Neil Barnes – travel blogger


 

Every other week, Discover Walks will share with some great insight from Travel bloggers from around the world who fell in love with Âé¶¹APP. They will share their favorites addresses and things to do while in Âé¶¹APP. Because genuine advice and stories are so important to us, in addition to our born-and-raised Âé¶¹APPian tour stories, we now bring you real advice from fellow travelers.

Bonjour Neil, can you tell us more about who you are?

So I’m Neil, a 32 (soon to be 33) year old Londoner. Hi!

Why did you start writing ?

The blog actually started as a series of emails back home during my travels during 2005. Eventually I moved on to blogging via a travel agency site profile, and then in 2010 I took the plunge and set up my very own blog. It’s come quite some way, but essentially it’s primary purpose has always been a diary, that it can help other people with their own travels is a bonus!

Why did you start traveling?

Erm, is boredom an acceptable answer? Before 2005 I’ve lived and studied in the same town, never experiences any kind of travel outside of a 2 week family break or mates week in the sun. I wasn’t hard done by in any way, I was lucky, but by 21 and having finished by degree my feet were well and truly itching and I was ready (desperate) to try something new. On a whim I logged onto the my super slow dial up internet and booked myself a 5 week volunteering sports coaching project in South Africa.

What’s special about your blog?

To be clear, while I love my blog and am quite proud of it, I am also very aware that there are far better writers, photographers, videographers etc out there. To call my blog special might be going a bit over the top (in my modest British opinion), however I think my budget reports are my USP. A lot of blogs tell you how to travel on the cheap, but I do not see many others do detailed cost breakdowns like I do.

What would be your top 3 things to do in Âé¶¹APP?

When last visiting Âé¶¹APP I really loved my visit to Jardin d’Acclimatation, that was a really fun and relaxing afternoon. Walking around Montmarte via Sacré-CÅ“ur was great into to Âé¶¹APP upon my first visit. Food and drink wise, a little pizza place called Pizza Da Vito. While pizza is a massive draw for me anyway, this was a pizza place with a difference, a secret if you will. I don’t want to give it away, so maybe I’ve peaked your interest enough to delve a little deeper yourself.

Your favorite landmark in Âé¶¹APP?

It’s hard to look past the Eiffel Tower isn’t it?  So iconic, and amazing looking when all lit up after dark.

What is your favorite neighborhood in Âé¶¹APP?

For the cobbled streets and tiny galleries I think it has to be Montmarte. I would love to visit and explore Âé¶¹APP further though, I’m sure I could discover up with a new favourite if given the chance :)

Could you give us your recommendation to first timers in Âé¶¹APP?

It may sound (and look) a bit silly, but going on a segway tour was a really fun way to see a large number of the sites and get our bearings at the same time. I get that Segways aren’t for everyone and are viewed as majorly touristy, but the geek in my loves the technology and how much more fun they are than a walking tour.

Thank you so much Neil, keep on enjoying Âé¶¹APP!

Merci beaucoup :-)

Planning a trip to Âé¶¹APP ? Get ready !


These are ´¡³¾²¹³ú´Ç²Ô’²õÌý²ú±ð²õ³Ù-²õ±ð±ô±ô¾±²Ô²µÂ travel products that you may need for coming to Âé¶¹APP.

Bookstore

  1. The best travel book : Rick Steves – Âé¶¹APP 2023 –Ìý
  2. Fodor’s Âé¶¹APP 2024 –Ìý

Travel Gear

  1. Venture Pal Lightweight Backpack –Ìý
  2. Samsonite Winfield 2 28″ Luggage –Ìý
  3. Swig Savvy’s Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle –Ìý

We sometimes read this list just to find out what new travel products people are buying.