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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

Paris in Pieces is about my Rick Steves experience in the city of lights. Welcome to Paris in Pieces Experience the City of Light Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Tour Begins Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Departure Bonjour! Welcome to my scrapbook of our unforgettable tour of France! I’m so grateful to my best friend Mikaela and her mom Brandi for making this adventure possible. Celebrating Mikaela's Sweet 16 together in the enchanting city of Paris was a dream come true. Join me as I share the highlights of our amazing 10-day journey, showcasing the beauty of Paris through our eyes! How It All Started Since I met Mikaela in third grade, our lives have been intertwined in the most beautiful way. From the very beginning, we clicked effortlessly, sharing a mutual love for theater, art, and countless other passions. As the years passed, our bond grew stronger, evolving into a sisterly connection that I know will last a lifetime. Mikaela isn't just my best friend; she's my chosen sister. Her family has embraced me as one of their own, just as mine has done for her. We've celebrated milestones, supported each other through challenges, and created memories that will forever warm my heart. Our friendship is a testament to the power of connection and the beauty of shared passions. I am endlessly grateful for Mikaela and the unbreakable bond we share, a treasure I will cherish forever. This extends to her mom, Brandi, as well. Having people who always support you is a gift you don't take for granted. When running for student body, Mikaela was the one who went out of her way to campaign for me. When discovering the beauty of theater and art, Brandi was the one who took me with Mikaela to my first Broadway musical. The point is, she’s my constant, my confidante, and my forever friend; the kind of person who turns life’s uncertainties into shared adventures and unshakable support. " European history is like a big puzzle. At first it's all a jumble to keep track of, but the more you bring the pieces together it actually gets easier." - Rolinka Bloeming Why Rick Steves? If you want a vacation that goes beyond tourist traps and into the heart of a destination, Rick Steves is the way to go. His approach is all about traveling like a temporary local, finding hidden gems, embracing different cultures, and coming home with a new perspective. Whether you're joining one of his expertly crafted tours or using his guidebooks to explore on your own, you’ll get an experience that’s rich, immersive, and stress-free. With a focus on meaningful connections and independent adventure, Rick Steves makes travel feel personal, exciting, and unforgettable. One of the best parts of his tours? The incredible guides. Rick Steves handpicks experts who bring history and culture to life with passion and insight. We absolutely loved our guide, Rolinka; she made every moment engaging and unforgettable.

Here is why you need a small picture! It is for your week-long metro pass. The Beginning After our quick lunch, we headed back to the Hotel, which is where we met Rolinka to sort out our group meals, metro card, and to receive our Vox Box. Meeting the Group Later, we met the group; everyone was from different states which was nice! Before going to dinner, we learned how to use our Vox Box and how to listen to Rolinka through the earphone. We went to our first group dinner and were assigned buddies. This is for buddy checks that happen every day before we leave different places on our itinerary to ensure the whole group is together. My buddy was Arnold, Mikaela's was George, and Brandi's was Gene-who we ate dinner with. Dinner was nice and different. I got escargot, which I loved. Now, I have had it before, but now I can say I had it in France. Mikaela got this salad that ended up having edible flowers on it, so all in all, the meal was...très savoureux!! Next Page

Arrival Our Paris flight was surprisingly smooth! A quick tip: skip the jeans for comfy clothes instead (though preferences vary, like Mikaela who prefers jeans). The plane food exceeded expectations, and we enjoyed great company onboard. Landing at Charles de Gaulle felt like a movie scene, with the plane stairs laid out. Despite CDG's reputation for chaos, luggage claim was quick and easy. Our only hiccup? A two-hour traffic jam when our Uber went to the wrong hotel across the Seine - apparently a record gridlock even for Paris standards! Hotel de Londres Eiffel We arrived (finally) to our hotel, Hotel de Londres Eiffel . Since we came before the tour, which we recommend, we got a room not included in the tour which was on the 2nd floor. Our rooms were connecting, so Mikaela and I shared one room, and Brandi was in the room across from us. The rooms were not only elegant, but the family-owned hotel truly embraced the homey feeling. We were welcomed by Richard, who was super kind to provide details about the city and local gems. Though we were feeling the effects of jet lag and tried resist it, we ended up taking a two-hour nap! I also prepared my camera for its debut in Paris, and here’s my first official photo with my digital camera : 6/27/24 Brandi was surprised with some chocolate from her significant other upon our arrival. Thank you Tom! First Meal in Paris After we dropped our bags at the hotel, our stomachs started a full-on mutiny. So, off we went to grab a bite. I went for a Pokè bowl—yes, I know, not very French of me, but hey, it was a 10/10 meal, so I’m calling it a win! I even got some berry gelato to make up for it. Musée du Parfum After our extensive nap, we got dressed and went to the Musée du Parfum, repping our florals. We went through the history of perfume, and eventually made our own. We got to customize the scent and how much of each fragrance we wanted to add. If you like floral scents in perfumes, I would definitely recommend this activity. I loved having this pocket-sized perfume in my bag whenever I needed it, and it was so convenient. Book Now! What an amazing day! I had my very first metro ride, and wow, what an adventure! No one warned me about how quickly those metro doors slam shut – Mikaela nearly got caught in between them! But we turned it into a fun experience, sticking together and making sure we didn't face that surprise again for the rest of our trip! Beware of pickpockets on the metro! Make sure your bag isn't visible and is covered by a coat. Next Page

Day 2 of Rick Steves We got up early and got some breakfast in the breakfast nook; my go-to was always cheese, yogurt, and a hard-boil egg. After, we set off to meet everyone outside the hotel and to do our buddy check before exploring the the world's most significant medieval Gothic churches; Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle. Church #1: Notre-Dame Heading to our next spot I really loved checking out Notre-Dame, even though we couldn't actually go inside. I had been looking forward to this spot, and I can't wait to see it all finished when I come back one day. Notre-Dame is famous for its rose windows, which are such a cool part of gothic architecture. There are three of these awesome circular stained glass windows, and they're all still sporting their original stained glass from the 13th century! On our way to the next church, we took a visit to the renowned Shakespeare and Company. This iconic bookstore in Paris has been a beloved meeting spot for writers and readers since the 1920s. Church #2: Sainte-Chapelle Sainte-Chapelle is simply breathtaking! It's a beautiful piece of history from the royal palace in the city. Built in the 13th century by Louis IX, who later became Saint Louis, it was made to hold important relics: the Crown of Thorns and a bit of the True Cross. After checking out Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle, and grabbing a quick bite, we headed over to the Arc de Triomphe on our own. Once we got the top, we were blown away by the amazing views of the city! This iconic monument honors everyone who fought and died for France during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars, with the names of all the victories and generals carved into the walls. And right underneath it is Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I. Dinner Tonight, Brandi took us to get soufflé at Récamier Sté le for the first time. The texture threw me off, but not too bad. We also got cheese ravioli in a white butter sauce with vegetables, which was a taste of pure heaven. Next Page

Morning Before Tour Starts Before the tour starts, Brandi took Mikaela and I on an audio tour to the Rodin Museum. Another one of my favorite tours we have done so far. There was a lot of well-know pieces from Carriere, Thaulow, Van Gogh, Munch, etc. Gallery Walk We got a bit carried away... After our tour, we noticed a Dior Pop-up and had to check it out. It was really nice, I haven't really seen anything like this before, so this was definitely a new experience. After the Rodin Museum, we walked to the Pont Alexandre III and enjoyed the view. We got lucky because it was soon closed due to the Olympics being hosted. Before heading back to the hotel to finally start the tour, we got a quick lunch; a cheese board and crepes with Nutella and honey! (I still dream about that cheese board!!) 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

Oh boy, do I miss Paris! Here are some of my highlights of the trip: #1: I loved having a picnic with our friend Gene underneath the Eiffel Tower. It was so nice and refreshing to just sit there and eat really good food! #2: Moving into my second highlight, I loved the food, in particular the bread. Every single day, fresh bread is made at the boulangeries. A boulangerie is a French bakery, as opposed to a pastry shop. Bakeries must bake their bread on-premises to hold the title of 'boulangerie' in France. #1 #2 #3 #3: My third highlight was the Opera House, a personal favorite for Mikaela and me. I honestly was in awe for every single cherub, painting, and ceiling. Journaling

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.