Accommodation Options in France

Finding accommodation, wherever you have decided to stay in France is extremely straightforward. Whether you’re booking online, through a tour operator or simply walking up to the hotel in person, it’s extremely simple. This is mainly due to the fact that there are a huge amount of hotels, apartments and villas on offer in and around France. That and the fact that it is still one of the most popular destinations in Europe. A France Holiday has a vast amount to offer the average tourist, whatever their desire or taste, they will find it in France.

Like most major European countries, there is a vast amount of accommodation to choose from in pretty much all regions of France. A popular choice, particularly with backpackers is caravaning and camping. There are numerous camp sites situated around France in both urban and rural resorts. Of course, most tour operators offer self catering holidays in France so you may also find a good deal on a self catering hotel or apartment if the whole camping thing isn’t really you. I know from personal experience that them French mornings can be extremely cold, whatever the time of year!

You might also want to consider some of the hostels situated around the major cities. I realise the name hostel might put a few readers off, however, some of the ones I have stayed in have been on par with some of the 3 and 4 star hotels around France!

Planning Your Travels

The first thing you need to do, when planning a trip abroad is learn as much as possible about your destination. Not just attractions such as nightlife and excursions, but the other elements, mainly safety, security and local custom. A travel blog operated by someone from the country is a good way to get a real insight, a locals with into what the area is really like as opposed to just the view of your tour operator. Tourism marketing specialists do a fantastic job of making all destinations seem perfect, almost too good to be true but let me tell you, that’s not always the case.

Once you have learned all you need to know about your chosen destination, you then need to find accommodation. You can find many hotel and apartment offers online as I’m sure you’re aware. However, when booking online, you should always read the small print. There are often lots of restrictions, particularly in holiday apartments. For example, if you’re looking to travel with pets, a lot of websites will not disclose the fact that no pets are allowed. This could seriously spoil your holiday if you turn up at your destination with your pet, only to be turned away.

All that is then left for you to do is enjoy your trip, so whether your on a package holiday or backpacking, be sure to prepare correctly.

Must have essentials for your backpacking trip

Whilst planning to embark on a backpacking trip and venturing to the great outdoors, you must plan ahead. It’s all very well stepping out into the path of nature and taking breaths of fresh outdoor air, but you must remember that sometimes you can get lost. By taking a compass , a map and a whistle with you, this will make certain that should you lose the path you can check the map , look at the directions on the compass and, if all else fails, blow the whistle in the hope that a passerby will hear you.

Also, the weather for backpacking may seem bright and sunny when you set off in the morning, but with climate change you could end up stuck in a downpour of streaming rain by the end of the day. Essentials to take out are a clean change of clothes (just in case) - you never know when you might trip and perhaps end up covered in mud. Also, in case the weather takes a sudden turn, taking a cagoule out with you will ensure that when the heavens do decide to open up you will be well prepared.

Planning a move to the city?

Moving house is never easy. There’s always stress, with the rushing of packing the household items ready for the removal men to take them. Also, sending your items to be kept in storage until you move is not as easy as it may seem, as you still have to make a date to pack everything up and hire a van to come and collect your items to send to storage. Now you no longer need to worry about this - portable storage allows you to bring the storage company to YOUR home!

Portable storage offers you the laid back option of moving and packing your household items to your requirements, with no fixed date! Moving containers can be dropped off direct to your door step and kept wherever you choose! Then all you have to do is call the company when you have finished packing your treasured items at your leisure. Once you have packed the goods they will be taken to the place of storage, and kept there until you decide that you want to have the items delivered to you - or of course you can collect them in person! Shifting house has never been simpler with moving containers.

A Backpacker ready for the rain

The United States boasts of innumerable trails that are adorned with scenic beauty and are plagued by rains. A backpacker, who is setting out on a trip on these trails for a week, is bound to have a rainy experience. They can either be ready for the mighty rains, or can somehow struggle and survive.

How to be prepared for the rains so that your backpacking spirit is not dampened:

1. Clothing: Your clothing should be appropriate for a hot, sweaty and rainy summer. And you need to remember that hiking is going to make you even more hot and sweaty.

You should wear a t-shirt and polypro briefs, as they would dry fast. Nylon shorts with zip-off legs, synthetic socks, polypro sock liners, to-the-knee gaiters and boots should be ideal for you. Last but not the least, a rain parka, with the hood covering your head, the body covering your pack and the sleeves tied with the pack straps, is going to keep your head and pack absolutely dry.

This way you avoid sweating inside an increasingly smelly parka - and manage to keep yourself and your pack dry.

2. Having a dry tent: A continuous rain can guarantee that the body of your tent is absolutely drenched while you try to erect it. But if you try attaching the tent fly with Velcro, the tent can be erected with a dry interior, once you thread the wands via extended sleeves.

Thus, with a little pre-planning you can enjoy the rains during your backpacking trip.