Tag Archives: travel

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

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

Things You Should Know Before Visiting Angola

Africa is a continent made up of many countries with beautiful destinations you can pick for your holidays. All the African regions which consist of East Africa, South Africa, Central Africa, West Africa, and North Africa have beautiful sites or places you can visit. One country you should visit is Angola.

This Southern African nation has so many beautiful things to see, including waterfalls and beaches. The Cathedral of the Holy Savior is one place you can visit. It is a historic church built in the year 1628 and is situated in the country’s capital of Luanda.

You can also visit Kissama National Park situated in the Northwest region of the country and have a look at the different animal species. Another historic site one can visit in Angola is the Fortress of São Miguel which was built by the Portuguese in 1576. To tour the country, you must have the right documentation to certify your type of stay.

One document you should have is the Angolan tourist visa. You can get it from the country’s immigration agency or seek the services of different visa agents who will help you acquire one. There are several things you should know before visiting this beautiful African nation. They include:

Hospitality

Angolans are a very hospitable people. They will make you feel at home immediately when you touch down at the airport. You will find people who are ready to host you for as long as you want. They will also keep you entertained with their beautiful traditional dances while donning their traditional wear.

The Candongueiros

There are several things you are likely to come across while in Angola, especially in the capital of Luanda. The candogueiro is one of them. They are shared taxis which are usually in the form of a van with specific colors. The candogueiros are meant to transport people from different spots in the city or the country. You can take a ride in one of them and enjoy the experience.

Giant Sable Antelope

Angola is the only place in the world where you can find the giant sable antelope. This animal species was declared extinct but it resurfaced some years back. They are found in Luanda and the Cuango Rivers in Angola. You can visit the country and have a look at this beautiful animal.

Official Language

Angola is a Portuguese-speaking nation, and it is also their official language. The country is a former Portuguese colony which tells you why it is their official language. There are other local languages spoken in the country which include Tchokwe, Kikongo, Kimbundu, and Umbundu.

Mãe Grande

It is a Portuguese term that refers to an elderly woman. The elderly people there are given the kind of respect they deserve, and that is why they have such respectful titles. This shows how well they relate to the elderly. You can use such a term if you come across an older woman to display some respect.

 

14 Jan 2019

Max’s Holiday in Hawaii

Summer holidays were approaching and Max made sure that this was the best vacation of his life. He had planned to go to Hawaii with his best friend, Archie. Hawaii was no strange place for Max because he loved the place and had been there several times. But this vacation was going to be the wildest for him because Hawaii had an age limit of 21 for vaping and he was also turning 21 this summer and he wanted to party hardest for its celebration.

Last year, when Max went to celebrate his birthday in Hawaii, he couldn’t enjoy his party to the fullest because of the limitations that came with his age. Actually Max had started smoking at a small age of 14. He liked how the cigarettes could leave his anxiety so quickly. But when his mother found out about him falling prey to the sick habit, he instantly took him to the narcotics specialist who then suggested him to resort to vape until he can completely give up the habit. Since then Max has been using vape for the last one year.

Max liked vaping because it was not only helping him quit smoking but also creating less detriments to his health as compared to the actual cigarettes. As the day approached when he was to leave for Hawaii, his mother reminded him to carry his ID so that he could use vape responsibly and legally. The hotel that they were staying had a view of luxurious beach. They reached the hotel in the evening. Max sat on the beach chair and looked into the sunset and proudly took his e-cigarette or vape out and took a puff. He was not afraid to do so this time. It was okay for him to vape now in Hawaii.

The next day, they had planned to go see the volcanic mountains. All geared up, Max and his friends went on to hike the mountains. Max was really scared because the last time when he came to Hawaii and went to the mountains, Max couldn’t breathe well and they had to cancel their plan. Max had just started using vape then. Amidst the mountains, enjoying the scenic beauty, Max almost forgot that he had problems with breathing last time. This year he was able to complete his hike. He realised that vape that helped him regain his stamina and was causing less effects to his health. Moreover, Max was happy that vape was helping him quit the awful habit of smoking completely.

The following day, they had planned to go snorkelling. Max was so happy to snorkel around the sea and not have the urge to smoke like he had before. Using vape had been helping him a lot. He was more confident and vaping was also helping him with his social life. He was less scared and was even more confident talking to girls. And now at Hawaii, Max was having the best day of his life. He was at the place he loved most in the world and was with his best friends and celebrating finishing another milestone in his life.

As Max was about to return the day, he sat by the balcony of his hotel, vaping and thinking about his life. He was glad that he had chosen to quit the awful habit of smoking and resorting to vaping for the betterment of his life.

25 Sep 2018

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

Preparation Checklist for Your Upcoming Road Trip

One of the best ways to get away from it all for a while and have an adventure is to pack up the car and head off on a road trip. Roadtripping gives you ultimate freedom and flexibility when it comes to where you want to go and it allows you to see multiple destinations in one fell swoop. The difference between jumping in the car and hitting the road compared with a flight for example is all about the journey and the things that you will discover and the places that you visit that flying would never give you the opportunity to see. Before you head off on that road trip then there are some important preparations that you need to make and here is a quick checklist to ensure that you have everything you need.

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Car Preparation

Your car is likely to be clocking up some miles during your trip and the last thing that you need is any kind of problems like a breakdown, for that reason it is vital that you thoroughly check your car before leaving home. Here are a few things that you need to check.

  • Fluids – Make sure that your car has sufficient levels of brake fluids, water, oil, gas and screenwash before you travel.
  • Tires – Make sure that your tires have sufficient tread and air in them, you will be putting them through their paces during the trip and you may even want to consider putting new tires on before you leave. Michelin tires are one of the most durable on the market and if you do opt for a new set then these will be a great option.
  • Lights – It is very important that you ensure that all lights on your car are in good working order, headlamps, indicators, brake lights and reverse lights. Ask someone to give you a hand when checking and it would also be a good idea to grab some spares to take with you.

For the Journey

You want to make sure that the journey is as fun as it can be and in order to do so you should be loading up on snacks and drinks as well as some in-car entertainment. Music will be vital and if you’re using a digital device then you should make some time and get a playlist put together for your trip. To keep everyone entertained you could plan some in-car games and if you have kids with you then make sure you set time aside to download some movies or games onto a tablet to keep them entertained in the back.

Planning Your Route

Although you do have absolutely freedom when it comes to where you stop during your trip, it is a good idea to have a loose plan or destination in mind for your road trip. Remember that you may not have great phone signal if you are traveling through more remote locations and you should prepare ahead of time for this. Despite technological advancements there is nothing wrong with a good old fashioned map to help you out. If you use something like Google Maps then you can preload your destination and it will still track you with GPS even if you don’t have signal, alternatively you could use a Sat Nav to help you on your journey, getting lost can sometimes be fun, but not always.

21 Dec 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