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10 Must-See Attractions in Paris

Paris is a city that is difficult to understand and describe! It may take some time for you to unravel the city and its magnificent history. However, there are some places that are a must-visit when exploring the French capital.

These landmarks function as significant pieces of a puzzle that are enjoyable to uncover. If you are going to Paris, make a good plan so that you don’t miss the chance to visit these incredible places!

Are you ready?! Let’s go!

1. Montmartre Neighborhood

For a delightful blend of art history, cultural charm, and gastronomy, look no further than Montmartre. Situated on a hill in the heart of Paris, this enchanting neighborhood caters to all ages with its captivating landmarks, relaxing ambience, and fantastic parisian food tours that highlight the exquisite tastes of traditional French cuisine.

Visit the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, the bustling artist square at Place du Tertre, and experience the Parisian nightlife at the infamous Moulin Rouge cabaret. Don’t miss the chance to explore Montmartre’s rural charm at the Vineyard of Montmartre, producing a limited quantity of wine each year.

In short, Montmartre offers an artistic and culinary adventure that will make your trip to the ‘City of Lights‘ a truly memorable one, with its rich artistic heritage, bohemian spirit, and mouthwatering flavors waiting for you to discover.

2. Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum, housed in a former 12th-century fortress turned royal palace, is an awe-inspiring temple dedicated to art. With over 9 million visitors annually, it continues to excite and inspire even the most seasoned enthusiasts. Watch history unfold as you browse exhibits showcasing prehistoric artifacts, ancient masterpieces, and groundbreaking art.

As you traverse its halls, witness masterpieces like the Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and, of course, the enigmatic Mona Lisa. The Louvre’s collection, alongside its striking glass pyramid entrance designed by I.M. Pei, makes it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any art lover.

3. Notre-Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame’s construction began in the 12th century and took nearly two centuries to complete. The cathedral’s storied history includes the crowning of kings, the beatification of Joan of Arc, and was immortalised in Victor Hugo’s classic novel, “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame”.

However, the cathedral’s long history took a tragic turn on April 15, 2019, when a devastating fire broke out, severely damaging this beloved monument. The cathedral’s spire collapsed, and much of the roof was destroyed. This traumatic event was a great loss not only to Paris but to the world.

Despite this devastating setback, Notre-Dame remains a powerful symbol of hope and resilience. An immense restoration effort is underway, with pledges from around the world pouring in to help rebuild this architectural treasure.

Thanks to this global support, Notre-Dame is on its journey towards restoration and is expected once again to stand as a testament to Paris’s history and unite people from all over the world with its beauty and grandeur.

Remember that while the cathedral itself is closed for restoration, several nearby attractions such as the crypt and the archaeological museum are open to the public, allowing visitors to further explore the historical prominence of Notre-Dame.

  1. 4. Champs-Elysées and Arc de Triomphe

Known as “la plus belle avenue du monde” or “the most beautiful avenue in the world,” the Champs-Elysées stretches 1.9 kilometers from the Place de la Concorde to the formidable Arc de Triomphe.

Meander down the Champs-Elysées and indulge in luxury shopping or simple window browsing. The avenue is lined with high-end boutiques and elegant eateries, making it the epitome of Parisian sophistication. The Arc de Triomphe crowns the avenue, initially conceived by Napoleon in 1806, to celebrate his Grande Armée’s victories. The grand arch contains the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, honoring those who perished in the line of duty.

5. Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles, located on the outskirts of Paris, remains an enduring emblem of royal extravagance. Famous for the opulent Hall of Mirrors, the palace itself is a testament to King Louis XIV’s reign and ambition. Tours of the palace reveal luxurious salons like the Queen’s Chamber, King’s Apartments, and exquisite gardens that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Explore the estate further to find Marie Antoinette’s Petit Trianon and the hamlet she had built as a haven from court life. Complete your visit with a stroll along the Grand Canal, the perfect way to soak in the splendor of Versailles.

6. Musée d’Orsay

Another gem in the Parisian art world, the Musée d’Orsay, is devoted to the artistic creations from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Assembled within the walls of a magnificent former train station, the museum displays an extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces.

Make your way past the grand clock and marvel at the works of Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Seurat, and others. The innovative use of light and color present in the works housed at the Musée d’Orsay will captivate your senses and inspire your creative spirit.

7. Jardin du Luxembourg

The serene Jardin du Luxembourg is the quintessential Parisian park. This 23-hectare oasis provides a haven for weary travelers to relax amid bronze statues, finely crafted fountains, and shaded walking paths. Beautifully landscaped in the 17th century by the Medici family, the Luxembourg Garden continues to enchant visitors to this day.

Remember to visit the iconic Luxembourg Palace, which houses the French Senate, and enjoy lazy afternoons lounging on the legendary green Luxembourg chairs scattered throughout the park.

  1. 8. Sainte-Chapelle

Hidden within the complex of the Palais de la Cité, Sainte-Chapelle is a Gothic masterpiece with a stunning display of medieval stained glass. A royal chapel built by King Louis IX in the 13th century, it once housed his religious relics, including the Crown of Thorns (now in Notre-Dame).

The grand stained glass windows exude a heavenly sense of serenity as sunlight filters through the vibrant hues. Contemplate the rich history and breathtaking beauty Sainte-Chapelle offers as you bask in the ethereal glow.

9. Seine River

The heart and soul of Paris are the Seine River that winds its way through the city. Numerous bridges crisscross the river, including the famous Pont Neuf, dotted with sculpted faces; Pont Alexandre III, with its ornate Art Nouveau lamps; and the arched Pont des Arts, where you can pause for a moment to appreciate the river’s timeless charm.

Cruise down the Seine for a unique perspective of the city’s landmarks or take a romantic stroll along its banks, now UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the Notre-Dame Cathedral to the Eiffel Tower, the Seine River is truly the lifeblood of Paris.

These remarkable attractions embody the essence of all that Paris represents. Make sure to visit and appreciate the city’s rich history, cultural heritage, and romantic allure. Bon voyage, and create memories that will last a lifetime!

  1. 10. Centre Pompidou

Located in the heart of Paris, the Centre Pompidou is a marvel of 20th-century architecture and one of the most famous cultural venues in the world. Designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, its high-tech style represented a radical architectural shift when it was completed in 1977.

The Centre Pompidou is not only a museum hosting an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, but it also includes a vast public library, research centers, performance spaces, and a music and acoustics research institute. With masters such as Picasso, Kandinsky, Duchamp, and Pollock on display, it’s a must-visit for any art enthusiast.

05 Aug 2023

Why Roadside Assistance is in Demand

With the increased usage of cars and trucks, there is a greater demand for roadside assistance services. This is especially true for drivers and passengers, who will need to take the help of professionals if they face a breakdown or accident on the roads. Luckily, many companies have started offering this service.

Passenger vehicles

Passenger vehicles are the largest segment of the global roadside assistance market. They are primarily used for transportation and are comparatively cheaper than commercial vehicles. Besides, flatbed towing Prattville AL is also equipped with a variety of warranty coverage and motor insurance add-ons.

The rising disposable income of people across the world is increasing the number of passenger vehicle owners, which in turn is increasing the demand for vehicle roadside assistance. This demand for roadside assistance services is driven by the rise in the miles traveled by vehicles. In addition, increasing the use of smartphones and e-commerce has also contributed to the growth of this industry.

Different vendors provide various roadside assistance solutions to meet the needs of the drivers in case of any unforeseen event. For instance, Hyundai Motor India offers free service to customers and provides 24/7 roadside assistance.

Increased number of on-road vehicles

The vehicle roadside assistance market has become a major driving factor for many auto manufacturers. This is mainly due to the rise in transportation activities and demand for automotive connectivity solutions.

The roadside assistance market is fragmented and includes different vehicle types, services, and region segments. However, the passenger vehicles segment will remain the most significant contributor until 2026. As a result, passenger cars are expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.9% from 2021 to 2028.

Increasing sales of new-generation connected automobiles will positively influence the segment’s growth. Moreover, the rising number of road crashes will further boost the market in years to come.

Innovations in service features will also drive the market. For instance, the vehicle roadside assistance market has been bolstered by innovations like the roadside assistance mobile app, Firestone Direct, and other solutions.

COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the roadside assistance industry. It is no secret that towing and roadside service providers are essential in our daily routines. However, a significant challenge is to maintain a level of hygiene while dealing with such a novel virus.

While a new coronavirus is not the end of the world, it can cause a spike in commercial insurance premiums. In addition, it can lead to more complex rescue calls. Fortunately, there are a few things that can be done to limit the spread of the virus. These include leveraging vehicle data, cleaning up before every job, and keeping a reasonable distance between the vehicle and the stranded motorist.

This is a tricky proposition, as it is only sometimes feasible to remain on the road when a breakdown occurs. However, the good news is that roadside assistance providers are taking extra precautions to protect themselves and the customer.

Upgradation of existing roadside assistance services

The global vehicle roadside assistance industry is expected to grow at a modest CAGR of five percent over the next five years. This is due to the rising number of technological innovations aimed at enhancing the functionality of vehicles. These include autonomous systems, electric and hybrid cars, and telematics devices.

The advent of the internet also aids the market. Many leading players are innovating daily. Among the many new technologies being rolled out, the introduction of mobile device-based services paves the way for customers to connect with service representatives without the need to go to a garage or office.

The upgradation of the existing roadside assistance services is another factor expected to bolster the market. This is mainly attributed to the fact that automobile companies are increasingly focusing on developing autonomous cars. In addition, the market is witnessing an increasing number of accidents, which in turn is generating the need for better emergency and towing services.

Drivers of the global vehicle roadside assistance market

The global vehicle roadside assistance market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of nearly four percent from 2021 to 2028. The increase in the demand for vehicles and auto warranties mainly drives this ore; consumers are now looking out for roadside assistance options to ensure that their vehicles are in safe hands.

In addition, the rise in the per capita income is also expected to propel the market. As a result, passenger vehicles are expected to account for a significant share of the overall market and are projected to grow significantly over the next five years.

However, the economic crisis has slowed down the market. Moreover, infrastructural issues in remote areas significantly restrain the growth of the global vehicle roadside assistance market.

11 Feb 2023

5 Things You Should Do Whenever You Travel

Whether you’re going on a leisurely trip or traveling for business, it can be a hectic, even stressful experience. A lot of people fail to do much planning and put off packing and other travel-related tasks until the last minute – in fact, according to a Trekksoft.com survey, more than half of U.S. travelers spend less than a week playing for a trip once they’ve decided they were going. But taking the time to research, being prepared, and packing at least a few days in advance will help you avoid forgetting essential items and make the entire trip less stressful. 

If you can do all these things whenever you’re planning to travel, it will help you limit the stress by avoiding potential bumps out on the road.  

Use an App to Organize Itineraries and Confirmations & Print Out Backups

There are some great apps like TripIt.com that can help you keep track of all those reservations, flights, and so on. You’ll have everything you need all in one place on your phone, making it easy to refer to. It’s also a good idea to print out backups just in case you can’t access your phone. 

Pack at Least a Few Days In Advance

While it was mentioned at the start, it’s worth expanding on: don’t leave packing to the last minute. Whether you’re going on a week-long trip to the Caribbean or making a quick weekend jaunt out of town to scope out El Paso houses for sale, it’s smart to pack at least a few days before you head out the door. Many people assume that they don’t need to bring much and save all the packing for the last minute, but it’s always better to prepare ahead of time so you can check for anything that might be missing before taking off.

Find At Least Five Points of Interest on Your Trip

Before leaving for your next trip, think of at least five points of interest that you’d like to explore during your stay. Even if you’re only going for business, it can be helpful to research ahead of the trip some options for how to spend your spare time. You don’t necessarily need to do everything on your list, but knowing beforehand what’s in your destination can help you make the most of the time you have. 

Make Copies of Your Identification 

Another thing you should always do when you’re traveling is to make copies of your identification and passport. Store them in a different bag than the one that you carry the originals in so that if something should get lost or stolen, you have another set to prove who you are and expedite the process for getting help or new identification.

Budget Everything You Plan to Do

Unless money is no object, prior to leaving on a trip, it’s a smart idea to make sure everything is budgeted for, from accommodations to food, transport, and attractions. That way, you can travel worry-free knowing you aren’t overspending at restaurants, hotels, tours, souvenirs, and the like. Budgeting allows you to relax and enjoy every aspect of the trip instead of wondering if you’ll be able to pay your rent or mortgage payment when you get back home.

14 Jan 2021

Top Selling Travel Products to Purchase on Amazon and Online for 2020

When it comes to travelling to a new place, you seldom leave any stones unturned in terms of safety, comfort, and convenience. You choose the best quality luggage, the right type of clothes, accessories and gadgets that can help you make the trip a memorable one. However, there are also some people who often end up getting confused as to what all items to carry when it comes to travelling. A god way to get an idea of such items is to go through the list of best-selling items by Amazon. It is needless to say that if something is on this list, it will surely work and be worth the price.

When it comes to travelling, there are several useful and highly convenient accessories that you can choose for yourself. An affordable and high-accuracy luggage is something that will make things much simpler for you and also save some money for you in overweight bag fees. You can also opt for a travel backpack found with the True Top 5 site that will easily last for several years down the line. Travel wallets and passport covers are also getting extremely important these days. These help you to keep all your important documents safe and within reach when you travel abroad.

Some of the Top Selling Products on Amazon

There are several things that are rather popular amongst travelers when they have to travel either alone or in a group. Most of these products are also available on Amazon that makes it pretty simple for you to shop online. Some of these popular products amongst travelers have been listed below

  • Trtl Pillow: Do you often doze off while travelling? There are many people who feel rather sleepy the moment they sit in their flight seats until their flights land at the final destination. If you also fall in the same category of passengers, you will certainly fall in love with this soft, comfortable, and convenient travel pillow. It basically looks like a scarf and has a hidden structure inside that helps to cradle your head, even if you are unlucky enough to have a middle seat in a long flight.
  • Etekcity Digital Hanging Luggage Scale: Finding out that you have overweight luggage at the very last minute at the check in counter can be rather frustrating for most of you. Even if you take every step to ensure that your luggage is well within the maximum weight limit, there may be times when things may not go as per your wishes. Thus, it would be a good idea to have Etekcity Digital Hanging Luggage Scale with you. This is a pretty compact and easy to use scale that can easily let you know when your luggage is overweight even before leaving for the airport.
  • Shvigel Leather Passport Cover: When you travel to foreign countries, there are several important documents that you need to keep with yourself all the time to avoid getting any type of legal actions against you. The most important amongst them is your passport followed by other documents such as the visa. If you misplace your passport and other documents of the highest importance during your travel, you may get into serious trouble. Thus, you need to keep a convenient and comfortable passport cover with you that can easily safeguard your passport and other documents and also keep them within your reach all the time.
  • Zoppen RFID-Blocking Travel Passport Wallet: There are several passport wallets that are small enough just to house your passport and your visa. When it comes to your boarding passes and some cash money, these fail to have sufficient amount of space inside. The Zoppen RFID-blocking Travel Passport Wallet is a bit different from the rest. It is available in multiple colors and has separate slots for passports, visas, boarding passes, and cash money. This makes it highly convenient since it lets you keep every important document in the same spot.
  • Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask: There are many people who feel sleepy inside a flight, but fail to get a proper sleep due to the presence of light inside the flight. Even if you give such people a comfortable pillow, they will not be able to sleep peacefully. For them a good quality sleep mask is a must. The Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask is one of the best sleep masks you will find on Amazon. Unlike cotton and any other fabric, silk does not tug at your skin when you put it on. This makes it more comfortable, especially for the region around your eyes. As a result of this, you fall asleep pretty easily.
  • TSA-Approved Cable Luggage Locks: When you travel by air, you fail to keep a proper eye on your belongings that you check in. This makes it very important for you to ensure proper safety for your luggage at all times. The best way to do that is to opt for the TSA-approved Cable Luggage Locks. These are rather simple to setup and also come with a lifetime guarantee.
  • Nalgene 32-ounce Water Bottle: Do you often drink water and like to keep yourself well hydrated? In that case you probably carry a water bottle with you all the time. It is also a good way to keep yourself from getting chocked and keeping your throat wet all the time. Unlike other water bottles in the market, the Nalgene 32-ounce water bottle is a bit different. It is one of the most popular choices amongst hikers and is pretty lightweight and practically indestructible.
  • Alpha Keeper RFID Money Belt for Travel: When you travel either alone or with a group, do you normally do not like the idea of having to carry a passport pouch with you all the time? Although these pouches help you keep all your important documents such as passport, visa, boarding pass, and cash money handy, carrying it all the time in your hand can be a major problem for most of you. Sometimes you may also forget about it if you keep it on a table or a desk. The best alternative is to use a money belt. The Alpha Keeper RFID Money Belt for Travel has sufficient space inside to keep all of your important travel documents and is also water-resistant. You can wear it around your waist that avoids you to carry it in your hands all the time.
  • AmazonBasics Hanging Toiletry Kit: Imagine having to pack all your essential toiletries in your luggage. It will not just consume a lot of space; you may also forget to pack a few important items at the very last minute. Instead, use the AmazonBasics Hanging Toiletry Kit. It has enough space inside to pack in all the toiletries that you may need while traveling. It is highly durable and comes properly padded to avoid damages to the contents inside. It is pretty simple to clean the different compartments and you keep in your makeup, toothpaste, brush, shaving kit and whatever comes to your mind.
  • Shacke Pak Travel Organizers with Laundry Bag: This product is made from waterproof and tear-resistant material. It is designed to help you pack in all your belongings in an organized manner inside your suitcase. There is also a laundry bag to keep all your dirty garments.

15 Dec 2019

4 Southern Dishes and the Best Cities to Try Them

The American South is home to some of the most interesting and adventurous cuisine in the world. With the combination of soul food cooking, Cajun influence, and region’s wild game, you’ll find some of the best recipes for pork, seafood, and even gator meat.

Whether you’re a born and raised southerner or taking a trip to the south, there are some undeniable standouts in regional cuisine. Here are 4 of the most delectable southern dishes and where you need to try them.

Louisiana Gumbo

If you’re taking a trip out to New Orleans, you’ve got to get yourself some gumbo. Every gumbo needs to have celery, onions, and bell peppers. From there, a gumbo is usually categorized by the type of thickener, roux, or fat used to make it stick together.

Where it was once a way to throw all sorts of kitchen scraps and leftovers together, it’s now been perfected to such an art that the Smithsonian has taken notice.

Shrimp and Grits

You can find shrimp and grits throughout many parts of the south. In Georgia and South Carolina, you’ll find people mixing all kinds of combinations of seafood and grits. While it’s more often eaten for breakfast, shrimp and grits can be had any time of day.

If you want to get a broad range of takes on the dish, book a hotel for a trip out to Brunswick, Georgia, for the annual Shrimp & Grits Festival. Take a drive 2.5 hours north and compare what you had to the famous shrimp and grits in the Charleston area.

Key Lime Pie

Key limes were brought to Florida in the 1800s by a botanist who imported them from Mexico. Since then, they’ve become ubiquitous in drinks, fruit salads, and desserts. The most important of all of these dishes has to be the key lime pie. Key lime pie has grown from its humble days of mostly condensed milk and merengue. It’s now been turned into chocolate-dipped popsicles, hard candy, and even soda. The standard Florida diner key lime pie is still an undefeated classic.

Brunswick Stew

Brunswick stew is a cousin to gumbo, but with a bit of a twist. German immigrants supposedly brought the dish to Virginia along with the standards of a tomato base, beans, meat, and vegetables. The most common take on the dish involves chicken.

While it can resemble a soup with meat, it’s often thicker than a traditional soup, much like gumbo. The most common variations on the dish will include more meat and vegetables than soup base.

From Memphis barbecue to the peach cobbler of Georgia, every part of the south has their own set of recipes and distinct flavors. No matter what you’re interested in trying, there is sure to be a dish that will whet your appetite. Spend enough time in the south and you may even end up taking a side in the age-old battle of whether you should eat grits with salt or with sugar.

18 Jul 2018

4 Classic Midwest Dishes to Try on Your Trip

The Midwest isn’t exactly known for its distinctive cuisine. You won’t find Midwest restaurants in New York City as you would Mexican, Chinese, Cajun, or Southern-style restaurants. However, you can find some dishes that got their start in the Midwest. If you’re on a trip through the area, you can try some for yourself if you know where to look.

Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza

A Chicago deep-dish pizza is an experience you have to try at least once in your life. While a regular pizza is a flat plane of dough covered with tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings, a deep-dish pizza is dough in a deep pie pan. You add cheese and the toppings of your choice, and on top of the pizza, you pour a thick layer of chunky tomato sauce. The best place to find a Chicago deep-dish pizza is in Chicago, but you can find restaurants that serve it throughout the Midwest.

Quad City Pizza

The Quad Cities in Illinois and Iowa along the Mississippi River have their own take on the classic pizza. The crust is the usual shape, but the crust contains malt that adds a nutty sweetness, and the tomato sauce is spicier than usual. You’ll also find toppings placed under the cheese, with the pizza cut into strips instead of wedges.

You may find it difficult to locate Quad City pizza outside the Quad Cities themselves, so it may be worth the time to book a hotel in Moline, Illinois, to stay at so that you have an excuse to eat this type of pizza for dinner.

Cincinnati Chili

Don’t let the name fool you: Cincinnati chili has little to do with the Mexican-style chili you eat as a meal. They both use tomato sauce and ground beef, but the resemblance ends there. Cincinnati chili is the creation of Macedonian immigrants, and it uses cinnamon and cloves, and maybe some onion and cheese, served as a sauce on spaghetti or hot dogs. The easiest place to get some is Cincinnati, but you can also find it on menus of restaurants in Ohio and in parts of Indiana.

Wisconsin Brats

Bratwursts look similar to the grown-up version of a hot dog, and they’re the tube meat of choice in Wisconsin. Different parts of the state and different cooks have their own interpretation of how to serve the perfect brat, but a few common choices exist throughout the state. Say no to ketchup but yes to spicy mustard; use a sturdy bun that can handle a juicy brat, and top it with warm sauerkraut and raw onion. Wisconsin brats are available at German restaurants and sports stadiums throughout the state, such as the parking lot of Milwaukee’s Miller Park, home of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Thanks to all the individuals who settled in the American Midwest and all the city centers that developed their own take on classic foods, the Midwest is home to all types of dishes you’d have a hard time finding elsewhere. You may not find a Midwest restaurant on the East Coast, but if you head through the region itself, you’ll find plenty of delicious regional favorites.

18 Jul 2018

Visiting the Edinburgh Festival

The Edinburgh International Festival began all the way back in 1947 and has since developed into something much, much bigger and farther reaching than it used to be. What began as a single festival to celebrate art and culture blossomed into a world famous festival as the decades went by.

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What happened was that several other festivals began to appear around the same time. They were completely unrelated and started by different organizations but they quickly became a part of the same festival season. There are still other festivals taking place at the same time as the main one, called the Fringe. These occur on the outskirts of the festival proper and involve gatecrashing theatrical companies presenting their own festival to ride the original’s coattails.

The Fringe is a non-stop assortment of theatrical productions, music, art performances and cultural celebration. While the performances at the Queen’s Hall and various other venues are a big part of the festival and its major draw, the vendors that sell handmade crafts and local cuisine are a big part of the celebration as well.

The entire area is blanketed in advertisements for upcoming performances and festivals within the festival. The performers dress up in theatre garb for weeks on end, performing in public to make people aware of what’s upcoming in the festival. Banners fly throughout city announcing the festival long before it even begins and grow in density as the festival starts.

Once it begins, it seems like there isn’t anywhere you can go in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas where you won’t be affected by the festival in some way; whether it is the jovial spirit of the people or the permeation of cultural celebration through the area.

If you are planning to visit during festival season, which runs through most of August, then you should look into the schedule of events for both the Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe Festival. Both offer websites that list a full set of events and how to get tickets for some of the more prestigious events.

The real challenge can be finding somewhere to stay, with most places filling up fast when the dates are announced. There are dozens of high quality hotels in Edinburgh, including fantastic boutique hotels like Hotel du Vin in Bristo Place, which is nestled among the action in the city centre. Many local residents actually leave the city for the month and rent their home to visitors, so there are plenty of accommodation options out there.

No matter what kind of art you enjoy, there is sure to be something you’ll be interested in each day of the festival, as almost every day holds multiple events in a variety of artistic forms. Some days will have two theatre performances and a classical music concert while the next day will have a theatre dance group performance followed by an orchestral concert and a speech by a renowned local artist.

Whatever you go to see, you probably don’t want to miss the fireworks celebrating the end of the festival, which are a form of art all their own. This isn’t your typical fireworks display either, as they are designed to celebrate the accomplishments of art by the local community and to finish off the festival in a big way.

You can enjoy the festival on any budget, as there are a variety of free shows as well as ticketed ones, so no one has to feel left out.

21 Jun 2016

Paris Van Java or Bandung, Indonesia

Known as “Paris Van Java,” Bandung, Indonesia has been termed “Paris of Java” by its Dutch colonizers. Today, Bandung still retains its European vibe. While it is likely that Bandung may resemble a Parisian city of the 19th century more than a modern Paris of today, given this Javanese city’s relaxed more rustic vibes. Here are a few reasons Bandung is the Paris of Java.

Paris Von Java
Shopping
Bandung is one of the top locations in Southeast Asia to buy designer clothes, so in this way it resembles Paris. But where you would expect to pay top dollar (euro) for designer duds in Paris, luckily Bandung is different in this way. Paris Van Java is home to a mass of outlet stores which sell legitimate top brands(most of the time) at discount rates. It is possible to get a complete wardrobe of high quality clothes for a fraction of the price you would pay for the same items back home. So just like Paris of France, Paris Van Java  is a perfect place to shop til’ you drop.

Hotels
Bandung has hotels that counter those of Paris. Ranging from high-end classical, to budget hostels, to funky artsy themed hotels, there is something for every palette.  Many of these places can be booked booked via sites such as Traveloka.com including the luxurious Grand Royal Panghegar, famous for its world class charm.  Bandung is also home truly unique lodgings, including waterside wood huts with glamorous interiors, rustic mountainside cabins complete with lawn gnomes, a waterpark hotel that is perfect for the kids, and a romantic castle true to Paris‘ 19th century gothic style.

Paris Von Java
Cafes and Restaurants
If Paris is known for one thing more than any other it is its cafe culture. In terms of unique cafe experiences Bandung rivals its European counterpart.  Bandung has cafes to suit any taste, ranging from simple steet-side coffee shops perfect for a quick cup; to elegant places great for dinner or lunch. The Javanese and international food in Bandung is some of the best in Indonesia. Paris Van Java is also home to some magnificent themed cafe, including garden themed and several retro themed cafes as well. Badung also has several art galleries doubling as cafes, could it get any more Paris than that?

So if you are looking to rekindle your romance why not give Java’s city of a love a try instead of the French version. Not only will have the opportunity to experience a gorgeous country filled with natural wonders beyond compare, you will also get many of the charms you would get in Paris itself, often at a fraction of the price. So sipping coffee while taking a break from designer shopping can be equally rewarding in Java as it is France. It is with good reason the Dutch dubbed Bandung, Paris Van Java.

30 May 2016

5 Fairy Tale Locations around the World That You Can Afford To Visit

The world is a beautiful place and there are some scenes in this world that you wouldn’t believe actually exist. For many seeing is believing, and without visiting these stunning places, you won’t understand how beautiful places can be. When you get a chance to visit these places, you will agree on the fact that they are taken out of a fairy tale. One notable fact is that some of these places are very affordable. Following are 5 such fairy tale locations around the world that you can afford to visit:

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Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is the most fascinating city in Morocco. It is known as the “Jewel of the South” with a great combination of old and new. Laying low and dominating the Haouz Plain at the foot of beautiful snowcapped High Atlas Mountains, Marrakech boasts luxury hotels, the Agdal Gardens’ vast orchard, the Menara Garden’s tranquil olive groves and lagoon, bustling bazaars, mansions and hidden palaces amongst the mysterious labyrinthine medina. Marrakech is thus one of the fairy tale destinations that you should plan on visiting someday.

Paxos, Greece

Paxos is a lovely little Greek Island located about an hour south of Corfu. The west cost of the island has steep limestone cliffs and caves. There are few small beautiful villages in the island, surrounded by wonderful nature and exciting ancient architectural wonders. The views of the villages and its nature make it one of the fairy tale places you can afford to visit.

Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany is a vast region in Italy with superb natural beauty. The landscapes in Tuscany are unparalleled. The nature in Tuscany constitutes rolling hills, olive groves and cypress trees. Spending some days in a luxury Italian villa in wonderful natural landscapes can be a fairy tale experience of a lifetime. Some of the medieval towns in Tuscany are no less beautiful than its wonderful nature surrounding.

Santorini, Greece

The Greek Island of Santorini is often regarded as the most beautiful island destination in the world. Santorini boasts of stunning 360-degree views, colorful small villages, a couple of beautiful beaches, spectacular sunsets, world-class accommodations, and great reputation for its food and drinks. The architectural beauty of Santorini is unique with lots of white color small houses and cathedrals in its beautiful villages like Oia and Fira. Santorini is a perfect destination for family travel and honeymoon. You can expect to get surprised beholding the beauty of this Greek Island.

The Cinque Terre, Italy

The Cinque Terre is the name for five beautiful fishing villages located on the rugged portion of the Italian Riviera. These wonderful small villages are known for the nature and colors of the houses and buildings. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Modern vehicles are banned in this part of the world, making it a serene location to spend some relaxing days of your life.

02 Mar 2016

Maybe You Can’t Travel, But You Can Indulge!

With the frigid winter upon us, diminishing hours of daylight and heavy holiday meals surrounding our waists, it’s more important now than ever to make sure we take care of ourselves. Whether it’s a skin treatment to rejuvenate our chapped skin, opting to join a fitness center to maintain our summer bods, or just indulging in a relaxing massage to decompress after a long working week, wellness is important this time of year. Travel might not be a feasible alternative with work, but treating yourself or loved ones to a little bit of TLC could be an option.

While all the things mentioned above surely sound appealing, health and wellness services are not very cheap. Thankfully, Groupon has created a good interface with all of these types of services including business hours, detailed maps, services offered, prices, etc. The best part of all of these pages is that most offer discount coupons for said services as well, truly making them something that is financially reasonable. You can check out one here at Dallas Crossfit

crossfit in dallas

20 Dec 2015