Traveler – Roaming free – tales of wanderlustbykelley

7 Important Ride Share Tips For Travelers

2019 is set to be a big year for ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft, with more and more of us using these instead of other methods of public transport or driving ourselves. They’re fast, they’re cheap, they’re convenient – what else do you need?

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It is important to bear a few specific safety pointers in mind to keep yourself safe before, during and after your journey, particularly if you are traveling in a new area, and in this article, we are going to look at a few of those tips.

1) Let someone else know you are traveling.

When traveling alone, especially at night, share your journey with friends or family, so they know exactly where you are. Send a picture of the registration plate to someone, or if you are using Uber, you can hit the ‘share my ETA’ button, or ‘send ETA’ on Lyft, and it will send a notification to the person you designate. They will then be able to follow your journey on GPS.

2) Keep your personal information to yourself

We are not saying sit in silence for your journey, but be mindful of what information you re sharing with your driver. Don’t give out your address or where you are staying, your phone number or how long you are traveling for, and it’s never a bad idea to let them think someone is expecting you at the other end of the journey!

3) Give feedback

While it doesn’t seem particularly relevant to safety, giving feedback after your journey can be the difference between keeping a lousy driver off the road and a good one on the road.

4) Wear your seatbelt

Just because someone else is driving, it doesn’t mean that you are completely immune to an accident. You should always buckle up – in fact, wearing your seatbelt can also improve your passenger rating on Uber. If you did happen to be in an accident when you are ridesharing, it is essential to find a great lawyer for legal advice.

5) Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

If you’re in an unfamiliar city or area, make sure to track your route on your own maps app to ensure the driver is following the correct course. Try to avoid using rideshares on an evening or night, but if you do need to, try to find out beforehand what businesses and stores are open along the route.

6) Confirm Your Driver and Car Before Getting In

Always confirm the license plate and the name of your driver before getting in – this information is clearly laid out in the app and your booking. As well as keeping you safe, it also prevents you from getting into someone else’s ride in a busy area like an airport. It’s also important to ask the driver the name of the passenger rather than say your name first.

7) Don’t pay cash

Uber and Lyft take money directly from your bank, and there is now the option to tip after the journey through the app, so there is no need to have your purse or wallet out during your ride.

Top Destinations To See In The New Year

What does your typical New Year’s look like? If you’re tired of the same old thing, why not experience New Year somewhere incredible instead? Many countries around the world are known for their New Year’s Eve celebrations, giving you the perfect excuse to jet off and do some traveling. Get the inspiration you need with this list of top destinations to see in the New Year.

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Sydney

Sydney is one of the first major cities to see in the New Year, which is why it gets so much attention on the news. If you want to be a part of that excitement and magic, then a visit to Sydney is a must. Watch the fireworks from Sydney Harbor and you’ll be a part of an experience you’ll remember forever. After the party’s over, you’ll be able to experience all of the other wonderful elements that draw travelers to Sydney each year.

Bangkok

With its amazing nightlife and bustling crowds, a New Year’s spent in Bangkok is one you won’t forget. CentralWorld Plaza is the place to be on New Year’s Eve to join the crowds and enjoy the countdown. Grab cheap flights to Bangkok and enjoy seeing in the New Year in the world’s most popular place to visit. An excellent way to begin a Thai adventure, your New Year’s Eve will be one night in Bangkok you won’t forget.

Edinburgh

In Scotland, Hogmanay (the last day of the year) is celebrated, and what celebrations they are in lovely Edinburgh! The city is a hive of excitement on New Year’s Eve and there’s plenty of dancing and song to help you feel at home and ready to end the year on a high. Pack your warm clothes and visit Edinburgh – it won’t disappoint!

Dubai

The opulent and stylish Dubai makes a great destination for some New Year’s celebrations. You can guarantee excellent New Year’s Eve parties in Dubai that will make for a fun and entertaining evening. Head to the Burj Khalifa and watch those fireworks dazzle the night sky.

Rio de Janeiro

Where can you go for New Year’s that will be warm, buzzing and ready for a big party? Rio of course! Rio sees millions of people join together for one big party to enjoy the wonderful atmosphere, celebrate on the beach and the streets and welcome the New Year in style. Copacabana Beach is the place to be, so be sure to get there early to grab a good spot.

New York

Last but not least is, of course, the city that never sleeps. A New Year’s Eve spent in Times Square is something that everyone should do in their lifetime and be part of some wonderful celebrations. All eyes look to Times Square on December 31st, you can be there to watch the ball drop and enjoy plenty of amazing entertainment too.

With so many wonderful destinations to choose from, you’ll want to spend New Year somewhere new every year. Where will you spend your New Year’s Eve? Pick a travel destination and try something different this year.

5 Alternative Ways to Spend an Afternoon at the Beach

If you live in the city or struggle to find the time to make a trip to the beach, you are probably happy to spend the time that you do get relaxing in the sun, reading books, paddling in the sea or playing with your family. You probably look forward to ice creams and strolls in the warm shallow waters. The idea of doing almost nothing can be most appealing.

If, however, you rent an oceanfront vacation home, or you live by the beach full time, you might have had enough of lying about in the sand. You might long for something a little more interesting. Here are five alternative ways to spend an afternoon at the beach.

Get in the Water

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Unless you are a keen surfer, your trips to the beach probably include very little time in the water. Most of us stick to the sand and rarely go in above our knees. If you are getting a bit bored of the sand, why not throw yourself into the water. Go for a swim in the sea, which can feel very different to swimming in a swimming pool. Or, have a go at some water sports like water skiing or paddle boarding.

Try Some Seafood

Seafood is best by the sea. It’s fresh, it’s expertly cooked or prepared, and there’s more variety than anywhere else. If you usually stick to foods that you know at your days on the beach, why not try something different?

If you a house at the beach, why not try cooking some seafood or preparing some sushi for yourself? Take a look at the best seafood recipes online, buy the freshest ingredients and spend time experimenting with flavors and techniques.

Paint

There’s something about being out in the fresh air that makes us all feel a little more creative, and the scenery around the sea gives you plenty to draw inspiration from. Take a good look around you, set up an easel or take a sketchbook and have a go at painting or drawing what you can see.

If painting isn’t your thing, grab a camera and go for a walk around the sand dunes and rock pools. Take some photos of nature and enjoy getting back in touch with the world around you while exploring your creativity.

Go Fishing

Some people love fishing. Others, just don’t get it. The idea of sitting for hours waiting for a bite just doesn’t appeal. But, fishing at sea is a little different. It’s bigger. It’s more adventurous and more exciting. If you’ve never tried it, sea fishing might not be what you expect and is certainly worth trying.

Build a Sandcastle

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Building sandcastles is something that kids love, but adults rarely do. Let your inner child out and get building. It can be relaxing and interesting. It’s a free way to get creative, and you’ll probably find that it gets you talking to a lot of passers-by. Many beaches host sandcastle building contests that you could enter. Just remember, you’re not tied to castles. You can build a vast range of structures with sand. You just need your imagination.

Mamma Mia! Fall In Love With Italy

Have you been thinking about taking a European mini break sometime soon? Or maybe you want to spend longer in this part of the world so that you have enough time to explore its wonders?

There are lots of impressive regions and countries to visit in Europe, but there is a reason why Italy is the most-visited one there is – it’s a simply stunning country with a fascinating history and culture. Not only that, though, but it has some truly delicious cuisine and local specialities. Whether you want to enjoy a short city break or spend a couple of weeks lounging by a pool or on the beach, Italy is most certainly the place for you!

Once you’ve made up your mind about an Italian vacation, you need to then whittle down its many areas and cities to decide where you want to go. Unfortunately, there are so many amazing options, you might be a little spoiled for choice! Here are some of Italy’s best destinations; hopefully, this quick roundup can help you decide.

Rome

Rome

There’s no wonder many tourists head straight for Rome, the country’s gorgeous capital city. There are hundreds of historical sights and attractions dotted around the city, including the Roman Forum, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Trevi Fountain. To make sure you see as many as possible, you might want to book a couple of the various Rome tours that take tourists to the main points of interest. When you aren’t doing the sights, you should spend some time wandering around the historic streets of Rome and take in some of the stunning Renaissance architecture.

Milan

Milan

If you love fashion and shopping, then you should spend a few nights in Milan. It’s Italy’s home of fashion, and you will find a lot of trendy independent boutiques as well as big designer brands, such as Gucci and Prada. For the ultimate shopping experience, be sure to visit the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which is one of the most famous shopping malls in the world. Of course, you don’t have to stick to shopping during your Milan trip. You can also visit the Sforza Castle and the grand Teatro alla Scala theater

Venice

One of the most visited cities in the world, Venice is a favorite of travelers and tourists alike. You will be able to enjoy a lazy day relaxing on a gondola as you sail along one of the city’s many canals. In fact, those canals have been created from the lagoon that the city was originally built upon. Over a hundred islands make up Venice, and it is well worth doing a spot of island hopping to explore as much as possible. Be sure to check out the St. Mark Basilica as it makes a great location for some vacation photos. Doge’s Palace is a gothic-style museum that overlooks the water and is a great way to spend a few hours.

Naples

Naples

If “eating a lot of pizza” is near the top of your Italian to-do list, then you absolutely have to go to the city of Naples. This is the home of the traditional Neapolitan pizza, which is arguably the best kind of pizza you can get in the whole of Italy. Once you’ve had your fill, you could visit the impressive Royal Palace of Naples. It’s also worth taking a day trip out of the city to Mount Vesuvius. Lots of organized tours take tourists to the dormant volcano to hike up to the top. Naples is also quite close to the ancient city of Pompeii. The city was devastated after Mount Vesuvius erupted but it, and most of its inhabitants, have been preserved for hundreds of years under layers of ash.

Lake Como

The Italian Lake District

If you take a trip up to the north of the country, you will come across the Italian Lake District. This is where you will find the famous Lake Como, which is known for its gorgeous crystal-clear waters and mountain views. There will be plenty of hiking opportunities around the lake, and many tourists also choose to take a boat ride out onto the water. While you are in this region, be sure to visit the well-maintained public gardens that line most of the lake. Lake Garda is another popular stop-off for tourists, as this is where you will find fantastic mountain biking opportunities and plenty of water sport activities as well.

Sicily

Sicily is easy to spot on a map as it is the large island that looks like it is being “kicked” by Italy. It’s the biggest Mediterranean island, so you can imagine just how much to see and do there is! You’ll be able to walk to the Valle dei Templi, which is one of the island’s most notable archeological sites. The island is also home to Mount Etna, another volcano that you will be able to hike up to. If you would rather spend your time in Italy relaxing, you will be happy to know that Sicily has some beautiful beaches. To team history and relaxation, you should visit Licata so that you can wander around the historic port when you are bored of sunbathing.

Tuscany

Tuscany

Tuscany is known for its rural areas, but don’t worry if you would rather sample some city living. The capital of this region is Florence, and there’s plenty of culture and fun to be had there! When you are ready to see the gorgeous Tuscan countryside, you should take a trip to Cortona. This small town is situated right on the side of a hill and benefits from some truly inspiring views. You might also want to visit La Verne, which was the quiet retreat of St. Francis. You can pay homage to the saint or simply visit the busy Franciscan monastery that is still present on the site.

As you can see, there are some really fantastic places to visit while you are in Italy. In fact, there are so many, you might want to organize a road trip around the country to fit in as much as possible!

Tips for Anyone Travelling Down the East Coast

With so much unique stuff to see and do, it’s hardly surprising that so many people enjoy travelling down the East Coast of America each year. You can move between different cities and states, and experience the kinds of things you’ve never ever experienced before. If you’re new to this part of America, it really will be an experience that you never forget.

There are some things you should make sure you do on this trip though, as well as things you should know that will make the experience much better and much smoother for you. We’re going to talk about all those things now, so read on for some essential tops for anyone planning on travelling down the East Coast of America.

Plan Your Route and Know the Busiest Roads

It’s worth planning out your route carefully before you head anywhere on the East Coast. Look at a local traffic report for the location you’re in and make sure that you’re avoiding the busiest roads at the busiest times. The traffic can be pretty terrible at times, and you’ll want to avoid the worst of it. So plan your route out as best you can and take steps to avoid sitting in huge jams for too long at a time.

Get Off the Beaten Track

Getting off the beaten track is a must when you’re taking any kind of road trips. Sure, the major towns and cities along the way are all great, and you’ll have a wonderful time seeing and exploring them. But there’s so much more tro travelling the East Coast than simply spending time in the major cities. Head to places like New Haven and Charleston along the way. These places might be a little off your beaten track but they’re worth it.

Spend Plenty of Time in New York City

Yes, we just said that you should get off the beaten track, but that’s not to say the beaten travel is all that. And in the case of New York City, it’s actually pretty amazing and frankly unmissable. If you haven’t been to NYC before or you feel like you haven’t spent enough time there, you should definitely make the most of this opportunity to enjoy it and spend as much time as you can there.

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Don’t Rush Things

It’s important not to rush this trip if you can help it because when you give yourself the chance to spend more time in each place and visit more of those small towns along the way, you will have so many more unique experiences. There’s so much to see on the East Coast, so rushing down it is only going to mean you miss out on things that you really won’t want to miss out on, so take your time.

Explore American History in Washington

Washington is another place that you’re definitely going to want to stop off at during this whole trip. When you spend time in Washington, you get the chance to really explore and delve into American history and what made this country the way it is. There’s actually a lot to do, see and discover in Washington, so if you’ve never really spent time there before, that’s something that should definitely change.

Take Friends

Having some great friends come along for the right and enjoy the whole journey with you has got to be a good thing. So if you’re planning this big trip, don’t do it alone. See if you can find a close friend of two that want to come along and enjoy it alongside you. When you have the right company, it makes the whole journey and the whole experience so much more enjoyable.

Finish Things Off in Miami

Miami is the natural end point of any long trip down the East Coast, and it’s an amazing city that’s capable of capping off any trip of this kind. It’s a stunning city, and it’s the perfect place to spend time during the summer. You can take to the waters on a boat or simply enjoy the sun and the beautiful beaches before bringing this whole trip to its final conclusion.

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There’s so much to see and do along the East Coasts and so many fantastic states to explore. You should make the most of the chance to experience everything that’s on offer in this varied and interesting part of the country. If you haven’t made a trip like this before, you’ll have a great time.

A Getaway To The Gateway City! Exploring St. Louis

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Sometimes, with all of the advice out there to live like a local when you head into a specific destination, you actually want to appreciate the amazing aspects of a chosen place only, not the warts and all parts! Sometimes the option to be a tourist can throw up so many wonderful experiences that you’re better off putting your tourist cap on. St. Louis is one of those places that seems purpose-built for tourism, especially when you really delve deep. So, let’s have a look at what we can really do.

Head Up The Gateway Arch

You can’t talk about St. Louis without mentioning this world famous monument. If you’re feeling particularly brave, you can take a ride up this 630-foot structure and look at St. Louis like a bird in the sky. Naturally, if you’re not so keen on heights, this may not be a big draw, but you can head to the nearby Jefferson National Expansion Memorial and see where Lewis and Clark set off on their cruise down the Mississippi river!

Feeling Sociable?

If you’re looking for a night, as with anywhere, you are spoilt for choice. But what do you really want from the tourist side of things? There are plenty of escape rooms in St. Louis, such as Mastermind Room Escape or Escape The Room, but if you’re looking for a more relaxing evening with music and bars, you can head to the ballpark village St. Louis for some sports-themed entertainment. If food and drink is more your style, there are plenty of restaurants that serve fresh Asian cuisine, like Lonas Lil Eats, or if you’re wanting more traditional Italian fare, you can head to the Hill neighborhood which is famous for Italian cuisine. If you’ve got the delectable sweet tooth, frozen custard at Ted Drewes will provide you with the most exquisite brain freeze!

For The People Craving Some Education…

Being a tourist is about learning a little something about the place. Luckily in St. Louis you’ve got plenty of options. You can head to the Museum Of Contemporary Religious Art which, as the name suggests, provides plenty of religious iconography. If you are keen to ingratiate yourself with the religious side of things, you could head to the National Shrine Of Our Lady Of The Snow and attend mass (as well as get something tasty in your stomach). And if religion isn’t your thing, you can head to the Saint Louis Science Center and experience the planetarium and go through time at the Omnimax theater, as well as seeing up close and personal a life-size tyrannosaurus rex. Be careful, this is animatronic and will move, so if you’ve got children of a sensitive disposition, be careful.

For a luxurious experience of Middle America, St. Louis has more than we can list here. But when you are looking to get a feel for the place, you don’t always have to treat it as if you’re a local. Get some knowledge of the big tourist attractions and you will be surprised as to how much you and your family will enjoy the place, and feel none of those famous “Saint Louis Blues”!

Why Everybody Should Create A Travel Bucket List

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Have you created your travel bucket list? For all we know, you may have already ticked off half of the things on your list already, but if you haven’t made one yet, perhaps now is the time you did.

Why?

Here are some good reasons if you need convincing.

Life is too short

Sorry to put a downer on things, but it would be a shame to miss out on the many opportunities and sights that await you in the world. We aren’t necessarily talking about getting on a plane, either, as there may be travel spots you haven’t visited in your own country. Why stay at home and have the same experiences day in and day out, when you could experience something new and exciting away from the norm. A bucket list is about making a plan, setting yourself goals; those things you want to see and do before you are longer in a position to do so.

You will see more of the world

The world is just begging to be explored, and there are so many incredible places to visit. Whether you wander around Europe or explore the heart of Asia, you will see sights you have never witnessed before, eat foods you have never tried before, and meet people that you would otherwise never have the opportunity to meet. In short, you will experience new ways of life, and as a result, you will benefit your life by broadening your horizons in the many places available for you to visit.

You can step out of your comfort zone

There are bound to be things you have always wanted to do but were a little bit afraid of doing them. By travelling outside of your comfort zone, you can push yourself into doing something new. You can still stay in a fancy hotel if you don’t want to give up all of your home comforts – you will fall in love with this art deco hotel, for example, – but at least you will be somewhere different, outside of your usual limits, with opportunities that will make you feel as if you have achieved something. It’s about taking risks, and you will only regret not taking them later on in life when you’re no longer able to travel.

You will benefit from new experiences

A travel bucket list has two purposes. It’s about visiting places you have never been too before, and it’s about gaining new experiences when you’re at your chosen destination. You can hike through new terrains, try foods you have never tasted, take part in activities that you have only dreamed of previously, and test your limits in so many new ways. Consider these travel bucket list experiences, for example, and allow yourself the opportunity to try any that take your fancy.

And so…

If you haven’t made your travel bucket list yet, then perhaps now is the time to do so. This time next year you could be swimming with the dolphins, climbing through Aztec Ruins, or eating a barbecue down under. You could be doing any number of things, but the first step is in putting pen to paper after doing a little bit of brainstorming and dreaming about the things you would like to see and do. We wish you many happy travels. Thanks for reading.

Driving Abroad: The Mistakes You Don’t Want To Make On Your Travels

We all know that there’s nothing quite like a road trip. The trouble is that driving abroad isn’t always as enjoyable as it looks on the silver screen. If you’re preparing for an adventure on four wheels in far-flung lands, here are some mistakes you don’t want to make.

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Driving on the wrong side

Even the most experienced driver can come unstuck when it comes to navigating the roads when they are required to drive on the other side of the road. Before you jump in your hire car, check which side you need to drive on and make sure you’re ready for the trip ahead. It can take a while to get your head around looking for traffic in the other direction and moving the opposite way around a roundabout, so go steady, drive carefully, and give yourself plenty of time and space.

Hiring the wrong type of car

It may seem incredibly romantic to cruise along the coast in a classic car or to hire an old-school 4×4 at a local dealer in the middle of nowhere on a remote island, but it’s wise to use your head, rather than your heart when it comes to renting a car. Choose reputable dealers such as Burswood Car Rentals, read customer reviews, and avoid any deals that appear too good to be true. Make sure you check what is included in the fee. Sometimes, the lowest prices are not the best value offers, as they don’t include insurance. You may find that you end up adding a load of extras, which make the total higher than other quotes you received.

Speeding

You may be used to trundling along the motorway at 70mph at home, but speed restrictions are not universal. When you’re in a different country, you need to be wary of the speed limit. Look out for signs, and read up on the rules of the road before you travel. It’s also worth noting that some countries operate in mph and others deal in kilometres. If you get caught speeding, you may not always be able to play the tourist who had no idea about the speed limit card, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.

Driving like the locals

If you’ve got a line of traffic behind you, or drivers careering past waving their arms at you, you may be tempted to adopt the same driving habits, but resist. When you’re new to driving in a different country, the car is unfamiliar to you, and you don’t know the roads, it’s better to be safe than sorry. As you gain more confidence, you can increase your speed, but try not to panic if cars are weaving in and out of lanes to get around you or they’re driving way over the speed limit. Keep your eyes on the road, and drive at the speed marked on the road signs.

Driving around when you’re on holiday is an adventure. If you have a car or a campervan, you can explore at your own pace, you have freedom to roam, and you can stop whenever you like, but there are potential downsides to consider. Driving in a different country isn’t always plain sailing, and it can be stressful. Hopefully, these tips will help you to avoid mistakes and ensure you enjoy a trip to remember for all the right reasons.

Paris: So Much More Than The City Of Love

Renowned as being the city of love, Paris is famed as being the world’s most romantic city, but there is so much more to Paris than a city steeped in romance. The city’s boulevards which are lined with historical monuments, its beautiful boutiques, and classic bistros, and its traditional museums combined with its more modern tech start-ups, design stores, quirky wine bars and cocktail lounges, and multimedia galleries are what makes this city such an incredible place to visit and explore.

There four things that make Paris well, Paris, and these are the iconic architecture, the glorious food, the stylish boutiques, and of course, the creative treasures. Paris is, without a doubt, one of the world’s most incredible cities, and not just for loved-up couples but also for solo travelers and family groups. It’s one of Europe’s most enthralling destinations because of the amount that it has on offer to see and do – there is nowhere quite like Paris.

Paris is the city that inspired countless renowned authors to pen some of their most imaginative works, from Victor Hugo to Ernest Hemmingway. It is also the place where most of the significant art movements of the past 50 years have been born. To top it off, Paris is where classical music, jazz, and theatre have thrived.

If you’re planning a trip to Paris sometime soon, a word of advice – plan like crazy. Why? Because you could, quite literally, spend weeks exploring Paris. When you’re heading off to somewhere like Paris that has numerous attractions to offer, planning your time really pays off. Paris is so much more than the city of light and love, so here’s how to make the most of any trip to this incredible place.

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Put at least one museum on your radar

When it comes to choosing a museum to visit on your trip, The Louvre is an obvious choice. It’s an incredible place complete with three wings packed full of history dating back to Greek times. Of course, being such a popular place, The Louvre almost always has huge queues, which can mean waiting in line for hours to get in, that’s why it can be beneficial to plan your visit in advance and book queue jump tickets from sites like The Paris Guy.

Not keen on seeing The Louvre, alternatively you could visit the Musee d’Orsay which houses some of the city’s most incredible Impressionist painting. There’s also the Musee Picasso and the Musee Rodin, both of which are smaller but no less impressive.

Stroll along the river Seine

Fancy spending some time outdoors? Then a stroll along the river Seine could be a great option to consider as it’s one of the most enjoyable ways to spend time outside in this incredible city. A great place to start is at the Jardins du Trocadero – you can see some incredible views of the Eiffel Tower from here.

If you choose to cross the river, there’s the Berges de Seine, a pedestrianised area which is often filled with bouquinistes – aka second-hand book stalls. You can walk down this route towards the Cathedrale Notre-Dameon, which is another impressive sight.

Don’t forget Montmartre

Montmartre is a must-see location when in Paris. It might be a highly popular hilltop sight, but the crowds don’t tend to impact how beautifully charming this place is. It’s a fact that no visit to Paris, regardless of how long or short, would be complete without exploring Montmartre. While there, you have to climb the steps to the Scare-Coeur – it’s incredible views are a must see.

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Be quintessentially Parisian and have a picnic

If the sun is shining, there’s nothing more Parisian than having a picnic. Pack a hamper full of gourmet treats – or better yet, buy a readymade picnic from one of the many delicatessens that span this city – and head to the Jardin du Luxembourg. The best street to head to for picnic supplies is Rue Montorgueil, a shopping street lined with cheese stores, bakeries, and patisseries serving all many of incredible cakes.

See the Marais

The Marais are made up of a network of ancient streets that have a distinctly different feel to the rest of Paris. Originally the Jewish area of the city, this area is now known for its beautiful boutiques and an incredible array of independent galleries. In the Haut Marais area, you will find a selection of modern cocktail bars; there’s also the Marche des Enfants Rouges here. While in the south of this area, you will find the Place des Vosges – a beautiful sight that you don’t want to miss.

Head east

The east quarter of Paris has changed significantly over the past few years and was once the rather run-down district just east of Canal St-Martin. But today, whether you are looking for a fantastic coffee shop, a quirky bistro or a night out, the east side of Paris is a must-visit location.

You can explore the Bassin de la Villette, go for a walk through Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, or have a picnic there on sunnier days. The east area of Paris has plenty on offer, whether you plan on visiting in the daytime or at night.

Explore the modern art scene

Paris might be famous for its classical artworks but what about the modern art scene? Paris actually has a pretty incredible of modern art as well as more classic artworks, so if you’re a fan of this type of art, you want to make sure that you explore the modern art scene while in this amazing city.

The best places to visit to see a wide range of modern art are the Musee d’Art Moderne which is located in the Pompidou Centre. Here you can see works by the likes of Pollock, Picasso, and Matisse. For more challenging exhibitions, the Palais de Tokyo is a great place to visit – the artwork here is extremely unique and insightful.

Discover little-known gems

What’s fantastic about Paris is that it has many little-known gems packed into it. These are the kinds of things that unless you’ve lived in Paris or know someone who has, you wouldn’t know. That’s why, when you’re in Paris, if you can make friends with some of the locals, you will find it far easier to find all of Paris best-kept secrets.

Whether you’re a huge fan of ancient history, are mad about installation art, or have a real passion for cooking, you are guaranteed to find a little gem somewhere in Paris. There’s so much more to Paris than you will find in the travel books, which is why exploring and seeing where the locals recommend is so essential to making the most of your time there.

Be a smart traveller

To save money, be financially savvy and sightsee on a Sunday. Did you know that on Sundays in Paris entry to most big museums is free, or is free every first Sunday of the month? Of course, this will mean rather large queues, but if queueing for free entry allows you to see more of Paris then it is definitely worthwhile doing so.

Paris is one of those cities that can be easily explored in a manner of ways. Travelling on foot is one option, as is travelling by bicycle. However, for longer journeys, public transport can be a useful way to get around. The best way to get around is via the metro or by bus, depending on which mode of transportation you prefer.

Did you know that on Sundays and Mondays many restaurants in Paris are closed? That’s why it’s so important that you take the time to carefully plan your meals and determine where you will eat when so that you aren’t left without anywhere to have dinner.

When it comes to your accommodation, there are various options to consider, from fancy five-star hotels to more budget-friendly options.

For the epitome of luxury, Hotel Plaza Athenee is one of the grandest hotels in Paris, complete with lavish features, Eiffel Tower views, and a Michelin star restaurant.

For a more decadent stay, Le Bristol is the hotel of choice for many celebrities because it’s wonderfully glamorous.

For a beautiful location, the Le Meurice, located next to the Jardin des Tuileries is one of the most beautiful 5-star hotels in the city, with the staff going above and beyond to cater to your every need.

For a more budget-friendly option, camping can be a great choice. Did you know that you can camp in the centre of the city? At Bois de Boulogne there is a campsite with room for around 500 tents, in addition to space for campervans and caravans. You can easily walk into the city from here, and staying here won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Paris is one of the world’s most famous cities. While it’s known as being the city of love, Paris is so much more than a location for a romantic break away. It’s a city with real depth to it – there is so much on offer to see and do here.

Preventing common travel pain

Travelling presents all sorts of times when pain can occur. A pothole-filled bumpy bus ride in Asia. A budget flight in Europe with absolutely no leg room. Simply walking for miles and miles as you get your bearings in a city.

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Two of the most common forms of pain occurs in the neck and back, and they can end up getting the point where they put a major downer on your trip. If the pain is particularly severe, you may have to book a trip to the chiropractor along the way. But here are a few tips to prevent any issues before they occur.

Lift Luggage in Stages

Your heavy backpack or suitcase can end up being a common source of issues, so you should get into the habit of lifting your luggage in stages. For example, say you are lifting your luggage into an overhead compartment. Rather than doing this all in one go, you should start by lifting it onto the seat, and then up into the compartment in an entirely separate movement. Always bend at the knees to use your leg rather than back muscles. When you are walking, utilise the other straps on your backpack to distribute all weight evenly. Avoid carrying a bag over one should as this can end up putting a strain on one side of your body. Try to avoid twisting the lower back where possible, and instead pivot your feet.

Bring Back Support

If you know that back issues are a problem for you, it is certainly worth investing in a lumbar support pillow for your lower back. This can be a life-saver when you are on a particularly long leg of your travels. If you forget to bring one, an alternative that you could use is a rolled-up jacket or sweater. It is that inward curve of the lower back where you need to put this pillow. If you commonly suffer from neck pain, an inflatable travel pillow can do a good job of preventing this.

Keep Your Feet Supported

Your feet also play a major role in keeping your back protected, so make sure that you put them on a firm surface whenever you are sitting down. Use a footrest when it is provided. If you are heading out on a road trip, it is better to rest both feet on the floor rather than having one hovering over the accelerator all the time.

Pack Light

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Not only is packing light good advice for your trip in general, it can end up aggravating saving your muscles and joints from aggravation. Rather than stuffing everything in one suitcase, you may be better off distributing the weight around between a few different bags to ensure a more even spread.

Prevention is always far better than the cure as the old saying goes, and this is certainly the case when it comes to preventing pain on your travels when you can.