Visiting Paris: A Lesson in Travelling Light
As a frequent traveler, I have learned many valuable lessons on the road. But my recent trip to Paris taught me a lesson that I will never forget – the value of travelling light. From reliable public transport and well-made coffee to stunning European architecture, Paris offered me a memorable experience. In return, I gifted Paris with a pair of ankle boots, a book, and an unread copy of Cosmopolitan magazine. But let’s be honest, I have never been great at gift-giving. In fact, I have a bad habit of leaving behind important items while travelling. But I am not alone. According to experts, 80% of people lose, forget or have something stolen while on holiday. However, there is a simple and slightly strange technique that a flight attendant shared with me, which has helped me never lose anything important again while travelling.
In a TikTok video, a British Airways flight attendant, Zoe Howells, revealed her secret to never losing important items abroad. With a friendly smile, she shared her unique technique, which has helped her and her colleagues never forget anything in the hotel safe. And honestly, she’s onto something.
Zoe starts her video by saying, “When I have my passport or anything valuable, I always put them in the safe and what I always do is, I always put one of my crew shoes in the safe because I would never forget anything I’ve put in there.” As simple as it sounds, this method has been a game-changer for many travelers, including myself.
In the comments section, many people agreed with Zoe, with one person adding, “I always put my belt and tie in the safe! Hopefully, I’ll never forget anything.” Another person shared, “Great tip! I always put my watch in the safe, but this is much better.” Zoe’s video has gone viral, and it’s not hard to see why. The idea of using a shoe as a reminder may seem odd at first, but it’s actually quite practical. After all, you’ll never leave your room with only one shoe on.
But why is this tip particularly helpful for travelers? As Zoe explains, even as a cabin crew member, she has also lost things abroad. And it was a fellow colleague who shared this handy tip with her. She adds, “You’ll never forget just one shoe!” And I couldn’t agree more.
As someone who has lost multiple items while travelling – from scarves in New York to a strappy top in Berlin – I can attest to the frustration and stress it brings. Not only does it inconvenience your trip, but it also adds extra expenses and hassle. But with Zoe’s tip, I have been able to avoid such situations altogether. And I’m sure many others who have tried this method would agree.
But this isn’t the only lesson I learned in Paris. The city itself taught me the importance of travelling light. With its reliable public transport system, I was able to explore the city effortlessly. From the iconic metro to the charming trams, getting around Paris was a breeze. And as someone who has experienced the chaos of public transport in other cities, I was grateful for Paris’s efficient and well-connected network.
Another thing that stood out to me was the quality of coffee in Paris. As a coffee lover, I was in heaven. Whether it was a traditional espresso or a creamy cappuccino, every cup was a delight. And it wasn’t just the taste, but also the presentation. From the cozy cafes to the elegant restaurants, each cup was a work of art. It made me realize the importance of slowing down and enjoying the small things in life, like a well-made cup of coffee.
And of course, we can’t talk about Paris without mentioning its stunning architecture. Everywhere I turned, there was a beautiful building or monument. From the famous Eiffel Tower to the grand Notre-Dame, the city was a feast for the eyes. And it’s not just the famous landmarks, but also the intricate details of the buildings, the charming streets, and the quaint neighborhoods that add to the city’s charm. It made me appreciate the beauty of European architecture and the rich history behind it.
But what about the gifts I gave to Paris? Well, let’s just say they were a small token of my appreciation for the city. I may not be the best at gift-giving, but I do
