Air Travel With Baby Tips

Formula restrictions, strollers and confusion about child safety seats make traveling with a baby difficult. For multiples air travel is even more stressful. Not only do you have to take more stuff, it's more likely for one of the babies to be unhappy during flight. Preparing yourself beforehand helps ensure that everyone has a safe, happy and relatively easy flight.

Booking Your Flight

Airlines don't require parents to purchase tickets for children under age 2. Some airlines allow parents to use unsold seats for babies, but it's not guaranteed unless you purchase a separate ticket. Window seats are quieter and darker, making it easier for a baby to sleep. If the airline has assigned seats, book a window seat for each baby and the seat next to it for the traveling adult. If you travel with multiple babies alone, purchase seats for the children so your hands are free to tend to their needs.

Child Restraints

It's safer -- and more comfortable -- for your baby to sit in a car seat during flight. The seat must be approved for both cars and aircrafts; this is typically noted on the tag attached to the car seat. Place your child's seat in a window seat so you don't have to move around it in case there's an emergency.

Baby Food

Breast milk, formula, baby food and juice aren't restricted by the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) 3-oz. liquid rule. Keep your items for babies separate from other liquid items you take on the plane, and inform security officers that you have them. Liquids in larger amounts are often tested by security personnel for explosives.

Since multiple babies require more food, pack separate carry-on bags -- one for each adult to carry -- in case you don't end up sitting in the same row.

Comfort Items

Babies are more likely to cry if they don't feel secure, so it's important to bring items to ensure babies stay comfortable during the flight. Have a pacifier on hand to calm your babies if they cry; sucking also helps if either baby's ears are affected by the change in altitude. Also, take an infant anti-inflammatory or acetaminophen in case one of the babies needs it.

If one of the babies is inconsolable, walk up and down the isle using a baby sling.
Gate Check

With multiples it's necessary to have a stroller when you navigate the airport. Don't check the stroller with your bags -- instead use the gate check. At the gate, before you board the plane, ask the attendant for a baggage ticket, and place it on the stroller. You simply leave the stroller, with the ticket attached, at the gate for the attendants to take out to the plane. When you arrive at your destination, gate-checked items are picked up at the gate.

If you didn't purchase tickets for the babies, take their car seats to the gate with you anyway. If there aren't any unsold seats available to use, simply gate check the car seats before you board.

Pregnancy Air Travel Tips

Air travel is considered safe for most pregnant women throughout pregnancy. Air travel during the second trimester is typically most comfortable, as you are likely beyond the morning sickness of the first trimester and not yet to the uncomfortable stage of the third trimester as your uterus further expands. There are ways to make air travel more comfortable at any stage of pregnancy.
Before Air Travel

Before you book your flight, check with your doctor to ensure travel is acceptable. In most cases, doctors will allow air travel for pregnant women who are otherwise healthy until week 34. Beyond that, travel is generally restricted, so you will be close to your doctor and hospital in the event labor begins. Some doctors will issue a letter stating you have been cleared for travel. Check with the airlines before you book your flight as well. Airlines differ in their policies regarding pregnant women. Some do not require any documentation, while others will require a letter from your physician before allowing you to board.

Be aware that airlines do not view pregnancy or its complications as a reason for a refund if you must cancel your plans. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you have sickle cell disease, severe anemia, clotting disorders or placental abruption, you should consult your doctor before flying. Alert your doctor if you will be traveling by air often during your pregnancy, as the guidelines may differ for you.
During Air Travel

Hydration is important throughout pregnancy as, according to the American Pregnancy Association, dehyrdration can cause preterm labor. During your flight, you will need to drink more than usual to stay hydrated because of the low humidity levels in the cabin. As allowed, walk around the plane at least once per half hour during air travel. Exercising and stretching your legs can improve circulation, help with swelling and prevent blood clots. When walking through the aisles, use the seat backs for support. Balance is altered during pregnancy because of the weight of the uterus on the front of the body.

Turbulence during flight can hit suddenly and unexpectedly. It is important to maintain your balance to avoid a fall.
Weight Restrictions

Pay attention to the weight of your luggage. The amount of weight you are allowed to lift during pregnancy depends on your fitness level prior to pregnancy and what your body is accustomed to lifting. Your doctor can give specific recommendations for the maximum amount of weight to be lifted. Do not be shy about asking for help from fellow passengers or airline employees.

Pet Travel Safety Tips

Animal lovers with travel plans often face the difficult choice of taking a furry family member along for the trip or leaving a beloved pet behind. Travel with pets can present a distinct set of challenges, and frequent travelers must address a number of pet safety considerations while preparing to take an animal along on a journey.
Health

A pet’s health must take top priority when leaving home for an extended period of time. According to the Dog Owner’s Guide, an online pet owner magazine, travelers should take pets to a vet no less than two weeks before departing. A qualified veterinarian will administer a complete physical and bring all vaccinations current before the trip begins, and some vets will apply flea and tick preventatives to ensure continued health.
Diet

What a pet eats before traveling and on the road can play a significant role in his or her health during travel. Food composition and even water additives vary from location to location, so the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends packing some bottled water and food before leaving home. In addition, according to the ASPCA, a pet should eat at least three hours before departure with periodic snacks at rest stops. The organization cautions against feeding a pet inside a moving vehicle.
Equipment

A number of commercially available products help ease the process of taking pets on the road. At a minimum, pet owners should invest in a quality crate or carrier before leaving for travel; these devices can prevent injury in a vehicle collision while on the road and act as a familiar bed while staying at an unfamiliar location. Some additional travel equipment recommended by the Dog Owner’s Guide includes a brush or comb, a six foot leash, towels or blankets, a first aid kit and a travel-friendly set of food and water bowls. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals adds a waste scooper, grooming supplies and a favorite toy to the list, and the organization recommends allowing the pet ample time to become familiar with the crate or carrier before hitting the road.
Car Concerns

Travelers journeying by car face a special set of pet safety concerns. The frequent starts, stops and side to side motion common to automobile travel can wreak havoc on motion-sensitive pets, and the Dog Owner’s Guide recommends securing a pet’s travel crate inside the vehicle to minimize this motion as much as possible. The organization also cautions against allowing pets to ride in the front seat, as this position can make them more vulnerable in an accident. The ASPCA notes that pets allowed to stick their heads out of moving car windows become susceptible to ear and lung infections, and some may become injured by passing objects. Finally, both organizations advise travelers to never leave a pet alone in an unattended vehicle for even a short amount of time.
Services

Pet owners who feel uncomfortable with the demands of taking a pet on the road may consider a pet travel service company. These companies that specialize in animal travel handle all aspects of preparation and safe transport, and can deliver a happy and refreshed pet to a travel destination at a predetermined time. According to the pet travel company Happy Tails Travel, common services include pet pickup, flight arrangements and pet delivery.

Best in Travel 2013 - Top 10 Regions

1. Corsica, France

Melting pot of Med to host Tour

Best for: Activities, events, food

GR20 walking route on the ridge before the Asinao shelter in Corsica.

GR20 walking route on the ridge before the Asinao shelter in Corsica.

© Copyright Lonely Planet Images

Mixing the cultures of Italy and France yet fiercely Corsican, the French Mediterranean island of Corsica has a furious beauty. It is this epic beauty combined with its challenging topography that make it a spectacular choice to host the historic centenary of the initial stages of the Tour de France. Race organisers wanted the hundredth Tour to start in an enchanting location, and decided Corsica was the place; this will be the first time the race has braved its challenges.

2. The Negev, Israel

Desert in throes of transformation

Best for: Adventure, activities, off the beaten track

Acacia Raddiana tree in the Negev desert.

For decades the Negev was regarded as nothing but a desolate desert. But today, this region is a giant greenhouse of development. Think eco-villages, spa resorts and even wineries. In the next few years a new international airport at Timna is scheduled to open, followed by a high-speed railway to Eilat and more hotels. Time is running out to experience the desert as nature intended.

3. Mustang, Nepal

Last chance to see 'forbidden kingdom'

Best for: Activities, off the beaten track, culture

Tilicho Peak and Annapurna I from Tama Gaon.

The completion of a road connecting Mustang to China in the north and the rest of Nepal to the south will make all the difference to this remote region. Lo Manthang, or Mustang as it’s usually called, has been dubbed ‘little Tibet’ or ‘the last forbidden kingdom’; though politically part of Nepal, in language, culture, climate and geography, it’s Tibet. Until 1992 nobody from outside was allowed in; for a while after that it was opened up to a few hundred a year, and these days anyone can enter, though the pricey trekking permit keeps the numbers down. Expect that to change.

4. The Yukon, Canada

Putting the 'wild' in wilderness

Best for: Activities, adventure, off the beaten track

Dall Sheep (Ovis dalli) in the Yukon Territory.

This vast and thinly populated wilderness has a grandeur and beauty that can only be properly appreciated in person. But while few places in the world today are so unchanged over the course of time, change has started coming fast to the Yukon. In 2013 it is still one of the least densely populated regions on the planet (there’s almost 14.2 sq km/5.5 sq miles for each hardy local) but its tremendous mineral wealth is drawing new residents in a reprise of the fabled Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. Climate change means that parts of the far north are actually dissolving into the Arctic Ocean and the glacier-clad parks are undergoing profound change.

5. Chachapoyas & Kuelap, Peru

Hidden gem of the Andes

Best for: Adventure, culture, off the beaten track

Ruins of one of the 420 round houses inside Kuelap, Peru.

Nestled in the northern Peruvian Andes, the placid mountain city of Chachapoyas is small, quiet and a pain in the neck to reach. But this charming agricultural centre sits amid some of the country’s most incredible cultural and natural treasures, including an entire river valley’s worth of pre-Inca ruins, the funerary site of Karajía, and one of the world’s tallest waterfalls. The glorious isolation isn’t going to last for long. For the past half-dozen years, the Peruvian government has been quietly paving roads and improving other infrastructure to make the area more visitor-friendly.

6. The Gulf Coast, USA

Coast on comeback trail

Best for: Activities, family, value for money

Mardi Gras 2011 Mardi Gras 2011 by brad.coy. Creative Commons ShareAlike Licence

An area that has become synonymous with the words ‘oil spill’ doesn’t sound like it’d be a vacation must-do. But a lot has happened since a deep-water drilling operation off the coast of Louisiana went fatally awry in 2010. The Gulf Coast – never a place to take disaster lying down – has rebounded. Rolling sand dunes once again sparkle and seasonal travellers are once again enjoying the Gulf’s tepid waters, not to mention its tender locally caught fish. The 'Redneck Riviera' is edging back to its best.

7. Carinthia, Austria

Serene bargain nestled in Alps

Best for: Activities, family, value for money

Gothic Stadtpfarrkirche St. BartholomSus (12th and 14th century) and Hauptplatz (right) from Petersberg, Carinthia.

With belts tightening across Europe, the Alps are fast becoming the exclusive preserve of the champagne set… but lesser mortals will find plenty to love about Carinthia. With ski resorts nestled on every mountain top, Carinthia is best known outside Austria for uncrowded slopes and après-ski where you don’t have to take out a second mortgage just to buy a beer. Backing onto Italy and Slovenia, the region dilutes the Austrian efficiency with Mediterranean laissez-faire. So where are the crowds? Check out Carinthia now, while peace and quiet reigns; it won’t stay like this forever.

8. Palawan, the Philippines

The ultimate archipelago for adventurers

Best for: Off the beaten track, adventure, culture

Lake Kayangan, Coron Island, Palawan.

Palawan incorporates thousands of sparkling, rugged islands and is fringed by 2000km of pristine coastline. So far Palawan’s natural marvels have only been sampled by plucky backpackers. Not for much longer. The trail these pioneers have blazed is set to explode, with regional airlines waking up to Palawan’s potential and clambering to schedule direct flights to the capital. Throw in the mushrooming growth of style-conscious boutique hotels normally found in places like Ko Samui or Bali, and you can feel that Palawan is ready to hit the big-time in 2013.

9. Inland Sea, Japan

Japan without the bells, whistles and bullet trains

Best for: Culture, activities, off the beaten track

Dawn over the Kurushima Bridge across the Seto Inland Sea.

Tokyo, Kyoto, Mt Fuji… the islands of the Seto Inland Sea? You’d be forgiven if the name of this vast stretch of water in Japan’s west doesn’t ring any bells. With the exception of Miyajima, with its oft-photographed vermillion ‘floating’ torii (shrine gate), most of the Inland Sea islands aren’t on the usual international-tourist hit list. Fair enough. They’re out of the way, and there’s just so much to do in Tokyo. But those who make the effort are rewarded. Many of the islands in this roughly 400km-long waterway offer the chance to experience a Japan without all the bells, whistles and bullet trains.

10. Campania, Italy

Old classic prepares for epic year

Best for: Culture, family, food

Chiesa di San Paolo Maggiore in Campania.

Campania is home to Italy’s most sumptuous stretch of coastline (the Amalfi Coast), one of its most mind-blowing and ebullient cities (Naples), the menacing beauty of Mt Vesuvius, and the frozen-in-lava ancient Roman city of Pompeii. This year it is receiving an enormous injection of cash as part of its role in hosting the UN’s fourth Universal Forum of Cultures from April to July. Events will include art exhibitions from all five continents, music, cinema, dance, street artists and theatre, circus acts, food markets and workshops.

Best in Travel 2013 - Top 10 Cities

1. San Francisco

Darling of America's west coast

Best for: Culture, events, food

Quirky shop front decoration, Haight Street, The Haight.

Quirky shop front decoration, Haight Street, The Haight.

© Copyright Lonely Planet Images

Famous for hills, earthquakes and a penchant for liberal politics, San Francisco continues to attract kindred spirits, eagerly embracing all newcomers to the bosom of its cultural mélange. If you need an extra incentive to get yourself to San Francisco, the city has an ace up its sleeve – the 34th America’s Cup is coming to fog city in 2013, and big changes and upgrades are afoot all along San Francisco’s heaving waterfront.

2. Amsterdam

Golden Age charmer prepares to party

Best for: Culture, events, food

Lights along canal bridges along Herengracht near the famous 'Golden Bend'.

Amsterdam always cast a spell on travellers, but the party ramps up big-time in 2013, when more anniversaries than you can shake a herring at coincide. The famed canal ring turns 400 years old. It’s Vincent van Gogh’s 160th birthday and the 40th for his colour-swirled museum. The Rijksmuseum re-opens after a 10-year renovation. The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra – often considered the world’s best – blows out 125 candles. Plus the Artis Royal Zoo and Felix Meritis cultural centre mark 175 years and 225 years, respectively. It all adds up to a slew of celebratory concerts, exhibits and street fests grooving throughout 2013.

3. Hyderabad

Old City recapturing past glories

Best for: Culture, food, value for money

Vendor at street stall at foot of the Charminar.

Hyderabad was once the capital of a filthy-rich princely state. After India’s independence, the palaces and pleasure gardens were sold off, built over and looted, and you had to be really sharp to see the city’s beauty. But several palaces in Hyderabad’s Old City have recently been refurbished, including Falaknuma Palace, a seven-star hotel that was skilfully restored by the Taj Group and is now an exceedingly plush time capsule. Other monuments and buildings are being fixed up, but the city, and many of its architectural gems, are still off the radar – which keeps the masses at bay. Elegant and blossoming, but also weathered and undiscovered, Hyderabad’s Old City is ripe for exploration.

4. Londonderry/Derry

Packed calendar for UK City of Culture

Best for: Culture, events, family

You Are Now Entering Free Derry You Are Now Entering Free Derry by mkairishstudies. Creative Commons Attribution Licence

Londonderry/Derry is the UK City of Culture 2013, which means this vibrant, historic walled city is undergoing a renaissance. The year will see a wealth of cultural events, including the 10-day All Ireland Fleadh, the world’s biggest Irish festival and it also plays host to the always-controversial Turner Prize. The city will buzz throughout the year with hundreds of other events, from pageants to music to contemporary dance. Derry also hosts lots of regular festivals, such as the Jazz Festival and Earhart Festival (in 2013 celebrating 80 years since American aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart landed here), celebrations for which will all be cranked up a notch.

5. Běijīng

Capital on cusp of greatness

Best for: Culture, value for money, food

Artist painting in the Forbidden City.

Běijīng remains as the cultural and artistic centre of China. While the 2008 Olympics may now seem like a distant memory, their effect is enduring – there are English street signs and a multitude of architectural gems such as the Bird’s Nest studded across the sprawling city. More recently, the Běijīng–Shanghai high-speed rail now connects the two cities in under five hours. Today, Běijīng tentatively balances a multitude of (growing) populations and subcultures. There’s a palpable sense of change in the air, though no-one quite knows what to expect. China is on the cusp of true greatness and one day, people will look back and say it all started here.

6. Christchurch

Rising from the rubble with flair

Best for: Culture, events, family

Tramway on Worcester Street.

New Zealand’s ‘Garden City’ is rising from the rubble created by devastating earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 with a breathtaking mix of spirit, determination and flair. With a unique opportunity to rethink urban form, Christchurch is bouncing back with a new energy and inventiveness. Foodies will be surprised by the variety of what is on offer, from Burmese to Turkish to local specialities, live-music venues have popped up all over the place, and innovative artworks fill empty demolition sites. 2013 will be an intriguing year to join the rebirth.

7. Hobart

Harbour town becomes hip

Best for: Events, culture, food

Fishing fleet and their lobster pots moored in Victoria Docks, Hobart.

The sleepy harbour town reputation attracts a solid ‘outdoorsy’ set, but the recent arrival of the world-class MONA museum has the waters rippling, hip tourists flocking and Hobart rousing from its slumber. 2013 will see the new kid on the block team up with the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) for the Theatre of the World exhibition curated by Jean-Hubert Martin, former director of the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris. This year will also prove exciting for Hobart’s already burgeoning gastronomic scene as the city’s culinary credentials continue to rise.

8. Montréal

Mélange of cultures marries brains and beauty

Best for: Culture, events, value for money

Le Vieux-Montréal by abdallahh. Creative Commons Attribution Licence

Having recently gained a high rank on city lists including the world’s happiest (Lonely Planet, 2010) and hippest (New York Times, 2011), this year Montréal’s angling for a top spot, showing off in Stephen Spielberg’s summer release Robopocalypse, and inviting everyone for drinks at the new urban beach. But Montréal’s got brains as well as beauty. Spring 2013 marks the launch of the new Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium, rounding out the ambitious ‘Space for Life’ project. And Montréal’s social calendar is also bubbling over with the unveiling of the Grévin wax museum at the Eaton Centre, the 50th-anniversary celebrations of the Place des Arts, and the new Point Zero hotel, owned by the eponymous fashion label.

9. Addis Ababa

Ethiopian metropolis evolving at pace

Best for: Culture, food, value for money

Portrait of jousting competitor at festival of Timkat, dressed in style of traditional Abyssinian warrior, with Gelada monkey headdress and embroidered cloak.

Like the Ethiopian marathon runners, Addis Ababa (often shortened to plain ‘Addis’) is evolving at a fast pace. The fact that the country’s economic growth should reach almost 5% in 2013 helps create a feeling of confidence and stamina. Founded little more than a century ago, Addis Ababa, which in Amharic means ‘New Flower’, is not only the diplomatic capital of Africa and a thriving metropolis, but also a groovy city that takes pride in its multifaceted assets.

10. Puerto Iguazú

Much more than just a waterfall

Best for: Family, activities, adventure

Iguazú Falls Iguazú Falls by Phillie Casablanca. Creative Commons Attribution Licence

It’s official: votes are in, and the Foz de Iguazú has won its place among the prestigious new seven wonders of nature, following a worldwide 2011 poll. That this phenomenal waterfall, spread-eagled along the Argentine–Brazil border, should make the final reckoning is no great shock. So tourism to these falls is set to morph: good news for Puerto Iguazú, the main tourist base hereabouts. ‘Iguazú’ – as locals call it – doesn’t just want to be the fall guy, though. After all, it offers some of the best hostels, top-end hotels and spas in the country, not to mention some stunning side trips.

Top 20 Free Attractions in Paris

Anita Isalska

    Lonely Planet Author

People relax along the bank of River Seine, during Paris Plage.

    Viaduc des Arts/ Promenade Plantee.

    Vendor shaving meat from animal leg, Marche Beauvau, part of Market d'Aligre.

    People relaxing in a field at Parc Monceau with a statue in foreground.

    Two men playing guitar by Canal St Martin.

    Sculpture in Jardin des Tuileries.

View gallery

City of love, fashion capital, literary paradise…Paris has many different guises. And while museum entry can be steep and fine dining comes at a premium, the French capital can also be a very cheap date.

Whether you go weak at the knees for soaring church spires or want to rub elbows at an authentic French market, let yourself be seduced by our top 20 must-sees.

They are all are completely gratuit, letting you save the euros for the really important stuff: wine, cheese and a flashing Eiffel Tower keyring you’ll regret the minute you return home.

1. Cathédrale de Notre Dame de Paris

Festooned with gargoyles and gothic touches, this imposing Parisian icon is essential for every visitor. Entering this grand medieval edifice is free but if you can’t bear the queue then stroll along the Seine nearby for an alternate view of its spiky apse and naturalist sculptures.

2. Le Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen

Window-shopping (or lécher les vitrines to the locals) is a great way to take an indulgent peek at objets d’art and wild curiosities you’d never actually buy. The flea market and antiques fair St-Ouen is the perfect place to let your imagination run riot. Marvel at bearskin rugs, antique tapestries and brass diving bells in this decadently eccentric marketplace. (But try to keep your eyebrow-raising in check when you look at the price tags.) Hop off the métro at Porte de Clignancourt and continue under the bridge until the souvenir stalls give way to side streets crammed with beautiful buys.

3. Le Champ de Mars

A lift to the peak of the Eiffel Tower can squeeze the budget at €13.40 per ticket, but luckily the views below are just as stunning. Le Champ de Mars has lawns and flowerbeds manicured with military precision (as you’d expect from a former army marching ground). Bring a blanket, wine and the best brie you can find to this expanse of greenery and wait for the light show at dusk to set La Tour Eiffel a-twinkle.

4. Père Lachaise Cemetery

The most haunting spot in Paris allows you to rub shoulders with literary greats like Proust and Balzac and even plant a kiss on Oscar Wilde’s lipstick-smudged tomb. Jim Morrison also lies here, his grave strewn with cigarettes, flower garlands and alcoholic offerings from rock fans who make a musical pilgrimage here. The tree-lined avenues and calling crows make Père Lachaise the most atmospheric walk in Paris. Head to the 20th arrondissement, stopping at Père Lachaise on line 2 or 3 or Philippe Auguste on line 2.

5. Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris

For a surreal view of French culture, dive into the permanent collections of the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris. From the bolshy cubism of Braque to Matisse’s dancers, there’s sure to be something to lift your spirits. Take métro line 9 and alight at Alma-Marceau.

6. Marché d’Aligre

Feast your eyes on the finest local produce at the Marché d’Aligre. Mountains of cheese, artisan butchers and a field of flower stalls can send you into sensory overload after wandering through a few aisles. Stop for a discreet glass of Bordeaux and get your hands floury on some crusty baguette. Step off line 8 at Ledru-Rollin and make your way to Place d’Aligre.

7. Basilique du Sacré Coeur

This palatial white marble church crowns the lively Montmartre district in the 18th arrondissement. Its interior is bedecked with gold mosaics and towering stained-glass windows, and you can listen for the peal of one of the world’s heaviest bells. Visiting the basilica is free, but there’s a charge to ascend into the dome or explore the crypt.

8. Musée Carnavalet

Image by OliverN5

Experience a tour de force through Paris’ history, from its ancient origins to the fashion-forward capital of sophistication it is today. The Musée Carnavalet’s permanent collection has no charge, allowing you to saunter through fin-de-siècle drawing rooms and delicately reconstructed baroque interiors without spending a euro. The closest métro stops are Chemin Vert and Saint Paul.

9. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Paris’ steepest park is murder on your calf muscles but a feast for your senses. With abundant birdlife, rocky reliefs and even a waterfall masterminded by landscaping genius Baron Haussmann, it’s easy to forget you’re in France’s hectic capital city. Find the park from Botzaris and Buttes Chaumont métro stops in the 19th arrondissement.

10. Montparnasse Cemetery

The final resting place for hundreds of glamorous and intellectual Parisians, this cemetery is less ostentatious than Père Lachaise but perfect for a serene stroll. Get closer than you ever thought possible to Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir and Samuel Beckett.

11. Parc Monceau

If celebrity-spotting in a cemetery is too morbid, march among France’s greats in Parc Monceau, which has statues of luminaries like Chopin and celebrated writer Guy de Maupassant. The park’s rich history makes it a fascinating spot for a promenade: this peaceful green space was the site of a massacre in 1871, and was a favourite painting spot for Monet. Head straight to the Monceau métro station in the 8th arrondissement.

12. Canal St-Martin

Image by Tonio Vega

Join chic Parisians at the water’s edge while the sun goes down or skip stones like the heroine of Amélie. This lively waterside haunt, between République and Gare du Nord in the 10th arrondissement, is the perfect spot to bring a picnic, pop a cork and eavesdrop on the locals.

13. Atelier Brancusi

Immerse yourself in the smooth shapes of Brancusi’s sculpture with a free visit to his recreated studio at the Pompidou Centre. The Romanian-born abstract sculptor made a name for himself with famous works like The Kiss, and this Brancusi workshop is a lovingly assembled and surprisingly intimate glimpse into the mind of an artist.

14. Arènes de Lutèce

Trace the ruins of Paris’ Roman heritage at the Arènes de Lutèce in the Latin Quarter. Dating back to 1AD, it is thought to be the longest Roman amphitheatre ever constructed. While the arena no longer hosts gladiatorial fights, it does provide a space for a competitive sport no less formidable: pétanque.

15. Rue Mouffetard

This cobblestoned market street is crammed with artisan bakers, fromageries and gourmet sweet shops. Visit it on a Saturday when it closes off to form a huge food market and listen out for the hum of bartering foodies and cat-calling vendors. Treat yourself with an ice-cream shaped like a rose from Gelati d’Alberto at 45 rue Mouffetard.

16. Belleville

A stroll along the streets of Belleville, a district with a history of rebellion and multicultural flair, is certain to fire the imagination. Belleville’s bustling Chinatown and artist residents make it a lively place to explore. Wander up Rue de Belleville to see where tragic chanteuse Edith Piaf is said to have been born under a street lamp, then meander south into Parc de Belleville.  Don’t leave without taking in some of the district’s many art studios and galleries.

17. La Promenade Plantée

A railroad track with a floral makeover, this elevated walkway offers superb views and allows you to sidle through lush green archways high above the city crowds. This charming 4.5km pathway runs through most of the 12th arrondissement and you can join it from Avenue Daumesnil near the Bastille métro stop.

18. Théâtre du Lucernaire

This melting pot of theatre, cinema and art is bedecked with cafe hangouts and has a number of cost-free attractions, including an ever-changing photography exhibition. Grab some dark sunglasses and a notepad and join the throng of arty intellectuals that frequent this hub of French culture.

19. Le Marais

The lively Marais district is superb for a Sunday stroll. Follow the trail of Louis XIV, hit the Jewish quarter or simply ogle the superb selection of vintage shops. Stop at République or Hôtel de Ville.

20. Jardin des Tuileries

Give your Paris trip a regal feel by sweeping through the historic park between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. Tread in the dainty footsteps of Marie-Antoinette and see where Napoléon built his triumphal arch.

To add extra flair to your Parisian adventure, plan your trip to coincide with one of these 5 occasional freebies:

1. Free museum days. The first Sunday of each month sees the classic museums of Paris open their doors for free. Sidle through the Louvre’s sculpture gallery and squint at the Mona Lisa, or exhaust yourself in the Musée d’Orsay. Arrive early but don’t expect to succeed in dodging the crowds.

2. La Fête de la Musique. This free musical extravaganza allows amateur and professional musicians to put on free concerts and have a ball each year on 21st June. This riotous festival bridges the gap from rock to jazz to pop, with everything in between.

3. Paris Plages. The summer months bring about a curious metamorphosis in this most chic of cities, as the Seine dons sand and deck chairs and ice-cream sellers swarm to its banks. This is a beach holiday experience made urban, and an essential way to cool off in the sticky Paris summer months.

4. Free fashion shows. It wouldn’t be Paris without a sashay down the catwalk, and France’s finest fashions are free for all to see at the weekly fashion shows at the Galeries Lafayette. Reserve by email to be sure of a seat.

5. La Nuit Blanche. Once a year, Paris throws open its doors for a nocturnal cultural feast. Visit galleries, stately buildings and even swimming pools for free all night long. 

Palm Beach, Aruba - Travel Guide

Palm Beach has always been at the forefront of the bustling tourism industry of Aruba. Famous for its magnetic water sports and the amazing sparkling white beaches Palm Beach is simply the best vacation destination in the southern Caribbean Sea. Palm Beach is a small coastal city on the Aruba Island and it boosts of having the largest number of hotels, casinos, spas, and shopping malls in the entire southern Caribbean Sea. It is a true paradise for holiday makes as it has such a bewitching hold on every visitor that has a chance to witness its glorious sunsets, enjoy a barefoot dining on the beach or just lazy around enjoying the sun and the sea. 

The most preferred method of travelling to and from Aruba is by air with the main entry point being the Queen Beatrix International Airport located near the capital city: Oranjestad. You can also arrive by sea and dock at either of the two major ports: Barcadera or Playa, both located near Oranjestad. Travelling on the island is mainly by bus however, in towns and resort areas such as Palm Beach travel is mainly by smaller vans, which mostly carry tourists.

Palm Beach houses some of the best accommodation facilities in the southern Caribbean Sea; they range from magnificent hotels, resorts to villas. They are all easy to locate and offer some of the best services in the region. Here are some of the best: the Boardwalk Hotel Aruba, which is a small beach hotel that offers several lovely bedrooms.

The Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris casino are renowned for having the largest number of guest rooms and ideal for large groups or are worth checking them out when your preferred resort is fully booked because you will always get a room here.

They also offer some stunning services. Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort is another lovely beach facility worth visiting. It is grander than most other facilities and offers perhaps the best dinning and accommodation in the entire Palm Beach. There many other lovely facilities for you to check out once you have settled in.

There are dining establishments that serve international cuisines, and one of a favorite is the Blanche Restaurant, which employs stunningly lovely personnel and serves a wide variety of international dishes at competitive prices and for predominantly American desserts visit the Hollywood Smokehouse near the beach. There are also several restaurants that offer local dishes and for some of the best just as around as it is always fun stumbling onto something testy and lovely. There are also a good number of music and drink entertainment spots to carry you away all evening and night. Some of those you might consider visiting includes; Marriott's Aruba Ocean Club and Brickell Bay Beach Club.

Whenever you are in Palm Beach, water sports and sunbathing is always calling you. Along the glistering beaches you will always find water sport operators ready to entice you with a sport that will astound you and it is always fun to try out a sport you have not tried in a long time. Sunbathing is also a great attraction to vacationers especially those keen on just lazing around. You could also explore the deep-sea life right from the beach and wonder at goods creations.

Anguilla - Travel Guide

As a small island country lying in the Caribbean Sea, Anguilla is Saint Martin’s neighbor to the south, and it has The Valley as its blossoming capital city. Tourism is the major economic activity within the borders of this little nation. Famous for myriads of marine life, sandy beaches and almost flat landscape, Anguilla is at the heart of tourism in the Caribbean Sea region of islands.

Travelling to Anguilla is either by air or by sea. The island nation is served only by Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport, which was previously known as Wallblake airport. It has a runway of slightly over one and a half kilometers and it can only accommodate moderate and small size aeroplanes. No direct flight from America or Europe lands at the airport, but visitors from such countries can use Saint Martin, which is just a twenty-minute boat ride away. One could also travel by a charter service from Princess Julian Airport to Blowing Point, Anguilla. When you are coming by sea, there are a number of options to explore. There are regular ferries from Saint Martin’s, which is a 20-minute journey to Anguilla Island.

As a nation with no permanent residents, you are always welcome to stay. Besides, to make your stay comfortable in the island, there are various accommodation options to choose from depending on your financial ability and your choice of a lifestyle. Here are a few examples of where you could stay if you are new to Anguilla; if you are the high-end type, you can try the Cuisinart Resort and Spa, Sirena hotel, or Altamer Villas. Other nice yet less expensive options include Arawak Beach Inn, Masara Resort, Anacaona Boutique Hotel, and Anguilla Great House.

As a renowned tourist destination, Anguilla has a larger number of restaurants varying in cuisine served and prices of the food. You can choose to dine in a luxury or a fair price restaurant. The most popular cuisines served are influenced by native Caribbean, African, Spanish and English cuisines. Seafood is also bountiful and being a lover of seafood  you will always have a time of your lifetime dinning here. Almost all the vegetables and other types of food consumed in Anguilla is mostly imported although, you can find fresh pork or mutton locally. The most renowned restaurants include English rose restaurant, pump house and Elvis beach bar. 

From the heavenly sparkling white sands, enchantingly gorgeous bays, to an endless clear blue ocean; Anguilla Island has attractions all around it. If you love the water sports and marine life then this is definitely a paradise for you. Surrounded by coral reefs and with it an array of marine life, you will definitely enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving around this island and have a chance to see rare marine creatures. The most popular beach is Shoal Bay, which is an excellent beach, and you have a chance of visiting other popular bays in the island; such as Rendezvous, Barnes, road and little bay.