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Category Archives: Blog

5 Magical Holiday Traditions in New York City

December 1, 2022Blog, New York City, student groups, walking toursperling

Imagine it. The twinkle of lights, the scrumptious scent of roasting chestnuts on street corners, and the hustle-and-bustle of people with packages just waiting to be wrapped in colorful paper with bows and ribbons. Add in some holiday music and you have the recipe for an idyllic holiday visit to New York City.

The holiday season is a magical time for children and adults alike and New York City, withits colorful decorations, Broadway shows, and active city ambiance can set the scene for the most fantastic holiday trip to kick off the holiday season right.

Let’s take a look at five NYC traditions sure to put you in the holiday mood and mark the beginning of your celebrations.

#1 The Rockefeller Christmas Tree

By far, one of the most stunning sights in NYC during the holidays is the Rockefeller Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center Plaza on 49th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.

You will want to see it all lit up so plan to visit during the appropriate hours. Starting December 1, 2022, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be lit daily from 6 a.m. to midnight. On Christmas Day, the tree is lit for 24 hours, and on New Year’s Eve, it is lit from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

In addition to taking in the lights on the tree, there are many activities right in the Plaza that your group may want to partake in including skating, having winter drinks in a nearby restaurant, or shopping at one of the local holiday shops.

#2 Radio City Music Hall Performance of the Rockettes

The dazzling Christmas Spectacular starring the high-kicking Rockettes is a must-see for groups trying to take in the holiday activities in NYC.

The show stars not only the Rockette’s precision dance team but wooden soldiers, and Santa himself makes an arrival just in time to spread holiday cheer!

The shows run from November 18th through January 2, 2023. Get your tickets here or have Wolfe Tours plan your trip entirely.

#3 The Winter Village at Bryant Park

Every winter, Bryant Park turns into a winter wonderland filled with holiday shopping options, an ice skating rink, twinkling lights, and of course, amazing restaurants.

Visit over 60 shopping kiosks with handmade and original gifts for the season, many of them having an NYC theme to them. Get your fill of good food and cocktails and then work it off with a few spoons around the ice rink.

#4 Visit Holiday Fairs & Markets

New York City parks and streets transform every holiday season when small temporary kiosks pop up selling unique holiday items that are sure to cross off many items on your Christmas gift list.

Check out the Union Square Holiday Market through December 24th, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Here you can find over 160 artisans and vendors selling holiday gifts.

#5 Holiday Window Displays

Sometimes the best thing about NYC is walking around and enjoying the sights and sounds. You won’t want to miss the window displays on 5th Avenue where you can enjoy holiday-decorated windows in a theater-like fashion from the end of November through the New Year.

Spending the holidays in New York City can get even the biggest Scrooge in the mood for the holidays, doing it with a group of friends or family can make it even more special. Check out Wolfe Tours and Adventures options for touring with your group today.

Tips for Traveling with Student Groups

November 2, 2022Blog, student groupssperling

Some of the most enriching activities and experiences for students can be traveling to new environments, historical locations, or national landmarks. When students step out of the classroom to immerse themselves in history, it can make for some memorable educational and personal moments.

Traveling with students can be a magical experience for them, but it can also be a logistical challenge because students can have different needs, physical abilities, and interests in the location you choose to visit. Here are a few tips on how to successfully travel with students from your school.

Plan & Prepare

Whether you’re headed to visit Washington D.C. in the Cherry Blossoms in spring or the historic towns right outside of Boston for Patriot’s Day, you will need to plan well in advance of your trip. Details such as handling the financial aspects of the trip, expectations of students and chaperones, and a general itinerary of each day.

Several months in advance of your trip, meet with students and their parents about the payment plan, itinerary, and behavior expected while on the trip. Our dedicated Wolfe Tours team can help you create a tour for your specific needs and interests. Our team has been creating and designing memorable trips since 2002, and we love working with school groups and teachers!

Part of your planning should include:

Packing a variety of outfits with consideration to the weather, fancier dinners, and any locations that require a certain dress code.
Proper footwear for walking tours.
Making airfare and hotel accommodations. (Remember, we can do all of this for you!)
Assigning travel buddies and chaperones.
Creating a fun but manageable itinerary for your destination.
Payment planning.
Creation of emergency forms and logistics.
A list of things to pack and what to leave at home.

Prior to your planned travel, it’s a good idea to also set certain behavior expectations for your trips such as quiet hours in the hotel, appropriate language, and check-in times for chaperones. Don’t forget to plan for some downtime so your students can recuperate from the day’s activities or tours.

Getting Organized

If your tour takes you to the airport, get yourself organized with identifications, boarding passes, and passports when necessary. Having a tour group like Wolfe Tours plan your trip will help you to navigate the airports as well as check-ins and check-outs at hotels or historical sites.

Keep all necessary documents in one place where they are easily accessible. It’s also a good idea to have multiple forms of communication available for parents who will want to know where their student is and how to contact them if needed.

Anticipate Student Needs

Planning prior to an event can sometimes put us in an unrealistic mode. This could mean forgetting about the logical needs of your students to stop for snacks, bathroom breaks, and the always-needed rest break for themselves and you.

For students with special needs, build these breaks into your itinerary to reassure your students that they will have time for eating, restrooms, and having fun with friends.

For more information and our frequently asked questions about our student tours, check out our website and start planning your next tour with Wolf Tours and Adventures.

Taking a Trip? How to Pack Properly

October 5, 2022Blog, packingsperling

Are you headed on a dream tour of New England in the fall when the leaves are ablaze? Or maybe going to Washington D.C. during Cherry Blossom season? Perhaps you love history and plan to head to Colonial Virginia, or want to experience the joys of Disney? Wherever your destination, packing the right items, in the right way is key to making your trip go smoothly.

Gone are the days of taking everything with you, but the kitchen sink. Packing, for seasoned travelers, is very much a science of knowing what you’ll need and how to organize it so that there is minimal luggage. Streamlining and minimizing hassles at airports and check-ins is key to making a trip a happy and fun one for everyone involved.

Here are a few packing tips that will keep you focused on the mission at hand – having fun and enjoying your destination.

Get the Right Luggage

There’s really nothing worse than getting to an airport and discovering that your carry-on luggage is too wide and needs to be checked or finding that your backpack is too heavy!

Start your trip on a happy note by ensuring that you have a regulation-size carry-on bag, especially if you plan to try to make the adventure without checking any luggage.

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA ) “Carry-on bags must weigh less than 35 pounds and must not exceed 10 inches deep, 16 inches wide, and 24 inches high. Bags must fit in the overhead bins. Checked bags must be no longer than 62 linear inches (length + width + depth) and must weigh under 40 pounds.”

Keep this sizing in mind when buying your carry-on so you are not met with any surprises when you arrive.

Check the Weather

It’s a smart idea to keep an eye on the long-term weather forecast for the area you are visiting. Install a weather app on your phone so that you can monitor as you approach your travel dates.

The temperature and forecast will determine what type of clothing and footwear you’ll want to include in your pack.

Organize Your Clothing and Trip Needs

Depending upon your destination and the type of adventure you’re taking, the items you pack could be wildly different. If you are heading to a warm climate where you plan to head to the beach daily, some swimsuits and coverups should be a top priority, whereas if you plan to head to a cooler climate where you plan to do a lot of walking, sneakers and comfortable layers may be a good idea.

Organize all the items you will need for your trip including sunscreen, shoes, bathroom items, medicines, and clothing – all on your bed or another area where you can visualize it. Some travelers swear by organizing similar items together and others like organizing by outfits. It doesn’t matter how you do it, just that you ensure you have all the things you’ll need.

Packing cubes that can help you keep your clothing compressed and organized are a hit with travelers right now. Additionally, seasoned travelers tend to use the idea of a capsule wardrobe. This idea embraces having interchangeable minimalist clothing choices instead of overpacking.

If you’re planning a trip through Wolfe Tours our team can guide you on what you’ll need to pack and what you can leave at home. Talk to our experienced guide and get started today.

5 Things to See & Do In Gloucester, Massachusetts

September 7, 2022Blog, Gloucestersperling

Recognized as the nation’s first port, Gloucester, Massachusetts has so much to offer tourists and visitors all year round. This beautiful coastal city is brimming with history, dining, culture, arts, events, and shopping. There is so much to see and do that you may need several days to fully explore the city and all that it has to offer.

By land or by sea, touring Gloucester, Massachusetts can be fun, culturally enriching, or relaxing- all dependent upon what you want to see and do.

Here are 5 things you won’t want to miss if you choose to book a Wolfe Adventure & Tour.

A Lighthouse Tour

Discover the fishing and maritime history of Gloucester through the lighthouses that dot the shoreline. The five iconic lighthouses along the rocky shores of Cape Ann are beloved by historians and tourists alike.

Learn more about Gloucester’s maritime history as you cruise past the Annisquam Harbor Lighthouse (Annisquam Light), Thacher Island Twin Lighthouses (Twin Lights), Straitsmouth Island Lighthouse, Eastern Point Lighthouse, and Ten Pound Island Lighthouse.

Explore Rocky Neck Cultural Center

If you love local art, visiting the Rocky Neck Cultural Center should make the top of your list of stops to make while in Gloucester.

Take a stroll through the art colony and be amazed at the volume and variety of art all around you! The Rocky Neck Art Colony is one of the oldest working art colonies in the United States and has been established for more than 150 years.

Not only can you find unique shops to buy paintings, jewelry, sculptures, and other unique gifts, but there are a number of fabulous restaurants in the area and get a good meal with an even better view.

Head to the Beach

Need a day of relaxing and enjoying the sun, sand, and surf? Gloucester has a full spectrum of beach choices for you and your tour group.

Visit Good Harbor, Wingaersheek, Niles, Half Moon, Pavilion, Plum Cove, or Cressy’s Beach. Each one has its own personality and amazing vistas of boats, lighthouses, or surf. Sink your toes in the sand and enjoy a day on the beautiful beaches of Gloucester.

Go Back in Time

Gloucester is rich with history and there is no better place to explore than Hammond Castle, a medieval castle along the shoreline of Gloucester.

Constructed by the eccentric inventor John Hays Hammond in the 1920s, Hammond Castle serves as a beautiful showcase for Hammond’s impressive collection of Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance artifacts.

Visit Downtown Gloucester

Gloucester is a charming city with plenty of history and culture to explore. The downtown streets allow tourists to explore shops, restaurants, bookstores, galleries, and the iconic Fisherman’s Memorial Statue known as “the Man at the Wheel.”

Bring your appetite and your camera because this downtown area is filled with tasty treats and vistas of the harbor and ocean!

If you are interested in booking a tour of Gloucester, Massachusetts or other attractions visit the Wolfe Tours site to find out more about our group tours and excursions.

What To See & Do In Colonial Virginia

July 1, 2022Blog, Colonial Virginia, walking toursperling

If you’re a history buff, Colonial Virginia is one of the best places for your school or group tour to spend a few days. Located along the beautiful coast of Virginia, just a few hours from Washington D.C. lies the Historic Triangle of Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. These three areas are rich with history from some of the first Europeans to attempt a colony at Jamestown Colony to the Battlefields of Yorktown during the American Revolution.

Colonial Virginia is the perfect place to schedule your next group tour. There is so much to see and do, you just might have trouble deciding what to include in your itinerary. Don’t worry Wolfe Tours can help with that. Here are a few of our suggestions of where to start with your list of ‘must-see’ activities in Colonial Virginia.

The Historic Triangle

Looking for places that will capture the interest and inspiration of all ages? Look no further than a multi-day visit to the Historic Triangle. We suggest spending at the very least three days touring Yorktown, Jamestown, and Colonial Williamsburg. If you have more time you will be able to include more activities on your schedule!

Colonial Williamsburg

Students and adults alike will love stepping back in time to the 18th Century in Colonial Williamsburg. Follow in the footsteps of colonial Americans as you visit taverns, shops, and museums as you meet staff dressed in period clothing. Colonial Williamsburg is truly a living history museum.

As you explore the 301 acres of Colonial Williamsburg you will see dozens of original buildings, homes, and shops reconstructed as if you are stepping into the past. Visit Duke of Gloucester Street, the Capitol, the Governor’s Palace, the George Wythe House, the Courthouse, and many gathering places such as Raleigh’s Tavern. There is so much to see and do!

Jamestown Settlement

Jamestown Settlement, the first permanent English Colony, is also a living-history park and museum. During your visit, you will be able to see what life was like for those first colonists as well as hear the stories of 17th Century Virginia from the European settlers, Powhatan Indians, and African slaves.

See replicas of the three ships that brought the European settlers to the area, a recreated Powhatan Village, as well as a recreated James Fort as it was in 1610. You will immerse yourself in history in Jamestown.

Battlefields of Yorktown

Yorktown is most known for being the site of the siege and surrender of British General Cornwallis to Colonial General George Washington and the French Fleet during the American Revolutionary War on October 19, 1781.

During your tour of this area, you can take in the battlefields where the main fighting took place, explore the architecture of the eighteenth century, or grab a meal at one of the historic restaurants. There are multiple historic sites to visit such as the American Revolution Museum and the Colonial National Historic Park.

Having trouble deciding how long and what to visit? Let Wolfe Tours plan your trip down to the last detail and create a trip you can only dream of!

5 Top Tips on How to Prepare for A Walking Tour

June 1, 2022Blog, walking toursperling

A walking tour is one of the best ways to see the world! Not only is it fantastic aerobic exercise, but it also gets the heart pumping and allows you to get outside and enjoy your surroundings without putting too much strain on your body.

Wolfe Tours offers a variety of walking tours, from those in our nation’s capital of Washington D.C. to Boston, Philadelphia, Disney, New York City, and basically, anywhere your group is interested in touring. Our groups, both adults and school groups love our well-planned walking tours. Taking a walking tour, however, means being ready for the day in several ways.

Here are a few suggestions on how you and your group can prepare for a walking tour so everyone has fun and enjoys the attractions and landmarks.

#1 – Get Moving

Going from the couch to walking many miles in a day around the nation’s capital can be a huge shock to the body. Even people who regularly exercise can become exhausted when walking up step after step.

Plan in advance by upping your movement in the days and weeks before your trip. Start small by walking around your neighborhood and increasing your distance as you strengthen your muscles and increase your endurance. Even short walks can be helpful.

Training with a friend can make the anticipation of the trip fun and exciting. Don’t forget to incorporate stretching into your workouts as that will be what keeps you limber and your muscles strong.

Before you sign up for a walking tour or begin exercising, it’s a good idea to get a medical check-up to be sure you have the green light to get out there and explore while walking.

#2 – Consider Footwear and Foot Care

Your feet are literally the foundation of your walking process. If walking tours are your thing, we suggest investing in a supportive pair of walking shoes or hiking sneakers. Make sure you bring a few extra pairs of cotton socks that have cushions and will allow your feet to breathe.

In some cases, walkers get blisters and we recommend having a foot care pouch in your bag with ointment, bandages, and moleskin to cushion the blister. This will allow you to continue walking without pain.

Prior to the walking tour, lubricate your feet with Vaseline or another smooth product that will protect your feet from blisters. Don’t forget to trim your toenails to a nice length!

#3 – Hydration & Snacks

Walking means expending energy and sweating. Be sure to have a water bottle that will allow you to hydrate every 10-15 minutes as well as a few quick on-the-go snacks like a granola bar to feed your hunger while you walk.

If your tour day is especially warm or sunny, continually hydrate throughout the day.

#4 – Prep For Weather

Check the forecast prior to the day before your walking tour.

Pack a light bag/backpack that will allow you to hold a few key items including your water bottle, some snacks, and wet weather gear in case the skies turn grey or a sudden rain shower passes through. You will also want to have some sunscreen, a hat, and a few light layers that you can put on or off depending on the temperature.

#5 – Keep Safety in Mind

Your walking tour has been planned and organized by the professionals. That being said, you should always be aware of your surroundings. Have a phone that can help you call a friend or authorities in case you get lost or separated from your group.

Looking for more suggestions on how to prepare for a walking tour or any of our tours? Give us a call, we’d be happy to help.

Must-Stops On The Freedom Trail In Boston, MA

April 19, 2022Blog, Freedom Trail Tourssperling

Boston, Massachusetts is not just a beautiful coastal city, but a city steeped in American history. The 2.5 mile red-brick tour of the Freedom Trail follows along the streets of Boston and is packed with historical landmarks, sites, and burial grounds of famous Revolutionary War Patriots.

There are seventeen major landmarks on the Freedom Trail that can take an entire day to traverse by foot depending upon your speed and the size of your group. If you have the day to enjoy Boston and stop along the way to enjoy lunch, we recommend doing it. If not, here are several must-stops if you want to hit the major landmarks but have the full day to spend in beautiful Boston.

Before you visit the Freedom Trail, download the official brochure. If you plan to spend the day meandering the streets of Boston to see all the attractions this brochure and our team at Wolfe Tours can help you organize your day.

A picture of George Washington in the Boston Public Gardens.

Boston Common

Located in the heart of Boston, this is a great starting point for your day of touring. At nearly 50 acres, Boston Common is one of the nation’s oldest existing public parks.

It was once used as pasture land by the Puritans and a place to muster the militia during the Revolutionary War. It’s now used by joggers, walkers, and Bostonians looking to enjoy the greenery and even a Frog Pond as a skating rink during the winter months.

While you are enjoying the Boston Common, don’t forget to walk by the MassachusettsState House with its golden dome. The state government has served from this building since it opened in 1798.

Old South Meeting House

The Old South Meeting House, built in 1729 as a church, also hosted town meetings during this era. Here, in 1773, more than 5,000 men crowded together to debate the controversial tax on tea. What happened in the days following are described at the Boston Tea Party, when Patriots dumped hundreds of chests of tea in Boston Harbor as a protest against the British tax on colonial tea.

The Old State House & Site of the Boston Massacre

Nearby the Old South Meeting House is the Old State House, a center of political meetings during the weeks and months leading up to the American Revolution. The Declaration of Independence was first read publicly on the balcony of this historical site.

On the street right in front of the Old State House sits a maker denoting the location of the Boston Massacre. On this site on March 5, 1770, the tensions between the British and colonists boiled over and resulted in the first bloodshed of the war. During an uprising in the streets, the Redcoats fired on the colonists, killing five and setting into motion the eventual declaration of war. A medallion on the road commemorates the lives lost on this day.

Old North Church

If you are a fan of the spy networks that were at work during the American Revolution, you will want to stop by the Old North Church where the famous “One if By Land, Two if by Sea” secret signal was displayed on the night of April 18, 1775, indicating the way that the British would start their movement toward Lexington and Concord to hunt out the militia and leaders of the Sons of Liberty.

Faneuil Hall

At this point in your walking tour you may need a moment to refresh and have a snack. The shops at Faneuil Hall are a great resting spot where you can enjoy this lively outdoor venue.

Grab a bite to eat, rest a bit, and experience what is called the “Cradle of Liberty” where colonists gathered to discuss the incidents of the day and held protests against British colonial rule.

USS Constitution

U.S.S. Constitution

No walk along the Freedom Trail would be complete without visiting the Charlestown Naval Yard where Old Ironsides or The U.S.S. Constitution sits in retirement. The naval frigate launched in Boston in 1797, served valiantly in the War of 1812, and was retired from service in 1881. It now serves as an educational visitor site and museum.

Want to plan your next trip to Boston with Wolfe Tours? We will handle all the planning and take into consideration the needs of your group when planning your historical trip.