The truth is… I didn’t love Paris but I did lots of things wrong on my trip that I’d do differently the next time I visit. I didn’t visit Disneyland, even though I really wanted to. I didn’t visit the Louvre because the lines were too big. I didn’t even go up the Eiffel tower because I didn’t want to be a clichéd tourist. Secretly, I want to go back to Paris and do it properly and these are the things I’d do differently:

I’d visit Disneyland:

Whether you want to spend just a day at Disneyland or an entire weekend, there’s so much to see and do there it will keep you easily entertained. If you live somewhere else in Europe you can simply plan Paris weekend breaks to Disneyland and get lost in the wonder and magic for a weekend. If you live further away, you can tact a trip to Disneyland onto your bigger trip around Europe. It doesn’t matter how old (or young) you are, Disneyland is a special place everyone should visit at least once.

Go up the Eiffel Tower:

I didn’t think I needed to; I thought standing at the bottom was enough and admiring the structure I’d been fascinated with since I was a child. When I got home I was looking through a friend’s photos that he’d taken from the top of the tower, it seemed to be a whole different perspective of Paris. I have a fear of heights so didn’t bother going up and now I almost feel like I need to return to Paris so that I can see what Paris looks like from the top.

Visit the Louvre:

Yes, the lines will be huge, daunting and seemingly relentless, but there’s a reason the tourists all flock to the Louvre. Paris was one of the first places I ever visited on my travels and if anything was expensive or too consuming, I simply couldn’t be bothered. Now I’ve traveled more and realize how much it will cost me to get back to Paris to visit the Louvre, I wish I’d waited in line and parted with the fee. Although I’ve been to Paris, I missed out so many of the key experiences I feel like I didn’t really see Paris.

Go Shopping on Champs-Élysées:

I managed to save a lot of money for my trip to Paris, but I was so busy penny pinching I didn’t get to really enjoy it. I concerned myself with overpriced espressos and couldn’t commit to buying any new clothes in Paris because it felt so much more expensive than home. I have nothing from my trip to Paris, no special dresses I indulged in and no stereo-typically Parisian scarves that I invested in. I’m not a huge shopper when I travel, but I wish I had something to remind me of my few days in Paris. Shopping along Champs-Élysées is unlike anywhere I’ve ever been and I wish I had something to show for it.

I’m planning to visit Europe next year and while Paris wont be the top place I want to visit on my list, it’s very high up there because I feel like we have some unfinished business.

Have you been to Paris? What did you think? What would you suggest I do the next time I visit.

If you are looking for a stress-free holiday without starting your free time fighting through the queues at Heathrow or Stansted then a rail holiday may be ‘just the ticket.’

Modern travel

Air and car travel in the 21^st century can sometimes be a nightmare. The restrictions imposed by airlines on baggage, the endless waiting in the airport and even the journey to the airport, often means that what should be an enjoyable and relaxing time is plagued with stress. An increasing number of travellers now select a rail holiday from Great Rail to overcome these difficulties – but what are the benefits of doing so?

Destinations

The destinations offered by the train holiday companies have expanded during the last decade, so if you wish to take a guided tour across Morocco, you can. In fact, every part of the planet is accessible through a combination of train and water travel, so the holidaymaker need never be restricted.

Freedom

Each of these trips is designed with the individual in mind, so travellers should banish any notion that they won’t be able to carry out any independent exploring. All the problems associated with hotel bookings overseas will be taken care of too and professional guides will brief you before you reach each new destination.

Cost

Car driving is getting ever more tedious and petrol prices are prohibitive for those interested in road travel, but with a rail holiday, you can stop off at each new city, feeling refreshed and relaxed, and still have plenty of money in your pocket.

Knowledge

Trains can also reach destinations that are hard to access by car. Some of the terrain in the USA is remote and difficult to reach, but an escorted train holiday will give you access to historic narrow gauge railways and other points of interest that the everyday traveller might not know about.

Customer service

It often appears that airlines have forgotten the true art of customer service, whereas those running rail holidays make customer comfort their first priority.  The fact that an experienced tour manager accompanies every train holiday means that, should any problems arise during the holiday, they can be swiftly dealt with. This gives the best possible experience to the traveller, ensuring their holiday gets off on the right foot – or rail!

There are a number of myths about holidaying on cruise ships – assumptions of tacky rooms, cheesy cabaret acts and bland food – but the modern reality of a cruise holiday is very different to that, and if you’re looking for a simple and cost effective way to enjoy a holiday then it’s certainly worth considering.

There are many benefits you get with a cruise holiday that you wouldn’t get with another type of break. We’ll outline a few here and see if we can’t bust some of those myths, but if you start thinking a cruise could be an option it might be worth looking at the websites of specialist cruise providers such as MSC, so you can see for yourself what it’s like on board.

Cruise Ships are Not All the Same

The modern cruise ship can wear many different hats – it can be a place for fun and entertainment, a spot for relaxation or a way to get out and explore different areas. The list of things you can do aboard various cruise ships is almost endless – options include everything from spa treatments to rock climbing and cinemas to yoga classes, combined with a selection of high-class cuisines that is as good as anything you’d find in a typical city. Going on a cruise could involve booking into what amounts to a floating hotel or getting aboard an old tall ship – there are so many options!

Sightseeing Made Easy

For some people, settling down in just one spot for two weeks is not what holidays are about, they want to get out and see as much as they can. Cheap flights and better information about hotel availability has made multi-stop sightseeing holidays easier to do, but they still involve plenty of planning. With a cruise, you can explore entire coastlines from the comfort of your floating hotel, stepping off at regular points to look around before climbing aboard again and back to your bed and suitcase.

Just one booking, one payment

Rather than having to trawl the web looking for the best deals on hotels, flights and excursions, with a cruise everything is part of a package. One easy booking and it’s all organised, and you’re still free to explore in your own way when you get off the ship, should you wish to at the time.

Making one all-inclusive booking will often mean you pay less than you would when building your own DIY holiday piece by piece, because even if you get deals on your flights and accommodation, the cost of eating out and visiting attractions can soon mount up. And for an extra-special deal on a cruise, perhaps look into the off-beat world of the repositioning cruise.

Cruises can be a great way to relax, see a little more of the world and enjoy time together as a family. Have you ever been on a cruise before? What did you think? 

I was lucky enough to live in Spain for a few months, as I was an au pair there. Living in Madrid meant I was literally in the middle of the country, able to explore the rest of the country during my weekends and at the end of my time living with my host family. One thing many people who haven’t visited Spain fail to realize is that Spain is really affordable. There’s so much to do and see in Spain that you can never be bored and there are even places in Spain that offer you free food, tapas, with your wine or beer – perfect.

Planning a cheap holiday to Spain doesn’t have to be a nightmare! Check out my favorite must-see, affordable places to visit in Spain.

1) Granada
Southern Spain is just different. It’s fun, it’s free, and it’s relaxed. Granada is also where one of the most beautiful buildings in the world is kept: the Alhambra. After living in Europe my standard for beautiful buildings rose and I became quite jaded. The Alhambra exceeded all of my expectations and still holds its position as one of the most awe inducing sites I’ve seen. The old quarter in Granada is wonderful to wander around. Even the grounds the Alhambra are housed in are beautiful and definitely worth a look. The best part about Granada? Free delicious tapas when you order a drink. Some establishments are famous for their tapas and can be a real treat.

2) San Sebastian
The truth is, San Sebastian is one of the more expensive parts of Spain, so you might wonder why I suggest it as a good option of somewhere to go when you’re looking for a cheap holiday? San Sebastian has one of the most incredible city beaches in the world; it’s literally on San Sebastian’s doorstep. While you’ll spend a little more on accommodation and food here, you can easily spend a few days exploring this wonderful beach or walking up to the top of the hill. Yes, San Sebastian is kind of expensive, but it’s one of those places you can enjoy without spending money because it is so beautiful.

3) Madrid
For a capital city, by European standards, Madrid is cheap. It’s also jam packed with some of the best museums, art galleries and parks in the world. If you want to save your money, keep in mind that many of the museums have free days or free time periods if you check on their websites. If you’re interested in seeing a hipper, trendier site of Madrid head to Tribunal station and walk around; you’ll see beautiful street art, cute cafes, gorgeous second hand stores and life buzzing around you.

These are my top three Spanish destinations for a cheap holiday to Spain. Each of these cities is very diverse to the others, providing you with a great opportunity to see a variety of Spanish cities. Have you been to Spain? What’s your favourite, best value, Spanish city?

Florida is one of the prime destinations for holidaymakers looking for fun in the sun. This state is such a hotspot for tourists thanks to the range of activities and destinations on offer, whilst guaranteeing brilliant weather for the most part of the year.

From water sports to historical landmarks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the Sunshine State!

Image Source: Travel City Direct

Universal Studios

As one of the best known theme parks in the world, Universal Studios is a must-visit for film lovers and thrill seekers alike. The park is made up of several areas which focus upon separate parts of television and film; Production Central, New York, San Francisco, London/Diagon Alley, World Expo, Springfield (due to be opened this year!), Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone, and Hollywood.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride, and Men in Black: Alien Attack are just a few of the biggest and best attractions on the resort, where there are rides and entertainment facilities for people of all ages.

LEGOLAND

Image Source: Legoland

A relatively new theme park, LEGOLAND opened in 2011 and is the largest LEGOLAND theme park in the world. There are more than 50 rides and attractions in the park, making it the perfect destination for anyone who has ever had a love of LEGO.

The park has been built around botanical gardens Cypress Gardens, so there are things to experience which aren’t strictly LEGO, while there are some pretty impressive feats of engineering using LEGO, such as the LEGO Statue of Liberty!

SeaWorld

SeaWorld is much more than just a theme park as it is home to a huge marine-life based zoo, and it is one of the most visited theme parks in America. The rides are nothing short of amazing thanks to the use of real sea life as part of the journey, whilst using some of the most advanced technology to make the rides nothing short of unforgettable.

Turtle Trek is one of the newest rides and exhibitions which is sure to astound anyone who steps on board. Sea turtles, West Indian manatees and American alligators all feature within the ride, though the highlight is a 360° dome showing a 3D film of the journey of the average sea turtle!

Walt Disney World

Of course, one of the main highlights of vacationing in Florida is Disney World, which is the most visited complex in the world. It is home to 24 themed resorts, four theme parks, two water parks and many more entertainment locations, meaning it’s something which is bound to fill up your entire holiday!

Kids and adults of all ages are sure to love the many different parks, especially Magic Kingdom, the very first park to have been opened here. Of course, if you’re looking to take a break from the Disney side of things, the resort also houses five golf courses, as well as catch-and-release fishing excursions, watercraft rentals, bike rentals, and firework cruises!

If you are looking for travel locales for A-listers, then you are in the right place. There are many amazing holiday destinations that attract the fashionable and glamourous. However, here are 5 travel hot spots:

1. Barcelona, Spain

This ancient Mediterranean port city is one of the most lively you will ever visit. It is saturated with glamour, beauty and style in its architecture, food, night life, cultural events and even the tourists are hip. As the 6th most visited city globally, Barcelona offers inviting weather with many after hours bars, pedestrian-friendly zones and beach access. The all-around good-times vibe also attracts many of the globetrotting glitterati each year. Take a look at First Choice Holidays who offer all inclusive holidays here, or maybe go spontaneously and book flights through Easy Jet and a hotel separately?

2. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is relentlessly likable fashionable folk. Expats and business travelers also love this city for the opportunities for leisure tourism. The breezy and pleasant climate also brings a flock of glamorous people looking for other beautiful people to look at and plenty of excitement.

This sweet harbour town has wonderful architecture in a back drop of great weather. The lovely waterfront, shopping opportunities and good wine give Cape Town the cosmopolitan feel that most travel fashionistas always look for when choosing a tour destination. What is more, you get to visit the Table Mountain for some breathtaking views and sights.

3. Montreal, Canada

As the original Canadian sin city, Montreal is another hot (or is it cold) spot for the fashionistas. It attracts style mavens, young adults looking for a good time and others looking for that Europe-ish fix. The certifiable festive attitude makes it possible for tourists to have fun, stay up all through the night and cure their morning hangovers with tasty smoked meat sandwiches and poutine.

Summer draws big crowds what with the lineup of legendary Montreal street fairs and festivals including the International Jazz Festival and the Just for Laughs event. The latter attracts a large congregation of comics to entertain tourists and locals alike.

4. New York, U.S.A.

The 3rd most visited city in the world, New York has long been the place to see and be seen. Beautiful people are everywhere in Central Park and Times Square at any hour. There’s also the Yankee Stadium, Greenwich Village, Fifth Avenue and Broadway to visit. Landmark buildings and world- renowned hotels also attract the fashionable at heart.

What is more, this city has events going on almost every other night that will interest the fashion watcher. If you plan to visit New York for a rare glimpse at the center of fashion, you should prepare to spend sleepless nights out having the time of your life. This city has every glamourous, fashionable, chic and suave thing you may need.

5. Paris, France

Called the City of Lights, this amazing city is said to be the birthplace of high fashion. The food, architecture, art and history attract people to Paris year in, year out. You do not even need to buy anything. Just walk around for hours on end and you will get the best feel of what the city is all about and how it has integrated everything fashionable in its creation. 

Dubai is a special kind of place; in many ways it is leading the world in terms of development. There’s glitz and glamor in Dubai on a level that most other cities haven’t been able to emulate. While Dubai is known for its incredible architecture and its incredible shopping scene, there’s more to this fascinating city than just that. Once you’ve found your accommodation in Dubai, such as the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, you’ll need to start planning how you’ll spend your time. Here are my suggestions for the top five things to do in Dubai:

Visit the Jumeirah Mosque:

While Dubai is often seen as a modern and advanced city, this is one of the most precious old buildings. Both stunning and historically significant, the Jumeirah Mosque is open to the public, even if they are not Muslims. This allows you to have a special insight into Muslim culture while appreciating this gorgeous building. It provides a stunning contrast to the majority of buildings in Dubai. Make sure you dress modestly if you do choose to visit this wonderful Mosque.

Marvel at the Burj Khalifa:

Yes, it’s clichéd, but as the tallest building in the world you simply have to view it. The Burj Khalifa is huge; you keep looking up and then have to tilt your head back even further and further until finally you can see the highest point of it. There’s an observation deck, which is just casually located on the 124th story floor – which obviously makes for very impressive views of this crazy city.

The World Archipelago:

Also known as the World Islands, this is a man-made construction of small islands made in the rough shape of a world map. Unfortunately due to the recession, the development on these islands has not been as great as originally intended. So far, there are only a few properties built on the islands. However, it still looks very striking and is worth visiting.

Explore Dubai Museum:

For a country that seems to be really modern, there is a deep level of history originating here. Half the charm of the Dubai Museum is the fact that it’s located in the Al Fahidi Fort that was built in 1987 and just happens to be the oldest existing building in all of Dubai. There are numerous galleries, showcasing historical memorabilia and artifacts. It’s a very educational visit and perfect if you’re trying to escape the heat for a few hours.

Wonder around Bastakiya:

This is one of the oldest and most traditional Emirati neighborhoods in Dubai. It is a lovely place to wander around and marvel at some of the older buildings and constructions, including the traditional windtower, which was the earliest form of air conditioning.

These are my top five things to do in Dubai – have I missed anything special from the list? Let me know your favourite things to do in Dubai.

When I was working in Czech Republic as an au pair, I hadn’t seen the ocean in four months. Coming from New Zealand, a long thin country that’s surrounded by water, this was the longest I’d ever gone without seeing the ocean. It was a really weird feeling, so I decided to book a long weekend in Barcelona. I visited in early January and despite being the middle of winter, it was warm enough to head to the beach, but fully clothes. My trip to Barcelona was wonderful – I enjoyed visiting Spain so much that I ended up moving there later in the year to work as an au pair again.

Barcelona’s a city that’s jam-packed with great things to do and see. After spending four days there and covering a lot of the city, I felt I’d only just got started. I would really love to revisit Barcelona one day in the summer so I can make the most of the beautiful beaches on the city’s doorstep. Once you’ve found your accommodation in Barcelona, you’ll want to make sure you plan some activities into your trip so you can make the most of your time there.

Here are my tips for the best things to do in Barcelona:

Guell Park: 
As a park alone, this is an outstanding park, perched on a hill overlooking Barcelona’s city. When you factor in Guadi’s art, it becomes an exceptional park and definitely one of the best things to do in Barcelona. There are lots of little surprises hidden around every corner, making it an exceptional day out. The park itself is quite a hike up the hill, so allow you a few hours to really enjoy it. As sunset creeps in, you’ll find people gathering around the lookout points to enjoy one of the best views in Spain.

The Church of the Sacred Family:

The most famous building in all of Barcelona, if not all of Spain, the Sagrada Familia is absolutely stunning and a must-see. It is one of the most breathtaking churches in the world, constructed in such a way that it will surprise you and charm you at the same time. Here is where all the crowds flock to, but it’s one of those attractions that are worth dealing with the hoards of people. Visit early in the morning so you can enjoy it with a few less people around.

The Gothic Quarter:

Filled with charming old buildings, the Barri Gotic is made up of buildings that date back to the medieval times. It’s a great place to walk around for photo opportunities and it is filled to the brim with cute cafes and lovely restaurants, great for enjoying a beverage while people watching. Here you’ll find a lovely mix of upbeat, upscale places to traditional guitar makers. You can easily spend a day walking around these historic streets, soaking in the old Barcelona. This is one of the most stunning parts of Barcelona and is certainly one of the best things to do in Barcelona. 

Barcelona’s Science Museum:

If you happen to get caught in Barcelona on a rainy day, a visit to the Science Museum is a great way to keep yourself entertained. It’s super cheap, at only 4 Euro a ticket and there’s always lots of exhibitions to entice visitors young and old. The café here is also really nice and there’s a great view.

Parc de Montjuic:

For a lovely day out, take the tram up to the top of Parc de Montjuic and explore the beautiful castle. There’s a metro stop that lines up with the tram stop, so you can easily navigate your way to Parc de Montijuic on public transport. There are stunning views, as well as a rich history. The castle itself isn’t the most impressive castle in Europe, but the views make up for what the castle cannot offer.

These are my five favourite things to do in Barcelona and some of the best things to do in Barcelona. Do you have anything that is essential to a trip to Barcelona? I’d love to hear in the comments below:

Like it or not, to make it in this life you need to be able to handle your money. It’s not the be all and end all, but having financial stability can take mountains of pressure off you and give you one less thing to worry about.  The peace of mind that comes from having your bills in check is priceless, and watching your savings grow is exciting and can open up many doors of opportunity that were closed in the past – including lots more travel.

Check out these 4 money saving tips to get you started on your path to a brighter, more secure future or the next big holiday overseas.

1.     Use Cash

Sit down and make a budget. Once you have allocated money to pay your weekly expenses and put away your savings, take your play money out in cash. Physically paying with real notes and coins makes the whole spending process seem more real, and you will be less likely to fritter away your hard earned money if you can watch it disappear.

2.     Consolidate Your Loans

Talk to the bank. Instead of juggling many different payments, get them to consolidate your credit card, car payment and any other higher purchases into one monthly payment. Balance transfer credit card can save money as banks often offer 6 months interest free type schemes if you merge your loans and save you money.

3.     Drink Instant

We all love a latte from our favourate café in the morning, maybe another one on your lunch break. These can snowball quickly, and at roughly $5 for a medium coffee these days, one a day is leaving you $25 down at the end of the week. That’s around $1200 over a working year. Plus think of the damage to the environment from all those takeaway mochas. Grab yourself a reusable mug and make them at home.

4.     Exercise at home.

Along with eating a balanced diet and sleeping well, exercising is the best way to keep your body running how it’s supposed to, and will help avoid costly medical bills later on. You can also save on costly gym memberships and personal trainers by doing it at home. Youtube is full of different at home fitness routines, or if you like the outdoors get down to the local track or park. Get creative, the world is your playground. Save money on your gym fees and put it aside for your next holiday.

These tips are easy, pain free and you can start right now! Life is for enjoying, not stressing over finances. So get smart and your bank balance will be growing before you know it.

             “I’d like to live as a poor man with lots of money.”- Pablo Picasso

These are my top 4 money saving tips that will stretch your money further. What are your favourite money saving tips? Leave your tips in the comments below.