It is time again for our latest exam! This is exam 2 for
BADM 320: Principles of Marketing. The topics covered are: Topic 5: Consumer Behavior,
Topic 6: Business to Business Marketing, Topic 7: Global Marketing, Topic 8:
Segmentation, Targeting, Positioning, Topic 9: Marketing Research, and Topic
10: Branding.
The exam is 50 multiple choice questions, so bring your pencil
and your UIN to the exam and GOOD LUCK!!
Topic 5: Consumer Behavior
Types of Buying Behavior
Consumer Behavior is Weird: Just Liam, the next video has the baby & the education part
Consumer Decision Making Process
Universal, Retrieval, Evoked Sets
Evaluation of Alternatives
Risks Related to Information Search
Post-Purchase Buyer’s Remorse
Factors Shaping Consumer Behavior: How Retailers Get Us
4 Cs of Marketing
Topic 6: Business to Business Marketing
Intro to B2B Marketing
Types of B2B Marketing You Will See
B2B vs B2C Marketing: Comparisons
The B2B Buying Process
The Request for Proposal Process
B2B Buying Centers Explained: The People involved in the
decision making process
B2B Buying Situations
Organizational Buying Cultures
Topic 7: Global Marketing
Drivers of Globalization: Where did globalization come from
Globalization of Products and Services
Porter’s National Diamond Framework
Assessing Global Markets Explained & The Economic
Aspects
Assessing Global Markets: Political Issues
Assessing Global Markets: Infrastructure & Technology
Assessing Global Markets: Social-Cultural Differences, The Hofstede
Model
Global Market Entry Strategies: From Exporting to Direct
Investment
How to Choose a Global Market Entry Strategy
Communication & Product Adaption When Going Global
Topic 8: Segmentation, Targeting, Positioning
Introduction to Segmentation, Targeting & Positioning
The Segmentation Process Explained
Basic Segmentation Methods
Evaluate Segment Attractiveness
How to Develop Positioning Strategies
Positional Mapping
Topic 9: Marketing Research
The Basics of Marketing Research
The Marketing Research Process
Questions You Should Always & Never Ask When Doing
Marketing Research
Exploratory vs Conclusive Research
Secondary Data Explained
Primary Data Explained
Structured vs Unstructured Questions for Marketing Research
The 5 Ps of Marketing Research
Topic 10: Branding.
What is a Product?
Types of Products Consumers Buy
What is Branding?
How Branding Helps Customers & Sellers
You may need to click on the link for this one as it is not embedding well.
Happy Thanksgiving! Today we’re sharing the “don’ts” of Thanksgiving
travel. If you didn’t know, Thanksgiving is the busiest travel week in the
United States. With all that traveling, I thought it was time to share my list
of things you should not do when it comes to Thanksgiving travel.
Thanksgiving Travel Don’t #1: Don’t Forget to Pack Your
Patience
It’s the busiest travel time of the year, which means crowds
everywhere. Ticket counters and departure gates? Full. Security? Long lines.
Highways? Full. Parking garages? Full. Shops? Full. Grocery stores? Full. Give
yourself a little extra time when traveling somewhere during Thanksgiving week,
even if it’s just to the grocery store.
Tip: Try to book the first flight of the day to avoid crowds
and cancellations.
Thanksgiving Travel Don’t #2: Don’t Pack Too Much
If you’re visiting family over Thanksgiving, you don’t need to
bring very much. Chances are, you can do laundry during your visit. Don’t check
any luggage if you are flying over Thanksgiving week. This will save you from
the check-in line, as well as wait time at baggage claim on the other end.
Thanksgiving Travel Don’t #3: Don’t Wait to Book Thanksgiving
Travel
If you plan to travel over Thanksgiving weekend, expect prices to
jump as the holiday approaches. Last minute deals will be hard to come by this
week. If you know you are traveling over Thanksgiving, make your reservations a
few months in advance, and you’ll likely save money on flights and hotels.
Thanksgiving Travel Don’t #4: Don’t Be Afraid to Travel on
Thanksgiving Day
While it’s a very busy week for travel, the best day to fly is
actually on Thanksgiving day. Most travelers will have already arrived at their
destination, so prices are lower, as are the crowds. Likewise, if you plan your
travel for the following Monday, rather than Saturday or Sunday, you’ll likely
have better prices and fewer crowds. Travelers can save hundreds of dollars on
flights by waiting one more day to fly home.
Thanksgiving Travel Don’t #5: Don’t Think Thanksgiving Travel
Will Be Cheap
As one of the high travel peaks of the year, don’t expect to find
deals, and don’t expect to save money. Gas prices may be higher, and flights
and hotels will be more expensive. To avoid missed connections, and possible
added costs, it may be worth it to pay a bit more for the direct flight if you
can.
Thanksgiving Travel Don’t #6: Don’t Leave Wednesday Afternoon
for a Thanksgiving Road Trip
Wednesday afternoon around 3:00 or 4:00 is the busiest time to
get on the road for Thanksgiving travel. People tend to leave work a bit early,
schools release early and everyone hits the road at the same time. For shorter
trips, it’s probably better to leave Thursday morning, when fewer people will
be on the road.
Thanksgiving Travel Don’t #7: Don’t Forget to Gas Up the Car
Before Leaving
Make sure to fill up the gas tank and stock up on road snacks
before leaving for your Thanksgiving road trip. If you’re in a winter climate,
you may run into weather issues, or you might just have trouble finding an open
gas station on Thanksgiving day.
Thanksgiving Travel Don’t #8: Don’t Return on Saturday
Afternoon
Again, most people will hit the road to go back home on Saturday
afternoon, so if you want to avoid traffic, leave on Saturday morning when
everyone else is sleeping late. Traffic will be much lighter,
Thanksgiving Travel Don’t #9: Don’t Treat Family Members Like
a Taxi
If you are flying to visit family, and have relatives pick you up
at the airport, don’t rely on them to drive you around for the whole trip. It’s
a good idea to have another mode of transportation in case they have other
guests to drive around.
Thanksgiving Travel Don’t #10: Don’t Be Scared to Take Food
Home
Nearly every Thanksgiving tradition involves food, and there are
always leftovers. If you are flying, it’s generally OK to bring food with you,
as long as it’s not liquid. Just think about how delicate the food you are
transporting will be, and whether it can stand up to being squished into your
luggage.
Thanksgiving Travel Don’t #11: Don’t Try to Fly With Gravy or
Sauces
Thanksgiving foods that are liquid fall under the same
three-ounce rule as everything else at the TSA checkpoint, so if you want to
bring your special gravy to Thanksgiving, you’ll have to make it once you
arrive.
Thanksgiving Travel Don’t #12: Don’t Forget to Be Thankful
There are so many things to be thankful for this year. We are
especially grateful to our fans for getting us to 100 million YouTube views! We
want to thank those fans and fellow travelers for following our journey!
Hey there, fellow
travelers! Today, we’re talking about travel to USA! I love to be a tourist in my own country and
explore all the unique places to travel in the US. 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 USA trip.
Hate
#1: US Sales Tax
When you are shopping or dining out in most
countries, the price you see is the price you pay. But that’s not the case in
the US. Every state has a sales tax that is added on to the price of the item.
When you go to McDonald’s and order off the “dollar” menu, you end up paying
$1.06 or whatever the tax rate is where you are. Tax can add anywhere from 5%
to 20% on top of the price listed.
Love
#1: Prices in the US
Overall, the US is pretty cheap to visit.
Hotels, restaurants, and even shopping are very affordable in the States. Of
course, you can spend more on luxury hotels and fine dining, but if you are
traveling on a budget, you will have plenty of options when you travel to the
USA.
When you go out to a sit-down restaurant in
the US, the final amount you pay is often much higher than the menu prices.
First, you have the sales tax we already mentioned, and then there is the gratuity.
While tipping does happen in other countries, the expectations are much higher
in the US. You should plan to tip between 15% and 20%. 15% is generally
considered the minimum amount to tip for restaurant or bar service.
Love
#2: Diversity in the United States
The United States has always been and
continues to be, a melting pot of cultures. Each region of the US has a unique
culture, from Southern hospitality to New England charm. And then there are
other cultures mixed in, especially in larger cities like Chicago, which has
huge populations of Mexicans, Polish, Indian and others, with lively
neighborhoods serving up amazing cuisines. With 50 states to visit, you’ll find
interesting cultures and traditions in each.
Hate #3:
Public Transportation in the US
Outside of major cities, there really is no
public transportation in the United States. Smaller cities often have just a
few bus lines and no train system to speak of at all. Amtrak is the train
system, but the routes aren’t always convenient. If you plan to visit the US
without driving, you’ll really need to stick to some of the larger cities along
the Eastern seaboard, as the train options are better around New York, Boston,
and Washington DC.
Love
#3: People in the US
Americans are really great. When traveling
abroad, a lot of people seem to think that Americans are superficial or fake
because they are so friendly. A more reserved culture is suspicious of this
friendliness, but it’s actually genuine. When we ask “how are you?” we actually
mean it, and when we smile, it’s sincere. When I have lived abroad, I miss the
people of the U.S. more than anything else. Of course, this varies by region,
but for the most part, you will find most Americans to be very helpful.
Hate #4:
Great Distances Between Attractions
The United States is huge and there are often
vast distances between the things you want to see. Things are a little more
concentrated in New England and the northeast, but if you are visiting the
Southwest, the Midwest or the West Coast, expect a lot of long driving days
between attractions. People think they can visit New York, Miami, and Los
Angeles all in one trip because you’re not leaving the country, so it can’t be
so bad. In reality, that is over 6,500 kilometers. The best thing to do is to
focus on one region for each time you visit the United States.
Love
#4: U.S. Cities and Small Towns
There are so many cool cities and towns to
visit in the United States. Chicago is one of the best cities in the world, with
big-city culture in a very easy to get around town. Each large city of the U.S.
is unique and interesting, which makes it hard to decide where to go in the
U.S. Apart from the big cities, small towns are really the heart of America.
Take a road trip along Route 66 and visit all different kinds of towns.
Unlike traveling through Europe, having a
rental car in the US is pretty much a necessity. Due to lack of public
transportation and the great distances in the States, having a car is the best
way to see the country, unless you are visiting the East Coast or Chicago, where
public transportation is decent. This does add to your expenses for the trip.
Not only will you have to pay for a rental car, but you’ll have to think about
fuel, parking, tolls, and insurance.
Love
#5: American Landscapes
There are so many unique and diverse
landscapes across the country. There are the deserts of the Southwest, the
Rocky Mountains, the Smoky Mountains, the Great Lakes, the Great Plains, the
swamps and bayous of the South. There are so many different environments to
explore throughout the United States beyond the amazing cities and towns.
The US
is such an amazing and diverse country that everyone should try to visit at
least once. With so many places to visit in the US, it can be hard to narrow
down an itinerary for your USA trip. The “hates” are all really just things to
avoid, rather than a reason not to travel to the USA. Want more tips for
planning your USA vacation? Check out these other blog posts:
Hey there, fellow
travelers! Today, we visit Boston, Massachusetts! I love Boston and am always excited when I get to come
back here for a visit. 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 Boston vacation.
Hate
#1: Fake History in Boston
There are tons of historic things to see in
Boston, but a lot of history has been exploited in the name of tourism. Places
like Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall are historic buildings that look cool from
the outside, but inside it’s basically a mall food court. Then there’s the
“Cheers” bar, which is a replica of the original. There are a lot of “replica”
destinations in Boston and it gets old after a while.
While there’s a lot of “fake” history in
Boston, there’s so much real history that you can’t help but be amazed. One of
the most popular Boston tourist attractions is the Freedom Trail, which is a
self-guided walking tour of the best historic sights in Boston. You get to see
Paul Revere’s house, several historic government buildings, churches, and
graveyards. The “real” history in Boston far outweighs the “fake” history.
Got to love Boston
Hate
#2: Boston Winters
If you visit Boston in the winter, you’ve been
warned. The winters in Boston are terrible. They don’t just get snow in Boston,
they get tons of snow at a time. When it’s not snowing, it’s still freezing
cold and windy and just overall unpleasant. Any other time of year is perfect
for visiting Boston, but I don’t recommend winter.
Love
#2: Getting Around Boston
While Boston is a huge city with lots of
diverse neighborhoods, the majority of Boston tourist attractions are very
centrally located in a compact area. This makes it easy to see a lot of Boston
in a short time. Fortunately, it’s very easy (and preferable) to visit Boston
without a car. If you want to go outside of the city center, the “T” system is
affordable and easy to use.
Hate
#3: Driving & Parking in Boston
Boston has existed for nearly 400 years, so
the city pre-dates cars by a couple of hundred years. This means that Boston is
not on a grid system like more modern cities, so driving is frustrating. There
are a lot of one-way streets and dead ends; even with GPS, driving in Boston is
confusing and frustrating. Affordable parking does not exist in Boston, but
even trying to find any parking is a nearly impossible task. It’s best not to
have a car at all on your Boston vacation.
Love
#3: Boston Sightseeing
Besides all the great historic sights, there
are many other fun things to do in Boston. There are zoos, aquariums, parks,
museums, and sports teams. Fenway Stadium, home of the Boston Red Sox, is one
of the most iconic baseball stadiums in the country. You can ride the swan
boats at the Boston Public Garden, or take a cruise on the Boston Harbor.
Hate
#4: Boston Jaywalking
Bostonians take jaywalking to the next level.
If you are a driver in Boston, be on high alert at all times. If you are a
pedestrian, don’t just blindly follow someone else who steps out into the
street.
Love
#4: Boston is Safe & Kid Friendly
For a city of this size, Boston is very safe.
Of course, there are bad neighborhoods to avoid, but as a tourist, I’ve not had
to worry about my safety while sightseeing in Boston. You don’t hear much about
pickpockets or traveler scams like you do in other large cities. If you are
visiting Boston with kids, it’s very family-friendly. There are tons of fun
activities for the whole family, including the Boston Children’s Museum.
Sure, the cobblestone streets add to the
historic feel and look of Boston, but after a few hours of walking on
cobblestones, your feet will begin to hate them. Most Boston activities involve
a lot of walking, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. If you have ankle or
foot problems, you’ll need to be extra careful when you are walking around.
Love
#5: Eating & Drinking in Boston
Boston has some fantastic restaurants and
bars, and the food is fantastic. Clam chowder and lobster rolls are two local
specialties that you have to have in Boston. The North End has amazing Italian
food. Boston cream pie and Sam Adams beer are other local specialties to try
when you are in Boston.
Boston
is such a cool city with so many things to see in Boston. The “hates” are all
really just things to avoid, rather than a reason not to take a Boston
vacation. Want more tips for planning your USA vacation? Check out these other
blog posts:
Hey there, fellow
travelers! Today, we visit Portugal! I lived in Portugal for several years, and it’s one of my favorite
countries in Europe. 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 Portugal vacation.
Love
#1: Prices in Portugal
Portugal is one of the most affordable
countries in Europe to visit. It’s not just affordable, it’s cheap. Whether
it’s shopping, eating or accommodation in Portugal, your money goes a long way.
If you have been traveling around Europe and you come from a country like
Germany, you’ll have sticker shock in Portugal because it’s so cheap. For what
you’d spend on one night in a London hotel, you can get three nights in a
Portugal hotel.
Hate
#1: Eating in Portugal
This isn’t a complaint about the food in
Portugal, but about the time when meals are eaten. If you are used to eating a
late lunch or an early dinner, you may be frustrated with trying to go out to
eat in Portugal. From about 3:00 to after 7:00, most restaurants are closed.
You can get snacks and fast food, but if you want a proper meal, then remember
that lunch is served from about 12:30-3:00 and dinner starts around 7:00 or
7:30.
Love
#2: Food & Wine in Portugal
Portugal has amazing food and wine. When it
comes to wine, there’s red, white and even green wine, all of which are really
good. Port wine originates in Porto, so you definitely have to give that a try
when you visit Portugal. Not only is the wine in Portugal delicious, but it’s
also cheap! The food is also fantastic. Wherever you go in Portugal, make sure
you ask your server what the local specialty is so you can try different foods
in Portugal.
Hate
#2: Restaurant Antipasto
When you sit down at a restaurant, the server
will often place bread, cheese, butter, olives, and other types of antipasto on
the table. You would assume since they automatically bring it to your table
that it is complimentary. But it’s not! They will actually charge you for the
bread and other items, individually. It can even add up to more than your meal
if you partake of everything they bring you! If you don’t want them, you can
refuse it or ask them to take it away.
Despite the poor service standards, the people
in Portugal are really nice. They are so helpful about giving tips on where to
eat, what to see and pretty much anything you want to know about Portugal. The
people are just amazing; after living in Portugal for several years, I made
some really fantastic life-long friends from Portugal.
Hate
#3: Drug Dealers
This mostly applies to Lisbon, but since most
people visit Lisbon, I include it here. It seems that nearly everywhere you go
in Lisbon, some guy will be pestering you to buy hashish or cocaine or other
drugs. It’s a well-known problem and even the locals are bothered by it. They
don’t profile, either. They’ll approach parents with young children, seniors
traveling, just about anyone. Just keep walking and don’t engage with them.
Don’t bother telling the cops, though, as they couldn’t care less.
Love
#4: English is Widely Spoken
Most people in Portugal speak English, which
is perfect for travelers who don’t speak Portuguese. The younger people in
Portugal tend to speak English really well, so there’s rarely an issue with
language barriers in Portugal. If you want to learn a bit of Portuguese, we
have videos for that!
Whether you are driving or just trying to
cross the street, you will quickly come to hate Portugal drivers. It seems like
they are out to kill anyone who gets in their way. Whether it’s in the city or
out in the country, Portuguese drivers are always in a hurry for some reason.
Portugal has one of the highest mortality rates in Europe for driving
accidents.
Love
#5: Portugal Sightseeing
There are so many amazing things to see in
Portugal. Porto has a bridge built by Gustave Eiffel, of the Eiffel Tower.
There are ruins, history, castles, beaches and so many cool things to do in
Portugal. From the beaches of the Algarve to some of the best cities to visit
in Portugal, this country is full of great things to see and do.
Hate
#5: Service in Portugal
If you are used to attentive service in the UK
or the US, you will notice very quickly that Portugal’s service standards are
very different. This applies to shops and in restaurants. The service seems
worse at the chain restaurants as it’s very impersonal. Smaller, family-run
shops and restaurants tend to have better service.
Portugal
is a fantastic country and a really great place for exploring beaches and
cities, as well as amazing food and wine. The “hates” are really just things to
have a heads up on, rather than a reason not to visit Portugal. Want more tips
for planning your Europe vacation? Check out these other blog posts:
Hey there, fellow
travelers! Today, we visit the American Southwest! The Southwest states include Arizona, Utah, New Mexico,
Nevada, and Colorado. It’s a beautiful region of the United States that is well
worth coming to. 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 Southwest USA.
Hate
#1: Sand Everywhere
Even though not all of the Southwest is
desert, you will end up with sand and dust everywhere. In your car, your
suitcase and on your clothes. This is not the trip to bring your brand new
white tennis shoes, or they may end up dyed red from the dirt in the Southwest.
Love
#1: Southwest Weather
The weather in the Southwest is pretty
perfect, especially in winter when the rest of the country is cold and snowy.
You’ll have sunny, warm days and crisp, cool nights. There’s a reason so many
people retire to the Southwest. Even in the summertime, there are areas of the
southwest at higher elevations that are not too hot to visit.
Hate
#2: Extreme Temperatures
Although the weather in the southwest is
generally great, there are huge temperature shifts every day, from hot to cold.
You end up having to pack more clothing because you need warm weather clothes
for the daytime and a few extra layers for nighttime. A typical day will see
about a 30-degree temperature swing, whether it’s from 50 to 80-degrees, or
from 80-degrees to 110-degrees, depending on when you visit.
Love
#2: Southwest Landscapes
The landscapes of the Southwest states are
incredibly unique and breathtaking. There are so many neat places to visit in
the American Southwest. National Parks like Bryce Canyon, Zion, Grand Canyon,
Saguaro National Park, and more! Then there are state parks and unique
destinations like Sedona, Arizona. Monument Valley is another iconic Southwest
destination. The Southwest attracts a lot of outdoor adventure travelers
because of all the amazing opportunities to get outside and enjoy nature.
Hate
#3: The Snowbirds
Many retirees spend their summers up north and
then converge on the southwest for the winter. The joke in Arizona is that you
know it’s autumn when the license plates start to change colors. Most of the
cities aren’t built as seasonal tourist destinations, so restaurants, grocery
stores, and other places can get overwhelmed during the snowbird season.
Finding accommodation can also be a challenge, especially if you want an
apartment rental or long-term stay.
Love
#3: Native American Culture
Native Americans lived in the Southwest long
before the Europeans arrived and started to move west. The Native American
culture remains strong in the Southwest, and there are so many interesting
places where you can learn more. There are many spots to visit the historic
settlements at places like Mesa Verde and Chaco Canyon. You can sample Native
American food in several places, and experience the culture through pow-wows
that are open to the public. There are also some really great museums in the
southwest that are dedicated to preserving Native American culture and history.
Hate
#4: Long Drives
Yes, there’s something fun about the open
road, but the distances between attractions of the Southwest states are huge.
Many travelers tend to over-plan their itineraries to include too many
Southwest destinations and end up spending most of their vacation behind the
wheel of a car. Given the long stretches of desolate roads, it’s always a good
idea to fill up your gas tank when you are leaving a town because you don’t
know where the next gas station will be. It’s also a good idea to have an
actual map with you, as you may frequently be out of cell phone range.
The food in the southwest is amazing and
diverse. Native American foods include fry bread (with sweet or savory
toppings) and lamb stew. New Mexico is known for tamales, green chiles and
hatch chiles, while Arizona has some of the best Sonoran Mexican food you can
find. Make sure you try a Sonoran hot dog if you visit Tucson!
Hate
#5: Leaving the Southwest
One of the worst parts of visiting the
Southwest is having to leave and go back home, especially in the winter! As you
can see, we really had to stretch to find five things to hate about these
Southwest vacation destinations!
This is one of the least populated areas of
the United States, which means there are still wide open vistas with nothing to
see but scenery. From canyons, forests, rivers and unique plants like the
saguaro cactus, the Southwest is a very diverse environment. And the night
skies are some of the best in the world. You won’t believe how many stars you
can see!
Overall,
the Southwest is a really fantastic place to visit, with iconic scenery, great
culture, history, and food. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads
up on rather than a reason to avoid Southwest USA travel. Want more tips for
planning a US vacation? Check out these other blog posts:
Hey there, fellow
travelers! Today, we visit Croatia! It’s a beautiful country that is 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 when you visit Croatia.
Love
#1: Natural Beauty in Croatia
Most of Croatia is comprised of coastline. The
main coastline is over 1,100 miles long, and then there are the islands of
Croatia, with an additional 2,500 miles of coastline. There are tons of amazing
beaches, albeit stone beaches, but Croatia beaches are beautiful nonetheless.
If you don’t like the beach, just head inland to explore lakes, rivers,
waterfalls, and mountains.
Hate
#1: Getting to Croatia
Getting to Croatia is pretty easy in July and
August, but if you want to visit Croatia in the off-season, it’s challenging.
There are ferries that go from Venice to Croatia year-round, but the selection
of flights decreases greatly in the offseason. It’s still possible to fly to
Croatia, but the frequency of flights is reduced and therefore more expensive.
Low-cost carriers tend to really focus on the busy season only, which is
summer.
Love
#2: Villages of Croatia
Croatia has so many great villages to explore.
From Dubrovnik in the south to Pula and Rovinj in the north, there are just
tons of quaint villages in Croatia. In addition to natural beauty, there are
also really interesting Roman ruins and history in Croatia. The seaside towns
are especially fun to visit, and you can easily fill an entire vacation just
exploring the small towns of Croatia.
Hate
#2: Getting Around Croatia
Once you figure out how to get to Croatia,
getting around the country is another frustration. It seems like just about
every bus trip takes 11 hours in Croatia. Croatia is basically a long, narrow
country so traveling within Croatia often involves great distances, even though
the country doesn’t seem very large. It can take as long as 12 hours to go from
Dubrovnik to Zagreb. Because the bus system in Croatia is pretty slow, we
recommend getting your own car for travel within the country.
The seafood in Croatia is about as fresh as it
gets and is always delicious. If you don’t like fish, the meat in Croatia is
pretty great also! Popular dishes in Croatia include surf and turf combinations
and the food is also very affordable. You can also get some pretty good Italian
dishes in Croatia as well. Wherever you go, be sure to ask your server what the
local specialty is and give it a shot. This way, you can sample different foods
from different regions of Croatia.
Hate
#3: Summer Tourist Crowds
Most travelers take their Croatia vacation in
July and August when the weather is ideal for beaches and island hopping in
Croatia. With so many beautiful outdoor things to do in Croatia, summer is
really popular. The small towns of Croatia get super crowded and become
overflowing with travelers. The best time to visit Croatia would be June or
September when the weather is still nice, but the tourist crowds are much
smaller.
Love
#4: Prices in Croatia
Croatia is a very affordable Mediterranean
destination. I won’t say it’s cheap, but the prices in Croatia are very
reasonable. A huge seafood dinner in Croatia is about half the price of what
you would pay in Italy. Accommodation in Croatia is also very reasonable; we
had a nice apartment in Rovinj for just 50 Euros per night.
In the middle of summer when everyone is
visiting, it also happens to be the hottest time of year in Croatia. It’s not
just hot, it’s unbearably hot. It’s important to remember your sunblock and
stay hydrated. Fortunately, there are a lot of water activities where you can
cool off. However, this is another great reason to visit in the shoulder season
as you might have a smaller chance of heatstroke!
Love
#5: Croatia Tourism
The tourist infrastructure in Croatia is
really great. While traveling between towns in Croatia can be a bit difficult,
but once you are in a town, they are really easy to get around. There are a lot
of English speakers, so language barriers are not an issue. There are tons of
tours you can join, from bike tours to kayaking tours. Each little town seems
to have its own schedule of cultural events and celebrations. The locals are
generally very friendly and helpful, which really makes it easy to travel
around Croatia.
Hate
#5: Currency in Croatia
Croatia is still on its own currency, the
Croatian Kuna. If you are traveling around Mediterranean Europe and have gotten
used to using Euros for everything, you’ll have to exchange your Euros and
learn a new exchange rate. Overall, Croatia is pretty affordable, but just
remember you’re not looking at Euros anymore when you are out shopping.
Croatia
is a fantastic country and they really have a great infrastructure for
tourists. I highly recommend visiting Croatia; the “hates” are really just
little things to have a heads up on, rather than a reason not to visit Croatia.
Want more tips for planning your Croatia vacation? Check out these other blog
posts:
Hey there, fellow
travelers! Today, we visit New York City! New York is one of my favorite cities in the world with
so many cool places to visit in New York City. 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 New York City.
Hate
#1: New York Aroma
The whole city doesn’t stink, but every once
in a while, as you walk around New York, you’ll get a very pungent whiff of
something rather unpleasant wafting up from the ground. It’s super random, but
you’ll know it when you cross paths. It’s pretty funny when you see someone
else walk through it.
Love
#1: Wandering New York Streets
The moment you emerge from the train station
onto the streets of New York is unforgettable. The best thing to do on your New
York vacation is just to wander the city streets, enjoy the crazy bustling
atmosphere, see how locals go about their day and enjoy some cheap street food.
Roaming various neighborhoods is one of my favorite NYC activities.
Hate
#2: Noise and Crowds
New York is one of the most visited cities in
the world. There are an estimated eight million people living in and around New
York, then add in another 60 million visitors per year, and you can see why
it’s the city that never sleeps. It’s noisy, it’s crowded and it’s sometimes
just insane. It can be really hard to find peace and quiet in New York and a
New York vacation is not a relaxing one.
New York is full of so many iconic sights,
from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building and so many more. Even
flying in and seeing the skyline from above is such a treat! There are so many
cool places to visit in New York City, but they can really add up, so you need
to do your research and prioritize what you want to see. Rockefeller Center has
a great observation deck and of course, there are tons of great museums in New
York, too. No matter what kind of culture you are interested in: art, history,
nature, science, music, or theater, you will find it in New York!
Hate
#3: The New York Subway Experience
If you want to get around New York quickly,
the subway is the best way to go about it. It’s faster and cheaper than taxis
or Ubers, but it’s always an interesting experience. From bizarre people to
unsettling smells or just being so crowded that you have no personal space, you
either love or hate the New York subways. If smashing up against a bunch of
other random strangers on a moving train sounds like a nightmare to you, then
try to avoid rush hour on the subway.
Love
#3: New York-isms
If you’ve watched any TV show that is based in
New York, you probably already know a bit about the iconic side of New York.
Whether it’s visiting Greenwich Village where Friends took place or the Upper
East Side where Gossip Girl happened, walking around New York is almost like a
stroll down memory lane. It’s featured in so many TV shows and movies that it
feels familiar. Of course, you have to have a slice of New York pizza, watch
the street performers in Times Square and if you are so inclined, take a jog
through Central Park.
Hate
#4: The New York Sidewalk Experience
The sidewalks of New York are busy and
crowded. Probably half of the people are just locals trying to get to work, and
they’ll be in a hurry. If you are a tourist who is meandering down the street,
stopping to take pictures, you’re going to get run over and bumped into. Make
sure you step off the to the side before stopping completely.
Love
#4: New York Diversity
New York is THE original melting pot of the
United States. There is so much diversity and multi-culturalism in New York
City, that it’s a really cool experience to visit. You can hear dozens of
different languages being spoken around the city, and experience so many
different cultures and cuisines. If you have more than a few days in New York,
make sure you get out and explore some of the other boroughs and neighborhoods
and maybe try a new cuisine while you’re there.
Hate
#5: Finding a Public Toilet in New York
It is really hard to find public restrooms in
New York, and the ones that are open to the public are not nice. Make sure you
use the bathroom at your hotel and then at any business or restaurant you stop
at throughout the day. If you have kids or use the restroom a lot throughout
the day, download one of the apps that can help you find good public restrooms
in New York.
Love
#5: New Yorkers
Seriously, New Yorkers are the best! Yeah,
they have a harsh reputation for being rude jerks, but that’s just the surface.
Yes, they do get annoyed with tourists stopping in the middle of the street to
take photos, but you would too. They’re just in a hurry all the time because
it’s a huge city with a lot of traffic and many people have to commute quite a
ways to be able to afford to live in New York. In reality, if you need help, a New
Yorker won’t hesitate to help you out. We’ve even had a local walk us to our
destination to make sure we got there OK.
New York
is such a great city and I love coming back because there are so many things to
do in New York. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on,
rather than a reason not to visit New York. Want more tips for planning your
USA vacation? Check out these other blog posts:
Hey there, fellow
travelers! Today, we visit Bratislava, Slovakia! It’s a great little city to visit in Eastern Europe. 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 Bratislava,
Slovakia.
Love
#1: Bratislava Old Town
Bratislava is like Budapest shrank down to a
manageable size. The city center and the Old Town area is very compact with a
lot of beautiful buildings. You can literally walk everywhere to reach the best
things to do in Bratislava. If you tire of walking, there is decent public
transportation, but it really is a very compact city. Don’t miss a visit to
Bratislava Castle, just keep walking uphill from Old Town until you reach it!
Hate
#1: Bratislava Hotels
Generally, Eastern European cities are very
affordable, but the Bratislava hotels are pretty pricy in relation to other
comparable cities. Of course, you want to stay near the Old Town area and it’s
not a huge town so the good hotels book up quickly. If you do book far enough
in advance, you may be able to find some deals, but don’t expect super cheap
accommodation. You can expect to pay about the same as you would for a hotel in
Budapest or Vienna.
With so many great connections, it’s easy to
visit Bratislava on a day trip from Vienna or Budapest, or base yourself in
Bratislava and take day trips from here. There are about 30 trains each day
from Vienna to Bratislava, and it takes less than one hour. There are FlixBus
connections very frequently as well. Budapest is about two and a half hours
from Bratislava by train, which makes for a long but very doable day trip.
Hate
#2: Bratislava Train Station
Many people visit Bratislava on a day trip
from Vienna or Budapest because it’s a small area that’s easily explored in a
day. However, if you arrive by train, the area around the Bratislava train
station can be a bit sketchy. You’ll likely see a lot of homeless people and
beggars hanging around. You’re not in any real danger, but you may feel a bit
uncomfortable.
Love
#3: Food in Bratislava
If you’re from the Midwest US like I am,
you’ll feel right at home with the food in Bratislava. It’s all about hearty,
comfort food here. Slovakian cuisine is very heavy on the pork, dumplings, and
schnitzel, which is especially great if you are visiting during the cold winter
months. And the food in Bratislava is very affordable; even the higher-end
restaurants in Bratislava are not expensive. Austrians make the trip over
frequently to eat so well for such a good price.
Hate
#3: Public Restrooms
As you travel around Bratislava, if you need
to use a restroom, you’ll need to go into a bar or cafe and purchase something.
There really aren’t many public restrooms to be found, and the ones you do find
are usually pretty gross. So, it’s best to just use the restrooms in the
businesses you are visiting.
Love
#4: Outdoor Attractions
Slovakians love nature, and there is a lot of
natural beauty in and around Bratislava. The Danube River runs right through
here, so you can take a stroll along the river or a boat cruise on the river.
Less than ten kilometers away, you can explore the grounds of Devin Castle.
Zlaté Piesky is a lake right in town with beaches and tourist facilities. You
can also stroll the grounds of Bratislava Castle which looms over Bratislava
Old Town.
Hate
#4: Language Difficulties
The younger people in Bratislava mostly speak
some English, but it’s not as widely spoken amongst the older residents. So,
you may find yourself in situations where you have communication difficulties
as Slovakian is not likely a language you will understand. If you can learn
just a few words like please, thank you, hello, and goodbye, it will help a
bit. The people are helpful, just know you might have to do some mime action to
communicate with the locals.
Bratislava has a great nightlife scene. There
are bars and nightclubs all over the city center, including a few “party
barges” that are popular along the Danube River. It’s a really fun city to go
out in, partly because it’s so compact and you can easily spend the evening
hopping from bar to bar. The prices are also good, so you won’t go broke buying
too many beers.
Hate
#5: Bratislava Weather
Specifically, the wind in Bratislava is crazy.
The city sits out in the open, with no mountains nearby to buffer any winds,
and it can be really intense. Make sure you pack a warm layer and if you have a
windbreaker you can wear, it will help!
Bratislava
is a beautiful capital city that’s a very nice size for exploring on foot. The
“hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not
to visit Bratislava. Want more tips for planning a European vacation? Check out
these other blog posts:
Hey there, fellow
travelers! Today, we visit Europe! This post is really for those of you thinking about taking your first
Europe trip and wondering what to expect when you travel around Europe9. 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 Europe.
Love
#1: European Destinations & Sights
There are so many cool European destinations
and landmarks to check out. Whether it’s the Colosseum, the Eiffel Tower,
Westminster Abbey, Oktoberfest, the Berlin Wall, or any one of hundreds of
castles, touring Europe is like walking through history books. It’s such a cool
experience to see something in person that you’ve read about or seen on TV.
Hate
#1: Accessibility in Europe
If you have any challenges with mobility, it
can be difficult to travel around Europe. This applies to wheelchairs,
strollers or even if you just have difficulty navigating stairs or uneven
surfaces. While the United States has strict ADA regulations, that’s not the
case in Europe. Castles and historic buildings may not have any elevators, and
many hotels involve narrow staircases as well. It’s not impossible to visit
Europe with mobility challenges, it just requires a bit more research before
you go.
Public transportation in Europe is amazing.
You really don’t need to rent a car if you don’t want to. There are buses and
trains that go to some of the smallest towns you can imagine, which makes it
really easy to travel around Europe. There are even several low-cost carriers
that often have airfares that are cheaper than a train ticket. Between low-cost
airfares, trains and buses, you can easily travel around Europe.
Hate
#2: Cash is King
In the US, we are used to paying for
everything with credit cards. In many European countries, cash is still king.
Hotels and many restaurants will accept credit cards, but this will depend on
where you are. The smaller the town, or the smaller businesses, will not take
credit cards, so you always want to make sure you have some local currency on
hand. This means you also need to have your PIN number so you can get cash out
from an ATM.
Many Americans are self-conscious about not
speaking the local language when traveling. It’s always good to learn a few key
phrases of the local language, but so many people around the world speak
English. As a traveler, you will rarely have an issue finding English speakers
in Europe. Most younger Europeans have learned English in school, and anyone
working in the tourism industry will know basic English.
Hate
#3: Toilets in Europe
Yes, this is a totally American thing to
complain about, but some of the toilets in Europe are less than desirable. In
some places, the “bathroom” is actually just a hole in the ground. In many
places, there is a lack of facilities at all, and when you do find a public
restroom, there may not be any toilet paper, so always carry a bit of your own.
At the other end of the spectrum, there are pay toilets. You’ll see these a lot
in train stations in places like Germany and Switzerland. You need coins to
enter the bathroom, but these are usually much cleaner and nicer to use than the
free ones.
Love
#4: Tasting the “Real” Europe
You may have your favorite Italian or French
restaurant back home, but traveling to Europe means getting to experience
authentic local cuisine. You get to find out what schnitzel is really supposed
to taste like, or why German beer really is that much better in Germany. You
will have a whole new appreciation for the diversity of European cuisines.
Hate
#4: European Beds
After a day of exploring a new city, you’ll be
ready to crash and get a good nights’ sleep, but the beds in Europe tend to
suck. Most of the time a “double” bed is just two twins pushed together, so
there’s always a crack in the middle. If you’re on your honeymoon or planning a
romantic getaway, beware of the beds that split apart!
Love #5:
European People
Everywhere you go in Europe, you will meet
friendly locals who are excited that you’ve chosen their city or country to
visit. This is especially true if you visit some more off the beaten path
places in Europe. There’s a national pride amongst Europeans, and they love
sharing their history and their culture with travelers.
Hate
#5: Service in Europe
Americans are used to over-attentive service
in the United States because servers are not paid minimum wage and they rely on
tips for their income. That’s not the case in Europe, so they don’t go out of
their way to attend to your needs. Don’t think of it as bad service, it’s just
how things are in Europe. Many of the cultures in Europe are also much more
reserved than Americans, so they don’t like to be bothered constantly by a
server during the meal.
Visiting
a new country, or traveling abroad for the first time can be scary. That’s why
I like to give both sides of travel, not just the positives. We love Europe, so
the “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason
not to visit Europe. Want more tips for planning a European vacation? Check out
these other blog posts:
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