How I Planned A 6-Day Trip To London & Paris
I'll admit, planning any trip can feel like a daunting task. There are so many variables to consider, so much preparation, but the end result is so worth it (read: there are still bound to be f*ck ups). Europe was no different.
I wanted to go to London since I was a little girl watching the Olsen twins in the direct-to-video film Winning London. It had a lasting effect, similarly to the way Passport to Paris did. I was going to delay my travels until 2019, but ultimately decided why should I wait any longer? I can work anywhere, the nature of my life warrants flexibility, so I am finally free to move like the water I have always felt a special connection to. And so, I decided to start planning my long lusted after trip to London, England with plans to also stop in Paris.
Initially, I chose April, but after a death in the family inspired me to press pause for just a bit, reconnect to what I really want (hello, apartment), and second-guess traveling this year once again altogether, I was going to cancel. But luckily, my heart sang a different tune and I decided to sing to that instead - opted for October, paid the $308 fee to change my flight, and was London-bound for the fall.
And for those of you who might be feeling overwhelmed by the planning of it all, I've done some of the necessary work for you by gathering some of the tips that helped me plan my first European travel excursion. Check 'em out below:
Do All The Necessary Prep Work Ahead Of Time
Arriving at St. Pancras International in London
Photo Cred: Terrence Porter
Note that while there's no such thing as an "off-peak" season in Paris, you can find cheaper airline deals between September-December range (anytime after or before summer is best to avoid the heavy tourist crowd). Ensure that your passport is up to date, also read up the parameters of travel limitations for the place you plan to visit. You can read up on that via the Bureau of Consular Affairs for the given country's international travel information. Before you travel abroad, also be sure to make copies of your important travel and identity docs, i.e. your passport, license, and perhaps your social security card. In addition to your plane tickets, book any additional transportation plans, like a rental car, public transportation passes, or a train if necessary.
In our case, purchasing our train tickets for Eurostar ahead of time were a must too. It's advised to start booking your train from London to Paris at least three months in advance (find them here). We did our best to leave a couple of hours between our flights' arrival and our train's departure so that once we touched down in London, we'd take the train to Paris to pack our travel day as much as possible and do a one-shot to our next destination.
In reality, what actually happened was we missed our train by about five minutes and had to pay 44 euros for a new ticket for the next train to Paris. Some research on my part would have been helpful in figuring out how to map out the train departure in relation to our flight arrival, especially because London St. Pancras International ended up being kind of far from the airport (about 35-45 minutes to be exact). And if you do nothing else, get an International plan with your cell phone service because the data will be needed for Ubers and such. Trust. And because my friend and I had Airbnbs in both locations, WhatsApp and some data comes clutch for the check-in process. So again I say, TRUST.
Lodging Recommendations
In Paris:
Hotel Emile - it's located in Marais, relatively close to a metro station, and offers free breakfast with direct booking.
Airbnb - we stayed in this studio apartment. It was very quaint and located in a trendier complex in the North part of Paris. Close to laundry, cafes, food, grocery stores, and only a few miles away from big attractions.
In London:
The Pilgrm - it's located in Paddington, relatively close to the tube station, and is very stylish. If I didn't stay in an Airbnb, this was going to be the one.
Airbnb - Huma's Victorian townhome feels so authentically London, it was so dope to stay there for a few days. Definitely recommend.
See All The Must-See Attractions
Capturing moments at the Louvre
Photo Cred: Terrence Porter
It is impossible to see everything a city has to offer, especially in the span of three days. Think about it, there are people who call these cities home and still haven't seen everything it has to offer. On your first day, make a running list of attractions that you feel are the Must-See places and hit them up when the day breaks. See as much as possible, and do as much as possible, especially during your first day in a new place. This will give allow you to see all of the touristy spots, while also allowing the freedom of sticking a pin in some of your favorite sights to potentially go to again before your trip is over.
In London, everything was very centralized and the tube was really easy to navigate, so hitting up Big Ben, London Bridge, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, and Kensington Palace was done pretty effortlessly. On our first day in Paris, we walked to Montmartre, the Arc du Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower. Because we chose walking over public transportation, we saved the Louvre for the next evening and allowed ourselves to indulge a little with the next tip.
Tour The City Like A Local
Taking in the Seine River in Paris
Photo Cred: Terrence Porter
This is the day to get lost, to take your time, and really take in the beauty and the history, the sights and sounds of the city in a less strategical way. While in Europe, I noticed that people had places to go but I also noted how lax a lot of the locals were with spending time in a state of experiencing. In Paris, they'd bring espresso and crepes to talk and gaze at the Seine or drink beer alongside the Thames. I even saw a guy outside of the Gare du Nord train station with an espresso cup that he rested on a newspaper stand as he stood and people watched in the middle of the sidewalk. Or in London, where people took midday breaks at the pub with a draft beer and wrote in their moleskins as the city moved around them.
My point is, everyone seemed to take their time a bit more. So, as we got lost, it was important to me to take breaks and take in the city, take in the life, take in the quiet and just be still. It was a lesson in being present that I really enjoyed.
Sit Back & Relax Your Mind
A glimpse of our beautiful Airbnb
Photo Cred: Terrence Porter
Don't let the go-go-go mentality of travel stop you from relaxing in the moment and showing gratitude for the fact that you are there. Make sure you don't allow guilt to dictate the moves you make or don't make. If you want to relax and recoup from your 16-hour travel day, take your time. Rest up. Enjoy yourself. You've earned it. My travel buddy was an up and at 'em kind of traveler that wanted to be up by 7 am to explore until 11 or noon, and then we'd convene and spend the day and evening together until I was ready to wrap up the night (especially because this ninja had the motto of walking everywhere in Paris). I took my time though. I slept in. I did my morning routine. I read a book and highlighted passages. I updated emails and checked on my site. And when I rose to reemerge into the city for hours on end, I lived.
Europe was absolutely magical. 10/10, I definitely recommend. Click through the gallery below to see some of the things I saw and experienced while over there.
Paris Photo Diary
London Photo Diary
*Originally published on Postcards & 808s
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ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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'Freaknik' Chronicles: A Candid Conversation With Jermaine Dupri And Uncle Luke
As a child, I was captivated by my mom's vivid tales of Freaknik '92 and '93 – the legendary parties, the infectious music, the wild energy that engulfed Atlanta. Yet, beneath her nostalgic recollections lay a deeper curiosity about the true essence of this cultural phenomenon. Now, with Hulu's latest documentary, Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told, executive produced by Jermaine Dupri and Uncle Luke, the veil has been lifted, revealing the untold history and impact of Freaknik. It's a journey that transcends mere nostalgia; it's an exploration of controversy, celebration, and the seismic influence this event had on Atlanta's landscape and beyond.
But amidst the pulsating beats and the bustling streets of Atlanta, a different story simmered beneath the surface. For every note of music and every surge of energy, there were whispers of chaos and commotion, traffic snarled for miles around. The documentary doesn't shy away from these realities; instead, it confronts them head-on, painting a nuanced portrait of Freaknik's impact – the highs, the lows, and the downright chaotic. Through candid interviews and raw footage, Jermaine Dupri and Uncle Luke peel back the layers, revealing a narrative both complex and compelling.
At its core, Freaknik was more than just a party – it was a movement. It became a rite of passage for HBCU students, particularly those from the illustrious AUC schools. For one fleeting week, the streets of Atlanta pulsated with a dynamic rhythm, echoing the vibrant essence of community. It wasn't just about the music or the fashion; it was about reclaiming space, asserting identity, and celebrating the richness of Black culture.
Freaknik was an economic powerhouse, igniting a new flame in Atlanta's economy. From local businesses to up-and-coming artists, everyone felt the ripple effect of Freaknik's presence. It was a testament to the power of community, creativity, and collective celebration. In a recent interview with executive producers Jermaine Dupri and Uncle Luke, they shed further light on the enduring influence of this iconic event and its significance in shaping cultural landscapes.
As an alumna of Clark Atlanta University, the documentary film hit home for me as some of my most cherished memories are from my matriculation at the institution. Jermaine Dupri touched on the importance of HBCUs to Freaknik, highlighting how these historically black colleges and universities served as the beating heart of the event, providing a cultural hub for students to converge, celebrate, and showcase their talents.
It's a sentiment echoed by many who recognize the profound role HBCUs played in shaping the spirit and identity of Freaknik, underscoring the significance of these institutions in fostering a sense of community and belonging for generations of young Black individuals.
“HBCUs are everything about Freaknik. It's the energy. I'm getting more educated on how uneducated the world is about the HBCUs and the energy that's been put out there. I think back to Deion [Sanders] at Jackson State saying that he wanted to take that energy to these HBCUs to give them that attention, Jermaine said. “That's partially part of what we're doing with this Freaknik documentary because the HBCUs have so much energy, and they have put out so many things that become Black culture and Black history. The history books have not been written the way they’re supposed to be, so it's important that we do things like this documentary to help build that energy.”
Uncle Luke further explains how the documentary touched on the legacy as well as the controversy surrounding the event and grassroots origins of Freaknik. It delves into the complexities of Freaknik's evolution, addressing the criticisms and controversies that arose as the event gained popularity. From concerns about public safety and traffic congestion to debates over the handling of sexual assault and misconduct allegations, Freaknik became a lightning rod for societal discourse. However, amidst the uproar, it remained a symbol of resilience and cultural pride for many, underscoring the complexities of navigating identity, community, and expression in a rapidly changing world.
“To me, the most important moment of it all is when you see these young folks come together to create an event for their peers. You don't see that too often these days where a group of African American men and women come together and create something and it went on for a period of time. People don't know about that period of time. The only thing they know about is when Uncle Luke came there, turned the place out, and seeing people on cars all across the highway dancing and partying,” he explained.
“That's what most people in the later years look at and think about with Freaknik. So when people see this story they'll see the rich history and how the Atlanta music scene came about that made JD so great and the artists that he touched like Lil Jon. All the artists that came to Atlanta for Freaknik and did not leave. You don't get that same vibe, feeling, energy, and positivity that you get in Atlanta.”
As we reflect on the vibrant history of Freaknik's legacy, it becomes evident that its impact transcends the boundaries of time and space. What began as a spontaneous gathering in the ‘80s blossomed into a cultural juggernaut, etching itself into the annals of history as a defining moment of the ‘90s. Its influence didn't just fade with the dawn of a new millennium; instead, it solidified its place as a timeless emblem of the Black college spring break experience.
Beyond its immediate cultural impact, Freaknik seeped into the fabric of popular media, becoming a recurring motif in Black movies and TV shows. From iconic films like House Party to beloved sitcoms like Martin, Freaknik became more than just an event – it became a staple Black cultural experience for many. One of my personal favorites remains the episode of Sister, Sister, where Tia and Tamera venture from Detroit to Atlanta for the first time for Freaknik.
As we navigate the ever-changing currents of culture and society, Freaknik stands as a beacon of resilience and celebration, a testament to the power of unity and collective joy. Its echoes continue to resonate through the corridors of time, reminding us of the indelible mark left by those fleeting moments of chaos and bliss on the streets of Atlanta. In the end, Freaknik isn't just a memory – it's a living testament to the spirit of community, creativity, and unyielding passion that defines us all.
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Feature image by Paras Griffin/Getty Images