Wolters World – Page 31 – Honest Travel Advice

Best Southern Cities to Visit

Posted on April 9, 2020April 7, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about my list of the best southern cities to visit in the United States. We’ll leave out Texas and Florida because those states have enough cool destinations to fill a whole blog post. So, these are some of our favorite destinations in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia is an amazing city full of parks, squares, and historic homes. Savannah is home to one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the US, with over a million spectators. The liquor laws are pretty relaxed, so you can enjoy a cocktail as you stroll around town enjoying historic downtown Savannah. With old trees dripping with Spanish moss, you really feel like you’re in the Deep South when you visit Savannah, Georgia. Savannah is definitely one of the best places to visit in the South.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is just two hours from Savannah and is another fantastic Southern city full of history and charm. The historic district is lined with cobblestone streets and charming historic buildings. The Antebellum homes are beautiful, and you can even tour some of them to get a feel for what Charleston was like in the 19th century. 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

New Orleans, Louisiana

Another one of the best cities in the South to visit 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 is more than just a party city, though; New Orleans has a distinctly European feel. Even the food and local dialect have a lot in common with the French. You can take a riverboat tour or visit the Voodoo Museum, and make sure you don’t miss the famous New Orleans cemeteries with the above-ground tombs.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About New Orleans

Natchez, Mississippi

Natchez, Mississippi is a historic southern town that sits on the Mississippi River. Natchez is best known for having several Antebellum mansions overlooking the river. Natchez is the oldest city along the Mississippi River and years of preservation efforts have earned the town the designation of a Preserve America Community. When you visit Natchez, you can tour some of the historic homes, drive the Natchez Trace Parkway, or visit the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, which features three ceremonial mounds and a reconstructed Natchez house.

sights in the south — We’ve been going down south for some time.

Helen, Georgia

For a taste of Bavaria in the South, check out Helen, Georgia. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen features half-timbered houses just like those you’d expect to see in Germany. Not only does the town have lots of fun shops and restaurants, but the location is also perfect for outdoor adventures. You can go river tubing, zip-lining, hiking, and swimming in the nearby Chattahoochee National Forest.

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is the heart and soul of country music. Even if you don’t love country music, you will love Nashville. There’s live music pouring out of nearly every bar in downtown Nashville. Outside of the legendary nightlife, Nashville is quite a booming metropolis. They’ve got some great museums, a nice riverwalk and of course, the Grand Old Opry. For my fellow ‘70s and ‘80s kids, there’s also an entire museum about the Dukes of Hazzard.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

Heading back to the coast, the Outer Banks of North Carolina are a great family destination in the south. These barrier islands sit off the coast of North Carolina, with fun little beach towns up and down the whole area. The Outer Banks is really a beach destination; it’s a great place to take the kids on summer break and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the beach towns. Besides the beaches, there are also some cool lighthouses to check out when you visit the Outer Banks.

visit the deep south — The South is a lot more than you expect.

Memphis, Tennessee

If Nashville is the home to country music, Memphis is home to the blues and rock and roll. Music is everywhere in Memphis, and Beale Street is the main destination for live music in Memphis. If you’re an Elvis fan, you’ve probably already been to Memphis, where you can tour Graceland, his home in Memphis. Memphis has great museums, including the Civil Rights Museum. Memphis is also famous for BBQ, and they have some of the best restaurants for BBQ ribs and good Southern food.

The Great Smoky Mountains

Over on the Tennessee and North Carolina border, you have the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Smoky Mountains and the town of Asheville, North Carolina. The mountains in this region are unbelievable. There several scenic drives you can take for breathtaking views of the area, Asheville is a funky little Southern town, with the Biltmore Estate, and the downtown area with its distinct hippy vibe.

Atlanta, Georgia

For a more urban destination in the south, check out Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta has a lot of great attractions, including the aquarium and several great museums. If you want to experience Southern culture in the context of a big city, Atlanta is really fun to visit. I just don’t recommend driving in Atlanta; their traffic is legendary.

The Don’ts of Visiting Atlanta

Gulf Shores, Alabama

If you’re looking for a more relaxed vacation on the beach, check out Gulf Shores, Alabama. It’s a great family destination with nice beaches where you can kick back and relax. Other great beach destinations in the South include Hilton Head Island, Myrtle Beach, and dozens of others.

Fun times in Savannah.

I think these are great southern cities where you can really go and get a good sense of Southern culture. They are not listed in any kind of order because I love them all. It’s hard to narrow down the list; we also love Hot Springs Arkansas, Oxford Mississippi are a few more worth your time. Don’t try to see all of these in one trip! Make sure you pick a spot 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:

Day 26 of Family Quarantine

Posted on April 8, 2020April 9, 2020 by Jocelyn Wolters

Captain’s Log 8 April 2020

To see the previous post, click here.

Today’s post is driven by a Facebook memory that popped up in my feed this morning. That memory was; I WALKED TO THE PARK! I cannot convey my happiness at being out on this beautiful spring evening escorted by my boys. <3

You see, I had been on strict bedrest for four months and this was my first walk outside our apartment in that time. Oh, I had been out of the apartment but only to lie in the back seat of a taxi (yes, I had to lie down) to go to doctor’s appointments. And then there was that excursion to the hospital where I landed myself for a full month. Obviously, I had a rough pregnancy. On top of being bedridden, we were living in Portugal and home was 5k miles away, Mark was teaching and finishing his PhD, Caleb was in creche all day (similar to preschool), and my two close girlfriends in Lisbon had both moved away, one to Madeira and the other to England, so I was lonely often. My sole job was to keep baby Liam in and baking until he could survive in the outside world.

I learned a lot about how to cope with being isolated and cut off from my loved ones. I found ways of combating the blues that set in often. I learned to acknowledge the stress and then kick its tail. I learned a whole lot that prepared me (and consequently) my family for life in Quarantine. So much of what we are doing to handle this time, to keep our sanity and our positive outlook stems from my time on bedrest. I thought I would share some of those mechanisms in this blog so that my someday descendants can grasp not only what daily life looked like but also, how we coped. Below you’ll find my and Mark’s list of Do’s and Don’ts for Quarantine.

Don’t just watch the news. The first thing I learned was that, generally speaking, news programming is the devil. Nothing could bring me down faster than the doom and gloom of news broadcasts especially when I was in no position to go and make a positive difference. The same applies to Shelter in Place (SIP). Don’t just watch the news and read social media all day. It will make you depressed and overrun with anxiety. In normal circumstances one can go out and DO something good to counteract the bad stuff but when you are homebound…it’s not quite as easy.

Take a break from social media and have a little fun.

Do take a break from social media. The same goes for social media outlets. So many people are posting things that, while well intentioned individually, en masse can create serious feelings of dread. Take social media like you would really hot coffee, in small sips. Taking breaks for whole days can take your mind off the overwhelming things you cannot control. Find other entertainment. Read a book, do a puzzle, make some music, write a blog for your descendants.

Do get your information from reliable sources. Listen to the experts not the armchair physicians. I had several well-meaning friends who had home remedies for treating my pregnancy condition. I know they just wanted to help but, I also knew that my doctor had spent many years studying and training to be an Obstetrician. Trust the experts, not the random posts from the internet. You can find a group to support any kind of crazy conspiracy and, if they are good writers, they can make it seem so very logical. That doesn’t mean it is factual. In the case of covid-19 the CDC, your doctor, and your local health department are your best bets for information. And remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And on that note, for Pete’s sake, don’t forward ‘cures’ or, well, much of anything else, it’s annoying.

Trust your doctor. She knows what she is talking about more than Aunt Sally and Facebook.

Don’t go out and visit your friends and socialize in person. Ok, so this is strictly SIP related but it is what caused me to learn so much about isolation. Staying in and not seeing people is harder than it sounds. When you are told, don’t shake hands or God forbid hug anyone, do not to stand closer than 6ft from people you have known your whole life, or to whom you are related—it goes against something deeply rooted in all of humanity. We humans need contact. We need socialization. In those 4 long months of bedrest I found mine on Skype, calling home and seeing family was such a joy. I cherished it even more for the month I spent sans internet, alone in a Portuguese hospital room. To combat that utter loneliness, Mark and I are doing live streams on our channel every Wednesday at 8p and Saturday at 9a to help build a little community for all of us. (this blog may be for my descendants but, I know people are reading it now and I want anyone reading it in April 2020 to know you are welcome to join us and ‘hang out’ for a bit of normalcy—click here for our YouTube channel).

Don’t horde the toilet paper. While pregnant I absolutely yearned for popsicles. American popsicles are a rare thing in Lisbon but my darling husband found some for me. Every week he bought me a new box to ration in my own way until he could get another box-full of frozen goodness. The same applies to us living in quarantine—get what you need for a week or two, not 6 months. Do be practical and know that there are others out there who cannot afford to buy a huge stock of anything, leave some for them. Above all do not horde N95 masks, just in case you need them. Our frontline people who are absolutely being exposed to this virus definitely need them. Staying home does not necessitate an N95 mask, a simple cotton one will be sufficient for the little exposure you’ll get while walking your dog. Be rational and ration things. When you horde things it creates more panic in your mind.

Don’t gain the Quarantine 19. Listen, I could gain loads of pounds while pregnant but still not too many. There is healthy weight gain and unhealthy weight gain. It is tough when you are stuck at home to not balloon up like a zeppelin. Right now, our health is of even more importance than normal. We can still workout at home—there are a gazillion and two bodyweight workouts available on the internet. We are still able to take walks and run and ride bicycles.

Sometimes you really do just need a break.

Don’t just lie around all day. This was the biggest lesson I learned on bedrest. Being unable to do anything normal is hard. Like really freaking hard. When I say I got the blues, it wasn’t some pregnancy induced hormonal imbalance. I was sad, borderline depressed the second and third weeks of my confinement. The first week was no biggie, I lazed around and watched tv and enjoyed being a sloth. But then the blues started to creep in.

At some point I realized I needed something to keep me going. I found the little things helped so very much. I woke up and ‘made’ my bed every day. (You should try making a bed while you are lying in it, it is hilarious.) It was something to accomplish straight away. I got dressed in fresh clothes. I walked to the bathroom and, while I was only allowed to stand for a shower once a week, I washed my face and took my makeup with me to the sofa where I perfected the art of putting makeup on in a prone position. Being put together put me in a better frame of mind. I read lots of things, books, articles online in random journals, I researched places I wanted to visit after the baby came, I educated myself. That felt good!

Do something for yourself. While we are stuck at home under SIP mandates there is a whole world of things to do and to learn. We should all hope to walk away from this time better people. But start with getting dressed. There is so much research out there showing that the way we dress sets a mental tone for our activities. I know we as a nation will never get the chance to rest like this again so, have lazy days where you do not shower and are the epitome of a couch potato! But when the doldrums start and you feel yourself slipping into depression jump up and take a shower. Things like that literally saved my sanity and preserved my hope.

Don’t forget to stay in touch. Today, it is even easier than ever. You can have a meeting, have a virtual happy hour, you can even have dinner with people on another continent. So, do it. Just don’t take your live video social media connecting app into the toilet with you. No one needs that kind of staying in touch.

Keep your loved ones close and treat one another with Grace.

Don’t forget to treat one another with grace, understanding, and compassion. This is not easy on anyone. We each have our moments of panic, fear, anger, and grieving for the lives we suddenly had to leave behind. It is ok and expected that emotions run high and frantic, remember that when the people you are quarantined with lose it. Give them space and grace. Treat one another as you want to be treated.

Related strictly to SIP and Covid19 and having nothing to do with my time as a homebound (slightly nutty) pregnant mom; Don’t touch your face, Don’t sneeze or cough without covering it, Don’t go out if you are sick. Do wash your hands for 20seconds with hot soapy water, Do disinfect common touch surfaces often.

So that is it. This time has made me rather grateful for four months on bedrest. It taught me so very much. This time with my family is tough but also a treat in comparison. We are all (thankfully) healthy, we have a roof over our heads and food on our table.

Be kind to one another.

Until next time,

Jocelyn

New England Travel: What Not to Do on Your New England Vacation

Posted on April 8, 2020April 7, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit New England. New England is gorgeous, with so many cute towns and scenic landscapes.

While many travel blogs will tell you the best things to do in New England, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do when you visit New England.

Don’t Be Put Off by The New England Shield

If you’re not from New England, you’ll notice a distinct “shield” from the locals. The locals are actually super friendly and helpful, but they do have a bit of a shield you have to break through first. They are happy to recommend a restaurant or destination, but they probably won’t invite you to their home right away.

Don’t Go Crazy Driving I-95

Driving through New England, especially the cities can be a nerve-wracking experience. I-95 is the interstate that runs up and down the East Coast. You might think that you can take the backroads and leave the interstate behind. While you will see more of the New England towns this way, you’ll still have a lot of traffic to deal with, especially on weekends. (There’s a reason they call Massachusetts drivers Mass-holes…don’t let them get to you!)

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About New England

Don’t Stay at Chain Hotels

Chain hotels can be good for some trips, but the best places to visit in New England are the small towns. These towns tend to have more charming inns and bed-and-breakfasts, and it would be a shame to miss out on that experience. Even the roadside motels are fun; a throwback to the 1950s. If you can find a seaside cottage, you’ll be glad you did.

new england vacation tourism — So much to enjoy in New England.

Don’t Forget to Book Ahead

New England accommodations fill up early, especially during the leaf-peeping season in the fall. If you follow our advice and stay in the quaint inns or cottages, you’ll need to reserve them well in advance of your New England trips. July and August get pretty busy as well, especially for the weekends. Remember, there are some big cities in New England, so you have a lot of local residents heading out to the seaside for weekend getaways.

Don’t Expect Consistent Cell Service

Of course, you’ll have good service in the larger cities, but as you drive through New England, you will likely have spotty service along the way. Some of the sparsely populated areas like Vermont have very few residents. If you are relying on your cell phone for navigation, make sure you download some offline maps before you leave the city. Better yet, pick up a road atlas or a state map at the visitor’s center when you cross each state line.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About the Family Road Trip

Don’t Drink Beer That’s Not From New England

There are so many awesome beers to sample in New England. Vermont and Connecticut have some of the best beers I’ve had in the United States. Vermont beer isn’t widely exported, so I make sure I take advantage of trying all of them when I visit Vermont. (Don’t expect to buy alcohol everywhere; many states have state-run liquor stores with limited hours, and many are closed on Sundays.)

what to eat in new england — You can’t go wrong with the food (or the beer)

Don’t Forget to Try the Local Specialties

Every area of New England has its own local specialty. Lobster rolls are probably the most ubiquitous New England food, as well as clam chowder, of course. Some of the best lobster rolls are found at the little unassuming roadside stands along the back roads of New England. Oysters, whoopie pies, Necco wafers, Boston cream pies, and Boston baked beans are other New England specialties. Flavored seltzer water is really popular, too. If you aren’t sure what the local specialty is, ask your server.

Also, don’t be too proud to wear a bib when you eat lobster!

Don’t Expect to See a Lot of Chain Restaurants

As you travel through New England, you’ll notice far fewer fast-food chains like McDonald’s and Wendy’s. There are way more mom-and-pop places, which is a great way to experience local cuisine.

Don’t Expect to Hear the Hard-Core New England Accent

One surprise for a lot of New England visitors is how much that legendary accent seems to be dying off. New England is a bit of a melting pot, so there are lots of accents and dialects, but the typical New England accent isn’t as widespread as you might think. However, you will hear some New England slang that you might not understand. For example, a milkshake is just milk with a flavor stirred in, not an ice cream drink.

Don’t Diss the Local Sports Teams

New England sports fans are pretty hardcore, especially in Boston and New York. The Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, and the New York Yankees are the hometown teams and you’ll see memorabilia all over the place.

Don’t Think That New York is New England

Although New York is on the upper East Coast, it’s not really part of New England. New England is Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine. That doesn’t mean you won’t see a ton of New Yorkers in New England. You’ll see a lot of New York license plates as New England is a great weekend getaway from New York.

Don’t Visit in Winter (Or Don’t Complain if You Do!)

If you decide to visit New England in winter, don’t complain about the weather! It’s cold and it snows. A lot. It’s a really fun experience to be in a Nor’easter with tons of snow, but don’t plan on going anywhere for a while.

New England trips are perfect for all kinds of travelers. Whether you visit New England with kids, as a solo traveler or as a couple, you’ll find so many great things to do in New England. Just remember what NOT to do on a visit to New England! Looking for more tips on travel in the USA? Check out these blog posts!

The Best & Worst of Visiting St. Louis

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

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about St. Louis, Missouri! St. Louis is on my list of top ten cities in the Midwest because it’s a great family destination, whether you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway from Chicago or want to spend a full week exploring the Gateway City. As much as I enjoy visiting St. Louis, there are also some things that I don’t love about it. So, today, I’m sharing the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate, about St. Louis, Missouri!

Love #1: Friendly Locals

The Midwest is known for having friendly people, and St. Louis is no exception. Locals in St. Louis are happy to give you directions, recommend their favorite restaurants, and tell you all about their favorite places to visit in St. Louis.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate When You Visit the Midwest US

Hate #1: Downtown St. Louis at Night

When you visit St. Louis, you’ll probably stay downtown to be near the St. Louis tourist attractions. But once the sun goes down, there isn’t much to do in St. Louis. It is getting better, but unless there’s a baseball game at Busch Stadium, downtown St. Louis is pretty quiet at night. It can even be a bit unsettling if you’re out walking around at night.

Long time ago. Look at that only partially bald head.

Love #2: Easy Access

Although St. Louis is really a driving city, they do make it easy to get around. There are lots of highways to help you get around the city.

Hate #2: Driving in St. Louis

You will likely have to do some driving while you’re in St. Louis, and that means dealing with bad drivers and lots of traffic at certain times of the day. This is one reason we try to choose a St. Louis hotel that is downtown so we can minimize our driving as much as possible.

Love #3: Cultural Attractions in St. Louis

St. Louis has a lot of great cultural attractions. The St. Louis Art Museum is fantastic. The St. Louis Zoo is amazing, and it’s free. The Arch isn’t just a cool sculpture, it’s a great lesson in American history where you can learn why St. Louis was called the Gateway to the West.

Hate #3: Limited Public Transportation

Like many US cities, St. Louis does not have a great public transportation system, which is why you end up driving a lot of places. There is a light rail system that serves the downtown area, and a train that will take you to the casinos in Illinois, but to reach most St. Louis tourist attractions outside of downtown, you’ll need to drive.

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

Love #4: Small Towns Around St. Louis

Not all of the St. Louis suburbs have that suburban feel; many of them feel like their own small town. Towns like Kirkwood give you that small-town feel and you’re just outside of a major metropolitan area. This really gives you the best of both worlds when you visit St. Louis. Each town around St. Louis has its own charm and character, so it’s fun to visit a few of them.

Hate #4: Summer Weather in St. Louis

Like much of the Midwest, St. Louis gets really hot and humid in the summer. It can really put a damper on your sightseeing, as the humidity can just suck the energy right out of you. Late spring and early fall are the best times to visit St. Louis.

Love #5: Proximity of Downtown Attractions

Although a lot of St. Louis tourist attractions are located in the suburbs, the downtown attractions are nearby one another. The City Garden, the old State Capitol, and the St. Louis Gateway Arch are all within walking distance of one another. Busch Stadium is also downtown, so you can walk from the baseball game back to your hotel.

Hate #5: Distance Between St. Louis Tourist Attractions

While the downtown attractions are nearby, many of the attractions are out in the suburbs. . St. Louis feels more suburban, with everything spread out, and many of the best St. Louis tourist attractions are not located downtown. You’ll have to travel out to Forest Park to visit the St. Louis Art Museum.

With so many fun things to do in St. Louis, it’s a great family vacation destination, especially for those of us who live in the Midwest and can easily reach St. Louis for a weekend getaway. Want more of our USA travel tips? Check out some of these other blog posts:

Day 24 of Family Quarantine

Posted on April 6, 2020April 6, 2020 by Jocelyn Wolters

Captain’s Log 6 April 2020

This weekend was good. It started with a wonderful surprise after I finished my blog on Friday and continued with great conversations and a little less work for two days. The weather was decent and that always makes things better.

In my last Captain’s Log I talked about my old childhood neighbors and their influence on me. I have, in the past, looked for their obits online and never found anything of consequence. Friday evening, I researched some more and found that Mr. Brookens had written a book about his life! I cannot lie, I shed a few tears. As I thought about it, I remember going over there to find him hen pecking at a typewriter. He had loose pages scattered about and I remember him saying Beulah was good to put up with his mess. I am sure what I saw was him writing this book! I downloaded it and immediately scanned it for pictures. I found one of the two of them toward the end that made me bawl like a baby. It was so good to see those beautiful faces again! I am savoring the book, reading just a few pages at a time. What a blessing this was. Again, Mr. and Mrs. Brookens are influencing my life. Reading his book has solidified my drive to continue this blog for my descendants. Our words are important and live on forever. May their memories be eternal.

We zoomed with my sister and brother in law and my niece, my friend in Ohio, and did an interview with another traveling family (Growing Up Without Borders) who have found themselves, happily, quarantined in New Zealand. I had long phone chats with both of my parents and with my other sister. I miss my family so very much. Just knowing I cannot go see them makes it harder. Chances are without quarantine we probably wouldn’t be visiting them until Easter anyway—but it is mentally harder regardless. Despite the distance and time differences we got some good quality time in with good quality people. I find myself deeply grateful for access to technology that allows me to see my loved ones faces.

Mark and I did two live streams this weekend. Around 11k people logged in to our general live chat. The conversation was good and people were generally positive. There does, however, seem to be more worry about the financial ramifications of this (almost) worldwide quarantine. I don’t want to dwell on it but, I am very concerned about not only our national economy but the world economy. I just pray world leaders are honest and do what is in everyone’s best interest. It is a long-shot, I know but, miracles do happen.

Our second live stream was with our members and patrons. These people are such a supportive bunch. While the general live stream is literally 10 thousand people and thousands of questions, this stream is usually around 40 people and much less frenetic. We talk about travel and related subjects but we also talk about life, ours and theirs. It is a lot of fun and I love to see how so many of this group have become friends. They talk to each other throughout the stream and it is like being part of a lovely dinner party where everyone gets along. I always walk away from those chats with a light heart.

This past week I put in two grocery orders, one with Meijer and one with Sam’s Club. Normally, an online order would take hours to fulfill. These took days. But that’s ok, I am lucky to be able to order my family’s food online. The whole process should be rather simple but technology, being what it is, was a pain in the rear end this week. Things kept falling out of my cart or taking several minutes to load which means it took over an hour to get a weeks’ worth of groceries in my virtual cart, I swear that kind of shop would have taken me 45mins in person.

My shopper at Meijer was sweet. He texted often as they were out of several things and he worked with me to find replacements. They are still out of my dishwashing gloves—my hands are going to look 20 years older when this quarantine is over with all the dishes I am doing. But bless this man for shopping for my family. I have only seen personal shoppers occasionally at the store in the past couple of years, I have a feeling there are many more now and I am glad some people have found work in this downturn. I am concerned though for their health. On that note, I think it is important that those of us who are utilizing these services tip accordingly.

My Sam’s order was rather humorous. My shopper was fun, we texted back and forth and made jokes about the lack of some items—why for instance, are there no avocados? Do avocados boost immunity? Or does our town have an inordinate love of guacamole? She was unable to get the pork loin I had ordered so picked up a different one. I thought it was a different brand but still the usual 1-2lb tenderloin. Boy, was I wrong. When I brought the groceries in off the porch there was this colossal, half-pig sized piece of meat in my order. The substitute for my 1-2lb tenderloin was a different brand but still $15. It was also 9 pounds! 9lbs of meat for $15 is a deal. That is enough pork to sustain my family for months. Too bad I can’t have people over to share in the bounty. Anyway, I cut it into several roasts and whipped up different marinades inspired by some of our travels. Asian 5 spice, Georgia BBQ, Carnitas and German mustard will hopefully be well received by my men. Oh, I also though I was ordering 4 loaves of bread for two weeks, turns out I ordered 8. Several friends got an extra loaf or two which I left on porches because, social distancing.

We are still missing our family and friends, technology is wonderful for connecting us but Lawd, I wish I could hug me some friends.

Until next time,

Jocelyn

Is Rwanda Safe for Tourists?

Posted on April 6, 2020March 27, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about travel to Rwanda in East Africa. When we set off on our Rwanda vacation, the biggest question you all had for us was about safety. Everyone wanted to know if it is safe to visit Rwanda. Most people think of the 1994 genocide when Rwanda is mentioned, so it’s not a place with positive associations for many people. So, today, we’re addressing safety concerns and giving your our Rwanda safety tips.

Is Kigali Safe?

We visited the capital city of Rwanda and found it to be very safe. People are out strolling the streets day and night. We visited some shopping malls and never felt unsafe. I never felt like I had to worry about my backpack or my pockets when we visited Kigali.

Honest Travel Safety Advice for World Travelers

Should I Drive in Rwanda?

Rwanda is known as the country of 1000 hills, so there are a lot of winding roads and there are a lot of distractions. It’s best to leave the driving to others. Even as a passenger, there are some safety tips you should heed:

Always wear your seatbelt
Bring motion sickness pills if you are prone to motion sickness
Brace yourself for speed bumps; they’re big!
Don’t leave valuables in your car when you get out

Are the Moto-Taxis Safe?

Chances are, you will take a moto-taxi during your visit to Rwanda. It’s a motorcycle taxi, and the law requires that they have a helmet to provide to their passengers. They might seem scary, but it’s all part of the experience. The moto-taxis in Rwanda really come in handy and they do a pretty good job of following the traffic rules and keeping you safe.

What About All the Guys With Guns?

Yes, you will see police or security guards who appear to be heavily armed. They may even do a sweep under your car. It’s really just standard security procedures, it’s nothing to be alarmed by. Similarly, some of the malls may employ metal detectors upon entry. While it may make you uneasy, it’s actually a sign that they take safety and security very seriously in Rwanda.

Is it Safe to Visit the Gorillas of Rwanda?

One of the major reasons people visit Rwanda is to see the mountain gorillas. It’s actually pretty safe to be around the gorillas, provided you follow the rules from your guide. For example, flash photography is not allowed around the gorillas. Make sure you wear the right clothes, including long sleeves, long pants, and good hiking boots. (Save the safari clothes for when you’re actually on safari!)

safety in rwanda — Caleb loved going out and playing soccer with the local kids.

Are There Any Health Concerns on a Trip to Rwanda?

Rwanda is close to the equator, and you’ll spend a lot of time in the rainforest. So, be prepared with lots of bug spray and sun protection. A wide-brimmed hat will do a lot to protect you from the sun. You can even buy clothing that is pre-treated for bugs and sun protection. As far as vaccines for Rwanda, see your travel health professional for the latest recommendations. Whether or not you will need additional vaccines to visit Rwanda will depend largely on the activities you have planned during your Rwanda vacation.

We decided to take anti-malaria pills for our trip. The key, though, is to see a doctor first, and you have to start taking them before your trip. I do not recommend taking these on an empty stomach!

Can I Drink the Water in Rwanda?

No! Do not drink the water in Rwanda. Do not even brush your teeth with the water in Rwanda. Bottled water is readily available and plentiful wherever you go.

Everything You Need to Know About Traveler’s Diarrhea

What Can I Eat in Rwanda?

It’s safe to eat most of the food in Rwanda, especially if it is cooked. If you’re a vegetarian, you will be pleasantly surprised by all of the non-meat-based dishes in Rwanda. There are a lot of vegetables to eat. Regardless, you still might experience some tummy troubles, so always be prepared with a few medications to help any digestive issues you experience.

If your guide warns you about trying too much of the local hot sauce, listen to them! They do like their spicy foods in Rwanda!

What Are Rwanda Hotels Like?

Rwanda accommodations vary quite a bit. You can find every range of accommodation in Kigali. In the mountains, you will likely stay at some type of lodge. They are safe, but they do typically have armed security guards at the entrance.

In your hotel room, we always recommend using the room safe to lock up any valuables you might have, including passports and electronics. You can also put things in your suitcase and lock up your suitcase while you are away from your room.

Do I Need Cash in Rwanda?

Yes, cash is king in Rwanda, and you won’t find many places that accept credit cards. They will accept US Dollars if you have them, or the Rwandan Franc. There aren’t a lot of ATMs in Rwanda, so you’ll probably have a lot of cash on you when you arrive. Make sure you split it up and don’t keep it all in one place.

rwanda genocide tourism — Seriously, one of our most amazing family adventures was in Rwanda

We loved our time in Rwanda, and we never felt uncomfortable during our visit. We brought our parents and our kids to Rwanda because we were confident we would all be safe. I would even dare to say that Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa to visit. Obviously, trouble can and does happen in any country in the world, but using these travel safety tips will go a long way. If you want more tips on family travel, check out some of our other blog posts:

The Most Overrated Sights in Paris

Posted on April 5, 2020March 27, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about all the places to visit in Paris. Paris is a great city and we visit often, however, there are some Paris attractions that are totally overrated. We’re going to save you some time and frustration by telling you which Paris sights you should skip and which attituded and rumors are overrated.

The Mona Lisa Experience

The Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most popular attractions in Paris. It’s located in the Louvre, and people crowd around this tiny little painting. Yes, it’s an iconic piece of art, but after fighting and shoving your way to the front of the crowd to get a glimpse, you may be a bit let down.

Notice that we don’t list the whole Louvre as being overrated. There is a ton of cool art to check out, but you might be underwhelmed by some of the most popular pieces.

Ascending the Eiffel Tower

I’ve done this several times, and you do get a great view of Paris. However, the entire experience is underwhelming. You have to go through security checks, wait in several lines, and be crammed in with a lot of other people. If you are claustrophobic or you don’t like heights, this is not the Paris experience for you. If we visit Paris with friends who want to go up the Eiffel Tower, we usually hang out in the park below and wait for them.

Shopping on the Champs Elysees

The Champs-Elysees is probably the most famous shopping street in the world. Because of its popularity, it’s also the most expensive street in Paris. It’s also pretty touristy, so you’ll pay more to shop or dine along the Champs-Elysees than you will anywhere else in Paris. There are way better places to go shopping in Paris. We recommend exploring other arrondissements in Paris and finding out of the way boutiques and cafes.

most instagrammable shots in paris — Look who is an instagram influencer!

TGV Schedule

If you are traveling around France and returning to Paris for a flight back home, don’t count on the TGV being on time. The TGV is great, you can get anywhere in France relatively quickly. However, you can’t count on it being on time. We almost always come back to Paris the night before our flight so that we don’t have to worry about missing our flight due to train delays.

Parisian Reputation

If you’ve never traveled to Paris, you’re going to assume everyone is rude. That’s the reputation that Parisians have, but it’s pretty unwarranted. Sometimes, you’ll get bad service if you are in a heavily touristed area, so I think this Parisian reputation mostly comes from the service industry. All the Parisians we have met are perfectly friendly and helpful. The reputation of rude Parisians is just not true.

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Visiting Paris

Anti-Americanism

Another rumor you might have heard is that the Parisians hate Americans. We’ve been coming to Paris for years and have not experienced this at all. If you have a bad experience, don’t assume it’s because you are American. Now, if you are a loud, demanding tourist, you might be shunned a bit, but we’ve always had great experiences traveling in Paris.

Uncleanliness of Paris

Another unfounded rumor about Paris is that it’s a dirty city. I haven’t found Paris to be any dirtier than any other capital city in Europe, or the United States for that matter. There are over two million people in Paris, so of course, it’s not going to be squeaky clean like a small Midwest US town. Paris has great parks and green spaces to escape to when you are feeling too constricted by the concrete streets and buildings. The dog poop rumors are true, though, so watch where you step!

12 Things That Will Shock You in Paris

What is NOT Overrated in Paris?

There are plenty of things in Paris that are not overrated. These include:

Food in Paris – AMAZING!
Traffic in Paris – definitely frustrating, do not recommend! You don’t need a car in Paris.
Public Transportation in Paris – easy to use and takes you anywhere you want to go
Shopping in Paris – fantastic!
Number of Tourists – there is no “off-season” in Paris; expect crowds year-round.

Paris travel information — However, you really should visit Paris, because it is not overrated. It is over-awesome!

Some people may go so far as to say all of Paris is overrated. We don’t agree with that at all, but we do agree that these sites in Paris are overrated. There are still plenty of cool things to see in Paris, though! If you want more tips on family travel in France, check out some of our other blog posts:

What Not to Do at a National Park (so you don’t get in trouble, but can still have fun)

Posted on April 4, 2020March 27, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit any of the National Park Service sites in the USA. While many travel blogs will tell you the best things to do in the National Parks and Monuments, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do when you visit a National Park!

Don’t Be Disrespectful

Treat the National Park and National Monuments with care and conservation. This includes obvious things like not littering or not adding graffiti. But it also includes less obvious things like staying on the trails. Stepping off-trail might not seem like a big deal, but if everyone does it, it can start to cause erosion. A lot of the National Park rules are for your own safety.

Don’t Mess with the Animals

At least once a year, we hear about tourists having an unpleasant encounter with buffalo or elk at places like Yellowstone National Park. Even the cutest little chipmunks can carry diseases and they will bite you. Don’t feed animals in the national parks, and follow all park rules for maintaining an appropriate distance.

Don’t Forget a First Aid Kit

We always have a small First Aid kit on hand when we’re out traveling. It doesn’t have to be anything major. Ours is a small Ziploc bag with some Neosporin, bandages, sunscreen and bug spray. If you’re in the desert, tweezers are great for removing cactus spines.

The Most Common Travel Illnesses and Injuries

Don’t Forget Sun Protection

Sunscreen is a must for nearly any travel destination. Besides putting sunscreen on, you can also protect your skin with a hat and long sleeves that cover your arms. There are lots of hiking clothes now that are lightweight to keep you cool, but they protect your skin. Some even block UV rays. Nearly every NPS site has a National Park Service store that sells hats and hiking supplies, as well as some cool souvenirs to take home.

Don’t Get Dehydrated

Make sure you are drinking lots of water when you are touring the National Parks. Many are in a dry climate or higher elevation and you’ll need a lot of water to stay hydrated. The best way to do this is to carry a refillable water bottle everywhere you go. This helps reduce the plastic going into our landfills, but also saves you money as you’re not buying bottled water everywhere you go. Most National Park sites have bottle filling stations at the visitor center.

Don’t Count on Cell Phone Service

Depending on your provider and what National Park you are in, you may not have cell phone service. Many National Park visitor centers will have WiFi, but once you set off for a hike, you will quickly lose your signal. This even applies while driving; just because you’re on a paved road does not mean you will have cell service. That’s why a paper map or road atlas is one of our road trip essentials.

Top Ten Road Trip Essentials

Don’t Forget About Junior Ranger Programs

If you are visiting National Parks with kids, make sure you check out the Junior Ranger program. It’s a fun way to get the kids excited about visiting the national parks and monuments. With the junior ranger program, it’s easy to make learning fun!

problems at national parks — National Park service

Don’t Miss Out on Other Programs for All Ages

The National Park sites have programs for all ages. Whether it’s guided hikes, interpretive reenactments or stargazing programs, there’s always something going on at the National Parks.

Don’t Forget Your National Parks Passport

You can buy a passport at any of the National Park stores and then get stamps at every site you visit. This is especially fun for kids, but adults can collect the stamps, too. With over 400 National Park sites in the US, that’s a lot of stamps you can collect!

Don’t Forget to Dress in Layers

If you’re going to be hiking in National Parks, it’s important to dress in layers. Mornings usually start off pretty cool, but the sun can get hot very quickly. Layers are great as you can easily add and remove them when you get too hot or too cold. It’s always a good practice to have warm clothes just in case you end up not getting back before dark.

Don’t Bring Your Drones

Drones are prohibited at National Parks and National Park sites. Drones can be very annoying to other visitors who are out to enjoy nature and they can disturb wildlife as well.

National Park Camping Tips from Grant and Bonnie of Our Wanderfilled Life

Grant and Bonnie are high school teachers who spend most of their vacation time touring the Nationals Parks and camping in their RV. We asked them for some of their “don’ts” for visiting National Parks.

Don’t Forget About all the National Park Sites

There are currently 61 designated National Parks. However, there are over 400 sites managed by the National Park Service. These include National Monuments, National Lakeshores, National Historical Parks, National Military Parks, and National Battlefields.

Don’t Forget to Make Reservations

If you are planning to stay overnight in the national parks, you must have reservations well in advance. There are a few park campgrounds that are first-come, first-served, but a lot of campgrounds and lodging choices book up months in advance, especially in high season. Even some tours or trails require advance reservations or permits.

Don’t Expect a Lot of Amenities at National Park Campgrounds

Campgrounds at most National Parks are quite sparse. They will usually have bathrooms, but sometimes that’s just a vault toilet. Most campgrounds do not have the luxurious hot showers and running water you would expect at a state park or a private campground.

Don’t Forget to Check the Food Storage Requirements

Food storage requirements vary by location. If you are in an area with bears, requirements will be very strict, especially if you’re in an area with grizzly bears. Some areas do not even allow soft-shell campers as bears can get inside for food. If a campsite provides a bear box for your food, make sure you put everything in there, including scented non-food items like toothpaste or deodorant.

Don’t Ignore Warning Signs

Warning signs are there for a reason, so don’t ignore them. Some of the warning signs may be over the top, but there’s usually an incident that prompted the sign. We’ve all heard about the tourists at Yellowstone who don’t stay on the boardwalk and fall into a boiling geyser. If there’s a warning sign, heed the warning, even if it seems silly. They are there to keep you safe!

National park service information — Family time is National Park Service Time.

Don’t Skip the Visitor Center

Chances are, you’re excited to get to a national park and see the big sites. But don’t pass right by the Visitor Center. This should be your first stop at the park. Besides paying your entry fee, you can learn a lot about the park at the visitor center. You can get a park map and also talk to the rangers about trail conditions, road conditions, or just to answer any questions you might have.

Don’t Gripe About the Fees

Yes, the National Parks are taxpayer-funded, and a lot of people take issue with paying entrance fees to access public lands. The National Parks are woefully underfunded, and the small sliver of your tax dollars that go to the NPS does not even cover the cost of your visit to one park. If you’re going to visit a lot of National Parks, the annual pass is a great deal. Senior Citizens can get a lifetime pass for the bargain price of $80. If you have a child in 4th Grade, your whole family can get in free for the duration of the school year.

Don’t Stay in Your Car

The National Parks have a lot of beautiful scenic drives and you can see a lot from your car. But once you get out of your car and start hiking, you’ll see so much more. The majority of National Parks visitors do not get out of their cars or do not go beyond the scenic viewpoints. If the park feels crowded to you, all you have to do is hike a couple of miles in and you’ll feel like you have the park to yourself.

Thanks to our friends Bonnie and Grant from Our Wanderfilled Life for their National Park camping tips! With over 400 National Park sites to choose from, we hope you’ll get out and explore some of these special places. Just remember what NOT to do on a visit to a National Park! Looking for more tips on travel in the USA? Check out these blog posts!

Day 21 of Family Quarantine

Posted on April 3, 2020April 3, 2020 by Jocelyn Wolters

Captain’s Log 3 April 2020

To see the previous blog, click here.

This week has been a busy one. Pre-quarantine busy would have meant school functions, games, practices, lessons, grocery shopping, booking various aspects of trips to far flung places, packing and planning for said trips, and a couple ‘framily’ dinners with friends. Now, busy means something quite different… As I think on that, maybe we haven’t been all that busy maybe we have just finally become productive in a new way.

Homeschool. This is what our day revolves around. What we are doing is truly limbo-schooling; we aren’t homeschooling nor are our kids ‘going to school’. (Have I said this before? Because it is constantly in my mind.) They work for a while then play outside if it is nice or if it’s yucky, they play some raucous game of their own making inside that threatens the structural integrity of our house. Mark and I spend about an hour a day saying, get to work and eventually they do. The lure of warmer weather, a ball to kick or throw, and wrestling one another are powerful forces. And you know, I can’t blame them. Being isolated makes the need to expend energy that much greater. It’s been rather nice out so, they are getting a lot of PE credits this week.

Mark’s live lectures via YouTube on his Professor Wolters channel have been well received by his students. I enjoy listening to him teach and I am sorta getting a free half semester of marketing classes out of this covid-19. There may have been a couple snafus though. Yesterday, the dog got out of our room mid-lecture and had a bark fest at the kids who dared to ride their bikes through his ‘territory’ (which means anything he can see), then a shirtless child ran through the kitchen while on his way to go play ‘HORSE’ with his brother. Mark is learning that working from home one cannot expect professionalism from children, pets, nor spouse because I sat behind his camera and made faces at him while I munched on crackers and peanut butter. We are a supportive bunch.

Nothing like your prof lecturing from his kitchen.
Strange times mean strange lecture halls for everyone.

Our travel channel on YouTube is painful. If things had gone on normally, we were on target to hit a million subscribers this year. Instead, for the first time in many years we lost more subs than we gained in a week. Mark has poured his heart into building this channel to help people get the most out of their travels for over a decade and I know it hurts to see those numbers. However, being who he is, he is instead looking for ways to use our channel to help our subscribers and followers during this crazy time.

We continue to do Live feeds on Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings. Wednesday, we had over 12k sessions for our 2.5h stream. We have regulars (thank you, Michael, Mark, Terry, and many more) who join us every stream and who have become virtual friends with us and one another. There are new people commenting every week, and those people often end up in conversation with other people watching the stream. It reminds me of my bartending days. We talk and answer questions and foster a fun, positive atmosphere and the people watching fall into side conversations just like Norm and Cliff. This is what community is and I am so glad we have a platform from which to offer it.

Just call us Sam and Diane and join us for
Wolters World Live Streams, where everyone knows your name.

When I was little, we lived across the street from an older couple, Mr. and Mrs. Brookens. Both of them were in their 90’s back in the mid-1980s. Almost their entire backyard was a vegetable garden. They grew everything! It’s where I first tasted rhubarb and learned to shell peas. I spent hours there soaking up the joy of working in good clean dirt. Those two beautiful souls made such an impact on me, I get tears just thinking about them. Ever since then I have wanted a garden of my own. I have never been home long enough to plant and truly care for one so, thank you covid-19, I am going to plant a garden. It won’t be much, just a few vegetables and some herbs but it will be mine and dedicated to John and Beulah. Maybe if things work out, I’ll get to can a few jars of pickles like Beulah always did—Lawd, she made good pickles.

I have the greatest memories of the Brookenses. Now, as an adult I realize that as much as I loved going over there, they probably loved having me over even more. I remember sitting at their formica and aluminum table learning to play Othello and eating Bugles. It was always hot in their house in summer because they didn’t have air conditioning and Beulah was always cooking or canning something. They had a TV but I never saw it on. They had a radio in the kitchen turned on softly all day. They were both born in the 1890’s—think of that, as I write this in 2020. They lived through the Great Depression and they never wasted a thing. They didn’t hoard but they did keep a stock of necessities. They never stopped working. They were both thin as whips but steel strong. My prayer for the world is that this time of quarantine and the subsequent economic downturn will create a generation of John and Beulahs. People who have seen hard times and know the value of hard work, people who are prudent and appreciate the time they are given.

Until next time…

Jocelyn

Travel Stories: The Best and Worst of Traveling

Posted on April 2, 2020March 27, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about the best and worst of traveling! Many people wonder why travel is important. Obviously, we love traveling as a family, but there are some drawbacks to traveling, too. These are the things we love, and the things we hate, about traveling!

Love #1: Cool Things to See

Visiting places that you’ve read about, or seen on TV, is such a cool experience. From the Inca Trail to the Grand Canyon to the Great Wall to the Eiffel Tower, traveling opens up the entire world for you. Sometimes it can be a surreal experience to actually stand in the streets of a city you’ve only ever dreamed of visiting before.

Hate #1: Cost of Traveling

Traveling is not free, unfortunately. Even the most budget-conscious traveler has to spend a little bit of money in order to travel. You have to pay for transportation, whether that’s gas in your own car, plane tickets or train tickets. Then you have to pay for food, accommodation, and sightseeing. There are ways to save money while traveling, but it will never be completely free!

How to Save Money While Traveling

Love #2: The People You Meet While Traveling

The more you travel, the more friends you will have around the world. Whether it’s meeting locals or fellow travelers, traveling is a great way to broaden your friendship circle. If you are a fan of slow travel like we are, you can really get to know an area and the locals. It’s a really special treat to be invited over for a traditional dinner at the home of a local while you are traveling.

Hate #2: Bad Service for Tourists

When you travel to heavily touristed areas, you won’t always get the best service. They are dealing with tourists all day, and they aren’t trying to win back your repeat business. This is especially true when you are in very popular areas, like Piazza San Marco in Venice or right next to the tower in Pisa. We always recommend going a few blocks off the main streets, and you’ll get much better food at better prices. Another good approach is to ask your local friends or the concierge at your hotel what their favorite restaurant is.

How to Eat Cheap and Well While Traveling

Love #3: Shared Memories & Experiences

I have traveled solo and with friends, but traveling with my family is by far my favorite. Creating shared memories with my wife and kids brings us closer together. Travel also makes a great conversation starter when you are trying to meet fellow travelers. Sharing your travel tales and experiences is a great way to bond with family, friends, and strangers.

Hate #3: Overrated Tourist Attractions

Every city or country has that one spot that everyone tells you that you HAVE to see. And you might get talked into visiting even though it’s not your usual travel style. For example, I didn’t love Milan, Italy so much. I think Brussels is a bit overrated. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is literally just a leaning tower. It doesn’t look any different in person than in the hundreds of photos you’ve already seen.

Overrated Cities and Attractions in Europe

Love #4: Food Around the World

One of the best parts of traveling is trying new cuisines around the world. I would venture to say that France has the best food in the world, so it’s a great destination for foodies. Other destinations, like China and Mexico, are known for amazing street food. Sure, some destinations are a little heavy on beans and rice, but the food is a great way to bond with your fellow travelers as well.

family travel advice — Can’t say how many times I wish we had more family pictures while traveling.

Hate #4: Tour Groups

If you’re in a popular destination during high season, you’re going to have to deal with tour groups. You’re either going to feel rushed to get ahead of the tour group, or you’re going to get behind them and end up going really slow. Tour groups are great for some travelers, but if you’re an independent traveler and like to go at your own pace, you’ll do best to try and avoid the tour groups. Traveling in the offseason is a great way to avoid huge groups of tourists.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Package Tours

Love #5: Travel Stories

We don’t buy a lot of souvenirs since we travel so much, but we do love to buy artwork while we’re traveling. So, we can sit in our living room and look around at all of the places we’ve traveled to, and remember stories from each destination. The best part of this is when you are not traveling, you can travel back through your memories.

Hate #5: Bad Weather Days

Chances are if you travel often enough, you’re going to run into some bad weather days. If you try to avoid crowds and travel in the off-season, you’re more likely to have bad weather days. Try to anticipate bad weather ahead of time. When you’re planning your travel itinerary, find things you can do indoors on the bad weather days. Save your museum days for the rainy or cold days that you don’t want to be outside.

Rainy Day Travel Advice

Love #6: Cultural Experiences

Besides all of the cool things you get to see while traveling, the cultural experiences will blow you away. Whether it’s running with the bulls in Pamplona or toasting during Oktoberfest, the cultural experiences are what really make travel special. As parents, it’s fun to see how parents do things differently in other countries, and it’s fun to watch our kids bond and play together despite language barriers. At the end of the day, we’re all the same, but we just do things a bit differently.

Hate #6: Missed Connections & Travel Delays

Sometimes the worst part of travel is just getting to your destination. A canceled flight is a horrible way to start your vacation, especially if you have connecting flights. Rebooking your flights, along with everyone else who was supposed to be on your plane, can be stressful. You can help alleviate some of this stress by carefully choosing your itinerary. Try not to book yourself a connection that doesn’t leave you enough wiggle room. This applies to trains as well, make sure you have enough time between trains to find your platform.

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Long Layovers

Love #7: Discovering Hidden Gems

While it’s great to see the big sites and famous cities when you travel, sometimes the best experience is stumbling on to a smaller village that doesn’t see many tourists. I love visiting Bamberg, Germany because there aren’t as many tourists, so it feels like a more authentic German village experience.

How to travel with your family — Why you really should travel with your family.

Hate #7: Travel Stink

When you’ve been traveling for a while, you might start to stink! Whether you’ve been in transit for 28 hours and desperately need a shower, or you’ve been traveling for two weeks and haven’t had time to hit a laundromat, you will stink! If you’re backpacking around Europe, you’ll notice this in your fellow travelers before you realize that you also stink!

Everyday Annoyances of Long-Term Travel

Love #8: History Comes Alive When You Travel

One of the best thins about travel is making history come alive. Whether it’s visiting famous battlefields or even movie scenes, it’s such a fun and unique travel experience. In Salzburg, you can visit all of the sights from Sound of Music. And even when you’re back home, it’s cool to see something on TV after seeing it in real life. Our youngest son gets so excited when he sees the Eiffel Tower on TV because he’s been there already.

Hate #8: Driving Abroad

Some countries are really easy to visit without driving, but other destinations make it nearly impossible to get around without your own vehicle. Whether they drive on the left or the right, it can take some getting used to. Driving through a roundabout in Ireland for the first time can be tricky. Not all traffic signals are the same from country to country.

Everything You Need to Know About Renting a Car & Driving in Europe

Love #9: Travel Surprises

You may have your travel itinerary planned down to the minute, but you’re still going to have some surprises along the way. Sometimes it’s as simple as turning a corner to find a picture-perfect setting or jaw-dropping scenery. Even the surprises that aren’t so pleasant at the time make for great stories later. Getting out of your comfort zone and going with the flow is what makes travel so great.

athens akropolis — She didn’t drop him. Promise!

Hate #9: Travel Planning & Budgeting

Budgeting for a trip can be really difficult, especially if you are visiting multiple countries. For example, one beer in Copenhagen costs about $8, while beer in Portugal is about $1 per glass. Prices can vary widely from country to country, and even amongst cities in the same country. Besides budgeting, planning can also be overwhelming. Trying to narrow down all of your options into an efficient, enjoyable vacation can be tough. It helps to set a budget first, then choose destinations based on your interests and your budget.

How to Choose the Best Travel Guidebook

Love #10: Learning Experiences

Besides experiencing other cultures, you get to learn about them and understand how people are different (and the same) around the world. World culture is about so much more than food and language, and the more time you spend in a place, the more you will understand the nuances of the local culture. Going to local festivals and museums is a great way to learn about the culture and history of a region.

Hate #10: Lack of Space on Public Transit

If you decide to travel by train and bus, you’ll quickly realize that there isn’t a lot of space for luggage. On a lot of European trains, for example, there’s a small overhead rack for your luggage. If you have a large suitcase or you can’t lift it up over your head, you’ll have to put it in the luggage area at the end of the car. This area fills up quickly and is near the exit, so it could be stolen pretty easily if you aren’t able to keep an eye on it. This is why we recommend packing light.

Traveling is such an amazing experience for people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone at home wondering why you should travel, we hope our travel stories inspire you to travel more. Obviously, we think the best parts of travel outweigh the worst parts of travel by far, and we plan to keep traveling as long as we can. Want more of our travel tips? Check out some of our other blog posts: