Hackpads are smart collaborative documents. Join Hackpad Now.

Mark Spector

587 days ago
Unfiled. Edited by Mark Spector 587 days ago
Mark S 15 Best Day Trips To Visit In Paris France
 
Paris is part of the world-famous French École des Beaux Arts’ group of universities, including ones in Florence, Rome, and Madrid. The city’s most famous attraction is undoubtedly the Louvre Museum and its famous glass pyramid designed by I.M. Pei. Many art enthusiasts flock through the streets near Notre Dame Cathedral to see works by renowned artists like Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci and Monet. However, there are plenty of other attractions to explore in and around the city, many free or affordable. Here are 15 day-trips that you can take in Paris that won’t drain your wallet:
1. Going to the Butterfly Houses
If you have a thing for nature, check out the three butterfly houses in Paris. The Lariboisière Park butterfly house is near the zoo and attracts more than 100 million butterflies during its summer season. You can also visit the Jardin des Serres de Beaujolais in western Paris and the Jardin de L’Enfant in central Paris, both of which have more than 8,000 varieties of butterflies.
2. Seeing History at forts found throughout the city
War is a part-and-parcel of living in a city that dates back to antiquity, and Fort Trocadero is just one of many forts located all around the city. When you go to see it, you’ll also see the last pieces of the Mont Valerien fort and an archaeological dig.
3. Moselle River Valley
The Moselle River Valley, located in the northeast of France, is perfect for spending your weekend. The area is rich in culture and History, but mostly it’s known for its ski resorts and mountain hiking trails. If you want to learn more about wine, you might attend one of the many wine conferences held throughout the year.
4. Going to a Boulangerie
A trip to a Paris boulangerie is one of the best ways to spend some time out of the city. These small bakeries employ traditional methods that date back centuries, and you can get your hands on some amazing loaves of bread and pastries here.
5. Visiting a Mediaeval Castle
You’ll have to go up north to see castles in France, but there are plenty of others in Paris that you can see on your day trip. For example, Château de Chinon is located in the Loire Valley and is believed to be the oldest castle in France. The Trocadero Round Tower, also known as Notre-Dame-du-Trocadéro, is a good place to visit while you’re in town.
6. Going to the Museum of Decorative Arts
As you might have guessed, there’s a museum for everything in the world’s most visited city. The Museum of Decorative Arts is a good example, and it’s located in the 7th arrondissement.
7. Visiting Paris’ most beautiful street, rue de Rivoli
Walking around the streets of Paris is one of the best ways to get to know more about each arrondissement, and Rue de Rivoli is one of the most beautiful in the city. The street stretches from Place de la Concorde to Place Vendôme, and you’re bound to find plenty of cute cafés and shops.
8. Going to the markets
There are plenty of farmers’ markets and other weekend market events around France, but Paris also has its fairs and markets. Check out these weekly events to see what’s in store: Marché Bastille – Marché de la Poissonnerie – Marché Saint-Germain – Marché aux Fleurs – Forêt de Reuilly.
9. Visiting the banks of La Seine
Much like the Moselle River Valley, the Ile-de-France region is perfect for a romantic trip, and you’ll have plenty of things to do when you’re out there. Many couples head to take the River Seine Tour and other cities in this part of France for an unforgettable weekend away.
10. Seeing the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is a symbol of Paris, and seeing it up close is one of the best things you can do while in town. It’s located on the Champs-Élysées, and you can see it at its best between 11 am and 5:30 pm every day except Monday.
11. Visiting the Eiffel Tower
Few structures in the world are as recognizable as the Eiffel Tower, and if you want to see it, there are plenty of places where you can do that. For example, from Avenue des Champs-Élysées you can see the whole tower while it’s lit up at night.
12. Going to a park on a sunny day
Paris is home to some of the most beautiful parks in the world, and even though they’re beautiful, they’re also pretty famous. For example, you can visit the Jardin des Tuileries and the Jardin du Luxembourg while in Paris and take some beautiful pictures.
13. Seeing the Louvre at night
Visiting the Louvre is one of the most popular things that Parisian tourists do. This is a good thing because it allows you to see some of the world’s most famous art pieces at night and gives you an insight into what other visitors think about them. You can take a Louvre Museum Tour to experience all of this.
14. Visiting the Sacré-Coeur
The Sacré-Coeur is one of the most famous churches in Paris, and seeing it in real life is one of the best things you can do while you’re here. You can also visit it at night and on weekends and holidays.
15. Visiting Mont Saint-Michel
Paris was one of the first cities to get a university, but there are still many places where you can get an education in Paris itself. For example, there’s the ENSPSM, a school that offers over 200 courses in both French and English. You can also attend high school classes away from the city, like in Anjou or Ile-de-France.
The list above is only a short compilation of some of Paris’ best things to do, but it’s far from exhausting. You can make your list using the suggestions above and check out the city’s website, TripAdvisor forums, or Yelp. And if you want to know more about France’s popular travel destinations.
Paris is a beautiful place, and it’s even more impressive when you see it with your own eyes.
 
 
614 days ago
Unfiled. Edited by Mark Spector 614 days ago
Mark S A Local’s Guide to Discovering Amsterdam – Travel, Events & Culture Tips
 
Amsterdam is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations. Amsterdam has something to offer everyone, whether you head for a day trip or months. Countless tourists come to check out the beautiful canal streets and houses, but not all of them are in luck; those who manage to get there usually miss the less-explored side of Amsterdam – the hidden gems that have yet to be discovered by its many visitors. The farther you venture from the heart of Amsterdam, the more you will find.
Whether you seek enlightenment or just a cup of coffee and a slice of cheesecake, this guide will help you discover all that Amsterdam has to offer. This city is packed with history and culture that rivals Paris, New York and London.
It is also the perfect place to start your trip because there are so many sites worth visiting in its historic core; by no means are they all just for tourists or expensive. Moreover, the city has plenty of things to do at night, such as theaters, museums, art galleries and late-night restaurants.
To get things started, you need to make your way around Amsterdam. A walk can do this, but if you prefer not to walk back through the city and pass by a bike rental company, go for it! Otherwise, consider taking public transport.
The easiest option is the metro; you can purchase a day pass for just €7.50 (valid on all public transport, including buses and trams), which is fully refundable if you return your rental bike to the designated area before 10 pm.
Now let’s take a look at some of the things that Amsterdam has to offer:
Art & Culture
Amsterdam offers everything from world-class museums to street art. Visitors can take these museum tours, such as the Van Gogh Museum Tour, the Rijksmuseum Tour, the Stedelijk Museum tour, and the Anne Frank House or in various art galleries around town.
Art lovers can also stroll through Amsterdam’s canal streets to see the many artists who ply their trade. These street artists are known for their works of graffiti and for painting over old and dirty buildings. The most popular place for street art is the canals. Next time you’re in Amsterdam, take a walk down the Prinsengracht to the Rijksmuseum or take a walk through the Rembrandtplein to Dam Square.
For culture lovers, Amsterdam is a paradise with museums that feature everything from Ancient Egyptian antiquities to modern art and contemporary masterpieces. And what better place to find these than Amsterdam’s numerous art galleries?
Together with the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum Tickets, there is the Stedelijk Museum, which houses works such as Rembrandt’s Night Watch, Manet’s Luncheon on Bridge and Van Gogh’s The Potato Eaters.
The Anne Frank House is a must-see. This house used to be occupied by Anne Frank, who hid there until she was discovered and sent to concentration camps. It is one of the most popular places in Amsterdam, so the queues tend to get long during peak season.
Visitors can see not just art galleries and museums in Amsterdam. The city also has various parks where you can find various sculptures and fountains. And what could be more beautiful than a fountain placed next to a flower bed? Het Botanic Gardens are one of Amsterdam’s most popular parks; here, you will also find a café to enjoy a cup of coffee.
Coffee & Scones
Amsterdam is home to plenty of independently owned coffee shops. Some of the best coffee places and some of the city’s most popular snacks are at these independent shops. You can find places to sit and relax in many of the city’s parks or street corners where you can enjoy your favorite snack from a vending machine.
In the center of Amsterdam, you will find plenty of coffee shops. Some to check out our Cafe Heffer, The Bulldog, Grey Area and The Coffee Company.
Amsterdam is also a great place to try different types of beer. There are numerous places to get great-tasting beer in the city’s pubs and cafes, each serving its selection of beer samples. Some of the finest beers are at the Bier Brewery, Cafe Brouwerij, the Dam Pub and Café De Prael.
Last but not least, there is a large variety of delicious pastries and cakes to enjoy. You can find many places in the city’s shopping centers where you can buy delicious snacks to nibble on during your stroll through town. These include the Zandvoort Market, the Spuistraat and the Arcaden Shopping Center.
Live Music & Dance
Amsterdam is a great place to go dancing. Several music venues have emerged to keep locals and tourists entertained when they want to let loose. Some of the best places are at De Melkweg, Paradiso and Melkweg 2.
Several bars offer live music; these include the Sunday Jazz Club, the Canal Café and The Bluebell bar. Amnesia has live house music weekly, while Revolution has a clubbing atmosphere with international DJs.
To check out some of the city’s biggest festivals, you should go to De Wallen. This is where you will find Terroir and Overtaarten, two of Holland’s biggest wine festivals. Other festivals include International Beer Festival, School Festival and Amsterdam Fashion Week.
 
Water
The best thing to see during a visit to Amsterdam is its canals. You can only fully appreciate them if you have a boat tour. These are available from most of the major tourist attractions in the city, and they are also quite popular.
An average boat tour of the canals will cost about €28 for 30 minutes. But this is only the tip of the iceberg, as there are several other tours that you can enjoy. Visit the Waterlooplein Tour, the Harbour Tour, the Amsterdam City Tour and the Amsterdam Canal Cruise.
Amsterdam is also a great place to go on a boat ride. If you prefer going by land, you can visit the city’s many wharves along its canals for about €11 for 30 minutes of fun and entertainment. These floating fun houses are more commonly known as speedboats and will cost between €135 and €155 for 60 minutes.
Amsterdam is also a great place to go on a bike ride. Renting a bike and going for a spin is all part of the fun here. The city’s roads are pretty flat, so you need to ensure you’re wearing the right gear to keep yourself safe and secure. Head down to Zuidlaren or Zeeburg for some cycling fun!
Food
The Dutch know how good their food is, and Amsterdam it’s no exception. Dutch cuisine is hearty and home-cooked, with plenty of meat and potatoes. The portions are significant, and the Dutch don’t just eat to live. They live to eat.
No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without sampling some local delicacies. Some of these are at the Lekker Lokken food market near Westerstraat, Spijenburgh and Prinsengracht.
When it comes to culture, Amsterdam is a unique place. It is a melting pot of diverse cuisines, art and music. It is also one of Europe’s major tourist destinations, and there are plenty of things to do and see in Amsterdam. But it’s the locals that create the most interesting scenes.
You will find them shopping or cycling down the city streets, carrying traditional baskets through the markets and chatting in small groups along the canals. They are an interesting bunch, so we hope you enjoyed this guide to Amsterdam!
 
 
628 days ago
Unfiled. Edited by Mark Spector 628 days ago
Mark S 8 Tips for Visiting the Uffizi Gallery in Florence
 
If you are in the centre of Florence, Italy, and want to visit one of Florence's best museums, then Uffizi Gallery is the place for you! Here are eight helpful tips that will help you navigate your way through the Uffizi Gallery.
1) Get a map: This may seem obvious, but it would be tough to find anything in the Uffizi Gallery without a map. The Uffizi Gallery is massive, and there are a lot of rooms to go through.
2) Book Tickets online: This is one of the trickier parts of visiting the Uffizi Gallery, but it is also very important. Make sure you book Uffizi Gallery Tickets online using the booking system that's in your city and pay at least two weeks in advance.
3) Find the camera obscura: This is what it sounds like, and it's a particular room you will see on your map. The camera obscura is another important feature of the Uffizi Gallery that you should find on your way around the museum.  It's a special room where you can get up close and personal with an image. Again, I will explain more in a bit.
4) Visit the Uffizi Palace: The main attraction at the Uffizi Gallery is the massive palace built around the gallery. The features of the Uffizi Gallery include a giant courtyard, which includes a beautiful fountain and sculpture. This is also where you can tour and visit some of Florence's best museums, including the Palatine Gallery, which I will describe later in this blog post.
5) Visit the Uffizi Gallery in the morning: This is important for all museums, especially the Uffizi Gallery. The Uffizi Gallery gets very crowded in the afternoon, and if you get there early, you can enjoy it at a slower pace without having to worry about the crowds. Also, by going to the Uffizi Gallery earlier in the morning, you will be able to see some of the best artwork that Florence has to offer.
6) Explore the Uffizi Gallery on a weekday: The Uffizi Gallery is usually closed on Mondays but is open all other weekdays. This means that if you visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, you will be able to see the museum at a much calmer pace than if you visit on the weekend.
7) Visit the Uffizi Gallery during the lunch hour: The lunch hour in Italy is between 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm. This is a great time to visit the Uffizi Gallery. You will usually have fewer people in the museum at this time, which is great if you are looking for something a little less crowded.
8) Visit Palatine Gallery: The Palatine Gallery is another museum inside the Uffizi Palace. You can learn about the history of Florence and see some of Florence's greatest paintings featured in this museum. Once again, I will talk more about the Palatine Gallery later on in this blog post.
Now that you know some of the best tips for visiting the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy, it's time to talk about some of the things that stand out in this amazing museum.
 
 
635 days ago
Unfiled. Edited by Mark Spector 635 days ago
Mark S An Easy Stonehenge Trip: How to Visit in a Day
 
Introduction to Stonehenge:
Stonehenge is one of the most popular and well-known tourist destinations in England. However, it’s been around for a whopping 5,000 years and is still in use, meaning there are still tons of historical secrets to be found within its walls.
Nearly two million people visit Stonehenge every year, but not all of those people make the trek to this mystical place. In fact, for those who live in or travel to the UK regularly, visiting Stonehenge could become very easy and routine.
Time brings change, which is especially true when it comes to Stonehenge. For example, the surrounding landscape has developed more over time. What used to be open fields and pretty, rolling hills are now all created by construction.
Unfortunately, the changes haven’t only been environmental. When Stonehenge was first created, it was a place of great worship and ritual. But over time, the land was fought over and destroyed. The stones were used to build roads and houses as well as other buildings. So over time, Stonehenge was left in a very poor condition.
It’s sad to see such an amazing monument ruined or left in pieces, but this is the reality of Stonehenge today. However, many tourists still visit the site. Most of the graffiti around Stonehenge speaks of its importance and how wonderful it is to see one of history’s most important places.
History of Stonehenge:
Some graffiti pieces speak of the stones being destroyed by those in power. But still, the majority of graffiti speaks of its importance and how wonderful it is to see one of history’s most important places.
So if you are an avid traveler and have the chance to visit Stonehenge, then you should do so. Just realize that it’s not the same as when it was first created or when historians first began documenting Stonehenge.
The world has changed, and Stonehenge is always adapting. Unfortunately, this makes it impossible to have the same experience those first visitors had.
But you can still experience a trip to it that is enjoyable, fun, and exciting. All you have to do is prepare for it and keep your eyes open.
The trip itself can be very easy, especially if you are already in England when visiting Stonehenge. If you live in the UK, you can make the trip there by taking a train or catching a bus. Just make sure to plan and figure out the best route to take.
Just a little planning will ensure you get the most out of any trip to it. The monuments are still in place, waiting for people to explore them and visit them.
The real trick to a successful visit is spending the day there.
When you plan to go with another person, it’s always better if you go with a friend. Asking your friends for assistance is extremely helpful when visiting this tourist destination.
Top Tips to Visit Stonehenge in a Day:
  • It’s not just the trip you need to prepare for, though. You’ll also want to prepare for what will happen when you get there. So the first thing is that it will take a lot of time.
  •  
  • The second thing is that it is a very large area. You’ll have to go through it slowly to see all of the features and to take in everything that’s there. There are many interesting things to see and lots of information available.
  •  
  • Stonehenge is a very popular destination, not just for tourists but for historians as well. So you shouldn’t feel intimidated by the number of people there.
  •  
  • It’s also very easy to get something to eat while you’re there. There are plenty of places and food options nearby, so you don’t have to plan much when eating.
  •  
  • There are also tons of fun activities that you can do. For example, you can ride a horse or even a camel at it. There are even many trails where you can go hiking. There are also lots of interesting places to visit in the area that aren’t related to it.
  •  
  • It’s almost impossible not to have a great time when visiting Stonehenge. The surrounding area is so beautiful, and the history found is so rich that you are bound to have an amazing time.
  •  
  • But you need to stay safe when visiting Stonehenge too. Unfortunately, when many people visit Stonehenge, they tend to move from one monument to another without thinking too much about the risks.
  •  
  • For example, there are many trails and roads within the Stonehenge area. One of these is the road that leads to the Stonehenge car park. Unfortunately, this road can be very hard to see, and it’s easy to get lost or confused.
  •  
  • However, you don’t want to get lost in Stonehenge. There are plenty of warning signs in the area and many other people there to help you in times of need.
  •  
  • However, it’s always helpful to stay away from Stonehenge if possible. This is because many dangers and risks exist.
  •  
The biggest risk to life on an adventure in Stonehenge is being hit by a vehicle. This is because the roads are very busy, and tons of people commute to and from Stonehenge.
There are also a lot of animals grazing around it. These animals are very large, fast, and dangerous. If one of these animals attacks you, you’ll need to get medical help quickly before anything worse happens.
Also, there are many people at Stonehenge. It’s not uncommon to see school groups, tourists, and other people just like you. This can make for a dangerous situation if you are with others.
Things to Take Care at Stonehenge:
Many accidents have taken place at this place in recent years. These accidents can be very serious and damaging.
There are also many dangerous predators, such as wolves and bears. These animals can cause a lot of damage to you if they attack you.
All of these make it very important that you stay safe when visiting Stonehenge. Keeping a close eye on your surroundings and getting help from others if you need to is important too.
Stonehenge is a very dangerous place; there’s no doubt about that. But it’s also one of the fascinating places in Western Europe.
The negatives overwhelm the positives, but many tourists still flock to Stonehenge every year. That’s because visiting it is both amazing and exciting. So if you travel to England and have some extra time, you should consider traveling to Stonehenge too.
If you travel to England and have some extra time, you should consider traveling to Stonehenge too. It’s a very easy journey, especially if you have a friend. To get to Stonehenge, you must catch the train or bus and ride to the destination. Stonehenge is a very inexpensive place to visit.
You can book Stonehenge Tour in advance, and it’s well worth the price. In addition, you’ll be able to see everything there in a day, so that’s not much money you are spending either.
Another benefit of visiting it is that you can easily visit it with friends and family. In addition, there are a lot of places to eat and drink near the site, so you can all get food there before or after your adventure in Stonehenge.
The food and drink prices are very affordable too, so it’s not much of a loss if you don’t eat or drink. All you have to do is take the money you would have spent on food and drinks to a shop.
The local shops near this place are very cute. You’ll find many different things to eat and drink, as well as souvenirs, clothes and other things.
However, you should know that there are many expensive stores in the area too.
 
 
659 days ago
Unfiled. Edited by Mark Spector 659 days ago
Mark S 7 Painless Ways to Save Money for your Next Adventure
 
For many people, saving a significant amount is a major challenge. It is because they feel that they have to give up some of the pleasures of life to save money. For those who are planning an adventure trip, we have listed 7 painless ways to save money for your Next Adventure.
 
1. Track your monthly expenditure:
Painless savings begin when you decide to actively track your monthly spending. At this point, you may not have started saving, but you will make a habit to record every purchase of a month. To start this, buy a register to note down each and every purchase. Access your notebook daily.
 
Make a record of all the items and bills paid for one month, the date and amount of payment including repairs, bill payment of motorcycle accessories, and any other purchase. After the completion of one month divide the expenditure into three categories: Necessities, non-essential and special treats, and calculate the total. After calculation, you will be surprised to know that your maximum spending is on non-essential things. After that select what to eliminate and what not. If you want to go on an affordable tour then you can choose Grand Canyon Tour
 
2. Use Coupons and other Forms of Discounts
 
If you want to save money on your next adventure, start using discounts, and coupons, and take advantage of promotions. If you do this with a clever strategy, it will help you to enhance your monthly savings. The main thing is that you don't have to compromise your living standard. 
For the items that you don't require immediately but need in near future, track the cost of that item on several online stores and websites and buy at the discount rate. These items may include furniture, TV, and other assets. 
 
3. Cut Down your Internet Speed
 
Internet speed varies greatly. Typically, the higher internet speed cost you high. You may find that the low internet speed will not greatly affect your browsing and streaming experience. The low internet speed will not much affect the browsing experience.
Consider using low internet speed. Compare the internet packages offered by several internet service providers. You may ask your vendor to offer various packages and you will be surprised to know that they will agree on that. 
 
4. Stick to your monthly shopping budget 
 
If you are planning an adventure trip, then plan your monthly budget accordingly to save money. Make your shopping list accordingly to avoid unnecessary items.  Compare the prices at different stores before buying the item. Try to buy it at a discount rate. It will save a lot of money that you can use on your trip.
 
5. Stay motivated and stick to your goals
 
They motivate themselves using different strategies to stick to their goals. You should implement this for your saving goals. The best way to stay motivated is to keep reminding yourself of the things that you want in your adventure trip. You can also add Alcatraz Tour to your next travelling destination as it will give you a unique experience.
 
6. Track your latte factor
The latte factor is considered a popular way to achieve your savings goals by minimizing your spending o on the little things. If these little things. Don't cut them out completely. Instead, find ways to reduce the money you spend on that. 
 
7. Monitor your saving progress
 
You see, it is easy to cut expenses and such deductible expenses do not reflect on your savings. After implementing various strategies to save money, you need to examine your savings and ensure that each percentage cut from the budget contributes to saving. This will ensure that you do not end up spending money on just one item, only to use that money to purchase something different.
 
Conclusion: 
 
These are the 7 Painless Ways to Save Money for your Next Adventure. In this way, you not only save money for your trip but boost your savings. 
 
 

Contact Support



Please check out our How-to Guide and FAQ first to see if your question is already answered! :)

If you have a feature request, please add it to this pad. Thanks!


Log in / Sign up