Whether you’re looking to taste some authentic, buttery croissants, see some magnificent sculptures and paintings, relax in the well-maintained gardens, or tour the sights, this city simply has it all. From famous galleries and museums like the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay to the beautiful buildings of Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe ー, Paris stands out as an undeniably one-of-a-kind place. 

Lock Eyes with the Mona Lisa at The Louvre

The famous Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is currently housed in the Louvre Museum. This popular work of art draws large crowds, so if you want an unobstructed look at this portrait, a great option could be to book tickets for a last-entry tour that allows you to skip the line. 

If you’re hoping to make the most of your visit to the Louvre, there are countless other priceless works of art and artifacts that are worth seeing. The museum boasts an impressive collection consisting of the famous Venus de Milo sculpture, Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People, and Géricault’s The Raft of the Medusa paintings, among many others. 

Hotel recommendation:

 Hôtel Moliere: Spas, massages, facials, and saunas are all on offer at this high-end, 4-star hotel option. The boutique hotel has an elegant design, as well as spacious rooms. 

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Be Dazzled by the Eiffel Tower

Gustave Eiffel’s world-famous Eiffel Tower has essentially become synonymous with the city of Paris and is one of the most visited monuments in the world. However, seeing its photo on a postcard pales compared to witnessing its unique design in real life. You can climb the metal masterpiece from 9 AM until midnight, either going up to the second floor or straight to the top, using elevators or stairs. The prices vary depending on how far you wish to go up, how you want to go up, and your age. 

You can also visit one of the restaurants and bars on the different levels of the tower. Aside from the buffets found on the first two floors and the esplanade, there are establishments that offer incredible food, delicious drinks, and spectacular views, including Madame Brasserie by Thierry Marx, The Jules Vernes by Frédéric Anton (one MICHELIN star), and The Champagne Bar. 

Under the moonlight, the tower is illuminated by twinkling lights creating a magical, luminous display for onlookers. The 20,000 bulbs sparkle for five minutes every hour from dusk to 11:45 PM, giving you plenty of time and opportunities to enjoy the light show.

Hotel recommendation:

Hotel Eiffel Kennedy: Staying near the Eiffel Tower often means that hotel prices will be much higher. However, this charming 3-star hotel will give you a comfortable, central stay without breaking the bank.  

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Admire Notre Dame

The famous cathedral has been at the center of multiple historical events, including the coronation of Napoleon as Emperor, and holds a special place in the heart of many Parisians. Tragically, whilst restoration work was being done in April 2019, the roof caught fire, causing significant damage to this beloved building. Nevertheless, most of the structure has stayed intact, and plans are to reopen it fully to the public in December 2024. 

It is still worth a visit, even if you plan to visit Paris before the official reopening date. Whilst the towers and treasuries are currently inaccessible to visitors, you can access the cathedral’s parvis and archaeological crypt. 

Hotel recommendation:

Hotel Europe Saint Severin Paris: This 3-star hotel has rustic decor, a homely feel, and a lower price point than many hotels in the same area. It could also hardly be any closer to Notre Dame, making it a great location for those wanting to stay nearby.

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Stroll the Luxembourg Gardens

Walking through the Luxembourg Gardens provides a little bit of relief from the hustle and bustle of the city, giving you a chance to relax. Its charm draws both locals and tourists thanks to its calming atmosphere, exquisite flower beds, and manicured lawns. It is the perfect place to stretch your legs, enjoy family time or take someone on a romantic date. 

The gardens themselves are overlooked by the regal Luxembourg Palace and were inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence, which can be seen from the well-maintained areas and outdoor sculptures dotted around. There are also greenhouses, areas to play pétanque (a French sport similar to boules), and beehives. 

Hotel recommendation:

Hotel Le Six: This 4-star hotel has a more modern vibe to it and some stellar reviews from other visitors. You can enjoy getting pampered in the spa, relaxing in the steam room, and getting a drink at the swanky bar. 

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Take a Seine River Boat Tour

While walking along the river is a wonderful way to soak up the sights and enjoy a relaxing stroll, booking a riverboat tour makes a trip to Paris even more enchanting. There are countless companies offering their services, but most will take you past the main landmarks of the city and give you scenic views, which you can enjoy in style. Some also offer meals and champagne, adding extra glamorous detail to your day. 

Booking a trip during the day allows you to see everything in broad daylight, but the city truly comes alive at night.  For the most dreamy experience, you can book a dinner cruise where you can treat your tastebuds to some delicious dishes while being serenaded by violinists and pianists.

Hotel recommendation:

Juliana Hotel Paris: Another 5-star option with unique decor that has been meticulously designed. It offers a spa, a fitness center, and individually decorated rooms, so no two are the same!

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Enjoy the Artwork at the Musée d’Orsay

The Louvre may be the more famous museum to visit, but the Musée d’Orsay should be just as high up on your bucket list! The building itself was converted from a Beaux-Arts style railway station, creating an interior that looks so original. However, the museum is more than just that, given that it houses a huge amount of masterpieces from mainly French artists and is renowned for having a rich collection of Impressionist art. It houses twenty-four of Van Gogh’s paintings (including the stunning Starry Night), eighty-six paintings by Monet, and fifty-six pieces by Cézanne. 

The museum is open every day, apart from Mondays, and offers a variety of guided tours, workshops, and changing exhibitions. If you’re lucky enough, you may even be able to attend a concert during the evening or at lunchtime in this house of culture. Make sure to check the website and book well in advance in order to avoid disappointment. 

Hotel recommendation:

Hotel Montalembert: This 5-star option is located only an 8-minute walk away from the Musée d’Orsay. It offers spa services, babysitting for an extra charg, and ornately-decorated surroundings.

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Explore Montmartre

This bohemian area of Paris has historically captivated artists and creatives, creating an atmosphere that still inspires many to this day. The place is simply gorgeous, with its winding streets and cobbled surfaces, it feels distinctly like a quaint village. Here you can visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica on top of the Montmartre hill, either by walking up 197 steps or, if your legs are tired from all of the exploring, you can take the funicular. 

This isn’t the only thing that the village has to offer, though.  There is the Place du Tertre, where you can look at the wonderful paintings and drawings of local artists. Also, the Moulin Rouge is located here, along with the “I Love You” Wall (Le Mur des Je t’aime). This piece of art has “I love you” written all over jet-black rock in over 250 languages.

Hotel recommendation:  

Mercure Paris Montmartre Sacré Coeur: A reasonably-priced, 4-star hotel that is close to the Moulin Rouge, the metro, and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. There is also a garden, fitness space, and terrace. 

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Experience the Atmosphere of The Latin Quarter

This area is one of the most ancient in the city, meaning that it is full of history and culture. The Pantheon can be found in The Latin Quarter, where honored men and women important to France are interred or commemorated, including the writers Victor Hugo and Emile Zola. 

Paris’ Natural History Museum is also located in this quarter, along with the attaching Jardin des Plantes, which is a botanical garden that is free to visit. The only thing you may have to pay for is entry to the zoo, where you can meet fascinating exotic animals. 

Aside from the endless exciting places to see, the atmosphere is second to none. There is a thriving jazz scene in this district, so you can’t miss out on going to one of the many jazz or cabaret clubs found here. 

Hotel recommendation:

Hotel d’Aubusson: Originally, this hotel was a 17th-century mansion and is the epitome of luxury. This 4-star hotel’s central location places you around many places of interest and welcomes you back with superb interior design and fantastic service after a long day of sightseeing.

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Do Retail Therapy at the Galeries Lafayette

This shopping mall is one of the most recognizable in the city thanks to its distinctively lavish interior design in the style of Art Nouveau. From an enormous glass dome to gilded features to illuminating lights, it is truly a breathtaking sight! If you’re a luxury fanatic, there are plenty of places to indulge and treat yourself to a designer souvenir. You can buy items from Dior, Chloé, Hermès, Chanel, Céline, and many more French and international fashion brands.

Once you’re feeling exhausted from carrying around all those shopping bags, there are lots of places to sit, enjoy a coffee or order a delicious meal. 

Hotel recommendation:  

Hôtel Excelsior Opéra: A 3-star hotel with a lot of character. All of the rooms are designed in a simple, contemporary style, with the comfort of their guests in mind. They also all have flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. 

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Visit the Arc De Triomphe

This commemorative monument dedicated to the victories of Napoleon’s army is globally recognized for its distinctive arch and elaborate sculptures and engravings. Those wishing to climb to the top will get a staggering view of one of the most beautiful streets in Paris: the Champs-Élysées, as well as the Eiffel Tower and The Louvre. The top is also accessible by elevator, making it an activity everyone can enjoy. Remember to book tickets in advance so that you can skip the queue and keep your itinerary for the rest of the day on track!

Hotel recommendation:

Hotel EKTA: A lovely 4-star hotel with 70s-inspired decor, only a stone’s throw away from the Arc de Triomphe. You’ll love the funky fabrics and electric artwork that the hotel has chosen.

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The post The 10 Best Things to Do in Paris, France appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Note: This story is based off pre-pandemic 2019 tourism data from the 2020 UNWTO Tourism statistical annex, international tourism arrivals as a standard of measurement.

Montserrat: 10,000 Visitors

Nicknamed the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean for both its lush tropical forests and its ties to Ireland, Montserrat is one of the smallest islands in the Caribbean. On arrival, you’ll receive a shamrock-shaped passport stamp, and you’ll notice that the country’s flag and national costume are the same green, orange, and white as Ireland.

Montserrat measures about 10 miles long and 7 miles wide, and is home to about 5,000 inhabitants. Montserrat’s population and tourism industry was severely impacted by a major eruption of the previously dormant Soufriere Hills volcano in 1995, which displaced many residents and decimated parts of the island. Now, the active volcano draws in tourists looking to safely see a volcano from afar.

Anguilla: 95,000 Visitors

Anguilla has 33 white sand beaches, year-round water temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and world-class snorkeling. What it doesn’t have are crowds: the secret isn’t out yet about this stunning Caribbean island.

Anguilla is the northernmost of the Leeward Islands, and is located about 150 miles east of Puerto Rico, so it’s fairly easy to get a connecting flight from the U.S. through San Juan. You can also reach Anguilla by ferry from one of the nearby islands, or via air from St. Maarten and Antigua.

St. Vincent and Grenadines: 85,000 Visitors

St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ visitors are spread out over the 33 islands that comprise the country. St. Vincent is the largest island, while the Grenadines account for the remaining 32 islands, some of which are uninhabited. It’s easy to ferry hop here between white sand beaches, volcanoes, and rainforests.

St. Kitts and Nevis: 120,000

Two unique islands, St. Kitts and Nevis, make up this country that was once known as the gateway to the Caribbean. St. Kitts is the larger of the two, and offers lively nightlife, plenty of lodging options, and local culture. Nevis is smaller and quieter, and has a distinctive volcanic mountain that dominates the landscape.

Antigua and Barbuda: 301,000 Visitors

Located in the West Indies between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, the country of Antigua and Barbuda is made up of the two eponymous islands plus a number of smaller islands. Abundant coral reefs and shipwrecks make it a world-class diving and snorkeling destination.

Barbuda was hit particularly hard by two hurricanes in 2017, but is beginning to make a comeback.

British Virgin Islands: 302,000

With over 50 islands, you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for you in the British Virgin Islands, or BVI. Tortola is the main island and home to the capital city, Road Town. There are three other larger islands (Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke), plus a number of uninhabited islands that you can sneak away to. Although the BVI is a territory of Great Britain, these islands are definitely more Caribbean than European, with warm weather and a laid-back vibe.

St. Lucia: 424,000

Mango-shaped St. Lucia is just 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, but the island’s slow and winding roads can make getting between the north and south a half-day journey. The north and south of St. Lucia offer two completely different experiences. In the north, Rodney Bay has Pigeon Island National park to explore, lively bars and nightlife, and the hopping Friday Night Fish Fry. In the south, you’ll find the iconic Pitons that have made St. Lucia famous, along with some of the country’s best beaches.

Trinidad and Tobago: 389,000

Trinidad and Tobago is the Caribbean’s southernmost country, but it’s worth the longer flight to get here. The two islands of Trinidad and Tobago are about 50 miles apart—you can easily take an inexpensive ferry or a quick flight between the two.

Trinidad’s Carnival is one of the biggest in the world. Held in the days before Ash Wednesday, this yearly festival starts at 4 am on Monday and doesn’t stop until Wednesday. Visitors can even join in the fun by buying a costume from one of the Carnival bands and joining in the parade for a true local experience.

Curaçao: 464,000 Visitors

Curaçao is one of the lucky Caribbean islands in the ABC group (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao), which are hit less often by hurricanes. So Curacao can be a great destination to consider if you’re traveling during hurricane season.

Curaçao stands out from the rest of the Caribbean in more ways than just weather—it’s been part of the Netherlands since it was colonized in the 1600s, and the European influence is strong today, showing up in everything from the cuisine to the architecture.

Caroline Morse Teel is a Senior Editor at SmarterTravel. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline for photos from around the world.

The post 10 Lesser Visited Caribbean Islands Where You Can Escape the Crowds appeared first on SmarterTravel.

For LGBTQI travelers, deciding where to vacation to isn’t always as easy as spinning the globe. We searched for the best destinations that are not only LGBTQI-friendly, but also taking exceptional strides to help travelers make the most of every trip.

Best LGBTQI Destinations 2017: The Methodology

To select our Editors’ Choice finalists for best LGBTQI destination, we looked at destinations with a long history of LGBTQI communities, and then checked the current local political climate. We also considered destinations that have made a public effort to reach out to underrepresented factions of the community. We also took into account the difficulties and obstacles faced by LGBTQI travelers and whether the destination offered anything to overcome these particular challenges. Here is the winning destination.

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More from SmarterTravel:

• Best in Travel: The 2017 SmarterTravel Editors’ Choice and Readers’ Picks Winners
• Best Value Destinations for 2017
• 10 Up-and-Coming Destinations You Need to Visit in 2017
• Best Boutique Hotel Chains 2017

The post Best LGBTQI Destinations 2017 appeared first on SmarterTravel.

With so many places to visit in the world, it’s no wonder people often have trouble narrowing down the best spot for a family vacation. In this year’s Editors’ Choice Awards category for Best Family Vacation Destination, we arrived at 10 nominees that hit the sweet spot between affordability and family-friendly activities in 2017. And whether this list leads you to narrow your vacation picks or add a few more to the bucket list, we think you’ll come away with some great family vacation ideas.

Best Family Vacation Destination for 2017: The Methodology

We set out to find vacation destinations that make families happy. The options are infinite, and trying to choose the one vacation destination that’s best for everyone in the family is no easy task. What we can do, however, is point you to places that offer families the ideals that rank high in their list of priorities. Among them: safety, quality activities, good food, affordability, and opportunities for shared time together.

We determined our top 10 destinations in this category based upon these criteria. Here are the Editors’ Choice and the Readers’ Picks winners, and since each of these 10 family vacation destinations deserves your consideration, we’re sharing them with you now.

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More from SmarterTravel:

• Best in Travel: The 2017 SmarterTravel Editors’ Choice and Readers’ Picks Winners
• Best Value Destinations for 2017
• 10 Up-and-Coming Destinations You Need to Visit in 2017
• Best Boutique Hotel Chains 2017

The post 10 Best Family Vacation Destinations for 2017 appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Whether you’re in the mood for sun and sand, old Spanish forts, or boatloads of succulent roast pork, you can always get your fix in Puerto Rico. A U.S. territory since 1898, Puerto Rico is proudly and exuberantly different than anywhere on the mainland. And that’s why so many people come to visit these Spanish-speaking islands where you don’t even need a passport to visit.

Puerto Rican culture is animated by a sort of hybrid vigor, a product of the intermixing of indigenous Taino Indians, Spanish settlers from Andalusia and the Canary Islands, and freed West African slaves. The result is a freewheeling kaleidoscope of Afro-Latin musical traditions and cocina criolla, or creole cooking.

It would be easy to spend an entire trip just on Puerto Rico’s main island, Borinquen. But its smaller sisters are worth a visit, too. The tourist-friendly islands of Culebra and Vieques lie to the east. And for the more adventurous traveler, the remote, essentially uninhabited islands of Mona, Desecheo, and Monito—which have been called the Galapagos of the Caribbean—lie to the west.

Whatever your speed, you’ll quickly discover that the islands of Puerto Rico are full of little things that will take your breath away. Here are the best things to do in Puerto Rico.

What to Do in Puerto Rico

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More from SmarterTravel:

• Do I Need a Passport to Go to Puerto Rico?
• 5 Best Puerto Rico All-Inclusive Resorts and Hotels
• 10 Best Puerto Rico Beaches

The post 10 Best Things to Do in Puerto Rico appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Transportation in Split: Local Buses

When visiting Split, there are so many things to do. You will find it very helpful to be aware of the different types of transportation here, especially the local buses and how they operate.

Airport Bus

If you are coming into Split by plane, you will find it comforting to know that there are buses you can take to get to your hotel or lodging destination. If you are wanting to go on one of the Croatia Airline buses, you will need to check the timetable that these buses run on to ensure they meet your needs. You can go to the airline office to make sure the bus can get you to where you need to go according to the timetable you are traveling on. Another bus that runs from the airport is local bus no. 37. It will take you Trogir if that happens to be where you are needing to go.

Don’t get discouraged

Figuring out the bus schedule in Split may seem a bit frustrating at first, but it is always a good thing if you can travel by bus because this form of transportation tends to be the cheapest way to travel.

The buses go everywhere

One of the biggest benefits about traveling in Split by bus is that they go almost anywhere. No matter the attraction you are wanting to visit, there is a good chance that you can go by bus. And as mentioned before, traveling by bus will likely save you a lot of money because the bus tickets tend to be very cheap.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about transportation in Split: local buses.

The post Local Buses, Split – Transportation appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Nesebar Shopping

When traveling to Nesebar, you are sure to have a great time thanks to all the many attractions that are available for you to visit. From restaurants to shopping, there is so much to do.

Souvenir Shops

When you go walking downtown Nesebar, you are going to come across all kinds of souvenir shops. Whether you are looking for posters, bracelets, postcards, or any type of souvenir, you are sure to find it in one of the little shops. Most of the shops are reasonably priced and offer great deals.

Bed Linen Shops

A lot of the shops downtown also sell bed linens and table covers. You will find some extremely beautiful pieces here at great prices. Make sure when you buy any of these linens, curtains, or table covers that have been completely handmade; this makes them worth more money.

Bulgarian Leather

Are you wanting to shop around for Bulgarian leather? If so, Nesebar has several leather shops for you to go shopping at. From leather belts to hats, jackets, and even shoes, you are going to find good deals on all types of leather items.

Wooden Toys

There are also a lot of wooden toys sold in Nesebar. These toys make for great gifts for little ones, and most of them are small meaning you should have no problem adding them to your suitcase and taking them back through customs when you go back home. You’ll find all types of wooden toys, including wooden cars, puzzles, pull toys, and more.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about shopping in Nesebar.

The post Shopping in Nesebar – Shops, Stores, Best Buys & Inside Tips appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Phuket Transportation

When traveling to Phuket, there are going to many restaurants and attractions for you to visit, as well as many small shopping stores. It is imperative that you know about your many transportation options as this will help ensure you have a safe and good time during your trip.

Motorbikes

If you want, you can always rent a motorbike to travel around Phuket. These motorbikes tend to be extremely beneficial because they are small and you can weave in and out of traffic, helping you to avoid long lines of traffic. Plus, renting motorbikes doesn’t usually cost a lot of money, making them one of the cheapest ways to travel.

Renting cars

Do you want to rent a car for traveling around Phuket? If so, you can take comfort in knowing there are several places to rent a car from. Even better is that you can rent a driver if you want. This means you can sit back and relax while you travel to and from your destinations. Renting a car here is cost-efficient and a great way to enhance your experience in Phuket.

Buses

There are several buses that run through Phuket, many of which have a great schedule timetable. No matter where you are going, there is a likely a bus that can get you there.

Boats

Traveling somewhere near the water? If so, you should definitely consider getting there by boat. Boat rides are fairly cheap and provide beautiful scenery for you to take in while going from one destination to the next.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about transportation in Phuket. 

The post Transportation in Phuket – Taxi, Train, Bus & Airport Tips appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Bangkok Travel Guide

Thailand is beloved for its food, scenery and people, and Bangkok is a great place to go to see it all. If you’re looking for a quick Bangkok travel guide, check out suggestions from past travelers.

Top Hotels in Bangkok

The best rated hotels in Bangkok are the Oriental, Peninsula, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, the Phranakorn-Nornlen, Grand Hyatt Erawn and the Okura Prestige. These hotels are definitely the fancier ones you’ll find in the city with prices to match. There are plenty of places to stay though that are much cheaper, just not quite as luxurious.

Top things to Do

In terms of things to do, visit the Grand Plance, Wat Pho, Temple of the Dawn and the Damnoen Saduak floating market for safe and fun excursions. Baiyoke Tower and the temple ruins of Ayutthaya are also delights for many visitors here. Get a massage at one of the many places around the city for a stimulating session that is sure to leave an impression too.

Warnings and Dangers in Bangkok

Violent crime is rare here, but you may run into scams from those in the transportation industry. Both tuk-tuks and taxis alike were both reported to be places to lose your money if you’re not careful. Theft was also listed as a potential concern, so keep your valuables safe or don’t travel with them at all. Bottled water is recommended over drinking tap by tourists too.

Final Tips

There are plenty of things to do here both in town and off the beaten path. Shop, eat out, and learn more about the locals by exploring the city and getting a feel for the different areas.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about travel guides in Bangkok.

The post Bangkok Travel Guide appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Leh Shopping

No visit to India could possibly be complete without a perfect souvenir to bring back home. If you find yourself in Leh, you have a fantastic shopping opportunity at the foot of the mighty Himalayan mountains.

Pearl Market

As the name suggests, Pearl Market is the best place in the city to look for pearls, gems, jewelry, and precious stones. It’s located near the Indo-Tibetan Border Force (ITBF) camp, just a few blocks from the Leh Palace. While you can buy beautiful stones, it’s not recommended you buy “traditional” artifacts here, as many are expensive forgeries.

Ladags Apricot Store

Produce that grows in the mountain soil, exposed to fresh air and rainshine, tastes far different than the food you may find in a big city. Ladags Apricot Store is perhaps the most famous grocery market in all of Leh. It’s located in the LBA Shopping Complex on the main road. Everything here is all-natural and organic, including fruits and dairy. Don’t ask for cuts of meat, however, as the Hindu-majority population is vegetarian.

Ladakh

If an open-air market is your idea of a great afternoon, look no further than Ladakh off Changspa Road. Just about anything you could ask for is on sale here: native clothing, turquoise, trinkets and memorabilia, and food. While most goods are native, the market also contains gems from major cities like Delhi and Jaipur. The market is only open during the summer months, however, so be certain not to show up once the snows start coming down.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about shopping in Leh.

The post Leh Shopping – Shops, Stores, Best Buys & Inside Tips appeared first on SmarterTravel.