travel – Wolters World

What NOT to Do When Visiting Bari Italy

Posted on October 17, 2023October 3, 2023 by Mark Wolters

What to know about visiting Bari, Italy

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit Bari, Italy. This port city on the Adriatic Sea is the capital of Italy’s Puglia region. While most travel blogs will tell you the best things to do in Bari Italy, we want to be sure you know what NOT to do when visiting Bari!

Don’t Forget to Pay Respect to St. Nicholas

One of the most popular things to see in Bari is the 11th-century Basilica di San Nicola, which holds the tomb of St. Nicholas. It’s a pilgrimage site and you’ll see them praying at the tomb alongside tourists. The San Sabino cathedral is also beautiful.

Don’t Forget to Buy Orecchiette from the Nonas

Orecchiette comes from Bari and the name means “small ear.” There is a street in Bari, known as Strada delle Orecchiette, where older women set up little tables and sell their fresh handmade pasta. Many people come, take photos with the nonas, but then don’t buy from them! Make sure you buy some of their pasta!

Don’t Forget to Try Focaccia Barese

Another local specialty in Bari is focaccia bread. It’s kind of a fluffy bread to start with, and they put tomatoes and olives in it. It almost looks like a pizza, but it doesn’t have sauce. If you can get it fresh out of the oven, it will change your life! It’s even good reheated, so you can take it back to your apartment and warm it up.

Don’t Miss Out on A Cooking Class in Bari

When you are researching your trip to Bari, you’ll notice that many of the top Bari activities are cooking classes. There’s a reason for that! The food in the Puglia region is fantastic, and if you learn how to make it at home, you can keep those memories from your Bari trip alive!

Don’t Forget Sun Protection

The sun in Bari is strong and it gets super hot. Make sure you have your sunscreen and a hat, plus lightweight clothing that covers your skin. And don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen throughout the day. Don’t let a bad sunburn ruin your trip to Bari!

Don’t Think Pane e Pomodoro is a Sandwich

It sounds like a sandwich, and it translates as bread and tomatoes, but in this case, it’s actually one of the most convenient beaches in Bari. Depending on where you stay in Bari, you can walk to this beach or take the bus. This is the most convenient beach from Bari, but it’s not the best beach. You’ll need to take a day trip to reach some of the best beaches in the region.

Don’t Miss the Norman-Hohenstaufen Castle

This Norman Castle in Bari has been preserved and offers a true glimpse at how Norman fortresses were built. While the inside does not contain many original artifacts, it is used for exhibitions, so you can usually tour the inside as well. When viewing the exterior, take notice of the pillars, which each have a different motif carved into them.

Don’t Feel Pressured to “Do Anything” in Bari

Bari is a great destination for relaxing. It’s a great town to just walk around. Old Town and the old walls are great for wandering, the piazzas are great for relaxing with a drink and a snack. The piazzas come alive in the evenings, with music and lights.

Don’t Be Lax with Safety in Bari

Bari has a reputation for theft. It’s been cleaned up a lot, but it’s still a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and not be careless with your belongings. We didn’t feel in any danger when we visited Bari, but we were also cautious with our wallets and did not wear flashy watches or jewelry. These are good tips no matter where you travel.

Travel Safety Tips for Every Destination

Don’t Stay Anywhere But Bari Vecchia

When deciding where to stay in Bari, we recommend staying in Bari Vecchia, or Old Town. This neighborhood is very centrally located, so you won’t have to travel far to see the best sites in Bari. There are tons of small alleys filled with sidewalk cafes and bars. Don’t be afraid to venture down some of these alleyways!

There are tons of apartment rentals in the area, and we wouldn’t stay anywhere else. Just don’t forget to ask where the fuse box is in your rental; the grid in Bari is old, and it’s pretty common to lose power temporarily.

Tips for Choosing the Best Vacation Apartment

Don’t Expect Free Beach Space

The beaches of Puglia can be crowded, so finding a spot can be difficult. You will probably end up paying for a beach chair and umbrella. It’s worth it, just know ahead of time that your beach day won’t be totally free.

Don’t Shy Away from the Locals

The locals in this region are awesome. They don’t see as many tourists, so they are super friendly. This is a great place to practice the Italian language because they are patient and will let you fumble through the words. It’s also a great place to study abroad. Eye contact and a smile are all you need to meet the locals; it goes a long way.

Don’t Miss These Day Trips from Bari

The best way to plan a Puglia road trip is to fly into Bari, rent a car there, and then drive to your destinations. At the end of your trip, return the car to the Bari airport and enjoy Bari using public transportation as you really don’t need a car to enjoy Bari.

Matera is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Many of the original homes were carved into the rocks. You can tour some of these cliff dwellings but be prepared for a lot of steps and uneven pavement. It’s really beautiful, especially at dusk when the lights come on. Matera is about an hour from Bari, whether you are driving or riding the bus. There’s also a train, but that takes quite a bit longer.
Alberobello is best known for the trulli houses with cone-shaped roofs; they look like little bee hives all over town. You can actually stay in one of these cave houses or in the newer part of town, but it’s also very doable on a day trip.
Polignano a Mari has the best beaches in the area; the beach in town fills up quickly, but there are many beaches just outside of town. Your hotel can pre-arrange your beach chair and umbrella rental so it’s ready for you when you arrive. This area is about 45 minutes from Bari on the train.
Monopoli is a great combination of beaches and history; it’s less than an hour from Bari, so this is a great day trip if you don’t have a ton of time. You’ll see a little bit of everything.
Ostuni is another white-walled city and a beautiful day trip from Bari. It’s just 90 minutes by train from Bari.
The Castellana Caves are more of an outdoor adventure day trip from Bari. The caves are only entered with a tour guide, and there are English tours daily at 11 and 4. It’s one of the biggest cave systems in the world, and the longer the tour, the more you will see.

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Bari is a great place to visit if you want a more relaxing vacation, and it’s a great place to stay for exploring the surrounding region of Puglia. Visiting Bari is a nice change of pace from other more touristy destinations in Italy. Need more travel tips for visiting Italy? Check out these blog posts!

The 8 Most Common Tourist Scams in Italy

Posted on October 3, 2023September 2, 2023 by Mark Wolters

Tourist Scams to Avoid When Visiting Italy

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about travel scams you might run into when visiting Italy. Italy tourist attractions receive a lot of international tourists all the time, so naturally, there are scammers who are going to try to take advantage of those tourists. Visiting Italy is typically pretty safe, but there are a few things worth mentioning so you can stay one step ahead of the scammers.

Free Gifts or Found Items

This is one of the most common scams in Italy. A stranger will approach you with something free, like a flower or a bracelet, or they might say you dropped something and try to return “your” item to you. Once you accept the item, they will demand money from you. The best way to avoid these scams is to just say “No Thank You / No Grazie” to any stranger approaching you on the street. Then just keep walking, don’t stop to explain yourself.

The Best & Worst of Visiting Italy

Unsolicited Train Helpers

If you are taking the trains in Italy, you will need to purchase tickets. The train stations have easy-to-use kiosks with multiple languages, but it might take you a minute to sort out which ticket you need. Oftentimes, someone will approach you and offer to help. They may offer to buy the ticket for you and take your money, or they may also be scoping out your luggage and distracting you. Again, you just have to say “No Grazie” and then move on.

Petition Scams

We see this in cities all over the world. A nice-looking young person will approach you with a clipboard and offer you the chance to help save the world. They will tug at your heartstrings to save sea turtles or whales. Don’t feel like a bad person by turning them down. You’re in a foreign country; your vote doesn’t matter. So most likely, they are scouting you out or actively picking your pockets while you are distracted and signing the “petition.”

Pickpockets

Pickpockets are a real problem in Italy, especially in crowded areas like the top Italy tourist attractions or public transportation. Yes, even in the Vatican under the eyes of the Pope, there are people who shall dare to steal! Not only should your valuables stay at home or in your hotel safe, but you should also take extra precautions to avoid being targeted. Money belts and front pockets are the best options for keeping your cash and cards safe.

Beggars

You might also see a lot of beggars in Italy, especially in the larger cities. You’ll see grandmothers, mothers with young children, and even children themselves begging for money. These people may be poor and they may actually need money, but giving to them is not helpful in the long run. This is especially detrimental to children who may be pulled from school to make money begging instead. If you show any interest, you may be harassed for quite some time, so just keep your head down and keep walking.

“The Spill”

Another Italian tourist scam is the accidental spill. Someone may bump into you and “accidentally” spill something on your shirt. Or they might try to kindly point out that a bird has pooped on you. Then, they will try to help you remove the spill or poop. They are attempting to distract you so their accomplice can pick your pockets. If someone approaches you to wipe something off you, just step back and say no thanks.

Receipt Checkers

Some businesses may be monitored by an official who asks patrons for receipts as they exit. This is to ensure the businesses are paying their taxes, so there’s nothing needed from you. We have heard that some people may impersonate an official, ask for receipts and then demand money as a fee. This is a scam; the true purpose of gathering receipts is to ensure the business is above board; there’s no reason a patron would ever be asked to pay a fine.

Price Gouging & Fakes

These aren’t necessarily scams, but Italian tourist attractions that cost way more than they should! For example, the gondola rides in Venice or the carriage rides in Rome. These things are insanely expensive, so while you’re not actually being robbed, the price tag feels like highway robbery. Before you jump in, make sure you are clear on the price.

You might also see characters dressed like ancient Romans in the street posing for photos with tourists. If you’re visiting Italy with kids, they’ll have your kid begging for a photo opportunity and then they’ll expect money in return. If you say no, then you’ve got an upset kid. It’s not a scam per se, but it’s going to cost you money so be prepared for that!

Additionally, those guys selling Louis Vuitton on the street? Those are definitely fakes, so don’t think you’re going to get a deal on an authentic Italian leather handbag!

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Hopefully, by discussing these travel scams and rip-offs, we can help you avoid becoming a victim during your Italy vacation. The majority of Italians are quite nice and helpful, and the police are used to the scams, so they can help you get the proper paperwork for claims and things. Hopefully, that won’t be needed, though! Need more travel tips for visiting Italy? Check out these blog posts!

Europe Travel Tips: What NOT to Do in Europe

Posted on September 23, 2023September 2, 2023 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re discussing what NOT to do when visiting Europe. While many travel blogs will give you tips for European travel, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do when you plan a trip to Europe.

Don’t Lump All of Europe Together

While we’re doing just that for this blog post, remember that Europe has 50 countries, and the variety of cultures and climates is astounding. You simply cannot compare Poland to Portugal, or Finland to France. Just because you’ve been to London, doesn’t mean you’ve “seen Europe.” If you have a bad time in one part of Europe, don’t write off the rest of the continent!

Don’t Overpack

Our best tips for European travel are for packing. Don’t overpack!!! The less stuff you pack, the more likely you will enjoy traveling around Europe. Part of experiencing new cultures is shopping for groceries or clothes or visiting the local pharmacy. Besides, cobblestone streets are not very comfortable for dragging a suitcase around and if you are struggling with your luggage, it makes you an easy target for pickpockets.

Men’s Packing List for Europe

Don’t Forget to Explore Beyond the Museums

Yes, Europe has incredible museums and by all means, you should visit museums in Europe if it interests you. But don’t forget that European culture is a living, breathing, evolving aspect of your European travels.

Enjoying dinner with locals or a picnic in the park is just as enjoyable as going to the most popular tourist attractions. The more time you spend away from the tourist attractions, the better you will begin to see the culture of the country you are visiting.

Don’t Be Afraid to Explore Europe

For many travelers, London or Paris is often the “intro to Europe” and many travelers stick to these popular cities, as well as Rome, Dublin, or Athens. A lot of capital cities are homogenized and international, while the smaller villages and towns still hold that authentic European feel.

Europe is super easy to get around, so there’s nothing to lose by exploring some smaller villages during your travels.

Don’t Skip Public Transportation

If you’re from the United States and you’ve never been to Europe, the public transportation options will blow you away. It is so easy to get around, whether by bus, train, or subway. You’ll get a better feel for the culture as you commute with locals, and you’ll save a lot of money over taking taxis or rideshares. In cities with a lot of traffic, taking the subway will even save you time as you’re not stuck in traffic.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Europe

But remember: don’t be loud on public transportation! Most European cultures are more subdued than American culture, so being loud can be frowned upon. Some trains have special quiet cars, but regardless of what car you are in, take a cue from your fellow passengers. If it’s pretty quiet except for your group, consider taking it down a notch.

Don’t Be Fooled by Cheap Flights

When you are traveling within Europe, there are several low-cost carriers like RyanAir that will tempt you with very cheap flights. But keep in mind, these airlines are going to have “a la carte” pricing so you will pay for seat assignments, luggage, or food. And they often fly into more remote airlines, which means you might have a 40 Euro flight but then spend 60 Euros to take a taxi into the city! Just make sure to examine all options when planning your travel within Europe.

Don’t Worry About Safety in Europe

Of course, this is a blanket statement, but don’t ruin your trip with excessive worrying. There may be pickpockets and scammers, but if you keep your wits about you and use common travel sense, you shouldn’t have any major issues.

Don’t Forget a PIN for Your Credit or Debit Card

Some places in Europe will require you to have a PIN for a credit card transaction. You’ll also need one to withdraw cash when you arrive. Some places don’t take cash, others may only take cash, so always have a couple of payment options at your disposal. And make sure you get the PIN for your credit cards as well as your debit cards before you leave.

Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted. If American Express is your primary card, make sure you have a backup card as a lot of places still don’t take American Express.

You should also make sure you have some small bills on hand, as a lot of merchants prefer not to take larger bills. It’s not uncommon to find a bathroom that costs a few coins to enter, so that’s another good reason to have some loose change. This is very common at train stations but also applies to some restaurants and bars as well.

Exchanging Money Abroad

Don’t Expect “Over the Top” Service in Europe

Most European servers don’t rely on tips as their main source of income, so you’re not going to see the overly friendly and attentive service that you are used to in the United States. Service may take longer as well, as Europeans have a more relaxed approach to dining. Most places don’t mind if you take a table for hours at a time because that’s the culture.

Don’t Forget a Power Adapter

Your U.S. plugs won’t work in most European outlets, and the outlet types may change from one country to another. Most adapters you can buy have different types of plugs on each side, so it’s pretty easy to transition from one place to the next. Newer travel adapters typically have USB ports as well, so you can charge all of your devices at once.

Don’t Forget to Learn a Few Words

No matter where you are traveling, it’s always a good idea to learn a few words in the local language. Hello, please, and thank you will go a long way with the locals! They do not expect you to be fluent, and they won’t fault you for mistakes. It will simply show that you’ve made an effort to learn about your destination before visiting.

If you are speaking English and having a hard time getting your message across, speaking louder is not going to help. That’s when it’s time to whip out your phone and use a translation app!

Tips for Learning a Foreign Language

Don’t Forget About Regionality in Europe

We’ve already established that you can’t lump all of Europe together. But even within a specific country, there are vastly diverse regions. Germany has a strong Bavarian culture in the southern part of the country, and Barcelona is part of Catalonia, which has the heaviest influence on the culture there. It’s no different than lumping Texans in with New Yorkers and Californians.

Don’t Get Discouraged

Before you visit a European city, you’re going to have an idea of what to expect. But Europe is not Disney World; there are good and bad parts no matter where you go. Sometimes you might have to learn the hard way about some differences in cultures, but don’t let it get you down. If you don’t love Paris, that doesn’t mean you won’t love other places in France or in Europe. Don’t let one place ruin all of Europe for you.

This also applies to stereotypes, both good and bad. Go into your European travels with an open mind, and learn as you go, rather than bringing your preconceived stereotypes and expectations with you. You just might be pleasantly surprised.

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We love visiting Europe any chance we get. I have lived in several European countries and enjoy experiencing the different cultures and regions within Europe. Keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path when you visit.

Need more travel tips in Europe? Check out these blog posts!

How to Spend Two Weeks in Spain & Portugal

What to Know Before Your Hungary Vacation

Posted on January 16, 2022February 6, 2022 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about visiting Hungary, a Central European country best known for the city of Budapest. While most travelers to Hungary stick to visiting Budapest, there are other great spots to explore in Hungary. No matter where your Hungary travels take you, these travel tips and facts about Hungary will help you prepare for your Hungary vacation.

Language in Hungary

The Hungarian language is quite unique. For example, while we call the country Hungary, they call it Magyarország. It looks and sounds nothing like the word Hungary. It’s a very difficult language to learn, and translation is not very intuitive. As a tourist, you may be able to learn a few words like please and thank you, but rest assured you won’t have a hard time finding English speakers. Most Hungarians now learn English in school.

Seven Tips for Learning a Foreign Language

Money in Hungary

For Central Europe, Hungary is very affordable. Budapest is the most expensive place in Hungary because it’s so popular with tourists, but even Budapest is very affordable compared to other cities in Central Europe.

However, you will need to exchange your Euros when you visit Hungary. The currency in Hungary is the Forint; the exchange is approximately 300 Forint to the Euro or US Dollar. Because of this, prices and numbers get very big very quickly! When exchanging currency, pay attention to the rates and fees because this is an easy spot to get ripped off. Likewise for conversions; don’t let the seller do the conversion for you. Have your card charged in Forint and let your bank do the conversion; you’ll come out ahead if you do that.

Tips for Exchanging Money in Europe

Food in Hungary

If there’s one thing you should know about Hungarian cuisine, it’s that paprika and sour cream are major ingredients in most dishes. The food in Hungary tends to be hearty food and very heavy. I recommend having a Palinka after your meal; it’s a fruit-flavored schnapps that helps with digestion.

Goulash is the most common Hungarian food; it’s a meat and vegetable stew. Some versions are more soupy than others. You’ve probably had goulash before, but it’s way better in Hungary!
Fisherman’s Soup is another popular soup/stew in Hungary. It will consist of whatever the local fish is, plus paprika, of course!
Chicken/Veal/Pork Paprikash is also a great dish to eat in Hungary. You’ll have a couple of pieces of meat, covered in a paprika cream sauce. It is often served over dumplings, noodles, or spaetzle.
Stuffed Cabbage or Stuffed Paprika is another great Hungarian menu item. Just like stuffed peppers we make at home, you can have either cabbage or a pepper stuffed with meat and rice.
Hungarian pancakes are a great alternative to some of the heavier food in Hungary. They are more like crepes than pancakes, and often filled with a savory meat filling.
Lángos is a popular Hungarian street food; it’s fried dough that can be served plain or with toppings like sour cream and cheese curds.
Sponge Cake is often served for dessert in Hungary; it’s really tasty, so try to save room for it!

Service in Hungary

Service in Hungary can be pretty slow. It can be helpful and friendly, just not fast. So, when you are ordering, I recommend you have your order ready and get everything you need as it may be a while before the server makes it back to your table. When it comes to tipping in Hungary, plan to tip between 10 and 15% of your bill.

The Official Hungary Tourism Website: https://visithungary.com/

Staying Connected in Hungary

It’s pretty easy to stay connected in Hungary. We found WiFi all over, especially in restaurants and cafes. I had no issues getting 4G service and no issues with dropped calls. Just like any country including the U.S., if you find yourself in rural areas, you may not have service, but the cities and towns will be just fine.

Getting Around Hungary

When you visit Hungary, it’s pretty easy to get around. There’s an extensive train and bus system that makes it easy to get around the country. When using the trains in Hungary, you will often need to connect through Budapest. This will usually be faster than taking some of the smaller train routes. Train tickets are super affordable, so don’t try to skip them and don’t forget to validate them when you enter the train station, especially on the Budapest Metro.

In Budapest, there are also plenty of taxis, but this is an easy spot to get scammed. Make sure you have your hotel book the taxi for you, or only use taxi companies, not the ones labeled “freelance.”

Where to Stay in Hungary

There are plenty of accommodation choices in Hungary. Budapest will have the most options and the widest variety, of course. You’ll find hotels, hostels, and lots of Airbnb home rentals. Pay attention to the accommodation description. As with most of Europe, hotel rooms in Hungary are much smaller than in the U.S. A double usually means two twin beds pushed together, or it might mean two single beds. If you are visiting Hungary with your family, you’ll get a lot more room in an apartment rental rather than a hotel room.

What to See in Hungary

When planning your Hungary trip, Budapest will likely take up the most time of your visit. Between the castle, Parliament and various cathedrals and churches, you can easily spend several days in Budapest. There are caves to explore, Roman ruins outside of Budapest, and the medieval village of Egar. Hungary also has some great national parks, as well as mountains and lakes to explore.

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Hungary is a really great country to visit; it’s affordable and has a lot to offer with many interesting places to visit in Hungary. From the capital city of Budapest to the natural attractions and outdoor adventures, we love to visit Hungary. Want more Central Europe travel tips?

9 Reasons Travelers Get Robbed

Posted on January 1, 2022February 7, 2022 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about the not-so-fun side of travel and that’s getting robbed. It happens, tourists sometimes get robbed. Sometimes, it’s falling for a scam while other times you get your pocket picked. Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to reduce your chances of being robbed while traveling.

Being a Tourist

That’s right, sometimes tourists are robbed for no other reason than just being a tourist. Tourists make an easy target for thieves; we often carry large sums of cash and don’t always have the number to call if we lose our credit card, so thieves have more time to rack up charges. There’s not much you can do to avoid this one, other than doing your best to blend in and not look like a tourist!

Showing Off Money

Whether it’s wearing fancy jewelry or designer clothes, looking rich can easily make you a target to be robbed. Showing off how much money you have is a big mistake when traveling! Designer purses or expensive watches tell thieves that you have a lot of money and you aren’t a savvy traveler.

Not Paying Attention

Most likely, you are traveling to see amazing sights, and the beautiful architecture of a foreign country can be distracting. If you are walking around and gawking at the sights, you may lose your self-awareness, which can easily make you a victim of theft. We’re not suggesting you don’t look around at the sights, but always pay close attention to the people around you, as well as who is in your personal space. Likewise, headphones or earbuds can also prevent you from knowing what’s happening around you.

Most Common Spots for Pickpockets

Being Intoxicated Late at Night

Many travelers like to have a good time and enjoy a few local beers or spirits. There’s nothing wrong with that! But, if you have one too many drinks and find yourself stumbling around late at night, that’s when you can easily become a target for theft. If you are traveling (and drinking) alone, then it is even easier to become a target. For solo travelers, try to keep your wits about you. If you’re in a group, make sure you are looking out for each other.

Travel is wonderful, but it is smart to be prepared.

Getting Scammed

Not all travel thefts are going to be pickpocket or robbery situations. There are lots of bad vacation scams out there, and thousands of tourists who fall for them. Sometimes even the savviest travelers fall for a new travel scam, especially when children or babies are involved. The “best” city scams are great at making it seem like they are helping you, when in fact, their accomplice may be robbing you while you are distracted.

How to Avoid Travel Scams & Rip-Offs

Being Old

Sadly, older travelers are much more often the target of travel scams and pickpockets. Obviously, there’s not much you can do about your age, so just use extra precaution and know that you may be more likely to be targeted, so heightened awareness is best.

US State Department Website for Travel Advisories & International Travel Information: CLICK HERE

Traveling with Children

Of course, we love traveling with our kids. But keeping track of your kids can be distracting and scammers know this! A child can run off in a split second, and once you chase them, you’ve left your stroller and purse unattended. Scammers look for these situations, or may even be the ones to distract your kids with something like a puppy or a trick or game.

Trusting the Wrong People

Part of the joy of traveling is meeting new people and making new friends along the way. Unfortunately, some people may not be as nice as they seem. This is especially true if you are traveling solo and going out drinking with new friends. Make sure you’re in a group and not alone with your new friend. Use caution with any new friends and always keep your wits about you. (if you are drinking, this means always keeping your drink with you, too. Don’t leave it unattended!)

The traveler floppy hat and magic fanny pack do not protect you.

Bad Luck

Some travel thefts are preventable, but you could do everything right and still find yourself missing a wallet or watch at the end of the day. Truly, sometimes, you just might find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Don’t beat yourself up because it happens to even the most seasoned travelers.

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Travel is an amazing opportunity to experience new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. But travel can also have some downsides like people who prey on tourists. Study up on our travel safety tips and pay attention to your surroundings. Check out these other blog posts with our best travel tips:

10 Things That Will Shock You on Your Idaho Trip

Posted on November 12, 2021November 12, 2021 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about Idaho vacations. Unlike nearby Wyoming and Montana, Idaho vacations aren’t nearly as popular, especially with travelers from the Midwest. So, naturally, we were shocked at all the cool things to see in Idaho. It’s really a beautiful state. If you’re planning an Idaho trip, watch out for these shocks when you arrive!

Idaho is More Than Potatoes

I think everyone associates Idaho with potatoes. While potatoes are Idaho’s largest crop, there’s a lot more to Idaho than potato farms. Idaho is actually known as the “Gem State” because they have a wider variety of gems than any other place in North America. They also have a lot of trout and much of the trout served in the United States comes from Idaho. That said, they do really love their potatoes in Idaho! They even drop a potato on New Year’s Eve!

All the Ways to Eat Potatoes

While Idaho is more than potatoes, they do know a lot of different ways to prepare and serve a potato. Of course, there are french fries, tater tots, mashed potatoes, and baked potatoes. You have to try “totcho’s” in Idaho; they are nachos made with tater tots. If you see potato ice cream definitely try it. There are no potatoes in potato ice cream, it’s just shaped like a potato. And then there’s the Idaho Spud; a potato-shaped candy that is a marshmallow center, with a chocolate coating that’s sprinkled with coconut. Yum!

Idaho Huckleberries

Rather than being known for gems or potatoes, we think Idaho should be the Huckleberry State. If you visit Idaho in the summer, you’ll have a chance to try huckleberries and they are delicious. You’ll see huckleberries everywhere: in maple syrup, BBQ sauce, milkshakes, pies, and sundaes.

Simply Jocelyn shares the best things to eat in Idaho!

Natural Beauty of Idaho

The natural beauty of Idaho is truly shocking. There are lakes, rivers, mountains, and hot springs. Some of the best places to visit in Idaho to experience the natural beauty include:

Shoshone Falls
Craters of the Moon
The Salmon River
Sawtooth Mountains
Lake Pend Oreille
Hells Canyon
City of Rocks
Bruneau Sand Dunes
Upper & Lower Mesa Falls

North and South Idaho are very different; if you are expecting flat land all the way around, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the Idaho landscape. In the winter, Idaho is a great ski destination, too!

Idaho Gas Stations

In Idaho, the gas station is the hub of activity for smaller towns. It’s not just a gas station; it’s a grocery store, a bait shop, and a social place. Many of the gas stations have a restaurant attached. With small towns spread far apart in Idaho, the gas stations are really important. It’s also important to make sure you fill your tank at every opportunity because there’s no telling how far the next gas station will be.

What NOT To Do on a Road Trip

Idaho Weather

The weather in Idaho is unpredictable and temperamental. We visited in early fall and used our heat and air-conditioning on the same day. Always have a few extra layers of clothing that you can add and remove, and make sure you have some extra blankets and water in the car. Especially if you visit Idaho in winter; there’s always a possibility of waiting out a road closure.

Boise

For starters, there’s no “z” in Boise, it’s a soft “s.” Surprisingly, Boise is a pretty cool town. Zoo Boise is pretty cool, and the Boise River Greenbelt is a great place for a hike or bike ride. Sports fans will know Boise for the electric blue football field at Boise State University. While most of the best things to see in Idaho are outdoors, I definitely recommend you visit Boise while you’re here.

Safety in Idaho

With mostly small towns, Idaho is a very safe place for a family vacation. The crime rate is relatively low. You don’t have to worry too much about break-ins or pickpockets. But you do have to worry about the wildlife in Idaho. Idaho has bears, so you have to be on alert when you’re out hiking and make sure you don’t leave food lying around your cabin or in your car.

How to Avoid a Bear Attack

Idaho Stargazing

With so few towns in Idaho, the skies at night are super dark. Take a moment to step outside and look up at the sky. You’ll be shocked at all of the stars you can see. In the summertime on a clear night, you can even see the Milky Way.

Finger Steaks & Fry Sauce

You have to try finger steaks and fry sauce when you visit Idaho. Finger steaks are like chicken fingers, but with steak. And the fry sauce makes it extra special. Fry sauce is kind of a Utah/Idaho thing. It starts with mayo and ketchup mixed together, then usually a hint of vinegar. Each restaurant will have its own secret fry sauce recipe.

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

We were truly pleasantly shocked by all the great things to do in Idaho. It’s an amazing state for outdoor recreation in any season. With so few people living here, you really feel like you can get some solitude on an Idaho trip. I’m so glad we made the trip! Interested in more travel destinations in the Western United States? Check out these other blog posts:

11 Things Tourists Should Never Do in Venice, Italy

Posted on January 19, 2019May 9, 2019 by admin

Venice Tips: 11 Don’ts for Visitors to Venice

Greetings from Venice, Italy! Venice receives about 20 million tourists each year, and there are many “must do’s” for anyone visiting Venice. However, there are also many “don’ts” for visitors to Venice, so that’s what we’re sharing here.

Venice Tip #1: Don’t Bring Heavy Luggage

In Venice, there aren’t taxis and buses to get from place to place; there are boats. Lugging heaving luggage in and out of these boats is really inconvenient, and they can sometimes charge extra for heavy bags.

Watch: How to Pack a Carryon Suitcase for Women

Venice Tip #2: Don’t Expect a Cheap Gondola Ride

Gondolas are the icon of Venice, and therefore very popular with tourists. A 30-minute gondola ride can cost 80 Euros, and if you want singing while you float, that will cost extra.

Venice Tip #3: Don’t Feed the Pigeons

It’s actually illegal to feed the pigeons in Venice, especially in places like the Piazza San Marco, and it’s possible to receive a fine for doing so.

Venice Tip #4: Don’t Be Surprised To See Risers in the Streets

At certain times of the year, the water levels are high enough to flood the streets. In that case, they will put risers in for pedestrians to stay above the water. This is less of an issue in the summer, but if you visit in other seasons, you might see it.

Venice Tip #5: Don’t Forget a Map, and Don’t Freak Out if You Get Lost

Getting lost in Venice is practically a rite of passage for tourists. A map is helpful, but either way, most tourists get lost at least once. The people in Venice are generally very helpful, so getting lost isn’t a big deal, as a locals are often willing to point you back in the right direction.

Watch: Ten Italian Phrases You Need to Know

Venice Tip #6: Don’t Get in the Water

This may seem obvious, but this happens often enough that it’s worth mentioning. The areas around the water can be super slippery, so even if you don’t plan to go in the water, you need to exercise caution around the water.

Venice Tip #7: Don’t Wear Skimpy Clothes to visit Churches

For anyone planning to visit any of Venice’s churches and cathedrals, skimpy clothes are a “don’t.” The churches won’t allow anyone in who isn’t modestly dressed.

Read: Five Rules for What Shoes to Wear in Europe

Venice Tip #8: Don’t Use Public Toilets

It costs 2 Euros to use public toilets in Venice. Rather than spend that money, it’s better to buy a spritz or coffee to use the bar or cafe toilets.

Venice Tip #9: Don’t Be Upset By Separate Lines for Tourists & Locals

This is especially common during busy season, and you may even see different prices for locals vs tourists. Venice is a fairly small town of 50,000 people that receives 20 million tourists. The locals have to be able to commute to work and continue their daily lives without dodging tourists all day long.

Venice Tip #10: Don’t Forget to Ask How Much the Drinks Cost

At some of the restaurants near tourist attractions, they’ll have a special “tourist menu.” The price of the meal may be a great value, but ordering drinks can add another 4 Euros to the bill. The little add-ons to this special price may end up not being such a bargain after all, so be sure to ask about drink costs.

Watch: Do You Tip in Italy?

Venice Tip #11: Don’t Forget to Explore Other Parts & Islands of Venice

Venice itself has many islands to explore, and then you can also visit Burano, Murano, Pellestrina and many more, whether you want more culture, or to visit some beaches. While there are many things to do in Venice, it’s always great to take a day trip out of the city to explore surrounding areas.

These are just a few travel tips for first time travelers to Venice. For more Italy travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos:

10 Things That Shock People About Wolters World Travel

Posted on January 8, 2018February 18, 2020 by admin

10 Things That Shock New Viewers to Wolters World

Hey There Fellow Travelers! We Are Working on fixing the website, hence the low tech version right now. But please know that we appreciate all of your views, support, subscriptions and t-shirt requests!

Mark Really is Married to Jocelyn: Yep, it’s true. There is hope for all.

Threats:

We have received death threats and physical threats due to our Love & Hates of Different Destinations YouTube series.

We Don’t Just Visit Places:

we have lived and worked around the world. Mark lived abroad for over a decade working & studying around the world, he has spent the past twenty plus years exploring the world and making mistakes along the way that he can share with other travelers. Basically, he has had to get cable and pay taxes in a number of countries. Jocelyn has lived abroad and even gave birth abroad, Caleb has spent time in a Portuguese pre-school, learned how to eat chopsticks in China, and his favorite song as a child was “Haribo macht Kinder froh” from the German candy company Haribo. Oh, and the littlest Liam was born abroad and only got to the US as his sixth country.

The Low Level of Production Value of Wolters World Videos:

as Mark edits all the videos on his own and does not have much of a cinematography background, it kind of shows in the production and editing value of the videos.

Jocelyn is Scared to Fly:

Yes, you are not the only person who is scared to fly. Half of the Wolters World team is scared to fly.

We Travel as a Family:

We take the kids with us as much as we can. Every school holiday or long weekend we try to get the kids to new destinations around the world.

The Fat Guy’s Name is Mark, not Wolter:

Many people don’t realize that the presenter in the videos name is Mark, not Wolter. Wolters is our family name.

Not our Day Job:

Wolters World Travel & Culture is not our day job. Mark is a professor by day and travel vlogger by night.

Mark Used to Be Quite Skinny:

Jocelyn is an amazing cook and Mark has no willpower.

Our Fans & Supporters:

We have some of the best and most supportive fans and viewers on YouTube and we say Thank you to them!