Category: Living Abroad

Is Paris Safe For Solo Female Travellers & Should You Go?

March 1, 2023 / Ruben Herrera / 0 Comments

Anywhere that you decide to travel can be safe if you prepare yourself ahead of time and make sure you have planned the correct precautions.

It can be a scary experience to go on a solo trip, but that feeling can be elevated with solo female travelers as they can be seen as easy targets no matter where they go.

If you are planning to visit Paris and you want to be safe when you arrive, then here are some reasons why visiting Paris should be on your list as well as some safety tips on making your way through areas like the Porte De La Chapelle and Notre Dame without worrying too much about where you are.

Looking forward to being a solo female traveler and are keen to know some Paris safety tips to make it a memorable trip? Read on to learn more.

Why Should You Visit Paris?

If you have visited Paris before with other people, then you know what it is like.

Maybe you went there for a romantic getaway with your other half, walking to the top of the Eiffel Tower and looking out over the beauty of the city. Or perhaps both of you went to soak up the history of Paris by visiting the Arc De Triomphe.

Whatever you went for, it must have made an impression on you to go back.

However, if you haven’t made the trip to Paris before and you would like your first solo trip to be to Paris and immerse yourself in the French culture, then here are some reasons why you should visit.

It is an Iconic Destination

Picture it, you just get on at the Gare De Lyon train station and travel down the line to the southeast part of the city where you can travel to Marseille, Nice, The French Alps, Lyon, the list goes on.

You can see a variety of major tourist attractions right in front of you, soaking up the culture and inspiration of the city and the countryside from one stop to the next.

The Eiffel Tower alone is enough to bring people to Paris, but being able to see what else it has to offer for solo travelers out there, is nothing short of exhilarating for the lovers and the travelers of the world.

It is Perfect For Introverts

Not a fan of being surrounded by people (e.g. Disneyland Paris), then there isn’t anything to worry about as you can move around Paris without having to be extroverted.

You can travel solo to museums and cafes, you are able to shop alone and take long walks alone, and even join a walking tour if you feel like it.

You can take your solo travel experience to the next level when in Paris, as everything people would normally do together is normal for solo travelers.

Exploring Paris by yourself is fine.

You can take a walk through the Latin Quarter and feel like you are part of the other French women who walk around the city (just make sure you don’t look like a tourist as you will definitely stick out then).

It is Easy to Eat Alone

Paris, France is known for its amazing food and drink, and who says you need to be with someone else to enjoy it?

Apparently, it is quite common for women to eat alone in Paris, so when you are on your solo female travel mission, you won’t need to worry about people staring at you for eating alone outside a cafe or having the waiter pity you for being alone.

You can sit back and watch the world go by.

Some Safety Tips For Visiting Paris

Looking at the reasons why you should visit Paris may make you want to hop on a plane right now and take off.

However, just like with every new place you go to, it would be a good idea to take a look at some safety tips to protect yourself before going to a different country.

You can ask many people what they think of Paris, and they will have their own thoughts and feelings. Some will say that it is a very safe city, whilst others may lean another way and feel like it can be sketchy.

Whilst bits of it can be true, it is all about where you go and what you do, as well as the times. Some spots may be perfect during the day, but at night they could turn into something completely different.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Quite self-explanatory, but you need to make sure that you are on the lookout at all times to keep yourself safe.

If your body language screams solo female traveler, then pickpockets and scam artists are going to zone in on you as an easy target and try what they can to get you out of your money.

Limit Your Alcohol Consumption

You want to enjoy yourself wherever you are, but your senses of your surroundings can be dulled through the use of alcohol, so if you are in a bar or restaurant alone and you are drinking, once again you are seen as a prime object for them to go after.

Your inhibitions can be lower and you may lose your keys or your money through not being aware of what you are doing, so slow down and know your limits.

Choose an Apartment in a Safe Area

You can go online for this to check out crime statistics in certain parts of Paris and see which ones would be best for you to rent an apartment in.

You will want to go for one that is well-lit during the night and has a keypad on the front door so it is concealed from people who try and just walk in.

Learn the passcode and do not keep it on your phone or in your pocket.

Do not prematurely take out your keys, but wait until you are inside the building and the main door is shut behind you before doing so.

Stay in a Reputable Hotel

If you are not in an apartment but have instead opted for a hotel room, then go online and check out different reviews to see which one would be the best option for you to pick.

You will want one with a safe that you can put your valuables in, plus a locked door that you and housekeeping have access to.

Check and see if they have security cameras as well so you can feel safe when entering and exiting your room and the building.

Know Your Public Transportation Routes

Public transport such as the metro is a wonderful way to go around the city and get you to your desired location. Whilst it is an essential way to travel, it is also a prime place for pickpockets to try and catch you.

Always purchase tickets from a reliable vendor or machine and do not buy from random people inside the stations, even if they look legit, always go to a booth or a labeled machine.

Unwanted Attention

Being a solo female in any part of the world can have people take notice of you, and in a country that has different mannerisms and communication, you may find yourself in a spot you are not prepared for, e.g. smiling at random people could be an invitation for them to talk to you which may lead on to something else you don’t want.

Keep Your Belongings Close to You

Do not let any of your items out of your sight when traveling solo on trains or buses. Keep them close to you and ensure that you do checks throughout the day to see if anything may have been taken in transit.

Keep your bags zipped up and your purse/wallet and phone in a pocket that you can feel at all times.

If they really want your items, they will try a whole manner of things to get their hands on them, so be vigilant and don’t leave anything to chance.

If you notice someone quite close, put your hands on your items and try and walk as far away as you can to be safe.

Only Use ATMs That Can Be Seen

Don’t dip down an alleyway to use an ATM, it is best to do it in an area where people are so that you are not targeted when you get your money out.

It may be wise to get a bulk out at the start of your trip by doing an exchange of your money before you leave and only take out what is needed each time you leave your apartment/hotel. This will save you from constantly visiting an ATM and making yourself another target.

Keep in Contact With Your Family

It is always a good idea to let your family know where you are and what you are doing to keep safe, especially when you are in another country.

If you can, share your location when needed and let them know what is on your itinerary.

This will not only give them peace of mind, but it will do the same for you too.

Being alone anywhere is nerve-wracking, but you want to enjoy your experience, and part of that enjoyment is safety.

As a first-time traveler, you have picked a destination you want to go to, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be perfect, that is why keeping in touch is a no-brainer.

Conclusion

So, is Paris safe for solo female travellers? Yes, it can be, as long as you are aware of what you need to do to be safe.

It is an unfortunate reality, but, everywhere these days can be a worry for someone traveling solo for the first time and for the hundredth time even.

Paris can be one of the most beautiful places to go to, but if you are not aware of your surroundings and know what you need to do to be safe, it can be an awful trip that you don’t want to do again.

Travel Guide: 5 Tips to Save Money on Your Next Trip

February 28, 2023 / Ruben Herrera / 0 Comments

Traveling can be a lot of fun and an amazing experience, but the costs involved can add up very quickly. Take a look at these 5 tips on saving money while you travel, and get ready to have more cash in your wallet! Read on!

1. Fly During Off-Peak Times

Fly during off-peak times to save money on your next trip. Airlines often offer discounted rates during off-peak times, which can save you a significant amount of money on your flight.

Consider flying during the morning or evening hours to get the best deals. You can also search for deals by airline or destination. Check out our tips for saving on flights below!

To find the best airfare deals, use online travel agencies (OTAs) like Orbitz and Expedia. These sites allow you to compare prices and availability of flights across multiple airlines. OTA searches also often include discounts that are not available through the airlines themselves.

To get even more savings, consider booking your flight through a consolidator like Travelocity or CheapTickets. These sites allow you to compare prices from multiple airlines and sometimes include additional discounts not available through the airlines themselves.

To ensure a smooth travel experience, make sure to pack as lightly as possible and avoid bringing unnecessary items with you on your trip.

Checking baggage is often free when flying within the United States and many other countries, so try to pack as little as possible in your carry-on bag and check it instead.

Also, leave any bulky items at home, you won’t need them while traveling and they’ll only add extra weight to your bag.

Finally, keep in mind that some airports have reduced security lines during off-peak times so be sure to arrive early if you plan on flying during

2. Stay in Accommodations That Offer Free Breakfast

When planning your next trip, consider staying in accommodations that offer free breakfast. This way, you can save money on food costs and enjoy a nutritious start to your day while on vacation.

It can also make your stay more comfortable and relaxing.

3. Look For Package Deals on Flights and Lodging

Looking for package deals on flights and lodging? Here are some tips to help you save money on your next trip!

When looking for flights, always use a search engine that specializes in flight deals. Many airlines offer exclusive discounts to their customers through these engines.

Another way to save on your flights is to compare prices before booking. Use sites like Expedia and Orbitz to find the best deals on airfare. You can also use these sites to find hotels near your destination.

To stay safe while traveling, make sure you have the proper documentation with you. This includes a valid passport, visa, and health insurance card. Also, be sure to pack essential items like a map of the area, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first-aid kit.

4. Research Free Activities in Your Destination

One great way to save money on your next trip is to do some research beforehand. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Compare Prices

Compare prices between different travel sites. Try different ones until you find one that has the best deals for what you want to do.

Use Online Tools

Use online tools to estimate your costs before you leave home. This can help you plan ahead and save money on airfare, hotels, and other expenses.

Find Free or Discounted Event

Find free or discounted events that coincide with your destination and plan around them. Many places offer free or discounted admission during regular tourist seasons.

Use Public Transportation

Use public transportation whenever possible – it’s often cheaper than using taxis or renting cars. And don’t forget about ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft – they can be a great way to get around without spending a lot of money upfront.

5. Travel With a Companion to Split the Costs

Whether you’re looking to save money on your next trip or just want to enjoy a relaxing getaway with someone special, traveling with a companion can be a great way to do both. Here are some tips on how to travel cheaply with a friend:

Research the Destination Thoroughly

Before you go anywhere, make sure you have a good idea of what you’re planning on doing and see if there are any cheaper options that might fit your interests.

A lot of times, finding cheaper deals can be done by simply exploring different parts of the city or country you’re visiting on your own before booking everything in one go.

Split Expenses Evenly

One of the best ways to save money when traveling is to split expenses evenly between yourselves. This means taking turns paying for everything. Including transportation, food, and lodging so that neither person ends up spending more than they expected. It can also help avoid any arguments over who should pay for what while away from home!

Pack Lightly

Another key way to keep costs low while on vacation is to pack as lightly as possible. This means avoiding extra clothes and accessories, instead packing only the items you really need for the duration of your trip.

If necessary, rent additional clothing or accessories when you arrive at your destination if they’re not available locally.

How to Choose a Sustainable Extended Stay Provider

July 2, 2020 / Ruben Herrera

Sustainability is one of the most important qualities that a business or home could have. So it’s no wonder that extended-stay hospitality has shone a new light on sustainable business practices. As both a business and a place of residence, extended-stay hotels specialize in providing a satisfying away-from-home lifestyle while also offering the kind of conservation you would value in your own home.

Sustainable corporate housing west hollywood rentals and similar others tend to lower the carbon footprint for hundreds to thousands of guests. This makes your vacation or business trip, not just enjoyable, but also guilt-free. But how do you choose a sustainable extended-stay provider? Let’s take a look at some of the top sustainability practices to look for when choosing your next extended-stay provider.

LED Lights and Motion Sensors

Energy conservation is at the heart of sustainability. The first and easiest way for any location to upgrade is to replace older light fixtures with LED lights. These lights use less energy and create less waste-heat while burning just as bright. In addition to more efficient light fixtures, motion-sensing and timed lights can provide excellent power savings. For extended-stay accommodations, motion-sensors ensure that lights are off when unused, but are always on when needed by guests.

Energy Star Appliances

Extended-stay providers differ from other hospitality venues because there are home appliances in every suite. A stove, refrigerator, and possibly even an oven, dishwasher, or laundry machines bring you all the comforts of home without having to rent a furnished house. The efficiency of these appliances, understandably, can have a big impact on power use.

With Energy Star appliances, you can be sure that your extended-stay experience has a satisfactorily low use of electricity.

Well-Insulated Rooms

The insulation between the walls of each room influences both sound and heat transfer. With well-insulated walls, you not only enjoy a quiet stay, but you also enjoy greater energy efficiency with climate control. Your room won’t get cold if your neighbor cranks up the AC. You will also use far less electricity setting and maintaining your own preferred room temperature.

Dedicated workspace

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, having a dedicated workspace can help you stay productive and focused. A home office should include furniture such as a desk, chair, and storage solutions, preferably sourced from companies like Office Monster (officemonster.co.uk/office-furniture), as well as high-speed internet access, power outlets, and adequate lighting. With a well-equipped home office, you can attend virtual meetings, complete work projects, or stay on top of your studies, all from the comfort of your extended stay accommodation.

Organic Bath Amenities

Bath amenities are a major source of hotel waste, and thrown-away cosmetics can cause ecological problems. But not when bath amenities are made from organic, sustainable materials. Organic bath amenities and recyclable (or recycled) packaging can also reduce your carbon footprint when traveling away from home.

Organic Low-VOC Carpeting

VOCs are volatile organic compounds. They’re found in many plastics, synthetic materials, and chemicals. Unfortunately, many textiles like pressboard and carpeting tend to contain VOCs from the chemicals used to make or treat them. A sustainable building prioritizes organic carpeting and building materials with a very low percentage of VOCs. Look for venues that are proud of installing organic Low-VOC carpeting for a sustainable extended-stay experience.

Water Conservation

Water conservation is also essential for a sustainable hospitality business. Guests can use a lot of water between bathing and cooking for themselves in full-function kitchens. The more conservative the appliances and fixtures are, the less water will be wasted. Look for venues that advertise low-flow efficient fixtures like faucets and showerheads. This way, you can take those long luxurious showers you love while knowing that you are technically saving water with an efficient showerhead.

As-Needed Services

One of the signatures of extended-stay sustainability is as-needed services. Instead of changing the sheets every night, housekeeping may only come once a week or on request. Many of the more luxurious services available from your extended-stay provider may be on-request rather than automatic so that no resources are lost on guests who don’t want those services. As-needed services mark that an extended-stay provider is savvy to saving energy and materials while still offering the luxurious experience you seek.

Access to Walking-Distance Attractions

Many hospitality businesses encourage sustainable local travel with walking-distance access to nearby attractions. The more shopping and restaurants are near your extended-stay hotel, the more gas you can save (and exhaust you can avoid producing) by walking to your destinations.

Choosing an extended stay hotel, host, or business housing provider is all about setting your priorities. What do you care about most? Whether you are seeking luxury, convenience, or sustainable business practices, there are many great extended stay options to choose from. Your perfect home-away-from-home is already out there waiting for you to find it.

The 3 Best VPNs For Chinese Travelers In 2020

June 16, 2020 / Ruben Herrera

A VPN is a virtual private network: a tool that ensures a connection to the internet remains private, while also allowing users to bypass a number of restrictions imposed by ISPs and local government. This is similar to a proxy, which can be found on websites like http://free-proxy-list.net/. These also offer workarounds to restrictions on websites or content. Unlike a proxy, a VPN offers full encryption of any internet activity as well. This often means that your activity is secure unless the person trying to access your information presents a warrant to your VPN provider. In short, VPNs protect the sanctity of the internet: ensuring that it remains a freely available source of information, discussion, and entertainment. Because most internet service providers are not prohibited from collecting or disclosing information and data about your internet activity, including your browsing history, it can be dangerous to leave your data exposed. Your Internet service provider may or may not keep a record of the websites you visit and other online activities, but keeping it safe is your responsibility. Most websites require you to send a DNS request to your ISP, which your ISP can then log and store indefinitely. As a result, you should look for ISPs that are reputable and have positive customer feedback. Not to mention, you can choose your ISP based on the deals and offers provided by them, such as Xfinity deals, but keep in mind their loyalty and background check. Additionally, use a VPN on the devices to protect your data from being compromised. The internet has the potential to be an extremely powerful tool for democracy, free-speech, and self-betterment: but there are those that stand opposed to that idea.

In particular, the Chinese government is well known for placing heavy restrictions on internet use. This is to ensure that the government’s own “narrative” remains undisputed, but of course it is a big restriction on the freedoms and privacy of the huge population that lives there. Good thing they have VPNs!

If you are planning on travelling to travel to China, then using a VPN is an important tool. This will allow you to use social media platforms to stay in touch with family members and friends back home, as well as accessing your favorite shows, and unfiltered news and information.

Read more to learn how to use VPNs while travelling in China, and where to find the best options available.

What is a VPN and How Do They Work?

You might first of all be wondering what a VPN actually does, and how it allows you to browse safely and without restriction.

The answer is that VPNs reroute all of your traffic via a server, effectively meaning that you are bouncing your signal off of this third party. Think of it this way: you connect to a remote computer and that computer then connects to the website that you want to visit. The computer (which is the server) then downloads the information from that website and shows it to you.

Should an ISP look at your traffic, all it sees is that you have connected to a random server in the middle of nowhere: nothing harmful or dangerous. No one can therefore see what websites you’ve been looking at, or prevent you from going there: because you’re only attached to one address! Does this sound like something you’re wanting for your own computer? Look into getting the Best VPN Service by reading below, to find out which VPN server will be the most efficient when traveling.

This also means that you can access sites that would otherwise be blocked in your region. That’s because you once again aren’t actually looking up those sites through your ISPN – you’re just looking up the harmless server that is working as the “middle man.”

The Three Best VPNs for Chinese Travelers

With all that in mind, what are the best VPNs for Chinese travelers? Here are a few top options:

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is one of the best known and most widely used VPNs in the world. It is highly popular in China in particular, especially because it has been tried and proven when it comes to navigating around the “Great Firewall.” There are a number of local Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan-based servers too, meaning that as you travel around Asia, you’ll be able to continue to enjoy superfast connection speeds.

NordVPN

NordVPN has a team specifically dedicated to getting around government-imposed restrictions in countries like China, as well as Saudi Arabia, and Iran. This works by actively monitoring connectivity and quickly responding to any new blocks or restrictions that get put in place. What this means, is that Nord will work great out the box and shouldn’t experience any lengthy downtimes.

Firefox

The reason that Firefox has made this list is simply that it is A) completely FREE and B) built right into your browser. That means that there is no need to install another piece of software, you can just run anything through your browser when you want to access restricted content. This is also great for other things: such as spoof your IP address on one website while keeping your address the same on plenty of others. And it means that when you are gaming or streaming movies, you don’t need to remember to turn it off!

There are many more VPNs out there, any of which will work great for travelling to China. Give them a go and see which one works the best for your particular needs. Whatever the case, the internet is yours to explore once more!

Bathroom Etiquette in African Countries

June 12, 2020 / Ruben Herrera

If you are planning on taking a trip to an African country, then you probably need to know some traveling etiquette. One of the least thought of but important protocol is how to properly use the bathroom in these countries. Many people fail to realize that using the bathroom in other countries is nothing like using it America. Squat toilets are common throughout Africa, and it is just what it sounds like, a hole in the ground with a pan to stand upon instead of a toilet bowl.

Squat toilets might be a bit intimidating for those who are not comfortable with a lot of squatting and bending, or those with bad knees and hips. The most common locations with squat toilets include restaurants, bus, and train stations, as well as low budget hotels. Check out these 8 bathroom etiquette rules when traveling in African countries.

Enter the area with the squat toilet. You will find a bucket or small bowl for your use, be sure to locate the water supply. If the squat toilet is not filled with water, you will need to do this yourself. Locate the footrests for the squat toilet, and put your feet on them. You usually will be turned away from the squat hole.
Keep your clothing items from hitting the floor. If your clothes touch the floor, most likely they will become soiled. It is best to remove your pants or underpants before using the squat toilet. The floor of the area is usually wet, from backsplash of water as well as those who do not have a perfect aim.
Remove items from back pockets. If you have no notion of removing your pants or underpants to use the toilet, be sure to remove all items from your pockets. You do not want to play “seek and find” in a squat toilet for your belongings; it will be an experience you will never forget.
Get into your best squat position. If you are unsteady on your feet, look around for something to hold onto. Most times there is no sink or towel bars to hold onto. It might take a lot of practice to get a perfect aim, or to just to “assume the right position.” However, in this instance, you will have to believe – practice makes perfect.
Cleanse with water. After completing your task, use the bowl in the room to cleanse your private area. If you don’t have a cloth with you, you will most likely be using your hands to help rinse and clean your body. It is a good idea to keep hand sanitizer with you as well.
Do not flush your toilet paper or other paper products. Squat toilets do not have the same plumbing that exists in the United States. The plumbing is more sensitive and might even be nonexistent. Using paper is sure to cause a blockage. Just find a trash can to dispose of it. Water is usually provided to help flush the toilet. Pour it in the pan, so that it moves around and cleans the bowl.
Refill squat bowl with water. Out of courtesy to the next person who enters the squat area, refill the bowl before you leave. Some places will usually provide you with soap or towels, but just to be sure, carry around your own at all times.
Leave a tip for bathroom attendant. Don’t forget the toilet attendant, if there is one. They are usually there to help those with the initial shock of seeing a squat toilet, as well as having to go in and clean up a messy situation.

Not all bathroom experiences are squat toilets in Africa. However, you will have to find upscale restaurants and hotels to find a bathroom with toilets that flush.

Is Paris Safe For Solo Female Travellers &amp; Should You Go?