The Do’s & Don’ts of Visiting Scotland, so you don’t waste your vacation

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you travel Scotland. While many travel blogs will tell you the best things to do in Scotland, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do during your Scotland vacation!

Don’t Call The Residents English

Scotland and England are two different countries with a long, checkered history. Scotland is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Technically, they are British, but it’s easiest just to call them all Scottish, but for the love of all things Scottish, don’t call them English.

Don’t Expect to Shop at Night

It can be hard to find shops that are open past 6:00 pm. In the larger cities, you’ll find something open late, but as you travel around Scotland, expect most small towns to be pretty quiet in the evenings. Therefore plan for your shopping stops during the day and your eating adventures at night.

what to do in Scotland
Yeah, you will see some kilts

Don’t Bring Kids to a Pub Late at Night

Pubs in Scotland are a great place to have a good, hearty dinner. However, if you’re visiting Scotland with kids, you should know they won’t be allowed in the pubs after a certain hour. Other pubs may not allow kids at all. So make sure you check before you plan for that family pub meal.

Don’t Just Visit Edinburgh

Yes, Edinburgh is fantastic. You can easily spend your whole Scotland vacation there, but don’t! Some of the best parts of Scotland are out in the countryside. Whether you visit the Isle of Skye, the Scottish Highlands, or the other cities of Scotland, you’ll be happy you did. We enjoy Inverness and the Black Isle as well as Aberdeen. If you want to get adventurous you can visit the Shetland Islands or Orkney Islands.

Don’t Forget to Drive on the Left

Whether you are driving or walking, make sure you remember that they drive on the left. If you follow our advice to explore Scotland beyond Edinburgh, you will need to rent a car and drive around. So, keep this in mind and take your time. When walking around, make sure you look both ways a couple of times before crossing the street.

Everything You Need to Know About Renting a Car in Europe

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask the Locals for Recommendations

The locals in Scotland are super friendly, so don’t be afraid to approach them with questions. I’ve gotten lost in Scotland before, and the locals were more than willing to help me out. We’ve made several trips to Scotland, and the Scottish people have always been so hospitable. It’s one of the reasons we love coming back. Offer to have a pint with them or an Irn Bru.

Irn Bru for life!

Don’t Expect to Understand Scottish Speakers

Yes, they’re speaking English, but the accent is quite strong. You won’t be the first, or the last, English speaker who doesn’t understand “Scottish English.” Just ask them to repeat themselves and after they have a chuckle at your expense they will help you out.

Don’t Be Scared of Scottish Food

You might really love haggis and black pudding, so don’t be scared of it. But at the same time, don’t feel obliged to eat these things in Scotland. There’s a lot of great food in Scotland, so you will find something you like. It doesn’t have to be exotic or “weird,” things like salmon are also really tasty in Scotland. We have a video that goes through some of the great foods in Scotland, you don’t just have to have fried Mars bars and haggis. Though you could they are pretty tasty, I suggest the haggis balls as a starter to see how  you feel about Haggis in general.

Don’t Buy a Kilt in Scotland

There are a lot of cool things you can buy in Scotland, but I see a lot of people who buy kilts as a souvenir from their Scotland vacation. An authentic kilt can be really expensive and most of us aren’t going to wear those once we get home from Scotland. If your family is Scottish and you have occasions to wear one, go ahead. But really think about how much use it will get before you spend your money on a kilt. It will be the most expensive Halloween costume you ever had.

Buying Souvenirs: What Not to Buy When You Travel

Don’t Forget Bug Spray

We’ve already insisted that you get out of the city and explore the natural beauty of Scotland. But along with that natural beauty comes something called midges. They are teeny bugs that love to bite you and leave little red marks all over. Make sure you bring good bug spray that will keep the midges at bay and reapply often as you may not notice when the effectiveness has worn off.

Don’t Wait to Reserve Accommodation

As you explore the smaller towns of Scotland, there are some really charming accommodation choices. There are quaint bed and breakfasts, charming country cottages, inns, and more. But don’t think you can just pop in and get a room. Accommodation is limited in these smaller towns, so make sure you make your reservations well in advance. As soon as you start planning your trips to Scotland, start making your accommodation reservations. We planned a few months out and still couldn’t get Isle of Skye accommodation!

Don’t Forget to Research Mulit-Attraction Passes

Organizations like Historic Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland offer memberships that include free access to dozens of sites around Scotland. It’s worth looking at what they offer vs what you plan to see, and you might be able to save some money with a membership.

Don’t Think Everyone Accepts Scottish Pounds

Generally, they use the Pound Sterling, or the Great British Pound in Scotland. However, there are also Scottish Pounds in circulation, which are issued by various banks. Most places in Scotland and the rest of the UK will accept them, but you could run into trouble if you try to exchange your leftover Scottish pounds. It’s best to just try to spend all of your currency before you leave, or to at least have British Pounds so you can more easily exchange them in another country.

Don’t Think Edinburgh is Flat

If you look at a map of Edinburgh, you might think it’s a flat city like London. But there are seven hills in Edinburgh, which the tourist maps don’t really show. What looks like a straight path across the city may involve hiking over or around hills. Make sure you have comfortable shoes and that you are walking some hills before your trip.

Don’t Forget to Make Dinner Reservations

There are certain times you need to make sure you have dinner reservations. August is the annual celebration in Edinburgh and the city will be packed. Also, if you’re staying in a small town during tourist season, it’s a good idea to make sure you have reservations for dinner. You should also consider hotel reservations in the smaller towns or you might end up driving farther than you would like.

Don’t Forget to Pack Snacks for the Car

If you do plan to drive around Scotland, make sure you pack some snacks for the car. There are long distances between sites in Scotland, so you may go quite a while between places to eat. Scotland has some great snacks and candies, so a road trip is a great opportunity to try different snacks.

Don’t Forget to Look Up Festivals During Your Trip

Scotland has so many crazy, fun festivals. They happen throughout the year, so take a few minutes before your trip to find out what’s happening during your visit. This includes concerts and sporting events, too. Hanging out at festivals is also a great way to meet locals.

Don’t Think Irn-Bru is Orange-Flavored

Irn-Bru is a soda you’ll see all over Scotland. It’s an orange color, so naturally, most people think it will taste like Orange Crush or Fanta. However, it’s actually a bubblegum flavor. If you’re not expecting it, it might take you back. The flavor will grow on you, though. Our kids love it!

scottish is hard to know
your guess is as good as mine

Don’t Count on Finding ATM’s Everywhere

Some of the smaller towns may not have an ATM, so make sure you have extra cash on you. Stock up on what you might need before leaving the airport or the larger cities. Sometimes you will see in the smaller villages that a bank truck will come with an ATM inside the actual truck.

Don’t Assume Short Distances or Drive Times

You may look at a map and think you are close to your destination, but that’s not always the case. Don’t assume 50 miles will only take you 50 minutes. Not all of the roads are very fast, and they can be winding through small towns along the way. So make sure you are planning your travel accordingly

We have loved all of our trips to Scotland, and we find it to be an excellent family travel destination. When you do visit, don’t forget to chat with the locals! I hope this helps you know some of the things to avoid doing on your Scotland vacation. Looking for more tips on visiting the United Kingdom? Check out these blog posts!

Welsh Food: What to Eat in Wales

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re in Wales, talking about food! A lot of the food in Wales is similar to the food in England, but I’m going to talk about traditional Welsh food that is unique to Wales. It’s not all weird stuff that you can’t identify; Welsh cuisine is actually pretty good! That’s why I want to give you a head’s up on what you should eat when you visit Wales.

Welsh Cakes

One of the most popular items in Welsh cuisine is Welsh cakes. They look like little pancakes. It’s actually more like a round, flat scone. Welsh cakes are very dense and usually have something inside, like raisins. They make a great snack as you are out sightseeing in Wales or the perfect accompaniment to afternoon tea.

Ten Things That Will Shock You in Wales

Bara Brith

Another item common in Welsh cuisine is the Bara Brith. It looks like a fruitcake that you’d have at Christmas in the United States. However, it’s not as dense. Bara Brith is served sliced and is another great snack. You can find this at pretty much any grocery store.

rarebit wales food
Eat away my Wales visiting travelers.

Welsh Rarebit

This sounds very similar to rabbit, but it’s really just a simple open-faced toasted cheese sandwich. There’s usually a sauce added underneath the cheese, and if you order this at a restaurant, it may come with additional toppings. This is a quick and easy meal if you just want to grab a bite at a pub and continue on your road trip through Wales.

Laverbread

This is pronounced like lava-bread, but as with most Welsh cuisine, this is misleading. Laver is actually seaweed. It usually comes with some bread slices you can spread it on. It’s actually not too bad, but it’s definitely a “love it or hate it” kind of food.

Bara Brith and other welsh food to eat
Wales has plenty to try

Lamb & Leeks

Leeks are one of the national symbols of Wales, so it’s a very common ingredient in many Welsh dishes. The lamb in Wales is really fantastic. Lamb Cawl is like a lamb stew, or you can just get the lamb chops. Lamb is my go-to meal when I visit Wales.

Shellfish

The shellfish in Wales is really good. The mussels are quite good; my son was a big fan! If you have a choice, get the bread instead of fries as your side so you can dip the bread in the sauce from the seafood. If you see cockles on the menu, those are small clams and they are pretty tasty as well.

welsh food
The mussels were amazing

Local Beer

Of course, you will need something to wash down all this tasty Welsh food, so I like to recommend a local beer to try during your travels. Brains Beer is probably the most popular beer brand in Wales, and they make multiple different types of beer, from dark to light. Once you leave Cardiff, you’ll see all kinds of local ales in the smaller regions, so give those a try as well.

The Don’ts of Wales: What Not to Do When You Visit Wales

Wales is a great place to visit. You’ll find all kinds of little restaurants and pubs as you travel through Wales. If you visit Wales with kids, make sure you check the hours that kids are allowed in the pub. There’s usually a cutoff time when children are no longer allowed, so you need to plan ahead and eat earlier. Looking for more tips on what to eat while traveling? Check out some of these other blog posts!

What Not to Do On Your Kansas City Vacation

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit Kansas City, Missouri. While many travel blogs will tell you the best things to do in Kansas City, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do during your Kansas City vacation!

Don’t Expect to Find Taxis at the Airport

Let’s start with your arrival in Kansas City. When you land at the airport, don’t expect to find a line of taxis waiting for passengers at the airport. Instead, you have to find the “taxi phones” at the airport. You pick up one of the phones, give them your gate or door number, and they will send someone out to pick you up.

Don’t Plan to Eat in the Airport Terminals

When you are leaving Kansas City, make sure you eat before you go through the security lines. Once you go through security at the Kansas City airport, the terminals are very small and don’t have a lot of services. So, plan on eating before you get to the airport, or at some of the restaurants that are outside of the security gates.

Don’t Think You’re in Kansas

Since you’re in Kansas City, you might assume you’ll be spending your time in the state of Kansas. While there is a Kansas City Kansas, most of the things to see and do are located in Kansas City, Missouri.

Don’t Expect to Walk Everywhere

Kansas City is very spread out. If you don’t rent a car while you’re here, then plan to spend a lot of money on Uber. You will need to drive to a lot of places and there really isn’t great public transportation in place. My Uber rides averaged about $7 to $10 each, but that’s several times a day, and it adds up quickly! On the bright side, Uber is fast and easy to use in Kansas City.

Don’t Worry About Driving

Driving is pretty easy in Kansas City, so don’t worry if you decide to drive there or rent a car during your visit to Kansas City. The streets are laid out in a way that’s easy to get around, and parking isn’t difficult or expensive.

Don’t Plan on Public Transportation

There are some buses and trams in Kansas City, but relying on public transportation for your Kansas City sightseeing can be challenging. The tram is free, but the service is pretty limited. There are plans to expand the route in the future, so this “don’t” could become a “do” in a few years!

17 Don’ts of Visiting the USA

Don’t Think Union Station is Just an Amtrak Station

Yes, Amtrak trains do arrive and depart through Union Station. But there’s a lot more to see and do in Kansas City’s Union Station. It’s huge and it’s recently been renovated to restore some of the original grandeur of the early 1900s when it was built. It’s a historical landmark, and there are also restaurants, public and private events, and a movie theater.

Don’t Miss the WWI Museum

This is the official national World War I Museum in the country. This is really an important museum and monument to a war that isn’t often talked about. The museum is very well done and gives in-depth explanations of the exhibits. Don’t miss out on going to the top of the monument, either! There’s an elevator that will take you up and you’ll have amazing views of the surrounding area.

Don’t Underestimate the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

This art museum in Kansas City is huge, and you’ll be surprised at some of the big names you’ll recognize. There are so many different periods of art that are covered inside the museum, from Egyptian art to Caravaggio, Manet, and Monet. The collection is really extensive and impressive! I think it’s one of the top five art museums in the United States.

Don’t Skip the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

You don’t have to be a baseball fan to enjoy this museum! It’s one of the best modern museums that I have ever visited. You learn about the players, the league, memorabilia, and it’s all explained in context, which is really cool. It’s well worth the trip, and it’s in a great neighborhood with lots of things to do.

Don’t Miss Out on Live Jazz

There are some really good jazz clubs in Kansas City. You might be surprised at the good nightlife in Kansas City, and it’s really a fun place to go out. There are some great local brews that you can kick back and enjoy while listening to live music.

Don’t Think the Plaza and Country Club Plaza are Two Different Places

When you visit Kansas City, you’ll hear a lot about “the Plaza” as it’s a popular place to go in Kansas City. You might also hear about the Country Club Plaza and wonder where that is. They are one and the same! The whole area is just known as the Plaza.

Don’t Have Preconceived Notions of the Plaza

The Plaza was built to look like Seville Spain, and the architecture is really stunning. It can be a bit of a letdown when you realize these beautiful buildings are home to everyday chain restaurants and retail stores. The Plaza is basically a shopping center with some really great architecture.

Don’t Be Surprised by Friendly Locals

This is the Midwest; people are just naturally friendly. They will say hello to you on the street, so don’t freak out about it. It’s just how people are. They love to give you their best recommendations for things to do and especially where to find the best BBQ in Kansas City.

Ten Shocks of Visiting the USA

Don’t Rip on Kansas City Sports Teams

Kansas City is a big sports town. They are loyal to their hometown teams. The Kansas City Chiefs just won the Superbowl in 2020. The Kansas City Royals are the local baseball team. They are really into their teams so don’t rip on them unless you want to get into a big debate!

Don’t Litter

This really should apply to every day and everywhere, but Kansas City is exceptionally clean. They have a lot of civic pride and they work hard to keep their city clean. There aren’t always trash cans readily available, but if you litter, the locals will call you out for it.

Don’t Be Discouraged by Long Lines for BBQ

Kansas City is probably most famous for BBQ. And some of the best places, like Joe’s, will have very long lines, especially during the dinner rush. But don’t be scared off by the long lines! You might have to wait 30 to 60 minutes to get your food, but it is so worth it! If you really want to avoid the lines, try to eat a late lunch or early dinner and you can skip some of the crowds. With so many great BBQ restaurants, you’ll have a hard time deciding. Ask the locals what their favorite is!

Don’t Skip the Kansas City BBQ Sauce

Kansas City BBQ can be wet or dry, and both options are good, but make sure you try some of the sauces! Every place has its own sauces, sometimes they have several. You’ll have sweet, spicy, and everything in between. Make sure you try it!

Don’t Think Kansas City is Just BBQ

Yes, the BBQ in Kansas City is excellent. But there is a ton of great food (and drink!) in Kansas City. LaMar’s Donuts is fantastic! You might also want to try a Kansas City strip steak. Kansas City is also a melting pot of cultures, so you’ll have great Italian, Asian and many others. Once you’ve had your fill of Kansas City BBQ, be sure to check out some of the other cuisines that are available.

Don’t Think You Have to Clean Your Plate

The portion sizes here are quite large! You won’t go hungry in Kansas City, but don’t feel like you have to eat everything they put in front of you. Not only is the food really good, but they like to give you a lot of it.

Don’t Write Off Kansas City

If you can’t already tell from this post, there’s a lot to do in Kansas City. Don’t write it off as some boring Midwest town in the middle of “flyover country.”

Kansas City is a really cool city to visit. The museums, culture, friendly locals and amazing food make this an excellent Midwest travel destination. I loved it here, and I think you will too! I hope this helps you known some of the things to avoid doing when you visit Kansas City. Looking for more of our USA travel tips? Check out these blog posts!

The Best and Worst of Visiting Lima, Peru

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Lima, Peru! We had a really nice time in Lima. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate when visiting Lima Peru.

Love #1: Lima’s Historic Center

Lima has a great historic center. Starting with the San Francisco monastery, there’s a ton to see including the amazing artwork and the underground chambers. The historic center also has several museums and the Plaza Mayor. This should definitely be the first stop on your Lima visit.

Hate #1: Getting to Lima

Most international flights to Lima arrive very late at night. We arrived at one in the morning from Atlanta, and our departing flight leaves at 2:15 am. So while you won’t have jetlag because Lima is in the Eastern time zone, you’ll be exhausted from your late arrival on your travel day. Late departures also affect your last day as you’ll have to check out of your hotel room at noon, and then you have a good 12 hours before you leave for the airport. I recommend just getting an airport hotel for that last night, even though you won’t be spending the whole night there.

lima tourism advice
We loved our time in Lima

Love #2: Neighborhoods of Lima

Many Latin American cities have the historic center and that’s it. Lima actually has several cool neighborhoods to explore, including the historic center. We stayed in Miraflores near the beach. San Isidro is another cool neighborhood. Each Lima neighborhood has unique museums and attractions, plus lots of good restaurants!

Hate #2: Traffic in Lima

Like a lot of Latin countries, the traffic and the drivers in Lima are insane. I do not recommend driving yourself in Lima. There are plenty of taxis you can use to get around. Your hotel can also arrange drivers for you. It can also be dangerous as a pedestrian in Lima, so you really need to pay attention as you are walking around town. Even if the light is green for you to cross, make sure you look both ways because the drivers don’t always obey the traffic laws.

downtown lima family travel
Downtown Lima

Love #3: City Beaches

While Lima is a major city and a cultural destination, there are also beaches right in the city, so you can also have a beach vacation! The water is a bit cold, but it’s nice to have some waterfront parks and activities to explore. With historic attractions, Peruvian culture, and natural attractions, a trip to Lima makes for a really well-rounded vacation.

Hate #3: Lima Peru Weather & UV Rays

Lima Peru weather is pretty nice all the time, so you’ll love that part. The coldest month is August, where it sometimes drops below 60-degrees. However, there’s a gray fog in the summer months. Regardless of when you visit Lima, you really need to be careful with the UV rays, which are very strong in Lima. Even if it’s cloudy out, make sure you are using lots of SPF to protect your skin.

lima travel tips
Inca Kola and exploring the food scene all over Lima is amazing

Love #4: Lima Safety & Cleanliness

For a city of over ten million residents, we actually felt very safe in Lima. Obviously, use your travel smarts when it comes to traveling around at night, but we felt very safe exploring the different Lima neighborhoods during the day. Feel free to ask your hotel for any areas to avoid and any general safety advice. Lima is also very clean, which was a pleasant surprise.

What to Know Before You Visit Peru

Hate #4: Booking Hotels in Lima

We usually book our own travel, but when choosing your Lima accommodation, you can save a lot of money by using a travel agency. We only found this out because we had to change accommodation midway through our trip and a friend booked a room for us using a travel agent. It was about half as much as the prices we saw online. This isn’t something you would know ahead of time, but it can save you a lot of money during your Lima trip.

Love #5: Lima Peru Restaurants

Lima is the capital city of Peru, so there are a ton of good restaurants where you can sample Peruvian cuisine. The seafood is amazing, so make sure you try the ceviche at least once.

Hate #5: Don’t Flush Your Toilet Paper

This is actually pretty common in South America. The plumbing can’t handle toilet paper, so you have to throw it in the bin next to the toilet. This can be hard to remember, and definitely takes some getting used to if you’ve never had to do this before.

Everything You Need to Know About Traveler’s Diarrhea

If you can’t tell, it was kind of hard to come up with five “hates” about Lima because we really enjoyed our time there. Want more South America travel tips? Check out some of our other blog posts:

Cusco Travel: What to Know Before You Go

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re traveling to Cusco, Peru. Cusco is the base of most trips to Machu Picchu, so if you are planning to visit the Incan ruins, you will more than likely visit Cusco before and after. We felt that there are a few things you should know before you visit Cusco, that will make your trip much more enjoyable!

Cusco Elevation

Cusco sits at an elevation of 3,000 meters, or 11,000 feet. Altitude sickness is a real problem at those altitudes, and it can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness levels. Jocelyn was pretty sick for the first part of our Cusco trip. Thankfully, most hotels are equipped to help you out, either with coca leaf tea or oxygen masks you can use. Don’t plan any activities for your first day in Cusco; give your body time to adjust to the altitude first. Take it easy and stay hydrated.

How to Deal with Altitude Sickness

cuzco to machu picchu
Cuzco is your gateway to Machu Picchu

Don’t Drink the Tap Water

With the high altitude, it’s important to stay hydrated and drink a LOT of water, both before and during your trip. However, you cannot drink tap water in Peru. Buy bottled water or use a water bottle with a filter. Even brushing your teeth with tap water can result in some issues that are rather unpleasant.

Everything You Need to Know About Traveler’s Diarrhea

Beware of the UV Rays

At this elevation, the sun is super strong. Even when it’s cloudy, it’s super easy to get a sunburn, so make sure you are lathering on the sunscreen and reapplying it. A good sunhat is also a great idea to keep your head and face out of the sun. Make sure you also have a lip balm with SPF as sunburned lips are not fun to have! Depending on the season, you might also need to bring some bug spray on your Cusco trip.

cuzco family travel
Cuzco is a great destination with the family

Best Things to Do in Cusco

While Cusco is the gateway to Machu Picchu, you definitely want to leave some time to explore this city as well. There are some great cathedrals, which are usually open to the public from 6-10 in the morning. Cusco also has several great museums, like the Inca Museum and the Textile Museum. We’re pretty independent travelers, but we signed up for a tour of Cusco, and it was really great. There are many Cusco tours to choose from; including city tours and hiking tours. They can customize a hike to your ability and effort, and it may be a great way to acclimate after a few days. There are dozens of tour agencies in town, so even if you don’t pre-plan your entire Cusco trip, you can still book tours when you arrive.

Cusco Weather

We visited in December, and the weather was really nice. The rainy season runs from November to April, but it didn’t rain a ton while we were there. The dry season is from May to October. The biggest tourist months are May through August. You’ll have the best weather, but also the highest prices and the most crowds at that time. (Do note that the Inca Trail is closed in February!)

Traffic in Cusco

Traffic in Cusco is crazy. The drivers are crazy, so I don’t recommend driving, but even as a pedestrian, you have to be really careful when walking near traffic. Accidents and near-misses are almost constant around Cusco. Be sure you follow the traffic lights, but also look in both directions before crossing any street. Even if you have the light.

Vendors & Peddlers

We call it the gauntlet. Every time you step out of your hotel, expect to “run the gauntlet” of vendors trying to sell you things. There is always someone trying to sell you something in Cusco. From photo souvenirs to alpaca sweaters, you can park yourself in the main square and all of the shopping will come to you. A lot of them are selling the exact same items, and it can be frustrating after a while. They are very friendly, though, and not aggressive.

Cusco Accommodation

With Cusco being such a tourist hub, there are plenty of hotels in Cusco for all budgets and travel styles. Whether you want a backpacker hostel or a nicer hotel, you’ll have many options in Cusco.

Safety in Cusco

We have felt very safe everywhere in Cusco. Even visiting Peru with kids, we haven’t felt uncomfortable anywhere, especially Cusco. It’s also very clean, so you can tell they really take pride in their city.

cusco vistas
just a few views of cusco

We have so enjoyed our time in Cusco and hope that these travel tips help you enjoy your Cusco trip as well. If you want more tips on traveling in Peru, check out some of our other blog posts:

Visit USA: Common Tourist Scams in America

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Tourists Scams Travelers See in The USA

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about travel scams you might run into when traveling in the United States. Despite what the media might have you believe, traveling the United States is relatively safe. However, there are a few things worth mentioning so you can be on the lookout to avoid them as you visit USA tourist attractions.

Phone Scams

If you already live in the USA, you already know all about these phone calls. Sometimes, they are just trying to sell you something. But other phone scams can be a bit scarier. They might tell you that the FBI is looking for you, or that your insurance policy has lapsed. They might say you have a package that needs to be delivered. Do not ever provide any information to someone that has called you out of the blue. If you’re in doubt, hang up and call the provider number that you have on your credit card or in your records.

Hotel Phone Scam

Another phone scam that happens in hotels is when your room phone rings and claims to be the front desk asking to confirm your credit card information. For one thing, the hotel front desk will never ask for this information over the phone. The easiest thing to do is to hang up and either call the front desk directly or go down to the front desk. When you find out it’s a scam, let them know it’s happening so they can be aware before transferring outside calls to guest rooms.

travel scams in the US
Scams are everywhere when you travel, so be prepared when you do travel

Credit Card Skimming

Skimming happens at an open credit card machine, such as those at a gas station or outdoor ATM. A skimming device is added to the credit card machine and is used to steal your information when you swipe your card. When you use the credit card machine, take a second look to see if it looks normal, or if it looks like it may have been tampered with.

Street Scams

If you visit a popular tourist area like New Orleans’ French Quarter or Memphis’ Beale Street, you will run into people trying to scam you on the street. They might try to bet you that they can guess your name, or guess where you got your shoes. The same thing goes for the shell game, or card games. If someone approaches you with something like this, or magic tricks, just keep walking. Don’t engage with them and they’ll move on to the next tourist.

Most Common Pickpocket Techniques

Photography Scams

At a lot of popular tourist sites, you’ll run into the “professional photographer” scam. I have seen this most often in Vegas. As you wait in line for your Instagram shot, someone will approach you and offer to take your picture for you in exchange for a fee. Don’t do it; you can just as easily take your own photos with your camera or phone. Of course, this doesn’t apply to fellow tourists who are also there getting photos. Just the people who want money in exchange for taking your photo.

tourist scams usa
The King is worth the price of the picture in Memphis

Pedicab Scam

Pedicabs are popping up all over these days. This isn’t an illegal scam, but these bicycle taxis aren’t regulated by the same means as taxis or rideshare programs, so they can charge you whatever they want. Make sure you negotiate your full fare upfront before you get in the pedicab.

WiFi Scams

If you are staying at a hotel and sign on to the WiFi, make sure you are signing on to the correct network. Some scammers will set up a malicious network with a name very similar to the hotel name to try and trick hotel guests into signing into their network instead. Once you’ve logged into this other network, they have access to all of your information.

Impersonator Scams

Any time you are in a major tourist area, you’re going to see celebrity impersonators on the streets. It may be Elvis in Las Vegas or Arnold Schwarzenegger in Los Angeles. They are there to make money off of tourists by posing for photos with you and then expecting you to pay for that photo. They can be especially assertive with kids so the kids will beg their parents to play along. If you take a photo and don’t pay them, they can get aggressive.

Taxi Scams

A lot of these taxi scams are found all over the world, not just in the United States.

  • The most common taxi scam is for the driver to take the long way to your destination. This is super common in Las Vegas. Before you get a taxi, have an idea of how long the drive is and the proper route to take. In cities like Chicago and New York, if they don’t think you are a tourist, they might even ask you which route you want them to take.
  • Other drivers will zero out the meter right as they stop, and they will tell you a higher price. Keep an eye on the meter while you’re driving to avoid this.
  • Another taxi scam is to “forget” one of your bags in the trunk. This can happen if you have a lot of people and a lot of baggage. Make sure you are there when they are loading or unloading your bags, and make sure you verify that the trunk is empty before they pull away.

How to Avoid Travel Scams & Rip-Offs

Street Beggars

This is something you see in bigger cities, but it’s becoming more common in smaller and mid-size cities, too. People on the street will ask you for money. If you say no, they may harass you a bit until you give in. Or, if you give them a dollar, they may try to get you to give them more money. You can’t win, so the best thing you can do is to keep walking and don’t engage with them.

Some of these beggars will have some really good sob stories, too. Anyone can say they are a veteran or homeless, but whatever the story, it will likely tug at your heartstrings a bit. Until you see ten more similar stories and you’ll start to get hardened to the sob stories. It’s up to you what you decide to do, but we usually offer to buy them food or a ticket, rather than directly giving anyone cash.

scams and tourists in the US
Some scams are still funny when you see them

Transportation Scams

This happens a lot in train and bus stations. Someone will ask you for money to buy a train ticket. They will say they are stranded and just need to get home. They will say they just need a few more dollars to get the ticket they need. If you really fall for the story and want to help, offer to go to the ticket window with them and purchase the ticket. You will probably see this on road trips, too. Someone at a rest stop might say they ran out of gas and need money to fill up their tank.

Fake Parking Attendant

This is another scam you might see in larger cities. Yes, there are many places where you have to pay to park, especially in urban areas or at large events. But then you’ll have a random person offer to “watch” your car in exchange for a few bucks. The problem is, they might key your car or damage it if you don’t pay them for this security “service.”

Rental Car Scams

If you rent a car in the USA, make sure you do a full inspection with the rental agent prior to driving out of the lot. Mark anything you see so that you aren’t charged for it when you return the car. You can also take photos or a video of the car to show the condition you received it in. This typically doesn’t come up with the major car rental agencies like Enterprise, Alamo, Hertz, etc. However, if you rent from a no-name car rental, be sure you are very thorough about inspecting for damages.

Hopefully, by discussing these travel scams and rip-offs, we can help you avoid becoming a victim during your United States vacation. Fortunately, most of these scams are becoming less and less common, so it’s highly unlikely you’ll have any trouble at all. Need more travel tips for visiting the USA? Check out these blog posts!

5 Biggest Mistakes Tourists Make When They Visit Vienna

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Visit Austria: Mistakes to Avoid on Your Vienna Vacation

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit Vienna Austria. While many travel blogs will tell you what to do in Vienna, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do during your Vienna vacation!

Vienna Public Transportation

After a few trips on the train in Vienna, you start to realize that they don’t always check your ticket. You might start to think you can get away without purchasing a ticket. It is sort of on the honor system, but there are employees who will do random checks for tickets. If you don’t have a ticket, you can get a heavy fine. It’s not worth the risk. In two weeks, I was asked to show my ticket three times, so it does happen. Not only do you need to buy a ticket, but you also need to validate it before you board the train. If you are caught without a ticket, they won’t care that you’re a tourist. So, don’t try to cheat the system when it comes to public transportation in Vienna.

Tip: If you buy the Wochen ticket, which is a weekly ticket, it is not necessarily good for seven consecutive days. It is good for Monday through Sunday! If you arrive on a Friday, you’ll need a new Wochen ticket the following Monday.

foodie mistakes in vienna
Just go to a care and enjoy.

Missing Out on Vienna’s Cafe Culture

Vienna is all about cafe culture; it’s practically a religion in Vienna! Many tourists are trying to cram a lot of Vienna sightseeing into their trip and they don’t take the time to sit down, relax and enjoy the cafe scene. Whether you prefer coffee, tea or hot chocolate, it’s a bit of a ritual to enjoy your hot drink, along with a slice of Sacher Torte or Apple Streudel, and watch the world go by. A huge part of the cafe culture is enjoying some of the many desserts that Vienna is famous for. My go to is Apple Streudel and hot cocoa (Heisse Schokolade).

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Vienna

Expecting Friendly Service in Vienna

As pleasant as the cafe experience is, the service in Vienna is actually not that friendly. While the servers are knowledgeable and do a good job, they aren’t overly solicitous or friendly like you might expect if you are from the US or the UK. The servers in Vienna made a good wage and don’t go out of their way to get that extra tip, even though you are expected to tip in Vienna. One thing you’ll notice is that you have to ask for your check when you are done eating. They won’t automatically bring it to you. Because of the cafe culture, patrons often linger for several hours, so they won’t be rushing you out of your table. And if you want to stay and linger no one will pressure you to hurry and leave your table, unless you are being loud.

vienna travel mistakes
Yeah… You will eat… a lot in Vienna

Not Carrying Cash

Many places are becoming almost cashless societies, so I see a lot of Vienna visitors trying to pay with a credit card everywhere they go. While many places in Vienna will take credit cards, there are still places that do not take cards. So, you really need to carry some cash when you visit Vienna. Cafes, hotels, and restaurants will usually accept cards, but if you want to grab some street food, or buy something at a market stall in Naschmarkt, you will need cash.

Tip: It’s also easier to tip in cash, otherwise you have to communicate the amount of your tip to be included when they run your card; you can’t just write it in on the receipt.

European Currency: Travel Money Tips & How to Exchange Money

Underestimating the Amount of Vienna Sightseeing

There is an unbelievable amount of culture and history in Vienna. This is the home of the Holy Roman Empire, with hundreds of years of culture. Music and the arts are huge in Vienna. From concert halls to opera houses, and then you have all of the amazing museums. There are several palaces in Vienna, many with beautiful gardens and parks. Deciding what to do in Vienna can be overwhelming because you have so many choices. If you are only planning a short Vienna vacation, then you really need to do some research ahead of time and prioritize your Vienna sightseeing because you just can’t see everything in one trip.

travel issues in vienna
Don’t think Vienna is too stuffy for kids. Our boys have loved Vienna.

Vienna has a special place in my heart. I went to school here, and I’ve returned with my family many times over the years. I hope this helps you know some of the things to avoid doing when you visit Vienna. Looking for more of our Austria vacation tips? Check out these blog posts!

6 Travel Scams to Watch Out for in Germany

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Visit Germany: Travel Scams to Watch Out For

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about travel scams you might run into in Germany. Generally, Germans are pretty straight-laced and rule-abiding, so you aren’t likely to run into any trouble when you visit Germany. However, there are a few things worth mentioning so you can be on the lookout to avoid them as you visit Germany tourist attractions.

Germany Train Ticket Scams

You might run into people trying to re-sell their train tickets. The Bayern ticket is good for a group of people traveling through Bavaria, and I’ve seen people trying to re-sell those in Munich. You might also find someone trying to sell a U-Bahn or S-Bahn ticket in some of the larger cities. Most of the time, these tickets are already used and you’ll basically be throwing money away trying to buy one from someone on the street. You are better off to research your Germany itinerary and buy the right transportation package, the legal way.

Also, when you go to buy your German train ticket, if anyone other than a uniformed employee tries to help you, ask them to step away. They may be trying to scam you by buying an extra ticket, grabbing your ticket, or grabbing your change.

Germany tourist
Germany for the most part is safe to visit, but there are some scams out there

The Bump

This pickpocket move is a bit more traditional; someone on the street or on public transportation will bump into you. A few blocks later, you realize your phone (or wallet or passport) is gone. You might think you would definitely feel this happening, but you can’t. These thieves are trained professionals, and super smooth when they are picking your pocket. This happens most often in crowded areas, especially during big festivals like Oktoberfest or Christmas Markets.

Watch: What to Do if You Lose Your Passport

Bird Poop / Mustard Scam

I see this one a lot, and it’s even happened to my parents. Someone will walk by you and notice something on your shirt, or they may even “accidentally” squirt some mustard on you. They nicely offer to help clean you up, while their accomplice swoops in to pickpocket you or snatch your bag while your attention is diverted. Even if there is something on your shirt, politely refuse help and clean it off yourself. The people who run this scam will be dressed nicely or seem like other tourists. Do pay attention at all times with your personal property.

Six Most Popular Places for Pickpockets

travel scams
Is he a happy go luck tourist or a scam artist? He stole my mom’s heart.

Sympathy Scams

Sometimes when you are eating at a restaurant, someone will drop off a card telling you they are blind or deaf, or some other way to drum up sympathy from you. Often, it’s not even true, but it’s almost always a scam. Don’t even take the card from them, or they’ll expect you pay them. This happens most often at fast-food restaurants around the train station, as a lot of tourists are passing through. You may also see them pass through trains on longer stops. They may have even have small trinkets you can buy in order to help them.

Street Beggars

These aren’t necessarily scammers, but something to look out for and be aware of. In larger cities of Germany, a lot of street beggars congregate around the train station, so when you exit, you may be overwhelmed with several people asking you for money. They are usually harmless and not aggressive, so you can pass by and not worry too much about it.

Not a Scam: Toilet Women

When you visit Germany, you’ll notice women in or right outside of the public toilets, asking for money. Many people think this is a travel scam, but it’s not. These ladies actually keep the public restrooms clean, so it’s entirely appropriate to tip them. I always try to carry some coins to toss in and generally tip them around 50 cents. They are called Toilettenfrauen or Toilet women, and make sure you leave them a tip after you use that clean bathroom.

travel scams in germany
Hey, don’t be too worried, we let our kids wander around Germany

Hopefully, by discussing these travel scams and rip-offs, we can help you avoid becoming a victim during your Germany vacation. Fortunately, tourist crime in Germany is pretty rate. Germans are typically very honest and tend to look out for each other, so your risk of falling victim to a travel scam in Germany is pretty low. Need more travel tips for Germany or elsewhere? Check out these blog posts!

Five Things You Will Love & Hate On Your Crete Vacation

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit the island of Crete! It’s a beautiful island, well worth checking out. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate on your Crete vacation.

Hate #1: Driving Around Crete

My biggest frustration when we visit Crete is having to drive around the island. There are some buses and taxis, but you really need a car to get around and see the most sights. If you decide to rent a home or apartment rather than stay in a hotel, then you will definitely need a car. Driving in Crete can be a hair-raising experience. Greek drivers can be a bit crazy, and you’ll likely find some winding mountain roads to explore. (Tip: most rental cars are manual transmission, and you’ll need an international driver’s license in order to rent a car in Greece.)

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

Love #1: Crete Weather

The weather is why everyone loves to visit Crete! Crete is really a great destination throughout the year. Most tourists visit Crete in July and August, but the good weather extends way beyond the main summer months. It doesn’t really get cold in Crete, and there’s not a rainy season to worry about, so you will enjoy the weather in Crete whenever you decide to visit.

why you should have a crete vacation
We love Crete, so this may be a bit biased

Hate #2: Sun in Crete

Yes, the sun is a big reason many travelers visit Crete, but it’s very strong, especially in the summer. It’s really easy to get a sunburn, and it can get really hot. Often, there’s a nice breeze coming off the water that cools the temperature down a bit. This feels really nice, but you may not notice that you are getting a sunburn because it’s not so hot out. You really have to wear sunblock all the time or you will likely end up with a nasty sunburn.

Love #2: Things to Do in Crete

The tourism infrastructure in Crete is fantastic. It’s easy to find Crete tours and Crete accommodations. Whether you want a standard hotel in Crete, or prefer a home rental, there are many to choose from. Renting a private home and cooking your own meals can be a great way to visit Crete on a budget. We’ll get to the beaches, but there are so many other things to see in Crete, like the Knossos archeological site. You can also explore monasteries and churches, each with their own interesting history.

Hate #3: “Crete Time”

Everyone in Crete seems to be on “island time” meaning everything takes just a little bit longer than you expect. Nobody is in a hurry, and you won’t be either once you acclimate to the slower pace of life in Crete. Just give yourself extra time for everything, especially when you are out to eat.

loving Crete is a given… at least we think so

Love #3: Crete Beaches

There are so many beautiful sand beaches in Crete. The water is clear and warm, and there is great snorkeling, too. The beaches are kid-friendly and super relaxed. There beach bars all over the island, where you can rent a chair or have a chair free if you order food or drinks. You can even find empty beaches if you want to get away from the crowds for a day. Best of all, the beaches of Crete are safe. You don’t have to worry constantly about your belongings, and you won’t run into a bunch of touts trying to sell you things. Many of the beaches on the north side of Crete have lifeguards, which is great.

Hate #4: Seasonality of Crete

Tourism in Crete is very seasonal. In the high season or summer, it can be very crowded with tourists. But if you try to visit Crete in the low season, it can be really challenging to get to Crete. The low-cost carriers reduce airline service to Crete in the low season, so it will be harder to find affordable flights if you travel off-season. Some flights cease altogether in the offseason, so you may have to fly through Athens to Crete, or consider the ferry routes.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Europe in Winter

Love #4: Locals of Crete

One of the things we love about Crete is the chance to meet locals. They have been welcoming travelers for centuries, yet they still love to share their beautiful island with visitors. If you can learn a few Greek words before your Crete vacation, you will find locals opening up to you even more and welcoming you. Even with crowds of tourists in the summer, the locals are super hospitable.

swimming in crete
don’t forget your snorkel

Hate #5: Ferries to Crete

Aside from direct flights to Crete, you can also take a ferry from the mainland and other Greek islands. Not all of the ferries are bad, but if you are visiting Crete on a budget and don’t want to spend the money on a room for the overnight ferry, be prepared to be awake all night watching your things. I highly recommend finding a cheap flight if you can and skipping the ferry experience. You’ll save a lot of time that you can spend on the beaches of Crete instead of sleeping on a ferry.

Love #5: Prices in Crete

Greece is a very affordable travel destination, and Crete is no exception. It is surprisingly affordable, even in the peak summer season. When you visit Crete restaurants, you eat really well for a very fair price. The portion sizes are big enough to share! You will pay a bit more in the touristy areas along the water, but overall, Crete is very reasonably priced for tourists. 

Crete is all of the best parts of Greece, plus their own unique culture and cuisines layered in.  Between the beautiful beaches, great weather and amazing food, it’s hard not to love everything about Crete. Want more tips for planning a Mediterranean vacation? Check out these other blog posts:

What Not to Do On Your Cruise Ship Vacation

Posted on by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you take a cruise ship vacation. While many travel blogs will tell you the best things to do on a cruise, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do during your cruise ship vacation!

Don’t Assume All Cruise Lines are the Same

Just because two cruise ship companies offer similar itineraries, it does not mean they are the same. The itinerary and the ports of call are only part of what you want to look for in a cruise vacation. You should also look at the size of the boat and the maximum number of passengers you’ll be traveling with. The excursion choices can also be different from ship to ship. It’s important to find the best cruise ship for your travel style.

Don’t Arrive the Same Day as Your Cruise Departure

If you are flying into your port city for the cruise, don’t plan to arrive the same day that your cruise is leaving. Most cruises leave late in the afternoon, so it can be tempting to book a morning flight and save a night in a hotel. However, if there are any delays with your flights or baggage, the cruise ship is not going to wait for you. You can meet it at the next port, but it will be at your own expense. Arriving a day early allows you a bit of time to get into vacation mode and adjust to any time or climate change as well.

what not to do on a cruise
The don’ts of cruising

Don’t Lose Your Cruise Ship ID

Of course, you don’t want to lose your passport or driver’s license, but you will get an identification card or wristband that becomes your ID for the duration of the cruise. You’ll need this to board the boat, and it will also be used to pay for things on the ship. It might also work as your room key. If they give you an audioguide for tours, don’t lose that either, as you will have to pay to replace it.

Don’t Skip Orientation

On the first day aboard, there will be an orientation for all cruise ship passengers. Don’t skip it, especially if it’s your first cruise. Not only will this orientation give you important safety and emergency procedures, but you’ll also learn about the dining hours and locations, and excursion information.

Don’t Assume the Price is All-Inclusive

Some cruise lines bundle everything into one price, which is really convenient and helpful for budgeting for your cruise vacation. But not all cruise ships do this. Some companies will have additional packages you can purchase which include bottled water or upgraded drinks and soft drinks. You will have to do some research on a la carte pricing vs package pricing to see what works best for you.

family cruise tips
Cruise vacations can be quite fun for the family

Don’t Feel Like You Have to Take the Cruise Line Excursions

Your cruise will come with a wide variety of excursions you can add on to your package. Some cruise lines have excellent guides and tours, but others may seem overpriced, or may not fit your travel style. You can always book excursions on your own, or just go ashore and wander the towns at your own pace.

Seven Reasons to Hire a Private Tour Guide

Don’t Feel Like You Have to Take an Excursion Every Day

You may feel pressured to make the most of your cruise vacation and fill up your itinerary with daily excursions. It’s not hard to get burned out on being shuffled around on tours day after day. It’s totally OK to just chill out on the boat for the day, or roam around town on your own. You might actually really enjoy relaxing on the boat while the rest of the passengers are gone. This is even more important if you are cruising with kids.

Don’t Miss Your Boat!

Just like the original departure day, if you are off wandering a port of call on your own, or with another tour agency, it’s your responsibility to make sure you are back on the boat in time. The boat will not wait for you and you will have to get yourself to the next port on your own. The larger your ship, the less likely they are to wait for you if you are running a few minutes behind. Give yourself plenty of time to get back to the boat.

cruise vacation information
Captain, what should I do with my hands?

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

The people who work on the boat are there to help you. They want to help you, so don’t be afraid to ask them for help or even if you just have random questions that you’ve been wondering about. Whether you aren’t feeling well or have dietary restrictions, be sure to let the staff know and they will go out of their way to accommodate you.

Don’t Expect to Get Along With Everyone on the Cruise

Whether you’re on a small ship or a mega-cruise line, you probably won’t get along with everyone. This happens in any kind of group travel situation. If you foresee a huge issue, especially with your dining group, you can always ask to change tables. It could even be a language barrier with your table mates.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Package Tours

Don’t Smuggle Contraband On-Board

As with airlines, most cruise lines will have a list of things you can’t bring on board. Some of it is for safety reasons. You might think you’ll want a candle to freshen up your small cabin, but anything flammable is a big “no” on a boat. You might be wondering can you bring alcohol on a cruise. There are usually rules about bringing alcohol or even soft drinks and water. Sometimes you can’t bring anything to drink, other ships will allow you a certain amount, one or two bottles of wine, for example. Of course, weapons and drugs are always prohibited.

Cruising can be a fun way to travel if you do your research and pick the best cruise ship that fits with your travel style. They take care of everything, so a cruise ship vacation can be incredibly relaxing. Hopefully, this post gives you a good start on researching the perfect cruise ship vacation for you! Looking for more of our family travel tips? Check out these blog posts!