Traveling to London and Paris is a fantastic summer adventure! These two iconic cities are a must visit if you have never visited. We have provided just a few highlights and links to favorite activities from our travels to get you planning your own trip. From here, you can adjust your plans accordingly based on the time you have and the activities you prefer. London Recommendations: Black Cab Tour: We highly recommend starting your adventures in London with a drive around town. It’s a fantastic way to get familiar with the city and see key sights without the stress of navigating on your own. Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace: This iconic ceremony is a must-see. Arrive early to get a good spot! Tower of London and Crown Jewels: Grab tickets in advance to explore this historic fortress and marvel at the Crown Jewels. Sky Garden: Reserve your free entry three weeks in advance. The view from up there is stunning, and it’s a great spot for photos. We also had reservations at the Fenchurch Restaurant, and and enjoyed a delicious meal! Borough Market: This market is a food lover’s paradise. We loved exploring the variety of food stalls and sampling different treats. Covent Garden and Harrods are two great classic shopping destinations. When traveling via train, it helps to consolidate your bags, so moving with your luggage is easier. Remember to look at our summer packing guide for recommendations. If possible, we also recommend getting a first-class ticket for the Chunnel. It makes traveling between the cities an easy and enjoyable journey. You will be relaxed and ready to continue your adventure. https://shookhillsecret.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/78-Paris-Dior-museum.mp4 Paris Highlights: Strolling Along the Seine: Paris is getting ready for the Summer Olympics, and walking along the Seine offers fantastic views, interesting people watching opportunities all while taking in the vibrant city atmosphere. Shopping: this city is known for it’s shopping. You can find everything from top designer fashion to vintage markets to some of the best cooking and book stores. Research what interests you and make a city touring plan. People Watching on Rue Cler: This charming street is perfect for a leisurely stroll, shopping for some classic Parisian provisions and taking a break from touring at one of the many cafes. Museums: The Louvre is the most famous museum but there are plenty of options to choose from. Research the many options and pick one. We loved the Dior Museum. A must-visit for fashion enthusiasts. The exhibits are incredible and offer a deep dive into Dior’s legacy. The Eiffel Tower: The best nighttime views in Paris include the Eiffel Tower. Whether you choose to admire it from a café, picnic in the park or on a tour. It’s a must see! Both London and Paris are such iconic cities with so much to offer visitors; these highlights were some of our favorite experiences. Whether you’re planning your first trip or a return visit, London and Paris are sure to charm and delight you. Happy travels!
Adventures/Travel
The Key to Traveling…
Embrace the Unexpected… We all love those perfect travel plans, right? The ones where the logistics are meticulously planned out, from sunrise hikes to sunset dinners. But let’s be real – how often do those plans actually go, well, according to plan? The key to traveling is handling disruptions with grace and not getting frazzled. Here’s the thing: the key to truly enjoying your travels is all about flexibility and rolling with the punches when things don’t go as expected. Imagine this: you’ve got tickets to a must-see attraction, like the Dior Museum in Paris but there is a presidential parade that morning and all of the roads you need to take to get from your hotel to the venue are closed. Or you’re set on tasting a famous local dish, only to find the restaurant closed for a private event. Frustrating? Sure. The end of the world? Definitely not. Being flexible means you can turn these little hiccups into opportunities for unexpected adventures. Rainy day? Perfect time to explore a quirky museum or cozy up in a local café with a good book and some people-watching. Restaurant closed? Time to discover a hidden gem that wasn’t on any blog or travel guide. These spontaneous moments often become the highlights of your trip – the stories you share with friends long after the journey ends.Let’s not forget traveling is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Delayed flights, train strikes, or even a lost reservation can be stressful, but they can also lead to meeting new people, discovering new places, and creating memories that a perfectly planned trip never could. So, next time you’re packing your bags, remember to pack a little patience and a lot of flexibility. The key to traveling and enjoying yourself is to embrace the unexpected – let the twists and turns of your journey lead you to experiences you never dreamed of. After all, some of the best stories start with “Remember that time when everything went wrong…”Happy travels, adventurers!
