Girly Guide To Paris

Paris is my favourite European city break destination so far, as it manages to maintain it's stunning, intricately detailed, historic architechture yet remain completely up-to-date, modern and accessible.I fell in love with how Paris managed to radiate n old fashioned charm while also appearing effortlessly cool. Paris is broken up into 20 arrondissments, each unique in it's attractions,views and atmosphere.We arrived in Beavuvais airport, meaning we had to travel by bus to Porte Maillot in the 17th arrondissment and despite no major attractions being in the immediate area, within a minute of our taxi ride we had seen the Arc Di Triomphe and Champs Elysees.Paris is so compact that you can see several attractions within a short space of time. However, every individual sight is so impressive that it's worthwhile actually dedicating time to making sure you visit and explore each properly.Here's my Girly Guide to Paris:

Must See Sights

1. Eiffel Tower-Instantly reognisable as Paris' most famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower (or Tour Eiffel when in Paris) stands at 324m tall and is in the Champs de Mars area in the 7th arrondissment. It's impossible to return from a visit to Paris and not have someone ask you "did you go up the Eiffel Tower?" .Its worthwhile going up for the stunning views of Sacre Coeur, the Seine and Arc Di Triomphe. I have visited the Eiffel Tower on all 3 of my visits to Paris because I love the views and it' also worth a visit at night when the tower is lit up.It costs about 8.20eur to go to the 2nd floor and 13.20 eur to the 3rd floor by elevator. You can take the stairs (to the 2nd floor only) for 4.50eur. Under 24s get a discounted rate so bring ID. Queues are notoriously long for the Eiffel Tower (up to a few hours), so book your tickets online and arrive for it opening, if possible. Also, several Seine Cruises depart from the Seine just across the road from the north pillar so it's a good idea to combine the two in your itinerary.

Nearest Metro- Bir Hakeim or Champs de Mars Tour Eiffel

http://www.tour-eiffel.fr/teiffel/fr/-eiffel.fr/teiffel/fr/

2. Arc Di Triomphe- An arched monument that stands at the western end of Champs-Elysees, the Arc Di Triomphe is 160ft tall and stands on the historical axis of Paris which runs between the Louvre Museum and Arche de la Defense. Visitors can also go to the top of the Arc for views of Paris including Champs Elysees and Sacre Coeur. If you want to visit the actual monument and not just photograph it from Champs Elysees you have to take one of the underpasses as crossing the road is too dangerous and not allowed.Make this part of your itinerary by incoprorating it with a shopping visit to Champs Elysees or if you are going to see Le Lido cabaret.

Nearest Metro- Charles de Gaulle Etoile

3.Notre Dame Cathedral- A stunning cathedral on the east side of Paris, Notre Dame stands on Ile de la Cite in the 4th arrondissment. It is widely considered as one of France's best examples of Gothic architecture and is worth visiting whether you intend to go inside of not as both building itself and the views from the top are equally breathtaking. The cathedral was made further famed by Victor Hugo's the Hunchback of Notre Dame which has been made into countless films and even a Disney adaptation. And for those of you familiar with the story, yes you can go and see the bell tower :) Notre Dame is near the Latin Quarter which is a great shopping area so plan your trip around the two. Again, prepare to queue so arrive early, if you decide to climb the tower and be sure to photograph the tower's gargoyles.

Nearest Metro- St Michel, Cite

http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/-English-

4.Louvre Museum- Make famous by the Da Vinci Code, the Mona Lisa and the glass and metal pyramids, the Louvre is the world's most visited museum.It is also one of the world's largest museums. Must do's on your visit include visiting the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory and Venus de Milo. Also, visit the pyramid in the courtyard and the inverted pyramid on the inside of the Louvre.You can pre-book your tickets online to avoid queuing which is recommended.Under 18s can go free with ID. Inside the Louvre, there is also a shopping centre- Carrousel du Louvre-which has various shops including Virgin Megastore, Swarovski, Sephora and L'Occitane en Provence as well as several restraunts.If you exit to Rue de Rivoli there are even more shops from gift shops to art shops to clothing shops and more restaurants and cafes.

Nearest Metro- Louvre Rivoli, Palais Royal-Musee du Louvre.

http://www.louvre.fr/llv/commun/home.jsp?bmLocale=en

I missed out Sacre Coeur even although it's a beautiful building and the views are amazing purely becuase of safety issues and this is a Girly Guide to Travel. There are hordes of men at the bottom of the stairs who are notorious for grabbing visitors and doing the "friendship bracelet scam" where they quickly slip a string bracelet over your hand then become abusive when you dont pay the 100eur or whatever they demand. Tripadvisor has several posts relating to it and it seems to go on all day every day. It can actually be very intimidating and I wouldnt recommend visiting this sight alone or with just a few people in your group. If you do go, remain aware of the gangs-you can't really miss them- and keep your arms folded and keep walking ahead.If they do attempt to accost you just keeping saying NO or ignore them and keep walking, we did this an they were still quite abusive but not physically.

Paris, J'taime

Just a quick post to state that I am off to Paris today. Actually I leave in less than an hour and shouldn't really be blogging because I'm sitting in my housecoat, with wet hair, almost crying with the stress of picking my flight outfit. Maxi dress or floral mini-dress?I am also facing another crisis, A- I havent eaten yet today despite being up early to organise myself and B- I am covered in completely delectable, but also unedible, Body Shop Strawberry Body Butter. So I am dangeroulsy close to eating my own limbs if I dont get to Prestwick Airport's cafe soon. This is my 3rd trip to Paris but my 1st trp without my fiance. Im going with my sister who has spent too much money on clothes, sunglasses and tooth whitening treatments for the trip and not enough time heeding Ryanair's baggage limitations. So, will update my blog when I'm home with my Girly Guide To Paris :) Au Revoir x

Girly Guide To A Top Shopping Break

My top shopping destinations for a girly trip away :)

1. New York- As I've stressed in previous blogs it's a must do. Enough variety of shops/markets for any budget, taste and age. Good for bags, shoes, make up and jewellry.

2. London- For non-UK visitors Primark is a big enough reason in itself to visit. Visit Harrods, Oxford Street and Camden Market. Again, London can be as budget friendly or budget busting as you want it to be. Good for cheap buys from Primark, amazing jars of sweets from Harrods and the alternative scene in Camden.

3. Paris- Fashion capital of Europe. Visit Champs Elysees for Dior, Disney Store, Louis Vuitton and just about every other stpre you can imagine. Paris isnt so budget friendly but little gift shops and markets sell beautiful compact mirrors, umbrellas and paintings for a reasonable price. Beauvais airport's duty free section sells Dior make-up for a discounted price so it's worth stocking up.

4.Florida- The Prime Outlets and Premium Outlets at either end of International Drive should be your first port of call. Stock up un pyjamas and undies from Victoria's Secret outlet, gymwear from the Nike Outlet, shoes from the Payless oulet, trainers from the Converse outlet and just about everything else from the hundreds of discounted stores. Florida Mall and Festival Bay Mall are also worth visiting.

Top Tips

1.Pack light if you intend to shop so you dont end up over your baggage allowance.
2.Check what size of shoes/clothes you are in the US/Europe/UK before you go.
3.Shop towards the end of your trip if possible as you will have got used to your destination and what to spend and will know how much money you have left over.
4.Try it on because you cant't take it back.

Shopping in New York

New York is understandably one of the world's favourte shopping destinations- it has a wealth of shops, there are essential buys and there is something for every budget. It's hard not to get drawn into running up huge credit card bills however, anyone can afford to shop in NYC.

Must Buys

1. A Little Brown Bag from Bloomingdales-Once spotted, it's instantly associated with New York. Plus, you have to visit Bloomingdales even if it is just to use the uber-plush bathrooms, so you might as well treat yourself.

2. An "I Heart NY" T-Shirt-Tacky? A bit. Cheap. Mmmhmm. An essential buy?Absolutely. They are incredibly cheap and can be taken from cheap to quirky when mixed with just about any combination of converse, ballet pumps, gladiator sandals, jeans, skirt, denim shorts, oversized shirt, cardigan, scarf, beanie hat, hairband, bag an sunglasses. It's a wardrobe staple.

3.Shoes- Whether they are from Jimmy Choo or Payless Shoe Source, just being able to say "I got them in New York" when asked about them will give you instant gratification :)

4. Tiffany & Co Jewellry- With Silver pieces starting at around $150 it is possible to buy Tiffany & Co jewellry on a budget. Encased in a tiny blue box, in a tiny blue bag with a cute little envelope encasing your receipt, it's a lovely way to spend an hour and $150+.

5. NYPD/ FDNY Merchandise- Give New York's emergency services a little recognition and buy a NYPD/FDNY t-shirt or hoody. These are cheaper the further downtown you go and in some of the city's markets. They make excellent gym wear :)

Top Shops

Clothing

1. Bloomingdales

2.Macy's

3.Saks 5th Avenue

Food/Drink

1.Hersheys Times Square

2. M & M World

3.Magnolia Bakery

Specialist

1. Tiffany & Co

2.Victoria's Secret

3.Jimmy Choo Shoes

There are also a wealth of markets around the city selling t-shirts jewellry etc so look out for them on your travels. We found one when leaving the Greenwich Village area and heading downtown which sold everything from food to clothing to beauty products. Another benefit of walking instead of using the subway/cabs :)

Safety Tips When in New York

Arriving

Sounds obvious but only go in liscenced cabs, keep your baggage with you at all times and always try and at least sound like you know where you're going. This can make a huge difference and drivers are lees likely to rip you off.Have your hotels street address and email them for a rough taxi fare amount and directions before you go to sound clued up.Also, in case your case is lost/stolen or simply doesnt arrive with your flight it's worth packing undies, essential medication,tooth brush etc in hand luggage and when packing your hold luggage pack half in your case and half in your friend/partners and vice versa so that if a case goes missing you at least have some stuff with you.

In the City

If your hotel has an in-room safe then use it for passports, flight tickets and money. Don't carry excessive amounts of cash and use credit/debit cards where possible. Split your money up when you're carrying it so if someone steals your purse you still have some in your inside pocket, UGG boots, bra, wherever. Wear an over body bag if possible as these are harder for a pick pocketer to grab and run off with. Carry a map, plan your journeys and dont be afraid to ask for directions. Arrange somewhere to meet up if you lose your friends. Pick somewhere central and easy to reach such as Empires State Building, your hotel or outside a specific restraunt in Times Square.Avoid quiet side streets unless absolutely necessary and if in doubt, hail a cab.

New York On A Budget

Money Saving Tips



Despite being extremely expensive for a lot of things, New York can be done on a budget. The key is to work out what you want in your itinerary.



When to go



Shopping,sightseeing and most Broadway shows run all year long however, check before you go if you have a specific show in mind or want to shop during sale times.If you aren't too fussed about ice skating in Central Park in December, missing the heat of the summer or skipping the sales go outwith peak season as flight/hotel prices are generally cheaper.



Booking your trip



If you are in the UK, Dialaflight offer great deals on hotels and flights and this can be paid up monthly before you go if you dont have a lump sum to hand but want to do it quicker and cheaper than visiting a high street travel agents

http://www.dialaflight.com/



You can also tailor-make your holiday by booking you're own flights and hotel if you know when you want to go. Continental Airlines, British Airways and Virgin all fly to New York. Going from midweek to weekend can save you money as airlines often assume you are a business traveller if you travel on the monday and return on the friday.

https://www.continental.com/web/en-US/default.aspx?POS=GB&SID=B951510F28C24B40946F45355ACDC7F2



http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/index.jsp



http://www.britishairways.com/travel/globalgateway.jsp/global/public/en_



If booking your hotel online make sure you use a reputable website like Trip Advisor to check reviews, ratings and customer photos as all isn't always as it seems on the hotel website. Use sites such as Hotels.com or lastminute.com (links under helpful webpages) or the hotel's own website to book, making sure you search around for the best deal. Where you can, get breakfast at the hotel as this can take up a huge chunk of your spending money when you're there. Hotels for any budget:

Low Budget- Hotel Wolcott, 4 W 31st St Between 5th Ave & Broadway. Budget accomodation with some rooms having a view of the Empire State Building (it's literally across the street). With free muffins and coffee for breakfast, an on-site fitness suite and amazing location it's hard to beat the value for money this hotel offers. Iron, in-room safe, hairdryer and shower/bath all in room and there is a choice between twin, queen, junior suite and triple rooms depending on your needs. It's close to Penn Station and Macy's. We plan on staying here on our return visit.
http://www.wolcott.com/

Middle of the Road Budget-Trump Soho New York, 246 Spring St New York. Featuring a spa, fitness suite and various treatments this is the perfet hotel for a girly trip away. Well located near Greenwich Village, home to several Sex and The City locations and the Friends Apartment. Room include complimentary toiletries, bathrobes, slippers and LCD TV's.
http://www.trumpsohohotel.com/

Blow-Out Budget-The Peninsula New York, 700 5th Ave at 55th St. Close to Central Park, Tiffany & Co and Bloomingdales, the Peninsula is well located and heavily priced. The hotel has a sauna, spa, steam room and beauty services Rooms include designer toiletries, bathrobes, complimetary water, plasma TV's and a games console.
http://www.peninsula.com/Peninsula_Hotels/en/default.aspx

Food & Drink

Eating out can be as cheap or as expensive as you want in New York. Chain restraunts such as Planet Hollywood and Hard Rock Cafe are pricier than in some other locations but worth the visit if you like the experience. Street vendors sell hotdogs starting from $1 for a quick lunch. There are Burger King's and McDonald's everywhere, if budgeting, use them for breakfast. Visit Walgreens or Duane Reade and stock up on water/soft drinks as they can be expensive when at attractions. Eat outwith Times Square to save a bit of money.

Free Attractions

As said in my prevous posts many Sex and the City locations are free to visit such as Carries apartment (66 Perry St), Magnolia Bakery, Brooklyn Bridge and New York Library. You can also visit the Friends apartment for free. Staten Island Ferry is free and gives great views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan Skyline. A walk through Central Park, Times Square, China Town and Little Italy are all free. See the Grand Central Station for free.

Travel

Walk wherever you can and where you can't use the subway. Cabs can be really expensive. Have a look at a subway map before you go to familiarise yourslef with it.
http://www.mta.info/nyct/maps/submap.htm

Girly Guide To New York- Get Yourself Excited

Nothing gets you more excited than when you read,hear or see something about New York and think...."I'm going there soon!". So just incase you aren't experiencing palpitations and sleepless nights like I did in the run up to my New York visit, here's my list of New York related music, tv, films and books to get you in the zone :)

Music

1. New York, Alicia Keys & Jay-Z- I dont really like the song to be honest but it really sums it all up and will inevitably get you pumped up about going :)

2. Manhattan, Kings of Leon- Good song and it reflects the vibrancy of the city and the cool, underground nightlife scene.

3. New York New York, Frank Sinatra- I promise you will sing this to yourself at least once before you go. It's unavoidable.

TV

1. Sex and the City- If you arent already hooked, watch it in the run up to your trip and make yourself ridiculously excited about seeing Carrie's house, Magnolia Bakery and the several other SATC related sights.

2.Friends-Made New York synonymous with coffee houses, cool twenty/thirty somethings and being able to command $1,000,000 an episode. Visit the apartment block.

3.Ugly Betty- Still running and lots of the outdoor shots are of sights you can visit. Good for exploring the bitchy but beautiful New York fashion scene.

Also,Will and Grace, Gossip Girl and Nurse Jackie.

Movies

1.Breakfast at Tiffany's- Watch it, cry a lot and then create your own Hepburn moment and stand outside Tiffany & Co, looking fabulous and munching a croissant.

2.The Devil Wears Prada- Ugly Betty for the silver screen and will also put you in the mood for visiting Paris ;)

3.When Harry Met Sally-If you havent already seen it then you should have. Enough said.

Also, Sex and the City Movie, Ghostbusters and West Side Story.

Books

1.Catcher In the Rye, J.D Salinger-Absolute classic an a must read. This was the book that kickstarted my desire to visit New York.

2.I Heart New York, Lindsey Kelk-Funny, girly and very Sex and the City. The book is about a girl who spontaneously moves to New York on finding out her partner is cheating and follows her New York adventure. There is a guide to New York in the back of the book.

3.Sex and The City, Candace Bushnell- The book which went on to become on of the most popular TV shows about New York. You know the story....