Sophielondon

Large, green, and pleasant park. Same goes for the pool, which is big and nice with several waterslides. The kids really liked the Action Factory. Things to fix: the cleanliness! In the pool locker rooms, in the bungalow bathrooms (traces of mold), and the dishes...

Famous university city, one of the oldest in the UK, has inherited remarkable architecture from its past. Huge Gothic buildings, and even Renaissance ones for some, welcome students from all 4 corners of the globe. The city itself is not huge, but it is very dynamic. 20% of its population is made up of students! Large green spaces and waterways make it an ideal place for a little romantic getaway.

The University of Oxford covers a whole section of the city of the same name. There are many buildings specialized for certain disciplines, called "Colleges." Some of these colleges are open to the public during certain time slots, like Christ Church, whose architecture inspired Hogwarts. There are various green spaces and sports fields scattered in different spots, making the walk very pleasant.

One criticism that Europeans might have about certain North American cities is the lack of identity, that repetitive, cookie cutter feel. From that point of view, San Francisco stands out. The city seems to have taken the time to grow and build its identity neighborhood by neighborhood. I was a bit disappointed by the Golden Gate Bridge though: a lot of fog, and I didn't get the chance to see it in full light :( Another downside: the excessive prices for lodging, meals...

I am a huge fan of London, but that does not stop me from enjoying life in Paris. So yes, people often compare the two cities, and you have to admit that London has moved ahead of Paris in terms of appeal. Nevertheless, the French capital is still stunning. It is always a real pleasure to walk around the Seine and the Tuileries. But the rudeness, insecurity, filth, and lack of courtesy in quite a few shops is not a myth...

Given my username, it would be inconsistent for me to say anything bad about London. So there you go, you get it, London is quite simply my favorite city in the world :) Sure, life is expensive there, but you can do everything: go out and party, taste whatever cuisine you want whenever you want, try the most traditional as well as the most innovative cocktails, attend concerts, all kinds of cultural events, and go shopping on a budget if you know the right spots. In short, it is always buzzing.

Strangely, you never hear about this city. Still, it was a really great surprise during my road trip in the USA. Definitely worth a look! Established at the mouth of several waterways on the edge of the Atlantic, water is everywhere, which makes it a really beautiful, modern, and dynamic city, and cheaper than its neighbor New York. Perfect for a romantic getaway.

Even though it was an old noble residence, this castle is primarily a military and defensive structure. I was pretty disappointed by what you find inside. On the other hand, the views you get of the city and the sea are really pretty.

To start with the negative, you pay €20 (about $22) for a bus tour that was a bit rushed for my taste. The bus makes a few stops, but you CANNOT get off. On the positive side, the volcanic and arid landscapes are truly fabulous and unique. I do not know any other place that looks like this. Apart from the volcanoes, you will also see lava plains or geysers. Quick tip, try to grab a seat on the right side of the bus to get the best views ;) Then try to arrive at opening time, at 9:30 AM, to avoid the long lines with the other tourists and vehicles.

I was a bit apprehensive before booking on this site, but I found an all-inclusive trip to the Canary Islands at a rock-bottom price, and everything went exactly as advertised. No bad surprises. Definitely one to watch :)

Very nice place to relax a few dozen km from Paris and really close to Disney. On the other hand, the staff's welcome was very mediocre, not friendly, no answers to questions asked about things to see in the area, nothing, no advice.

Going there with kids means breaking the bank on activities, or else just sticking to the water park. As for meals, same thing. It is not bad, but expensive for what it is (if you go as a group of five, the bill adds up fast). The place is nice, but it is far from any public transit. You absolutely have to come by car and depending on where you are coming from, it is a long drive.