How Pizza Restaurants Captured Our Hearts And Appetites

BY  Sibashree Sep 19, 2024

Visiting Paris at least once is on everyone’s travel bucket list. I’ve been to Paris a couple of times and trust me, even a week would not be enough to explore the whole city, let alone two days.  But not to worry! There are several creative ways to explore a place in less time, like the Paris Hop on Hop off buses that take you around the city and all its major attractions in a short amount of time.  The city has endless museums, monuments, stores, etc., and it’s nearly impossible to tour all of them in 2 days.  But I have an efficient Paris travel itinerary for you, where you can cover every significant landmark and popular restaurant in just two days!  Paris Trip Itinerary Day 1  Supposing you’ve arrived a night before and have two whole days on your hands, let’s start with the first and the most popular attraction — the Eiffel Tower after you’ve had your breakfast.  Eiffel Tower This is the place you HAVE to visit with Hop on Hop off Bus even if you’re in Paris for a couple of hours. Although it might get crowded as it is on weekends, trust me, it’s all worth it! The tickets are available online. You can also book tickets from the counter at the tower's base.  Timings Morning, 9:00 till midnight, from the middle of June till early September.  Morning 9:30 till Evening, 11:00, throughout the remaining months of the year (During Easter weekend and Spring, the closing time is extended another hour) Ticket Price Second floor (Ticket with access lift): Adult - €22.60; youth rate (aged 12-24) — €11.30; Kids (aged 4-11) — €5.70; Disabled - €5.70 The Top (Ticket with lift access: Adult - €35.30; youth rate (aged 12-24) — €17.70; Kids (aged 4-11) — €8.90; Disabled - €5.70 Second floor (Ticket with access to stairs): Adult - €14.20; youth rate (aged 12-24) — €7.10; Kids (aged 4-11) — €3.60; Disabled — €3.60 Ticket with access stairs 2nd-floor +lift: Adult - €26.90; youth rate (aged 12-24) — €13.50; Kids (aged 4-11) — €6.80; Disabled — €6.80. The top, ticket to the top via the elevator with a glass of champagne: Adult - €58.30 Second-floor ticket to the second floor via the elevator with a glass of champagne: Adult - €43.60 Second-floor ticket to the second floor via the stairs with a glass of champagne: Adult - €35.20 Les Invalides After your morning overlooking the city from the top, you can head to Les Invalides, just 20 minutes away from the Eiffel Tower. Witness Napoleon’s tombstone in the church. Also right opposite the church is Musée Rodin, a must-visit! Timings of Les Invalides Opens at 10 am each day. You can enter till 6 pm Every month, the gates open late on the first Friday. Timings remain 6 pm till 10 pm Stays closed on January 1st, May 1st and December 25th  Timings of Musée Rodin Open every day except monday. Gates open at 10 a.m. and close by 6.30 pm. The last entry is at 5.45 pm. Closed on January 1, May 1 and December 25 Gift store is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm. Ticket prices of Les Invalides Museum and exhibitions: full price: €15; discounted price: €12; late-night opening: €10; youth (aged 18-25): €5 Guided tours to museums and exhibitions: total price: €20; discounted price: €15; group (min 20 pax): €17.  Invalides Musical Season Concerts: Saint-Louis Cathedral Concert - Cat.1 - €35, Cat.2 - €15 (8 pm); Turenne Room Concert:12.15pm) - €10, (8 pm) - €30  Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe Further following the itinerary, you’ll get to Champs-Élysées and from there to Arc de Triomphe. You can explore this beautiful place and shop from one of the most famous French boutiques.  Give your trip a little halt and have a coffee and snack at the café nearby, savoring the beauty of Paris.  Timings  Open from April 1st upto September 30th. Every week, you can visit From Wednesday to Monday — from 10 am to 11 pm and Tuesday from 11 am to 11 pm.  Opens October 1st. Visits continue till March 31. Visitors are allowed From Wednesday upto Monday - 10 am and 10:30 pm; Tuesdays - 11am to 10:30pm Closed on: On two days, gates close within 4 pm. The dates are 24 and 31 December 2024. The days of the year when the place is closed are January 1st, May 1st, May 8 (morning), July 14 (morning), November 11 (morning), and December 25. Ticket Price Single price: €16  Grand Voyageur, at €13 only, for members who have subscription cards Dinner: When you have just 2 days in Paris, make sure you make the most out of the culinary delights. Chez Janou is one of my favorite local restaurants. Have rib steak, tagliatelle with snails, and braised duck breast. Paris Trip Itinerary Day 2 Leave the second day mainly for the museums and artistic tours, which is a must whenever you’re in France. But before all that let's start with an amazing French breakfast.  Breakfast: Head to one of the most famous bakeries in Paris — Boulangerie Mamiche. You can find everything here from doughnuts to cookies to baguettes and much more! Do try their babka, made of rich brioche dough braided with chocolate.  Louvre Museum The Louvre Museum is the largest-ever private collection of ancient Roman sculptures assembled throughout the 19th century and marks my words this collection will blow your mind! Timings  Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday: 9 in the morning to 6 in the evening On Wednesday and Friday, gates open at 9 am and close by 9 pm Tuesday: Closed  Ticket Price  General admission: €22 Under 18-year-olds, under 26-year-old residents of the EEA: Free  Audio guide: €6 Guided tours, storytime, and workshops + Louvre: €31 Palais Garnier The famous opera house is undoubtedly one of Paris's most picturesque architectural structures. We can also list it among one of the most majestic theaters in Europe. Spend some time here observing the architecture and details of the beautiful architecture. Timings  Every day from 10 in the morning to 5 in the evening Gates remain shut exceptionally on January 1st, May 1st and December 25th Ticket Prices  Full price: €15  Reduced price: €10 Free entry for children < 12 years, job seekers, disabled people, and accompanying persons. Jardin du Luxembourg Sit and enjoy the sunset at one of the most beautiful gardens in the city. You can stake a stroll, have ice cream and enjoy some peaceful time with your loved ones here.  Timings  Opening hours: 7:30 am to 8:15 am Closing hours:  4:30 pm to 10:30 pm Ticket prices  Entry to the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris is free Summing Up  So this was the most efficient 2-day itinerary to tour Paris and covers many must-see attractions, providing a balanced mix of art, history, and the vibrant Parisian atmosphere!.  If you want you can add or remove some locations from this itinerary according to your preferences.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit! [Updated 2024] Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.

BY  Pijus Maity Mar 27, 2025

A few flowers can capture the overall essence of spring, and tulips are one of them. The vibrant colors, elegant shapes, and rich history make tulips the ultimate symbol of renewal and beauty.  Even though the tulip mania significantly contributed to the 17th—17th-century Dutch economic bubble, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is the prime example that the mania is still alive.  Imagine this: You are walking through an endless field filled with red, purple, yellow, and pink tulips! The fields stretch as far as your eyes can see! That’s the feel!   This is a dream come true for photographers, a paradise for nature lovers, and a perfect place to breathe some fresh air.  So, as you start your journey, you must read this guide to the 2025 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. In this guide, we will talk about the best time to visit the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, where you can find the tulip gardens and enjoy your trip as much as possible.  Here’s The Guide To The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival  The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is the ultimate way to celebrate spring. Want to enjoy it to the fullest? Check out the following guide to experience the beauty of tulip gardens with friends and family.  Pick the Right Time to Visit It is always necessary to choose the travel time, no matter where you go. Regardless of the dependency on the weather, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival runs for the entire month of April.  In the earlier month of April, you may catch a few daffodils. The tulips start to bloom somewhere between mid to late April.  Thus, you must check the blooming status to avoid disappointment once you go there! This will help you plan your trip accordingly, especially when the colorful flowers are at their best!  Also, I would suggest you visit the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival on the weekdays since the weekends are very busy and crowded. You should see the field early in the morning. This way, you will be able to experience a quieter and relaxed landscape.  Dress for the Weather In the Pacific Northwest, spring weather can change quickly. One moment, it's warm and sunny; the next, it could turn cool and rainy.  That's why I think wearing layers would be a smart move. This way, you can add or remove clothing based on the temperature shift.  Next, you must think about your shoes. The fields often get muddy, especially if it rains. So, waterproof shoes or boots keep your feet dry and help you walk comfortably. In contrast, flip-flops and dress shoes make moving hard and can easily get ruined. Choose Your Tulip Farms The festival is spread across several tulip farms throughout the valley. Each farm has its charm. Thus, you must explore more than one because it gives you a fuller experience. Before you head out, check each farm's website for hours and ticket details. Some locations, especially on busy weekends, require advance tickets. Here’s a breakdown of the key farms and gardens  Roozengaarde: This is famous for its 50-acre display with numerous tulips and a huge variety of tulips. Roozengaarde is the ultimate destination for spring lovers.  Tulip town: This specifically features various tulips across 5 acres of fields.  Tulip Valley Farms: The only U-pick tulip farm located in Skagit Valley. You can have a great time there with your friends and family.  Garden Rosalyn: This 7-acre garden of tulips also includes ponds with ducks and geese, making it more attractive.  Skagit Acres: A new addition to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in 2025. The field will include 3-acre tulip fields.  Enjoy Local Food and Shops The nearby towns add even more to your visit. You can visit places like Mount Vernon, La Conner, and Burlington. These places are excellent places to dine in the Pacific Northwest.  Moreover, you'll find local spots serving fresh meals, sweet treats, and unique finds. You'll also see food vendors set up near the Tulip Valley farm. You can visit there, between farm visits.  So, you can grab a warm drink or a quick bite while you take a break! Some stands even offer tulip-themed gifts or fresh bouquets, which are probably great souvenirs to take home. Plan for Traffic and Parking The roads around Mount Vernon can be crowded during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, which happens more often on weekends and when the weather is nice. On top of that, many roads near the farms are narrow. So getting where you're going can take longer. I suggest you give yourself extra time to stay on track. Moreover, you might face poor network challenges. Before your trip, you can download maps and directions.  Once you get there, you can try to look for signs or volunteers to guide you. Most farms have free parking, but a few might charge a small fee. Bring Your Camera, But Be Respectful The Tulip fields are perfect for photos. Whether you use your phone or a camera, you'll find many great spots to capture the view. When you are exploring, you must stay on the marked paths. If you step into the rows, you can damage the flowers and spoil the experience for others. It's also crucial to protect the work of the farmers. Treat the fields with care so everyone can enjoy their beauty. If you plan on using a drone, check the rules first. Most farms don't allow them, so it's better to know before you go. Bring Your Family The festival is a fun outing for all ages, making it one of the best places to travel with kids. Still, you might face a few challenges if you're bringing little ones,  Strollers can be hard to push through muddy ground. A baby carrier often works better in the fields of tulips. You'll likely be outside for a while, so pack snacks, drinks, and a few wipes for comfort. Many farms also offer things for kids to enjoy, like play zones or tractor rides, which makes the experience even better for them. The Best Way To Plan Your Visit: Here’s How You Can Purchase The Tickets So, are you ready to experience the beauty of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival from up close? In the following section, I will provide you with all the details about the tickets for the tulip gardens. Read on… RoozenGaarde The ticket price for RoozenGaarde from Monday to Thursday is $16. The same ticket price from Friday to Sunday is $20.  Further, it remains open from 9 AM to 7 PM from Monday to Friday. The visiting hours on Saturday and Sunday are 9 AM to 7 PM.  Tulip Valley Farms The ticket prices for entry to Tulip Valley Farms vary based on your age and the group you belong to.  For example, the ticket price for children aged 3 to 15 is $10. For adults (16+), it is $16 from Monday to Thursday and $18 from Friday to Sunday.  Again, for seniors and military persons (with IDs), the ticket price is $15 from Monday to Thursday and $17 from Friday to Sunday.  Tulip Valley Farms opened on 1 April 2025 and will remain open until 30 April 2025. During the season, it is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, 7 days a week.  Tulip Town The online ticket prices for visitors aged above 12 are $18. You can also make an in-person booking for $20.  Further, Tulip Town will remain open from 1st to 30th April 2025, seven days a week during the spring season.  The hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 10 AM to 6 PM, and Friday through Sunday, 9 AM to 7 PM.  Garden Rosalyn You can book the tickets for Garden Rosalyn in person and online at $17. It will remain open from 1st to 30th April 2025 on all days of the week.  Skagit Acres Skagit Acres offers online and in-person booking facilities. The ticket prices for children aged 6 to 12 are $10, and for adults, they are $18.  Seniors above 65 years and Military persons will get tickets at $15.  Further, the garden center of Skagit Acres remains open year-round. However, the tulip field is only open from the 1st to the 30th of April.  Booking tickets for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is pretty straightforward! Visit https://tulipfestival.org/garden-tickets/  and select the garden according to your preferences. The site also provides the location and directions for the garden.  Ways to Reach the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival  There are multiple ways to visit the Skagit Tulip Festival. However, walking is not recommended. By Bike The valley roads are pretty flat. So, travelling by bike can be much easier for you to access the tulip fields, events, and attractions.  However, you must stay prepared for rainy and windy weather conditions. Before traveling, you can check out self-guided bike tours to learn the do’s and don’ts.  By Car  If you decide to drive a four-wheeler, then you must take state route 20 to enter the tulip area. You can find plenty of free parking at RoozenGaarde, Tulip Valley Farms, Garden Rosalyn, and Tulip Town. Roadside parking is pretty limited due to weather conditions and traffic safety. Law enforcement might issue a ticket for parking in the no-parking zone, so stay aware of it!  By Bus Skagit Valley transient services have several routes across the valley. If you arrive in Mount Vernon, you can ride the Skagit Transit Route 615 to visit the tulip fields. All of the transports depart from the Skagit Valley Station.  By Train  Amtrak Cascades travels to Mount Vernon. However, there is no shuttle available from the station. You just have to make reservations, as the trains are small and fill up pretty quickly.   Conclusion The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is a springtime experience like no other. If you can make the right planning, the right gear, and a flexible mindset, you can enjoy a day surrounded by endless color and beauty.  Whether you're snapping photos, walking hand-in-hand with a loved one, or watching your kids run through the vibrant tulips, the memories you make here will last long after the flowers fade.  So grab your boots, charge your camera, and prepare for one of Washington's most beautiful tulip garden adventures!

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 6, 2021

When one thinks of travel, one usually envisions a romantic getaway for two or perhaps a fun-filled family getaway. What most people don’t know is that solo travel can often be just as wonderful and memorable. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider jetting off to a new destination on your lonesome sometime in the near future. 1. There isn’t a need for compromise When traveling solo, there won’t be any worries about setting up an itinerary that takes other people’s preferences and interests into consideration. All that you need to think about is what you want to see, where you want to go, and what you want to do. There’s a tremendous amount of freedom in that. Be sure to check out Mr Hudson explores website for destination information, custom trip planning, and handy travel tips. 2. It’s more budget-friendly By traveling on your own, you’ll cut your travel expenses in half, at the very least. You’ll only have to book one flight ticket, you’ll be able to stay in a smaller hotel room, and you’ll only have one mouth to feed. This is great news if you’re keen to see the world but are trying to do so on a tight budget. 3. It builds confidence Traveling solo helps to build confidence no matter how old you are or how many times you’ve been abroad. By navigating your own way around and ticking off various experiences on your travel bucket list, you will instantly feel more powerful and in control of your own destiny. 4. It will teach you about yourself Have you ever wondered why those hoping to ‘find themselves’ often jet off on solo travel adventures? It’s because traveling solo is bound to teach you plenty about yourself. You’ll have plenty of chances to listen to your ‘gut’ and be alone with your thoughts. You’ll reflect on your past and contemplate your future, and you’ll probably find yourself engaging with locals and celebrating your differences and similarities. All in all, you can be sure that you’ll return from your solo journey with a lot more self-awareness than what you had when you initially departed. 5. It will teach you better self-care When at home, many people rely on their loved ones, including friends and relatives, to support them in their daily lives. Perhaps they turn to their best friend when they need a shoulder to cry on when something goes wrong in their love life, or maybe they still rely on their parents to supply them with a hot, home-cooked meal from time to time. By traveling on your own, you’ll be in a different country with nobody to rely on but yourself. This is a fantastic learning experience that will teach you just how capable you really are. From self-discovery to keeping travel costs low, there are countless reasons why solo travel is a must for everyone at least once in their lives. Now is the time to start making plans to head off somewhere new and exciting all on your own – you’ll be so glad that you did.  Read Also: A Traveler’s Guide To Lutsen The Best Tips To Travel Around The World