Posts by : Izy Berry

The best man has numerous responsibilities from giving a speech to remembering the wedding rings. While forgetting the wedding rings would be a catastrophe, there is an even bigger faux pas a best man can commit: a disastrous stag do.

When organising a stag do for the first time, it can be difficult to know where to begin. With so many aspects to plan and a lot of people to mobilise, there are lots of opportunities for things to go wrong. Not to worry, here is how to make sure you plan an unforgettable stag.

Guest Lists and Budgets

These are two of the hardest parts of planning any stag do. When deciding who to invite, talk to the groom. It is always better to ask rather than guess and leave out important friends or family members. In terms of budget, remember that everyone you invite will be in different financial circumstances. As such, aim to keep the price as low as possible, so that all guests can afford to attend.

Choose a Location

To plan the ultimate stag do, you may be tempted to jet off and go abroad. While there are many European destinations perfect for a raucous night out, consider planning your stag do in the UK, instead. As well as being cheaper and less complicated to organise at home, the UK has some amazing stag-worthy cities, from the obvious choices of Blackpool and Newcastle, to surfing in Newquay or camping in the Lake District.

Appoint a Treasurer

As the best man, you have a lot to organise to plan a legendary stag do. The good news is, there is an area in which you can afford to delegate: money. After setting a budget, appoint one sensible person as the treasurer, who will be responsible for collecting money from guests, keeping track of all expenditure and also for paying for the restaurant bill and the numerous rounds of drinks.

Plan a Main Activity

Many stags are moving away from typical all night drinking binges to include numerous day-time activities. Even if you are planning a clubbing marathon, booking an activity can be a great ice breaker for large groups. Before choosing an activity, consider what the groom likes to do. Choices could include anything from paintballing and go-karts to zombie experiences, festivals or even a spa weekend.

Get the Stag a Gift

It is customary to buy the groom a gift for his stag do. Usually, this takes the form of a humiliating and ridiculous costume, or else planning an elaborate prank. However, there are lots of useful items you can buy for the groom, too. You could consider a drinking game, personalised cuff links, a bottle of their favourite whisky, or a homemade hangover kit.

Keep Accommodation Cheap

You may be tempted to book an elaborate suite, but take warning from films like The Hangover. Rather than blowing your budget on an expensive hotel that the guests will spend little time in – or worse – opt for cheaper accommodation and keep some money for the more important things.

Remember the Food

Last but not least, as drinking is usually one of the main activities of stag dos, remember food. It is a well known fact is that drinking on an empty stomach is never a good idea. To avoid having to carry the groom back to the hotel at 10pm, book a table at a restaurant to make sure all of the guests line their stomachs.

If you’re still wondering what to get your loved one for Valentine’s Day, we’ve got your back. It can be tricky figuring out exactly what to get your loved one, and there’s a fine line between thoughtful and romantic and over the top and mushy.

Here are some great ideas for Valentine’s gifts this year:

A new phone case

This is a great gift idea, since it’s both practical and romantic- that special someone will get plenty of use out of it but it’s also a gift that shows you’ve been paying attention to what they really need- especially if their old case has been knocked around and is all scuffed.

Consider the iPhone 7 card holder, which will allow your significant other to leave the house with everything they need held in one hand, or the JimmyCASE which is both attractive and functional. For more great options, check out http://thejimmycase.com/.

Jewellery

Jewellery makes the perfect gift for both girls and guys. Many guys will love a new watch, and if they’ve made you extra happy this year, consider the Apple iWatch to have them bragging about you to all their friends. For girls, Kate Spade New York is a great choice, and the Heart of Gold bangle is a must-have accessory that will have them thinking of you every time they glance at their wrist.

Camera

Sure, most people are taking photos on their phone these days, but for something a little cooler that’s a throwback to a simpler time, take a look at the Polaroid snap. This is the company’s latest spin on the classic Polaroid camera, and you guys are bound to have a great year making and recording your memories with this handy camera.

A trip

What’s better than spending Valentine’s Day together? Spending a few days together somewhere new and exciting. If you’ve been meaning to get away from it all and enjoy some quality time, consider surprising your significant other with a trip away. If you really want to splash out, check with their coworkers to see how long they can take off work and really go to town with international flights to a surprise destination (show them the tickets on Valentine’s Day so they can spend the lead up getting excited), or simply whisk them away for a surprise weekend trip somewhere local, or a staycation in a nice hotel in your town.

A pet

If your favourite person has been dreaming of a ball of fluff, maybe Valentine’s Day is the day to make this dream come true. While you may need to check if they’re allowed pets in their house or apartment, once you’ve sorted out the details you can go to the local shelter and pick out a friend to keep them warm when you’re not around. This is a great way to show that you’ve been listening every time they mention that they’d love to have a cat or dog to look after.

I’ve rarely met anyone who wouldn’t like to visit the Maldives one day, and it’s easy to see why. Jump on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, and you’ll see millions of photos of aqua seas, white beaches, and delicious food. In fact, on Instagram alone, the Maldives has been hashtagged close to three million times.

The Maldives is located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, and is known around the world for its turquoise waters and immaculate beaches. There are 1,200 islands to choose from, and you’ll find maritime towns, tropical jungles, and even luxurious private islands.

With so many islands to choose from, the hardest part can be deciding exactly where you should spend your holiday. Luckily, there are plenty of reviews and travel blogs available online which will allow you to choose the perfect island based on the type of holiday you’re looking for.

Ja Manafaru is popular, due to its local touches and secluded feel, and you’ll be kept entertained by Boduberu bands and can explore a cellar that’s made up of Indonesian lava rock. Social media is also one of the best ways to find the best holiday destinations, since most of us are likely to take many different photos when we’re on holiday, so you can search for the most instagrammed places in the Maldives and make your decision that way.

Search #wedding while looking at destinations in the Maldives, and you’ll find Kurumba, which is the original private island resort in the Maldives. The resort doesn’t look all that luxurious from afar, but once you arrive you’ll see why so many people are documenting their wedding and honeymoon memories here. This is a place that’s all about romance, and yet indulgent and slow-paced with snorkelling and sunbathing a must.

Niyama is another popular destination, and it’s known as “nature’s play area”. Here, you’ll find a luxury, five-star resort amongst tropical forests, with white and beaches and incredible restaurants- there’s even Subsix, an underwater restaurant where you can watch the ocean while dining on local dishes.

This resort is spread over two separate islands, and one is devoted to families, while the other is just for couples. Be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins, and keep your phone ready for the many Instagram opportunities.

Velassaru is the kind of place where you can hang out in your beachwear all day, and is both opulent and understated. You can get a massage in one of the state-of-the-art spas in the morning, before exploring the mesmerising reefs just a few minutes later. This is a great place for couples, since you’ll have plenty of time for romance, along with many exciting adventures to enjoy.

Baros is a coral island and one of the dream honeymoon destination. You’ll find hand-build villas on the water, with luxury pools and a traditional feel.

As you can see, there are so many amazing places within the Maldives, you’ll be spoiled for choice for your next holiday.

There is no sweeter pleasure in the world than that of traveling. The experience of seeing the world, tasting foods, seeing sights, visiting museums, exposing yourself to new and foreign cultures and making memories is priceless. There is an entire world of pleasure out there, waiting to welcome you.

Each country has something unique to offer. There are the obvious attractions, such as London’s Big Ben, New York’s Times Square, the Colosseum in Rome, the Eiffel Tower in France – these sightseeing attractions draw millions and millions of tourist a year.

We totally understand why students opt to travel the world by backpacking and roughing it out in hostels, just to gain the experience and taste the sweet pleasure of traveling. Whether you plan a trip after saving for years or whether you take off on a whim with the pennies in your pockets, there is no doubt that traveling gives you more education, enjoyment and experience than anything else.

However there are so many more reasons to travel, other than these commercial sightings.

People plan active vacations where they travel to unique and exciting places. Places that are far less ‘commercial’. Places such as Ecuador, where the Amazon jungle meets the Andean highlands and the Galápagos Islands. Ecuador is a country frequently visited specifically for diving and snorkeling.

Others make trips to the glorious Swiss Alps to ski during the peak months of November and December. With ski options for beginners to experts, this is one holiday destination that is both picturesque and practical.

Group activities are another reason for people to travel. Prague holds annual poker tournaments where games take place everyday with between 40 -100 participants. These tournaments attract hundreds of tourists who enjoy playing and watching poker tournaments.

Unique traditions and customs are another attraction for tourists. Brazil is famous for capoeira, which is a form of art that mixes dance, fight, movement and games to create an experience unlike any other. Capoeira is known as the art of liberation, as it originated roughly 500 years ago, during the slave era in Brazil. A melting pot of cultures were forced to live together, combining their traditions of food, dance, art and culture. And hence, capoeira was born.

Besides for some of the world’s best shopping and theatre, England is also well-known for it’s bingo events. The UK version of bingo makes use of 90 balls, as opposed to the American version which uses only 75. The English enjoy playing bingo tournaments and events. Word has it that even England’s Monarch, the Queen, holds family bingo evenings in her palace. We wouldn’t be surprised if she was part of the thousands of people who opt for online bingo games to play in her spare time. The British are bingo lovers. Can we blame them?

Speaking of the European continent, Europeans, -and specifically Italians – enjoy getting together to play bocce. This is a traditional game where metal balls are thrown on grass or into sand – similar to the game of bowls. Bocce is believed to have originated in Egypt, but has come to be the modern day sport as we know it because of the Italians.

Whatever your reasons for traveling, make sure that you make the utmost of your time abroad. See as many sights as you can see, eat as much food as you can eat, go on all the adventures that come your way and try out something new – a little Capoeira never really hurt anybody.

Happy traveling!

Europe is a continent full of wonderful weekend destinations, especially for those celebrating a hen party. What you look for in a hen party location, be it brilliant beaches, amazing food or sensational sights, Europe has such a diverse range of cities that there is somewhere to suit every hen party.

From Lisbon’s idyllic sunsets, sipping champagne in London’s sophisticated hotels or partying hard in Prague, there’s something to suit every brides-to-be’s taste and these are our 5 favourites

London for a champagne afternoon tea

In the UK, there are 222,000 stag and hen parties every year, pouring £60 million into local economies. It’s also why larger cities are such attractive destinations for hen weekends, because the cities make it worth coming.

The wide variety of activities for hen weekends in London makes it ‘the UK’s best hen party city’, according to hen party specialists Maximise. London offers everything from cocktail making on the Thames, the quintessentially British post-lunch activity, afternoon tea, and some of the best museums and galleries in the world.

London is a city that combines the historic and the modern. Here you can sip champagne in the Shard, the UK’s tallest skyscraper before knocking back oysters in the nearby Borough Market, a collection of stalls that dates back to 1851.

The best things in life are cheap and in Budapest

According to Interrail EU, Budapest is one of the cheapest cities in Europe. Yet the price doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the quality of either the accommodation or food.

Budapest is a diverse mix of eastern and western cultures, and it’s cuisine, architecture and culture is testament to this. The result is one of the most intriguing capitals in Europe. Budapest is composed of two main parts: on the hilly west side is historic Buda, and Pest is the city’s cosmopolitan centre of shops, restaurants, markets and nightlife.

There are many things to do on a hen party in Budapest, from a river cruise down the Danube, to touring the city in a Trabant. A classic car that has become the symbol of the old Eastern Bloc.

Life’s a beach in Barcelona

In recent years Barcelona has become an increasingly popular destination for stag and hen party weekends. Its Mediterranean location, warm climate and fantastic nightlife means Barcelona will please all types of hen parties.

From luxurious spa days to vibrant bars and tapas restaurants, Barcelona is a city sure to delight every hen party. Many of Barcelona’s top hotels have spas that are available whether you are staying in the hotel or not.

Additionally, Barceloneta is the city’s main beach, and is walkable from the city centre. Alternatively, if you get bored of the city life, some of Catalonia’s most idyllic beaches are just a short train or car ride away.

Enjoy the world class nightlife of Prague

According to Business Zone, bookings for hen parties in Prague, Riga & Krakow have shot through the roof in recent months, in part as all three are considered cheaper destinations. Although all three are cities worth visiting, Prague is definitely the pick of the bunch.

The Czech capital combines some of the world’s best clubs, luxurious spas and fantastic restaurants with action packed activities such as salsa classes and live music every night of the week.

The city is brimming with culture and history so it`s well worth spending a few days mingling with friendly locals.

Lisbon offers the best sun, sea and seafood in Europe

Lisbon is a city that relaxes by day and parties all night, making it the perfect destination for a hen party. When the sun’s up visitors have the perfect opportunity to enjoy a lazy day walking through Lisbon’s beautiful cobbled streets, and gorge on locally caught seafood and sip pitches of sangria.

Then the sun sets and the quiet backstreets come alive, filled with music, dancing and drinking—lots of drinking. It’s no wonder that Portugal’s tourism industry is booming, with over 10 million foreign tourists heading there in 2015.

If you’re looking for an exciting new destination to visit this year, Kapalai island could be the place for you. If you haven’t yet heard of Kapalai Island, don’t be surprised- this is one of the best kept secrets for beach lovers.

Kapalai Island is located in Malaysia, and if you like the idea of swimming in crystal clear waters and staying in a floating paradise, you’ll be glad you chose Kapalai.

This place is a paradise for those who love scuba diving, and Kapalai Dive Resort offers the most luxurious chalets, gorgeous beaches, and a number of fun recreational activities. Each room is “floating” above the water, giving you the most spectacular views and allowing you to relax and enjoy tropical sunsets from your front door.

Dive enthusiasts will go crazy for this area, and the Kapalai Dive Resort is in the perfect location so you can go diving on Sipadan Island, which is one of the best dive locations in the world. You’ll be diving among more than 3000 species of fish, with coral gardens, sea turtles and more.

Whether you’re a beginner or advanced diver, you’ll be catered to at the dive centre, which has a variety of courses available, including open water and night diving. Here, you’ll be discovering coral reefs, cuttlefish, and a huge variety of marine life.

If you haven’t yet been to Malaysia, Kapalai Island is a great place for meeting locals, eating delicious food, and of course, spending plenty of time diving.

Sometimes we feel like we just need to get away from it all, and this island is the place to do that. Whether you’re looking for a nice beach to read a good book, you’d like to finish writing your own novel, or you plan to be diving all day every day, Kapalai Island truly has something for everyone- making it a good choice for solo travellers, couples, and families.

While this amazing place is known as an island, it’s actually a large sandbar, and is perfectly situated on top of the Ligitan Reef. While the island used to be an actual island and was covered with vegetation, the last few years have reduced it to sea level due to erosion.

While people who love to dive will greatly enjoy the island, the same can be said for those who prefer to snorkel. And for those who enjoy muck diving, you can easily grab a boat from Kapalai to Mabul Island, which is known to be the macro paradise of the world.

You’ll be able to enjoy a chalet with a private balcony, and they’re all built on stilts among the reefs. You can enjoy fresh water, wifi, and for those who are continually getting bitten by mosquitos, you won’t have that problem here- meaning you can leave your balcony doors open without getting eaten alive.

To get to Kapalai, you’ll fly into Tawau, before getting a taxi or bus to Semporna and then a speed boat to the island.

There are many ways of seeing the world. Some people like posh hotels, taking in shows, and fine dining. Others favor going to a large city and going on bus tours around the sights. Then there are the adventurers who love nothing more than putting everything they need in a backpack and communing with the outdoors.

If you enjoy backpacking, you know how amazing it can be to sleep under the stars, find natural beauty in mountains and streams, and generally fend for yourself in the outdoors. You also know that there are some potential downsides to backpacking that can keep you from fully enjoying your vacation. Here are some problems that you can face when on a backpacking vacation, and some advice on how to prepare for and overcome them.

The weather and atmosphere

The biggest variable that you will face is likely the weather. You may track the forecasts for months before, and try to find the perfect weekend to get into the mountains, only to have some weather event scuttle your plans. You may have just one week to get away and trek through a National Park, and you have to take whatever weather comes your way.

If your destination can have low temperatures, pack layers. It certainly beats trying to find a parka once you get to your destination. If you are going to hike through Thailand’s scenery, you’ll face hot and humid climates. You will need to invest in hiking clothes that wick moisture. For your feet, if you are looking to say, “Those will certainly keep my feet dry,” compression socks for women are the perfect choice. Infused with copper and zinc, the socks regulate body temperature and offer anti-odor technology.

Once you arrive at your backpacking destination, you may discover that the atmosphere is quite different from home. For example, the pollution in India’s large cities can be hard to endure, so you may need a mask if you are especially sensitive. In the mountains of Colorado, the altitude can be a hazard, so plan to ascend slowly, or talk to your doctor about altitude medications.

Injuries and other health concerns

If you are traveling to locations that have insects, snakes, and other crawly things, it is a great idea to familiarize yourself with the ones that are poisonous, and pack insect repellent and emergency first aid.

No matter how careful you are, you can still face an injury when backpacking. Your pack must include a first aid kit to attend to cuts, scrapes, sprains, and muscle aches. A multi-tool in your pack can help with many backpacking problems, including opening packaged foods, making minor repairs to equipment, or even hunting.

You can also find yourself ill from local water or food. Be prepared for different food preparation techniques, and pack snacks and bottled water.

Other issues

If you are backpacking with a tour group, be prepared for them to stop at tourist traps designed to get your money. The better companies will avoid this, so do your research. Check online reviews and see what experienced travelers have said about any tours that you are considering.  A tour can be a good option if you are traveling alone, or don’t know the language. If you don’t like the group vibe, it is perfectly fine to backpack alone, as long as you are aware of the cultural expectations where you are traveling, let trusted friends know your itinerary, and keep a cellphone or emergency beacon handy.

If you are flying to get to your backpacking destination, bear in mind that your pack may be checked. While the idea of having all you need to hand is enticing, there are items in your pack that cannot go in the cabin, such as knives or liquids. Since you’ll be carrying everything you need to live outdoors, your bag may be over the weight limits. Be aware of the restrictions of the airlines that you’ll be using, and make sure that if you won’t be checking your bag, your backpack meets the size guide. It will also be important to make sure that you can stock up on any prohibited items once you reach your destination.

Some countries, such as India, require a visa to enter the country. If you want to take in the gorgeous landmarks there, make sure that you apply for a visa well in advance.

Going on a backpacking vacation is a great way to immerse yourself in nature. Whether you strike out to the nearest forest, or travel halfway around the globe, your trip will be better if you plan for all contingencies, good and bad.

• April, August, September and October the cheapest months of the year to book in
• Saturday and Sunday are the cheapest days to book

Online travel agent Opodo.co.uk has today revealed the times of year domestic, long haul and short haul flights are at their lowest, giving savvy travellers clues as to when they should be booking their holidays in 2017.

Examining data from all return flights departing from the UK between November 2015 and October 2016, Opodo has disclosed the best months and days to hunt for holidays on.

April, August, September and October delivered the best discounts, while the best days to book on were Saturday (an average saving of 4% – 6% domestic, 3% short haul, 3% long haul) and Sunday (an average saving of 3% – 7% domestic, 3% short haul, 1% long haul). More information on the way flight prices fluctuate from month to month can be found at: https://www.opodo.co.uk/best-time-to-book-flights/

If you’re planning to visit popular destinations New York, Dubai, Hong Kong or take any other long-haul trips this Summer it’s worth holding out until April, when tickets are on average 6% cheaper than the rest of the year. However if you’re taking the trip in 2018 then September is your best bet, with an average saving of 8% across the board.

Long-Haul:

For those planning on taking a trip to Europe in the Summer, flights in April are on average 5% cheaper than the rest of the year, the only exception to this is September and October when prices crash to 14% and 13% respectively.

Short-Haul:

October and September are again the cheapest months to fly within the UK, with August rounding out the list.

Domestic:

Lukas Balter, destination expert at Opodo, said:

“When the first frosts start appearing on the ground and with temperatures currently at rock bottom it’s only natural people start thinking about beaches, holidays and above all the warm embrace of the sun. But you shouldn’t just book the first flights you see. With a little planning you can get a much better deal than at other times of year and when you visit Opodo.co.uk you can search for combination flights with different airlines, helping you find the best price possible.”

About Opodo:

Leading online travel agent Opodo was named “Best Flight Booking Website” in the 2015 and 2016 British Travel Awards. With a presence in 14 countries, this pioneer of online travel offers deals from over 450 airlines and 855,000 hotels to make it as quick and easy as possible for an increasing number of consumers to find the best value and most convenient travel options; getting them to more of the places they want to be.

About eDreams ODIGEO:

eDreams ODIGEO is one of the world’s largest online travel companies and one of the largest European e-commerce businesses. Under its four leading online travel agency brands – eDreams, GO Voyages, Opodo, Travellink, and the metasearch engine Liligo – it offers the best deals in regular and charter flights, low-cost airlines, hotels, cruises, car rental, dynamic packages, holiday packages and travel insurance to make travel easier, more accessible, and better value for the more than 17 million customers it serves worldwide. With a presence in 44 markets, the company has a human team of over 1,700 professionals. eDreams ODIGEO is listed in the Spanish Stock Market.

There are far more than 5 reasons to adore beautiful Venice but let’s make a start with five. Venice is definitely a place that you should place high on any bucket list for visits in Italy and around the Adriatic Sea. Place it especially high if you love art, architecture, Italian food and culture.

Venice is a unique city in north eastern Italy and the capital of Veneto province. Venice’s geography contributes greatly to its features historically, culturally and artistically and architecturally. The city is built across more than a hundred small islands in the shallow Venetian Lagoon at the estuary confluence of the Po and Piave rivers. These densely populated islands are linked together by bridges where practical, and serviced by water traffic when not.

You can arrive by car, bus, aeroplane or boat but once you are there you may have to try out a few novel ways of getting about. Venice is the type of place you can wake up one morning and just decide to take advantage of deals for last minute city breaks and the type of place that you will want to return to.

Getting Around Venice

Just getting around is a fun adventure. Good advice is to invest in a simple street map to help you negotiate the narrow medieval allies and canals. Being a pedestrian is as good as way as any to get around. By walking you will get to feel the vibe of the Venice, explore back alleys and stop to take photos at your leisure.

Otherwise there is an efficient water taxi service with boats called “vaporetti” to take you where bridges can’t.  And of course for the romantic experience take at least one gondola ride, on a real water gondola. Not the ones you cram into on the way up the ski slopes.

Venice Historically

People started to populate the islands just over 1500 years ago to escape those marauding and troublesome Visigoths, Huns and the likes from the north. Living surrounded by water meant they were essentially left alone to get on with fishing. Many of us would like the same today.

However because of its strategic place at the north of the Adriatic Venice developed and eventually came to prominence as a point of launch for the crusading Christians through the Middle Ages heading off to find the Holy Grail. I think Monty Python are the only ones who have come close to finding it. The City State of Venice also became a strong international finance centre as well as important trade centre for exotic goods from the East like silk, rice and spices. It was not by mistake that intrepid explorer Marco Polo set out on his travels from Venice in search of oriental delights.

Venice Architecturally

Because of its financial wealth, Venice had developed its unique architectural style by the 14^th century from a mix of Byzantine and Arabic influences combined with Gothic features. Of special interest is the Gothic lancet pointed arch and the ornate tracery decorations that make Venice architecture so distinctive. There is a delicateness about the balconies and windows that defy the fact the buildings are made of stone. You feel light and airy about Venetian Gothic as opposed to dark and eerie about much other Gothic.

Essentially the whole of Venice is an architectural museum! A few of the most gorgeous examples include the Doge’s Palace, the Ca’ d’Oro, the Palazzo Bembo, Palazzo Giustinian and Palazzo Dandolo, to name but a few. Once you have been to Venice, you will realise that its influence has spread all over with buildings from New York, U.S.A. to Adelaide, Australia

Celebrate Venice Biennale!

Venice becomes the fitting focus for various biannual celebrations for art and architecture on alternating years. The Art Biennale will be held in 2017 while the Architectural Biennale is 2018 but you can visit the sites even when the biennale is finished.  Artists and designers get to showcase their thoughts for the future in expos and pavilions where up to half a million people attend the exhibitions. There are contributions from all over the world, from over 60 countries.

Venice Art Masters

Venice is art, in its architecture and its priceless artworks that are exhibited or stored there. Venice itself has been the subject of, and inspiration for, many artworks by artists such as Turner, Guardi, and Canaletto. Great painters have influenced the world and changed aspects of art forever with their novel perception of light, colour and space – artists like Bellini, Tiziano, Tintoretto, Tiepolo and Veronese.

There are far too many galleries and museums to mention all but do you research before you visit to see the works that most interest you. Check out these for a good start – Gallerie dell’Accademia, Museo Correr, Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Original Murano Glass.

And here are a Few more Reasons to visit Venice

I should mention Venice is also a UNESCO World Heritage site for good reason.  I haven’t even begun to talk about the delicious Italian food and wine you will find in Venice, or the best places to stay. However I hope I have tempted to you to check out more about Venice and plan a visit soon. I’m sure you will not be disappointed.

Most committed travellers will experience Paris at least once in their lives. But it can be tricky to know exactly how to navigate this incredible city if you haven’t been there before. Since I was just in Paris late last year, this post has everything you need to know about getting to and from the airport, travelling within the city, and the best ways to get around like a local.

Here are some tips for getting around in Paris:

Use Blacklane

We used Blacklane for our Paris airport transfers, and I couldn’t have been happier with the experience. The last thing I want to do after a long flight is to try to navigate the public transport system or find a cab, and it was so nice to know that as soon as we arrived in Paris, our driver would be waiting to take us directly to our hotel. I’m also someone who likes to get to the airport nice and early, so instead of the usual stress associated with getting ourselves to the airport, our driver was waiting at our hotel at the perfect time, making our travel back home smooth and easy. I found the price much cheaper than a taxi, and the service was a lot more premium, so if you’re planning a trip and going to need a Paris airport transfer, there’s no better! Blacklane is available in many cities in the world and their easy booking service makes it a breeze, especially for countries where you don’t speak the language. 

Do some walking

One of the best ways to really see a city is by walking, and Paris is no exception. This is a city that continually has something new (and charming) to see around every corner, and if you download the Paris map in Google Maps, you’ll be able to navigate without Wi-Fi or 3G, although half the fun is getting a little lost and discovering new restaurants, boutiques and neighbourhoods. Take your camera, as you’re guaranteed to see hidden courtyards, colourful doors, and plenty of other gems you would miss if you weren’t out having a wander.

Get on your bike

Biking has all of the advantages of walking, only it’s faster so you can cover more ground in less time. Check out the Vellib bikes which can be both rented and returned at a variety of stations throughout the city. You can buy 1 or 7-day tickets at the stations (or online), just remember to keep safe and follow all of the road rules (don’t forget to download the Velib app to see the closest station to you).

Take the Metro

While Parisians like to complain about how crowded, dirty and annoying their Metro is, it’ll still get you where you need to go both quickly and easily. The metro is easy to use, and you’ll find machines at each station so you can buy single tickets or a ten-pack if you’ll be there for a few days. Each line has a different number and colour, making it a walk in the park to navigate, and you also download a map of the metro system or check out the RATP website to plan your trip before you leave each day.

As you can see there are plenty of excellent ways to get around Paris, and after your first visit you’ll be able to navigate it like a pro. Be sure to take your hotel’s address with you each day, and you’ll find plenty of cafes have wifi so you can also navigate over a latte.