Travel Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Oh My Heartsie Girl

June 10, 2019

The City of Light The Top 10 Must-Do Things in Paris

You love exploring and are sure Paris is the place for you. Now you’re creating your travel plans! However, this exotic city is quite large and comes with a vast variety of activities to choose from. But don’t worry! Keep reading to find the top 10 things to do in Paris:

1. Try French Macaroons

French macaroons are delicious, and what better place to experience them than in Paris, France! In this city, you should have no trouble finding these delicious treats as they are available in nearly all of the bakeries. However, Macaroons don’t stay fresh forever so make sure you eat them within a few days time as you explore your Paris attractions.

2. Speak French

What better place to speak a foreign language than in a foreign country? If you’re traveling to Paris, be sure to learn at least a little French before you arrive.Not only will this help you be better able to communicate, but knowing a second language is also super fun! However, don’t just start up a conversation with any random stranger. Just as you would in your own country, be wise in who you talk too. Good options for practicing your French would be placing an order at a restaurant or asking a store worker about the latest styles.

3. Experience The Eiffel Towel

When visiting Paris, one of the most unique locations to visit is the Eiffel Towel. You can even go to the top to see an amazing view of the city surrounding it! And at night you can watch it glow for a few minutes each hour until 1 in the morning. Also, keep in mind that French sunsets may occur later than you’re used too. Sometimes it doesn’t get dark until around 10 pm.

4. Find A Delicious Restaurant

You know your own city very well and likely have a favorite restaurant. Before visiting a new place, do some research to find the best restaurants with great reviews.Also, remember that French restaurants may have different hours than your own country. Lunch lasts from 12 pm until 2 pm and dinner doesn’t start until much later in the evenings.

5. Go Shopping

Paris is well-known to be an awesome place for fashion, making shopping one of the best things to do in Paris. Here, you can explore the latest styles throughout the city. However, if you plan to update your entire wardrobe, make sure to pack light and leave plenty of room in your suitcase. Some of the best tips for packing light is to not bring anything extra you don’t need. For example, you can leave your hair dryer at home if you know your hotel will have one. The best times to shop are during the months of July and January, where you can discover amazing sales!

6. Write A Journal

While you’re exploring all the best places to visit in Paris, consider writing your travels into a journal so you won’t forget anything. Journaling is very enjoyable and it would be super fun to look back on your adventures later on. However, journaling is not the only option available. You could also make a scrapbook, collage of pictures, or printed mini book detailing all your experiences and the Paris attractions you explored.

7. Cruise on The River Seine

When you want to take a break from walking, another great way to sight-see is to go for a calm boat cruise on the River Seine. And if you want to explore on the Seine and the Eiffel Tower on the same day, be sure to plan a tour!

8. Take A Group Tour

There are many places to visit in Paris, and going with multiple people can be safer and more fun than exploring solo regardless of where you choose to travel. If you plan on seeing many Paris attractions consider taking a group tour. This way, you can explore all the coolest places while still staying safe at the same time. Also, while you’re on a tour, make sure to keep some cash with you so you can tip the tour guides. Tips can range between two and five euros.

9. Book A Room With A View

A room with a view might just be for you as there are plenty of options to choose from! When making your hotel plans, consider booking one with a balcony. This way, you can enjoy the fresh cool breeze and always get to see the sights of Paris. However, the best rooms have the potential to get booked quickly for peak tourism seasons so make sure you plan ahead to guarantee the best room possible.

10. Visit The Louvre Musem

The Louvre Musem is a unique place to visit in Paris, it’s outside is beautiful and clear while its structure resembles the shape of a pyramid. And inside you will find plenty of amazing artwork, including paintings such as the Mona Lisa! This Paris attraction also gets approximately 15,000 guests each day; to avoid crowds, be sure to visit during less busy hours.

Final Thoughts on Things to do in Paris

There is a vast variety of things to do in Paris, making this city definitely a go-to destination every traveler should add to their bucket list. And as you’re finalizing your plans, be sure to consider some of the options mentioned above! What are your thoughts on the top things to do in Paris? Feel free to share your traveling advice in the comments below!
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October 27, 2018

Seattle to Scotland — 3 Travel Tips

There’s a small yet significant Scottish population in Washington state — the 2010 census indicated 200,000 individuals of Scottish descent or roughly three percent of the total.

And since 2007, The Caledonian and St. Andrews Society of Seattle has celebrated Burns Night and Chinese New Year simultaneously at the end of January as ‘Gung Haggis Fat Choy’. This culinary cultural fusion combines the iconic Scottish pudding with a range of delectable Asian delights.

But whether you’ve got tartan in your blood or simply want to visit 2017’s most beautiful country in the world according to Rough Guides, a trip to bonnie Scotland might be easier to organize than you realize.

If you’re savoring the thought of a Seattle to Scotland vacation, here are three travel tips.

Flights

If your geography’s good, you’ll realize that you’ll be sat on a plane for some time to make this trip — the quickest non-stop flight takes the best part of 10 hours.

But you can arrange to fly to Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness and ticket prices are surprisingly reasonable, considering the distance.

Carriers like Virgin Atlantic, KLM, Brussels Airlines, Finnair and Lufthansa offer round-trip Seattle-Tacoma flights to Glasgow or Edinburgh from around $500 — not bad at all.

Once you know your desired travel dates, search Expedia.com for the most reasonable Sea-Tac to Scotland flights and you’ll find a deal that matches your budget.

Parking

The last thing you need prior to a long-haul flight to Scotland is a stressed journey to Seattle airport spent stuffed into public transport besides dozens of perspiring fellow travelers. And if you’ve got young kids in tow, this scenario is a touch-paper for explosive tantrums.

Better to book Seattle-Tacoma airport parking at Looking4.com and travel in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. You’ll head for check-in feeling completely relaxed and when you return home, you can hop in your car and be on your merry way.

To really get yourselves in the mood for your impending trip, be sure to sing along to 500 Miles by The Proclaimers — there’s nothing like a spot of car karaoke to raise the spirits.

Tattoo

Don’t worry — you don’t need to get a set of bagpipes, thistle or bottle of Irn-Bru inked onto your skin before traveling to Scotland (unless you really want to).

But if you’re visiting in summer, you absolutely must order a ticket for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Held at the spectacular Edinburgh Castle esplanade with performances throughout August, this superb event features military music, amazing marching moves and fantastic fireworks.

It sparks the senses of visitors from across the globe — but when you hear the massed bands pipes and drums belting out traditional tunes like Highland Cathedral, you’ll start to understand what’s so special about Scottish culture.

These three travel hacks are the tip of the iceberg for a Caledonian adventure — but they’ll set you up solidly for a Seattle to Scotland trip to remember.

Do you have advice for a Scottish holiday? Share it in the comments section.

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April 3, 2018

The Top Munich Attractions for Architecture Lovers

The Top Munich Attractions for Architecture Lovers

In terms of its recognition and popularity amongst German cities, Munich is perhaps overshadowed by the country’s capital, Berlin. However the city is the capital of Bavaria and home to dozens of museums, centuries-old buildings and architectural wonders that make it a perfect destination for art, culture and architecture lovers. And so if you’re a culture vulture looking for one of the best architectural mainstays in Europe then Munich is the place to go. Here are some of the top Munich attractions for architecture buffs to consider visiting on your next trip to the Bavarian capital:

The Brandhorst Museum

Brandhorst Museum-TripAdvisor — Image: TripAdvisor

A good place to start your journey through Munich’s architectural wonderland is the Museum Brandhorst. Officially opened in 2009 and housing a private collection of hundreds of German and American artwork, Brandhorst is worth a visit just to see its striking façade. Designed by the famous Berlin architects Sauerbruch Hutton, the building is covered in thousand of brightly coloured vertical rods that give it its pixellated and undulating colour.

Odeonsplatz

Although at a certain point in its history the Odeonsplatz is the place where Hitler held some of his rallies, the building now commemorates all those that stood up to Nazism with its golden cobblestones.

Consisting of the commemorative cobblestones and an impressive facade, the Odeonsplatz is a great example of the impressive Architecture that Munich has to offer. And if you’re worried about getting about the city to see all these wonders Munich airport transfer to and from the city is easily available, as are various public transport links. Be sure not to miss the daily performance piece entitled ‘It’s never too late to say sorry’ held here every day at noon.

Munich Residenz

Regarded as one of the most spectacular palaces in Europe, Munich Residenz was the seat of power for several of Bavaria’s Dukes and Kings for many centuries. Now the vast complex of three main buildings is home to a number of museums and monuments. The Residenz houses the Court Church of All Saints, the Residenz Museum, Cuvillies Theatre, and beautiful gardens that feature dozens of exquisitely designed courtyards, ponds, fountains, and gardens.

Frauenkirche

Munich is also home to the magnificent Frauenkirche, or the Cathedral Church of Our Lady, an imposing late Gothic church that was completed in 1488. Highlights include the massive twin towers that make up part of this huge building and measure at 100 meters tall, as well as its Renaissance-inspired domes. The two towers are a major Munich Landmark, while the cathedral also houses the black marble and bronze tomb of Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian placed there in 1622.

Nymphenburg Palace

Set in glorious gardens that feature breathtaking landscapes, the Nymphenburg Palace is a must see for all architecture and culture buffs. Its highlights include enchanting pavilions, artfully decorated tearooms and swimming pools, as well as a Francois Cuvillies-designed hunting lodge complete with ostentatious dog kennels.

As the examples above prove, Munich is a treasure trove of architectural wonders and cultural heritage for those excited by both ancient and modern buildings. Many other fine examples exist in the city and its authorities have made it their mission to actively promote their beauty and charm. Munich is well worth a visit for an itinerary choke-full of art, culture, and amazing architecture alone.

March 29, 2018September 4, 2020

Picking Your Level of Luxury

We all deserve the chance to get away and truly feel like we’re being pampered. Daily life can be a real grind, and it’s hard to find a moment to relax, much less a full few days. Sure, staycations are cheap, but they aren’t really that rewarding unless you just really want to do nothing more than not work with your paid time off. If you have the time and money to really take a look at your luxury travel options, you’ll find that there’s no one-size-fits all model for taking an elegant, relaxing vacation that you’ll remember forever. There are levels of luxury, and you should feel comfortable picking the one that works best for you.

What matters most

We all have deal breakers when we’re going on vacation. Some people won’t go camping without indoor plumbing or even a fancy RV. These people are known as “glampers.” Other people won’t take a plane anywhere unless they can get seating that’s better than basic coach. Some travelers want a certain type of pillow at their hotel. The list of deal breakers can be endless, and some demands are harder to meet than others.

Do you want a room that looks out upon the beach? Then be prepared to pay for the view. But if you don’t want that view, maybe you should spend that money on a room with a hot tub instead. Consider how much you’re going to use each available amenity. Sure, hotels with room service are nice, but if you’re on a special diet and can’t eat most of the food on the menu, then it’s not worth paying extra for a place with 24-hour room service.

Hidden fees

One possible dealbreaker you should look out for? Resort fees. Hotels of almost every star rating charge them. They may not show up in your initial bill, but you have to pay the resort fees before you leave the hotel. “Resort fees” are a catch-all term for services like free drinks or use of the hotel’s fitness facility. You’re going to pay the resort fees even if you don’t use all the amenities, which is one reason some people really dislike them and will do anything they can to avoid them. Other people consider them just a part of travel, and that’s a good mindset to adapt when you’re headed to places where resort fees are almost impossible to avoid.

If you’re staying on the strip in Vegas, go ahead and budget an extra $20, $30, or even $40 a day for services you might not even use. They’re a really common way to get extra money from tourists visiting hotspots, so you’ll also see resort fees pop up in places like Mexico or the Caribbean. To avoid surprises, make sure to do plenty of research before you give out your credit card number. Let’s say you’re looking for luxury resorts Cabo, but the language on some of the websites is unclear. By all means, feel free to call and ask if the property charges resort fees. If you want luxury, you’re going to have to pay at least a little extra for it, but that doesn’t mean you should let resort fees sneak up on you.