Paris Around

Archive for August, 2010

The things were in pipeline for many days and the news has come out today that you are going to Paris for 6 months. This is what you worked so hard for and now when the moment has arrived, are you feeling jittery? There is no need to panic as this beautiful city has always welcomed everyone with open arms and you are no exception to that.

Slowly but steadily Paris aparthotels are making a name for themselves. They provide each and every facility that one can look for. Staying in Paris for 6 months means that there will be lots of new things and especially the younger ones in the family have to face much problem. Therefore, it is wise before setting your feet in Paris to try and gather as much information as possible because you would certainly like to start life in Paris on a better note. This trip requires consideration regarding each and every member of the family.

Paris aparthotel provide many facilities which are world class. You will find it very comfortable and will enjoy staying there. They have very professional staffs that are always present to help you and they even provide assistance in your personal matters like searching schools for your children. Paris aparthotels are a real winner in the sense that they make sure there is no disturbance, and ensure your privacy and security is very well maintained here.

Thinking about going backpacking in Europe alone, with your sweetie, or a buddy? Instead of just grabbing your backpack and hopping on the first plane out to a random European country, it’s worth your while to plan a little bit ahead and figure out what you need in order to have a successful, hassle-free, and exciting European backpacking trip.

Pick a Destination
Some people choose to go into Europe blindly without a plan or destination in mind, but it’s best if you have an idea of where you’d like to go backpacking. Some stick to Western Europe, some to Eastern Europe, some traverse the entire continent on a rail pass, and others explore one or two countries more intimately. Your destination(s) will also determine your budget, gear, and other factors.

Budget
Make sure to plan an overall budget for your backpacking trip. Your budget will include your flight, your gear (all the stuff you need to buy before you go), and your “living expenses” by the day, which will include food, accommodations, and activities. Around $40 USD is fairly realistic, but this will vary from country to country and even city to city. Do some research to find out how much it will cost you in the countries/cities you wish to visit. Find out the exchange rate as well, and keep a journal of your expenses.  Read more...

Basic Tips

Get to know the basic rules and laws of India before making your visit to the country. Better don’t change your original travel plans and never discuss them with strangers. Always stay away from the strangers who try to be very friendly.

Money exchange

Get your currency from authorized moneychangers only and do keep the money exchange receipts after every transaction. You may need those receipts for re-exchange on departure.

Documents to carry

Have Photostat of important documents like passports, visa and identity proof, as in case any of those gets misplaced. All important documents and valuable items like cash, cheques, jewelery should be kept safely in the hotel locker or in a safe suitcase.

Traveling

Contact a recognized travel agency for booking the tickets. Many super-fast trains are running for all important tourist places. Avoid traveling in general class because the bogies remain crowded. Always prefer for sleeper class as these are clean and safe with many other facilities. Buses including Deluxe, Volvo etc. also ply all over India. To travel within local area hire authorized taxi or Auto-Rickshaw.

Food and drinking

‘Health is wealth’. Always avoid street food which is kept uncovered. Take food from good hotels and restaurant as they serve fresh and clean food. Buy packaged drinking water and always check the seal.

While in Trouble  Read more...

It can be daunting to travel alone as a woman, especially in parts of the world where women are viewed and treated very differently from what you are used to. Fear for personal safety, fear of getting mugged or robbed and fear of getting attacked are all legitimate worries for a solo female traveller. But you can have a lot of control over keeping yourself  safe with a little forward planning, a dash of common sense, and a few little tips and tricks up your sleeve. Then you can be free to enjoy yourself and have one of the most liberating and confidence boosting experiences of your life!

Here are some of the things I did and found useful on my solo travels. I hope they help.

1. Arrange your travel plans so that you arrive early in the day at your destinations. This way, even if you haven’t pre-booked accommodation, you have plenty of time and daylight to make the arrangements you need. It also means you don’t get stuck somewhere at night with nowhere to stay, or having to stay somewhere that you are not totally comfortable.

2. Keep spare money in different places – some in your personal bag, some in your main rucksack, some on your person. At least this way if your bag gets snatched you know you have backup. It’s also a great surprise when you find some secret money stashed somewhere months later after forgetting all about it!  Read more...

Tip 1: No matter how catchy the deposit plans seems, try and pay it off as soon as possible for there are always price hikes in a week or two before the busy season of flights begins (July to September, November to January and March, April).

Tip 2: Booking with travel agents is usually cheaper than booking online or other ways. As they often buy seats in bulk and get huge commissions and bargains to manage selling them cheaper for big number of sales.

Tip 3: Always double check your flight schedule by calling the airline at least one day before departure and one day before return as the flagship and only direct flight, Air Zimbabwe often go through rescheduling flights by difference of hours.

Tip 4: Get your hotels book through agents before leaving your country as where there is a sound of “an accent” the price goes up in Zimbabwe. Your agent in UK may have local level contacts and book you a much cheap flight fares to Zimbabwe as well as accommodation. Remember tourists are charged higher always – it’s a universal rule isn’t it!

Tip 5: Don’t be shy to Bargain in the open flee-markets and at the craft shops. Also to make them agree on a rate you propose, if bargain is not working try walking away as if you will not buy at all, they will call you within a minute. Or if they don’t than it means the last rate you were getting was the actual rate, shop around and get back later to buy from them with a smile on your face, they won’t mind to sell.  Read more...