Hostels: How to Pick Them

 

 

Throughout your trip you will stay in hostels you love and hostels you hate, there is no getting around it. On my three month backpacking trip around Europe I stayed in over 15 hostels and I have seen it all. Before booking your accommodation make sure you do your research. See what the guest rating is, what kind of rooms are available, what facilities they offer.

Check out things such as free breakfast, is it located near a metro station or bus stop, what kind of rooms are available. If you’re on a budget(and you probably are if you’re staying in a hostel) free breakfast is always helpful. The free breakfast usually consists of toast, cereal, coffee, and tea, but when you are traveling a free breakfast is a free breakfast, not to mention the convenience of getting some food in your stomach before you head out for the day.

If you want to cook your meals make sure the hostel has a kitchen, not all of them do. I have chose several hostels that did not have a kitchen which lead to me eating out every meal. This can not only get pricey, but(at least in my case) lead to unhealthy meal choices. If you’re traveling for an extended amount of time I suggest for your wallet and body’s sake find a hostel with a kitchen.

How many people do you want to share a room with and are you comfortable with a male/female mixed dorm? These are things you have to think about before booking your accommodation. I have stayed in them all from a 2 person room to a 40 bed mixed dorm room.  If security is another issue for you always make sure there are lockers available before booking because not all hostels come with places to securely store your luggage.

One more thing to think of when choosing a hostel, are you there to party or rest? If you’re there to party you’re in luck. The majority of people staying in hostels are young, on a budget, and are on holiday to party. Most hostels do have curfews but are rarely followed. If you don’t want people screaming outside or stumbling in after 3AM choose a quiet, sleep friendly hostel. So if that doesn’t sound like you’re cup of tea make sure you stay in non-party hostel or even try to find a B&B or hotel.

Before picking your hostel always make sure to read reviews other travelers have left and look at the overall rating of the hostel. This will give you an idea of what the hostel is like. Happy travels!

Off the beaten path - Chester, England

 

 

My first off the beaten path experience was by way of Chester, England. Not many people that have visited England have traveled to Chester, let alone heard of it. If you're looking for a quiet, charming, quaint English town this is it.

Chester is perfect for a weekend getaway. Take one of the amazing walking tours around the town to learn the history and traditions of past and present Chester, visit the astounding cathedral, or take a stroll along the River Dee.

Chester was founded by the Romans and you can still see evidence of that. The largest Roman amphitheater in the UK is located here and the city walls which surround Chester are built on top of the old Roman walls. The wall completely surrounds the town center so put on your walking shoes and pretend you are a Roman soldier on the watch for enemies.

Go down to Watergate street for some shopping and admire the Tudor style buildings that Chester is known for. While you’re down on Watergate street make sure to check out the Eastgate Clock which was erected in 1899 in honor of Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee.

 

 

A trip to Chester wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Chester Cathedral. It is truly a site to see. Take a look around the picturesque grounds before entering the medieval cathedral. You will be amazed by what you find inside from the stained glass to the beautiful woodwork. Enjoy its splendor during the day and come back for the nightly evensong. It gets better… there’s no entrance fee to enjoy this beautiful place!

 

 

 

            Grosvenor Park is a nice sized, beautifully gardened park that has amazing views. Take a book and a blanket or a picnic and enjoy the scenery of this lovely park. With a town this charming a walk down the River Dee is a must. Watch old steamboats pass on the river and stop by the promenade ‘The Groves’ and grab a bite to eat or hear the band play on the gazebo overlooking the river.  

 

 

You can take a tour bus to the different landmarks in Chester or you can take a variety of walking tour such as ghost tours and the 'hidden Chester' tour which takes you to places that is off limits to most tourists. Wrap up your day with a stop in one of the many pubs that Chester has to offer like The Old Boot Inn which is the oldest pub in Chester.

When traveling, cities like London, Paris, and Rome are usually on the agenda. Visiting large cities is great, but it is also important to see small towns and villages that most people have never been to or heard of. In these places you will really experience the cultures of the country. I encourage you to venture outside of the box and pick a place on the map that you have never heard of. If you are in England and looking for a new place to explore or if you need a time out or a relaxing weekend Chester is the perfect place to go.

 

 

The 17 best things to do in Paris

17. Take a stroll down the Champs-Elysees

Paris is famous for its fashion so why not walk down Paris' most famous street. Designers like Chanel, Gucci, and Prada can be found here and even if you can't afford the clothing it's always fun to window shop!

16. Visit Jardin du Luxembourg

This picturesque garden is a perfect leisurely activity on a nice sunny day.

15.Stop by Shakespeare and Co.

For all the bookworms this is a must. Go see where Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Sylvia Beach met in the 1920's. This store is filled with classics, poetry, science and history books, and modern literature, everyone can find something they like here.

 

14. Palais Garnier

The Palais Garnier is Paris' opera house. This building, which was built by Napoleon, exudes grandeur and excellence. With the lush interior that is fit for a king, Palais Garnier is Paris at its finest.

13. The Louvre

One of the most famous museums in the world. Go check out the Mona Lisa and the glass pyramid. Beware that you can spend an entire day in the Louvre and not see everything so give yourself plenty of time and know what you want to see.

12. Have a picnic

Grab a blanket, baguette, some cheese, and wine and find yourself a spot on the grass in from of the Eiffel Tower or one of Paris' beautiful gardens.

11. Visit the Galeries Lafayette

This massive department store offers anything you can think of. If the Champs-Elysees is too much for you but still want to get that perfect outfit from Paris, check out the Galeries Lafayette. And even if you aren't looking for anything this department store is a wonder to the eye!

10. Arc De Triomphe

At the top of the Champs-Elysees lays the Arc De Triomphe. Climb to the top of this monument dedicated to fallen French heroes to get a spectacular 360 degree view of the city.

9. Pere Lachaise Cemetery

This is not only a cemetery but a town for the dead. The 120 acres is connected with streets and paths. The family tombs and grave sites are so beautiful it's no wonder why people such as Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, and Chopin chose Pere Lechaise as their final resting place.

8. Visit the famous Moulin Rouge

Book a ticket for the famous cabaret show that has been wowing since 1889. Even if cabaret is not for you, I still recommend going and snapping a few pictures of the red windmill.

7. Take a stroll along the Seine

This river runs through some of Paris' most beautiful and oldest arrondissements. Enjoy the romantic allure that Paris has to offer with the charming architecture and pick up an old book or painting from one of the many bouquinistes lining the Seine.

6. Head down to the Latin quarter

The Latin quarter is a great place to grab a bite to eat and the souvenirs you promised to get everyone back home. This is a great place to grab a crepe that Paris is famous for.

5. Notre Dame

Seeing this famous cathedral is a must when visiting Paris. If you want to go inside and climb to the top make sure you get there early as lines form fast. Another alternative is to see Notre Dame at night. Not only is the cathedral a sight to see at night there is usually no line to get in at night.

4. Find a sidewalk café

Truly feel like a Parisian and sit outside a corner café and order a coffee and people watch or read a book.

3. The Palace of Versailles

It's a short train ride from Paris but completely worth it. See where Marie Antoinette lived in this magnificent, extravagant, luxurious palace. After taking a tour of the inside and see the Hall of Mirrors, don't miss the vast gardens that French kings and queens once walked.

2. Montmartre

Climb to the top Montmartre hill and see Sacre Coeur church. Around this area you will find many artists and a breathtaking view overlooking Paris. Go off the beaten path and wander to find the many stairs and charming apartments of this Parisian neighborhood that once was home to many artists and writers in the 1920's.

1. Le Tour Eiffel

A trip to Paris wouldn't be complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower. Whether you take the elevator to the top for a spectacular view of Paris or you admire its grandeur from the ground make sure you make it here. For and extra treat make it back after nightfall to see the tower light up and dazzle every top of the hour.

Top 15 things to do in London

15. Stroll through one of London's many parks

London is known for its beautiful parks. Head out to Hyde Park, Green Park, St James Park, Regents Park, or any grassy knoll and grab a blanket, a good book, or a beer and go sit in the park and people watch. If you are on a budget this is a great way to pass the time and experience what life is like for a local.

14. Visit the Globe Theatre

For all the Shakespeare fans this is a must. Although the original Globe was destroyed by a fire, the Globe that now stands is a great recreation. Go see where many of the famous plays by Shakespeare were performed.

13. London houses many wonderful museums

There is a museum in London for everybody! Go see dinosaurs and the geological formations of the earth at the Natural History Museum. If you're an art lover check out the Tate Modern and the National Gallery. The Museum of London and Victoria & Albert museums are great for history buffs. There's also the London Transport Museum, the Charles Dickens Museum, the Churchill War Rooms, and so much more. Not everyone may like museums but many offer free admission!

12. Westminster Abbey

This abbey was founded in 960 and houses many famous dead people such as Queen Elizabeth, Jane Austen, Charles Darwin, and many more. Plus you will get to see where William and Kate were married!

11. Markets at Portobello Road

If you find yourself in London on a Saturday head down to Portobello Road in the morning to see the world famous antique market. Check out all the odds and ends and stroll off Portobello Road to explore Notting Hill and its beautiful neighborhoods.

10. Oxford Street

If you have come to London to shop this is the place to go. Many of London's top end stores are on Oxford Street. It is a great place to find the London fashion trends but also keep in mind it is the busiest street in London.

9. Take the Jack the Ripper tour

Take a guided walk at night through the East End of London and see all the murder sites of the infamous Jack the Ripper.

8. Find a local pub

What better way to get to know some locals then to have a pint or two at the pub? If you want to know what it's like to be a Londoner, find a small pub and stroll in for a drink. Cheers!

7. Head over to Trafalgar Square

This square is a must-see when visiting London. There is the famous Nelson's Column with the guard lions, that wonderful blue rooster which nobody knows the real reason for its purpose, the lovely view of Big Ben and of course the National Gallery.

 

6. Check out the Camden market

Not only will you find funky, vintage clothing but also vendors that offer food from all over the world. If you're looking for a relaxing low-key day head down to Camden town and explore the markets and canals.

5. Enjoy a play

London is famous for its West End theatre district. There are so many plays any night of the week you are sure to find one that you enjoy.

4. Go see the queen at Buckingham Palace

Go see the grandeur of Buckingham Palace and the famous guards. Take pictures with them but don't get too close you aren't allowed to touch them! Also, make sure you are there to see the ceremony of the changing of the guard.

3. The Tower of London

This is a place a person of any age can enjoy. Go through the torture chamber, see the cells prisoners were kept in, the crown jewels, and of course see the beefeaters! See hundreds of years of history where kings and, prisoners, and knights all once stood.

2. The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben

Head down to London's most iconic spot. Take a photo in front of Big Ben and admire the intricate  details of the breathtaking Houses of Parliament. A trip to London would not be complete without visiting these icons.

1. Take a ride on the London Eye

Take a ride on the giant wheel and see the city from sky. This glass encased ride gives you an amazing 360 degree view of London. Try to hop on at dusk or night time to see the beautiful lights of the city!