Month: November 2024

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Top 10 Tips to Help You Get the Most Out of Your Next Trip to France

So you are planning a trip to France? That’s awesome. France is one of my favorite vacation destinations and having spent quite a bit of time over there, I know how to help you plan how to get the most out of your trip and have a dream vacation enjoying this fabulous country.

Learn a little bit of French before you go. This is the first and most important tip. Even though many French people especially in tourist destinations do speak some English, many of them are not comfortable with English and will appreciate your effort to speak French. It’s simply the polite thing to do.

Have a general idea about where you are planning to go. France is so rich with castles, museums, restaurants and other great sites that you really need to plan out roughly where you will go before you arrive or else you will be overwhelmed.

Get some maps of Paris, Nice, Marseille or any of the other cities where you are planning to go. Although you can buy them there, it is better to look over a map of the cities before you arrive.

Read a book or two on French culture. The French people have a different mindset and attitude than Americans and most of the English speaking world and it will make your trip much more pleasurable.

Check the weather in the region of France where you are going the day before you leave. The weather in France can vary greatly and it will make your trip much more enjoyable if you are prepared to handle the weather.

Pack light. I cannot emphasize this enough. The French do not travel heavy and they will be very annoyed by you trekking all over the place with three suitcases. Plan to do laundry often and limit yourself to the absolute bare minimum. Furthermore, the trains in France have limited space and very narrow isles which make carrying large suitcases nearly impossible. In addition, many of the quaint French hotels have stairs with no elevators.

Read Rick Steve’s book on France and plan at least one hotel stay at a unique quaint bed and breakfast or family owned hotel. These are the best there is and will give you a chance to truly experience French culture.

Talk with others who have already been to France and seek out their advice.

While you are in France take some time to relax and enjoy French culture and life.

Spend the money dining for a real meal at one or more higher class French restaurants. You will enjoy the experience and get a taste of true French cuisine.

Follow these tips and your next trip to France whether it is your first or your twentieth will be fabulous.

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7 Tips on How to Stop Drinking So Much!

Tip 1

Check your pockets.

How many money coins are in there? Open your wallet- how many notes do you have? Hmm. Look about the place, any coins fallen down behind the couch? What about in the bottom of your bag? How much money do you need to drink this afternoon… better go the bank.

Hang on.

STOP.

Better to ask, “How much money can I afford to drink away today?” I know this won’t stop you trotting off to the bank but it might just make you conscious of your behaviour. (Too many times I have found my legs walking off to the bank and into the bottle shop without so much as a second thought–mainly because there wasn’t a first one!). Just stop for a minute and consider your cash flow–it’s only a tip.

Tip 2

The Car

Where is it? Is it locked? Where are your keys? If you intend to drink today hide your keys from yourself. I don’t care who you think you are sober, when you are drunk you think you are invincible… and possibly God’s gift to everyone.

Do us all a favour and don’t get in the car.

You may think I have just given my consent to go ahead and drink yourself away today. Possibly, but before you do, ask yourself, “Do I have to go anywhere today? To the shops? Do I have something for dinner? Have I got enough nappies for the baby?” If you have something you need to do, do it now, BEFORE you start drinking. Go on. Get it out of the way. Then you can have a drink.

Just stop for a minute and think– driving after drink? It’s just stupid; you are cleverer than that. Plan ahead and make it unnecessary.

Tip 3

Don’t buy chilled anything. It always tastes better.

Tip 4

Chill the water.

Tip 5

Have Something to Do

As basic as it sounds, actually having something to do with your hands stops you drinking quite so quickly (and not drinking as quickly helps you drink less). It can be anything really.

  • Sort through photographs (we tend to be a sentimental lot)
  • write (a letter?)
  • draw ( abstract patterns will do)
  • sew ( ok… I get it)
  • do a puzzle (jigsaws can be surprisingly gratifying)
  • try a crossword (easy, as difficult ones will leave too much idle time)
  • cook, clean, tidy (we are excellent at this)
  • surf the net (watch where you click)
  • garden
  • reupholster a chair!
  • Whatever

Reading is not helpful as the words become blurred too quickly and you’ll give it away and drink more. (And TV is simply dangerous in its ‘mind-numbing-ness ‘)

NB: Talking on the phone?

Well, you’ll soon give yourself away. Could call a tolerant friend. But, pretty much unless you are calling for help, better to occupy those hands and keep out of trouble.

Tip 6

Eat (and be merry if you must)

Eat food. Good food. Not soup. Not ice-cream. Not snacks. Not even chocolate.

Put cheese on a biscuit. Heat the pizza. Dip your chips. Eat lots of bread. Add vegemite. Cook a sausage? Put it on bread. Add sauce. Dare to add lettuce and a tomato.

You may not like yourself much but you need to eat.

Eating slows you down, helps ‘soak up’ alcohol, ( not to be confused with making your sober up- it simply stops you feeling so drunk really).

Try this: Cook, then Eat. It’s Simple and Useful. (By all means drink copious amounts of water but it doesn’t count as food).

Tip 7

Want to Drink Less.

This could be the real clincher for you.

If you WANT to drink less, then surely you will- that is if you’re not flat out disliking yourself, punishing yourself or hatching elaborate plans of self-sabotage…

If you want to drink less because you like yourself better sober then that’s a good reason.

If you want to drink less because you get more done as a sober person then that’s a good reason, too.

If you want to drink less because you are safer sober than that’s a fair reason too.

But if you want to drink less because you’re sick of drinking so much then that’s reason enough.

Try it now.

Tip it down the sink.

Stop.

Even for a minute.

Cheers.

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A Romantic and Adventurous Getaway in Vietnam

When planning that perfect romantic getaway with your significant other, fall in love all over again amid the dramatic backdrop of majestic Vietnam.

After you have finally said your “I do’s,” celebrate your new life together by jetting to a foreign land that offers a romantic setting for some rest and relaxation. While honeymoons are typically spent lazing on the beach, for highly active and adventurous couples Vietnam offers you the ultimate romantic getaway.

Enjoying Halong Bay cruises is one of the most popular ways to explore this region of Vietnam, especially for couples who want to enjoy that heady combination of romance and excitement. Just to give you a sneak peek of what the majestic setting has to offer, here are a few reasons why you should book one of the popular Halong Bay cruises.

Travelling Around Vietnam

For those seeking adventure and excitement, clearly, staying in a secluded resort for a week or two is not the best way to enjoy this exotic country. Take advantage of your time together by spending it exploring some of the most spectacular attractions of Vietnam – the country has many interesting facets waiting to be discovered.

Halong Bay cruises will regale you with the spectacular views of the fascinating combination of rural villages, bustling cities and truly stunning bays. On land, the area is perfect for romantic walks and looking for those postcard-perfect photo opportunities. Key attractions [including the famous Halong Bay] are well within driving distance from Hanoi, and from Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta is also within easy reach.

Celebrate With Romance and Relaxation

Of course, honeymoons would not be complete without some romance to set the tone of your married life. Vietnam boasts some of the world’s most amazing locations – perfect for couples.

The ideal occasion for a bit of romance, Halong Bay cruises afford you an awe-inspiring backdrop of limestone cliffs topped with lush forests. Enjoying the sight up close and personal truly offers a memorable experience. You can also travel towards the south of the country to Dalat City, which is dubbed as the Valley of Love – an it lives up to its name by showcasing stunning natural landscapes. This plateau spans 242 hectares, boasting a vast array of meadows, pine forests and the famous Da Thien Lake, at the bottom part of the hill. Enjoy a stroll through the woods or wander along Mimosa Stream.

Soak In the Fascinating Culture of the Land

Vietnam is well known for its rich cultural heritage. You can start your adventure in Hanoi, a popular treasure trove of cultural and historical sites that are truly breathtaking. Among the places of interest are President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the Kinh Thien Palace. Make sure to pay the Old Quarter a visit, as it is home to 600 temples and pagodas, most of which are from the 11th century.

Vietnam is truly a romantic place, giving you that heady combination of culture, adventure, and a chance to commune with nature.