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Online Resources 5 Apps To Download Rick Steves Audio Europe ; this app is the most important to download before the trip! On the tour, there will be times where you will have to listen to the audio, per request of your guide. It includes different audio tours, interviews, and additional travel information; everything needed for a smooth sailing. Duolingo ; an app great for learning quick French phrases that will enhance your Parisian journey. Yes, many Parisians are fluent in English, but it doesn't hurt to learn parts of a new language. Google Translate ; a great online resource that can be used for times of interpretation when not around native speakers. Similar to Duolingo; quick and easy! WhatsApp ; if unsure of your phone plan, use WhatsApp to communicate with family back home. From personal experience, I rarely found myself texting, and when I did, it was over WiFi. Still an excellent option for uncertainty! Maps ; whether it is Google Maps or Apple Maps, having a pinpoint of where you are is important when wandering an unfamiliar city. It helped us numerous of times, and made sure we were on time. Next Page

Day 6 of Rick Steves Today we went to the Museum d'Orsay and the Museum de l'Orangerie. Both have amazing art, however d'Orsay focuses on impressionism, whereas l'Orangerie focuses heavily on Monet's water lilies. Museum d'Orsay The d'Orsay is inside this beautiful old train station from the 19th century. The giant arched windows, the massive clock, and the iron framework make the whole place feel open and airy. It’s crazy to think that trains used to run through here, and now it’s home to some of the most famous paintings in the world. The art itself was incredible. The museum is mostly known for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections, so I got to see paintings by Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, and Degas up close. On the right, I was able to see my favorite Renoir painting, so this was definitely a personal highlight for me Museum l'orangerie The paintings are in two oval-shaped rooms, designed so that they surround you. Natural light comes in from the ceiling, making the colors look soft and natural. Up close, the brushstrokes seem random, but when you step back, the whole scene comes together, like a peaceful reflection on a pond. It’s easy to just stand there and get lost in it. Besides Monet, the museum also has paintings by Renoir, Cézanne, Picasso, and Matisse. It’s not overwhelming like other museums, which made it nice to just walk around and enjoy the art. I will say, however, that the room full of sand was a bit much, and I wouldn't call art. I was lucky to get some souvenirs for family members, and more pins for my collection!! Farewell Dinner After our tours of the museums, we got some éclairs, which were so delicious, and then got dinner with our group for the last time. Our dessert was so good that I had to share!! We got matching scarves, and ended going to the Eiffel Tower one last time to celebrate our Parisian adventure. Tonight was my last time at the Eiffel Tower, and it felt surreal. No matter how many times I’ve seen it, standing underneath it never gets old. When the tower started sparkling, it felt like the perfect goodbye. Leaving was hard, but I know I’ll be back someday, hopefully I will be able to take my mom. Departure

Day 3 of Rick Steves Today we walked the streets of Montmartre and checked out Sacred Heart. The artist market was beautiful, and I even was able to buy an ornament here! Sacred Heart Sacred Heart was beautiful. No pictures are allowed, but that made it all the better to fully take everything in. The architecture is just so cool to see in person, and the exterior isn't something I can put into words. With lockets on the fences, it really feels like the city of love. Montmartre Loved walking around, seeing artists selling their pieces, and just the scenery overall. One of my favorite outings! (I didn't get many pictures of the artist market, but a photo wouldn't even begin to describe how cool it was. Brandi actually bought a painting here, the same guy she bought from when she came here last!) Notre-Dame VR Experience &Holocaust Memorial After our tour of Montmartre and Sacred Heart, we separated from the group to visit the Notre-Dame experience. This virtual reality journey explores the history of Notre-Dame, detailing its destruction by fire and the plans for its reconstruction. Afterwards, we visited the Holocaust Memorial , which I found fascinating, as I enjoy learning about this aspect of history. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in wartime history. Group Dinner Tonight was another group dinner, and it did not disappoint! I got deviled eggs for my appetizer, cod for my entree, and meringue for dessert! Seine River Cruise After dinner, we all ventured to a Seine cruise, and the views were insane. I mean, it was breathtaking, truly indescribable. I think these photos speak for themselves. Next Page

How to prepare for your Paris Trip Preparing a trip to Paris can feel overwhelming with so many details to consider. But don't worry - below I break down exactly what you need to prepare, from packing lists to important tips and tricks to making the most out of your trip. Essential Packing Guide for Paris Clothing Versatile pants that coordinate with multiple shirts to maximize outfit combinations while minimizing luggage space Mix of casual and dressy shirts for layering and repeated wear Sundresses that transition from daytime sightseeing to evening dining Comfortable walking sneakers - essential for exploring Paris's cobblestone streets One pair of dressier sandals for evenings out Adequate socks and undergarments Accessories Secure, cross-body bag or anti-theft backpack for city exploration (Paris is known for pickpockets. I used my Lululemon belt bag and hooked it to me, so I was the only one to open it) Sunglasses for protection while outdoor sightseeing Travel-sized straightener for hair maintenance Neck pillow for comfortable flights Earbuds for audio tours (Bluetooth is good for walking tours. However, your guide will hand you a Vox Box , which allows you to listen to your guide through earphones due to noisy surroundings. The audio box comes with earbuds, but some don't prefer the ones they give you. On the contrary, I had no issue with it. It's all about preference.) Not much an accessory, but equally as important; a printed photo of yourself. This will be needed for your metro card given to you by your guide. This needs to be pretty small, maybe 1.5cmx1cm. Personal Care Complete toiletry kit: toothbrush, toothpaste, skincare essentials Travel-sized moisturizer and hand sanitizer Minimal makeup kit for day-to-night looks Sunscreen for sun protection while exploring Hair accessories and styling products Optional Items Body Wash (provided in hotel, so not essential) Phone Hook (Hooks on to your phone case and bag; pickpocket proof) School ID for students (can receive discounts in certain places) Travel-sized conditioner (coordinate with travel companions to avoid duplicates) Journal + Pen (Highly recommend! I journaled every single day, and I am glad I did. ) Digital Camera (Loved the quality of my photos, but a phone with a good camera will suffice. ) Tip: Paris is a fashion-conscious city, but comfort should be your priority. Pack clothes that make you feel confident while still being practical for extensive walking and variable weather conditions. Packing Cubes Packing cubes save space for souvenirs while keeping your suitcase and hotel room perfectly organized. Such a game changer! Below I provided the ones I used and loved. Check it out! Check it out! Next Page

Journaling The whole trip, I journaled every single day. As someone who does this regularly, it is something I suggest doing. While making this scrapbook, I definitely kept looking back to ensure every detail was in chronological order. Additionally, I saved every single euro I got, and put it within a compartment of my journal. I also did this with guide pamphlets, paper coasters, french labels, etc. Journaling might not be for everyone, but I can ensure you it is worth trying. This is the journal I ended up using, which has tons of pages and a few file bags. I used this compartment for tickets, labels, and euros.

Departure I don’t even have the right words to thank Brandi and Mikaela for bringing me on this trip. Without them, none of this would have been possible. They gave me the chance to experience something so special, something that has changed me in ways I never expected. Without them, I wouldn’t have even had the chance to enter the scrapbook contest. Now seeing something so special, I hope to bring my mom, the person who has always been there for me, my best friend. She has given me everything, and I want nothing more than to share this magic with her. Paris is a place that should be experienced with someone you love, and if I get the chance to bring her here, it would mean the world to me. Post-Paris

This Paris tour involves extensive walking. Our tour (June 26-July 6) averaged 16,000 steps daily. In Paris, streets are uneven and stairs are very narrow. Consider this and what you can physically do before booking to ensure an enjoyable experience. The demands during your trip include: Carrying your luggage up several flights of stairs to reach your hotel room (Depends what type of floor you're on. We were on the second floor to start, and then switched to the first floor. Stairs were bearable, just a bit narrow as pictured). Being on your feet, walking and standing, for up to three hours, indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions (Depends on the season. We went in June-July and it was perfect cool weather). Sleep with street noise and weak air conditioning (Depends on hotel, ours was perfectly fine.) Able to navigate around the city on your own. (We loved walking everywhere, and it was one of my favorite benefits of the trip.) Physical Demands

Flight ➡ Arrival Get the app for miles! We took a Delta Flight out of JFK airport. I was so excited, since it was not just my first flight, but first time going to Europe! We experienced few lines, and TSA was a breeze. Included in the tour is a pouch for important documents. This came in handy when in the airport. Got My Wings! Getting on was pretty smooth. Mikaela was kind enough to let me sit near the window. One thing on my bingo card with this trip was getting my wings! The stewardess was so kind, and even gave us a snack bag for the trip. For our 7 1/2 hour flight, I ended up watching Friends, Mean Girls: The Musical , and read my favorite book. Mikaela crocheted, read, and watched Titanic (she has watched this 5 times). To ensure my comfort, I used this awesome neck pillow , 10/10 recommend for people with neck/back problems. Next Page

Day 5 of Rick Steves Today we are headed to the Palace of Versailles...and wow, I am a bit overwhelmed. There was so much here, and out of the days we had been there in Paris, it was probably the hottest. When going on the tour, make sure to look at the temperature in advance to plan attire accordingly. Everywhere I looked, there was gold, marble, or some insanely detailed decoration. It’s wild to think this was once just a hunting lodge before Louis XIV turned it into the ultimate royal palace. I visited the King’s and Queen’s Apartments, where Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette lived. Marie Antoinette’s bedroom was especially extravagant, with a ridiculously fancy bed, floral wallpaper, and golden details everywhere. Check it out! Palace of Versailles The Gardens After, we headed out to the gardens which were beautiful! We wanted to check out Marie Antoinette's Hamlet, but it was closed. It was built for Marie Antoinette so she could escape the rigid royal life and pretend to be a simple farm girl. Before heading out, we got a quick bite from this cute little cafe in the gardens (there are lots of shops within the actual gardens). Following our stroll in the gardens, we rented a boat on the water. It was cool, but I was way too confident when rowing. You definitely need someone strong to row, or take turns like we did. Definitely a funny and memorable moment for us. Next Page

A Day in Giverny June 29th On this day, we went on a tour with BlueFox Travel. Our tour included venturing to Monet's Gardens in Giverny. We experienced the famous water lilies, Monet's house and gardens, an intro course on Monet's life, paintings and impressionism, and Monet's gravesite. Click the link to book now! We started the tour in Giverny by walking through Monet's gardens. We were able to see the various inspiration for his work, such as the water lilies. These photos don't do this garden justice. After exploring Monet's garden, we took a tour of his house. Honestly, it was an incredible experience that’s hard to put into words. My favorite part was definitely his kitchen, where art wasn’t just confined to canvases, but was also an integral part of the home’s decor. 1/5 1/3 During the tour, we visited Monet's grave site, which is situated behind the church just a 10 minute walk from his home. The large family tomb is adorned with flowers, reflecting his passion for gardening. Monet is laid to rest alongside his second wife, as well as his two sons, Jean and Michel, and their wives. I found these prints for just 5 euros! The gift shop offered a wide variety of souvenir options. Although I couldn't find a pin, Mikaela discovered some great gifts for her family. It's truly a shopping paradise for tourists! We ended our night by seeing the Eiffel Tower light up. Quick tip: If you want to see the Eiffel tower light up, during the Summer season, it glistens from from dusk until 2 a.m. (1 a.m. during winter). It will shine for 5 minutes, so get those pictures while you can! Next Page

June 28th We began our day with a delightful breakfast. The freshly squeezed juice was amazing, and everything tasted fresh. I experienced this freshness throughout the trip, especially compared to the food in the States. The breakfast area was cozy, providing a wonderful atmosphere for dining; we definitely took advantage of the breakfast every morning. 2 Tours in 1 Day Book Now! The Palais Garnier After a delicious breakfast, we couldn’t wait for our audio tour of the Opera House! The breathtaking ceilings and cherubs left me in awe. The intricate artistry and grandeur of the space created such a magical atmosphere - it's a must-see for anyone who loves beauty, culture, and art. We even got to see the Phantom of the Opera Booth and original costumes worn in the theater. Totally recommend checking this out during your spare time, it's a must. Personally, this was Mikaela's and my favorite. (I started my collection of pins! My first one was of the Opera House.) After coming from the Opera House, we grabbed some gelato and wandered around before heading to our tour at the Eiffel Tower. Made a perfect detour to the Lafayette Galleria; I couldn't resist a photo op at Tiffany & Co., which definitely gave me flashbacks from my Sweet 16. Going up the Eiffel Tower was so surreal. We saw beautiful views between each tier. When going to the first level, we experienced the floor being see-through, which was unexpected, and even saw a restaurant (yes, a full on restaurant) as well! As we continued going up, we ended at the summit (the highest point of the tower), which is limited capacity. At the top, we saw awesome sites of the city, including some of the Olympic sites, such as the beach volleyball court set in front of the tower. Next Page

Today is such an exciting day! I was so excited because our group was going to the....Louvre Museum! And yes, before you ask, my "Americaness" was showing a lot, especially when seeing the Mona Lisa. Day 4 of Rick Steves **Today you will be using earphones compatible with your phone, make sure to bring them! Check it out! Today, I finally saw the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, and honestly, the experience was kind of chaotic. The painting itself was way smaller than I expected, but the crowd around it was massive. People were shoving, cutting in front, and holding up their phones just to get a blurry picture. It was almost impossible to actually stop and look at it without getting pushed. I get that it’s one of the most famous paintings ever, but it was crazy how rude people were just to see a tiny portrait behind glass. Still, I have to admit, her smile is kind of eerie, and the way her eyes follow you is pretty cool. I also learned that the painting was stolen in 1911 and missing for two years, which probably made it even more famous. Also, she has no eyebrows, which is weird but kind of fitting for how mysterious she looks. Even with the madness, I’m glad I got to see it in person, but it can be considered over-rated, especially with all of the other wonderful pieces in the museum. I got a Mona Lisa pin for my collection! The Louvre is way more than just the Mona Lisa; the place is absolutely massive and split into different sections. There’s the Sully Wing, which has the museum’s oldest artifacts, including Egyptian mummies, the Great Sphinx, and the famous Venus de Milo, a stunning ancient Greek statue of Aphrodite. The Denon Wing is where most of the famous paintings are, like Liberty Leading the People and The Wedding at Cana, plus the Winged Victory of Samothrace, this epic statue of a winged goddess that looks like she’s about to take flight. There is probably a lot more that we didn't see, which means I just have to go back! Got to love Rolinka's photobomb! We were lucky enough to see Napoleon's apartments, as it was just under renovation, and now is open! Very over the top decor, but the theme with other architecture in Paris, such as the Opera House, is over the top, stunning ceiling murals. Napoleon's Apartments Notes : When going to the Louvre, please be respectful. We unfortunately saw people with no etiquette, taking photo shoots with no awareness around them whatsoever. Another tip, here is another place where you will be using the Rick Steves app, so download the tour audio ahead of time so you don't get charged for international fees with cell service. This is probably the biggest place regarding physical demands. Be aware of what you can and cannot do before even stepping foot in the museum. Next Page