11 Tips For Traveling With Disabilities

Traveling can be challenging, but traveling with disabilities can be even more so. Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act, however, travel is a lot easier now that accessibility is the law of the land.

That doesn’t mean everything is easy for those with disabilities though.

If you have a disability, there are several things you can and should do to make your stay as pleasant and easy as possible, says Sandy Hanebrink, executive director of Touch the Future, an organization devoted to helping those with disabilities. A little pre-planning, she says, goes a long way in making sure you can enjoy yourself and your accommodations are accessible to your needs.

These 11 tips will help you accomplish that.

1. Identify your disability to your hotel

Most hotels will have accessible rooms, but be sure to tell them you need an accessible room and what your disability is. Make sure you print out your confirmation and take it with you, Hanebrink says, in case something happens to the reservation in the system. Hanebrink also recommends following up with the local hotel prior to your arrival just to ensure the room meets your needs. Also, getting someone’s name to go along with that confirmation never hurts, she says.

2. Book your reservations through your airline’s disability line

In 2008, the FAA determined rules to ensure that those with disabilities are not discriminated against when traveling. Now, Hanebrink says, most airlines have a special phone number those with disabilities can call to ensure that the airlines will be able to accommodate their needs. By reserving through the airline’s disability line, you can guarantee your seat is accessible and that your needs will be adequately met. Search engines on each airline’s web site, or searching through Google, will help you to find the appropriate phone number to call for each airline. Using a travel site like Travelocity to determine inexpensive rates, and then booking through the disability telephone line for that airline may help you save money as well.

Man in wheelchair on the sidewalk — Unsplash / Zhang Xue Huan

3. Tape instructions for your wheelchair to the seat

Once you get in your seat, there won’t be anyone to make sure that your equipment, like your wheelchair, will be taken care of properly. If you have a power wheelchair, take a picture of how to disengage and lock it, and then tape that information to the seat, Hanebrink says. Make sure the instructions are clear and that you visually show how to break it down appropriately. Hanebrink says she’s had to replace wheelchairs after they were damaged when they were stored during a flight. Bring any removable pieces for the wheelchair onto the plane with you to be stowed onboard to ensure the pieces don’t get lost.

4. Carry medical devices on board with you

Remember medical devices do not count as luggage and are free to take onto the flight with you. You should be able to bring them into the cabin with you and to store them with you in or around your seat. If you have to have medical devices with you, they should not be counted as part of your carry-on luggage. If you have problems with this, contact the airline’s disabilities line. Make sure that you have the airline’s disability line number with you just in case. Any time you feel discriminated against because of your medical issues, you should use the number if you can’t get your issues resolved with the flight attendants.

5. Travel with a companion

For many reasons, it’s important to travel with a companion. Even if you are mostly independent, it’s a good idea to travel with a companion to ensure that your needs are taken care of in an emergency. Many airlines also offer free companion fare for disabled travelers with mobility issues. These companions can ensure that in the case of an emergency, someone is available to assist a disabled passenger. Contact the airline’s disability number for more information about the Carrier Act 5 and to find out how to have a companion travel with you in flight. In some cases, you can even hire companions qualified to care for you as you travel.

6. Specify your disability needs with car rentals

Car rental services must also adequately accommodate your needs, but they may need some time to make the adjustments. In order to ensure that you get a car that meets your requirements, book car rentals at least 72 hours in advance, Hanebrink says. If you need hand-controls, rental car companies must provide you with one at their expense, she says. But it may take time for them to install them, so its best to give the service as much advance notice as you can. But, to be sure, call the company back 48 hours in advance to confirm the reservation will have the necessary accommodations and to ask when the car will be ready.

7. Call your cruise line to alert them to any accommodations needed

Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act, any cruise leaving from a US port is required to be accessible. And cruise lines should provide accessible accommodations on all levels of the ship and with different views. Make sure to call the cruise line to verify that your cabin and the ship is wheelchair accessible. Also, verify with the cruise that any excursions are accessible. While all cruise ships that sail in U.S. waters are required to comply with the ADA, there aren’t standards specifically addressing cruise ships, so some are better at it than others. Critics rate Royal Caribbeans Symphony of the Seas as one of the best for accommodating travelers with disabilities.

Cruise ship at anchor at night — Unsplash / Jamie Morrison

8. Hotels that provide shuttles should be accessible too

Transportation to and from the airport to the hotel should be accessible to you as well. But just to be sure, call your hotel to make sure that their shuttle is accessible. Many are, but it’s best to make sure the shuttle can accommodate your needs. If not, most airports and train stations have accessible taxi stands. Calling ahead of time will help make sure that you don’t get stranded at the airport with no way to get to your final destination.

9. Call railroads for information about whether or not your train is accessible

Train travel should also be accessible too, but call to confirm, Hanebrink says. While larger national railroad lines may be accessible, some smaller ones that offer short tour lines may not be. Many times, Amtrak will offer discount fares for disabled travelers and their companions. For more information, contact Amtrak’s passenger services line at 1-800-USA-RAIL.

10. Pack extra med and supplies in a plastic bag, just in case

You don’t want to risk being without your medications and supplies because someone lost them, Hanebrink says, so make sure to pack a ziplock storage bag with extras of any medications or medical supplies you may need. And always keep them with you and not in a checked bag, she says. Inside the bag, it’s always a good idea to have contact information for doctors, health insurance, pharmacies and any emergency care instructions, or allergies. Being prepared ahead of time can save precious moments when you need them, she says.

11. When you can’t take it with you, rent

Traveling with some equipment can be cumbersome, she says. But most hotels, convention centers and cruise lines can help you get rental equipment delivered to their site — including wheelchairs, scooters, oxygen tanks, lift chairs, and power wheelchairs. Call ahead and talk to the concierge, or the hotel staff, to see if they have rental equipment, or the numbers of local people that will rent you equipment. In some cases, when you’re traveling to national conventions, organizers will help you find the rental equipment that you need. National firms like Scootaround will rent mobility equipment to you and have it waiting for you when you get to your final destination.

We hope these tips help you to make the most of your vacation. Happy trails!

How My Trip To Uganda Changed Me

All my life, I’ve known two facts about myself. One, I am black. Two, my ancestors are from Africa and were sold into slavery in the United States.

During my first trip to the continent of Africa, I was on my way to safari in Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda. Someone asked me, “Where are you from?” I’d been looking around in a souvenir shop and the store owner was watching me. I responded nervously, “The United States of America.” I’m not clear why I was so unsettled by this question. Perhaps I was dreading what I hoped would not be the next one.

He studied me as if what he was hearing did not match what he was seeing. He said, “No what tribe?” That’s when the smile left my lips because he had in fact asked the one question about myself I didn’t have the answer to. I responded, I don’t know. The Ugandan merchant looked surprised and confused. His face said what do you mean you don’t know? He rubbed his beard and then told me he assumed I was from a tribe in western Uganda because he thought I was African but when he heard me speaking English it was strange to him. He spoke English, but I honestly couldn’t understand everything.

As I think back on it, I looked silly just standing there not knowing what to say in English or Swahili. He called another Ugandan man over to confirm his thoughts saying, “Doesn’t she look like she’s from the west?” The Ugandan bystander who had been watching the exchange said, “Yes, her skin color — her build, yes, she does.”

That conversation was somehow the ointment I needed to put on a wound I was born with. The healing process had been started.

‘I felt like an orphan’

My primary purpose for visiting Uganda was to visit a dear friend and her family. She works for the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and had been posted in Africa for the past 9 years. Coming up on her last year of the assignment, it pressed me to visit before I no longer had the opportunity. As the trip drew closer, I got excited thinking about the cultural significance of the trip for me as an African-American. I experienced mixed emotions. I felt like an orphan who would finally get to meet her birth family with thoughts vacillating between “what if they don’t like me?” and “what if I don’t like them?” I was also looking forward to being a tourist and seeing this country that my friend loved so much.

As I boarded the plane for the 19-hour flight, scenes from the movie Roots (based on the book by Alex Haley) played incessantly through my mind. Particularly the one where the slave owner has Kunta Kinte tied to a tree and says, with a lash of the whip, “What’s your name boy?” He replies, “Kunta Kinte.” The owner strikes him with the whip and yells again, “Your name is Toby!”

It was as if my unconscious mind was reconciling my initial understanding of the history of slavery for my upcoming experience.

Giraffes in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda. — Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda. Photo Credit: Jennifer Galbraith.

The prodigal daughter

As we began the decent into Entebbe airport, I looked out of the window and thought to myself, “My ancestors were taken from this land in chains and packed into a slave cargo ship, and here I am arriving by airplane.” To say I was emotional was an understatement. I was having a moment as I looked down onto the city from above the clouds. Neither my parents nor anyone in my immediate family had ever been to Africa, and I felt honored to be there representing them.

As I deplaned, like the way someone greets you in Hawaii (with a Lai and a hearty ‘Mahalo!’), I imagined the Ugandan airport workers and those waiting for their loved ones pointing at me and saying, “Yhere she is! It’s her! She’s home! Welcome home, daughter! Welcome home, sister!” I’d sweep through the gate and not have to wait in any lines because I was the prodigal daughter returning home.

None of that happened. Not one bit. They ushered me through the customs process with the same non-enthusiasm every other non-Ugandan citizen received. They asked me for my vaccination card, then I moved to the line to complete the Visa process. I proceeded to the exit hall which I couldn’t discern how to actually exit out of. I was picked up by my friend’s husband and whisked away in a car that had the steering wheel on the wrong side of the car (according to my US driving standards!).

As I began my trip to the city of Kampala from the Entebbe airport, I tried to take it all in. The roads were busy with people walking, riding Boda Bodas (motorized bike taxis) and cars, and I couldn’t keep myself from staring. Watching it all as if I only had a few minutes before my time was up and someone would shut it off. I saw clothing stores, people carrying fruits and vegetables in baskets and on their heads, and views of Lake Victoria. It’s not as if I’ve never seen African men or women before, but I’ve never seen Africans in the comfort of their own home. I was really looking for myself and anything that resembled what was in the face of others.

You would pass one area of shops, restaurants, and buildings then turn and see lush green areas. Fruits and vegetables were being sold on just about every corner. An abundance of green bananas (Matooke — pronounced Ma Toke Kay) and green banana leaves used to make the regional dish that bears its name could be found on the back of trucks, in baskets on heads, in crates, buckets, Boda Bodas, and stands. Piles of cabbages were also in abundance. Buildings needed repair, a sign of poor, underdeveloped communities. We passed homes with cows and goats tied in the front yard as beloved pets. At one point we pulled up to a vegetable stand and people came from everywhere offering fruits and vegetables along with chicken and other meats on skewers at the window of the car.

Murchinson Falls National Park, Uganda Photo Credit:Jennifer Galbraith

Lost and found

There is something about seeing elephants, baboons, giraffes, hippopotamus, antelopes, and lions in their natural habitat that ruin you for the zoo. Watching the animals up close at the state park was exhilarating and scary at the same time. On one hand, I was intruding on the animals, but on the other hand invited by them to witness their life. I observed how mothers cared for and chastised their babies, how siblings played with each other, how boys fought for the affection of girls, and how a nice muddy puddle of water was the perfect chill spot under the hot African sun.

Through time spent and interactions with the local Ugandans, my self-perspective changed. The empty space in my soul from never knowing my cultural origin slowly began to fill up. There were many mannerisms and likenesses in myself that I was seeing in the Ugandans. I was mistaken repeatedly for an African woman but from another area. That usually led to chilly welcomes from other local women but for each slight I received (I was clearly being given shade), it was a confirmation. The African in my African-American label was legitimate, like the roots of a strong tree.

Ndere Cultural Center, Uganda. Photo Credit: Jennifer Galbraith.

My final activity was a grand African Dance show at the Ndere Cultural Center. The Ndere Troupe performed several dances which represented numerous tribes from all over Uganda. They performed with musical instruments, wore brilliantly colored tribal clothing, and danced in a manner that simply delighted my soul. As the Ndere troupe drummed, danced, and sang, I relived my family reunions, my historically black college and university homecomings, my teenage parties, my dances in my bedroom. I was reminded of my sorority life. Hundreds of years of slavery didn’t destroy what I defined as lost.

I returned from my time in Uganda with a deeper sense self-pride I didn’t have before arriving. I still don’t know which tribe I originate from or the country in Africa linked to my DNA. However, I no longer carry the resentment or burden associated with it.

Instead, I walk in the strength, confidence, and beauty that resonated in the many faces I met during my first trip to my Motherland of Africa.

When Does TSA PreCheck And NEXUS Expire?

According to the U.S. Travel Association, U.S. residents logged 1.8 billion person-trips for leisure purposes in 2017 alone. Whether it’s for visiting relatives, friends, shopping, fine dining, or rural sightseeing, people are traveling now more than ever.

A lamentable consequence of higher numbers of travelers, though, is long lines and longer waits at the airport. Fortunately, Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) such as TSA PreCheck and NEXUS allow travelers an abundance of benefits that help reduce time spent waiting in queues.

For those who are curious about TSA PreCheck and NEXUS, we’ve detailed the differences between each, what their benefits are, how to become a member, and how to renew memberships. We hope this article helps you beccome a more efficient traveler by using these highly advantageous TTP programs!

The difference between TSA PreCheck and NEXUS

1. TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck is a nifty service that allows eligible, low-risk travelers the ability to take advantage of expedited security screening at designated airports throughout the U.S. and for most international itineraries. TSA PreCheck is currently available at more than 200 airports with 56 participating airlines worldwide. To find out more about qualifying airports and airlines, head to the TSA PreCheck Airports and Airlines page. You can also check out the TSA PreCheck Checkpoint Schedule to see when PreCheck lanes are available at your airport.

The hassle of airport travel is reduced with TSA PreCheck; subscribers are able to breeze through security, arguably the most dreaded part of traveling. Travelers can apply for the program if they are U.S. citizens or a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) and haven’t been convicted of certain crimes. TSA PreCheck is also available for travelers who are enrolled in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler Programs, such as Global Entry, SENTRI and NEXUS.

In order to apply for TSA PreCheck, you must fill out a five-minute online application and schedule an appointment at any of the +380 enrollment centers. Next, you must attend a 10-minute, in-person background check that includes fingerprinting. After completing both of these steps, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that must be added to reservations before enjoying TSA PreCheck.

2. NEXUS

Similar to TSA PreCheck, the NEXUS program allows pre-screened travelers expedited processing at airports, but only when entering the U.S. or Canada. Members can use designated processing lanes at dedicated northern border ports of entry, NEXUS kiosks when entering Canada by air, and Global Entry kiosks when entering the U.S. via Canadian Preclearance airports. NEXUS memberships can also be used at marine reporting locations.

A NEXUS membership is a granted document through the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), thus it can be used in place of a passport if flying between the U.S. and Canada. Eligible candidates must be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. or Canada. The NEXUS program is also available for Mexican citizens who hold a Viajero Confiable membership.

According to U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP), travelers must apply by creating a Trusted Traveler Program account, filling out the application and paying the one-time, non-refundable $50 fee. If approved by CBP, your account will instruct you to schedule an interview at a NEXUS Enrollment Center.

Canadian residents also have the option of mailing in their application to designated Canadian Processing Centers by filling out the application form and including photocopies of supporting documentation and the $50 (CAD) non-refundable fee.

Women with suitcases look at flight schedule board at the airport — Wikimedia Commons

The benefits of TSA PreCheck and NEXUS

1. Benefits of TSA PreCheck

With an $85 five-year membership, TSA PreCheck passengers are allowed to speed through airport security at ease without removing shoes, liquids and gels from carry-ons, laptops, lightweight outwear, jackets and belts.

TSA PreCheck currently has more than seven million members and in Sept. 2018, TSA reported that 94% of PreCheck members waited less than five minutes at airport security.

2. Benefits of NEXUS

NEXUS members enjoy reduced wait times at designated ports of entry by using dedicated processing lanes at land border crossings, NEXUS kiosks when entering Canada, Global Entry kiosks when entering the United States, and calling a marine telephone reporting center to report your arrival into the United States and Canada.

How long are TSA PreCheck and NEXUS good for?

TSA PreCheck costs only $85 and lasts for five years. NEXUS is also valid for five years.

After five years, TSA PreCheck and NEXUS travelers will have to renew their memberships. For more information on the processes for renewing both TSA PreCheck and NEXUS memberships, continue reading below.

Man and son push suitcases past airport security — TSA PreCheck allows you to speed through airport security. Wikimedia Commons

What are the processes for renewing TSA PreCheck and NEXUS memberships?

TSA PreCheck Renewal Process

1. How far in advance do I need to renew my TSA PreCheck membership

TSA PreCheck members must renew their membership up to six months prior to their Known Traveler Number (KTN) expiration date, either online or in person at a designated enrollment center.

To find out when your KTN expires, fill out this Service Status form online. Note that some individuals are not eligible to renew their TSA PreCheck membership online due to certain exceptions. After filling out the Service Status form, you will be notified whether or not you are eligible to renew your membership online.

2. How much does TSA PreCheck renewal cost?

The cost for renewal is the same for enrollment, which is $85 for another five years, or $17 per year.

NEXUS Renewal Process

1. How far in advance do I need to renew my NEXUS membership?

NEXUS memberships may be renewed anytime before the expiration date indicated on your NEXUS card. If your card does not have an expiration date, you should get in contact with the following Canadian Processing Centers found at the bottom of this page.

NEXUS now has a streamlined renewal process in place, and most members will not have to attend an in-person interview for renewal if their information has not changed and if they have maintained a low-risk traveler status.

NEXUS members are encouraged to renew their membership online through the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) System and choosing the “I’m already a program member” option. Mexican nationals are obligated to reapply online when renewing; U.S. and/or Canadian citizens or permanent residents may reapply online or by submitting a paper application form.

2. How much does NEXUS renewal cost?

Similar to TSA PreCheck, the NEXUS renewal cost is the same as the first-time application fee, which is a $50 USD or $50 CAD non-refundable fee; membership renewal for children under the age of 18 is free of charge.

NEXUS members should note that online applications are processed in USD only. If you wish to pay in Canadian currency, you must submit a paper application.

Security personnel stand around airport conveyer belt — Wikimedia Commons

Both TSA PreCheck and NEXUS are up-and-coming ways to avoid hassle and stress at the airport, and we hope this article helps you learn more about each program, how you can become a member, and how to renew your membership with ease. As always, happy trails!

Tips For Traveling With Diabetes

If you have diabetes, don’t let it deter you from traveling! While traveling with diabetes naturally requires more preparation, it is certainly feasible with the simple steps listed below.

From getting a translated doctor’s note to purchasing travel insurance, we’ve detailed some important measures to consider before traveling with diabetes. Follow these steps for a more enjoyable trip, and you’ll be glad you didn’t let your pancreas get in the way of experiencing the beauty of travel!

1. Get a doctor’s note (and translate it, too)

Traveling with diabetes can be a hassle, especially when going through airport security. To avoid this nuisance, visit your doctor before heading out on your trip and have them write you a doctor’s note explaining the details of your condition to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Carrying insulin, syringes, test strips, and other supplies necessary to treat diabetes may raise some eyebrows when trying to pass through airport security. Having a signed doctor’s note will invariably decrease the amount of time you spend at security trying to explain why you have said questionable medical supplies.

If you’re traveling to a country where people speak a foreign language, make sure you get the doctor’s note translated into that language. Being able to simply show a note to anyone questioning your diabetes supplies will make for a smoother and more carefree trip.

2. The more the merrier

Make sure to pack an abundance of supplies for your trip. Even if you’re visiting a big city, don’t assume that you’ll be able to get any extra supplies you weren’t prepared for during your travels.

Make sure to have extra insulin, test strips, a blood glucose meter, syringes, and backup infusion sets. This is especially important when traveling abroad.

Though most countries should have the necessary supplies you might need to treat your diabetes, having to visit a doctor in a foreign country is not something you’ll want to do on your vacation, especially if you’re visiting a country where you don’t speak the language. Be safe and prepared by always carrying an extra stock of any vital supplies you may need.

3. Test your blood sugar

Traveling will inevitably cause changes in your schedule and routine, an occurrence that can possibly result in a change in blood sugar levels that can disrupt diabetes management.

Sitting on a plane for several hours with minimal activity can cause elevated blood sugar levels. On the other hand, sightseeing, going on a hike, swimming in the ocean, or other increases in physical activity while traveling can cause lower glucose levels.

In order to manage your glucose levels while traveling, be sure to consistently check your blood sugar levels with a finger prick or meter, even at times when you normally wouldn’t at home.

Jar of sugar and diabetes blood sugar tester — Photo provided by Pexels

4. Pack a carry-on

Another imperative aspect to consider when traveling with diabetes is having all of your supplies immediately available to you in your carry-on bag.

Though it may be bothersome and heavy to have all of your supplies with you, you’ll be thankful when your checked luggage gets lost and you decided to put your important supplies in your carry-on instead.

Not only does putting your diabetes supplies on your carry-on reduce the risk of being without your medication in case of lost checked luggage, but the cargo of a plane can get quite chilly when soaring 30,000 feet in the air, an unfavorable temperature for insulin. Freezing temperatures will break down insulin, making it unusable for lowering blood sugar levels.

5. Purchase travel insurance

Though we hope you don’t encounter any medical emergencies related to your diabetes while traveling, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to purchase travel insurance in case of the need to make a trip to the doctor during your trip.

Without travel insurance, visiting the doctor in a foreign country could include steep medical costs in case of evacuation, which can run you more than $100,000.

WorldClinic offers travel insurance with perks, providing instant physician contact and the latest longevity science to individuals, families, advisors, and companies.

Reviews.com rated Travelex the best medical travel insurance for families, while Allianz was voted the best insurance for frequent travelers with affordable plans starting as low as $17.

6. Plan for meals accordingly

Airlines have been historically notorious for offering unhealthy meals during long flights, but nowadays, more and more airlines are beginning to offer the option of requesting either vegetarian, heart-healthy, or low-sodium meals when purchasing flights online. If an airline doesn’t offer meal options at checkout, it would be best to call and ask for meal specifications.

If you’re concerned about in-flight meals, be sure to pack or purchase some healthy snacks at the airport, such as nuts, fruit, veggies with dip, salad, yogurt, or sandwiches with lean meat. If you didn’t bring any glucose tablets to control blood sugar levels, now would be the time to stock up on candy, soda, and juice.

Cups of nuts and dried dates — Purchase healthy snacks at the airport, such as nuts and fruits. Unsplash / Rachael Gorjestani

It’s important to plan ahead when traveling with a health condition, and we hope this list will make you feel more confident in managing your diabetes during your trip. Happy and healthy trails!

How To Visit Paris On A Budget

Paris is undeniably the most romantic city on the planet, and consequently, it’s one of the most visited cities in the world. Ranking third after only Bangkok and London for the most visited city on the globe with approximately 18 million international visitors per year, Paris truly does live up to its name as the “City of Love” and the “City of Lights.”

Traveling to one of the most visited cities in the world doesn’t always come cheaply though. Thankfully, we’ve dug up some of Paris’ best affordable accommodations, ways to eat some of the most scrumptious and authentic food without breaking the piggy bank, and popular attractions that are budget-friendly and sometimes even free.

We hope the following list will guide you in planning your ideal romantic getaway to Paris. Bon voyage!

The Eiffel Tower — Eiffel Tower. Pixabay / TheDigitalArtist

Affordable Accommodations in Paris

1. Hôtel Avenir Jonquière

Price: $68/night
Address: 23 Rue De La Jonquière, 17th arr., 75017, Paris

A mixture of contemporary and classic Parisian furnishings, Hôtel Avenir Jonquière features spacious rooms at affordable prices. An ideal lodging option for couples, the hotel’s double rooms offer stunning city views, soundproof walls, private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TVs, free toiletries, towels, linens, and a personalized wake-up service.

The hotel’s prime location is situated just a two-minute walk from the nearest Metro station, Guy Moquet, and about one mile from both the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris (Sacré-Coeur) and Palais Garnier opera house.

2. MOB HOTEL Paris Les Puces

Price: $91/night
Address: 4 Rue Gambetta, 93400, Saint-Ouen

An up-and-coming boutique hotel, MOB HOTEL Paris Les Puces boasts an urban flair and is idyllically located next to Paris’ largest flea market, Les Puces de Saint-Ouen. Stylish and comfortable rooms deck the halls of this hotel, with amenities such as pet-friendly accommodations, outdoor terraces and balconies, air-conditioning, heating, private bathrooms, soundproof walls, free Wi-Fi, elevators, ironing facilities, free organic toiletries, and the entire property is wheelchair accessible. The accommodation also features a 24-hour front desk service, grocery and library.

This unique accommodation even offers guests the opportunity to hang out at its trendy music bar, dine at its organic farm-to-table restaurant or lounge out in the lively summertime garden. Films are screened at the hotel after dark and, on the weekends, DJ sets, readings, concerts, barbecues, and other cultural happenings occur at the hotel.

3. Hôtel Des Batignolles

Price: $114/night
Address: 26-28 Rue Des Batignolles, 17th arr., 75017, Paris

When guests first walk into this hotel, they will be greeted by a gorgeous antique grand piano. Hôtel des Batignolles’ rooms are elegantly and thoughtfully decorated, spacious, and pristine.

This accommodation is ideal for travelers interested in romance, shopping and sightseeing. The hotel is just a 15-minute walk from several major attractions, including the historic district of Montmartre, Moulin Rouge, and Parc Monceau. Less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel is the Rome Metro station, with direct access to the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées avenue.

How to Find Cheap (and Delicious) Food in Paris

1. Street Food

While Paris boasts some of the best cuisines across the globe, trying the best foie gras and beef bourguignon can come at a hefty price. As an alternative, France offers an abundance of delicious and affordable gourmet street food that is slowly gaining popularity even amongst the snootiest of locals, much of which can be bought for under €10.

One of the many foods the French are known for is their delectable crêpes, and you shouldn’t leave Paris without trying one! At La Droguerie, savory and sweet options abound and can be taken away and eaten on the go.

Marché Saint-Honoré is an area with more artisan-style street food and Cantine California serves an optimum gourmet burger. Head to Big Fernand to get a taste of Cantine California’s greatest rival burger, or try out Café des Abattoirs‘ mouthwatering meatball sandwich during lunchtime on Saturdays.

2. Bakeries

La baguette is another one of France’s famed foods, and bakeries, or boulangeries, are a great option for those wishing to save when dining out. For just €1, you can try a flaky croissant, baguette, or pain au chocolat; sandwiches typically cost around €5. The city’s most popular Parisian bakeries are Du Pain et des Idées, Blé sucré, Boulangerie Utopie and Chambelland.

3. Ethnic Eats

A culturally and ethnically diverse city, Paris’ streets are lined with affordable cuisines from around the world. Rue des Rosiers, the city’s Jewish Quarter, is teeming with falafel and shawarma sandwiches, a favorite amongst late-night snackers. Head to L’As deu Fallafel for their Mediterranean salad and curry pita sandwich.

Take a journey across the globe at Marché couvert Saint-Quentin, an outdoor market offering everything from South American to African cuisines. Try some Portuguese rotisserie at Chez Silviana, Moroccan tajine at La Marrakech, Brazilian feijoada at Alegria Brasil, or Senegalese yassa at Oh Africa!, a spicy dish prepared with onions, lemon and marinated poultry or seafood.

4. Prix Fixe

Richard Nahem is a Paris-based travel blogger and tour manager. Through his company, Eye Prefer Paris Tours, he specializes in showing visitors a side of the city most tourists never see. We asked him for some Paris pointers.

“Many good restaurants have two or three course prix-fixe lunches which are always much less expensive than at dinner,” Nahem says. “Crepes are another inexpensive option, or a simple ham and cheese on fresh baguette is only €4. I also write a monthly feature on my blog about the best places to find a two or three-course lunch for under €20.”

Interested in learning more about Paris tours? Check out An Interview With Paris Tour Guru Richard Nahem.

Delicious crêpes being made on the streets of Paris. Wikimedia Commons

Affordable (and Free) Attractions in Paris

1. Notre-Dame Cathedral

Price: Free

Arguably the most iconic cathedral in the world and one of the city’s most visited attractions, Notre-Dame is a medieval Catholic cathedral and is deemed one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. The cathedral began construction in 1160 and was largely completed by 1260. Though suffering from desecration during the French Revolution, this epochal cathedral still stands tall today.

Admission to the cathedral is free, but visitors will need tickets to enter the tower (€8.50) and the crypt (€6). If you purchase a Paris Pass, a complete sightseeing pass for tourists, the price of both the tower and the crypt are included. Baggage is not allowed in the cathedral; there is also a reception center with paper and audio guides available.

2. Eiffel Tower

Price: €3-€11

A trip to Paris wouldn’t be complete without heading to the top of the Eiffel Tower, the most-visited paid monument in the world. There isn’t an attraction that depicts Paris more than the Eiffel Tower, and luckily, it doesn’t cost a fortune to take a gander at this quintessential Parisian attraction. Named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, the architectural structure is a wrought iron lattice tower standing 1,063 feet tall on the Champ de Mars.

Entrance atop the Eiffel Tower varies greatly in price. Adults over 25 willing to climb the tower’s 704 stairs to the second floor will pay €7. Youth visitors aged 12 to 24 pay €5, and children from four to 11 pay €3. Tickets with elevator access cost €11, €8.50 and €4, respectively.

3. Louvre Museum

Price: Free-€9

Recognized as the world’s largest art museum, the Louvre in Paris attracts approximately 9 million annual visitors, mostly to gaze upon Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Eugène Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People and Alexandros of Antioch’s Venus de Milo.

Entrance to the Louvre generally costs €9, but those heading to the museum after 6:00 p.m. on a Wednesday or Friday will pay a reduced price of €6. On Friday evenings, entrance is free for visitors under 26, and on the first Sunday of each month (Bastille Day), entrance is free to all visitors.

4. Gardens

“Take a free walk through the beautiful gardens of Paris for free,” Richard Nahem of Eye Prefer Paris advises. “The Tulieries, Luxembourg gardens, Parc Monceau, Butte Chamont, and Palais Royal. A day trip to Versailles is great, and for €18 you can visit the palace and the garden is free. The train fare is €7 roundtrip. You can make a whole day out of it. There are many small, museums in Paris that are free.”

He sent us this link to all the admission-free monuments and museums in the city.

Gargoyle of Notre-Dame looks out over Paris — Notre Dame’s gargoyles have been watching over Paris since 1163. Unsplash / Pedro Lastra

Best of luck making your trip to Paris magical and memorable! It’s truly surprising how much there is to do and see without breaking the bank.

Meet The 5 Most Luxurious RVs

Selling everything you own to downsize into an RV may not be as crazy you think.

For some, the thought of exchanging a curbside mailbox for the open road is enough to cause a major anxiety attack. Can one really live like a permanent nomad, exploring the countryside, and still be seen as a responsible adult?

For others, it’s more of a bucket list item than a fear-inducing scenario. Many have dreamed about living full-time in an RV at some point in life, whether now or in the golden years of retirement. One of the most common statements from couples regarding RV life is this: “I would do it in a heartbeat, but my partner isn’t on board with the idea.” Ahhh, the dilemma of choosing between adventure and your life-partner!

Maybe your sweetheart would be more open to the notion of downsizing into a home with wheels if you showed him or her the following 5 RVs! Gone are the days of clunky travel trailers. In today’s world, you don’t need a house with a foundation.

These 5 luxurious RVs can easily take the place of a home.

1. Furrion ELYSIUM

This penthouse on wheels has its own helipad! So who says an RV is necessarily downgrade? It comes with a lounge, fireplace, and 75-inch flat screen TV. You can cancel your spa membership when you own this rig because its shower also includes a steam room! And while it’s still in the concept phase, you and your partner should start planning your rooftop deck party now!

Take a tour of the RV here. But bring your check book with you; not only will you need to dig deep for the Furrion, but it’s kind of pointless unless you buy a helicopter to go with it.

Interior of the Furrion ELYSIUM RV — Interior of the Furrion ELYSIUM. Source: YouTube.

2. Mercedes Vario Alkoven 1200

This luxurious ride sleeps four to six people. Its sleek German design makes for an efficient motorhome inside and out. This RV has a unique feature that is rare to find in a recreational vehicle: a garage! Owners don’t have to tow their vehicles, helping improve maneuverability on winding scenic roads. The downside: only a miniature sportscar, like a Porsche, can fit in this streamlined garage. Don’t forget to add THAT into your budget!

Mercedes Vario Alkoven 1200 RV with sports car driving into its rear garage compartment. — Photo cred: Newatlas.com.

3. 2019 Tiffin Phaeton Luxury Motorhome

Ranging from $350-400K, this motorhome is the price of a modest house! (Or a very nice house, depending where you call home.) You might balk at the price tag, but know that it affords its buyer all the comforts of home, while still being able to travel. With its outdoor TV, washer/dryer, and dishwasher, you’ll wonder why you didn’t get packing sooner.

Take a tour of the RV here.

Interior of the 2019 Phaeton. Source: YouTube.

4. Volkner Mobil Performance S

In case you thought car garages in RVs were rare, this vehicle has one too! You’ll have all the luxuries you’d expect with a rig this fancy — technology, crystal glasses, gorgeous interior –but for a significant price. For this motorhome’s price tag, you could buy8 brand-new Aston Martin sports cars! So you’ll have to get your priorities settled.

Take a tour of it here.

The Volkner Mobil Performance S. Source.

5. 2017 Prevost

At 45-feet long, this monster coach is no small ride. Its open floor plan boasts a lounging area, kitchen, 1 ½ bath, washer/dryer, and a master bedroom with a king-sized bed. Top of the line Viking appliances, large tiled shower, fireplace and LCD TV help drive the $1.2 million dollar price tag.

So what if you’re interested in dipping your toes into the RV life, but don’t want to spend your entire life’s savings on the venture?

We figured there may be quite a few of you out there who don’t have a quick mil to drop on an RV. If that’s you, try one of these lower-priced ideas.

A school bus

Many are opting for the skoolie life, renovating old school buses into pseudo RVs. With enough construction and design work, they can be just as comfortable and luxurious! Check out this video to take a tour of a modest skoolie reno.

Renovated school bus interior — Check out this renovated school bus! Photo cred: My Modern Met

A 5th wheel

Some opt for the purchase of a travel trailer instead of an RV. They prefer the freedom of being able to detach from their home-on-wheels to explore destinations in-depth. Here is a luxurious example of a Grand Design 5th wheel floorplan. The only thing you’d need before hitting the road in this rig is a truck large enough to tow it.

Living the full-time RV life

While there are people who have regretted the purchase of their RV, there are droves of people who are REALLY loving their full-time RV and travel trailer travels. This nomadic way of life is not just for recreational campers, and it’s not so unusual. Regular people are creating their own version of home, proving a happy house doesn’t always require a concrete foundation, but could be built on the open road.