Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by gaudiramone

Now I assume that you have noticed that Paris is a desired tourist destination for millions of tourists all over the world. The reason for this is the fact that the city has a lot to offer to everybody. It is great during any time of the year.

Now a few words about Halloween in Paris… well, first of all you need to start with finding the proper accommodation. Of course there are literally hundreds of hotels in Paris but the question you need to ask yourself is whether is worthy to spend a small fortune on accommodation rather than spend the same amount of money for fun. This is why I can offer you to rent a Paris apartment. I know it may sound silly but believe this is the best decision. Anyway you should know that they can be a little bit more expensive than Apartment in Berlin or even apartment in Rome but the investment is worthy. After finding the best you can afford you should go and take a walk on the city.

You will see many interesting things. Even some of the buildings are decorated. It is great because the city transforms into one amazing place and even if you are currently living in Paris you will have troubles recognizing the places you walk through daily.

Anyway like every major festival in a big city there are some troubles. For example crowds. So my advice to you is, if you don’t like crowds, to avoid places like downtown because they are pretty crammed up. Plus you might become a victim of pickpockets and believe me festivals like those are the perfect time for crime. Not that the police is not doing its job but you can imagine what it is to protect thousands of people dressed in different costumes.

As a whole Halloween in Paris is one great experience and if you have a chance you should certainly go and spend a few days there. The atmosphere is really great and I’m pretty sure that you will have a great time there. Enjoy your stay!

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Palermo Cathedral in Sicily / Photo by admin

1. Have a basic knowledge of Italian

It can be helpful to know at least a few words of the language. While you will come across English speaking natives, knowing some of the language can help you have a more pleasant experience.

2. Invest in a Travel Italy guide book

Read up on all the places to go and see beforehand. Knowing what to expect will help you avoid the unexpected!

3. Keep your money safe

Just as if you were visiting cities in your own country, you want to ensure that you have your money and your valuables safe and sound. Don’t carry too much cash on you at one time and leave your valuables in a safe place.

4. Take the train

The train can be a cheaper alternative to taxis when traveling in Italy. Take the train to save some money.

Train in Italy / Photo by admin

5. Realize that the culture is different

Things that you find rude in your home country may be acceptable in Italy. If someone seems rude, just forget about it. Addressing the locals because of rudeness will make matters worse for everyone.

6. Realize that dress codes will be enforced

Depending on where you travel, you may be expected to dress the part. When entering churches or other venues, you may be required to dress modestly.

7. Have a plan of action before you leave for your destination

Know the places that you are going to visit and find out enough information about them that you can make a plan of action for the days you want to visit them while on your trip.

8. Know how to shop

Shopping can be quite expensive in Italy. Get tips for how and where to shop. For example, you want to avoid shopping on main streets in Italy that mark prices way up.

Market in Palermo, Sicily / Photo by admin

9. Go with the flow

Italians will expect that you agree with and follow their way of life. They have many different customs such as eating lunch after 1 p.m. and dinner after 8 p.m. Do you best to go with the flow so that you don’t stand out like a sore thumb.

10. Mingle with the locals

If you are having trouble navigating through the city, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Locals are often more than welcome to help foreigners out. They can give you helpful advice such as where to eat.

11. Smaller cities first

If it is your first trip to Italy, you may want to visit the smaller cities that aren’t as overwhelming. Save the larger, more populated cities for a time when you are more familiar with the country.

Small town of Cefalù in Sicily / Photo by admin

12. Realize that lines will be long at popular tourist destinations

Plan plenty of time to visit popular places such as the Colosseum. These are locations that everyone wants to see and you can literally expect thousands of people to visit this area. This can put you waiting in line for hours so be prepared.

13. Expect rain and sunshine!

You want to be thoroughly prepared. Realize that the weather can change on a dime.

14. Go during a time when a festival is going on

. Festivals in Italy are popular. This is a great time to visit the area and can provide tons of things for you to do.

15. Be prepared to walk

You will do lots of walking in Italy so be sure that you bring comfy shoes and hiking sticks for the occasion. Don’t be surprised if you choose to walk rather than take other modes of transportation as getting around Italy isn’t always an easy task.

Visiting Italy for the first time can be quite overwhelming. Use the tips above to help make the most of your experience. These tips can help you make important decisions about your trip.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Dennis Jarvis

Location, Location, Location

By checking out the location of your proposed accommodation and also checking out a few reviews which are plentiful on the internet, you can make sure that your hotel, apartment or guest house is the most suitable for you and your party. If you are a family with young children, the last thing you want is a hotel next to a nightclub blasting out music till the sun comes up. Likewise, if you are a group of friends looking to party hard, you do not want to be in a resort which is full of families who will complain about your partying. By using some of the many review sites on the web, you can make sure that the location you choose has everything you need to enjoy your holiday, whether it be beaches, attractions, scenery or nightclubs and bars.

Try Using The Lingo

It can be a little daunting going to a foreign country where everything is new and you don’t understand the language. If you try to pick up some of the language and try out a few words, you will be surprised at how this encourages the locals to communicate with you. Even if it is just saying “hello” and “goodbye”, “can I have the bill please?” Or “can I have two cold beers please?” by making the effort you will get a much friendlier response in general.

Weather

Spain has a very varied climate, being the second most mountainous country in Europe, it has some excellent skiing and snowboarding resorts in the north of the country, or if the cold is not your thing then it has a plethora of locations in the south which has a warm climate year round. In places such as Tenerife you get an average of over 2800 hours of sun a year with an average temperature of around 24°C, more than enough for the sun worshipers out there.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by shortCHINESEguy

Party Like The Locals

Spain is one of the party capitals of Europe and the locals love a good fiesta. It may be worthwhile considering timing your trip to one of the major festivals so you really get to soak up the atmosphere and culture of this beautiful country. You can check out the Semana Santa festival in Seville, Malaga, Valladolid or Leon which happens the week leading up to Easter Sunday or San Fermin (Pamplona Bull Run) in Pamplona in early July. There is even the Tomatina Tomato Fight which happens on the fourth Wednesday in August in the Valencian town of Buñol. By timing your visit to one of the spectacular festivals you can certainly make sure you have a visit to remember and learn how to part like the Spanish do.

Attractions

Spain not only has some of the best beaches and resorts in Europe, along with some of the most famous festivals in the world, it also has attractions galore for all discernible tastes. You have the moon like landscape in Tenerife, the majestic Pyrenees, or you have museums abundant such as the Prado Museum in Madrid, or world famous architecture such as the Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s unfinished Cathedral in Barcelona. There are also water parks all over the coastal region of Spain and also the islands so you will find it easy to cool down and have some fun families and groups of friends alike.

Conclusion

By doing a little bit of homework before booking your next holiday to Spain, you can make sure you save yourself a few headaches and make it the most memorable experience to keep you coming back year after year. After all how can 23 million people be wrong!

This article was written by Andy Wright on behalf of Travel Republic. Travel Republic offer some of the best Holidays in Spain available. Andy is a seasoned traveller having visited many of the world’s travel destinations and enjoys submersing himself in the local culture to gain the true experience of the country he visits.

The post How to Ensure You Have a Fantastic Holiday in Spain appeared first on Europe Explored.