A Weekend with my Best Friend in Paris | TRAVEL

A weekend in Paris with your best friend sounds like the ultimate dream holiday and let me tell you something -- IT WAS!

It all began with my beautiful best friend Laura flying all the way from New Zealand to surprise me and my wonderful husband planning the whole thing! 

The day she arrived was a typical cloudy London day and as it turned out I happened to be off work sick with a cold/flu. No hint at all of what was about to happen. 

When she walked into my room I didn't know what to do! I was (and am) so overwhelmed that I have a friend who would travel halfway around the world to visit me and whisk me away to Paris for a long weekend away in the sun!

As the weekend came closer, London got windier and rainier and evidently colder considering it is the beginning of 'summer'. Paris was looking better and better.

When we arrived into Paris and were immediately welcomed with beautiful blue skies and a 30 degree day! And that my friends, was the beginning of a great weekend!

Paris Must Dos:

The Louvre

Originally The Louvre was build as a fortress for Philip II in the 12th century and served as a palace for Napoleon. It is now one of the biggest museums in the world. It is well known for housing Leonardo da Vinci's  'Mona Lisa' and the 'Venus de Milo'. Take 4 hours out of your day to walk around the exhibitions, taking in the art and history that surrounds you. I would recommend that you get an audio guide as the signs on each exhibition are not only in French but the descriptions are very minimal. You cannot visit Paris without going to the Louvre! 

Eiffel Tower

I mean -- this is a MUST! You cannot visit Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower! Tickets to get to the top are 14 euros and can be bought online but are sold in limited quantities. To avoid waiting in the looooooooong que I would suggest buying your tickets in advance. The view is worth the wait! 

Moulin Rouge

Made famous by the movie, Moulin Rouge is one of the most iconic cabaret shows in Paris. Situated the Montmartre area in the heart of the red light district, the street has an edgy vibe and is lined with strip clubs and peep shows. If your budget allows, I would absolutely recommend going to a show although there are plenty of cheaper cabaret shows in the area as well. We didn't get the chance this time but when I was in Paris 4 years ago I was lucky enough to go to a show and believe me it did not disappoint! 

Sacré-Coeur

The Sacré-Coeur is a Roman-Catholic church situated on a hill in the heart of Paris. It is also the highest point in the city. Well known for its beautiful exterior and incredible panoramas this church is a must see and it is free (BONUS!)! The inside is absolutely breathtaking but unfortunately no photos are allowed. Take a seat on the grass to soak up the astounding view of the city and church in the background but make sure you have you walking shoes on because that hill is no joke! 

Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées is one of most famous streets in the world. It is known for its luxury shopping, cafes, restaurants and theaters. For all those shopaholics (like me!) this is a must! Beginning at the Place de la Concorde and ending at the Arc de Triomphe, the street is beautifully lined with trees and the busy hustle and bustle of cars makes for a vibrant and lively stroll. 

Arc de Triomphe

After walking down the hectic Champs-Élysées, you will arrive at the Arc de Triomphe. The Arc de Triomphe is a monument to honour those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I lies beneath its vault. An underground tunnel allows you to walk under the roundabout so you can get to the centre. You are also able to climb to the top for 8 euros. The Arc de Triomphe is such an iconic and beautifully symbolic structure that I would recommend seeing.

Notre-Dame

Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous medieval Catholic Churches in the world and one of the best examples of the French Gothic architecture. It is also well known from the Disney classic move 'The Hunchback of Notre-Dame'.  We visited the church on our last day in Paris and sadly ran out of time to go inside. Admission is free however once again the line is very long.

Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles has to be my favourite place in all of Paris! The Palace is situated in a small town called Versailles about 1 hour out of the centre of Paris. The best way to get there is by train. The nearest station is: Versailles-Chateau-RG but it is also walking distance from Gare de Versailles Chantiers station. The Palace itself originally housed King Louis XIV in the 17th century. The inside is absolutely breathtaking but also very busy. The walls are lines with gold, crystal chandeliers, and paintings dating back to the 1600s. The gardens cover over 800 hectares of land, and was designed by André Le Nôtre. Each area is dedicated to a different god. Spend the day there soaking up the historic rooms of the palace, walking amongst the beautifully sculpted gardens, watching the musical fountain shows and taking in the atmosphere. Cafes are hidden throughout the gardens too when you are in need of a refreshment. 

The Food and Wine

If the sites of Paris aren't enough to sway you to visit, then the food and wine might just do the trick! Paris is one of the best cities in Europe for food so naturally I was going to be excited! I don't know about you but when I think of French food I think of croissants, baguettes, cheese, snails (although they were not on my list, feel free to add them to yours), frogs legs and lots of wine. Cafes and restaurants line the streets meaning you will never be short of places to go. Set your taste buds on an diverse range of French cuisine and make sure to try something new!

Before we knew it, it was Sunday afternoon and we were packed up and ready to fly back to London. 

I am extremely grateful that I was able to experience Paris with my best friend and being able to show her all of my favourite places in London was so special to me as well.

Heres to many more trips and memories!

Tips

• Get to the Louvre 1st thing in the morning as the lines get longer and longer as the day goes on. There is also a secret entrance which is a lot less busy. It is located in the building to the left of the pyramid when you arrive from Place du Carrousel. The entrance is called: Passage Richelieu.
• I would recommend that you get an audio guide at the Louvre as the signs on each exhibition are not only in French but the descriptions are very minimal.
• Pre-book the Eiffel Tower tickets (which we didn't do) in advance as once again the lines can get VERY long! We waited for just over an hour to get in. 
• The line to get into the Palace of Versailles is very long no matter whether you have tickets pre-booked or not. Make sure you have a bottle of water to get you through the wait time - especially in summer!
• The Metro is the easiest way to get around Paris and see all the sites. Buying a day pass is the cheapest option.

Thanks for reading!

God bless 

Amber x

Whats in my Carry On | TRAVEL

I absolutely love to travel, visit new places and experience new cultures, but sometimes the thought of a long haul flight can really stress me out. I have made a list of all the items I like to take with me in my carry on luggage that helps to make flying seem a bit more comfortable.

Carry:

Backpack:

In my backpack I take all the items that I would typically carry in my handbag plus the products that I will need to get out when I go through customs. This will usually include my clear bag with my liquids, my electronics and my passport and tickets. I like to use a backpack instead of my handbag as I find it is easier to carry.

Suitcase:

The second bag is a small wheelie suitcase. Instead of a shoulder bag, I find these much easier to walk around with and I don’t have to carry the weight. Make sure you find one that is within the measurement requirements. These are 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 18in x 10in).

Clear Bag:

You can only carry liquids in your hand luggage if they are under 100ml and they must be kept in a clear sealed bag. I also keep any medication that I may have and any small items in these clear bags so it is easier and quicker when I go through customs.

Necessities:

Passport and Tickets:

I know it’s probably something everyone knows to take but I had to put it in as its SUPER important to remember! Your passport is also great to take with you if you are flying domestic as well. A lot of airlines require proof of ID so bringing that, as well as your tickets, is a great routine to get into.

Pen:

This is also SUPER handy and will definitely be used. During an international flight you will be asked to fill out a landing card so carrying a pen on you means you won’t have to awkwardly ask the person next to you. Although I’m sure anyone would be happy to help if you forgot.

Entertainment:

Laptop or iPad and Chargers:

It’s always great to carry these with you if you have any movies you would like to watch, or if you have any work you would like to catch up on. There isn’t much you can do on a flight so catching up on your favourite shows is a great way to pass the time. Also all electronic devices must be charged or they may not be allowed on the flight so make sure to keep your chargers with you.

Headphones:

Most airlines provide you with earphones so you can watch the in-flight entertainment on board, but I like to bring my own as I find mine more comfortable and better quality. I find over-ear headphones more comfy than the standard iPod/iPhone earphones so they are usually the ones I opt for. If I am running low on space, the apple earphones are fine as well.

Book/Magazine:

I love reading! I like to take with me a good book in my backpack just in case I get bored of watching movies. I also like to pick up a magazine when I get through customs because it’s an easy read and they usually have some crosswords and puzzles to do as well.

Comfort:

Sleeping Mask:

Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE sleep! I love it so much to the point that if anyone or anything tries to keep me awake I end up in a bad mood. A sleeping mask is great to keep the light out of your eyes and is also a good way of showing anyone around you, including the flight attendants that you wouldn’t like to be disturbed. Whether I end up sleeping or not (sometimes it’s hard on flights) this is always something I like to keep with me.

Neck Pillow:

This is another must if you want to sleep on a flight! Flying can be extremely uncomfortable, especially if you are flying economy, so adding a neck pillow to your carry on can really add to your comfort. They are smaller than a regular pillow and very compact, making it a perfect fit for your bag or small suitcase.

Cosy Socks or Slippers:

One of the first things I do when I get on a plane is take my shoes off. They are so bulky and always in the way so I like to bring with me a pair of cosy socks or slippers to change into. Planes can be quite cold so keeping your feet warm and comfy will definitely make the flight a little more bearable.

Comfy Change of Clothes:

I have said before that I find flying to be very uncomfortable, so I like to bring with me a comfy change of clothes. Changing into something clean and cosy can make you feel fresher and cleaner. It’s also a great excuse to get up and go for a walk and stretch your legs. Another good idea is to have a warm and comfortable sweater or jumper packed away just in case you get cold.

Freshen up:

Chewing Gum or Mints:

Flying can make you feel a little dirty and gross. Chewing gum or mints are a great way of making you feel a bit fresher. Chewing gum is also good at helping with your ears if the altitude affects them.

Toothbrush, Toothpaste and Mouthwash:

These are great items to bring with you and they definitely make you feel fresher. At lot of drug stores sell travel minis which is the best place to check for travel sized mouthwash and toothpaste.

Wipes: 

I like to bring two kinds of wipes in my hand luggage. As soon as I get on a plane, I take my makeup off with face wipes. I use baby wipes to freshen up everywhere else. I know the baby wipes may seem strange, but trust me it’s worth it on a long travel day with no shower!

Deodorant or Perfume:

Everyone will agree that sitting next to someone who smells on a long flight is horrible, so I make sure to take with me a small perfume or deodorant that is under 100ml. You and your neighbour will thank me for this later!

Health:

Travel Socks:

This is not necessary, but is something I personally like to take with me and would highly encourage anyone else to as well. Flying can be hard on the legs and mine tend to swell quite a bit during long haul flights due to the air pressure and the fact that I am not moving around a lot. I feel that travel socks help with this and might help anyone else who has the same problem.

Hand Sanitiser:

Planes are so dirty and full of germs so I always keep this close to prevent any sickness. The last thing you want when you’re on holiday that you have planned and saved for is to catch a cold.

Nurofen:

Getting a headache and not having painkillers is not a good situation to be in so this is always in my carry on just in case.

Tissues:

Who knows when you will need these!

Keeping Hydrated:

Moisturiser:

The cabin air can make your skin feel very dry so I keep a hand and face moisturiser with me so I am able to use this whenever it is needed.

Lip Balm:

This is also a great item to pack as keeping properly moisturised is very essential.

Water:

This is very important! I would highly recommend purchasing a bottle of water once you have passed through security at the airport and to make sure you always drinking during the flight. If you don’t have time to purchase a bottle of water, the flight attendants do offer drinks throughout the journey. Making sure you stay hydrated is SUPER important.

Beauty:

Make up:

Make up is something I like to throw in if I have the space, although I will only take the basics. I would usually limit myself to foundation or concealer, mascara, a powder and a small blusher or bronzer. Don’t forget that your liquids must be in a clear bag and under 100ml.

Flying can be fun, if you have the right items to make the flight more comfortable. I hope this helps anyone who is travelling soon or anybody who has never flown before.

If you have any tips for me, of if I have forgotten anything, let me know!

Thank you for reading.

Amber x