Hi Frugalistas! Have you visited the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums? It’s very crowded isn’t it? So crowded, it’s hard to hear the guide or even really appreciate the splendid art in the Vatican Museum. In some ways the Vatican Museum is one of the pin ups for over tourism – massive queues, crazy […]
Tea time in Paris: Hotel Bristol afternoon tea review
Hi Frugalistas! A Paris afternoon tea is one of my favorite things to do in Paris – I love tea time in Paris. And based on the feedback and comments in my France Travel Planning Facebook group (you can join here if you aren’t a member), I’m not the only one. On my recent trip […]
Best Recommended Books About France
Hi Frugalistas! My France Travel Planning Facebook group loves discussing all things France (you can join here if you are not already a member). Recently, we had fun sharing our favorite books about France. We had such a great discussion that I asked my friend and dedicated bibliophile Sandy to write the best recommended books […]
Why I hate resort vacations
Dear Resort Vacations, we need to talk. I’ve loved you since my first stay in Bali in 1989. Mr Frugalfirstclass and I have had many wonderful experiences with you – including our wedding in Mauritius. I even took MissG on her first mother-daughter trip on a resort vacation. And we loved it. But you are making […]
Travelling with a chronic illness
Hi Frugalistas! Regular readers may recall that I was diagnosed with a chronic illness last year. Some readers will also know that in my non-blogging life I am a medical practitioner. While I am now well, and my situation is very manageable it has changed the way I need to think about travel. As well […]
Ten tips to the perfect honeymoon
Hi Frugalistas! Are you, or do you know anyone getting married soon? Isn’t it a complicated and expensive exercise? It seems that just because it comes with the word “wedding” attached, everything suddenly doubles in price! But help is at hand. Here are my top 10 tips for the perfect honeymoon of your dreams, done […]
The books that inspired me to travel
Hi Frugalistas! What inspired you to travel? Was it a picture, a film or the stories of friends? A family member who brought back exotic souvenirs, photos and tales? My own inspiration started when I was young child – I was a reader, and it has always been books that have influenced and inspired me […]