Category: Lifestyle

France is a big country with over 67 million people, and each person seems to do things in his or her way. And yet, there is a French way, practiced by all of them. You can respect your hosts on your visit to their country by not doing these five things.

Changing Your Restaurant Meal

In a French restaurant, only one person rules. And it isn’t you or any other customer. The chef reigns and he works hard to bring you the benefit of his craft by perfecting the combination presented before you by the waiter.

So don’t you dare make any change to what you see on the table before you. And that includes holding the onions because their taste is too strong, substituting low-calorie anything for the fattening parts of a dessert, or having the salad dressing on the side. And don’t even think about asking for ketchup to use on any part of the food.

Talking Loudly

The French value privacy, discretion, and civility. They do not like loud talking, particularly on cellphones, or noisy behavior. They do not eavesdrop on other people but can only do that if you keep your conversations to a quiet level. Speaking respectfully with a lowered tone will garner a better response than if you raise your voice. On public transportation, respect others’ privacy by maintaining your personal space and being quiet.

Speaking Only in English

When a foreign tourist visits your hometown and asks you a question in their language, do you just give them a blank stare? So why are you surprised at any French people who react the same way when you start talking to them in English? They’re not being rude. They just don’t know what you’re saying.

Less than 40 percent of the French speak English to some degree. And they are justifiably enamored of their language, which sounds beautiful. So make the effort to learn a few French phrases, so you can initiate any interaction in their language.

Expecting Things to Be Open on Sundays

In America, nearly all the stores, restaurants, and other businesses that serve consumers keep their doors open on Sundays. Not in France. The day is reserved for families, and in many areas, the government forbids businesses to open on Sundays. However, if you do a web search before you arrive, you’ll usually find retailers or eateries that are open on the traditional day of rest. You can then plan on patronizing those establishments on Sundays.

Coming in August

You may be thrilled to be visiting Paris, Marseille, or any other large French city during your summer vacation, but don’t arrive in August. If you do, all you’ll encounter are other tourists who are wondering where all the locales are and why the country seems abandoned.

August is when the French also have their vacations, which they take quite seriously. They’re either abroad or relaxing at Mediterranean beaches. Many of the small and charming shops that you hope to see will be closed then as well because that is when their proprietors are off.

Widely regarded by frequent travelers as one of the greatest cities in the world, the Portuguese capital city of Lisbon is known for its dramatic colonialist history, beautiful landscapes, amazing cuisine, must-see museums, and traditional Fado music. But no tourist should leave the city without completing a thorough tour of its one-of-a-kind landmarks, architectural attractions, and official monuments. Here are just five places that you don’t want to miss during your Lisbon vacation:

1. The Santa Justa Lift

A striking structure in the heart of downtown Lisbon, the Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa) is unique to say the least. An industrial marvel from the 19th century, this 45-meter iron tracery and functional elevator was designed by Raul Mesnier de Ponsard, a Portuguese disciple of Gustave Eiffel. Guests can ride to the top of this beloved national monument to take in spectacular views of St. George’s Castle among other architectural wonders.

2. Carmo Convent

Many historic cities, including Lisbon, are home to a number of breathtaking cathedrals that are fully intact. But none evoke the truly unusual, haunting beauty of the ruined Carmo Convent (Convento do Carmo). In fact, many people regard it as Lisbon’s most extraordinary church even though it has been roofless since the damage it sustained in the massive earthquake of 1755. Its sweeping gothic arches date back to the 1300s, while its Manueline windows and other details were added in the 16th and 18th centuries.

3. St. George’s Castle

Located at the top of the highest hill in the city, St. George’s Castle (Castelo de Sao Jorge) offers excellent views of Lisbon and the surrounding landscape. Over the centuries, this extremely beautiful castle has served as a key fortification for the Romans, the Visigoths, and the Moors, as well as the Portuguese monarchy. Many of St. George’s Castle’s historical features remain intact including its 18 towers, miliary canons, underground chambers, and camera obscura.

4. Águas Livres Aqueduct

An 18th century engineering marvel, the Águas Livres Aqueduct (Aqueduto das Águas Livres) was constructed to bring fresh water to Lisbon from the hills to its north. It covers roughly 14 kilometers from its Caneças to the city reservoir of Mãe d’Água das Amoreiras. Visitors can schedule tours of the inside of the aqueduct through the Water Museum and the Mãe d’Água das Amoreiras serves as the site for regular cultural events and exhibitions.

5. The Monastery of St. Jerome

A World Heritage Site of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the Monastery of St. Jerome (Jerónimos Monastery) was built in the 16th century as a home and workplace for the monks of the Order of Saint Jerome. The monastery’s church (Igreja de Santa Maria de Belém) is home to the tombs of several prominent historical figures including Sebastião I, whose remains were interred there by King Filipe I to end the popular belief that Sebastião I was destined to return for Portugal’s salvation.

As a world center for culture, food, and fashion, Paris excites with such well-known sites as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre. But after you’ve seen all the standard tourist spots, you can enjoy the following unique attractions of this amazing city.

Museum of Fairground Arts

At the Museum of Fairground Arts, you won’t mind getting taken for a ride on an amusement attraction from 1850 to 1950. Try out the Manège vélocipédique, which puts you on a merry-go-round of bicycles that move only when everybody pedals. You can also listen to a mechanical organ from 1905. To visit, you need to reserve in advance for an English-speaking tour unless you’re coming for the self-guided tours during European Heritage Days in September and the Festival of the Marvelous during the last week of December.

Hidden Vineyard

France is renowned for the quality of its wines and if you want a glimpse of where this ambrosia comes from, head to the back of Sacré-Coueur. Hidden among the quaint buildings and charming cobblestone streets is one of the last remaining vineyards in the city, Le Clos Montmartre. They’ve been cultivating vines here since at least 944 AD, although the history of viticulture goes back to Roman times. Most of the year, you can only spy the growth through metal grates. However, during the Festival of the Gardens at the beginning of fall, the vineyard opens to the public.

Oldest House in Paris

Given that Paris is over 2,000 years old, it’s a little surprising that its oldest house dates back only to 1407. At 51 Rue de Montmorency in the Marais, you can check out the home of an alchemist, Nicholas Flamel, who supposedly could transmute lead into gold. If the guy sounds familiar, he shows up in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The structure also served as a home for the poor who had to pray to stay. You can check out the much-renovated interior, which is now a Michelin-starred bistro called Auberge Nicolas Flamel.

Paris Beach

Did you know that Paris has a lively beach scene that includes sunbathing by the sparkling waters of the Seine? But only during July and August during the Paris Plages. Sand has been carted into several locations by the river since 2022 to comfort city dwellers who could not travel to the seaside. The sand, sun umbrellas, palm trees, and deck chairs are free to visit. However, you’re not in the Cote d’Azur, so no topless sunbathing, and don’t even think about jumping into the water.

Catacombs

The creep factor is high, but so is the history of the Catacombs, a collection of skulls and bones belonging to six or seven million former city residents. You’ll only get to see a small portion of the Denfert-Rochereau Ossuary. It appeared under the city in the 18^th century when the deceased were discretely transferred from overcrowded cemeteries above-ground to the tunnels of former quarries. Buy your tickets ahead of time or you’ll have to wait in line for over an hour. Leave your luggage at home. They’re not allowed on the premises and there are no storage lockers.

Rome is filled with many world-famous tourist attractions, including the Colosseum, the Forum, and the Trevi Fountain. But it is also home to many lesser-known but unique attractions, such as the fab five listed below: 

Enjoy a Spirited Adventure in the Capuchin Crypt

If you have a taste for the macabre, you’ll want to put the Capuchin Crypt on your itinerary. Located under the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, this crypt contains the skeletal and mummified remains of approximately 3,700 Capuchin friars. The bones and skulls of these friars have been used to “decorate” the six chambers of the crypt, which is also sometimes referred to — for obvious reasons — as the Bone Chapel.   

Visit the Largo di Torre Argentina  

This archeological site contains the remains of four different temples, as well as the Theatre of Pompey, which is where Julius Caesar was betrayed and murdered by a group of Roman senators on the Ides of March. Surprisingly, the Largo di Torre Argentina is typically overlooked by tourists — which is actually a testament to the fact that Rome has so many famous attractions that even one as historically important as this can just fade into the background. On an interesting side note, the Largo di Torre Argentina is also home to a popular cat sanctuary.   

Check Out Trastevere 

Trastevere is a lively Medieval neighborhood known for being home to some of the best trattorias and pubs in Rome. Lively chatter fills the air, and street artists entertain the crowds. Although Trastevere has long been popular with locals, it has also become increasingly popular with tourists. If you’ll be visiting Rome during the summer months, make sure to walk down the steps to the walkway that runs alongside the Tiber River. That’s where you’ll find the Lungo iL Tevere festival with its many artists, vendors, and dining options. 

Admire the Pyramid of Cestius

While viewing a pyramid may not be the first thing you think about doing while in Rome, the Eternal City does have one. Called the Pyramid of Cestius, this structure was built as a tomb for an important Roman named Gaius Cestius around 18-12 BC. The 120-foot-tall building is the only Egyptian-style pyramid remaining in Rome today. For many years, the Pyramid of Cestius’ interior was closed to visitors. But that changed in 2015. Now, the pyramid, which is located across from the Pyramid Train Station, is open every second and fourth Saturday each month for visitors, who must make arrangements in advance.

Stroll through the Campo de’ Fiori

Campo de’ Fiori is arguably Rome’s most famous open-air market. Established in 1869, this outdoor market is open from Monday to Saturday, from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Here, you’ll find vendors selling a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and cheeses, as well as clothing and crafts. Along the edges of the market and on the nearby streets, you’ll also find shops selling baked goods, sandwiches, and some of the best cured meats and cheeses in Rome. A few of these shops have actually been in business for 100 or so years. 

If you regularly read travel blogs or scan your world map, wondering if you’ll ever be able to afford to see the world in person, you’re in for a terrific surprise! You can travel to all your ideal destinations, which isn’t as difficult as you might imagine.

Traveling without a lot of money takes some planning, budgeting, and compromise, but you will savor every moment of it. 

Here are five low-budget ways to travel the world and have the adventure of a lifetime.  

1. Book Bargain Airfares 

One of the highest upfront costs for travel is airfare, especially if you are planning an overseas adventure. However, you might not want to drive across the country either, so you’ll need to think about finding the best air travel fees in either case. 

Here are some tips for finding the best bargains on airfare: 

• Shop for your airline tickets on the weekends.
• Avoid traveling on Sunday or Monday since those are prime days for return trips home. 
• Buy tickets before your trip, but don’t plan too far ahead. The recommended time to buy your tickets ahead of travel is around 70 days. 
• Pack lightly and strategically to avoid baggage fees.

2. Organize a Group Tour

Whether you and your friends want to visit Europe or find a Facebook group of people planning a group vacation, this is a great route. A group tour is cheap because travel agents often offer significant group discounts. If you take this route, you’ll need to do the administrative duties of planning the trip, then everyone can go on their separate adventures during the trip.

3. Trade Labor for Accommodation 

While this works most easily for domestic travel, you can probably work out something for overseas travel too. Work with the owner of establishments like a ranch, farm, hotel, or beach or ski resort to come up with a mutually agreeable arrangement that allows you to work for them, stay in their lodgings, and enjoy the environment. 

4. Fundraise for a Volunteer Expedition

There are many ways you can volunteer your time across the country or worldwide. Many volunteer travelers seek missions for wildlife conservation, water irrigation projects, or teaching English. If your passion is helping others, there is no shame in fundraising for your trip. Use a platform like Go Fund Me, and advertise your mission on the social media platform where you have the most engagement, sharing your enthusiasm for your mission, how you plan to help, and what their support would mean to you. 

5. House Sit or Pet Sit

People love their houses and their pets, and many will be happy to invite a trustworthy guest to tend to them. Become a member of websites like TrustedHousesitters.com, MindMyHouse.com, and HouseCarers.com to undergo a background check and other vetting processes and verify the other parties’ information. 

As you can see, enjoying low budget travel takes time and creativity. It’ll all be worth it when you arrive at your ideal destination.

The View From the Edge

Move over, Empire State Building, One World Observatory, and Top of the Rock. There’s a new observation deck in town, called the Edge. Take the elevator in a Hudson Yards skyscraper up to the 100th floor (gulp), step outside, and you’ll be treated to a magical view extending all the way out to the horizon.

There’s even a section where the floor is made of clear glass, so you can look straight down, if you dare, to the street that is more than 1,100 feet below.

The Winding Paths of Central Park

When you’re back down on solid ground, don’t miss the chance to explore Central Park. The park is gorgeous in every season. Best of all, it is always surprising. When you walk along its winding paths, you never know what you will encounter around the next curve.

You might run into a roller skating party, a symphony concert, a waterfall, an a capella group, people blowing giant soap bubbles, a wedding party posing for photographs, an unexpected lake, swing dancers, or kite flyers. 

You might see someone famous. You may choose to have your portrait done. You could ride a horse, rent a bike, row a boat, or sit in a gondola and let someone else do the work. 

The Statue of Liberty

Whether or not you choose to climb up its steps (there are 215 to the top of the pedestal and another 162 to get to the crown), seeing the Statue of Living up close and in person is an experience unlike any other. 

Your ferry ticket will also take you to the nearby Ellis Island, the portal to the U.S. for more than 12 million immigrants. The old buildings now contain exhibits that recreate and explain the island’s activity from the late 1800s to the middle of the 20th century. 

Pro tip: Buy your tickets in advance online or in person at the ticket booth at the pier. Don’t buy tickets from people on the street – that’s a known scam.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (often called “the Met,” but don’t confuse it with the opera house!) houses a huge collection. It is, in fact, the largest art museum in the Western Hemisphere. 

Fashionistas won’t want to miss the special shows put on by the Costume Institute, where the clothing-as-art pieces exhibited range from something you might consider wearing to something that makes you go “wow” or “huh?” 

You might want to check out the Egyptian mummies, the medieval armor, the ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, or the exhibits dedicated to Asian, Islamic, African, European, and American art.

Walk or Bike Over the Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is as breathtaking today as it was when it opened in 1883. It’s a pleasant walk or ride, even better now that bicycles and pedestrians each have their own lanes. When you get to the Brooklyn side, consider going down to the Brooklyn Bridge Park for spectacular views of lower Manhattan right across the river.

Many travelers set their sights on London or Bristol when visiting Britain, but you might want to include Newcastle upon Tyne in your itinerary. Most commonly referred to as simply Newcastle, this city might be one of Britain’s most iconic cities. 

Famous for its people’s Geordie dialect, the city’s industrial heritage, popular nightlife, and the eponymous and internationally loved brown ale, there are even more unique attractions for you to experience.

Here are five attractions in Newcastle upon Tyne you won’t want to miss.

1. Victoria Tunnel 

Constructed in the 19th century, the Victoria Tunnel was originally built as a waggonway under Newcastle to transport coal from the Tyne River to the Town Moor between 1842 and the 1860s. During the Second World War, the Tunnel became a welcome air raid shelter to protect area citizens. 

Newcastle now welcomes guests to visit the once-forgotten waggonway where you can enjoy an immersive experience with sonic and visual effects. 

2. Grey’s Monument 

Located in the center of town at Grey and Grainger Streets, a visit to Newcastle upon Tyne wouldn’t feel right without stopping by Grey’s Monument. This iconic monument is one of Newcastle’s best-known and cherished landmarks. You can see the evidence of that by how much daily activity and sightseeing goes on while you’re there. It’s also easy to spot from nearly anywhere in the city, so it’s a great spot to set up for meeting friends and family after you’ve done some exploring on your own. 

Like the famous Earl Grey tea, the monument was constructed in 1837, in part, to eponymously honor the local politician who later became prime minister from 1830-1834. It is also important because it commemorated the Reform Act of 1832, which stamped out corruption and led to increased voting eligibility.

3. The Quayside

You can visit The Quayside on either side of the River Tyne. Both sides of the river allow you to enjoy some of the city’s best sightseeing, bike riding, and relaxed strolls before dinner and drinks at one of the many restaurants and pubs. 

4. Ouseburn Farm Charity Ltd

If you’re like many people who daydream about a visit to the English countryside, you’ll want to see an authentic farm filled with sheep, goats, pigs, and Shetland ponies. You can see all those beautiful creatures and learn more about the area’s approach to local agriculture at Ouseburn Farm Charity Ltd. During your visit, you can buy some wholesome goodies like eggs and dairy products at the community farm. 

5. Jesmond Dene Park 

Tucked away in the suburbs of Newcastle upon Tyne, Jesmond Dene Park is nestled in a steep, wooded valley that is perfect for a quiet hike or stroll and a chance to see local wildlife in their natural and undisturbed environment. While visiting, you can also stop by Pet’s Corner to see sheep, rabbits, and peacocks, or plan to take a guided tour to see the local birds or an open-air theater production.

These are only a few beautiful attractions you’ll find in the quaint city of Newcastle upon Tyne.