Category Archives: Leaps (travel-related stories)

Paris Transportation Tips

by Wendy
Here are a few transportation tips to consider when planning your visit to Paris.

Transportation to/from Charles de Gaulle Airport – Look into the Roissy bus. I’ve taken a train, taxi and shuttle before, but thought the bus option was super easy and efficient, especially if you pack light. The Roissy bus stop right outside the airport terminal was not hard to find, even in our jet lagged state. There is a kiosk nearby which sells tickets (about 12 euros). The Roissy bus dropped us off near the Opera Metro, and then we walked to our hotel. That’s the catch: the bus only goes to this stop and then back to CDG airport. If you are staying in a different neighborhood, you would need to plan a second mode of transport, such as Metro. During our ride, the bus was not crowded and only took about 45 minutes, but it was early on a Sunday morning. Continue reading →

Coronado, California

by Sunny

follow me on Twitter @sunnylooksleaps

Every year, we vary our Spring Break destination and are rarely disappointed.  This year was no exception.  Originally planning to stay in San Diego, Hotwire had different plans for us.  When we spotted the mystery resort on the “island” of Coronado at a heck of a price, we decided to go for it.  Coronado was charming, relaxed, convenient, and beautiful – the perfect California getaway. We fell in love with Coronado, California during our 4 day trip in April. Here are our top 6 reasons to love Coronado

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A Walk in Paris

by Wendy
It goes something like this.

Bonjour Paris! Time to explore the city. Maybe visit Notre Dame and walk along the Seine?

Where do you want to go for breakfast? This cafe looks nice.

This cafe is the best! I could stay here for hours. Should we have another coffee?

Is Notre Dame this way?

Look at the dresses in those store windows. Tres chic! Which one would you choose? Continue reading →

Family-Style Paris

by Sunny

follow me on Twitter @sunnylooksleaps

This was the year: our first family trip to Paris! Jimmy, MJ, and I were excited to embark on our first family adventure overseas.  While this was uncharted territory for us, luckily we had my sister, Wendy,  a Paris veteran, join us on our journey.  The trip was amazing and memorable.  As the trip approached and we started sharing our summer trip plans with friends, the general reaction was, “And you ARE taking MJ?!”  I guess for many, Paris is one of those romantic couples vacations, or a high school graduation type trip. Nothing wrong with either of those, but Jimmy and I love to travel and to share travel with MJ.  Not only did our 7 years old get to see France with her parents, but also her fabulous aunt.  Here are some of our tips for visiting Paris family-style!

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Sea Pines at HHI – The Perfect Beach Vacation

by Joe
My what a great week I just spent in Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island (HHI). If you’re not sure where Sea Pines is located just check out the coast of SC. It’s smack down in between Charleston and Savannah. A great southern state and typically referred to as the “lowlands” in this part of the USA! But that’s not why it was perfect.

The location is close to a huge part of the US population and in most cases can be an easy drive. From Louisville, KY it’s about a 10.5 hour drive which is about as quick as you can get to the ocean from our city. Florida (gulf side) is the same as well a few locations further north. But that’s not why it was perfect. Continue reading →

Favorite Paris Cafes and their Fabulous Foods

by Wendy
Sunday passed in a jet lag fog, with the Roissy bus from the airport, sleepy walk around the neighborhood, settling in our hotel, slightly dazed dinner and early bedtime. Monday we woke a little more alert and very hungry. We wandered a few blocks to a place we spotted the evening before, Cafe Dalayrac, to order petit dejeuner, or breakfast.

It was a gorgeous day around 11am, and we sat on the border of outside/inside seating so we could watch the street scene and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. The basic petit dejeuner a la francaise is about 7 euros: boisson chaude (hot drink like coffee, tea or hot chocolate), une viennoiserie ou tartine (either a croissant pastry or bread with butter and jam), and jus d’orange (orange juice). For another 7 euros, you have petit dejeuner anglais, with an added dish of 2 oeufs au choix (eggs of your choice): au plat (fried sunny side up), brouilles (scrambled), or omelette. We opted for the anglais, which was delicious, and thus began our fond friendship with Cafe Dalayrac. Continue reading →

Go to Paris

by Wendy
Paris and I go back about twenty years. The inaugural visit was with my sister April right after I graduated from college. The second and third connections were with my husband Jack – a long weekend in January, a summer trip in August. When I learned my sister Sunny was planning a first-time journey to Paris with her husband and daughter, I asked if I could tag along. Sunny said Oui, and we spent a week there earlier this month. Continue reading →