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How to Find and Book Hearing Accessible Hotel Rooms for Your Next Trip

Traveling as a person with hearing loss or impairment can be daunting. You may have difficulty understanding directions, communicating with hotel staff, or finding reliable information online about the accessibility of your accommodations. However, planning and doing some research can help ensure you find the right hotel room that meets your hearing needs for your next trip. If you’re ready to embark on a worry-free journey, here are some tips on how to find and book hearing-accessible hotel rooms for an enjoyable vacation experience. For more detailed information, feel free to click here, where you’ll discover a wealth of resources and advice curated to assist travelers with hearing-related considerations.

Research Online

The internet is a great tool for researching hotels in advance. Many websites list ratings from past guests and provide detailed reviews of amenities. Look into what type of technology each hotel offers so you can better understand the level of accessibility available when it comes to communication services such as closed captioning, visual alerts, etc. Additionally, many websites also offer discounts so you should be sure to shop around and compare prices before booking any reservations.

Ask Questions Before Booking:

Before booking a hotel reservation, you must contact them directly with questions about their hearing accessibility features. Be sure to ask if there are special rooms designed specifically for guests with hearing impairments and inquire about specific types of equipment they may have available such as amplified telephones or closed-captioned televisions. Additionally, check to see if they offer audio tours or other communication services to help accommodate your traveling needs.

Find Local Resources:

There may be local organizations in the area where you’re traveling that offer resources specifically for people with hearing loss. Contact these organizations by email or phone before you make your reservations for more information about accessibility in the area and possible accommodations at nearby hotels.

Check reviews and ratings:

It’s always a good idea to read recent reviews from previous travelers who have stayed at a particular hotel before making a reservation. These reviews often contain valuable information about the overall level of service provided by the staff, as well as insight into various amenities such as captioned televisions or other communication devices used by those with hearing impairments.

Book early to ensure availability:

As many hotels reserve special rooms for people with disabilities, it is important to book early to secure one of these designated rooms before they are sold out. This way, you won’t be disappointed when you arrive to find that all the accessible rooms have already been booked.

Consider professional travel services:

If all else fails, consider using professional travel services that specialize in arranging trips for people with disabilities. They usually have extensive knowledge of different destinations and accommodations that are best suited to travelers with physical or mental impairments. In addition, these companies often know which hotels offer additional amenities such as complimentary breakfast, wheelchair rentals, etc., making them invaluable resources when planning an accessible holiday.

By following these simple steps to find and book accessible hotel rooms for your next trip, you’ll be able to embark on a wonderful journey knowing that your accommodation needs will be met!

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The Ultimate Guide To Magic Mirror Room In Gangnam

Are you looking for an experience that will amazes your friends and family? Look no further than the Magic Mirror Room in Gangnam, Korea. This incredible interactive experience will leave you with a lasting memory of the city. From virtual reality games to unique photo opportunities, this venue offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a fun night out or want to explore the world of technology and creativity, the Magic Mirror Room has it all. With its stylish modern decor, top-notch facilities and friendly staff, this is one place where you won’t be disappointed. Here’s our ultimate guide to what awaits at the Magic Mirror Room in Gangnam.

What Is The Magic Mirror Room?

The Magic Mirror Room is a unique entertainment venue located inside a shopping mall in Gangnam. It blends virtual reality (VR) technology with traditional photo booths to create an interactive experience; think Alice In Wonderland meets modern art installation! Visitors can step into a 풀싸롱 room filled with mirrors that reflect images from every angle and take photos that look like they’ve been taken inside a kaleidoscope – producing truly mesmerizing results! Each visit lasts around 20 minutes and guests are free to explore their own creative ideas while they roam through the various sets and objects located within the space.

Atmosphere & Decor

As soon as you enter the Magic Mirror Room, you’ll be transported to another world thanks to futuristic design elements such as neon lights and futuristic furniture. Although it’s a step back in time, there are plenty of modern touches, including virtual reality headsets scattered around the tables so visitors can try out some of their favourite video games or watch 3D movies on screens placed around the room. The overall atmosphere is both relaxed and exciting, with vibrant colours and playful music playing in the background – ensuring visitors enjoy every minute spent here!

Games & Experiences

One of the main highlights of the Magic Mirror Room is the ability for visitors to engage in different types of gaming experiences using VR headsets provided by staff who are always on hand to help if needed. Guests can fly through space, shoot targets in alien worlds and immerse themselves in fully immersive 3D environments. In this vein, every guest receives free access to an AR card game that allows them to interact with real-life objects displayed on the walls of the room, revealing hidden surprises and rewards. There are also several photo spots equipped with DSLR cameras allowing guests to capture amazing shots for use in social media posts.

Group activities & events

Whether you’re visiting alone or with a group of friends or family, there’s something special for everyone at Miracle Space! This includes special themed activities and events held frequently throughout the year; past themes have included Masquerade Party, Christmas Wonderland and Summer Beach Bash. In addition, private bookings are available for people wishing to celebrate birthdays, weddings and anniversaries alike, given enough notice in advance. Finally, the food and drink served area is the perfect place to relax after a long day exploring the attractions of nearby areas such as Garosugil, Apgujeongdong and Rodeo Street!

BOTTOM LINE

With its mix of cutting-edge technology and creative art installations, it’s easy to see why The Magic Mirror Room has become one of Korea’s top tourist attractions. If you’re looking for an unforgettable night out, don’t miss this incredible experience! From full sarong rooms filled with mirrors that reflect images from all angles, to virtual reality gaming experiences and even group activities, this attraction promises something new every time you visit!

How to travel for cheap/on a budget

Travel On a Budget

Traveling is a great way to experience the world, but it can be expensive. If you’re looking to travel on a budget, there are some money-wise strategies you can use.

First, research your destination and make sure you know what activities and attractions may cost. Also take into account transportation costs like car rentals, buses or trains. Make sure to compare different airlines for the best fares as well as check out any discount websites that offer special deals and bundle packages.

Another tip is to borrow things from friends or family such as camping gear if you’re planning an outdoor adventure or snorkeling gear if you’ll be near the beach. You don’t need to buy everything when traveling; try to see what items can be borrowed or used for free before spending money on them.

Save Money on Flights

Traveling can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little planning and money-wise borrowing, you can save money on flights and enjoy the trip of your dreams without breaking the bank.

The first step is to plan ahead. Start by researching different travel websites for the best deals on flights and packages. Look into frequent flyer programs, which offer discounts and rewards for travelers who fly frequently with certain airlines. Have a budget in mind so you know what type of flight you are able to purchase without breaking the bank.

Next, look into ways to borrow money in order to make your travels more affordable. Consider taking out a loan or using a credit card with an introductory APR offer or cash back reward program that will help reduce the total cost of your trips.

Cut Accommodation Costs

Traveling can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’re looking for ways to travel on a budget, consider these strategies for cutting accommodation costs and making sure you get the most out of your trip. One of the best ways to save money is to borrow money from friends or family if possible rather than taking out a loan or using credit cards. With this in mind, let’s explore some tips on how to save on accommodations while still having an enjoyable and memorable experience.

First, do some research before committing to any particular hotel or other accommodation option. Look into smaller hotels that may offer better deals than larger chains, as well as Airbnb options which typically come with more amenities than regular hotels. Additionally, look into different discount options such as loyalty programs offered by certain chains or special rates for students or seniors.

Find Cheap Activities

Finding ways to travel on a budget is easier than ever with the help of technology and some creative thinking. Whether you’re looking for cheap activities while traveling or just want to save money in your own city, it’s possible if you plan ahead. For those who are really trying to cut corners, the article “How to Travel for Cheap on a Budget” provides tips and tricks anyone can use.

The article suggests that travelers should consider borrowing money from friends or family members who may be able to lend at an interest rate lower than traditional lenders. Additionally, it encourages readers to research different types of transportation options, such as car sharing services or public transportation systems. It also recommends setting realistic expectations about where you can stay and what type of food you can eat while traveling in order to remain within your budget confines.

Explore Free Attractions

If you’re looking to travel on a budget, there are lots of ways to do it without breaking the bank. One of the best ways is to explore free attractions in your destination city. From outdoor parks and gardens to historical sites, you can enjoy a variety of activities without spending any money.

When researching potential destinations, look for cities with plenty of free attractions. For example, many museums have free admission days or specific hours during which entry is free; this means that instead of paying full price for tickets and tours, you can research what’s offered for free in advance. Instead of borrow money on money-wise basis – why not borrow from the city itself? Free activities such as hiking trails, water sports and local events offer great opportunities to experience something new at no cost.

Use Public Transportation

Traveling can be an expensive endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many ways to travel on a budget, and one of the best is by using public transportation. Not only is this method affordable, but it also allows travelers to experience their destination in a more authentic way.

Public transportation options vary greatly depending on the city or country you are visiting. In most cases, buses and subways are available in urban areas while trains are widely used for longer distances between cities or countries. Many of these forms of transportation offer discounts for students or seniors and may include special passes that allow travelers to ride multiple times during their stay. Additionally, by using public transportation travelers can save money on gas when renting a car or paying for taxis and other rideshare services.

Meal Planning Tips

Meal planning is an important part of any budget-conscious traveller’s itinerary. Not only does it help you save money by avoiding overpriced restaurant meals, but it also keeps you from getting lost in the hustle and bustle of a new city. Here are some tips to help you plan your meals while travelling on a budget.

First, when possible, try to cook your own meals while away from home. This will allow you to buy fresh local ingredients that are much more affordable than pre-made food at restaurants or convenience stores. It can be challenging to find the time or equipment needed for cooking while sightseeing, so if that’s not an option for you consider bringing some non-perishable snacks with you in case hunger strikes during your adventures!

Enjoy Your Trip

Enjoy your trip without breaking the bank when you travel on a budget. You don’t always need to borrow money to have an amazing vacation experience. With the right money-wise habits and planning, you can enjoy your holiday without going broke.

Start by making a list of all the places you’d like to visit and all the activities you’d like to do, then create a budget around that list. Make sure to include items such as transportation costs, lodging expenses, food costs, and any additional fees or taxes associated with entrance tickets or other attractions. Once you’ve created this budget, stick to it! When shopping for flights look into using comparison websites such as Skyscanner or Kayak that will help search for the best deals available within your price range.

Choosing a Vacation Rental in Cabo San Llucas

Travelling is always an option for most people in the world. To spend a considerable amount of leisure time in the beaches or the woods or the mountains has been a dream to many. Many experts have suggested that travelling can treat any mental illness and deal with different kinds of social and physical issues. But on the other hand, it has also been pointed out that if the travelling vacations in any way goes wrong, it may ruin the enjoyment of your travelling. 

From different professional and significant surveys, it has been found out that the wrong selection of hotels and bad quality of food has hampered the vacation up to a large extent. As a consequence, it is recommended by many people that they might choose Luxury Cabo rentals which are vacation rentals, to ease and smoothly freshen your mood of travelling in exotic places.

What are Vacation Rentals?

These are high-grade quality homes or local houses that can be rented temporarily. But it differs from that of a hotel in various definitive points. These may be summed up as:

  • Greater Room Space:

People get enough room space from that of hotel rooms, since the whole house is rented for the family or the group, as a result the area increases which also increases the joyfulness of the members of the travelling group.

  • No worry for foods:

There is no worry for the foods because you can cook buy and cook your won according to your own will which is one of the striking feature of the Vacation Rentals.

  • Better location:

You are free to choose your preferred location with a sea facing balcony or a scenery facilitating the visitor with the sunset and sunrise view of the mountains.

  • Better environment:

Since you are considered the only one family or group in the whole apartment, you succeed with a better quality of environment preparing barbeques in the lawns or can go swimming in the constructed swimming pools in the backyards.

Tips to Rent a Vacation Rental:

In a view that the visitor is getting so much of facilities all under one roof, it is better to be cautious about any frauds, since you are travelling to an unknown place filled up with unknown people. The following points can help you with choosing the right Luxury Cabo Rentals:

  • Search Early:

When one is determined that he or she will stay in the Vacation Rentals, then the particular person is recommended that they start their search pretty much early before the vacation. As because the rentals are highly demanded among many, you might fail to get rooms in time.

  • Reviewing multiple sources:

One needs to be sure about the different kinds of resources which are available next to him to confirm the quality of their temporary residence.

  • Always get a contact number:

It should be best that you are able to get a contact number from the homeowner on the very first day of visit.

Brazil Tourist Visa Guide for US Citizens

Some of my family and friends would like to visit Brazil but find the tourist visa process a little daunting. I thought I would provide a guide based on my own experiences for what it takes for US citizens to get their tourist visa for Brazil.

Tourist visas are required for US citizens to enter Brazil and must be obtained in advance of your trip. Unfortunately the requirements vary by consulate so what you need to do will probably depend on which consulate has authority over your jurisdiction. What jurisdiction are you in? This link from the Brazilian embassy lists each consulate general and which states are under its jurisdiction. Since I am a resident of Pennsylvania I am under the New York consulate’s jurisdiction.

First you need to gather the required documents.

For all jurisdictions you will need:

  • Your US passport, valid for 6 months beyond your stay in Brazil
  • 2 copies of the signed visa form (see below for form instructions)
  • A recent 2×2 passport photo
  • A photocopy of your US state drivers license
  • Proof of departure (more on this later)
  • Visa processing fee of US$165

Unfortunately some different consulates have additional requirements. If you’re in the Chicago jurisdiction you need to sign a sworn statement that your documents are truthful. Applicants in the Hartford consulate’s jurisdiction require a signed letter of authorization. In the Chicago jurisdiction if you are not staying in a hotel, (e.g. staying with friends) you need an official invitation from your host in Brazil. It even has to be notarized. I recommend staying in a hotel!

US citizens must now apply for their Brazilian visa electronically. This link provides the electronic forms. Select “Visa Request” in the third box (the English one!) and follow the instructions provided. Fill out the form electronically on the site. You will find that you need your parents’ names and your profession for this form, and just about any other form you fill out in Brazil – one the country’s quirks. Also be prepared to provide your passport information, your addresses in Brazil (probably hotels) and duration of your stay.

Where is your consulate?

If you can visit your consulate in person you can print out the form and bring it with you, along with your other required documents. Check the consulate’s website for information on applying for a visa. A few of the consulates will accept your application by mail, but some do not. If you can’t mail the application you can use a visa service rather than going in person. A quick Google search will reveal lots of options. I checked in to several but ended up using the company Travisa, which is also the service I’ve used through my employer for business visas. Initially it seems like Travisa is a little pricier, but I found some of the “discount” services tack on so many fees at the end that the prices end up very similar. The service you use should provide you step-by-step instructions for sending your paperwork through them as well.

The Brazilian consulate expects to see proof of onward travel with the visa application, usually in the form of your airline reservation. This can present a problem if you don’t want to book your plane tickets just yet or want to actually have the visa before buying them. While it is very unlikely that your tourist visa application will be denied and generally safe to book the tickets, you could use “fake” tickets to fulfill the requirement. I just went on Expedia and searched for some flights to Brazil and selected a round-trip that matched my expected travel dates. I went through the reservation process up until I had to pay and then took a screenshot of the flights and sent it along. Make sure the reservation has your name on it.

Send all your documents through your visa service or bring them to the consulate. The processing times vary between the locations but I wouldn’t expect to be without your passport for more than a week or two. And then once you get your visa, enjoy your travel to Brazil!

Keep in mind that the Brazilian embassy often changes visa application requirements. While this information was up-to-date as of press time, I recommend verifying the requirements on your consulate’s website before submitting your application.

Affordable Africa: the pros and cons of overland truck tours

One of the most cost-effective ways to explore Africa is via an overland trucking tour. This all-inclusive travel option takes care of all the details for you: 3 meals a day, camping equipment and camp site fees, a guide and driver, and transportation around the region, including truck maintenance, tolls, and petrol.

Take my recent Mountain Gorilla Safari to Uganda. The 6-day tour cost me $840.00 (of this amount $510 was the entrance fee to Bwindi National Park – a non-negotiable cost for anyone who wants to visit the mountain gorillas.) So the “tour” portion was only $330.00.

To get an idea of what you get for your money, here’s a quick recounting of the pros and cons of overland truck travel

  • • Safety – No question here – there is safety in numbers. As a girl who spends much of my time traveling solo, I could finally relax during my two recent overland trucking expeditions. Someone else is in charge for a change and I could simply go with the flow. Nice!
  • Border Crossings – Crossing in a group is usually a piece of cake. You hand your passport and entry form over to the guide and s/he walks through the immigration legalities while you and your mates smoke a cigarette on the sidelines. In less than an hour, you usually have your entry stamp and are on your way.
  •  Convenience – The logistics of traveling around Africa are daunting for the normal person. Yes, you can go high-end and book an all-inclusive resort, but for most of us, we’ll need to navigate each stop individually. This legwork requires an enormous amount of time and patience.
  •  Safari Savings – Safaris are expensive, period. Africa’s national parks know that you traveled half-way around the world to see the Big Five and they charge entrance fees accordingly. In addition, many times you can’t enter the park without a local guide, a 4WD car and driver. Going on a pre-arranged group tour is much cheaper than hiring locally.
  •  Camaraderie – I’m still in contact with many of the friends I made on my recent overland excursions. Just think about it – all of you have signed up for 20+ days of outdoor adventure in the heart of Africa. You have a LOT in common with these people!

And the downside of overlanding:

  • Less Local Contact – On an overland truck you’re more removed that if you’d take local public transportation options. The way to counter this is to take advantage of community activities like volunteering and to patronize local eating establishments and markets.
  • Long Rides – If you’re covering vast distances you’ll have your share of 8-12 hour days in the truck. That said, I’d take a 10-hour day in a comfy truck over an 8-hour day crowded in a local matatu any day of the week!
  • Strong Personalities – After more than a week on a truck some of your best friends’ most endearing personality traits will become worn. Your iPod and a pair of ear plugs will go a long way toward maintaining sanity.

Not included in the costs is a suggested tip for the driver and the guide – usually about $2 / $5 a day respectively. There’s also the price of your own alcohol / snack consumption. For me this was a 6-pack of beer and a small bottle of whiskey (a nip at night is always welcome while camping!).

All told, my 6-day mountain gorilla safari including tips and refreshments came to $390.00. Any way you slice it, a huge bargain at $65 a day!

Visit Egypt, Cairo

If you decide to travel to Egypt you have to know something about Egypts most visited spots and travel attractions. For todays travel news we have a story about Egypt and his most famous vacation spots and about his history.

The king Khafra lived a Pharaoh of Egypt, also known as Khephren, Khauf-Re or Khaf-Re. This Pharaoh of Egypt belonged to the 4th Dynasty only there’s no sure data about the age of his reign. The name of the Pharaoh of Egypt means ‘to look like Ra’. It appears that the king Khafra had a lot of wives including his brother’s daughter – Meresankh II; Khameremebty I was another wife of the Pharaoh of Egypt. He had three sons: Menkaure, Sekhemkare and Nekure, and one daughter – Khameremebty II. The king replacement was Menkaure who married his sister. A few objects that dates back the king Khafra’s reign were exposed in the Beirut’s North and in Syria, which signifies that the Pharaoh of Egypt was involved in foreign diplomacy or trade. He may as well have made a few expeditions in Sinai. The king Khafra left a lot of unbelievable values for Egypt and for the whole world, alike the pyramids complex from Giza, the Great Sphinx which was built by him. It’s as well supposed that the face adorning the immense statue is of the pharaoh Khafra, too. Additional great artifact discovered in the Khafra`s valley temple is the Khafra statue made from diorite. Now the statue can be seen at the Egyptian Antiquities Museum. The Pharaoh of Egypt was listed as a despotic king, suchlike his father, king Khufu was too. The king Khafra died in 2480 BC. The Great Pyramid of Khafra will forever be a testimonial of this pharaoh times greatness. The Great Pyramid is one of the most fascinating pyramids in Egypt that constitute a study object for many specialists. The pharaoh’s temple was made from granite, the floor from alabaster of white color. The floor in use to have twenty-three superb statues of Horus and of Khafra, made from diorite. Nowadays, the entirely Khafra complex from Giza is visited by thousands of tourists.

Man face lion body, long-familiar as the Great Sphinx of Egypt, most famous tourist attraction, is located in the Khafra pyramid south, on a place that at one time used to be a huge quarry. This astonishing structure dates back about 5.000 years ago and was built by the workers of the Pharaoh of Egypt Khafra, from an large block of stone from which they carved a lion body with the head of the Pharaoh of Egypt. This building was made alike a sun temple and it’s similar with the sun temples that were built by the 5th dynasty kings. A stela was put between the sphinx front paws by The Egypt’s king Thutmose the 4th, who ruled between 1425 and 1417. The Sphinx was worshiped for a time period as the Ra of the Two Horizons but earlier, the statue was built to be a Giza pyramids` guardian. The larger statue of the Egypt man face lion body statue has numerous than 240 feet in length, 66 feet in height, the Sphinx’s eyes have six feet in height and the face has thirteen feet in height. The statue does not have its beard and it nose just in the British Museum you can see the statue’s beard. It seems that the nose disappeared because of the vandals who destroyed it. The humidity and the wind coming form Egypt’s capital damaged the Sphinx that had to be restored in 1980; the restoration lasted six years when over 2.000 blocks of limestone were placed but in 1988 the statue’s left shoulder suffered at deterioration that made the falling of a few blocks. As well, during the time, a few parts of the statue, particularly the bottom part, were buried by sand. But the Sphinx shoulder was restored and is being cared of it to remain the same guardian of the Egypt’s pyramids.

Sunlight Travel – Europe Tour

(GREECE, BULGARIA, ROMANI, TURKEY 14 DAYS) Check into your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to wander about this charming city. Later meet your tour director and fellow travelers. Join the included sightseeing tour of Athens featuring the highlights of this ancient capital and a visit to the Acropolis and its fascinating museum.

Travel northeast past the history-steeped Plains of Thessaly and the mythical Mount Olympus to Salonika, the second-largest city and port in Greece and the capital of Macedonia. Still morth motoring along a high way re-built by the British army back in 1916.

Over the Rupel Pass into Bulgaria through the tobacco producing region and the Strouma Valley flanked by the mountain chains of Rila and Pirin. Before reaching Blagoevgrad stop to visit the Rila Monastery. Then a relatively short drive to Sofia. An ancient Roman town much pillaged over the centuries so that most buildings date from after the liveration of Turkish domination in 1878. Your included city sightseeing takes in the golden-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a magnificent example of 19th-century architectural achievement. Through mountain scenery before stopping in the ancient city of Veliko Tarnovo. Then to the border town of Ruse, where you cross into Romania for a 40 miles drive to its capital, Bucharest.

Your stay in Bucharest will be highlighted by this day excursion to Brasov, the most visited medieval town in Transylvani. Enjoy the morning drive to Bran Castle, otherwise known as Dracula’s Castle. Next a visit to an Ethnographic Village Museum showing Transylvanian farm buildings in the afternoon visit Brasov and make sure you spend some time in its world-famous square,the Piata Sfatului. Return to Bucharest for overnight. Day at leisure with time for optional activities. Set in the center of a plain in natural surroundings, Bucharest has many parks and tree-lined streets. The city is rich in museums and art galleries, and its old architecture sits side-by-side with new buildings that give ti the air of a mordern city. The included sightseeing tour with a local guide will take in most highlights and also the museum of Romanian rural life over the ages. Don’t miss out on the optional folklore evening and dinner.

Retrace your steps as far as Ruse once again crossing the Danube by the only bridge connecting Bulgaria and Romania. Now to the seaside town of Varna on the shores of the Black Sea, then along its coast to Burgas for overnight. South today to the border with Turkey through Babaeski with its fine mosque. Motor by way of the ancient highway, known by the Romans as the “Via Egnatia” through Thrace, dotted with villages and mosques, historic and architectural witnesses of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman domination. Overnight in the great city of Istanbul. Markets, peddlers, stalls selling almonds, pistachios, iced drinks, and black coffee-you’ll find this city irresistible, a viforous anthill of Turkish life. The view of the city with its 600 mosques and the Bosporus at dusk are unforgettable. See the Bule Mosque and many other of its highlights on the included guided tour. Optional excursions included a Bosporus boat cruise and a night out with a show and dinner. Day 14, Sat. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY.

2 Nights in Paris

In July 2009 I began a business trip to Brussels, Belgium with a few days in Paris. Roberto joined me from Brazil and we met in Charles de Gaulle airport. This was the first time to France for both of us.

I booked the Hotel Astrid online after finding a Travelzoo deal which included a Seine cruise. It was around 90 Euros per night, with the typical European free breakfast. The hotel was a block away from the Arc de Triomphe and very convenient to the metro and Champs Elysees. We concluded that proximity to the metro is key in Paris because you’re never going to find a hotel close to everything. It’s just too big.

Our first day, after a pair of overnight flights, we checked out the Arc and ate in a cafe before taking a little nap. Roberto may have felt a little funny about his flight – Air France from Rio to Paris – but he’s a trooper. We just didn’t mention those details to his less rational mom. The hotel was pretty nice. It had a fun wood carved staircase and we could peek out our window (equipped with the typical Parisian flower box) at the Arc.

That afternoon we walked down to the Eiffel Tower and then up (or was it down) the Seine to Notre Dame. I remember almost getting taken by a street scammer with an interesting tactic. This guy called after me and came running up saying “Here, you dropped this.” Before I could even stop and think he dropped a gold ring into my hand, and when I tried to give it back and say no he would say “no keep it, keep it!” I must have looked like I was ready to hang onto it cause then he started to ask me for money. I basically threw the ring back at him and we walked off. I noticed several of these guys with the gold rings around Paris after that.

We also rode the metro up to the Northern part of Paris to check out Sacre Coeur basilica. We got a little lost in not the nicest neighborhood up there but found it after stopping for lunch in a not so great pizza place. The basilica was beautiful and we were entertained by some crazy Capoeira dancers. We did see quite a few Brazilians in Paris.

We had a lovely night wandering around the banks of the Seine, taking photos and people watching. The Parisian young people seem to enjoy having picnics in the evenings with snacks and booze on the river banks. It looked like a lot of fun. We had a late dinner with a view of Notre Dame and decided we wanted to buy some wine and have our own little picnic.

Still adjusting to the time, we woke up late the next day for some more sightseeing. Our plan was to find a nice cafe for a late breakfast and cappuccino, relax in a park for awhile, and visit the Louvre. Later that night we would go on our Seine cruise and have dinner.

Now I was not that keen on going to the Louvre. I am just not a museum person. I didn’t even find the Egyptian Museum in Cairo all that interesting. But, Roberto said he couldn’t go to Paris without at least seeing the Mona Lisa, so off we went.

And I was thoroughly impressed! The Louvre is just incredible! First of all, the place is just huge, and BEAUTIFULLY decorated. And the exhibits were just fascinating. The paintings, the sculpture, the artifacts, were awesome. We could definitely have spend all day in there. And the place is so huge we wouldn’t have seen nearly everything if we had. I am definitely glad we went!

We went down to the riverbank “at the foot of the tower” for our Seine cruise later that evening. This was nice and it was fun to get out on the water, but it wasn’t the greatest thing ever. The seats were pretty uncomfortable and it was chilly and rainy and really crowded. But there is just something indescribable about the Eiffel Tower coming into view as you round the bend in the river, La Vie en Rose playing in the background, and the lights sparkling on the Seine.

We had a great and reasonably priced dinner in the Latin Quarter in a cafe with nice live music. I had some delicious Boeuf Bourgignon and a kir, white wine with a shot of berry syrup.

We woke up late again the next day and did a little more sightseeing, finishing up our Paris trip with a visit to the Pere Lachaise Cemetary. It was really neat to walk around there but we were short on time and weren’t able to find Jim Morrison’s grave! Bummer! But, we’ll see it next time.

After that we checked out of the hotel and metro’d on over to the Gard du Nord train station to catch our high speed train to Brussels. I thought the train station was really neat, with trains coming and going from all sorts of fun European towns, and backpackers camped out on the floors. We got a good deal on first class seats on the Thalys train and it was really nice, with free internet and food and drinks. Although I couldn’t partake in the internet too much – the train was bumpy enough that I couldn’t look at the laptop screen for more than 30 seconds without getting all dizzy.

We both had a great time in Paris and really enjoyed seeing the sites, getting lost wandering the streets, and sitting in the cafes. We did find the people to be less friendly than we’d hoped, but we didn’t have a chance to meet very many Parisians in our 3 days there. I would like to go back to Paris and see some of the sites we missed, but I don’t think I would plan a trip to spend a full week there. 3 days was a little short, but we didn’t love the city enough to want to stay there for an extended time.

Paris Hostels, Hostels in Paris, Paris Travel and Hostel Guide.

As a city renowned for its expensive fashion and glamorous style, it’s hardly surprisingly that Paris is home to pricey hotels and restaurants. However, it’s still possible to explore France’s capital on a budget and there are plenty of Paris hostels providing cheap accommodation for independent travelers and backpackers.

From the party district of the Latin Quarter to the fabulously seedy streets of Montmartre, there are a host of hostels in Paris which cater for budget travel and offer a great base for exploring the famous sights or hitting some of the city’s vibrant clubs.

Located along a canal in the rejuvenated 19th arrondissement north of Montmartre, St Christopher’s is the newest hostel in Paris. The purpose-built accommodation was opened in 2008 and has all the modern conveniences and comforts that the modern backpacker might need.

Cheap cocktails and live music at the hostel’s late-night bar make a loud and fun atmosphere. There are three metro lines nearby connecting the hostel with the central attractions, although the surrounding neighborhood is itself becoming a popular spot for a night out.

A small, friendly hostel with a traditional Parisian feel, Caulaincourt Square is located in an unspoiled leafy area of Montmartre just minutes from the sights of this district but away from its tourist crowds.

The streets around Caulaincourt used to be the meeting point of painters (including Picasso) and it retains a Bohemian vibe. Rooms are cheerfully colorful and, with internet, towels and breakfast included in the price, this hostel offers travelers value-for-money accommodation in this arty and authentic quarter of Paris.

Housed in a traditional Parisian building, Le Regent Montmartre has comfortable private rooms with views over the Sacre Coeur. There’s no curfew here so guests can stay out till late exploring the streets and lively pavement cafés of the Montmartre district just outside.

With balconies and TVs as standard, this affordable Parisian hotel is a peaceful spot in the heart of the city.

On the edge of the Latin Quarter, Oops! is ideally situated for exploring the famous parks and studenty bars of this lively part of the city. Oops! Hostel is contemporary budget accommodation with a bold designer interior and plenty of modern comforts, including an en-suite for every room.

In walking distance of the sights along the Seine, the Latin Quarter is home to some of the hottest night spots in Paris and an array of reasonably priced restaurants. The 24 hour reception allows travelers to make the most of the hostel’s central (and vibrant) position.

With small rooms of up to five beds, Village Hostel is a cozy and intimate cheap stay at the edge of Montmartre. This popular part of the city is almost like a separate community and every amenity, from bakeries to nightclubs, can be found clustered together here.

The hostel has a relaxing common room and café attached for guests, plus kitchen facilities for self-catering.