5 Things You Will LOVE & HATE About Visiting The Netherlands

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit the Netherlands! 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 about Netherlands travel.

Hate #1: Drug Tourism of Amsterdam

My least favorite thing about visiting the Netherlands is the drunk and drug tourism of Amsterdam. It’s a fantastic city, but so many tourists come to the Netherlands just to visit Amsterdam’s red-light district. If prostitution and drugs are your ideas of a fun vacation, we’re not judging you, but it frustrates me because there are so many cool places to visit in the Netherlands. What I mostly hate are the drunken tourists who can’t handle themselves and leave trash and vomit in the streets.

11 Things That Will Shock You in Amsterdam

Hate#2: Hotel Stairs

Many of the hotels in the Netherlands are in narrow buildings and they have very narrow steep stairs. They’re more like a ladder than a set of stairs. We’ve had a few incidents with the narrow stairs in the Netherlands hotels, so you have to be really careful. If you’re traveling with anyone with mobility issues, be sure to call ahead to your hotel to see if there’s an elevator or a lower floor you can stay on.

Riding through the Tulips is a must in the Netherlands in the spring

Hate#3: Service in the Netherlands

Service in the Netherlands is professional, but not prompt or friendly. Plan some extra time when eating out in the Netherlands because you can expect to sit for a long time. Even though tips are expected, the servers in the Netherlands make a good wage, so they’re not going to hustle for a tip as you might see in the United States. When you’re ready for the bill, you have to ask for it or they will leave you sitting there all day.

Hate #4: Bike Lanes in the Netherlands

Bicycles are a huge part of the culture in the Netherlands, so you can expect to be dodging bikes throughout your Netherlands vacation. Walking in the bike lanes can be a hair-raising experience. The bike lanes are usually painted red at pedestrian crossings, so if you think to yourself “red = dead” you just might remember not to step into the bike lanes!

Hate#5: Weather of the Netherlands

The weather in the Netherlands can be unpredictable and inconsistent. Don’t rely on a forecast too much when you’re out and about because the weather changes quickly. Always have a few layers you can add or subtract to your wardrobe for the day, and be prepared for rain.

We actually got a picture together in Haarlem!

Rainy Day Travel Advice

Love #1: Architecture and Culture of the Netherlands

Whether you are going to see the Old Dutch Masters or the museums, the Netherlands has some of the best culture in Europe. Some of the architecture is simply amazing, and they take such pride in the history and culture of the country. I always take a ton of photos in the Netherlands because there are so many cool places to visit in the Netherlands.

Love #2: Tourism Infrastructure in the Netherlands

Transportation and tourism in the Netherlands are great. Pretty much everyone speaks English, so you don’t have to worry about language difficulties too much. Transportation throughout the country is really well-established. It’s a relatively small country, so you can easily see a lot of the country on day trips from Amsterdam, using the train system. Biking is another great way to get around the country. There are bike trails all over and it’s relatively flat, so it’s easy to bike. There are bike trails all over, too, including at most train stations, so you can take the train to a new town, rent a bike and start exploring.

Love #3: Getting out of Amsterdam

Don’t get me wrong, Amsterdam is really great, but I love getting out of Amsterdam and exploring the smaller towns of the Netherlands. There are so many cute little towns and larger cities to visit in the Netherlands. These smaller towns have far fewer tourists as well, so you can take the train for an hour and be off the tourist trail for a while.

I couldn’t call myself a travel blogger if I didn’t have a windmill in a post about The Netherlands

Love #4: Dutch People

While the service in the Netherlands isn’t great, outside of that, the Dutch people are great. They speak fantastic English, and will readily explain some of their cultures and customs to you. They love to share their national pride and history. I often recommend the Netherlands to newer travelers who want to experience a country that speaks another language because it’s really easy to get by in the Netherlands. For most Dutch people, their English is so good, they will even understand sarcasm!

Love #5: Eating in the Netherlands

I really enjoy traveling around and sampling all of the unique food stalls in the Netherlands. They have so many tasty little treats and finger foods that are perfect snack-size. The restaurants in the Netherlands are ok, but the food stalls and even some of the vending machines are really good. The beer in the Netherlands is pretty good, too. My friend from Dutchified really turned me on to the tasty snacks of the Netherlands.

The Netherlands is a fantastic country and a great place for newer travelers to branch out into International Travel. The “hates” are really just mild annoyances rather than a reason not to visit the Netherlands. Want more tips for planning a European vacation? Check out these other blog posts:

The Best & The Worst Parts of Visiting The Netherlands – Original blog

Visiting the Netherlands is more than just visiting Amsterdam. There are so many wonderful things to see and do, from the architecture and amazing museums to the biking opportunities to all the windmills and flowers, to the bad parts of visiting The Netherlands, the stigma that the Netherlands are just a drunken party for tourists in the red light district of Amsterdam and did we mention the service? Here are five things you will love and hate about visiting the Netherlands.

The Hates of The Netherlands

Hate #1. The Drunk/High Tourists in the Red Light District in Amsterdam: and how they have become a defacto image of The Netherlands, when The Netherlands has so much to offer travelers. So do pay attention when visiting the red light district in Amsterdam and if you are going to be going to The Netherlands for drug tourism please be safe. We do not advocate doing drugs in The Netherlands, but if you have questions please ask your coffee shop staff as they are trained in helping people.
Hate #2. The Stairs: look the stairwells in the Netherlands are more like Ladders so be careful on them. Don’t bring heavy bags as you may lose your balance and fall. This is more of an issue with old homes that have been turned into hotels in major city centers.
Hate #3. The Service: as much as we love the Dutch people, the service is not something you will write home about. It’s professional, but not overly friendly. So expect direct, quick service, and you will need to ask for your bill.
Hate #4. The Bike Lanes: Remember, Red is Dead… you will understand the first time you walk into a bike lane in The Netherlands. In case you aren’t sure, bikes are a very big thing in The Netherlands and the bike lanes are a world unto their own. If you are pedestrian and wander into the bike lane you can be hit and will be yelled at so listen for those bike bells and make sure you stay out of the bike lanes.
Hate #5. The Unpredictable nature of Dutch weather: One minute it is raining, the next it is sunny, the next the temperature changes by 10 degrees it seems like.

 

The Loves of The Netherlands

Love #1. The Architecture and Culture throughout The Netherlands. The guild houses that will fill up gigs of data on your camera to amazing churches to museums stocked full of amazing art there is so much to enjoy and see in The Netherlands. There is a reason major museums around the world have a “Dutch Masters” section. So enjoy the architecture, museums and culture.
Love #2. The Transportation and Tourism Infrastructure: The Netherlands is super easy to get around. With a small country and a very well developed train network it is fast, easy, and efficient to visit any part of The Netherlands on your next visit.
Love #3. That there is so much more to The Netherlands than just Amsterdam: go explore the country, from Haarlem to Groningen to so many more great towns around the country. Even if Amsterdam is your main destinations day trips to nice cities can be as short as 15 minutes on a train away.
Love #3b. The People of the Netherlands: from their amazing English to their great sense of humor to their directness the Dutch can make for a great time. So expect to chat with the locals and be ready for their sense of humor and direct nature.
Love #4. The biking opportunities and easiness of renting bikes and exploring The Netherlands on two wheels: with bike rentals at many train stations, bike tours all over the country, biking infrastructure with bike lanes all over the country and the fact that The Netherlands is flat makes the country amazing for biking. So go rent one and explore!
Love #5. The drinking and snacking opportunities all over the country: Dutch food can be quite tasty so go explore the countryside and enjoy lots of small tasty treats like bitter ballen (fried meatballs) or kroketten, maybe try herring from a stall or visit one of the market halls or food halls around the country to grab a quick snack.

 

Filmed in Haarlem and Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Copyright Mark Wolters 2018

What You Need to Know Before You Visit The Netherlands

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What to Know Before You Visit The Netherlands

 

Heading to The Netherlands & Not Sure What to Expect? Well here we go through the top things that tourists should know when they visit The Netherlands.

1. It is The Netherlands, Not Holland. Holland is the name of two counties in The Netherlands.

2. The language of The Netherlands is Dutch, but as a tourist you really do not need to know any Dutch as the Dutch speak English extremely well throughout the country.

3. The Euro is the currency in The Netherlands and you can find ATMs all over the country. Credit cards are widely accepted as well.

4. The Netherlands is a small country with a very well developed transportation network. Therefore you can easily take trains all over the country in a fast and efficient way. Make sure you tap in and out with your tickets as you enter your platforms.

5. Biking is a very popular pastime and way to get around Dutch cities. There are a number of bike rental agencies throughout The Netherlands. Look for one near a train station and rent a bike for the day to explore, or sign up for one of the numerous bike tours around the country.

6. The Netherlands is rather safe for tourists. Do take care with pickpockets and extremely aggressive beggars in Amsterdam’s more popular areas. The bike line is for bikes only so watch out unless you want to get hit by a bike and yelled at by a local.

7. Drugs bring a lot of tourists to Amsterdam and the Dutch/German border. If you are going to The Netherlands to experiment with soft drugs make sure you go to a “Coffee House” they have menus and trained personnel that can help travelers. We do not recommend you do drugs and highly discourage travelers from doing this. However, we do know a number of tourists do go there for that. So please be safe, and speak with the coffee shop attendant about your previous experiences so they can help you.

9. The best things about the Netherlands are the quaint cities and towns like Haarlem, Leiden, Groningen, as well as the larger cities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam. The architecture and museums throughout the country really are outstanding. And yes you will see quite a few windmills as you explore The Netherlands.

10. The food is hearty in The Netherlands, make sure you try a bitter ballen or a traditional pancake or herring from one of the stalls. The market and food halls have tons of great treats for travelers. There are numerous international restaurants all over The Netherlands as well.

11. The Netherlands is not a cheap place to visit, however the prices are on par with the US & other major European destinations. Amsterdam accomodation will be your biggest expense. Therefore you may want to stay outside of Amsterdam to have a cheaper and more Dutch experience.

Filmed in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Copyright Mark Wolters 2018

 

The Don’ts of The Netherlands

 

10 Things That SHOCK Tourists about Amsterdam

 

5 Love & Hates of Visiting The Netherlands

 

The Rules for Tipping in Ecuador

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Tipping in Ecuador Explained

How much do I tip in Ecuador? Do I even tip while I am in Ecuador? Yes, you do tip when you visit Ecuador. Here are some of the times and amounts you should tip when you travel to Ecuador. Of note the official currency of Ecuador is the US Dollar, and of course tipping is a personal decision, but in a country like Ecuador tips (even small tips) can make a major impact for your service staff.

Restaurants:

Taxes and Service are usually included in the bill or the price of your food. However, not all restaurants put the service and tax on. Your best bet is to tip an additional 5% on top of the final bill. Leave the tip as cash to make it easier for the waiter. You also make sure the waiter gets the money and do not just leave the tip on the table and leave.

Tour Guides:

Tours in Ecuador are great and we have found Ecuador to have some of the best guides around. You tip about $10 per day per person for a full day tour. About $5-8 per day per person for a half day tour.

Tour Drivers:

You tour driver receives about half of what you tip your tour guide. Typically about $5 per person per day.

Taxis:

You do not tip taxis in Ecuador. You pay the fair that is displayed on your meter. Make sure you use only official taxis. So ask your hotel to call one for you if you do need one. You can round up the bill to the next 50 cents or $1.00 to make it easier with change.

Hotel Cleaning Staff:

Leave $2-$5 per day on the bed when you leave for the day. This significantly helps the cleaning staff and we have found leads to a very tidy room and even more helpful service. Leave closer to $5 if you have a bigger room or a family room.

A special thanks to Southern Explorations for helping us discover more of Ecuador. You can visit them at http://www.southernexplorations.com

Filmed in Cuenca, Ecuador

Copyright Mark Wolters 2018

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5 Things You HAVE TO EAT in San Diego, California

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5 Things You Have to Eat in San Diego, California

San Diego, California has some of the most eclectic, interesting and tasty foods in the USA. This video covers what you should eat when you visit San Diego. Whether you visit for Comic Con in the Summer or for the great weather all year round here are five things every visitor, tourist, traveler, foodie, person should eat and enjoy when they visit San Diego.

#1. Carne Asada Fries:

this San Diego specialty is high on the flavor and the calories, but you will love every bite. Carne Asada Fries are french fries covered in carne asada (steak tips), guacamole, sour cream, and cheese. They are delicious to the last bite (if you can finish them, they come in big servings).

#2. California Burrito & Mexican Food:

Southern California has amazing Mexican food. No matter where you go you will have awesome Mexican food from fish tacos to sopes. One California specialty is the California burrito which is basically carne asada fries wrapped up in a flour tortilla.

#3. Seafood:

San Diego is on the coast and the amount of seafood you can eat and enjoy is immeasurable. So grab some fish tacos or grilled fish and enjoy.

#4. Craft Burgers:

yes, head to California and have some amazing hamburgers. The craft burger scene in San Diego is off the charts. Whether it is a PB&J burger or a burger with lobster or whatever you heart may want. You will have a great burger (or sandwich) all over San Diego.

#5. Craft Beer:

San Diego has over 200 places where they are brewing and tasting beer and you should never drink anything BUT local beer in San Diego.

#6. Acai Bowl & Brunch:

San Diego loves brunches and you will have lots of opportunities to try some of the amazing brunch cuisine when you are in San Diego. However, if you are looking for a healthy breakfast try an Acai Bowl. This is Acai, granola, bananas, strawberries, coconut, (other fruits sometimes) and then honey on top. It is a healthy way to start your day and it tastes great.

Filmed in San Diego, California

Copyright Mark Wolters 2018

The Don’ts of Visiting San Diego

5 Love & Hates of Visiting California

What to Know About Visiting Blarney Castle in Ireland

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Tips for Visiting Blarney Castle in Ireland

Kissing the Blarney Stone and being gifted the gift of gab is a typical tourist stop when they visit Ireland. Blarney Castle is located about 30 minutes from the city of Cork and can be a fun day trip from Cork. Here are a few things you should know when you go to visit Blarney Castle.

Blarney Castle is Popular with Tour Groups:

Blarney castle can get overrun with tour groups during the high season and even sometimes in the off season. Tour buses usually start showing up about 30 minutes after the grounds open. So to beat the lines be there first thing in the morning or visit late in the afternoon closer to closing time when most tour companies have left.

Don’t Expect to See Period Pieces in the Castle:

Blarney castle is mostly an empty ruin of a castle. The rooms are empty and they have little to no furniture in them. They do have renderings of how the rooms used to look.

Getting Up to the Blarney Stone Can Be Claustrophobic:

getting up to the top and getting back down from kissing the Blarney Stone can be a claustrophobic person’s nightmare. The circular staircases are very small and tight (the castle is a few hundred years old) and with all the tourists it can take some time to get to the top. So if you have limited mobility you may want to pass.

Kissing the Blarney Stone:

Yes, you will kiss a stone that millions of others have kissed, so get over the hygiene issues. You will lie on your back and an attendant will help push you over the edge to kiss the stone upside down and then drag you back.

There is More Than Just the Castle:

the grounds contain a manor house you can visit, a number of gardens that you can check out. We liked the Fern Garden with the waterfall and the Poison Garden which has plants that are poisonous to humans, so you may want to pay attention a bit more to your little ones if you pass by.

Don’t Come Hungry:

there are a couple of food options on the grounds at Blarney Castle, but nothing to write home about, so it may be best to eat before you come or have a snack in your bag.

Getting There:

Blarney Castle is about 20-30 minutes from Cork by car. There are buses and tour companies that can bring you our to the castle grounds daily.

Filmed at Blarney Castle, Ireland

Copyright Mark Wolters 2018

5 Essential Tips for Visiting San Antonio, Texas

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5 Things to Know Before Visiting San Antonio

5 Essential Things Tourists Should Know Before Visiting San Antonio, Texas.

San Antonio is our favorite city to visit in Texas. From the great food around town, to the number of museums, to walking the River Walk and of course the Alamo and the Missions, San Antonio has a lot for tourists and conference visitors to enjoy. Here are 5 tips we have for travelers heading to San Antonio.

#1. Visit the Historic San Antonio Missions along the San Antonio River:

San Antonio has a UNESCO World Heritage sight (or sights) and that is the San Antonio Missions. A set of four missions (the Alamo is the 5th one, but it is not included in the four), San Jose, San Juan, Espada and Concepcion Missions. The missions will show you how life was in San Antonio during the mission area and the churches are still in service today.

#2. Remember the Alamo:

and that it is kind of small. The Alamo is famous in US and Texan history and any visit to San Antonio requires you to go there. It is worth visiting, but remember the Alamo that is still there is rather small, they are developing a new museum complex that will bring back the old glory of the Alamo, but that is a few years away.

#3. Take a Walk on the River Walk:

the North end (The Pearl) has a number of higher end shops, bars and restaurants. The center is the tourist area so you can see the San Fernando Cathedral, the Alamo, many of the tourist restaurants and hotels. The South end of Southtown or Lone Star District is popular for the architecture on King William street.

#4. Eat Puffy Tacos:

a San Antonio Original the Puffy Taco is a taco served in a puff fried tortilla shell. It is a one of a kind, kind of treat in San Antonio so make sure you do try it out. Also, you will be able to find great tex-mex food throughout San Antonio and Barbeque, but don’t think that the River Walk is the only place with restaurant options. Locals will tell you that the river walk can be a bit overrated for its food and that tastier options can be found throughout the city.

#5. Drink at an Icehouse in the evening:

the local outdoor bars sprinkled around San Antonio where you can sit back and enjoy a bit of San Antonio.

#6. Park Your Car & Just Use Uber or a Taxi to Get Around Town:

with limited parking options finding parking at all spots you want to visit in San Antonio can be a pain. So what we recommend is leave your car at the hotel and use Uber or taxis to get around San Antonio. The sights are pretty close together so you will not be paying huge amounts of money to visit the sights and you can save a ton of time with not having to look for parking.

Filmed in San Antonio, Texas

Copyright Mark Wolters 2018

10 SHOCKS of Visiting Venice, Italy

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about Venice, one of my favorite cities in the world! Before we get into the real shocks, the first thing you’ll notice when you visit Venice is how absolutely beautiful it is. The architecture and the canals and bridges are really gorgeous.

We love to help travelers prepare for their vacations, and other than telling you the best things to see in Venice, we love to share the things that will surprise you about a new destination. So, today, we’re sharing the ten things that will shock you on your Venice Italy vacation.

#1 Venice Tourism

Your first shock on arriving in Venice is the number of tourists. There are 50,000 residents of Venice, and they receive nearly FORTY MILLION tourists each year. That is more than 100,000 per day. This means you might find some frustrated residents, and you may even become frustrated dealing with crowds in Venice. You may have lines to get into some Venice attractions, and it can be hard to get a table for lunch unless you go a few blocks off the main tourist area.

In 2019, Venice introduced a “day trip tax” to alleviate some of the overcrowding in town.

#2 Cost of a Gondola Ride

What is one of the most popular Venice attractions? Gondola rides on the canals. Given that nearly everyone who comes to Venice takes part in this tradition, it’s shocking how much one ride can cost. Plan to spend around 80 Euros for 30 minutes, and if you want them to sing, that will cost you extra! That rate is not per person, so try to find some other people to split the cost with you.

Venice tourism
Tons of tourists and worth every wrong turn.

#3 The Tourist Experience

With so many people who visit Venice each year, it can feel a bit touristy. A lot of the shops and restaurants are geared towards tourists and it doesn’t always feel like an “authentic” Italian experience. The service usually isn’t great, either, as they’re not trying to win you over as a repeat customer. The best thing you can do is to go a few blocks away from the main tourist areas. You will be shocked at how the atmosphere changes quickly. You’ll find mom and pop restaurants and more authentic souvenirs.

Buying Souvenirs: What NOT to Buy When Traveling

#4 Getting Lost in Venice

You are almost guaranteed to get lost in Venice, but it’s really one of the best parts of any trip to Venice! As you wander the back alleys and bridges, you’ll stumble upon mom and pop cafes and hidden piazzas where local kids are playing. You might get a little nervous about being lost, but it’s an island, you’ll find your way back eventually.

#5 Signage in Venice

The signage in Venice is really pretty confusing. You might see multiple signs for the same destination, but they point you in two different directions. They’re all right, you just might take a roundabout way to get there, which is part of the fun of strolling around Venice. After a few trips to Venice, you’ll start to have a sense of direction and you won’t be so flustered by the confusing signage.

venice vacation
Careful you don’t drop them in the canals.

#6 Flooding in Venice

Venice is sinking a little bit each year, and in the winter, the areas tend to flood. When the water is too high, they’ll put up risers for you to walk on. It’s definitely a strange experience to have, but it’s pretty routine by now. The water tends to go back down later in the day, and the risers get put away until the next day. If your Venice trip is planned for the winter, make sure you bring some waterproof boots just in case!

5 Rules for What Shoes to Pack for Europe

#7 Venice Public Transportation

There are not really roads in Venice, it’s all canals. So public transportation in Venice is all by boat, there are no buses or trains. The Vaporettos are public transit boats that you’ll use to get around Venice. Sometimes, you’ll see two lines for the Vaporetto. One for locals and one for tourists. This is to ensure the locals can get priority boarding over the tourist crowds.

#8 Paying for Public Toilets

You will have to pay to use public toilets in Venice. It’s usually 2 Euros, and you’ll need to have coins on you to enter. If you don’t want to pay to use public toilets, you can go to a cafe, but they’ll expect you to buy something in order to use their restroom.

#9 Venice Dress Code

Some of the best things to see in Venice are the churches, but they do adhere to a strict dress code. If you’re wearing shorts or a sleeveless top, you might not be allowed to enter. Generally, they want shoulders and knees covered. If you forget, there are plenty of vendors nearby who are willing to sell you a shawl or wrap to cover your shoulders and knees.

#10 Venice Day Trips

You might be surprised to find that there are other nearby islands to explore. There are lots of great Venice day trips to other islands, including Burano, Murano and nearby islands with beaches. And you’ll often just find local Italians at the beaches, as that’s not what most visitors are coming to see.

venice tourist attractions
Beareded or not, I love Venice.

Venice is amazing, we have returned many times! Hopefully, these “shocks” will help you prepare for your Venice vacation. Want more tips for traveling in Italy? Check out some of our other blog posts!

21 Don’ts of Mardi Gras in New Orleans

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Don’ts of Mardi Gras: Tips for New Orleans Mardi Gras

Greetings from New Orleans, Louisiana! Most travel blogs tell you what to do when you travel, but we like to tell you what not to do. With these Mardi Gras tips, you will be better prepared for Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Whether you’re visiting with other adults, or with children, Mardi Gras is totally worth the trip. Just keep these “don’ts” in mind when you visit.

Mardi Gras Tip #1 Don’t Pee in Public

Mardi Gras is crowded, and there’s a lot of drinking going on. The lines for bathrooms are crazy long, so it’s really tempting to just sneak into a corner and go. This is the most common way of getting arrested at Mardi Gras, so have a “pee plan” in place. Just because Bourbon Street smells like pee, doesn’t mean it’s ok to add to it.

Watch: Five Ways to Get Arrested During Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras Tip #2 Don’t Bare Breasts for Beads

Beads are everywhere during Mardi Gras. At the parades, they throw hundreds of beads from each float. Or, you can buy them super cheap at the drug store, or even the party store back home before you leave. In the age of cell phone cameras and social media, that kind of “exposure” really isn’t worth a string of plastic beads that cost 25 cents. Outside of the French Quarter, this really isn’t tolerated and is a good way to get the attention of police.

Mardi Gras Tip #3 Don’t Expect Parades in the French Quarter

If you have seen Mardi Gras coverage on TV, French Quarter coverage is often mixed up with parade footage, so it seems that it all happens in the same place. In reality, there are no parades through the French Quarter. The parades mostly happen on St. Charles Avenue, so make sure you get out of the French Quarter to experience other Mardi Gras festivities.

Mardi Gras Tip #4 Don’t Be Surprised to See Families at Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is really a family experience. If you talk to locals, they all have fond childhood memories of Mardi Gras. Outside of the French Quarter, it’s really a family party atmosphere. The French Quarter is where most of the debauchery is contained; elsewhere around New Orleans, Mardi Gras is great for the whole family.

Mardi Gras Tip #5 Don’t Be Late for the Parades

It’s really hard to get a good spot at the Mardi Gras parades. People come first thing in morning to get a good spot for the parades, so you can’t just show up when the parade starts and expect to see anything. Don’t try to sneak in front of anyone who’s already saved a spot, as they aren’t afraid to call someone out for it.

Mardi Gras Tip #6 Don’t Think Mardi Gras Celebrations are Only on Fat Tuesday

Fat Tuesday is the culmination of Mardi Gras celebrations, but the celebrations begin long before Fat Tuesday. There are tons of parades, parties and balls leading up to Fat Tuesday. The great news is that even if you can’t come for Fat Tuesday, you can still visit a week before and get to experience Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

Mardi Gras Tip #7 Do Not Jump the Parade Barriers

Police barriers will line the parade routes. They are there for a reason and aren’t meant to be jumped. They are really for the safety of parade attendees, helping them avoid getting hit by a parade float or vehicle.

Mardi Gras Tip #8 Don’t Mess With the Cops or Their Horses

Over one million people attend Mardi festivities each year, which is more than three times the actual population of New Orleans. A lot of these people are drunk, and disorderly, causing a lot of headaches for the local police force. They are very professional, and willing to help where needed, but anyone who messes around with the cops is only going to have problems.

Mardi Gras Tip #9 Don’t Forget to Make Dinner Reservations

With so many tourists coming in during Mardi Gras season, dinner reservations are critical. Otherwise, be prepared to wait an hour or more to get a table for dinner. If you have specific places you want to eat, you may even want to make lunch reservations. Without reservations, plan to eat mostly fast food and street food in New Orleans.

Read: Five Things You Must Eat in New Orleans

Mardi Gras Tip #10 Don’t Be in a Hurry

Mardi Gras or not, patience pays off in New Orleans. It’s a much slower pace than other cities, and adding a million extra people tends to slow things down quite a bit. Knowing this ahead of time will help you be prepared to go with the flow.

Mardi Gras Tip #11 Don’t Forget to Book Hotels Six to Nine Months in Advance

Hotels can get booked up really quickly during Mardi Gras. Plan to pay a premium for hotels during Mardi Gras, in addition to planning way in advance to make sure you have somewhere to sleep. In some instances, there are last minute cancellations, so if you wait too long, you may be able to get on a waitlist for a room.

Mardi Gras Tip #12 Don’t Think You Can Stay One Night at a Hotel

Many hotels have a minimum number of nights to reserve a stay during Mardi Gras, sometimes as high as 4-5 nights. If you can’t stay that many nights, you may just have to pay for them anyways.

Mardi Gras Tip #13 Don’t Sleep in Your Car

Many people think they will get around pricy hotel requirements by sleeping in their car. Cops are on the lookout for this, as are the parking garage people. It’s not a great plan as you could get kicked out of your spot in the middle of the night.

Mardi Gras Tip #14 Don’t Expect Anything to be Cheap During Mardi Gras

Hotels in New Orleans are always a little pricy, but usually eating out and entertainment are pretty affordable. However, during Mardi Gras, prices jump up pretty much everywhere. Expect surge pricing on Uber, too.

Mardi Gras Tip #15 Don’t Forget to Bring Cash

Having cash will make things much easier during Mardi Gras. You don’t want to deal with credit cards in a crowded bar with huge lines.

Mardi Gras Tip #16 Don’t Forget Your ID

If you plan on going to any bars, or buying alcohol, you will need to show identification.

Mardi Gras Tip #17 Don’t Have Glass Bottles Outside

New Orleans has liquor laws, which means you can get your drink to go and walk the streets while you enjoy an alcoholic beverage. However, glass containers are a big “don’t” on the streets; make sure you have your drinks in a plastic container.

Mardi Gras Tip #18 Don’t Mess with Strangers

Alcohol and strangers can be a bad mix. If you’re out at the bars during Mardi Gras, don’t mess with strangers. Also, stick together with your friends and family; don’t wander off on your own.

Mardi Gras Tip #19 Don’t Forget to Have a Meeting Point

If you do happen to get separated from your group, don’t forget to have a pre-set meeting point so you can find your friends. With all the people converging on New Orleans, cell phone coverage may be sketchy, so having a meeting point is a great backup plan.

Mardi Gras Tip #20 Don’t Pick Up Beads Off the Ground

Not everyone follows our Don’t #1 so it’s not recommend to pick up anything that’s been on the ground, especially on Bourbon Street. Don’t be lured into grabbing shiny beads off the ground. There’s no telling where they’ve been, so just go buy some.

Mardi Gras Tip #21 Don’t Call it N’awlins

It’s not N’awlins; it’s not New Orl-EENs. It’s just New Orleans, or phonetically, New Or-lens.

Don’t let these “don’ts” scare you off. Mardi Gras in New Orleans is such a unique and fun experience, it’s definitely a “must” for every traveler. The people, food and entertainment are all fantastic. Feel free to add more “don’ts” in the comments below! For more travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos:

5 Things to Eat in New Orleans

5 Things You Will Love & Hate about New Orleans

5 Ways to Get Arrested at Mardi Gras

10 Shocks of Visiting the South USA

Top 10 Sights in New Orleans

How to Charge Your Phone or Camera When You Travel

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How to Charge My Electronic Devices When I Travel

Low Battery or Exhausted Battery are the bane of every travelers existence. Whether it is your camera, your phone or your music keeping things charged while traveling can be tough. This video covers a few things you should know about traveling and keeping your devices charged.

A Universal Adaptor – these allow you to plug in your device from home into most any power socket around the world

A Travel Strip – this is a powerstrip that is geared toward travelers. It has USB ports as well as a plug for a computer or other device.

A Backup Battery – These are life savers for travelers. When you are on the go you can just plug in your phone or camera and the battery will be charged quickly and easily without having to find a wall socket to plug in to.

Filmed in Waterford, Ireland

Copyright Mark Wolters 2018

 

Some of Our Recommendations

Duafire Travel Adapter: helps you plug into most countries plugs around the world.
https://amzn.to/2ujfUdR

Travel Strip: One plug for your normal device, four USB plugs as well, it saves a lot of trouble and outlets when you travel.
https://amzn.to/2NEuu8S

Backup Battery Pack: Essential for travelers wanting to have a backup batter charge for their phones, cameras, and devices.
https://amzn.to/2NFpT67

Sony Alpha 6000: Our favorite camera for vlogging. One of the best selling cameras of all time and its not too expensive.
https://amzn.to/2N0BStX

Osprey Meridian Carry-on Size Travel Backpack: This is THE backpack that all of the Wolters World family use. It fits in the overhead compartment, gives you a great day pack and has an awesome warranty. We always travel with one.
https://amzn.to/2NEyhTC

 

These are all products that we use and have used.

For other travel products or to purchase limited edition Wolters World merchandise visit us at www.woltersworld.com/shop

 

What NOT To Do in Peru

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The Don’ts of Visiting Peru

Visiting Peru is a must, from UNESCO World Heritage Sights like Machu Picchu to the Incan capital of Cuzco (Cusco) to the capital of Lima to the white city of Arequipa to the Nazca lines there is so much to see and do in Peru. Here we talk about the things you shouldn’t do when you visit Peru.

Don’t Drink the Tap Water

The water in Peru is not always safe to drink and you should stick to bottled water. If you are going to be hiking the Inca Trail it would be a good idea to bring water purification tablets or a purification pump.

Don’t Mess with Your Health

Many sights in Peru are in high elevations and sunburn and altitude sickness affect a number of travelers to Peru. So bring your own good strong sunblock and when you visit places like Cuzco make sure you take extra time to adjust to the high altitude or else you may end up sick from Altitude sickness (headaches, shortness of breath, nausea). Also, if you are suffering from altitude sickness ask your hotel if they have an oxygen tank you can use.

Don’t Freak Out About the Coca Leaves

Yes, coca leaves are used to make cocaine, but you do not have to think that you are a drug dealer if you drink coca tea. The coca leaf is used in teas, candies, and gums to help people adjust to altitude sickness.

What to Know Before You Visit Peru

 

Don’t Bring Home Any Coca Leaves

You will have coca tea and may choose on coca leaves, but do not bring back the leaves to the US or your home country. You might have a little explaining to do to your border patrol and customs agents.

Don’t Think You Can Just Hop on the Inca Trail

You need to register to hike the Inca trail. And don’t think that it is super easy. It can be done on various tours and on various lengths of hikes to Machu Picchu. Also, if you do hike the Inca Trail don’t forget to clean up after yourself and if you have a guide or a porter make sure you tip them for the work they do.

Don’t Be Grossed Out by the Cuy (Guinea Pig)

Yes, they eat guinea pig in parts of Peru. Your pre-school pet, is now a delicacy and it can be served in a number of interesting ways. We prefer the alpaca steaks when in Peru, but to all their own. Peruvian cuisine is actually very well done. So you will eat well in Peru, oh and try the Inca Kola, it tastes like bubble gum and sprite had a baby.

Don’t Think Peru is Just Machu Picchu

Yes, you should visit Machu Picchu, one of the most important historic sights in the world, but do not think that Peru is just Machu Picchu. From the white city of Arequipa to enjoying the Miraflores district of Lima to flying over the Nasca Lines or seeing the tropical rain forest, Peru has a ton of sights to see.

Don’t Throw Your Toilet Paper Down the Toilet

The pipes in Peru cannot handle the paper, so please place all your toilet paper and other toilet products into the trash basket next to the toilet.

Don’t Be Afraid to Haggle in the Markets

Price tags are not always on products in Peru and in the markets that is the case as well. So if it is a market and there is no price it is OK to haggle for a better price. But in the cities at traditional stores haggling is not done.

Don’t Forget to Have Cash

At tourist destinations and restaurants popular with tourists credit cards are accepted, but if you are out and about and seeing sights and meeting locals, cash is the preferred way of payment. You will need it for tipping guides and porters as well, or perhaps grabbing a snack on the side of the road.

 

Filmed in Cuzco/Cusco, Peru
Copyright Mark Wolters 2018