French Attractions Outside of Paris

If you’re planning to visit France in the near future, there’s a good chance you have your sights set on seeing Paris. This is for good reason, of course. The City of Light enjoys a legendary status across the globe and it’s certainly earned it. But there is more to do in France than simply explore Paris. Take the following 3 options, for example.

A French Riviera vacation is not one you’ll be forgetting anytime soon. The Mediterranean alone is worth the trip, just to see it. However, depending on when you plan on visiting, you might find time to take a swim or even a boat tour. Of course, the French Riviera is also legendary for its amazing Mediterranean food as well.

Burgundy vacations are another exciting option few people give enough consideration. There you will find no shortage of historical sites, fit for even the most rabid of shutter bugs. Of course, Burgundy is also known the world over for its amazing cuisine. Any region with a wine named after it means you should be ready to enjoy a few bottles as well.

Consider taking a trip to Marseille as well. Marseille is actually the second largest city in France, though it looks more like a picturesque village you’d see painted in a portrait. Here too, you will find unsurpassed beauty like only France can offer.

While there’s nothing wrong with making plenty of time to see Paris, keep in mind that France has so much more to offer. Take the above 3 destinations for example.

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Article submitted by French Experience. They help interested parties go to France and have the time of their lives.

What Else to Do Near the Grand Canyon

This article was written by Phin Upham.

The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s largest gorges, but there is more to the experience than just the views. There are historic stories to discover, and artifacts from the natives to see. If you’re taking a trip to the Grand Canyon, try exploring these lesser known sights for a different experience.

Cabins

There are several nature cabins around the area that put you in the middle of the wilderness. Book a room close to the historic district for an educational Grand Canyon adventure. There are plenty of historic structures for visitors to explore, and a railway station that takes tourists through town.

Ride the Rim

A mule or a bicycle can be your transport through and around the canyon. The rim stretches for 277 miles, but riding many of the trails along the rim will give you a great view of the canyon and surrounding mountains. Beware that the bike ride is arduous, but the burro ride is a bit more relaxing.

Shop

The historic village is one place to shop for Grand Canyon souvenirs, but there are easy transports in and out of surrounding cities. Try the El Tovar restaurant for a midday meal, and then walk the Bright Angel Trail to wind down after a day of commerce.

Hike

There are plenty of hikes through the canyon that offer some unique views of the region. The Tusayan ruins will paint a picture of early life for native Americans near the canyon, but some of the best hiking can be found in the Eastern side of the canyon. Try looking west from Grandview point and you’ll see the “Duck in the Rocks.”

Phin Upham Travel : Grand Canyon.

Phin Upham Travel : Grand Canyon by dm_52022698b459b

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About the Author: Phin Upham is an investor at a family office/hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Phin Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media & Technology group. You may contact Phin on his Phin Upham website

Kayaking San Juan is a Vacation You’ll Never Forget

Are you in the mood to get away? Do you have some vacation time sitting around and you feel like it’d be nice to take a trip? You certainly have a number of options when it comes to your next vacation, but none of them will come close to kayaking San Juan. Keep reading to find out why,

Not enough people take adventure vacations. We’ve become a culture that wants everything catered to us and the sad thing is we miss out on so much. Kayaking may not seem all that adventurous but it is a great way to become more engaged with your destination. Best of all, you’ll burn off enough calories to enjoy a holiday feast when you return.

Though getting in a kayak may not be adventurous, getting in a kayak with orcas absolutely is. And that’s one of the options available to you when you visit San Juan. Imagine being in the water, right up close and personal when an orca surfaces. These gentle giants will leave you alone so you can simply observe in peace.

Orcas or some of the smartest creatures in the world with a language all their own. They always travel in pods so where you see one, you’ll see many and you can even hear them communicating with one another. Who knows? They might even be talking about you!

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Article submitted by Crystal Seas. They offer tours in a kayak Washington tourists just can’t get enough of.

What to Do When in Rome

Article written by Dozen Travel

Although we all like to use the expression, when you’re actually in Rome, you might be at a loss for what to do. It’s not that you won’t have options, rather it’s that you’ll have so many. Rome tours will be able to help but if you’re doing your Italy sightseeing solo, consider these locations.

Ostia Antica is an extremely underrated attraction. This Roman port is incredibly well preserved, so much so that you’ll have an easy time imagining what life was like so many centuries ago.

Any trip to Rome has to include the Coliseum. The attraction has countless tour guides, so you’ll have a hand in appreciating the cultural and historical importance of this monument.

Another attraction you must see when visiting Rome are the Vatican museums. Perhaps some of the most well known pieces of art like the Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s frescoes are preserved here and you can see them up close and personal.

The Pantheon is easily one of the most well-preserved ancient buildings in the entire world and it is packed with Roman culture. This is another location you can easily find a tour guide for so as to more fully appreciate what you’re seeing.

If you’re going to Italy, you have to make time for Rome. The city is packed with beauty and just about anything else you’d want to enjoy.

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Article submitted by Italia Tours. They’re a travel company that offers a wide range of Italy vacations that are sure to include one (or even a few) that’s perfect for you.

How to Move to Hong Kong Smoothly

Posted By Samuel Phineas Upham

Hong Kong is a multi-cultural city that is attracting new talent from all over the world. Whether you are relocating for business or a change in life style, there are things you need to know about moving there. With these tips, your move will go smoothly and you will be prepared for your first few days in the city.

Importing House Goods

Most household goods can move in and out of Hong Kong with relative ease. Whether the items are used or new, goods are free from tariff charges, import taxes or duties. The necessities you need for your home, like your clothes and your basic furnishings, are items you don’t need to plan for.

What to Give to Customs

Local customs officials will search your belongings thoroughly, but do not require your presence for that search. If you supply them with a few documents, their work flow will be faster:

• Present a detailed list of what was packed.
• Keep your bill of landing and present that to customs.
• Be sure to have your passport handy if you are present at a search. A photocopy of your documents will do in the event that you’re not present.
• If you have any restricted items, be prepared to display the appropriate license to bring them into the country.

Importing Your Car

Your car will be charged a registration fee upon entry into the country, and it must be a right-hand drive vehicle to be street legal. Your car must also pass emissions testing before you will be allowed to drive it.

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About the Author: Samuel Phineas Upham is an investor at a family office/ hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Phin Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media and Telecom group. You may contact Phin on his Samuel Phineas Upham website or Facebook.

The Poconos Has Everything You Want for a Honeymoon

Article written by theoutdoorsblog

When it’s time to plan the trip after your wedding, you have countless Honeymoon destinations to choose from. In fact, you might have a hard time choosing just one. While this is a great problem to have, it’s still a problem you’ll need to resolve. That’s why you should consider a Poconos getaway for you and your new bride or groom. It’s got everything you need to enjoy your time away.

One thing everyone says about their wedding is it’s a whirlwind experience. Everything seems to go by so quickly with the result being that the new couple feels drained and tired. That’s no way to start your honeymoon. However, if you travel to the Poconos, you start things off with a relaxing spa day. The Poconos is home to many spas or resorts that have them on the premises. You’ll feel recharged in no time and ready to take on an adventure.

And when it comes to an adventure, the Poconos isn’t lacking either. Depending on what season you visit, you’ll have a wide variety of activities to choose from. What will remain the same, however, is the areas unmatched natural beauty and wildlife.

After the service is over, the reception is done and the presents have been opened, it’s time to move on to the honeymoon. While you have a long list to choose from, consider starting things off with a nice massage and more in the Poconos.

Restaurant Lulu 2

Article written by Tokyo Travel Guide

My second go around with Lulu’s was much better than my first experience. I was in town visiting a friend who decided to take me out. Never one to look a gift horse in the mouth I tried something else and was delighted to find the tastes to my liking. The pizza is particularly delicious with a large variety of toppings to choose from (try the margherita pizza that comes with buffalo mozzarella cheese).

We happen to arrive before things got busy and had the restaurant mostly to ourselves. The only issue I still have with the restaurant is the close proximity you have to your fellow diners. Our night could have gone smoother had we not been privy to a couple arguing beside us. Not the fault of Lulu’s, but potential diners should be aware.             

http://www.yelp.com/biz/restaurant-lulu-san-francisco

7 Amazing Facts about Hong Kong Disneyland

Submitted By Samuel Phineas Upham

In conjunction with the Disney corporation and the Hong Kong government, there is a Disneyland in the center of one of the world’s most happening tourist spots. With more than 100 attractions, including lands like Tomorrowland and Fantasyland, Hong Kong Disneyland has become an important stop for aficionados from the world over.

Cast Members

Hong Kong Disneyland requires over 7,000 cast members to keep the park running, which makes the park one of the city’s largest entertainment employers. Cast members will train for almost a full week out of each year to make sure guests have an unforgettable experience.

Largest Screens

Hong Kong Disneyland features the world’s largest seamless projection screen, measuring in at 150 feet in length and 28 feet in height.

Fauna

There are 200 unique species of trees, and 400 individual species of shrubs that dot the landscape of Disneyland.

The Themes of Luck and Prosperity

There are 2,238 crystal lotuses in the restaurant at the Disneyland Hotel. The number sounds very similar to a Cantonese phrase that means “easily generate wealth.” Keeping with this theme of prosperity, the ballroom at the Disneyland resort is 888 square meters because the number is considered “wealthy.”

Murals

Murals from the Disney film Mulan can be found in the Plaza Inn restaurant. The murals were painted by actual Disney artists.

Adventureland

Disneyland in Hong Kong has the world’s largest version of Adventureland. Hop on the river cruise and take a tour!

Orbitron Universe Model

The model of the universe in Hong Kong’s Tomorrowland is based on celestial models from the 15^th to 19^th century. At night, fiber optics glow and change colors to create an elaborate and moving model of the universe.

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About the Author: Samuel Phineas Upham is an investor at a family office/ hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Phin Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media & Technology group. You may contact Phin on his Samuel Phineas Upham website or Facebook.

Hacks for the London Underground

Posted By Samuel Phineas Upham

If you’re in London for any prolonged time, you’ll want to make sure you get cozy with the railways. They are the most efficient method of getting around the city, but there are some hacks to get around even faster. Grab an Oyster railway card and set out on an adventure!

Know Your Exits

Grab an application called “London Underground Free” before you set out. The reason is to help you navigate the underground faster, and go where you actually want to go. Anyone who has experienced the disorientation of the New York subway system can understand the value in knowing where to go to come out on the side of the street you actually want to visit.

Using Escalators

If you’re not walking, stay to the right. Daily commuters have places to be and you’re lollygagging in their lane. IF you don’t want an angry Brit behind you, step to the right and let them pass.

Bring Water

The subway tubes can heat up during the summer months, and if you’re stuck down there without water you will regret it. London’s underground service is quite reliable, but a quick swig of water will keep your refreshed.

Where to Sit

To build off of knowing your exits, position yourself in places where people are less likely to get on or off the train. If you know exits are toward the front of the train, you’ll find more space and quiet in the rear.

“Mind the Gap”

You will see “Mind the Gap” or small diamond shapes on the platform. This is where the doors of the train will usually line up. If you want to get on quickly, be near those spots.

Also watch Phin Upham Presents London

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About the Author: Samuel Phineas Upham is an investor at a family office/ hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Phin Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media & Technology group. You may contact Phin on his Samuel Phineas Upham website or Facebook.

Massage Chairs at the Airport?

Article written by Anytime Travel

An airport might seem like an odd place to witness enchanting gardens or a spa massage table, but the fact is that airports are recognizing the need for pampering during travel. Walking the terminal at LAX, you’re not likely to find comforts like sleep pods or facial spas, but first class passengers will begin to get a taste of these luxuries in 2014. In fact there are a host of new health and well-being initiatives starting to debut in airports all over the world

There was a time when sitting at an airport meant uncomfortable seating in a crowded lounge. It used to mean bitter coffee and impatient people staring at a screen and waiting for new on connections. If monotony was a commodity, airports would have a monopoly on it.

Airport Massage

It was the hospitality industry that so inspired airports to actually care about a customer’s well being. Airport lounges are now being outfitted with massage chairs and swanky bars and meeting areas for travelers. Even shower rooms are becoming commonplace, especially in heavily trafficked airports like Heathrow, where travelers routinely arrive from red-eye flights.

The weary traveler now has many options for rejuvenation:

• Facials with a side of oxygen help relax the skin and clear the feeling of breathing pressurized air.
• Massages relax the joints from being forced to sit upright.
• Gardens and set pieces give travelers something distracting to take their mind off of the stress of flight.

At London Heathrow, customers can get time at a travel spa, where a full body massage can help prep a traveler for the next flight, or for work.

Airport Spas

For now, these spas are reserved for first class travelers and customers who belong to special clubs, but the treatments will eventually open up to all. First class passengers also get some of these perks on a complimentary basis, so there is value in upgrading your flight if you intend to fly long distances.

The spa treatment isn’t standard fair, but it is enough to relieve some stress. You can usually find treatments in the 15-minute range, with your choice of shoulder massage or facials. Some airports even offer a hot stone massage to relax your feet.

Oxygen Spa

Oxygen spas are also becoming popular amongst air travelers looking for relief from the pressurized cabin. That stuffy air isn’t just a bother, it’s stressing you out! An oxygen spa replenishes your oxygen supply and leaves you feeling relaxed and ready for the next flight.

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The preceding guest post was brought to you by Comfort Soul, makers of flat top massage tables for comfort in the face-down position.

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