Up the Seine Without a Paddle: Pros and Cons of Houseboating in Paris

by Martha Edwards on

Last year, weary from hostels and trains, I met my mother in Paris. Though we’re not ideal travel partners, she was footing the bill so I couldn’t refuse a stay aboard a houseboat on the Seine River that she had rented. It was impeccable–the summer home of a wealthy businessman and his gorgeous girlfriend–and though boats can be cramped and uncomfortable, this one was amazingly luxurious.

Here’s what’s great about staying on the Seine: Though the boat was permanently moored, the location couldn’t have been better — we were right across from the Tuillerie Gardens. The boat itself was amazing. And we didn’t have to spend too much money on restaurants, since we had our own kitchen. Plus? The look on peoples faces on the tour boats as they motored by us–enjoying wine and good food on the top deck–was pretty priceless.

Here’s what’s not so great about staying on the Seine: Said tour boats cruise the river all freaking night, using flood lights to illuminate the city and loudspeakers to explain what attractions are passing by. And the smell on the river was … um … ripe at times. The were also a group of people who actually lived under the stairwell near the boat, not to mention people fishing in the river constantly (and, if you’ve seen the Seine, you’ll know it is not a fishing river.) We feared the fishers were actually nearby restaurant owners, hence another reason to enjoy having a kitchen.

All in all, it’s a nice stay if you can get it. Though at 2000 EUR for a week, I’d be hostelling it if it wasn’t for mum.

Fisher’s Travel SOS: Emergency Guides for Travelers

by Willy Volk on

Fisher’s Travel SOS is a unique guide for leisure and business travelers. Rather than point out what sights to see, however, Fisher’s tells you how to avoid some of the dangers that might befall the unwary visitor. Detailing what to do when faced with an emergency, each guide provides critical contact information for dozens of locations around the world, as well as information concerning:

  • Ambulance
  • Police (local & national)
  • Fire services
  • Embassy
  • Consular services
  • Hospitals
  • Pharmacies
  • Lawyers

Available as a printed booklet delivered through the mail ($16) or as a self-print guide ($12), Fisher’s guides would appear to be a must-have if you’re traveling into any of the world’s most dangerous destinations. However, the most dangerous destinations in their library appears to be Johannesburg. That said, it’s worth pointing out that you can run into medical or legal trouble in any country at any time — even the “safest” countries in the world. Then, of course, it doesn’t really matter if you’re in Somalia or Prague.