Moving To Paris – How To Start

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 19, 2023

This outdoor oasis in the South is a solid wanderlust attraction.   A scenic city that is always on the move can be your next perfect weekend getaway.   The city is bustling with energy on a typical afternoon.  You will see its locals as well as weekenders venturing into the Tennessee River along with their boards and boats.   The bikers go up and down the hilly streets through the town, running and walking down the pedestrian bridge and playing with frisbees in the numerous parks.   The parks look neat, being hedged by bike lanes and carefully placed benches. Public art makes the town come alive with color and socio-cultural significance.  The number of things that will stay with you long after you visit this town is too many.  However, one of them will be the food and the restaurants.   There are also a lot of adventures to be had outdoors in this character-filled city.   If you are looking for some weekend fun or a short trip to feel rejuvenated, this city is close by and has a lot to offer.  This is going to be the best weekend spot for you, and we have brought you the best of it. Here are some of the most fun and memorable things to do in Chattanooga. Things To Do In Chattanooga hotels.com Here are some of the best things to do in Chattanooga that will stay imprinted in your memory. Tennessee Aquarium tnaqua.org One of the fun things to do in Chattanooga is visiting the aquarium.   This aquarium has two buildings. There is River Journey, which showcases the freshwater habitats from around the world.  Also, the Ocean Journey treats visitors to magnificent views of sea creatures and ocean life.   You must spend at least three hours while visiting to take in a good fraction of the 10,000 animals that are here.   If you are looking for things to do in Chattanooga with kids, they will love the adorable macaroni penguins and dreamy sea jellies.  Try visiting on a weekday, as it gets busier on weekends, for a more authentic experience.   If you are looking for free things to do in Chattanooga, the city also offers a free shuttle to get here, making the experience pocket-friendly. Lookout Mountain cntraveler.com There are three scenic attractions this mountain ridge has to offer.   There are the Ruby Falls, Rock City, and the Incline Railway.   Ruby Falls is the United States' deepest and tallest underground waterfall, standing at 260 feet.   Rock City is where one can see seven states from the iconic Lover's Leap.   And when you hop on the Incline Railway, you will be witnessing the steepest passenger railway on Earth.  You need to spend a minimum of 4 hours at these mountains to gauge the highlights of the spot.   Each of the three attractions has separate expenses, and the tickets are known to sell out fast. Raccoon Mountain Caverns wikimedia.org The Raccoon Mountain Caverns are located 1.3 miles off I-24 at the Lookout Valley exit.   It is less than 10 minutes from downtown Chattanooga.   This mountain offers views of a cave in its natural state that has thousands of diverse rock formations.   There are stalagmites, stalactites, flowstone, delicate soda straws, rimstone pools, columns, draperies, natural bridges, and a rare shield formation.  It also offers many wild cave “spelunking” expeditions for all those who want to go deeper into the caves and explore the mountain.   An expedition to the waterfall dome allows visitors to get to the place with the view of the tallest underground, unassisted, naturally flowing waterfall. Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum wp.com This nostalgic train trip will offer aesthetically restored vintage locomotives and passenger cars that encase the intricate craftsmanship of ages long gone.   The ride will take you through the beautiful Tennessee countryside that has awe-inspiring views bound to make you reflect on the simpler times of the past.   The museum's exhibit has an impressive set of artifacts, old photographs, and other memorabilia that help bring the rich railroading history to life.  The staff here are highly knowledgeable and will eagerly share information on railroad history while being dressed in period attire.   The experience will provide you with lots of fascinating insights whether you are a history buff or otherwise.  Ruby Falls simpleviewinc.com This one is the deepest and tallest underground waterfall that is open for public access in the States.   There are guided tours such as the classic waterfall tour, the lantern tour, and the extended cavern experience tour.   The tour will take you along its beautiful cavern trail to a gorgeous waterfall that is surrounded by old geological formations that took millennia to form.   There are also extensively picturesque views of the Cumberland Plateau, Tennessee Valley, and the Tennessee River from the top of the Lookout Mountain Tower.   The tours fill up pretty quickly. You must purchase the tickets online in advance for increased availability.  Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery chattanoogawhiskey.com One of the other things to do in Chattanooga for adults is to visit the whiskey distillery.   This distillery is the first ever to craft whiskey in Chattanooga in over a hundred years.   It boasts over 100 different barrels that mature in an aging cellar.   Each visit to the distillery is an ode to the past, present, and future of handmade bourbon.   You can reserve a tour and tasting trip to check out their latest craft.   This can also be one of the things to do in Chattanooga for couples.  You must be 21+ with a physical and valid ID.  Creative Discovery Museum This museum is a hands-on children's museum at the very heart of downtown Chattanooga.   It inspires children of all ages to innovate, explore, play, and create.   The exhibits entertain as well as educate children on exploring the world around them.   They become inquisitive about art, science, music, water exploration, and dinosaur digging.  Moreover, it was rated number #7 by by Trekkr as one of the children's museums in the U.S. in 2015. Getting To Chattanooga And Best Time To Visit Chattanooga has many outdoor attractions packed into one weekend itinerary.  It helps to know how to get to Chattanooga in the first place and which season sets you up for the smoothest trip.  How To Get There  Chattanooga sits at the crossroads of I-24, I-75, and I-59.  So, it is an easy weekend drive for a wide swath of the Southeast.  It is roughly two hours from Atlanta, about two and a half hours from Nashville, and around an hour and a half from Knoxville.   If you're flying, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) has direct connections to a handful of major hubs.  However, many travelers find it cheaper and just as convenient to fly into Atlanta or Nashville and drive the rest of the way.  It happens especially since several of the attractions on this list, like Lookout Mountain and Raccoon Mountain Caverns, are more enjoyable with a car anyway.   Downtown Chattanooga itself is walkable once you've arrived, with the Walnut Street Bridge connecting the main riverfront attractions on foot.  Best Season For Your Visit  Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are the best times to visit.  Mild temperatures in these months make hiking Lookout Mountain, biking along the river, and walking the Walnut Street Bridge genuinely comfortable.  Also, fall brings vivid foliage across the surrounding ridges.   Summer is Chattanooga's busiest season thanks to river sports and boating on the Tennessee River.  However, it also brings heat and humidity that can make the Raccoon Mountain Caverns tour and Lookout Mountain's outdoor attractions feel like more of a workout.  You must book tickets for Ruby Falls and Rock City in advance during these peak months.   They get sold out quickly.  Winter is quieter and less crowded across the board.  Some outdoor activities scale back.  However, the Tennessee Aquarium and Creative Discovery Museum make for a comfortable cold-weather visit with far shorter lines. Chattanooga Is Not Just For Kids Chattanooga sure has everything you could want for a short trip away from the hustle of the city.   If you want to know about things to do in Chattanooga this weekend, we hope this article gave you a head start.  If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below.   We would love to hear from you! Read Also: You Won’t Believe The Best Things To Do When In Fiji! Some Of The Best Things To Do In Navarre Beach, Florida These Are The 30+ Things To Do In Mexico City That You Must Try!

BY  Sibashree Dec 27, 2023

For many Londoners, Brighton is a regular weekend getaway destination.   But the city also has some of the greatest hotels in the country when a quick Airbnb isn’t enough.   There are smart addresses opening to serve weekend crowds and a growing number of digital nomads.   The seaside city is currently experiencing a thriving restaurant and hotel scene.  In addition to the typical hostels and business hotels, co-living spaces, eateries with rooms, and boutique accommodations are now available.   They have well-planned interiors and lively common areas that create a party atmosphere.   So now is the perfect time for a seaside getaway if you have not had one in a while.  Are you looking for hotels in Brighton?   Here are some of the best hotels that will ensure you get a good rest. You will also have a sneak peek of the quintessential Brighton life and culture.  What Are The Best Boutique Hotels In Brighton? Come rain or shine, Brighton is a great place for a seaside getaway where anything goes. A visit here is now even more enticing because of the city's growing restaurant scene. It is even attracting Londoners to relocate south. Here are the best hotels in Brighton to help you unwind: Best Hotels In Brighton: A Quick Summary   Hotel Name Ideal For / Vibe Accommodation Types Standout and Unique Features Selina • Digital nomads • Solo travelers • Millennial & communal vibe • Two Suites • Private Rooms • Shared Dorms • Co-working desks & artisan coffee • Activities: Yoga at Old Pier, beach clean-ups, craft workshops • Staffed by students and international frequent flyers The Ginger Pig • Astute locals & foodies • Travelers seeking an exclusive, sedate neighborhood feel • Boutique hotel rooms • Small double rooms (featuring separate tubs) • Acclaimed restaurant with Sussex-sourced produce and great vegetarian choices • Dog-friendly bar area with velvet chairs and brass hardware • Separate visitor entrance and pre-made cocktails in the room fridge Artist Residence • Art lovers & couples • Creative, stylish, and relaxed boutique stay • Converted townhouse rooms • Room 21: King-size bed, sea views, and a massive copper tub with a TV over it • Decor featuring curated antiques, neon art, and collage murals • Wallpapers and prints co-created with artist/activist Fox Fisher since 2008 • Permissive atmosphere (wear pajamas to breakfast or take martinis to bed) Harbour Hotel • Multigenerational family vacations • School break trips • Roomy bedrooms • Room 102: Best ocean views, bathtub, and ideal privacy for solo/couple travelers • Unrivaled seafront location steps away from the Brighton Lanes • Secret underground spa and a swimming pool • Highly walkable layout eliminating the need for a rental car  Selina A generation of wannabe backpacking travelers has become digital nomads thanks to co-living ideas like Selina.   It offers reasonably priced lodging that crosses the boundaries between hostel and hotel.   It also has co-working desks that are utilized for purposes other than beer pong competitions.   There are three options for accommodations at the Brighton outpost.   Two Suites  Private Rooms  And Shared Dorms  Many of the staff members are also students or frequent visitors from abroad.  It is as millennial as it gets, in the best way possible.   A typical day might include yoga at the Old Pier in the morning and coffee from Brighton’s artisan roastery Pelicano.   It could also have a power hour surrounded by pink-haired entrepreneurs and potted plants, a beach clean-up in the afternoon, and a cocktail-paired craft workshop.   Whether you refer to it as hot-desking or co-working, this space has a lovely communal vibe that makes it ideal for socializing with others or traveling alone.  The Ginger Pig Just 15 minutes by bus from Brighton’s downtown, in a more sedate and affluent neighborhood, the Ginger Pig’s restaurant is a favorite among astute locals.   They are spotting Sussex-sourced produce, spirits, and sex appeal away from the crowds.   With its glossy velvet chairs, brass hardware, and dark teal and sage color scheme, the bar exudes an air of exclusivity without being unachievable.   Your four-legged friends are welcome to join you at the bar.   Vegetarians, too, have a lot of choices despite the name and the Gingerman group’s reputation for obtaining the best cuts.  For example, baked celeriac paired with some glazed chicory and crispy wild mushroom arancini replaces the tired risotto.   The Ginger Pig is a restaurant, but it is more than that.  Thoughtful touches like a separate entrance for visitors and pre-made cocktails in the refrigerator lend credibility to its status as a boutique hotel.   Size does not matter when it comes to bedrooms.  We would rather do away with the trend of bathrooms in bedrooms in favor of small double rooms with separate tubs. Artist Residence The boutique brand Artist Residence started in Regency Square and later expanded to Oxfordshire, Penzance, Pimlico, and Bristol.   Thoughtfully chosen antiques, clever prints, and vibrant canvases created by local artists adorn each property, but Brighton’s has an extra special touch.  Owner Justin invited the city’s creatives to contribute to the hotel’s artistic scene in exchange for lodging.  They transformed it into a true, contemporary artist’s residence that is as stylish as Brighton itself.   You could take your martini to bed and wear your pajamas to breakfast in this converted townhouse.   The bar is home to couples who spend whole weekends holed up in their rooms and remote workers.  I adore the collage murals throughout the restaurant by Maria Rivans.   I also love the neon washing line by Andy Doig, whose studio is located along the waterfront.   The main attraction is Room 21, which features a copper bathtub that is nearly as large as the king-size bed.  It offers views of the sea, champagne glasses for guests, and a widescreen TV suspended over the bathtub.  Overall, it is an unusual but delightful luxury.   There are numerous artworks of artist and activist Fox Fisher all over the city.   The two have collaborated with the hotel on screen-printed wallpaper and unique prints since 2008.  Harbour Hotel Many of the hotels on Brighton’s seafront have remained intact since the British seaside holiday boom of the post-war era.  These hotels lean more corporate than hip.   Therefore, after the success of its first hotel of the same name in Salcombe, Harbour Hotel faced great anticipation from both locals and tourists when it announced a major refurbishment of the property back in 2015.   Its unrivaled location, right on the seafront, just steps from the renowned Brighton Lanes.  combined with its It also has a secret underground spa and roomy bedrooms that have made it a popular destination for multigenerational vacations, especially during school breaks.  Kids play in the open-plan restaurant while parents chat in the social spa.   Are you going alone or with a companion?   If you want to get your lengths in without kids jumping into the pool, book room 102 for more privacy.  It offers the best view of the ocean and a bathtub (the other rooms are more family-oriented).   You can also get to the pool early.   Don’t bother renting a car, as even small legs will have no trouble getting to all the key locations on foot. Getting To Brighton And Timing Your Stay Booking one of these hotels is the easy part.  You have to get down to the coast, and pick the right weekend is what actually shapes how the trip feels.   Brighton's proximity to London is exactly what makes it such a popular short break, but that same proximity means timing matters more than you'd think.  How To Get There From London  Brighton's biggest advantage over most seaside towns is how effortless it is to reach.   Direct trains run from London Victoria and London Bridge roughly every few minutes at peak times, with the fastest services covering the 47-mile route in under an hour.   Advance tickets can be found for as little as £8, though anytime fares run closer to £35.  So, booking ahead pays off if your dates are fixed. Driving down the A23/M23 corridor takes about the same time door-to-door once you account for parking.  Also, several of the hotels above, Selina and Artist Residence especially, sit in the pedestrian-friendly Lanes and North Laine areas.  So, a car can end up being more hassle than help once you have arrived.   Option   Journey Time  Typical Cost  Best For  Southern/Thameslink (Standard)   1 Hour from London Bridge or Victoria  Advance from £8 Off-Peak  Around £20–28 Return   The default choice as it is frequent, direct, and there is no booking hassle.  Gatwick Express-Linked service   Fastest Option and Takes Less than an Hour.  From £15+ Advance  Travellers connecting via Gatwick Airport  Driving (A23/M23)  Around 1 Hour and 15 Minutes to 1 Hour and 30 Minutes from Central London   £15–20 Fuel £15–25  for City Parking  Groups, or if you want a car once you're there  National Express Coach   About 2 Hours and 30 Minutes  From £6  The budget option if time is not tight  When To Book Your Room  Brighton runs on a weekend rhythm more than a seasonal one.   Friday and Saturday nights command a premium at all four hotels year-round, since the city pulls in day-trippers and weekenders from London in roughly equal measure.   Summer (June through August) is the busiest and priciest stretch, driven by the beach, the Pier, and Brighton's packed festival calendar.  Especially the Brighton Festival in May and Pride in early August boost the crowd.  So, the room rates go up well in advance.  For a quieter, cheaper version of the same hotels, a midweek stay in late spring or early autumn gets you the seafront views and boutique interiors without the weekend rate hike.  Also, restaurants like the Ginger Pig are far easier to book on short notice outside peak season.  Enjoy A Trip To Brighton With The Best Hotels  Of course, a trip to Brighton wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the pier and getting lost in the famed Lanes.   Independent stores, eateries, pubs, and art galleries, or climbing the 450-foot-tall i360 observation tower dot the area for incredible panoramic views.   When you combine this with the exciting nightlife, it’s obvious that a trip to this beach location offers far more than just a simple vacation.  Once you’ve seen everything Brighton has to offer, where should you stay?   See the sparkling sea? Check. A trendy bar with rooms above it? Not an issue.  If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about hotels in Brighton, please leave a comment below.   We would love to hear from you!  Read Also: Eternal Elegance: A Guide To The Best Hotels In Rome Top Hotels With Jacuzzi In Room In Las Vegas – Travel Guide Here Are The 25+ Best Hotels In Mexico City That You Must Visit!

BY  Sibashree Jan 17, 2025

The next location we planned to cover during a USA tour was New Orleans. This time, we discovered how a city with a rich culture cares so much about children.  Along with its heritage, architecture, and a culture that feels like a warm embrace, the kid-friendly activities also make this Louisiana city a popular tourist destination.  However, this time as I pen the things to do in New Orleans with kids, my heart feels heavy. A deadly terror attack on Bourbon Street and the police shoot-out following that have taken the lives of at least 14 people on 2nd January 2025.  Still, the city is on the mend, and everyone is hoping high for the stability of the tourism economy of the city. It’s difficult, considering the city has yet to recover in tourism and finances since the COVID-19 days fully.  Apologies for the grim start! However, as travelers, you cannot disassociate so easily, especially when you have just visited a place. Nevertheless, it’s time for some cheer, and shifting focus to the best things to do in New Orleans with kids can greatly help. So, let’s discuss it.  Fun Things To Do With Kids In New Orleans | Enjoying The Graceful Embrace December to January and February to May are the best times to try fun things to do with kids in New Orleans. And guess what! There are a lot of free activities awaiting your little ones here. I have discussed them in a different Tour and Travel guide.  Nevertheless, here, let’s focus on the unique things to do with kids in New Orleans.  1. Audubon Zoo Visit https://www.instagram.com/p/C4qRCaVrNPe/?img_index=1 Location: 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans Contact Number: (504) 861-2537 Hours Open: 10 AM to 5 PM (Tuesday and Wednesday Closed) Audubon Zoo Admission: $35 for Adults and $25 for Children Audubon Zoo is one of the topmost family attractions in New Orleans. It is a wonderland of Audubon animals and birds. The place is filled with mammals, reptiles, and birds. From the majestic African Lions and Asians Elephants to the Aldabra Tortoise, you will find everything here.  However, for me, the most delightful creatures in the zoo are the Caribbean Flamingos. They are as colorful as their country of origin.  I also loved the Malayan Sun Bears. They are adorable with the cutest expressions. You will even find Malayan tigers here.  Furthermore, we thoroughly enjoyed The Dinosaurs at the Audubon Zoo section. I was not willing to visit the section at first. Yes, I know! I am in my thirties, and I still have my phobia!  Nonetheless, my kids insisted, and I had to take them to the section with 50 life-like dinosaurs growling and making moves. However, this special exhibit program has now ended.  Moreover, if you are in New Orleans for a long span or have plans of staying here, you can allow your kid to be a camper at the Audubon. They can become young experts in animals and they will love to spend some time with their favorite creatures. 2. A Day at Jackson Square | Best Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids Jackson Square gets its name from Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the USA and a New Orleans battle hero. So, a visit to Jackson Square at the heart of the French Quarter is like taking a walk down memory lane.  Here, you will also find Pontalba Apartments and many other oldest buildings in the city. Rented places are easily available in these buildings.  As you appreciate the old-yet-young vibe of the space or recall the history of New Orleans, let your little one enjoy the jazz music, live performances, and entertainment events here.  Moreover, if you are lucky enough, you can be a part of the art festivals here.  A stone’s throw away from Jackson Square is the St. Louis Cathedral. It is the oldest cathedral church in North America, and its steeples watch over the French Quarter.  3. A Ghost Tour | Exciting Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids Well, if your little one loves Halloween and everything spooky, you can definitely take them on a family-friendly ghost tour. These tours are especially popular among adventurous children in their pre-teens.  Tour Organizers like Viator, offer Spooky Family-Friendly Ghost Tour in New Orleans in the French Quarters.  Now, these ghost tours are very much ingrained in the spirit of New Orleans. The LaLaurie Mansion or the New Orleans French Quarter was infamous for the mistreatment of slaves. Supernatural activities and the stories around them started flowing after a neighbor saw a troubling incident. The neighbor saw a lady chasing a slave girl, who jumped from the roof of the mansion as an escape.  Despite the presence of modern boutiques, quaint restaurants and a reimagined and bustling French Market, the spooky vibe simply refuses to go away!  4. Spending Time By The Mississippi River There is something special about New Orleans. And as they say, the Mississippi River is the manifestation of the heart of New Orleans. It’s welcoming and embracing, and its culture and heritage surpass the geographical boundaries.  Further, like the Mississippi River which destroys, restores and builds the banks, New Orleans believes in making a forward move even in the toughest conditions. The recent terror attacks and the means of recuperation are burning examples.  So, if you want your little one to know about the true spirit of New Orleans, allow them to sit and relax by the Mississippi River for a while.  They will love sitting on the steps and watching the boats passing in the water. It is very close to the French Quarter, but a complete contrast in its spirit.  Moreover, your little ones will be elated to have beignets here. You will find the best beignets at Café Du Monde Riverwalk (Contact Number: +1 504-218-7993) here. The coffee there was good and just the way I like it.  5. A Visit To The Louis Armstrong Park  Location: 835 N. Rampart St, New Orleans Hours Open: 8 AM to 6 PM Entry Fee: Entry is Free for a Walk in the Park A visit to Louis Armstrong Park is not ideal for very young children. However, kids in their teens or growing up years with an interest in Jazz music will love this place. It is very close to the French Quarter, and inside the park, you will find Congo Square.  Congo Square is the place where slaves used to unite during the 1800s. Furthermore, your kids will love looking at the ducks in the pond of Louis Armstrong Park.  Moreover, the Mahalia Jackson Theater inside Louis Armstrong Park is a popular place to visit for artists and music lovers. It gets its name from Mahalia Jackson, a gospel singer of New Orleans.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. 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