Wolters World

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit the US state of California! It’s the third-largest state in the country by size and largest overall for population, and there are so many cool places and cities to visit in California. 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 California vacation.

Hate #1: California Traffic

Traffic in California is legendary! If your California vacation has you visiting any major cities, like Los Angeles, San Diego or San Francisco, expect to spend some time sitting in traffic. The best thing you can do is to avoid driving during rush hour in California. You can save a couple of hours per day by avoiding rush hour, leaving you with more time to explore the best places in California. California drivers are also something to look out for. You have a range of drivers from crazy speeders to super slow grannies, so just be prepared to have some patience and extra time while driving.

Love #1: Iconic California

Chances are, you’ve admired California from afar before coming to visit. Whether it’s the Hollywood sign, the Pacific beaches, San Francisco cable cars, or hundreds of movie locations, seeing California in real life is such a treat! It’s not just the scenery, but the people of California also live up to their reputation. From valley girls to surfer dudes, Californian stereotypes are alive and well to this day. Visiting these iconic California attractions can sometimes be surreal because you will feel like you’ve been there before.

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Hate #2: Lack of Public Transportation

You may think you can avoid traffic by taking public transportation, but it’s not that great in California. The reason traffic is so bad in California is partly due to the car culture where everyone likes to have their own car. San Francisco has BART, which is probably the best public transportation in California. Every other city, though, does not have a convenient transit system for tourists.

Love #2: Variety & Diversity of California

California is like three states all rolled into one. Whether you want mountains, beaches, deserts or rainforest, California has it all. Northern California and Southern California could not be more different. Northern California has redwood forests and the cool city of San Francisco, while Southern California has Los Angeles, San Diego, and Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Parks. California has nature, culture, education, and entertainment.

Hate #3: Size of California

Foreign visitors to the US may not realize just how big California is. You might think you can cover the entire state in a weeks’ vacation like you can with other states, but there are just too many places to go in California. It’s probably not possible to see the beaches of Orange County and the Redwood forests plus Yosemite all in the same trip. Unless you have more than two weeks, your California vacation should focus on one region of California: Southern, Central or Northern. If you were to take I-5 all the way through California, it’s 800 miles or 12 hours. That’s not accounting for traffic or stops at the many California attractions along the way.

Love #3: California Cuisine

In addition to the diversity of landscapes and attractions in California, there are a ton of diverse cuisines to explore as well. Everyone talks about In N Out Burger when they talk about California food, but there’s a lot more to love beyond the fast food. California has great Mexican food with a unique spin (carne asada fries in San Diego are a must), plus tons of fresh seafood along the coast, and if you like to eat healthily, California is the best place to do it! There are tons of local, mom-and-pop places to eat in California, giving the cuisine a real artisan feel. When you visit California, skip the chains and hit the local spots.

Five Things You Must Eat in San Diego

Hate #4: Prices in California

California is a pretty expensive destination compared to other states. It’s not outrageously expensive unless you want to buy a house, but it’s definitely not a cheap destination. As of 2019, the state sales tax in California is 7.25%, with many cities adding on a local tax that totals up to 10.25%. This, of course, affects everything from gas to groceries and entertainment options.

Love #4: California Landscapes

While many people think of California as the cities that make it famous, what I really love is the nature in California. From the beaches of San Diego, you can be in the mountains in 45 minutes or sand dunes within 90 minutes. If you like outdoor adventure, California is the perfect destination for hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, snow sports, and surfing. With the addition of Pinnacles National Park, California now has nine national parks, more than any other state in the country.

Hate #5: Safety Issues in California

Statistically, safety issues are pretty rare, but it’s worth mentioning anyway. If your vacation includes California beaches, make sure you are aware of what the flags mean. Some of the ocean rip currents can be deadly, so if the flags are up, check-in with the lifeguards. Additionally, the cost of living in California has created a serious homeless problem, so you will see a lot of homeless people living on the streets in California. If you are visiting some of the bigger California cities, ask your hotel if there are areas that you should avoid during your visit. Lastly, be aware of the wildlifes in California. Whether it’s the seals and sea lions on the beach, or deer and mountain lions in the woods, don’t approach any wild animals that you might encounter during your California trip.

Love #5: California Weather

California is known for its great weather, and it’s why so many people want to live here and visit California for vacation. Along with the diversity of landscapes, California also has diverse weather. But along the coast, the weather is pretty good year-round. The farther south you go, the warmer the weather will be, and Northern California can be pretty rainy, but the point is that there is a perfect climate for everyone in California. The weather makes California a year-round destination.

California is one of the most interesting and diverse states in the US, so I recommend including it in your USA vacation itinerary. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to plan a trip to California. Want more tips for planning a US vacation? Check out these other blog posts:

• Ten Things That Will Shock You in the USA
• 17 Don’ts of Visiting the USA
• Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Visiting the USA

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Seattle, Washington! Seattle is a really cool city in the Pacific Northwest and a great place for travelers to explore, though a bit on the pricey side. 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 you visit Seattle.

Hate #1: Prices in Seattle

Seattle is expensive. It’s quickly starting to rival San Francisco in terms of prices and cost of living, so it’s going to cost a lot to eat out, stay in a Seattle hotel or visit some of the top Seattle attractions. Some Seattle attractions can feel overpriced, even, in terms of the value you receive for the money you spend. Several of the top Seattle sightseeing spots cost between $20 and $35, which can add up really quickly, especially if you are visiting Seattle with kids. Before your Seattle vacation, research some of the attraction passes to see if you can save some money by bundling your tickets together.

Love #1: Exploring Seattle

There are so many great Seattle tourist attractions; you’re really going to love exploring the city and the surrounding region. Seattle is relatively compact, but there are several really cool neighborhoods where you can get a very different vibe than the downtown area where most visitors stay. The Seattle ferry system is super fun and a must-do for anyone visiting Seattle. Just outside Seattle, you have a ton of outdoor recreation opportunities, from lakes to mountains and even three national parks!

Taking the Amtrak Cascades Train from Vancouver to Seattle

Hate #2: Automatic Gratuities at Seattle Restaurants

We have noticed in a few Seattle restaurants that they will automatically add tips and/or a service charge to your bill. If you’re not paying attention, you might end up double tipping. At least one restaurant added 20% to our bill as a service charge. 15%-20% is the standard tipping amount in the US, but if your service isn’t great, you may not be happy about tipping 20%.

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

Love #2: Pike Place Public Market

Yes, it’s full of tourists, but locals also visit Pike Place Market. There are a ton of things to do in the market, from tons of restaurants, shops and great views of the Puget Sound. Of course, you have to visit the fish market and watch the vendors tossing huge fish back and forth. There are also several open public areas near the market, so you can shop for food items to make a picnic lunch and then enjoy the views from areas within the market.

Hate #3: Aggressive Beggars in Seattle

Seattle has a huge problem with homelessness and mental illness, so you will see a lot of homeless people on the streets, and many aggressive beggars throughout the city. It’s not so much dangerous as it can be annoying, but be sure you stick to well-lighted areas with a lot of people and just keep walking rather than engage with anyone who is asking you for money.

Love #3: Seattle Cuisine

If you love seafood, you’re going to love the food in Seattle. You can get super fresh salmon and Dungeness crab and oysters, either prepared in a restaurant or purchased and cooked yourself at your Seattle accommodation. Ivar’s has some of the best clam chowder you’ll ever try, so make sure you grab some as you walk along the waterfront. Seattle has a huge Asian population as well, so you can get really good sushi and other Asian cuisines in Seattle. When it comes to drinking, Seattle has a ton of bars and pubs, with local brews and craft cocktails to enjoy.

Hate #4: Seattle Freeze & Seattle Weather

Seattle is pretty famous for being very rainy, and that stereotype holds up for several months of the year. The rain in Seattle is usually more of a constant light drizzle, but it can be annoying if you forgot to pack a rain jacket or an umbrella. When it’s not raining, Seattle has some of the best weather in the country!

The Seattle Freeze actually has nothing to do with the weather. It’s about the people of Seattle. They are very helpful, but they don’t really let you into their inner circle. This probably impacts new residents more than visitors, but just know that Seattle residents are tough to get to know.

Love #4: Seattle Architecture

Seattle is a fast-growing city and has some really incredible architecture. Of course, there are a lot of sleek, modern buildings, but there are also historic buildings, especially downtown in the Pioneer Square area. The public library and the Space Needle are two notable structures in Seattle, as well as the Museum of Pop Culture was designed by Frank Gehry.

Hate #5: Seattle Smell

Recreational marijuana use is legal in the state of Washington, so there’s a distinct aroma of pot smoke in Seattle most evenings. It’s not a big deal, but if you’re visiting Seattle with kids, you may have to explain what the funny smell is.

Love #5: Seattle Views & Vibes

Seattle has such a cool “vibe” as you walk around the city. It’s come a long way since grunge music put Seattle on the culture map, but there’s still a ton of great music and entertainment to experience when you visit Seattle.

In addition to the cool vibe in Seattle, you’ll love the amazing views. When the clouds part, take the opportunity to find a lofty perch for viewing the city. Whether it’s from the top of the Space Needle or Queen Anne hill, there are so many great views around Seattle. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get to see Mt. Rainier to the south of Seattle. One of the best views of Seattle is from the water; either from a ferry deck or from the Alki neighborhood which looks back on the city.

Seattle is one of the coolest and fastest-changing cities in the US, so I recommend including it in your USA vacation itinerary. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to visit Seattle. Want more tips for planning a US vacation? Check out these other blog posts:

• Ten Things That Will Shock You in the USA
• 17 Don’ts of Visiting the USA
• US Hotels Explained for Tourists

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Memphis, Tennessee! It’s definitely one of the coolest cities in the southern United States especially if you like blues music and some good old fashion BBQ. 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 Memphis vacation.

Hate #1: Memphis Summer Weather

Memphis is hot and humid in the summer. The weather can be oppressive and even dangerous if you let yourself get dehydrated (and those big beers don’t count as hydrating yourself). I recommend planning your Memphis vacation for spring or fall, but summer is still a popular time to visit, with fun music festivals and events. Just make sure you are drinking lots of water and maybe plan some indoor activities for the heat of the day. Luckily, there are several indoor Memphis attractions to explore, too. Though the Memphis in May festival is probably a great time to visit.

Love #1: Memphis Music Scene

Memphis is known as the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock and Roll. The music scene in Memphis is incredible. You can walk around Beale Street and hear tons of different live bands playing the blues. Listening to blues is a quintessential Memphis experience. In addition to seeing live music, some of the best Memphis attractions are music-related. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music, the Blues Hall of Fame, and the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum are three great spots to learn how music shaped the history of Memphis. Oh, and you have Graceland, Elvis’ home.

Hate #2: Memphis Accommodation

It can be difficult to find affordable but decent accommodation in downtown Memphis. There are some nice hotels on the higher end, but the hotels at the lower price range can be a bit lacking. The best thing you can do is to book ahead and look for deals.

Everything You Need to Know About US Hotels

Love #2: Memphis BBQ

Besides music, Memphis is known for its amazing barbeque. Whether you like pork, ribs or brisket, you’ll love the BBQ in Memphis. Choosing from dozens of Memphis BBQ restaurants can be overwhelming, so we like to ask the locals for their favorite. Along with the BBQ, you’ll experience some pretty fantastic side dishes that embody soul food at its finest. So whether you like the Rendezvous or Central BBQ make sure you try as many as you can to find your favorite BBQ joint. Make sure you leave room for dessert, which just means more BBQ!

Hate #3: Driving & Parking in Memphis

Driving in Memphis can be a bit crazy, whether you’re downtown or out on the interstates around town. When it comes to parking, it can be difficult and expensive to find parking downtown, which is why you really want to stay downtown so you can walk everywhere and not worrying about driving.

Love #3: People in Memphis

People in the South are great, but the folks in Memphis take it up a notch. Everyone I’ve ever met in Memphis is so friendly and welcoming, whether they’re working at the bars or just walking down the street, they love welcoming visitors to their town. They are proud of their city and happy to give you recommendations for your Memphis vacation, especially for their favorite Memphis BBQ restaurants!

Ten Things That Will Shock You in the USA

Hate #4: Crime in Memphis

At one time, Memphis was ranked as the 2nd most dangerous city in the United States. It’s now ranked #9 in the US, so it’s improved a bit, but there is still a lot of crime in Memphis. Fortunately for tourists, it’s mostly concentrated in certain neighborhoods which are easily avoided. Tourism is an important industry for Memphis, so the main downtown areas like Beale Street are heavily policed and patrolled. Nevertheless, use your street sense stick to the main areas after dark.

Love #4: Elvis in Memphis

If you love Elvis, you’ll love Memphis. The main attraction is Graceland, Elvis’ home that is open for tours. On the grounds of Graceland, you can also tour the gardens where he is buried, as well as view his car collection and his airplane. In 2017, a new complex opened across the street, featuring several museums and restaurants. There’s also a hotel right on the property if you’re willing to splurge on the experience. Throughout Memphis, you’ll find various monuments and memorials to the King of Rock n’ Roll.

Hate #5: Memphis Panhandlers

Like other countries, in the US. the panhandlers go where the tourists go. There are a lot of guys in the streets of Memphis who will ask you for money. There are also lots of street performers and buskers who are looking for money as well. They are generally pretty friendly and won’t harass you if you just say no and keep walking, but if you’re not used to this, it can be unsettling at first.

Love #5: Beale Street

One of the best Memphis attractions is Beale Street. Running through the heart of downtown Memphis, Beale Street is hopping every night of the week, every day of the year. It’s the Memphis version of New Orleans’ French Quarter. Beale Street is one of the few places in the US where you can walk around with an open drink and not get in trouble. So, you can grab a beer or a drink and just walk around enjoying the live music and the atmosphere.

Memphis is a really cool city with a ton of history and culture, and a Memphis vacation should be on everyone’s bucket list. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to visit Memphis. Want more tips for planning a US vacation? Check out these other blog posts:

• 11 Shocks of Traveling in the Southern US States
• Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Visiting the USA
• 17 Don’ts of Visiting the USA

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Chicago! Chicago is one of the best cities in the United States, whether you want culture, architecture, food, or sports. 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 you visit Chicago.

Hate #1: Chicago Winter Weather

Chicago winters are no joke. Chicago is known as the Windy City and in the winter, the wind whips cold air off of Lake Michigan and it is not pleasant to be out walking around, or whatever you call walking at an angle so as not to get blown over. The wind chill can make winter temperatures dangerous. If you decide to visit Chicago in the winter, make sure you are prepared with a warm coat, lots of layers and waterproof shoes. Also, make sure you don’t walk where it says don’t walk. Sometimes ice falls off of those skyscrapers.  

Love #1: Chicago Architecture

Chicago is world-renowned for innovative architecture. For years, the Sears Tower (now Willis Tower) was the tallest building in the world. Chicago is the home of the skyscraper, but it’s also known for historic architecture in buildings like the Tribune Tower and the Wrigley building. One of the best things to do in Chicago is the Architecture Tour on the Chicago River. Each October, the Chicago Architecture Foundation hosts Open House Chicago, with free access to over 250 Chicago buildings.

Hate #2: Chicago Panhandlers

If you take the train to Chicago and arrive at Union Station, or spend any time in tourist areas, you’ll see a lot of panhandlers in Chicago and they can be kind of aggressive. After the first few people, you will start to get tired of it. Just be firm and keep walking.  

Love #2: Chicago People

Chicago is the third-largest city in the US, so you might not expect the people to be very friendly. But the people of Chicago are super friendly and super helpful. (Unless you are holding up traffic!) They are always happy to stop and help you with directions or recommendations. Chicago has a small-town feel in a big city. If you’re interested, the Chicago Office of Tourism has a Chicago Greeter service that will match you up with a local for a free tour!

Hate #3: Chicago Parking

I highly recommend not having a car in Chicago, which is the opposite of the advice I give for the rest of the country. Parking in Chicago is outrageous. Chicago hotels charge as much as $100 per night just to park your car! So, before you jump on a cheap hotel rate, make sure you factor in the cost of parking as well. If you must drive to Chicago, park it and leave it, don’t use it to get around the city, as it’s more hassle than it’s worth. Most locals in Chicago use the SpotHero app to find the best rates on Chicago parking.

Love #3: Chicago Food

Chicago food is amazing! There are tons of diverse neighborhoods serving up ethnic foods, from Greektown, Chinatown, Little Italy, Mexican, Polish and Indian restaurants to the popular restaurants downtown. Chicago-style pizza is world-famous, and Portillo’s Italian Beef and hotdogs are another must-eats while in Chicago. If you see a line of people outside a popcorn shop, that’s Garrett’s, where they sell the delicious “Chicago Mix” popcorn tins.

Hate #4: Driving in Chicago

Another reason to not have a car in Chicago is the driving. The streets are congested and there is no rush hour anymore, it’s all day, every day. The Loop downtown Chicago has lots of one-way streets and underground streets, so it’s very confusing if you don’t know where you are going.

Love #4: Clean Streets of Chicago

Chicago is one of the cleanest big cities I’ve seen in the US. The city spends a lot of money to keep everything clean and looking nice. If you walk along Michigan Avenue, you’ll notice the planters lining the street are changed out frequently with the seasons, and it’s so nice to be in a big city that’s so clean. Of course, that could just be because the wind blows everything away, but let’s go with the city is doing a good job of keeping the city looking beautiful.

Hate #5: Price of Chicago Attractions

There are a ton of really great Chicago attractions, but they are expensive! It’s about $20 to access each museum, like the Shedd Aquarium or the Field Museum, so if you bring the whole family, it can really add up quickly. There are free days offered at several Chicago museums, but they can be pretty crowded, so it’s a choice of paying more or dealing with crowds. You can also consider one of the CityPass options that bundle several attractions together at a discount.

Love #5: Getting Around Chicago

Chicago is super easy to get around. As I mentioned already, you don’t need a car when you visit Chicago. The public transportation system, called the “L” is super easy to use and very affordable. Additionally, the streets are on a grid and everything is numbered in a way that makes sense, so it’s pretty easy to find your way around, especially with the lake bordering one whole side of the city. It’s a super walkable city, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes and enjoy strolling the streets of the Second City.

Chicago is one of the best cities in the US, so I recommend including it in your USA vacation itinerary. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to visit Chicago. Want more tips for planning a US vacation? Check out these other blog posts:

• Ten Things That Will Shock You in the USA
• 17 Don’ts of Visiting the USA
• US Hotels Explained for Tourists

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit the South or the Southeast states of the US! The South is such a unique region with its own history and culture, and I love visiting whenever I can (if you have not noticed from the dozens of videos from cities like Savannah). 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 you visit the South and Southeast states of the USA.

Hate #1: Liquor Laws in the South

A lot of the Southern states are still considered part of the Bible Belt, so the liquor laws reflect a very conservative attitude towards drinking. In several vacation spots in the south, you can’t buy alcohol on Sunday, or you can’t buy alcohol between certain hours of each day. There are even some dry counties still left in the south (as well as in other parts of the US). This means there is no alcohol sold at all. If you choose one of the southern vacation spots in a dry county, you will have to drive to another county to buy alcohol. So make sure you check before you go, though the restrictive liquor laws are becoming less common.

Love #1: Southern People

If the South is known for one thing, it’s Southern Hospitality. The people in the South are amazing and are what make southern vacations so special. They will treat you like long lost family and offer any help they can to ensure your visit to the South is fantastic. This also translates to awesome, friendly service wherever you go in the South. So make sure you mind your manners and be sure to say please and thank you and hold that door at the store.

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

Hate #2: Bugs in the South

Warm weather means more bugs, so the south has a lot of bugs. From mosquitos and gnats to flying cockroaches (Palmetto bugs), the bugs in the south are just gross. If you’re visiting in the south, make sure you bring your bug spray so you don’t get eaten alive. And maybe throw in some after-bite as well for when you do have all those itches.

Love #2: Southern Style

The Southern-style that I love has to do with the atmosphere and the architecture. While some areas of the South are in financial difficulties, they still take pride in their homes and hometowns. There are tons of historic homes in the south that have been impeccably maintained, as well as other historic buildings throughout the South. Southern architecture is also very unique and some of the best examples are in Savannah, Charleston or New Orleans.

Hate #3: Tourist Crowds

The South is so great that everyone wants to visit! In the winter, the south is crowded with snowbirds, which are retirees who leave the cold north for several months and relocate for the winter. In the summer, it’s packed with families traveling over the summer break. This means it can be hard to find affordable accommodation during peak travel periods, and a lot of the restaurants are overpriced and overbooked. This can also result in extra traffic as the roads weren’t built to handle so many people. So make sure you are booking ahead for your hotels, apartments, and car rentals. Also, it might not be a bad idea to make a reservation at some of those restaurants you have been dreaming about visiting.

Love #3: Southern Cuisine

The South has the best food in the United States, hands down. On the coast, you have amazing seafood, New Orleans has Cajun and Creole cuisines, Memphis has BBQ, Nashville has hot chicken and you can get good soul food all over the south. Skip the chain restaurants and go where the locals eat; they’ll be happy to give you recommendations! We have videos that can help you know what to eat, but our best recommendation is to just ask the waiter what is the most popular item on the menu or the most local item and go for that.

11 Things That Will Shock You When Visiting the Southern States

Hate #4: The Slow South

The Southern states tend to take life a bit more relaxed and a bit more slow. So make sure you are ready for a more laid back attitude and atmosphere. It can be a love for many, but we know that some tourists are all about go go go, and in the South sometimes it’s more about slow slow slow. So pack your patience and you will be just fine.

Love #4: Weather in the South

Let’s face it; the reason so many people visit the Southern states is because of the weather! If you want to avoid snow and cold weather, then the south is the place to go. It’s especially popular for fall break and spring break when families escape the northern states for some time on the beach.

Hate #5: Weather in the South

Ok, it’s a “love” and a “hate” depending on when you visit, and your tolerance for heat and humidity. In the summer, the heat and humidity are oppressive. July and August are the worst times to visit the south unless you really love humidity and heat. The humidity locks in the heat so it doesn’t even seem to cool down that much at night. Make sure you are drinking a lot of water and staying hydrated.

Love #5: Southern Landscapes

There is a lot of natural beauty in the south. You’ve got the Smoky Mountains, the Mississippi River delta, the marshlands of North and South Carolina, the beaches of Georgia and Alabama. It’s such a beautiful area to explore, with diverse landscapes to explore. A road trip is the best way to see the states of the south, as you can stop and explore at your leisure.

If you are planning a trip to the USA, make sure you include some southern vacation spots in your itinerary. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason to avoid visiting the South USA. Want more tips for planning a US vacation? Check out these other blog posts:

• Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About New Orleans
• Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Visiting Savannah, Georgia
• 17 Don’ts of Visiting the USA