Category Archives: Travel
Apartment and home rentals in Paris put city back in play for budget travelers
As prices throughout Western Europe have risen throughout the past generation, they have curtailed the willingness of visitors to spend a lengthy holiday in places like Paris. However, the rise of the sharing economy in the past decade has put this glamorous city back on the map for budget conscious travelers, allowing them to stay in the apartments and homes of locals for a modest sum compared to the more expensive hotels that dominate this cities’ accommodation scene.
Sites on the internet like HouseTrip.com have made this possible, as locals can put an apartment or even an entire home up as a vacation rental. In these suites, one can get a full living room, kitchen, and even balconies with outstanding views of the city for a fraction of the cost the one would pay at a hotel for similar amenities.
Prices start at less than 50 euro per night for apartment and home rentals in Paris, with amenities, décor and space increasing as one goes upward from that price point. Bathrooms come equipped with linens and kitchens with pots, pans, plates, utensils, etc, meaning all you have to do is show up with your significant other or family, as all the comforts of home will be available to you after returning from a long day spent exploring the numerous sights that comprise Paris.
An additional benefit to opting for a holiday home rental is that it places you in the midst of Parisian neighborhoods, where real people work, live, and play. As such, you can spend a portion of your trip wandering the streets of a residential arrondissement that you probably would have no reason to visit otherwise.
Staying in a hotel, while it is central to many districts of touristic interest, shuts you off from discovering those special cafes and boutiques that only locals know about, thereby making it difficult to get in touch with the essence of an area.
Given the value that apartment and home rental sites deliver to people every day in the form of a superior travel experience for the same or lower cost than traditional accommodation options, it is no surprise that many in the hospitality interest are shaking in their boots at the competition introduced by these social sharing sites.
About HouseTrip.com
HouseTrip.com is an accommodation booking website that allows private property owners to put their homes, condos and apartments up for rental by holidaymakers from across the globe. With 300,000 homes available in over 19,000 destinations and a 95% customer satisfaction rating, HouseTrip.com has become a trusted source for quality holiday rentals at incredible prices.
What are the top tourist attractions in Swaziland to see?
The top tourist attractions in Swaziland are multifaceted. At the heart of its beauty is a scenic landscape that teems with wildlife. On top of that is Swaziland’s interesting people, culture, and traditions. Perhaps the greatest asset of Swaziland is that for a small country, it has a wide variety of attractions. It is the perfect destination for people who want to experience Africa beyond the bounds of nature.
Landscape
Swaziland’s landscape provides a preview of African terrain. Breathtaking sceneries of mountains, green valleys, waterfalls, rivers, and gorges are scattered everywhere. Hidden in them are unique rock formations of ancient origin.
Altitudes in Swaziland range from 70 to 6,000 ft high. It starts with Highveld mountains on the east and transforms into Middleveld and Lowveld mountains as you move toward the east. Right before the western border, the 6,000-foot Lubombo Mountains will greet you.
In addition to mountains, Swaziland has deserts as well as a coastal area. These landscapes are rare finds in Africa and among the top tourist attractions in Swaziland.
Wildlife
Flora and fauna flourish in the varied landscape of Swaziland. The limited landscape prevents gaming experiences but the number of animals will surely impress you. You can see the “Big 5” here but people say it’s one of the best places in Africa to go on a rhino safari. Rhino safaris are available on foot and 4×4 and gives tourists the opportunity to see black and white rhinoceros.
Bird watchers won’t be disappointed though. The same could be said for those who want to see wildlife other than the Big 5. There are 17 protected areas in Swaziland with a wide range of animals.
Culture
The people are very warm and friendly. They practice ancient traditions which are unique to their country. Absolute monarchy ensures that local cultures and traditions are retained. A preserved cultural heritage is one of the top tourist attractions in Swaziland.
Culture throbs in the country’s festivals, dances, music which are celebrated at different times of the year. Traditional attire also reflect the deep cultural ties of Swaziland. Perhaps the best known of its celebrations are Umhlanga and Incwala. None of them have been revived for tourism purposes. They have simply been around since the old times.
You can take home a piece of the country’s culture by getting any of their traditional handicrafts. Many local shops sell baskets, carved wood and stone, glassware, batik, and jewelry made locally.
Top Destinations In Paisley
The top destinations in Paisley may not be quite well-known compared to other cities, towns and abbeys in Scotland, but they are surely worth visiting. Founded 800 years ago around an abbey, Paisley has become a favourite haunt of the kings of Scotland. But the town’s wealth is much attributed to the growing textile industry, which gave rise to one of the most famous prints today, the Paisley print.
But there’s more to Paisley than textiles. So here are some of the top destinations in Paisley:
Paisley Abbey. This protestant church has a history dating back to 800 years and is the only abbey in Scotland to have survived the reformation. Its breathtaking architecture, marvellous stained glass and pruned gardens are worth noting, but it is its choir that makes this church worth visiting in Paisley.
Paisley Museum and Art Galleries. Discover the history and culture of Paisley by visiting the Paisley Museum and Art Galleries. One of the top destinations in Paisley, this museum has a vast collection of displays which include artefacts relics from the local weaving industry as well as artworks from various Scottish artists. The museum itself has a long history dating back 1871.
Glenifer Braes Country Park. Take a leisurely stroll along extensive pathways leading to as far as Barrhead and Johnstone, along the crest of the hill. It’s a great place to escape and unwind before heading out to other sites in Paisley.
Sma Shot Cottage. The great thing about Paisely is that much of the relics from the heydays of its textile industry is very much preserved. Case in point, the Sma Shot Cottages which were made in the 18th and 19th century. These cottages are where the weavers live and make their living. Visiting in one can give you an insight to the life of the weavers in Paisley 2 centuries ago.
Farmers Market. Stock up on fresh resources if you’re planning on staying longer in Paisley by visiting the Farmers Market. Fresh local produce is sold here, from poultry to vegetables. So if you’re on a tight budget and would rather cook your own food, the Farmer’s Market is a great place to go.
China promises extreme toilet makeover
Worried China’s foul restrooms have a bad reputation with tourists, President Xi Jinping has promised a “toilet revolution.”
Source:: CNN Travel
Hong Kong: 40 dishes we can’t live without
Street-style comfort foods, reptiles and a lot of pork — here are our picks of the most delicious and iconic food items of this foodie’s paradise.
Source:: CNN Travel
