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Top Things to Remember When Moving House

Moving anywhere these days can be a trying and stressful experience, and you need to make sure you do what you can to make it as stress-free as possible. Buying a house is a big step in your life, so keep these things in mind before you actually settle on a place to move… CONTINUE READING >> 

Moving anywhere these days can be a trying and stressful experience, and you need to make sure you do what you can to make it as stress-free as possible. When choosing a new place to live there are so many things you have to take into account. You need to remember a lot of things to make sure you are making the right decisions as a new homeowner.

When planning a move of any kind, it’s not just yourself you need to keep in mind, but the whole family as well. There are plenty of things to bear in mind when it comes to trying to make the right choices. Buying a house is a big step in your life, and it is important to make sure you are making the right sort of investment. That means keeping these things in mind before you actually settle on a place to move.

What is Your Budget?

Anyone who makes a decision to move home will have a budget in mind before they actually spend any money. It is important to get your budget sorted before you start looking at properties, because you need to know what you can afford. It’s no good looking at half a million dollar homes when your budget is $300,000. So, you need to get this sorted as the first thing you choose to do. Sit down as a family and work out your financial situation, including what you might make for selling your existing home, as well as what you’re going to have to pay as a deposit on the new one.

How Will the Family Be Affected?

It is also worth keeping in mind how you feel the family is going to be affected by this step. You have a lot to think about in this regard, but you need to consider career opportunities, as well as schools and crime rate in the area. Some areas might be better than others – for example, there are plenty of great places to live in Austin for young professionals with families. But this might not be the case if you live in other areas. So this is something worth thinking about before you actually choose a place to live.

Are You Living in the Right Area?

It is also important that you understand what is the right kind of area to be living. This is something you need to suss out before you actually make the move. Doing a bit of research into the area before moving is so important, and checking out the neighborhood is also crucial. Use sites like Peoplefinders to find out about your prospective new neighbors, as well as what their backgrounds are like. This is something that you need to sort out well in advance because it could well affect the decision you make about where you are going to live.

These are just a few of the crucial things to keep in mind before you choose to move house. This is an experience that you need to make the most out of, as well as an investment that requires you to be more careful with the money you are spending.

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Fall in Love with These Amazing Travel Experiences in India

Perhaps one of the most difficult tasks when it comes to India is describing it in a few words. India is a potpourri of cultures, languages, religions, traditions and customs. Its great diversity is also reflected in its landscape, which boasts a great coastline and mighty deserts, snow-capped mountains and enormous plains. Bewilderment gives way to fascination, and before you know it, fascination to love. That, in essence, is the magic of India… CONTINUE READING >> 

Perhaps one of the most difficult tasks when it comes to India is describing it in a few words. India is a potpourri of cultures, languages, religions, traditions and customs. Its great diversity is also reflected in its landscape, which boasts a great coastline and mighty deserts, snowcapped mountains and enormous plains. Bewilderment gives way to fascination, and before you know it, fascination to love. That, in essence, is the magic of India.

There are many ways of experiencing India, and each way gifts you with special memories. Surprises wait in store at every turn while embarking on a new journey. You experience India in many ways, while interacting with its people, taking a train ride, reveling in the beauty of its culture and seeking adventure in its fabulous landscape. In this blog, we tell you some of the amazing travel experiences in India that make you fall in love with this country.

Take a Golden Triangle Tour

India’s Golden Triangle Tour is a tourist circuit which covers the cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Sounds amazing, doesn’t it? All of these cities boasts splendid monuments, bustling bazaars and a glorious history. Visiting them is an enriching experience. Consider this: on a golden triangle tour, you get to visit the Red Fort, Taj Mahal and City Palace, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The cities covered in this tour boast a fascinating history, heritage and culture. While Delhi is all about the old-school charm, Agra is about coming face to face with Mughal resplendence. In Jaipur, its all about opulence and grandeur.

Get a Glimpse of India’s Culture
A celebration of life in many ways

India’s culture is represented in its festivals, music, cuisines and in its streets. Try participating in a festival which, and if, it coincides with your visit. Interact with the people, listen to Indian music and taste the various cuisines that India has to offer. Take a trip to the renowned Ajanta and Ellora Caves or marvel at the artistic excellence on display at the great Chola Temples. Attend a Yoga session or learn about the cuisine of the city or state you go to. Your travel experience in India is incomplete without experiencing its culture.

Beaches and Backwaters: Two amazing Experiences
Kerala’s houseboats and Goa’s beaches: excitement in two ways

India, with its enormous coastline, is blessed with many incredible beaches. Goa is undoubtedly the most popular tourist destinations in India when it comes to beaches. However, there are other states like Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Kerala where you can enjoy a day out on the beach. Then there are the backwaters of Kerala which are best experienced on  traditional Alleppey houseboats called “kettuvallam”. The backwaters of Kerala are a network of lakes, canals and lagoons, besides being oases of serenity. Taking a ride through these takes you to those rural parts of Kerala which you would be unaware of otherwise.

Luxury Train Tour: The way to Experience Royalty
Maharajas’ Express: The royal way of discovering India

Have you ever wanted to get a taste of India’s royalty? Luxury trains let you do that. When you step into a luxury train, the grandeur and splendor catches your attention. It’s like taking a huge leap back in time and reliving the lifestyle of a Maharaja. As the train takes you through India’s most scenic destinations, you are pampered with the most magnificent hospitality. This is one travel experience which you should not miss out on. The famous luxury trains of India are Maharaja Express, Palace on Wheels, Deccan Odyssey and Golden Chariot. These luxury recreate the royal aura while taking you to the most fabulous destinations in India.

Reveling in the Beauty of the Hills
The spectacular hill-station of Munnar

Without a doubt, you will have some of the top travel experiences in India by travelling to the hills. Be it Shimla or Ooty, Shillong or Munnar, it’s a delight breathing the fresh mountain air and leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind you. In these hills, you find solitude in abundance, while getting a chance to explore the heritage in many of them. Hill states like Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim also offer adventure in good measure, along with the incredible sightseeing opportunities they provide. Trekking activities at these places are most famous. Hampta Pass Trek, Goecha La Trek, etc are a must go, if you are there.

Create Special Honeymoon Memories
Honeymoon in Andaman means romance with unlimited adventure

Planning to spend your honeymoon in India? That’s great, because there are a lot of places which are as romantic as it gets. Looking to party? Head to Goa. Want a dash of adventure with romance? Nothing better than Manali, Gangtok or Andaman. Excited by the idea of romancing amidst royal settings? Udaipur awaits you. There are many destinations, each of which provide something special.

The many Colors of Rajasthan
Rajasthan is as exotic as it gets

Rajasthan is one of the most colorful states of India. It boasts a glorious history, much of which can be explored in its larger than life forts and palaces. Its cuisine is as exciting as its folk music and dance, and you never know what lies ahead. A desert safari in Jaisalmer is extremely exciting, as is a wildlife safari to Ranthambore National Park. Get a taste of the famous “daal-baati-churma” or purchase a traditional “jooti” from one of its bustling markets. There are many ways to enjoy the beauty that is Rajasthan.

Stay at a Royal Palace
Lake Palace in Udaipur: A floating vision come to life

Being in India, your travel experience should also be royal. Staying at a royal palace brings to life all your fancies of staying at fairytale-like palaces and enjoying the same kind of hospitality normally reserved for Maharajas and princes of yore. There are several palaces that were converted into hotels. However¸ their existence as heritage hotels of India in no way diminished their splendor or grandeur. There are several places in India where you can bring this royal travel experience to life. You could stay at the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur (the same hotel which featured in a James Bond movie), or you could head to Hyderabad and stay at the Taj Falaknuma Palace (it once served as the palace of the Nizam of Hyderabad). You can also experience royalty in the dreamy environs of Leh at the Stok Palace (which is till today the residential palace of the descendants of King Sengge Namgyal).

Time for some Rejuvenation and Relaxation
Enjoy a relaxing massage in India

Although Yoga has earned a worldwide popularity, India is where it all began. On your trip to India, take some time out to practice Yoga and meditation, or undergo an Ayurveda treatment. You could head to Kerala, where Ayurveda is still practiced in its original form, or make your way to Rishikesh, where the soothing ambience combined with the best Yoga and meditation sessions work wonders for your body and mind. In addition, there are several spa resorts all across India which provide the best healing to your mind, body and soul. This is important because, travel is as much about exploring the inner self as the outer world.

See the Unseen side of India
Several places like Gokarna waiting to be explored

Just take a trip across India. Travel anywhere, get lost in the crowd, stay overnight in a tent and try to feel the pulse of India. As vague and daunting as it sounds, this is the only way of experiencing the real India. Forget about the touristy destinations for some time, go offbeat. Take the untaken path. Don’t be just another traveler, be the one that is talked about. There are many places which still lie hidden from the prying eyes of the tourists. It could be any part of India, any state, any region, these unseen places fulfill your purpose of experiencing an amazing travel journey. A few examples are Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh, Gokarna and Halebid in Karnataka, Bundi in Rajasthan and Patan in Gujarat, to name a few.

In the Heart of India
Khajuraho Temple in Madhya Pradesh: mysterious and beautiful

Which state lies in the heart of India? Madhya Pradesh, with Madhya meaning central. It is one of the top places to visit in India because of its cultural, historical and natural significance. Travelling through this state, you come across the Sanchi Stupa, reminding you of its ancient past and Buddhist heritage. It also houses some of the best national parks in the country like Kanha, Bandhavgarh and     Pench National Park. In Madhya Pradesh, you also come across several forts and palaces, thanks to the city’s royal past. Ever heard of Khajuraho Group of Temples? This is where to find them.

The Tribal Communities of India
India’s fascinating tribal communities

There are a large number of tribal communities in India, each with its own history, language, dance and music. Some say the number exceeds more than 500. From the remotest parts of northeast India to the westernmost part of India, namely Rajasthan and Gujarat, tribal communities are scattered all over India. After all, it is the tribal people of India that have played a key role in preserving the ecosystem. Some of the tribal communities in India are the Santhals in West Bengal, Bhils in Rajasthan and Chenchu in Andhra Pradesh, besides others. However, your tribal exploration is incomplete without visiting northeast India, which is inhabited by several tribes. They are famous for their culture of music and dance.

What the South has to Offer
The timeless Hampi ruins in Karnataka

A lot, actually! It’s in the South that you come across temples dating back to ancient times and traditions being practiced in continuity for thousands of years. Some of the best beaches are located in South India, as are the Ayurveda resorts. If Tamil Nadu prides itself on Marine Beach, Kerala delights itself on its elegant backwaters. The cuisine of South India, differs widely from the North, as does the manner of serving and consumption. One country, several experiences. That’s India for you.

Head to the West
At the beautiful Akshardham Temple in Gujarat

Many of the top experiences in India are to be had in the western part of India. Gujarat, Rajasthan, Goa and Maharashtra. After exploring the forts and palaces along with the wildlife sanctuaries in Gujarat and Rajasthan, head to Goa and Maharashtra for exploring the caves, partying on the beaches and visiting some of the oldest churches in India.

Looking for a Dash of Adventure?
Scaling one of the mountains in India

India, with its mountains, valleys, high passes and roaring rivers, provides abundant opportunities for adventure. Battle the dangerous passes in Ladakh or try rock climbing, cliff jumping and river rafting in Rishikesh. Mountain climbing in Sikkim or caving in Meghalaya, all you have to do is choose the kind of adventure you want.

About Author: Rekha Bisht is a travel enthusiast who loves to visit the most popular as well as offbeat places of the world. She loves to share her travel experiences with fellow travelers. For planning memorable holidays in India or any world destination, you follow her write-ups.

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Un-nesting. Could it be Blissfully Real?

I’m constantly searching for material that dispels my internal anti-mantra, “You are a bad mommy. You shouldn’t be so happy that your children have left the nest. You are a bad…” In my latest frantic search, I came across a theory that I love. Un-nesting.

Suzanne Koven, M.D. writes in her post for Psychology Today entitled “The Un-Nesting Instinct”:

Celia’s story started out sounding pretty familiar-a cliché almost. She was fiftyish and going through menopause and, in addition to the weight gain and hot flashes, she found herself irritable and sad. Her children, she told me, were a particular source of sadness. “You mean because they’re growing up, moving away?” I asked. ‘No,’ answered Celia, ‘Because they’reCONTINUE READING >>

I’m constantly searching for material that dispels my internal anti-mantra, “You are a bad mommy. You shouldn’t be so happy that your children have left the nest. You are a bad…”

What keeps that inner nag going? Guilt? Self reflection? Stupidity? I suppose it doesn’t really matter, it is what it is.

In my latest frantic search, I came across a theory that I love. Un-nesting.

Suzanne Koven, M.D. writes in her story for Psychology Today entitled “The Un-Nesting Instinct“:

“Celia’s story started out sounding pretty familiar-a cliché almost. She was fiftyish and going through menopause and, in addition to the weight gain and hot flashes, she found herself irritable and sad. Her children, she told me, were a particular source of sadness. “You mean because they’re growing up, moving away?” I asked. ‘No,’ answered Celia, ‘Because they’re not.’‘”

WOW! You bet my interest was piqued – could I finally have an answer, and from a doctor, no less?

Dr. Koven continues: “This ‘un-nesting instinct’ is the opposite of what some women experience at the end of pregnancy when they find themselves scrubbing floors, straightening drawers and otherwise ‘feathering the nest'”

Could it be that my un-nesting instinct is just as potent as the nesting instinct? Are my feelings just as valid now as when I was pregnant and wanting to feather our little home with love?

She goes on to add: “At menopause a woman may find herself with a very different urge: to get rid of stuff instead of cleaning and rearranging it, to downsize.”

THAT’S IT! The validation I needed! Of course, Dr. Koven insists that her observation with Celia is just a theory, but WHAT A THEORY! I’m taking it as fact and going on with my bad self. And this Celia chick? My kind of gal.

Then there is this survey that further bolsters my mood:

According to a Del Webb survey (tip o’ the GN hat to Grace Curtis who found these stats for us!):

58 percent (of the Baby Boom Generation) say they are or were emotionally ready to get the kids out of the house. Males (70 percent) are significantly more likely to be emotionally prepared than females (55 percent.)

The older the Boomers become the more ready they are to clear the Nest. In fact 71 percent of the Boomers between 53-58 years old are emotionally ready to be Empty Nesters.

I am not alone.

And, best of all, I have some anti-venom for the “bad mommy” anti-mantra.

Veronica, GypsyNester.com

YOUR TURN: Do you find validity in the un-nesting theory? Are you one of the 58% that are or were ready for the empty nest? Is my “bad mommy” mantra correct?

Spa Treatments from Around the World

A modest bunch of imaginative spas have made unique medications that shake up customary ideas of spa-going while purportedly offering a large group of astounding medical advantages. Let’s discover the most outrageous spa medications from around the globe… CONTINUE READING >> 

The last years, it eventually turns out spas isn’t just oils and delicate music. A modest bunch of imaginative spas have made unique medications in view of neighborhood culture and traditions — be it a commonplace sustenance or a residential community custom – that shake up customary ideas of spa-going while purportedly offering a large group of astounding medical advantages.  Let’s discover the most outrageous spa medications from around the globe.

Beijing, China

Fire measuring, a conventional Chinese strategy for pressure point massage, is implied to lighten scores of ills, from muscle torments to respiratory tribulations like the basic icy. Glass mugs are warmed and put onto the customer’s body, making a suction impact on the skin. The outcomes, truly, are very unnerving to look at. Individuals who’ve experienced the treatment are commonly left with round wounds where the containers were set.

Porvoo, Finland

Spas in European nations like Finland and Slovakia, where winters are long and chilly, offer an Arctic-motivated treatment called cryotherapy.  You enter a cryogenic load in which the temperature is regularly set at around minus 184 degrees Fahrenheit. You can’t spend in excess of a couple of minutes inside the chamber, as an excessive amount of time in such freezing temperatures will rapidly cause hypothermia. Cryotherapy is said to expel poisons and reinforce the invulnerable framework of the body.

Bali, Indonesia

Spa customs here are based, as a matter of first importance, on faith in the congruity amongst body and soul. Conventional Balinese knead is a blend of great back rub, needle therapy and fragrant healing. That deals with your blood flow, lymphatic seepage, disposes of muscles strain, completely unwind and disregard your everyday issues. The technique for this back rub is associated with vitality course, so on the off chance that you feel discouraged and depleted One of the customs is a back rub with well of lava hot stones, that are accepted to have mending powers. After appropriate customary Balinese knead you get a body scour that is made of coconut meat and turmeric. After all they cover your body with a nutritious rice veil. At last you will completely unwind in a bath with roses clears out. For beyond any doubt it is smart to spend a day in the best spa in Bali and feel like you are reborn.

Sivas, Turkey

The uplifting news: The fish snacking on your feet don’t have teeth. The awful news: They are snacking on your feet. Obviously, this likely won’t be awful news to spa-goers worried about the unkempt condition of their very much used feet. Stick your feet in some “specialist angle”- swamp water, take it easy as many little mouths expend the dead skin off your feet. This treatment began in open air Turkish pools, however spas offering specialist angle pedicures can be found far and wide, incorporating into the United States. For a valid specialist angle understanding, go to Sivas, Turkey, where voyagers can truly swim with the specialist angle in regular warm pools.

Chodova Plana, Czech Republic

The Czechs consider lager important . They have lager celebrations, brew gardens, bottling works aplenty — hell, they even bathe in the stuff. Try not to trust us? Travel to a Czech lager spa, where the yeasty mix is utilized for something beyond extinguishing thirst. At brew spas, you can absorb your bones a warm, frothy lager shower, rising somewhat sticky yet completely casual. The showers are fermented from a blend of mineral water, lager and different brew fixings, for example, bounces and yeast.

Hershey, PA

You know you’re in Hershey, Pennsylvania — “The Sweetest Place on Earth” and home to one of the world’s most celebrated confection organizations — when you’re coasting in a shower of whipped chocolate drain or wrapped in layers of chocolaty fondue. This Chocolate Spa offers an extraordinary menu of cocoa-themed medications — a superb liberality for chocoholic explorers. There are likewise a lot of traditional spa medications, similar to fragrance based treatment back rubs and hostile to maturing facials, accessible here. In any case, the spa’s specialty, normally, is its particular chocolate-themed medicines, which ruin guests with the opportunity to thrive in chocolate sans every one of those undesirable calories.

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Why Sustainably Raised Meat is a Healthy Diet Choice

Sustainably raised meats are based out of small organic farms. The animals are allowed to graze outside where the grass is pesticide-free. The meat is made in smaller amounts since the farms are small, which ends up with an outcome of higher quality meat…. CONTINUE READING >> 

People nowadays are getting more interested in what they eat and what is in their foods. One of these hot topics is eating meat responsibly.

Those that practice or are interested in flexitarianism can benefit from knowing as much as they can about the meat they eat. Flexitarianism is a great way to eat mostly vegetarian while adding meat to your diet from time to time.

What Is Sustainably Raised Meat?


Image via Flickr by USDAgov

Sustainably raised meats are based out of small organic farms. The animals are allowed to graze outside where the grass is pesticide-free. The meat is made in smaller amounts since the farms are small, which ends up with an outcome of higher quality meat.

Pasture Raised

Pasture raised, also called grass-fed animals, are allowed to graze outdoors during the day and go inside and night. These animals also have a varied diet since they are not kept indoors with limited foods to eat, such as grains and corn. The main fertilizer used on these small farms is manure, which helps maintain a healthy soil since nutrients are being recycled into the ground. Pasture-raised meats tend to be leaner than grain-fed meats, and have a slower “grow-time”, making for a tastier meal.

Organic

Organic should be chosen over natural. There are laws in place that define what organic meat is, and farmers are required to be certified in by an approved organization so that they can use organic as a label on their meat. There are certain laws under the USDA which protect the animals before they are slaughtered. The new guidelines under the USDA may lead to higher meat prices, but this will keep the quality of the meat high as well. The farmers stay away from chemical fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, and hormones.

Free Range

Free range is where animals can go outdoors if they want to. “Outdoors” is a broad term that can mean a variety of things, however. The animals may just be able to get close to windows that are open or go outside to a confined area that only fits a few animals at a time. True “free range” farms will be very forthcoming with how the animals live. These farms are a great way to find out how much outside time the animals have access to. Free range animals may still be raised on a grain diet, so the meat itself may not be any healthier.

Natural

Natural is a misleading label on meats. There are no rules from the FDA and USDA for meats with natural labels. It does not mean anything if a food is labeled natural. This is just a marketing ploy to get you to buy the product.

It’s best to educate yourself on these terms, so that you know what they mean, and you are aware of what you are eating. You don’t have to give up meat completely if you look for sources of sustainably raised foods to ensure the meat you are eating was raised correctly. For those who want to know more about flexitarianism, check out Lifesum’s guide to get started.

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A Look (and Walk) Inside an Active Volcano

At Hawaii Volcanoes National Park we got the chance to go beneath the earth’s surface inside a volcano’s network of lava tubes. Yes, we were technically inside of an erupting volcano! If that sounds a bit intense, it is… CONTINUE READING >> 

With Kilauea going crazy on the big island of Hawaii, our visit to the volcano goddess Pele just prior to this most recent eruption has taken on a new significance.

Truth be told, this is an incredibly active volcano and was erupting while we were there, just with much less intensity. In fact, it has been erupting non-stop since 1983, so this recent event is really only an escalation in magnitude.

Since things were a lot less explosive at that time, we were able to visit Volcanoes National Park and stand on the rim of the crater overlooking the lake of liquid lava.

Not only did we get that chance, we were actually able to go beneath the earth’s surface inside the volcano’s network of lava tubes. Yes, we were technically inside of an erupting volcano!

If that sounds a bit intense, it is.

We began with an introductory level cave right near the park’s observatory. The Thurston Lava Tube, named for Lorrin Thurston who discovered it in 1913. This is a great starter tube, and thus we initiated our education in volcano geology.

The caverns are formed when a lava flow develops crust that forms a roof over the flowing lava torrent. As the super-heated core of lava flows ahead, walls develop and finally the liquid drains downhill leaving long tunnels.

While this phenomenon occurs all over the world, anywhere that has shield type volcanic activity, no other place on Earth has as many accessible lava tubes as Hawaii.

The Thurston tube has an easy entry and well-lit pathway throughout, which made it comfortable and stress-free to walk the length of the passage without crouching or stooping. Not so at our next spelunking experience.

At the Kilaueu Caverns of Fire, we got a look at the undisputed big daddy of underground volcanic formations. We would be descending into an arm of the Kazamura Lava Tube system. At over forty miles long, this is the longest and deepest connected complex of lava tubes in the world.

After a short walk through the tropical forest, we carefully climbed down some rocky rubble into a small break in the ground.

That narrow gap, known as the mouth of the dragon, led to a dark cavern which looked to be untouched by the outside world.

Equipped with helmets and lights we ventured forth slowly, allowing our eyes to adjust. When we could see clearly again, one of the first things we noticed was the variations in the colors and textures on the surfaces within the tube.

These were left behind by many different eruption events over time, all flowing within the same cave.

As each river of liquid rock passed through, it left behind a coating and tell-tale marks at the varying depths of the flows.

Each eruption also contained distinctive differences in the mineral makeup of the molten magma, which is evident in the coloration of the rock left behand after things cooled off.

The classic look of black lava dominated the much of the tube, but a good amount of the surface had a rusty reddish-brown tint, created by iron in the lava. Other places had traces of many more hues that jumped out at us as they caught our beams of light.

Traces of nickel, copper, lead, manganese, zinc, sulphur, aluminum, or many other elements can leave colorful fingerprints in the stone.

We also learned that over the centuries native Hawaiians commonly used these caves as living quarters, or as refuge shelters to hide women, children, and elders during wars. Any artifacts left behind in this particular cave were long gone, but as many as half of the discovered tubes in Hawaii have contained relics.

The deeper into the tunnel we ventured, the more the ceiling of the tube closed down upon us. It wasn’t long until we could no longer crouch low enough to move ahead and were relegated to crawling on our hands and knees.

Finally, our way forward was dissected by two floors a few feet on top of each other, leaving little room for people. They had been created by separate flows and, while very cool to see, the bi-level flooring compelled us to turn around and go back the way we came.

Before leaving though, our guide asked us to try a little experiment. We all turned off our lights and were amazed by the complete lack of any illumination. This is not something that most modern humans ever encounter in their daily routines. There is always at least some small source of light available to us.

We have to admit that without any visual stimulus, we were somewhat disoriented… in fact, more than somewhat. With gravity as our only guide as to which way was up or down, and absolutely no clues to directions beyond that, it didn’t take long before we no idea which way to go.

It’s a good thing our lights came back on; otherwise we would probably still be down there trying to find our way out.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

Walking Through a Paris Trip

You’ll hear everywhere that the world is full of many cities with their own unique history, culture and beauty. Some cities, however, can be considered even more unique than any other. You surely guessed, Paris is like that. Some say that it is the most beautiful city in the world… CONTINUE READING >> 

For many looking to go on a European holiday, a Paris trip is highly valued among the tourists. And there are valid reasons for this.

First, when you reach one of the airport of the “city of light”, the shuttle bus company Le Bus Direct (https://www.lebusdirect.com/en/) can directly drive you from the airport to strategic areas of Paris.

You’ll hear everywhere that the world is full of many cities with their own unique history, culture and beauty. Some cities, however, can be considered even more unique than any other. You surely guessed, Paris is like that. Some say that it is the most beautiful city in the world. Of course, beauty is subjective, but try to find someone who’ll say after he comes back from his trip to Paris, that the city is ugly and that there are nothing to do there. The richness of the background with this impressive number of famous monuments and buildings (Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, The Louvre, The Catacombs…) combined with all the cultural particularities creates a wonderful environment.

Group sightseeing

Before deciding on what to do during a Paris trip, you can join an organized group sightseeing trip (which is very common in Asia), especially if you go there for the very first time and you didn’t have time to prepare. Also, if your trip is very short, like a few days long, and you’re lost in the ocean of things you can visit, it’s good to have a program already scheduled.

Moreover, if you have arranged your trip with a group, you will probably also be able to reduce costs on souvenirs, food and visits as such group trips are often designed with the idea of avoiding high price ranges.

Nightfall Activities to take part on a Paris trip

Palace of Versailles – This is known as the French kings’ palace, from Louis XIV to Louis XVI. It’s certainly the most luxurious palace in Europe and one of the most famous in the world. During the renaissance, over 1000 nobles resided at Versailles, participating in its public gatherings and playing games of political interest. In addition to the castle you’ll have the chance to walk in the huge gardens of Versailles, designed in the early 17th century by Louis XIV architect André Le Nôtre.

The Louvre – This is the most famous art gallery in the world, known for the Mona Lisa and many other precious fine art pieces like the Venus of Milo or the Egyptian mummies. If you want to see the whole museum, you’ll have to spend more than a complete day there. The size of the collection is highly impressive. You’ll find there all forms of arts, from almost every part of the world.

The Eiffel Tower – You won’t miss it, of course, we don’t even have to tell you anything on that. It’s of course possible to enjoy the amazing view from the top of the tower (by day or night), or even to go to the restaurant inside.

Walk along the Champs-Elysées – The Champs-Elysées is not more than the Biggest Avenue in the World, as it was immortalized in nightlife by the French filmmaker Jean Luc Godard. The Champs Elysees is almost a city by itself, because you really can find anything you want there. From fast foods to gastronomic restaurants, from expensive branded clothes to cheap stores, from teahouses to nightclubs, from classy cars to bicycles… And like everywhere in Paris, famous monuments. The “Arc de triomphe” symbol of the French power of France and its emperor Napoleon in the early 19th century, is located on a wide square in the middle of the avenue. The Elysee Palace, official residence of the French president, is also pretty close to the Camps Elysées.

“Place des Victoires” and “Place de l’opera” – There are so many famous squares in Paris that you surely won’t be able to go to each one. Limit your particular purchasing to 2 specific squares: Place des Victoires and Place de l’Opera. The first is recognizable for its statue of the French king Louis XIV in the middle of the square. You’ll also find some luxurious clothes, jewelries and perfume stores on it, inside beautiful buildings.

You surely guessed what you can see on “Place de l’Opera”. The magnificent Opera Garnier is one of the numerous wonders of Paris. Even if you don’t succeed to enter the Opera, just observing the beauty of this huge building might be sufficient for you.

Visit a VIP Night club – Paris has some of the unique nightclubs in the world. While a night out can be very costly, it can also be fulfilling. Nightclubs along the Champs-Elysées can be hard to get into. So if going to a classy Parisian night club is a big dream for you, the best technique is to go to a great stylish mixture bar, try to consult the French individuals there and ask them where the best spot for you to go this night is. They will understand the message and tell you where the easy access or encourage you to come along with them. The main points include Le Cab, Queen, Sens, VIP Lounge, Le Baron, l’Etoile.

A few more tips

Yes! You can find cheap things in Paris – Just like other famous cities, Paris also has its share of pricy stuff. However, this does not imply that you will go under doing shopping over there. You can use a few guidelines to reduce costs and save your precious money if you are travelling on tight budget. For example, you’ll find a lot of cheap restaurants in Paris where you can eat a good lunch and dinner for 10-15€. Furthermore, you can get special prices for transports.

Therefore, these are six guidelines, you may want to consider when planning your trip of Paris. I hope that these guidelines will make your tour more enjoyable to have fun with your trip while saving much cash. Keep in mind that Paris is filled with enchanting sites but you don’t want to be overcharged due to your unawareness.

Don’t worry, Parisians are not rude – You may come across some impolite or rude Parisians during your stay in the city, but this does not imply that all Parisians are impolite and rude. Many people think that they will not be treated well in Paris, but the reality is different. Most Parisians have no abhorrence for strangers. On the contrary, Parisians and especially young people, students, like to talk to foreigners, because they face tourism every day, they are open-minded and they know they have a chance to observe a wide community of nationalities like almost nowhere else. Moreover, Parisians are proud of their city, of the beauty of it, and they enjoy advising tourists on which places are the best, which restaurants or stores they should go to first. So if you want to really discover beautiful and unknown places in Paris, ask them! They are the one who live there all the time.

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