The Talking Suitcase

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France

Carrefour = The French Walmart

January 28, 2020 by Dana Zeliff 6 Comments

Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

Carrefour the French Walmart
{Pin It}

If you plan to visit France (or anywhere in Europe) you often hear people talk about not having Target or Walmart stores to shop.  You’ll find a bakery, butcher and sweet shop on every corner!  Europeans don’t shop at Walmart!

Well, let me tell you.  I found the French equivalent to Walmart.  And it was NUTS!

Our first ever visit was because I needed to purchase a pillow since the apartment only had one per person. I just couldn’t sleep without two.  We walked past several bakeries, butcheries, sweet shops and corner stores to the Centre Commercial Nice Etoile.  The mall here in Nice. Inside you will find clothing shops, jewelry stores, eateries, and a massive store – Carrefour.

I couldn’t stop staring, open mouthed at this gigantic store that I almost walked right into the back of my husband (who was doing some staring of his own).

[Read more…]

Filed Under: France, Living Abroad Tagged With: Nice France

5 Day Côte d’Azur Itinerary: Exploring the South of France

December 1, 2019 by Dana Zeliff 8 Comments

Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

You’ve made a big travel decision and decided to visit the South of France on your next vacation. But you don’t know where to go or how much time you’ll need to visit the many villages.  That’s where our new 5 day Côte d’Azur itinerary can help.  We’ve included some of the most popular destinations to help you prepare for your holiday.

As the 2nd busiest airport in France, after Paris, it’s likely you will fly into Nice.  We suggest making the city your home base during the trip.  While you could rent a car during your stay, our itinerary makes use of public transportation, as it’s easy to explore by train and bus.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Destinations, Europe Travel with Kids, France Tagged With: Day Trips from Nice, Nice France

10 Most Instagramable Spots in Nice, France: Photos to Inspire Your Visit

April 30, 2018 by Dana Zeliff 4 Comments

Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

Nice is a beautiful city full of sunshine, brightly colored buildings and a sparkling sea. While most of the city is picture perfect, we picked 10 of the most instagramable spots in Nice to help make your Instagram account pop.  Check out some of our favorite Nice, France photos to inspire your visit.

Castle Hill

Promenade View

Are you following us on Instagram?

Head up to Castle Hill (La Colline de Château) for sweeping views over the city of Nice and the Mediterranean Sea. It’s one of the most photographed locations, so don’t miss snapping a photo or three from this vantage point.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Destinations, Travel Tips & Tricks, Europe Travel with Kids, France Tagged With: Travel in Nice, Nice France

Travel to Normandy, France & Teach Kids the Importance of D-Day

February 26, 2018 by Dana Zeliff Leave a Comment

Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

You can’t visit Northern France and not take time to reflect on the history and sacrifices made during the Battle of Normandy. Codenamed Operation Overlord, 156,000 American, Canadian and British forces landed on five beaches of the heavily fortified Normandy coast on  June 6, 1944. During the October school holiday, we decided to travel to Normandy, France and let the kids learn more about the importance of D-Day than they could ever get from their history books.

It was difficult to stand on the beautiful beaches of the French coast and imagine the Allies landing along this stretch of pristine sand.  Walking along the shoreline after visiting the museums, bunkers and cemeteries helped put the battle into perspective.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: France, Europe Travel with Kids, Destinations Tagged With: Normandy France

Your Passport to the Nice Carnaval Parade of Lights Plus Fun Activities for Kids!

February 19, 2018 by Dana Zeliff Leave a Comment

Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

The King of Space has come to Nice!

After the sun goes down, Place Massena comes to life. 17 decorated Carnaval floats light up the night sky, music blares, and over 1,000 dancers & musicians from around the world parade through the streets. This year, on day one, we joined in the fun at the Nice Carnaval Parade of Lights – always a spectacular event on the Cote d’Azur.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Festivals/Carnivals, Destinations, Europe Travel with Kids, Kids Travel Picks, France Tagged With: Travel in Nice, Nice France

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Welcome!

Hi, I’m Dana. I believe planning a great trip doesn't mean spending endless evenings scrolling through travel forums and getting overwhelmed by all the logistics.

My approach to travel is built on real-world experience. Alongside my husband and our two kids (who are now 19 and 22), I’ve explored 48 countries across 4 continents including a life-changing four years living as expats in France.

Whether you want a custom European trip built from scratch or a seamless cruise vacation, I combine my firsthand travel knowledge with top industry credentials to handle the stress of planning. You just pack your bags and enjoy the journey. Read More…

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