city in America. New York such an international city and a cultural melting pot, so you won’t get as much as the “Americana” feel, but it’s a city everyone should experience at least once. There are so many great neighborhoods in New York: from Chinatown to Little Italy, and all of the outer boroughs that are often overlooked by tourists.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the Met, is probably one of the top three art museums in the world. The food and culture in New York are amazing, and you can get pretty much any cuisine you want, anytime you want. There are so many iconic experiences in New York: from Broadway Plays to the Statue of Liberty to a stroll in Central Park.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About New York

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is another of my favorite cities in the United States. It’s one of the birthplaces of the country, and there is so much history to explore in Boston. The Freedom Trail is a great place to start your Boston vacation; this 4-kilometer walk takes you around the city to various points of interest. Once you’ve explored the city, you can head out to the harbor islands and check out the seaside a bit. If you are interested in history, you’ll love visiting Boston. It has some of the oldest buildings and business in the country, including the Union Oyster House, the oldest continuously-running restaurant in the country. Bell In Hand is the country’s oldest continuously-operating tavern, and the Omni Parker House is the longest continuously operating hotel in the United States.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Boston

best destination in america — When in the Big Apple.

Washington DC

You can’t come to the United States without visiting the capital city. There are so many cool government monuments in DC, including the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. The museums in Washington DC are first-class. The Smithsonian Institution comprises 17 museums and galleries, including the National Zoo, the National Portrait Gallery, the American Indian Museum and the Museum of American History.

Georgetown is a great neighborhood for eating and drinking in Washington DC. I would argue that Washington DC has the best public transportation system in the United States. It’s so easy to use, it will take you anywhere, and it’s very clean.

Five Things You Have to Eat in Washington DC

Charleston, South Carolina

Now, Charleston is smaller than the other cities on this list, but I think it really represents the South, which is a unique culture to experience. Charleston is one of the best southern cities to visit. You can go to the Battery and see historic homes and streets lined with ancient oak trees. They also have a really great aquarium in Charleston; our kids love it. Of course, you can also get your fill of delicious Southern food here in Charleston!

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About the South

Miami, Florida

If you want to know where all the beautiful people are, head to Miami. Specifically, South Beach. It’s not great for the ego, but Miami is an amazing city with fierce Latin vibes. The beaches are fantastic, there’s a great Art Deco district, and Little Havana is the hub of Cuban culture in Miami. Miami nightlife is pretty legendary and as an international melting pot, you can get some amazing food in Miami, too.

What NOT to Do When You Visit Florida

New Orleans, Louisiana

Another unique American city is New Orleans. The French Quarter is the main destination for tourists visiting New Orleans. Whether you visit for Mardi Gras or any other time of year, Bourbon Street and the French Quarter is where to find New Orleans nightlife. New Orleans does have a distinctly European feel, and even the food and local dialect have a lot in common with the French. New Orleans also has a lot of history and cool architecture, but its reputation as a party town is well-deserved.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About New Orleans

San Antonio, Texas

Texas has some really great cities. Austin, Dallas, and Houston are all cool places to go in Texas. But our favorite is San Antonio. Between the Alamo and the Riverwalk and the Icehouses where you can get a cold beer, San Antonio is just a great city to visit. San Antonio also has some of the best Tex-Mex food in the States, so you’ll eat really well in San Antonio. Add to all of this the friendly locals, and I think San Antonio is well worth your time.

Five Tips for Visiting San Antonio, Texas

San Francisco, California

San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the USA. Starting with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, to the most famous prison in the world, Alcatraz. Fisherman’s Wharf is the tourist hub of the city, but still worth visiting, especially if you’re in San Francisco with kids. San Francisco has one of the best Chinatown districts, with amazing food. Of course, you can’t miss out on Haight Ashbury and a ride on the famous cable cars. San Francisco is totally unlike any other city in the US, so you really should see it for yourself.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About California

Los Angeles, California

For being in the same state, Los Angeles and San Francisco are totally different, which is why they are both on this list. Now, it’s not necessarily one of our favorite places to go, but you can’t argue the icon status of Los Angeles. There are so many cool things to see in Los Angeles, and you will sometimes feel like you are in a movie because some locations have been featured so many times. A lot of LA tours and attractions can be on the cheesy side, but if you love movies and TV, you’ll love LA! If you want beaches and an urban environment, Los Angeles has both. From a scenery perspective, the Los Angeles area is one of the most beautiful cities in the USA.

I think these are great cities where you can really go and get a good sense of American culture. They are not listed in any kind of order because I love them all. Each of them gives you a unique perspective on American culture and cuisine. Don’t try to see all of these in one trip! Make sure you pick a region and start exploring at your own pace. If you want more tips on travel in the United States, check out some of our other blog posts: