My friends and I are used to go to Paris during our free time. We live in small towns near the capital city and even if our cities do their best in order to entertain the local youth, we are inevitably drawn to the French capital. Thus, we became familiar with many spots of Paris: we visited the main touristic monuments several times, drank a coffee with a pain au chocolat (or chocolatine) in the famous cafés in order to perpetuate the good old cliché of Parisians, and took the metro until we could find our way with our eyes closed (well I admit that I may be exaggerating for this last point. Parisian metro system remains an enigma that few people have had the chance to solve. As soon as you think that you finally understood how it works, you are forced to face a new difficulty that came out of nowhere. In itself, Paris’ metro is like a giant Escape Game. Now that I think about it, you can probably put that in your list of peculiar things to do in Paris: solving the mystery of the Paris’ metro.) I am obviously aware of the fact that we are extraordinary lucky to be able to visit and to have access to all those activities. Thus, for this reason, I am reaching out to you, future tourist. If you already had the chance to discover the most famous places, you probably want to experience Paris differently now. If you are tired of following activities that seem to come straight out from a tourism brochure, let me introduce you some activities that my friends and I cherish. They are more original, less obvious of course, but just as entertaining. Those activities are perfect if you want to feel like a true Parisian student, but they are also lovely if you want to discover Paris from a more original angle.

After this looong introduction, here are some of those activities:

If you wish to expand your cultural knowledge

Obviously, I could not start without drawing your attention to the fact that Paris puts everything in place so that students and young people can expand their cultural knowledge as much as possible. You probably had this information on your much talked about tourist brochure, but I still want to insist on this point. Museums are free if you are under 26 (if you are a resident of the European Union) and you just have to show your student card in order to have free access to historic treasures hidden in the spacious galleries. In addition, if you have already visited The Louvre, The Musée d’Orsay and other major museums that have so much to offer, you can also enhance your cultural knowledge otherwise. My friends and I often go to exhibitions, and there is an infinite number of those all year long! So, before planning your trip or even during it, make sure to check out the exhibitions that might take place: there is something for everyone! Sometimes the prices for young people and students are reduced, sometimes they are not. In any case, most of the time, you will find an interesting and affordable exhibition quite easily.

Here is the site that my friends and I use in order to be updated about the latest exhibitions:

French version: https://www.parisinfo.com/ou-sortir-a-paris/expositions-a-paris

English version: https://en.parisinfo.com/what-to-do-in-paris/exhibitions-in-paris

Feel the wind and be amazed

Take a self-service electric scooter and discover Paris in the evening and at night. You can also do it during the day, but between the infernal traffic and the careless pedestrians (there is a lot of those), it is not ideal. So this is what I suggest: when there are only a few people walking by the Seine or the Saint Martin canal, take an electric scooter and let yourself be carried away by the charm of Paris as you glide among the lights reflecting in the dark shivering water. You have to pay to use self-service electric scooters (unfortunately), but it is worth to do once or twice during your stay. In order to be able to use them, you will need to download an app into your mobile phone. Also, and it is very important, make sure to acquaint yourself with the rules of use before setting off at full speed without looking back! The city of Paris has put in place some rules that must be respected for the safety of all. The prices depend on the brands.

Here you can find some websites that will enable you to compare different brands and check the terms of use:

French version:  https://trottinette-electrique-adulte.com/trottinette-electrique-paris/

English version:

http://blog.lodgis.com/en/electric-scooters-in-paris/

http://plug-inn.fr/uncategorized/how-to-use-the-electric-scooters-scattered-around-paris/

Meet people and enjoy yourself (without breaking the bank. We are students, remember?)

You may have already met a few people during your visit, why don’t you invite them to dance and take a drink in one of the bars nicely located by the Seine or by the Saint Martin canal? Of course, there are many bars and nightclubs in Paris and you will easily see their names appear in your tourist brochure, but if you want to dance and enjoy a beautiful view at the same time and if you want to have fun while breathing in the fresh air, there is nothing better than a small cocktail break at an affordable price in one of the bars that offers a magnificent view on the water. Right now I am thinking about the Ourcq Bar on the Quai de La Loire in the 19th district. This bar is appreciated by young people especially for its good atmosphere and the low prices.

Check out those links that present non-exhaustive lists of bars that students in Paris could easily recommend:

https://www.french.hostelworld.com/blog/meilleurs-bars-paris/

https://www.timeout.fr/paris/bar/bar-sympas-pas-cher

Nothing will ever compare to the beauty of nature

Paris overflows with parks and other lovely areas where nature rules. Those places offer you the chance to take a peaceful walk and enjoy a splendid view. I'm thinking in particular of the Champs de Mars, where you can sit in the freshly mowed grass and contemplate the magnificent Eiffel Tower, or even the Jardin de Luxembourg, where you will be able to enjoy the best walk of your life.

But other parks also offer you an idyllic setting for a good picnic, for example. My friends and I like to find a nice little green spot in the following parks: Buttes-Chaumont park, Montsouris park, Monceau park… So grab a baguette, some fresh cheese, even buy a good pain au chocolat (or chocolatine), put yourself in the shade of a large tree and breathe in the soft Parisian air (but do not breathe in too much. Pollution, remember?).

Unusual and we love it!

Here are our two favorite unusual places. I will only vaguely describe them: I will not say much in order to leave some surprise and wonder effect but I will say enough in order to make you curious and make you want to learn more about those places.

→59 Rivoli https://www.59rivoli.org/accueil/

This place seems to come to life as soon as you step inside. The explosion of colors, of senses, of perceptions… All of this will surprise you at first but let yourself get into this universe and it will be an extraordinary journey, I promise.

→La Boutique sans argent https://laboutiquesansargent.org/

With a triple goal, social, environmental and civic, this shop is like a little corner of paradise in a chaotic Paris. You can either "buy" (I do not even know if we can use the word since you do not have to pay) or leave something there, be it a garment, an accessory or some books. In addition, if you are lucky enough, you can participate in one of the workshops or classes provided by the store. Besides being an absolutely brilliant concept, you will meet friendly and welcoming people at this shop. And as a bonus? You can actually drink some coffee or tea there (ok, I may have said too much but this place is so neat that I could not help it)

It is usually great to be a vegetarian/vegan. Not only is it good for the environment but also for your health! However, I have often found myself cursing my diet while travelling because it can be incredibly hard and frustrating sometimes. Ok, not sometimes. Most of the time. I fall into this very awkward definition of vegetarian. I eat dairy but I don’t eat eggs when it is obviously eggs. I will devour a cake or brownie or a sauce even if it has eggs without hesitating because the egg is hidden and you can’t taste it. You might think I am crazy but almost every vegetarian in India falls in this category.

So, from years of experience of travelling as a vegetarian, I have compiled the ultimate guide to travelling as a vegetarian/vegan!

PRE-TRAVEL TIPS

• Pre-Book your meals

Most airlines offer vegetarian/vegan/nut-free/lactose-free/gluten-free meal options. It is quite commendable how up to date they stay with the new trends considering that they change quite often! In fact, they have a special meal specifically designed for vegetarians like me who come from India and are used to harassing their taste buds with extreme spices and: it’s called “Hindu meal.” You can book your meal while buying your ticket, the portal usually always gives the option and that too, free of cost! The cherry on top is the fact that people with special meals are served first on the flight. If your flight isn’t very long and won’t serve meals, be smart and pack a snack which makes you happy.

• Pack snacks and pre-made meals

Be sure to pack pre-made meals and snacks of your choice before travelling. It may sound unnecessary but, in some places, especially remote, it can be really difficult to find an option for you. During a long bus ride, you may stop at a roadside restaurant with only one dish in the menu: meat probably served with a side of white rice. Unless you want to enjoy the extreme flavours of white rice, pack a snack just in case.

• Learn the definition of vegetarian/vegan all over the world

The definition varies greatly all over the world. In India for instance, vegetarian means no meat, eggs or fish. But in Vietnam, vegetarian/vegan is anything without meat even if the sauce or broth is meat-based. In Italy, vegetarian means that you can eat fish! It is also good to learn basic food names like for instance, Poulet is chicken in French. If I am at a restaurant or supermarket, I can just scan the menu or ingredients for something without Poulet. It is also good to learn the word ‘without’ in the language.

• Research about the country’s cuisine beforehand

There are many cuisines which have a lot of vegan options by default. Like the heavenly samosa. It is vegan! Just knowing that it makes it easier for you to order something. It is also great to know what some dishes are made of. For instance, I know that a galette in France is eaten with eggs and meat. I can simply ask for it sans oeufs et viande to create my own vegetarian meal. Yes, if you are in France, people do treat it as blasphemy but a girl has got to eat.

TIPS

• Keep an open mind

This is something you need to, unfortunately, be prepared of. Not all cuisines are vegetarian/vegan friendly or adaptable. I take pride in the fact that I am somebody who will eat anything as long as it doesn’t have meat. Be prepared to visit the same restaurant and eat the same dish again and again.

• Discover local cuisines

I know that our palettes tend to get used to the same flavours and ingredients. I come from India, a country regarded for its curries and spicy food. When I went to Europe for the first time I complained about the bland food and lack of flavour. Then I complained about missing the burning sensation in my mouth which only spices can bring. But after a few days, it grew on me and I discovered many delightful things like the bread all over!

• Be nice and patient

Usually, for servers in restaurants, a vegetarian/vegan person is essentially their worst nightmare. Especially when you don’t speak the same language. Be nice and patient and understand that it is not logical for some people. There is no need to get mad because they can add chicken to your pasta without your knowledge. HAHA kidding. But it is not their fault because it is a different culture where it may not be logical to not consume meat. If possible, find somebody who speaks your language and communicate exactly what you want to them.

• Reach out to vegetarian/vegan communities

There are numerous Facebook groups, vegan events etc in each city. Not just that, check out Instagram and Facebook pages of active vegetarian/vegan in each city and see what they recommend in terms of restaurant and just general tips. You can even reach out to locals and the place wherever you are staying – Airbnb, hotel or couch surfing.

• Stay where you can cook

If you are planning to spend a good amount of time in someplace, it is better to get an accommodation with a kitchen. This will give you the freedom and the flexibility to eat whatever you please. Most Airbnbs come equipped with one and with essentials. Even some hostels have kitchens and it is a great place to socialise and meet other people.

• Find a Farmers Market

These are quite abundant all across Europe, even in big cities. It is a great place to not only find fresh fruits and vegetables but also local produce which isn’t available everywhere. The first time I tried raspberries was actually in England. It may sound ridiculous to some that somebody somewhere in the world had never tried something as basic as a raspberry but they are not widely available.

• Read the ingredients

It is quite simple to just read the ingredients. Especially when it comes to junk food. Marshmallows are usually vegan in middle eastern countries but in Europe and America, they contain gelatine. Same with Pringles. They are vegan in Europe but not in Asia.

APPS WHICH WE RECOMMEND:

A great way to make your life easier is by using apps! Here are the apps we recommend:

• Google translate – If you don’t speak the language, it is advisable to have the offline google translate just in case. It will help you decipher ingredient lists and menus.

• Yelp – There are veggie-friendly restaurants on Yelp as well!

• Zomato – wherever it is available, this is my favourite app for finding food. It is location-based and has filters to exactly find what you are looking for. It also has reviews from other users.

• Happy cow – The app (not free) and the website is the best way to find vegan food. It is also available in all 183 countries.

MOST VEGGIE FRIENDLY CUISINES

• Indian

No surprise here but I promise I am not biased. About 40% of India’s population is vegetarian so they have essentially perfected the veggie-friendly cuisine. In a menu, there are as many vegetarian options as non-vegetarian options. Many things also happen to be vegan by default like dal (lentil curry), chana masala (chickpea curry), and almost all the street food. My personal favourite dish of all time is dosa and it is vegan!

• Ethiopian

I was sleeping on Ethiopian food for far too long. I discovered it in New York City and I haven’t stopped raving about it since. A lot of their dishes are vegan because many people in Ethiopia fast and when they fast, they only eat vegan food. It is also flavourful and comes with wonderful bread. My favourite dish is Yetsom beyaynetu which is a vegan fasting platter. But beware, it is extremely filling.

• Middle Eastern

Which vegan doesn’t love hummus? It is smooth and perfect and honestly, sometimes superior to butter itself. There are also plenty of other things like tabbouleh salad and baba ganoush. And falafel! They are served all over as street food and is often found all over the world in wraps of pita bread with hummus.

• Mexican

The base of Mexican food – beans, corn, tortilla, salsa, and guacamole are all vegan! Even if you end up at a chain like Chipotle or Taco Bell, or a proper restaurant, it is quite easy to substitute things to make it veggie-friendly.

• Thai

Thai food offers many vegetarian options. Historically, it is made with very light use of dairy, relying more on coconut milk to use as a base of delicious soups and curries. They also eat a lot of tofu and vegetables. They also have a lot of choices for folks who are gluten-free since noodles in Thai cuisine tend to be made of rice. The most well-known Thai dish of all time, Pad Thai, can actually be made vegan very easily.

Being an exchange student: a 101 lesson.  A few years ago, I had the chance to go for a student exchange in King's College London (U.K.). And I had the best time of my life!  Here are the tips and tricks I learnt from this experience, and that I wished I had gotten at the time!

Before leaving:

• Plan your stay. Check out the city's areas and neighborhood, and find out which are not safe or recommended. You'll probably go out, party and see friends a lot, so take into account that you might often come home late at night. Study the transport system, how it is organised and works, and find out where it is located around your accomodation.

• Check out the countries' laws and tradition: how are women expected to behave? What is deemed appropriate and not ? How are they treated? Do they have restrictions? Find some feedback around you or on the internet, and prepare yourself.
• List what you want to do, see, eat and try in the city. It's important to prepare your trip, and not arrive in this foreign city you'll be living in for months without having a single idea of what to do. You might miss out. Also, it will give you ideas for those days where you just don’t know what to do with yourself. So get a map, figure out what the city has to offer, (and PLEASE book tickets in advance, apparently you can't just show up at a theatre or representation just because you suddendly discovered it!). BUT leave yourself some free time. The best way to visit a city or a country is also to wander around and get lost!
• Prepare yourself in case of homesickeness. I'm not saying you have to brace for it, because you will probably have the time of your life,  but some people can miss home and their family hard when separated. If you know/fear you will, here is what I did : take stuff that remind you of home, and find out what makes you feel better, like a routine.  Also know that some countries are really advanced on subjects such as mental health. We were litteraly given a guidebook on how to overcome homesickness, especially during winter (where it gets dark at 3pm and has a real impact on people's mood)!

During your stay:

• Start on the right foot and go to the exchange students welcome events. Especially when you arrive, before classes start: they usually have an exchange students welcome - in London, we had an entire Welcome Week, full of activities, conferences, games and presentations, where I met some of my current bestfriends!

• Go to classes ! You might discover subjects or way to approach them you wouldn't even have think of. BUT don't stress too much about them, you're also there to enjoy this new country and environment. A good tip that I learnt too late: most of the students I met there had applied for classes that didn't require a final exam, but rather homework. One even had a class about the museums of the city, and only had to write a "discovery journal" for her final grade!

• Take advantage of everything your university has to offer. Sign up in its societies and clubs : enroll in the local sports team (finnish hobby horsing, cricket, hockey etc), finally start this sport class you always wanted to try, or get into that Harry Potter society! Learn a new language! It's the best way to meet people. Especially if your country is drastically different on feminist/minorities subjects : your university might have a feminist society or an all-woman sport team for example. On the contrary, if your host country is drastic regarding women, find out what other local female students do.

• Avoid staying with people from the same country as you or with the friends you came with. You are there to meet new people that you wouldn't meet otherwise. So DON'T BE A FRENCH: avoid staying in groups and not mingling with the population. I've seen that way too much in London, where I met huge amount of French students who would do everything together and not meet anyone else. You'll look arrogant and that won't bring you any intercultural food, which you need. That's how you keep an open mind and discover other cultures and mindsets.

• Immerge yourself in this new culture : watch the news on locals tv channels, shop in local supermarkets, discover news tvshows on the local Netflix, go to museum and bookshops, walk around to see the architecture and the city's plan ...and always always remember that there, YOU are the foreigner! So adapt yourself, watch out for behaviors that are considered polite/normal/rude and adopt them -and, why not, keep them even once you're back home!

• Engage with locals! Ask your roomates, your classemates, professors or this nice waiter about the country, the culture, a specific fact or their tips! People are generally proud of their country, and thus always happy to help a foreigner discover it. You get to meet people, get tips and tricks AND probably befriend them! So PLEASE: never ever shy away from going to people and from talking to them! You'll regret it later and feel like you've missed out.

Remind yourself : this is a unique opportunity. You're a student, going living abroad without any responsabilities (apart from texting and reassuring your parents back home that no, you haven't been partying to hard). Embrace it : try everything! Either Marmite in England, barbecue in Australia, tacos Friday in Norway or tango in Argentina!

Study, eat, sleep, hang out, that makes up a student’s entire routine, including mine just a few months ago. Being a student in Europe, my family and friends were constantly asking about my travels, where I have been and where I am planning to go next.

As an avid traveller, I realize that as a student, I have the perfect opportunity to make the most of my time by exploring as many places as possible. I managed to travel to almost 10 countries in only a few months, and yes, you can do it too! Here are some tips and tricks I amassed throughout my travelling journey, comprehensively helping students to travel with the right people, at the right time, and at the right price!

Tip 1: Find a time and place

I constantly check on my classes schedule to see where I can fit in a short trip over a long weekend, or a long trip over longer breaks. I match these schedules and check for cheap flights, trains, or buses which will take me anywhere, anyplace is worth visiting! I always make sure to plan in advance to secure the cheapest transportation fees.

Tip 2: Find friends or travel alone!

Traveling with friends is always fun, never short of laughter and joy, but often times, travelling alone satisfies me in a different way, and I always decide this before I start planning the trip.

Tip 3: Plan, plan, plan

There is so much information about traveling online right now, and travel websites are my best friends! I usually find the cheapest accommodation with access to the hot spots, have a list of places I want to visit and the food I want to try out. I do not have to strictly stick to the itinerary, but I want to make sure that I try out as many things as possible in the short amount of time I have. Make a list of the things you want to see, do, or try, but remember it's ok not to finish it! Don’t pressure and stress yourself in doing everything, you are also there to enjoy it ! Getting lost and wandering can also lead to great discoveries you would not have think of otherwise. It is also important to have a basic understanding of the public transportation system to save money.

Tip 4: Ask for student discounts

Once at the destination, I always ask if they have student discounts, most places in Europe only need to see a student ID to give discounts! I usually scour websites to find the best student travel deals as well.

Tip 5: Talk to locals

I always push myself out of my comfort zone and try to talk to locals at the restaurant, on public transportations, at the park, mall, store, or really anywhere! They have the best insights and information about their home city, and they know the best places to go, complete with tips I need to get the best deals there!

Last but not least, Tip 6: Enjoy!

Most importantly, I learn to enjoy myself in all kinds of situations. I often find myself lost, cold, hungry, and confused, and I enjoy every single moment! Living like a local, getting to know the street food, language, and entertainment truly pays off!

Is it safe to travel alone as a woman in Brazil?

When I moved to Brazil for a year, people would either talk about beaches and palm trees or ask if my mum was concerned about my safety.

During my year of study in São Paulo, I decided to travel around the country on my own for almost two months. It was spontaneous and I did not plan anything special, had not even picked a particular destination. The only thing I knew in my gut was that I had fallen in love with the country and I wanted a chance to fully immerse myself in Brazilian culture, even if it meant losing myself in the jungle.

I must say that my decision to travel solo was not reckless because I had already spoken Portuguese quite well and had lived in the country for four months already - meaning that I kind of knew what was true and what was not true about the rumours of danger in Brazil. I had a local insight that helped me get rid of my apprehension and that is why I am writing this today: to share with fellow women what I know about Brazil and to let you know that if you want to, you can definitely travel solo in Brazil.

Brazil is a dangerous country; there is no point in pretending the opposite. There is a high rate of crime and some areas of the country are not safe for anyone, men or women. However, it is definitely possible to visit the country and be safe, just like I did.

I started my trip by taking a flight from Rio de Janeiro to Salvador da Bahia, a city that has quite a dangerous reputation, so I made sure that the flight arrived during the day. I had booked a bed in a hostel and I took a cab from the airport, knowing that public transportation was messy. The hostel was in the city centre, in a street that I knew was safe, and I had checked the online reviews to be sure that the hostel was okay. I arrived there and was welcomed with open arms, instantly met some people, one thing leading to another, we went to have dinner together.

And that’s how it started.

This trip led me to discover so many places in Northern Brazil: the national park of the Chapada Diamantina, the beachy cities of Jericoacoara, Fortaleza and São Luís, the island Morro de São Paulo where I stayed for a while - but this article is not about the wonders of the country because any tourist guide would let you know everything about it.

What I really want to say is that I took night buses, I stayed in places where I did not know anyone, I wandered around cities by myself, I booked guided tours and sometimes explored the forest on my own, I even went to Carnival in Salvador and I never felt like I was in danger.

Of course, sometimes I might have been in a bad situation and just not realized, but I believe that I managed to reduce the risk by being careful and listening to my gut feeling every time I had a doubt.

Being careful sometimes meant taking extra measures that I wouldn’t have taken in another country. It sometimes meant not doing something I wanted to do because I did not feel like it, or change my plans at the last minute because I suddenly had the intuition that something was off. I learned very quickly that daring to ask extra questions could spare me a lot of troubles.

A great thing about Brazil is that it is a popular destination, meaning that you always meet other groups of travellers and that finding information is quite easy. The Brazilians are also very welcoming and eager to help you when needed so I met a lot of great people along the way. No one was ever offended when I asked about safety and people were glad to share their recommendations and insights. Feminism in Brazil is also very strong and quite present so I found out that most Brazilian women I met were more than happy to help a fellow woman find her way around, in a spirit of the sorority.

So here is my recommendation for anyone who would worry about their safety while travelling in Brazil solo: get yourself out there. Book that flight and do not hesitate one second. The wonders of Brazil are definitely open to anyone who wants to discover them and if you take care of yourself, Brazil will take care of you.

You are travelling solo in Paris? Here are some travel tips for solo female travellers in Paris by the NomadHer team.

Be careful with Pick Pocket!

This is such a cliche that you will often hear from people visiting Paris that there are lots of pickpockets. Well, it is true! Even the true Parisians always take care of belongings like putting their bags always front. It seems like there are lots of pick-pocketers in Paris as it is a hub of shopping and they know better than anyone else that people carry cash or a credit card when they visit the famous touristic places. There are several tricks that these pick-pocketers use, to share with you:

1. They work as a team. One might try to help you carry your luggage, and offer you help while another might try to take your stuff from your pocket or a small bag that you carry. Sorry, before taking an offer from a stranger, reflect on whether you can truly trust this person.

2. They will take your stuff before getting off the tram. Yes, so don’t try to use your phone if possible. What usually happens, these people will keep an eye on your fancy new iphone or galaxy phone and when the metro door starts to close, they will take out your phone from your hands and get off from the metro. When you try to get off to catch them? It is too late. Don’t expect too much from Parisien police. Sorry, but these cases happen too often and there is almost 0.01 % chance that you can get your phone back.

3. Never ever put your bags or stuff on the terrace chair. I know you might just put your bags in a Parisien terrace because you think it is so authentic to sip your espresso at a Parisien terrace and look at people passing by. Well, before that be careful for your bags, you never know what will happen.

Find out local coffee shops recommended by Parisienne Stella and Manon from the @thenavyapartment, the blog features their favourite place in Paris. Here are their favourite coffee shops recommended by true Parisiennes for solo female travellers in Paris.

1. Merci Paris: Used Books Coffee shop

Better known as a concept store, Merci Paris is also a coffee shop/restaurant filled with used books! This part of a bookshop and restaurant is more stylish than other parts of the Merci.  Moreover, Sometimes you can buy these books in the coffee shop. This is the true heaven for those who want to dive into the world of reading.

111 boulevard Beaumarchais

75003 Paris, France

2. Peonies Paris

This is one of the favourite places that true Parisienne Manon recommends. Peonies is a small coffee shop with perfect decoration, delicious coffee and also flowers!

81 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis

75010 Paris

France

3. Make My Lemonade

Make My Lemonade is a blog of Lisa Gachet. Now, it works as a clothes brand, a beautiful boutique shop at Canal Saint-Martin in Paris. We can find collections, selections of amazing jewellery (accessories, decorations, postcards), DIY workshop, coffee and a full of positive vibrant energy with colour.  

61 Quai de Valmy

75010 Paris, France

4. ICI LIBRAIRIE

La Librairie ICI is the biggest and independent bookshop in Paris. This is one of the Manon and Stella’s top choices for buying a new book as well. Of course you can stop by for a coffee!

25 Boulevard Poissonnière,

75002 Paris, France

The original contents were written by the blog The Navy Apartment, and NomadHer has translated and modified the contents with the consent of the Navy Apartment.

Local coffee shops for solo female traveller in Paris #1

Find out the coffee shops recommended by local Parisienne Stella and Manon from the @thenavyapartment, the blog features their favourite place in Paris. Here are their favourite coffee shops recommended by true Parisiennes!

1. The Hoxton :

This will be always the best Parisienne coffee shop on the list. The Hoxton is next to Sentier station in Paris and you can discover really cool coffee shops and restaurants inside. The heaven of peace in Paris is welcoming you.

The Hoxton

30-32 Rue du Sentier,

75002 Paris, France

2. PASSAGER CAFÉ :

Next, to station Bastille, the venue is really cool with amazing coffee and brunches. Enjoy the coffee made from Barista, avocado-toast and muesli with fruits.

Passager Café
107 Avenue Ledru-Rollin
75011 Paris, France

3. Cafe Kitsune :

Cafe Kitsune is situated in the garden of Palais Royal. Soon they will open their next cafe kitsune in Paris and you can get a membership card as well. Matcha Late at Cafe Kitsune is strongly recommended. The coffee shops is one part of the brand, “Maison Kitsune.”

Cafe Kitsune

107 Avenue Ledru-Rollin,

75011 Paris, France

NomadHers, Where is the best travel destination for your first solo trip?

You have never traveled solo before, and this coming 2020 you decide to travel solo for the first time in your life. Where is the best place to head to? NomadHer Team has asked our NomadHers and these are Top 10 destinations that we have picked in each continent, for your first solo trip in 2020.

1. Nepal

In general, Nepal is considered a safe country to travel alone. It is due to Nepal's conservative society and its openness to all cultures along with religions.

Blog writer of The longest way home says, “If you are traveling alone in Nepal you'll be glad to hear Nepali people are very friendly and easy to talk with. From conversations about Nepal or your own country to what you do for a living or the state of world affairs, Nepali people will be glad of a chat! (www.thelongestwayhome.com).”

2. South Korea

The classic never dies. South Korea is a combination of technology, innovation, and tradition. Often, South Koreans are described as socially extrovertive and friendly about different cultures. There is no wonder that you will enjoy the true beauty of South Korea, with recent K-Pops and K-beauty and also the beautiful cities such as Busan and Jeju Island, Gyeongju.

3. Peru

Amazing Inca ruins, the Andes Mountains, Peru is a country steeped in a fascinating history with colourful traditions. First to Peru? The capital, Lima is a great place to start your journey, Cuzco, the oldest inhabited city in South America, Machu Picchu, an Incan citadel will welcome you. According to the blog, Peru for Less, Peru is safe, travelling around the country is stable and reliable. Like many other major metropolitan area, there are several things to keep in mind and the common sense for solo travelling is the key!

4. Ghana

Ghana is one of the safest countries in Africa as well as being a pan-African and international hub. Major cities including Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, and Tamale are hubs are most tourists and cities with centrally-located bars, restaurants, and cafés.  Ghanaians are very friendly people and willing to help out a tourist or point them in the right direction so don’t be afraid to ask for help!

5.  France

France is a perfect destination for those who want to stroll around without thinking over transportation. Especially Paris is such a small metropolitan city compared to other big major cities in Europe such as London and Berlin. You can sit down at a local street cafe, ordering a small espresso and watching over people walking down the street, reading poems will provide you the best experience to go deeply into yourself.