We're young and we need to be going places; exotic places, historic places, far places; pretty places; "I can die now that I've seen it" places. There is so much out there to see and taste and smell and learn and absolutely, we should make it a duty to ourselves, for the sake of our personal development and an expanded world view, to do it all! But, before you get carried away and head out to any of the "Must-See Destinations", my simple advice is; do your research to make sure they are "adventures I can afford" places.

Hampton Inn, Panama City

Accommodation

It's not that I want to stay at an all inclusive penthouse suite but it's just that I know comfort is non-negotiable when I travel, even when I'm on a budget. Once my friend and I wanted to weekend in Tuscany where we would divide our time between Pisa and Florence. WE WERE BROKE! We could only afford to do €50 per night so we decided to go with AirBnBs. We lucked out and got a pretty decent place for €45 per night in Florence. It wasn't in the centre but transportation was easily accessible (super important) and we got to the major sites in about 15 mins. Then, there was Pisa. For that same €45 per night, we were essentially shacking up in a  shithole. The place stank, the sheets were dirty and you had to say a prayer before entering the hellish - filth that was the bathroom. If you're anything like me i.e grew up with a pyscho-must-have-everything-super-clean-all-the-time mom then you have very little tolerance for certain things so believe me when I say, my anxieties had a field day!

Don't get me wrong, you can find decent places even on a tight budget. In fact, a few months ago I did a Europe tour in 8 different cities with 2 friends and we spent less than €1500 in total! Generally each person spent about €60 per night and we had a fairly good experience with them all. The trick: I usually start my search with Expedia, refining it based on desired budget. When I find a place I like, I then search for it on Tripadvisor and check the reviews to see what other travellers have experienced. For me, room conditions and proximity to local transportation were the key deciding factors. I went for Airbnbs in locations I planned on spending more days in so I could have access to a kitchen to cook some of my meals to save money. Airbnbs are a gamble so I (know now to) never book anywhere that has no reviews or less than 3 pictures.

Tuttelestrade BnB in Rome, Italy via AirBnB

Food
In theory this is supposed to be the easiest part, BUT ITS NOT! Actually, speaking from a pescatarian's point of view, life is a little more difficult when you're not eating meat. Having limitations with your diet is rough when you travel so thankfully there's an app or two to make things less stressful. On most days my travel companion has definitely been Foursquare (clearly I'm an old lady lol) and Yelp! Google Maps is also very helpful but out of habit I go directly to Foursquare because I can narrow my search based on what I feel for, how much I want to spend and ratings. I am very big on eating local fair, not only to get a taste of the local culture but also those tend to be on the cheaper side. These apps (generally) direct you to the best restos. Of course, you can always just ask a local but I'd definitely recommend downloading one of these apps for those meal dilemmas.

La Creme de Paris in Paris, France

Transportation
To check for flights, you can consult skyscanner.com to see the lowest priced tickets for your specific destination and date. You've heard it time and time again to book well in advance for the cheapest fares but budget airlines like RyanAir and Tui Airfly cut prices up to 2/3 weeks before travel date, so with these airlines you can hold out a bit. I think travel newbies like myself obsess over getting there and tend to overlook how to get around when we actually arrive. You absolutely do not want to forget to factor in on-ground transport. Find out before hand the best means for getting around your intended destination to have a proper daily budget. NEWS FLASH: Uber actually doesn't exist everywhere, not even in some European states. In many instances I did find thought that, when available, Uber was in fact cheaper than local taxis so always check those first. Some places will have train/metro day passes that are cost effective and give you unlimited access to commute. Google Maps actually has a feature where it tells you the general cost for bus, taxi and train to go from one place to another so you can always refer to that too. Google Maps can also be used to check the distance between where you are and where you want to go and if its 20 mins or less, save a dime and walk! This is the best way to discover things any.

Orlean, France

Activities
Of course, if your on a budget, you don't have much disposable funds to "DO THE MOST" Depending on your destination there are a bunch of free things to do, you just need to do research before hand to discover them. There are websites such as "timeout.com" where you can select a particular city and it tells you exactly whats happening in that area and very often some activities or events attract no fee. You can forego the long lines to enter the popular landmarks and simply take photos on the outside of the premises, unless you really really want to see something in particular on the inside. For discounts, book in advance or check the tourist board/ location website for combo deals. I would definitely advice checking Pinterest for destination guides as well so you can get insight on the most recommended things to do. Really, you don't need to go to every museum. Little things like renting a bicycle to explore, having a picnic in a famous park or just taking really long walks can make your trip a whole lot better!

Palais Royal, Paris

Also Noteworthy
There are actually a few websites like www.budgetyourtrip.com that allows you to estimate daily budgets by destination that you can use as a guide for the average amount you'll need to survive comfortably per day. Traveling with others is also a way to save since more often than not you will be sharing cost for things like transportation. You definitely want to travel light as luggage does attract extra fees so that is one way to save money as well. Overall, if you're doing budget travel I can't stress enough how important research is to truly get a feel of what you're getting yourself into. The only thing worse than not going somewhere you've always wanted to go is to go and have regrets when you leave because you didn't plan ahead. There are a few destinations I think should never be done on small budget just because by nature they are super expensive, *cough* Paris *cough* so be mindful of that when you're choosing your next adventure. Good Luck!

Of course no trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the Vatican. I went to two Catholic high schools and even though I am not Catholic myself I was curious to see the Catholic Capital. It was as grand as I imagined, sometimes uncomfortably so but I was happy to have seen it in person. If I ever do go back it would be to see the Sistine Chapel. We had gone after lunch and after queueing for what felt like forever in the heat to see St. Peter's Basilica, we missed the cut off time to see the chapel so I advise you GET THERE EARLY! We might have missed the chapel but I was so happy to have found this little public water fountain outside the walls of the Vatican premises. Usually I would have NEVER drank from these things but I convinced myself it was holy water. LOL. I was thirsty. *facepalm* Anyhow, another "cool" thing about Vatican City for me was that the Papal guards, who I later learned are Swiss soldiers, wore costumes that could easily be used in Alice in Wonderland. They are as stoic as the English Buckingham Palace guards which was so ironic to me since they wear what I kind of imagine a king's jester would.

Before You Go
It would do you well to check the bus schedule of the line 24 bus especially if you plan on going on a Sunday or on a public holiday. This will also help you to time how long you will be able to stay in the town and plan activities accordingly within the time frame.

I suggest that you wear very comfortable shoes and clothes as to really enjoy the cliffs you will have to hike for about an hour (or more). Also, the beach is made up of small stones as opposed to sand so it might be easier to navigate in sneakers. Don’t forget your sunblock if you go late spring or during the summer season. 

Oh and if you’re anything like me pack snacks and water for the journey.

Of utmost priority and absolute essential to making this trip even more memorable, pack your camera! Etretat is so ridiculously beautiful, you will want to have evidence of your visit 1. for personal reverie and 2. to brandish on every social media platform (or in real life).

         
For kids, there are little activities on the dock like riding a carousel to keep them entertained for a while. If you’re up for more hiking, on the other side of the beach is a church perched on the top of a hill known as the Notre Dame de la Garde, even though I hadnt the time to make the trek, I'm sure it's also something worth seeing.


3 hours was simply not enough time to really enjoy the town so I didn't get to snap photos of the caves or church or other small town gems. Nevertheless, the little I did see warrants high recommendation. If you are in Paris and have a free day, you MUST visit Étretat. Whether it is with family (it’s dog friendly!), for a romantic day with your special someone or just an outing with friends who share an appetite for adventure, I promise you, it’s a Must-See!

Valentino Donna, a hint of elegance, fragility, irreverence, and candour. Sensuous and independent she is capable of sudden passion and unexpected shyness.

I had a stable job, still lived with my mother so was paying no rent and was surrounded by family and good friends. I left that behind for a less than minimum wage job, a rent that was half my salary, and no comfort of the familiar. Why?

When by design you are inherently creative but feel no spark of inspiration; When you are by nature a dreamer but instead feel only sleep deprived; When you've always sided with optimism but feel like you're running thin on hope....leaving becomes a fairly easy decision to make.

There were many moments of doubt and questioning of my sanity especially considering that my destination was a whole new world, with a completely different culture and not to mention a language I had little or NO experience with (& still don't). But, I was ready for something different.

In true Tanaka fashion I made a very clumsy entrance (read: falling down the escalator- luggage & all- and bruising my knee) into Paris on September 28th. I foolishly told my handler I could "figure out" the train system and even though it was a terrible struggle I eventually did with some help. I had taken a 4 hour coach from Kingston to Montego Bay the previous day, then a 10 hour flight to Brussels, a 2 hour train to Paris Nord and finally a 1 hour train from the city centre to a small town called Mennecy. I remember during the final train ride how exhausted I was and how I held back tears thinking about the mess I made of myself in the train station trying to navigate my way in broken French and wondering if I made the right decision to come. I genuinely thought, "this might be a sign of how your entire time here will be" but then I decided to shake the feeling and just thanked God I made it so far in one piece.

That was one of my most difficult days in France. Of course, -6 FROID days, many sleepless nights due to high anxieties, running low on funds, winter blues and the struggle of being very green to the French language have also proved trying but faith kept me going. That and...... Paris *heart eyes*.

In spite of my turbulent start, I was VERY fortunate to have been hosted by the nicest and most hospitable family. I know without doubt that had it not been for Robert and Nadia (designated French Mom & Dad), I would probably have had an entirely different story to tell about France. I am truly grateful I was bless with them (and also their adorable and brilliant boys Lilio and Noam) as they helped a lot with getting settled in France, finding my own place etc etc.

For work, I was assisting english teachers. The students for the most part were great and I can honestly say I have become genuine friends with a few. I wished my French was better so I could have connected with others who weren't so strong in English and this remains something I'm very sad about..

I didn't practice my French enough during my stay and do feel a bit awful about it because in truth there were many missed opportunities. I don't have an excuse and won't make one up as to why my French never improved. I was interested to learn but there were many days I had no drive. French is a difficult language to learn and I (naively) I hoped diffusion would be on my side but sadly, it wasn't (surprise surprise). I remember attempting to study via videos on my laptop and being woken up by drool (eww) LOL. I watched the news with my housemates, stuck post-its around the house and attempted to watch movies but I wasn't connecting with the language. It is an intimidating language, for me at least, and unfortunately I didn't put enough effort into conquering my fears. I often times feel like a hypocrite too, teaching students a new language and encouraging them not to give up when I had done just that.

Unfortunately, I also got very comfortable because in my favourite place, P A R I S, most people spoke (some) English. There is something about this place that really only "magic" could suffice as a reasonable description. This is not to say it hasn't flaws, in fact, I like to tell people that the balance of over-price everything, pissed-stenched streets and metro stations, dog crap everywhere, astounding amounts of homelessness and shady characters waiting for an opportune moment to rip you off are like constant reality checks. Still, what a world to experience. Actually, its a universe on its own hosting many different worlds. I love that every time I would portal into one of these worlds I have vastly different experiences, many beautiful, some strange, others marvelling but always charming. I got lost in many museums, took long walks in galleries and parks when the weather permitted, passed some unforgettable happy hours with new friends from all corners of the earth and discovered genuine happiness in very unlikely ways/ places/ faces.

Coucou!
When I began writing this blog I thought: Where do I start? It is this same thought that struck me at 12am Jan 1st 2017. (My good fortune would have it that I started in Paris, unfortunately sans champagne....but I digress) If you're anything like me you're both excited and anxious about turning a new leaf. Luckily for me however, experience has taught that there are so many opportunities that await us when we embrace new beginnings.

Salut! I finally completed my second book while en route to my new home, France! (I will tell you more soon ^.^) Unfortunately my days in Jamaica were so hectic with work that I started reading this book about 3 months ago and never got a chance to finish. My travels however which included one 4 hour coach ride, a 10 hour flight and 3 trains, provided me with ample time to complete my reading *twitches*.

Even though I'm not 100% settled in as yet, I have been so eager to get back on course with my blogging and to share my thoughts on The Master of Us All | Balenciaga: His Workrooms, His World by Mary Blume! So, without further adieu.....