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.

Aparthotel give you home away from home feeling. If you compare the facilities that these apartments provide with any hotel then they are pretty economical. Paris aparthotels have made life easy for many. This stint can turn into an enthralling vacation if things fall in right places. Check out about the location of the aparthotel and also how well it is connected with the other parts of the city. Since you are relocating for the purpose of job then there might be a situation that you will get less time for your personal needs but if the location of the aparthotel is good then it can be compensated a bit.

Paris is a city bustling with many activities on a regular basis. The aparthotel here brighten up your mood and since this city is also famous as a romantic gateway it is obvious that you will want to explore it. Paris aparthotels have world class amenities including spa and sauna. They try their best to give all the comfort after a long day in office. Even if you want to arrange some meeting or small get together you can do that with many aparthotels providing a conference hall.

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.

Get your Gear
Think you can go backpacking in Europe with nothing but the shirt on your back? Think again. There are a few fundamental elements you’ll need to take with you on your backpacking trip. First and foremost, a durable, high-quality, side-loader backpack that fits you is a must. You’ll also need several travel shoes (you’ll be doing a lot of walking), a money belt (with your money), all your necessary travel documents, a European guidebook and phrasebook, a journal, a camera, a water bottle, camping gear (if applicable), and more (neck pillow, basic clothing, a few toiletries).

Accommodations & Transportation
Hostels are the accommodations of choice for backpackers in Europe. Try to make arrangements (at least some) ahead of time. This way you’ll be able to find the best deals and you’ll have a spot reserved for you.

Look for cheap flights to Europe (search online or go through your travel agent)-student travel agencies and student airfare finders are great places to start. Get a rail pass when you’re in Europe, especially if your backpacking adventure takes you through several countries. Subways make a great option, too.  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

Never indulge yourself in violence whenever gets stuck into arguments. Contact your Embassy and nearest police station for the help. Always speak with the senior inspector in Charge of any police station.

Visiting religious shrines

Always respect the religious shrines and places of worship in India. Take utmost care to remove your shoes and cover your head while visiting religious place. Dress up yourself in a very decent manner as India is a very traditional country.

Safety tips

For accommodation always prefer for recognized hotel. Don’t hand over your luggage to any unknown person. Always take care of your wallet, bags and brief case. Never carry huge sum of money. The amount should be as per your requirement of the day.

Essentials to carry

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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!

3. Dress Conservatively. Travelling is not the time to show off your latest cute top. Save it for when you get to where you’re going and you know it’s appropriate. You can save yourself a lot of staring, unwanted attention, gropes or worse if you just cover up. In India, for instance, I had a few tunics and trousers made up for very little money, and kept them as my travelling clothes. I never had any significant hassle from men. Bear in mind that local women will prefer it if you cover up too, and they are likely to be a lot more friendly and helpful if you dress appropriately.  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.

Tip 6: While roaming around be careful not to pull over, park or stand in front or in close proximity of the President’s palace as people often complain about getting beaten, threaten, punished and an incident of getting shot as well on entering and stopping in the supposedly “red zone”. Also never to mess with the president’s protocol, stay where you are when the entourage is passing and strictly follow the rules of the army.

Tip 7: Always remember, you are only a guest in the country so keep your comments to yourself. Do not be judgmental of the Government or get talking about the politics or religion. Only enjoy your time and be a spectator not a participant for your own safety as the Government is strictly intolerant to criticism.  Read more...