Category: Travel and Vacations

Paris has so much to offer, from amazing historical sites to museums hosting masterpieces of the most famous artists, there is truly something for everyone to admire. 

Paris is also widely known to be the host of the best cuisine in Europe. Don’t miss out on the amazing flavors of this destinations by hitting some of the best places to eat in Paris. 

Keep reading for our complete guide on all the best foodie stops you need to incorporate into your Parisian vacation. 

1) Girafe 

This is the place to be if you want a fantastic meal and an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower. The 1930’s interior and outdoor open-air terrace is enough to take you back in time. Girafe is known for its amazing seafood such as their fresh oysters, caviar and lobster. 

If you are looking to treat your significant other to a romantic night, this is a great option for you, as it is a place that will truly make you both feel like royalty. Try their ceviche for a little something different during your time in Paris. 

2) Les Arlots

This restaurant is always crowded and busy for a reason; it’s impeccable food. Near the Gard du Nord station, this stop is frequented by bustling locals. If your looking for comfort food, you’ve found your spot. 

If you don’t mind the crowd, make it into Les Arlots where the menu changes daily and is written on chalkboards by prized chef Thomas Brachet. The chef combines the traditional with the modern and experimental with his meals that are sure to have you drooling. 

Book a table a few days ahead for a guaranteed seat at this popular joint. 

3) L’Orangerie 

This is a great option when you need a quiet getaway from the busy city streets. Located inside the George V Hotel near Champs Elysees, this is a great option after a long day of shopping on one of the most scenic streets of the city. 

The chef draws inspiration from all over the world to create his delicate and unique dishes. This is a great idea if you wish to do a Sunday Brunch in Paris, especially if you want to sit in their stunning courtyard complete with gorgeous florals. 

For dinner, we suggest their delicious sea scallops or the melt in your mouth Wagu beef entree that will leave you in awe with every bite. 

4) Ducasse sur Seine 

One of the best ways to see the city and have a traditional three-course French meal is to do a dinner cruise along the Seine. The Ducasse sur Seine is the best option by far. This ship will take you by picture-worthy views of sites from the Eiffel Tower to France’s own Statue of Liberty. 

We suggest the lobster or chicken entree option, which are both bubbling with flavor. The baked figs are a delicious and unique dessert option that will be just as sweet as your view, and all the memories you’ll be making. Not to mention, the ship’s interior is equally as exquisite, with its modern design and decor. 

Book a table ahead of time for one of the best experiences of your vacation. If you are overwhelmed with planning your trip, use a travel agent who can get you the best deals on amazing experiences from cuisine to sightseeing. 

5) L’Abysse

If you are getting sick of French cuisine towards the end of your trip, L’Abysse is a great option. The menu has a Japanese twist, with some of the best sushi and sake in Paris. It was just awarded a Michelin Star for its decadent plates. 

The decor is also impressive, with a modern interior that has an under the ocean feel. Sit at the sushi bar to watch the masterful sushi chef prepare beautiful meals. Each meal is prepared with incredible detail, making your meal and scenery all super Instagram worthy.  

6) Astair 

We love this spot because it is located in Passage des Panoramas. This area is tucked away and has become a dining hotspot. With Art Nouveau details and design, it is a great area to explore after or before a glorious meal at Astair.

This is a great place to experience a traditional French meal, try the escargot for a French favorite packed with flavor. Their Sole is a great entree option for anyone looking for an exquisite preparation of the fish that is light and buttery.

7) Taillevent  

You won’t want to miss this stop, with food almost too pretty to eat. This is an ideal stop for lunch or dinner after visiting the Arc de Triumph, as it is just footsteps away from the famous monument.

The delicious lobster bisque is a great way to warm up on a chilly day. This is a great spot that is off the beaten track and sure to impress. 

Don’t Miss Some of the Best Places to Eat in Paris 

To make the most out of your vacation, make sure you keep these places in mind. Plan ahead, and work some of the best places to eat in Paris into your itinerary today! There is no better way to immerse yourself in the Parisian culture than to sit down to a traditional French meal prepared by some of the cities best chefs.

For more advice on travel, vacation, and more, head to our site, where we have tons of helpful articles for all the busy moms out there. 

International travel comes with certain must-have items like comfy walking shoes, wrinkle-free clothes, and a sarong or scarf that can transition from a stylish accessory to a headcover/shoulder wrap for places like the Vatican or Angkor Wat. 

But the list of travel essentials doesn’t stop there. You also need the workhorse of any traveling ensemble, a reliable tote. It should be roomy enough to hold everything from snacks to the aforementioned scarf but also look impossibly chic.

Read on for a breakdown of the seven best tote bags for travel.

1. Dagne Dover Signature Legend Coated Canvas Tote

What do we love about the Dagne? It comes with compartments for all of your travel essentials, from its padded slots for a 14-inch laptop and a tablet to its built-in key leash.

You’ll also find dedicated spaces for your wallet, phone, sunglasses, water bottle, subway card, and more. That means you’ll never have to sweat the small stuff. 

2. Barrington Savanah Zippered Tote

For a genuinely posh tote that fits everything you need, look no further than the Savannah Zippered Tote. It comes in a variety of stylish fabrics, and this travel tote with a zipper will keep all of your items secure and easy-to-locate. 

Make a posh statement while staying organized on the go. The Savannah is just the beginning of Barrington’s wide selection of travel totes. So, why not shop for personalized totes now?

3. Everlane’s The Day Market Tote

What do celebrities from Angelina Jolie to Meghan Markle have in common? The Day Market Tote by Everlane.

This bag’s sumptuous Italian leather proves both durable and classic in its styling. For travel tote bags, this one shows there’s something to be said for simplicity. 

4. Stella McCartney Reversible Faux Leather Tote

Another of our favorite travel tote bags for women?

This gorgeous Stella McCartney bag that has the look and feel of genuine leather but proves cruelty-free. Also, you’ll love its sleek, high-fashion appearance, including chain-trim details. 

The bag also proves roomy, which means plenty of places to stash your travel essentials. And because it’s 100 percent reversible, you get two bags for the price of one. 

5. Madewell Leather Transport Tote

Traveling often involves hands-free activities. In these cases, lugging a purse can feel frustrating. But that’s where the Madewell Leather Transport tote distinguishes itself from the competition.

It comes with a longer, removable strap that allows you to convert it for cross-body wear or throw it over your shoulder. That way, you never have to feel constrained by a purse again.  

6. Briggs & Riley Large Shopping Tote 

Depending on where your travels take you, a waterproof bag could be your best friend. Briggs & Riley’s latest creation is crafted from ballistic nylon that’s abrasion-resistant. This makes it excellent for travel’s many unexpected moments.

From spontaneous rainstorms to unexpected spills, you’ll never have to worry about this bag. The tote also comes with a waterproof pocket designed for a water bottle as well as interior pockets for your other travel essentials. 

7. MZ Wallace Large Metro Quilted Tote

We love this MZ Wallace tote because it can hold everything you’d ever need while traveling. From your laptop and tablet to a neck pillow and gym wear, it has plenty of room. 

That said, it proves lightweight, durable, and downright adorable. Also, its detachable interior zip pouches make organizing all of your belongings easy-peasy. 

The Best Tote Bags for Travel

For the best tote bags for travel, not all are created equal. Many have trouble holding up to the rigors of travel.

But the seven bags above are not only durable but highly practical. That means plenty of functionality and fashion rolled into one.

Ready for more fashion tips you can take on the road? Browse our blog now for travel hacks you’ll love. 

 

 

In 2018 alone, Italy attracted over 94 million tourists. 

With its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and out-of-this-world cuisine, it’s no wonder that so many people from across the globe flock to Italy each year. 

But, because so many people travel here, you need to make sure you take some time planning your trip. Otherwise, you’ll spend half your time waiting in long lines overflowing with tourists. 

So, what do you need to know when planning a trip to Italy?

Check out this guide to learn the top tips for traveling Italia. 

1. Choose the Right Time to Travel 

First things first, you need to make sure you choose the right time of year to plan your Italian vacation. 

The peak period of travel in Italy is from May to September. This is not only when tourists from all over the world flock to Italy, but it’s also when Europeans and Italians take their vacations. 

Because of this, you can expect the coastal areas to be particularly busy during this time of year, especially during the month of August. Also, keep in mind that the weather is also going to be very hot during these months. 

Another important thing to keep in mind is that because a lot of Italians take the month of August off, a lot of local shops and stores may be closed. 

Italy is a predominantly Catholic country, so there’s also a large influx of travel during Easter and Christmas, meaning prices go up during this time as well. 

If you choose to travel in the winter, you’ll definitely experience fewer tourists. However, it’s important to keep in mind that Italy does get quite cold during the winter months. Unless you’re a skier, you may not enjoy coming here during the winter. 

In our opinion, the best time to travel to Italy is either in March or April or September and October. The weather is moderate during these months and tourism is not at its peak. 

2. Don’t Just Visit the Big Cities 

Obviously, when you travel to Italy, you’re going to want to spend time in its most-famed cities- Rome, Milan, Naples, Florence and Venice. 

While these big cities are great and certainly worth your while, make sure to leave some time for smaller towns and cities in Italy. It’s in these smaller towns that you’ll get to experience the authentic, local side of Italy that’s away from the hustle and bustle of tourists. 

Here are some smaller cities and towns to check out while you’re in Italy:

• Modena 
• Bologna
• Alberobello
• Lake Iseo
• Vernazza
• Taormina
• Assisi
• Positano
• Vieste
• Castelluccio
• Sorrento

We suggest doing your research on each of these towns and adding a couple of them to your travel itinerary. 

3. Immerse Yourself in Italy’s Natural Beauty 

In addition to making time for smaller towns, we also suggest that you make time to visit Italy’s natural landscape. 

Here are some areas that you should check out:

• Tuscany: This is one of the main wine regions that is filled with beautiful countrysides and picturesque hilltop towns
• Cinque Terre: Cinque Terrae is composed of five colorful villages that hug the cliffsides along the Italian Riviera. Chances are, you’d recognize Cinque Terre from postcards
• Amalfi Coast: This is a beautiful coastal region in Naples that’s popular with tourists, locals, and even celebrities
• Northern Italy: In Northern Italy, you’ll find beautiful pristine lakes, like Lake Como, as well as plenty of hiking and skiing opportunities in the Alps 

You’re probably not going to have enough time to explore all of Italy, so we suggest sticking to the South if you’re a beach person and sticking to the North if you’re a mountain person. 

4. Getting Around Italy 

When you plan your trip to Italy, you also need to figure out how you’re going to get around within the country. 

Luckily, traveling within Italy is quite easy, as the country has a very developed (although sometimes late) train system that can easily get you from city to city. 

The train system in Italy is extremely modern, and you’ll likely find that train travel is much more comfortable and convenient than air travel. 

If you’re traveling in the off-season, you don’t really need to worry about booking train tickets in advance. However, if you plan to travel in the peak travel season, we suggest booking your train tickets a few weeks in advance. 

And, make sure you get to the train station early, especially if you’re traveling in a large city. In large cities, the train stations are massive, and it can take you a while to get to your platform. 

You can use either Google Maps or Rome2Rio to look up train tickets. 

5. Consider Staying at an Agriturismo 

Italy has every type of accommodation you could imagine- from budget hostels to cozy bed and breakfasts to luxury five-star hotels. 

But, if you’re planning to travel in the countryside, then we definitely recommend staying in an agriturismo for a unique experience. 

An agriturismo is basically a farm stay that’s offered by Italian farmers. Farmers who do this can earn additional income by providing lodging and meals to traveling guests. 

This is a unique experience gives you an opportunity to interact with locals and fully immerse yourself in the Italian countryside. Plus, there are agriturismos available for every budget. 

6. Consider Renting a Car 

Many tourists take one look at the narrow, cobblestone streets in Italy and immediately write off renting a car. 

However, Italy is a great country to take a road trip in, and car rental here is super easy. 

You can use the site autoeurope.com to find a great car rental deal. This is an aggregate site that pools together the best car rental deals in all of Italy. 

Of course, public transportation in Italy is great, so don’t feel like you have to do this. However, if you’re itching to take a long drive in the countryside, renting a car is definitely a must. 

Planning a Trip to Italy: Are You Ready to Explore? 

With this guide for planning a trip to Italy handy, you’re well on your way to planning your dream vacation. 

Just remember, Italy has a lot to see, so don’t get flustered if you can’t fit everything in- you can always come back!

And, be sure to check back in with our blog for more travel-related tips and tricks. 

 

There are many things you can say about the United States of America but one thing that is indisputable is the fact that it has some beautiful places. No matter where you are traveling you’ll find some breathtaking scenery along the way.

One of the times of year is when all the leaves start to change color and landscape becomes Mother Nature’s kaleidoscope of orange, red, and yellow.

Keep reading for some of the best fall vacations for your family.

Whether it’s a romantic getaway for two, family Thanksgiving trip, a road trip for foodies, or a spontaneous escapade to satisfy the inner daredevil, there’s someplace on our list for you.

California Redwoods

If you want to see the beauty of trees like you’ve never experienced before then why not head to Northern California to see some of the biggest trees in the world. 

In fact, you can do more than take in the trees, you can drive through some of them. There are several state parks where you can see these majestic trees and so much more. 

The kids won’t be complaining about being bored by the scenery when you’re driving through trees, hiking to waterfalls and spotting wildlife along the way.

You can experience the California Redwoods in several different ways. Whether you drive, take the train, hike, or by ocean you won’t be disappointed with the view or photo opportunities.

California is also wine country so appeals to those who prefer stomping grapes and sipping wine to exploring trails in search of the perfect wildlife selfie as well.

 You may prefer to unplug altogether and have a picnic while your family becomes one with nature.

Leavenworth, Washington

 If you like beer and food then October is the perfect time to visit Leavenworth. It’s home to one of the biggest Oktoberfest celebrations in the country.

Sausage and stout aren’t the only reason to visit this Central Washington village located in the Cascade Mountains. The architecture of local Bavarian-style buildings and the internationally renowned nutcracker museum draw crowds of their own.

There’s everything from paddle boarding and kayaking to mountain biking and ziplining for the those who prefer adrenaline to alcohol.

While some prefer to come for the ski slopes in the winter, anyone with a camera or a paintbrush and canvas will want to experience this beautiful and quaint town in the fall at least once.

Pennsylvania

The great thing about Pennsylvania is it really is all that and a bag of chips! It is rich in historical sites and scenic beauty. There are tons of photograph opportunities with the Amish charm and character that is rare to find in everyday life of traffic jams and schedules.

Movie and Rock enthusiasts will probably be excited to head to some iconic spots like the Rock and Roll hall of fame and to run the same stairs Sly did in Rocky.

You don’t have to pick someplace specific to find beautiful fall foliage in Pennsylvania. It can’t help but be colorful and a breathtaking sight pretty much anywhere outside the big cities and they bring their own fall charm.

There are some great road trips maps and blogs like the one found here, that will give you the most interesting route to get to and from your favorite fall destination and help you have a great time along the way.

Best Fall Vacations are With People You Love

The best fall vacations are the ones you take with the people you love and worry more about the journey than the actual destination.

For more great tips and intriguing articles at the press of a button be sure to bookmark our site today. 

Did you know traveling can help you de-stress and feel happier? Time to plan and budget your next trip.

Do you want to learn how to save on hotels? Not to worry! In this guide, we’ll go over tips on how to find inexpensive hotels.

Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out.

Call a Hotel

To avoid paying commission to Expedia, hotels offer a cheaper rate on their website. If you find a lower price someplace else, consider calling and asking if they will match the rate.

Sometimes, hotels will throw in extra amenities or a free upgrade.

Think About the Days of the Week

Did you know that business hotels might have a cheaper rate on the weekend when their guests leave? If you want to stay at a quaint bed and breakfast, consider having a romantic getaway during the week.

Bring Breakfast Items

Some hotels don’t provide free breakfast. Consider packing some instant oatmeal instead. If you have a microwave in your room, you’re all set. If not, you can always boil water in a coffee maker or tea kettle for your oatmeal.

Avoid the Hotel Bar

Instead of paying for overpriced drinks, pick up beer or wine beforehand. You can keep your beverages cold with ice from the ice machine. Relax in your room with a drink of your choice.

Join a Loyalty Program

You can join different hotel programs. These programs are free, but the perks can add up. Some hotels will provide you with free breakfast, room upgrades, and early check-ins.

Do You Have Other Memberships?

Some hotels will offer discounts for guests with AAA, AARP, or who are in the military. The discounts will vary, but you can get up to 15 % off a typical rate. Ask the hotel agent if they have any discounts available for your memberships.

Research for Promotions and Save on Hotels

If you don’t have a specific hotel membership, consider looking for a coupon code online. Follow your favorite hotels on Twitter and Instagram. They might announce a special flash sale on their social media platforms.

Stick to a Budget

When you’re traveling, it’s easy to overspend. Create a budget to help help you stay on track. If you plan to eat out while traveling, make sure you save in other ways. Don’t book an executive room or order room service every night.

What’s Included at Your Hotel?

When looking for hotels abroad or at home, you’ll want to check out their amenities. For example, a free shuttle service to the airport will save you an expensive taxi fare.

Some hotels will offer free breakfast. Your hotel might even offer discounts to local restaurants or spas.

Want to Learn More?

We hope this guide on how to save on hotels was helpful. Consider joining a loyalty program.

Don’t forget to bookmark our site. This way, you won’t miss out on any of our resources.