Hi Frugalistas! I know it’s many people’s favourite place in Paris and it’s certainly one of the most famous places in Paris, but I must admit Montmartre has never really done it for me. It’s never been one of my favourite places to visit in Paris. Too many tourists, too many Paris scammers, too hilly, […]
The most popular travel posts of 2016: frugal first class travel favorites
Hi Frugalistas! As 2016 comes to an end it’s time to look back at what you’ve enjoyed reading this year. I always love looking at what my readers enjoy reading – it inspires me and gives me plenty of ideas for future posts. This year’s most popular travel posts has seen some changes. Yes, there […]
10 things to do on your first trip to Paris
Hi Frugalistas! I think I’ve been to Paris about 10 times over the last 25 years. Even after all that time I’m still finding wonderful things that I didn’t know about, hadn’t seen, or hadn’t made the time to visit. If you are on your first trip to Paris, it can be daunting at first. Where […]
Watching rehearsals at the Opera Garnier
Hi Frugalistas! The Opera Garnier in Paris was another place I’d walked past many times in Paris, but never entered. It was not a conscious decision. Just something I’d never made the time to do. But finally I made it. And what a special time it was. Yes, the interiors are stunning. But it was […]
More Paris tourist scams you need to know
Hi Frugalistas! My earlier Paris tourist scams post has been very popular with readers and on social media. It’s also generated a lot of feedback, with many readers sharing their own experiences of scams and pickpockets in Paris. These are new Paris tourist scams (well, new for me anyway) so I definitely need to share. Remember, […]
My favorite Instagram photos of 2015
Hi Frugalistas! So many bloggers are posting their most popular Instagram photos of 2015. But I’m taking a slightly different view. Rather than my most popular Instagram photos, I’m focussing on my personal favorite photos. Why? Well, Instagram changed their algorithm during the year, so newer photos tend not to get the same level of […]
Etihad First Class review 2015
Hi Frugalistas! I’ve reviewed Etihad Airways multiple times. Sometimes it is very good, sometimes it is excellent. On my recent trip to Paris, I was fortunate to travel Etihad Airways First Class, courtesy of a free upgrade offer. So, how is Etihad travelling? Read on for my Etihad First Class review 2015 edition….. Etihad Airways […]
The reason you shouldn’t visit Pere Lachaise
Hi Frugalistas! The first words I heard when I entered Pere Lachaise Cemetery in Paris made my heart sink. “Where’s Morrison? I have to find Morrison. There’s no point coming here if we don’t see Morrison…..” Precisely the reason I had taken until my tenth trip to Paris to visit Pere Lachaise, despite it being […]
#JeSuisCharlie: When 3 Cities You Love Face Terror
Hi Frugalistas. This is a different post for me. As I start to write I’m not actually sure where I’m even heading with it. Most readers would be familiar with events over the past few weeks, with Sydney, Istanbul and Paris being rocked by separate terrorist attacks. Adding to that, I was in Athens with […]
Paris in the spring
Hi Frugalistas! You know I love Paris. I regard it as my spiritual home in fact. Spring is probably my favourite time to visit Paris. Sunny days, not too warm, not too crowded, the gardens in bloom. What’s not to love? Here are some of my favourite things in Paris in the spring…