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]]>We all know one of the best activities in Paris is shopping. Paris is known for the best flea markets and vintage shops, where you can find anything from luxury goods to vintage knick-knacks. We took it upon ourselves to do some research and give you a list of places to shop that won’t break the bank and will leave you with a ton of good finds.
Let’s be honest—one of the must-do activities in Paris is shopping. Known for its chic boutiques, sprawling flea markets, and vintage shops, Paris is a treasure trove for fashionistas and bargain hunters alike. Whether you’re on the hunt for a vintage Chanel bag, quirky knick-knacks, or an entirely new wardrobe, the city has something for everyone.
We’ve done some research to bring you a curated list of the best places to shop without breaking the bank. Get ready to uncover some amazing gems and unique finds!
Here’s our curated list of flea markets and thrift stores we recommend checking out:
Bobby Paris – 89 Rue Réaumur, 75002 Paris
High-end consignment boutique. If you are looking to shop for a vintage Chanel Bag or a pair of YSL sunglasses – this is your place. While the prices may lean higher than other thrift spots, the quality and exclusivity make it worth the splurge.
Emmaüs – 54 Rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris
Same concept as the Salvation Army, this thrift store is filled with clothes, jewelry, furniture, and other treasures for you to find. They operate on donations, so you have a good chance to score some good local fashion finds.
Guerrisol – Multiple Locations
Perfect thrift store for budget-friendly shoppers. New pieces of clothing arrive every day, but be prepared to dig through racks and racks full of items to find hidden gems.
Kilo Shop – Multiple Locations
A vintage lover’s dream! This is a very well-known Paris chain, and they sell all their clothes by weight. It is a great thrift store if you are looking to bring a second suitcase full of clothes, shoes, and jewelry back home with you. Very affordable and its motto is to give beautiful items a second chance and reduce waste.
FREE’P’STAR – 93 rue de la verrerie, Paris, France 75004
https://www.instagram.com/freepstar_officiel/?hl=en
Shopaholics, rejoice! FREE’P’STAR is where you can find bins full of items for as little as €1 each. Yes, you read that right—€1! While it takes some serious digging to uncover those hidden treasures, the payoff is worth it. Dedicate a few hours here to find statement pieces you won’t see anywhere else.
This is the list of the 5 best vintage and thrift stores for any budget and preference. One last thing: happy shopping and we want to see all the unique find hauls!
Pro Tip: Make it an adventure! Grab a croissant, hit up a few of these stores, and take some time to explore the surrounding neighborhoods. You never know what other Parisian delights you’ll stumble upon.
Happy Shopping & Bonne Chance!
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]]>London Travel Hacks You NEED to Know!
London isn’t just any city—it’s a vibrant, popular destination that nearly 30 million people visit each year! With stunning sights, incredible dining, and endless activities, it’s a dream for explorers. But if you’re craving something beyond the typical tourist spots, we’ve got insider tips to take your London experience to the next level!
1. Sail the Thames Like a Local!
Skip the crowded Tube and hop on the river ferry for a refreshing, scenic journey across the city. With stunning views and a more relaxed vibe, it’s the perfect way to see London from a whole new angle.
2. Secret Rooftop Views: Picturehouse Central
For an incredible panorama of the city, check out the hidden rooftop terrace at Picturehouse Central. This gem isn’t marked and offers one of the best views in London—worth seeking out!
15 Great Windmill Street, Shaftesbury Ave, Piccadilly Circus, London W1D 7DH, UK
3. Free Water Refills with the Refill App
London exploration requires hydration! Download the Refill app to locate free water refill stations around the city. Cheers to staying refreshed and sustainable!
4. Snap the Best Big Ben Picture at St Thomas’ Hospital Garden
Want a unique shot of Big Ben? Head to St Thomas’ Hospital garden for a picture-perfect view, framed by beautiful palms and roses.
Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7EH, UK
5. Free Personal Shopping at TopShop Oxford Street
Intimidated by London’s high fashion scene? Don’t be! TopShop on Oxford Street offers a free, no-pressure personalized shopping experience, where you can try out new styles with expert guidance (no spending necessary).
Circus, 214 Oxford Street Oxford, London W1W 8LG, UK
6. Discover London’s Painted Hall
One of London’s best-kept secrets, the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College is a sight to behold with over 40,000 square feet of wall and ceiling murals. The grand arched windows add to its mesmerizing beauty.
London SE10 9NN, UK
7. Free Museums Galore!
London has its share of high-priced activities, but its world-famous museums are mostly free! Don’t miss out on iconic spots like the British Museum, Natural History Museum, National Portrait Gallery, Science Museum, and the Victoria & Albert Museum.
8. Dining Deals with the Taste Card
Get the Taste Card and unlock discounts at thousands of London restaurants! Enjoy 50% off or two-for-one specials—a must for any food lover on a budget.
These London travel hacks will make your trip unforgettable and affordable. Embrace the rhythm of the city and let these hidden gems transform your adventure!
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]]>Europe is a diverse continent with a rich cultural heritage. As such, the clothing styles vary greatly from country to country and region to region.
However, there are some commonalities when it comes to seasonal fashion across Europe. Here are some popular summer fashion trends across the continent:
Light fabrics and breezy styles
As temperatures rise across Europe, people opt for lighter fabrics and breezy styles to stay cool. Linen, cotton, and rayon are popular choices for clothing as they are breathable and lightweight. Flowy maxi dresses, skirts, and loose-fitting pants are all popular choices for women, while men often opt for shorts and lightweight shirts.
Bright colors and bold patterns
Summer is a time for bright colors and bold patterns. In Europe, it’s common to see people wearing floral prints, stripes, and polka dots during the warmer months. Vibrant hues like red, yellow, and orange are also popular choices.
Sandals and sneakers
Footwear is an important consideration during the summer months. Many Europeans opt for sandals or sneakers as they are comfortable and breathable. Flip-flops are also popular beachwear, but they are generally not worn outside of beach areas.
Hats and sunglasses
Sun protection is essential during the summer, and Europe is no exception. Hats and sunglasses are a common sight on the streets of Europe during the summer months. Wide-brimmed hats are popular for women, while baseball caps are often worn by men.
Swimwear
Europeans love to swim, and as such, swimwear is a popular fashion choice during the summer months. Bikinis and one-piece swimsuits are both popular choices for women, while men often opt for swim trunks or board shorts.
From light fabrics and breezy styles to bright colors, summer fashion in Europe is all about staying cool, comfortable, and stylish.
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]]>Summer is a wonderful time to visit Europe, as many countries have a range of unique holidays and traditions that make for a memorable trip.
From sunny beach holidays to cultural city breaks, Europe has something for everyone during the summer months.
Bastille Day
One of the most famous European holidays celebrated during the summer is Bastille Day, which takes place on July 14th in France. This national holiday marks the beginning of the French Revolution and is celebrated with parades, fireworks, and traditional French food and wine. Many people gather around the Eiffel Tower to watch the stunning fireworks display, making it a great time to visit Paris.
Guitar Festival in Cordoba
In early July, Cordoba hosts a renowned guitar festival, earning the city the nickname “guitar city.” The festival features top-quality performers and attracts guitar enthusiasts from around the world.
Venice Film Festival
The Venice Film Festival is held annually at the end of August or early September, where filmmakers, actors, and critics gather in the stunning Italian city to celebrate the art of cinema. This event is a great opportunity to see some of the world’s best films and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Venice.
Oktoberfest
In Germany, Oktoberfest is one of the most famous festivals, taking place in Munich from late September to early October. This event celebrates beer, traditional German food, and music, with millions of visitors coming from around the world to enjoy the festivities.
Midsummer’s Eve
Another summer holiday that is unique to Europe is the Midsummer’s Eve celebration in Sweden, where people celebrate the longest day of the year with bonfires, dancing, and traditional food. This event is a great way to experience the local culture and traditions of Sweden.
No matter where you travel in Europe during the summer, you are sure to find a range of unique holidays and festivals that offer a glimpse into the local culture and traditions.
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]]>Travel to London and Paris on a Student’s Budget
Some might ask how I was able to afford this amazing opportunity. I am a full-time master’s student and have a full-time job. It can be difficult at times, as days can grow long, and it feels that there is little time to enjoy life outside of work and school. However, I was able to finance my program by working. I am very lucky, as I love my job! I love what I do, however, it’s a privilege to be able to take time off and travel throughout Europe. After saving for a few months, this program felt like a dream come true. I was able to escape my reality for a few weeks to relax in London and Paris!
Since this program was announced well ahead of time, I was able to save up to attend. We all must make sacrifices and choices, for what we want in life. For example, while I was saving for this trip, I made more food at home and spent a little less going out. It might be tough to think about, but all those Starbucks trips add up! I was also awarded the Founders Scholarship, which gave me an extra $500 towards the program. Not only did this money go towards the program cost but allowed me to add a day of independent travel! I am truly grateful for this scholarship and the opportunities it has provided for me.
My investment was worth the experience. Not only was I able to travel to London and Paris, but I was able to apply these credits for my master’s program. I am near the end of my program, with just one last class left! I felt like this was a way to celebrate my accomplishments in this program and put my knowledge to the test in a different country. In the master’s program, we learn about different businesses and how they operate abroad. However, it’s one thing to read about it, and it’s entirely different to be able to experience it. With this trip, I was able to apply my knowledge and skill set developed over the years. Personally, if I end up getting a second master’s degree in my lifetime, I will do this all over again! It feels bittersweet to finish my degree, yet I am SO happy I was able to do so by visiting Europe. The International Business Seminars program allowed me to travel all around London and Paris to see new sights. These memories will last a lifetime to come.
I can say that I was a little hesitant to enroll in the IBS program, as I don’t know very many people from my school. I enrolled in the majority of my courses online. As I mentioned, I work full time and online courses fit my schedule better. I’ll just say it – I was very nervous to be around a new group of people, whom I have never met. With this said, it was likely that I was going to be traveling alone for most of my trip. However, after a few long phone calls with International Business Seminars, my nerves were eased. The team mentioned that I would have tons of opportunities to network, make new friends, and connect with other members on the program.
With all this said, the timing needs to be right for you to take this step to travel and learn. Right before attending this trip, my father passed away. Grief can be a very difficult thing to deal with, yet when I mentioned this to an IBS leader, they immediately sent me a plant. This brought me comfort and ease headed into this trip. It showed that IBS truly cares about the students who are attending. This plant now sits in my kitchen window. It’s a constant reminder of just how good and caring people can be, especially the people who work at IBS.
The IBS program is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Not only does it provide the opportunity to connect with others, but it allows for individual growth. I was able to experience London individually and do the things that excited me. Usually, I am uncomfortable being alone, but this trip allowed me to get to know myself better. Not only did this provide professional growth, but personal growth as well. This program is well worth the investment. After the program, I felt immensely grateful for my ability to attend. It’s a blessing to be able to travel.
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]]>Lloyd’s of London – From a 17th-century coffee shop to the world’s premier insurance marketplace
Before the seminar, I had no idea what Lloyd’s of London was, let alone that it is one of the most famous buildings in the world. I quickly learned it was unique for a variety of reasons. Firstly, the term Lloyd’s refers to just the building, hence the expression commonly used by those in the insurance industry is “insure at Lloyd’s”, not buy insurance from Lloyd’s. It is a marketplace for underwriters or the insurance companies, and brokers, agents who try to get the best deal for their clients, to meet and make deals. The Lloyd’s staff of 900 only serves to ensure compliance with regulations and that everything within the building continues to work smoothly.
In the Heart on London
The ducts and staircases of Lloyd’s can be seen from the outside
Lloyd’s as we know it today is a far cry from where it started in the 1600s as Lloyds Coffee Shop. In the beginning, sea captains would come by the shop while docked on the Thames River in London and share stories of sinking ships and how the captains were liable when gold, supplies and other valuable resources were lost. Bankers and insurance underwriters would overhear these conversations. Soon they saw an opportunity in providing insurance for these ships, running this business out of the coffee shop. William Lloyd, owner of the coffee shop, began charging rent for the booths the businessmen used, which is what they are still called today.
A rich history in London
The Lutine Bell in the middle of Lloyd’s
However, the seafaring heritage is honored by the staff of Lloyd’s, still called waiters from the coffee shop days, who maintain a Loss Book of daily sinking ships around the world. The entries from today’s date 100 years ago is showcased in a glass case. It is amazing to compare to today’s book, where there are far fewer sunken ships.
In addition, the Lutine Bell, recovered from the HMS Lutine in 1858, now hangs in the center of Lloyd’s building. It was traditionally rung when news of an overdue ship arrived, once if it sunk and twice if it returned. Now the bell is only rung for ceremonial purposes such as the death of a member of the Royal Family or global disasters such as 9/11, the London bombings, and at the start and end of the two minutes silence on Armistice Day.
To the future
Our presenter shows us recent entries in the Loss Book
The opportunity to visit Lloyd’s of London was a once in a lifetime experience that opened my eyes to the world of the insurance marketplace. The blend of past and future is reflective of the British culture that cherishes tradition but also fosters innovation – after all, who knows what unique person or item might be insured at Lloyd’s next.
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]]>This post will be dedicated to emphasizing that although IBS is a formal business trip, the amount of time to explore each city and do whatever you please is completely available. With 9 company visits over a span of 16 days in Europe, there was a very sufficient amount of time to get a remarkable “abroad experience”. In the Winter One Europe program, we had a total of about 6 days in London, 4 days in Paris, 3 days in Heidelberg, and 3 days in The Hague/Amsterdam. In every city, we got a free day to explore and roam as we wish. For someone like me, this was so awesome because I love to travel and experience different cultures.
Exploring London
In London, for the most part, all of our company visits were in the morning except for one day where we had two visits. With that being said, we were pretty much done with our day around the early afternoon each day. Having over 30 other students traveling with you makes for such a great time because there are always options for what to do. One day you might go with one group to check out some particular tourist spot and the next day you go with a different group to go find some delicious local food. The options are never-ending.
In fact, on New Years Day we had the entire day to ourselves. I decided to wake up early and go site seeing on my own. I grabbed my tube ticket and took off, just me and the city of London. This was one of the most impactful parts of my experience because it was so neat to explore and just be apart of the environment without having to worry about anything but yourself. Especially in a city like London. I went and did a tour of the Westminster Abbey and checked out Winston Churchill’s war rooms across the street. The experience is truly yours to make the best out of it.
Exploring Paris
In Paris, we probably had the most amount of free time out of all the other stops. This is where the sense of independence and exploration really took off for me. Getting a city tour on our coach bus the first morning we were there was great. We got to see the main attractions right away and as a group. Some friends and I then took it upon ourselves to explore the rest of the city once we arrived at the Eiffel Tower. We road bird/lime scooters all over Paris. This is another top memory of mine.
The scooters are so widely available in Paris and do not cost that much to use. Me and my friend who I met on the trip, Cole, took an entire afternoon riding around on scooters. We went around trying different foods, going to different museums, and shopping at different stores. This was by far one of my favorite days on the trip. The sense of freedom to do whatever you want while not busy with the course requirements is remarkable and so abundantly provided by IBS.
Exploring Heidelberg
Heidelberg was our next destination. Although we were probably most busy in terms of company visits while staying in Heidelberg, we definitely got our time to navigate through the town and immerse ourselves in the culture. From visiting the castle in Heidelberg which was constructed in the 11th century to dining in a German brewhouse full of locals I was extremely satisfied with the abroad experience I got in Germany. Even though we got the least amount of time to roam, the company visits that took that time up, were 100 percent worth it.
Exploring the Netherlands
Our last stop in the Netherlands was another destination where we got plenty of time to check everything out. Although we stayed in The Hague which is about an hour away from Amsterdam, the public transit system in the Netherlands is phenomenal. So getting on a train to get to Amsterdam was just part of the fun. A few amazing things I got to do in Amsterdam included: see the Anne Frank house up close, ride a bike through the beautiful streets of Amsterdam (arguably my favorite part of being there), and all the unique people I was able to talk to from all over the world. I even communicated with multiple people in Spanish.
The time your given to do as you please is greatly provided and the options of what to do are unlimited. The amount of experiences one gets to encounter while on an IBS trip is priceless and the learning is never-ending. The itinerary was so perfect in all aspects. The balance of company meetings and course requirements meets perfectly with the amount of free time given. IBS truly makes an itinerary that satisfies both the business learning opportunities and culture diving.
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Doing all the planning for a study abroad program can be very stressful. My mind was flooded with all the details. What do I pack? Am I forgetting something? Where is my hotel? How do I fly by myself? All of these thoughts will run through your head during the weeks leading up to your trip. However, IBS plans everything for you! From plane tickets to your hotel accommodations to transportation to and from the airport, IBS does it all. IBS was incredibly helpful at easing any anxieties I had about traveling by myself.
Not your typical study abroad
When I thought of a study abroad program, I thought of an intense 7-week summer program. Where you were expected to be in a classroom 5 days a week with lectures and exams. With IBS study abroad programs the complete opposite is true. My IBS program was structured but not at the same time. IBS schedules out everything while allowing PLENTY of free time. The study abroad program I went on was Winter Two Europe.
I was traveling to London and Paris in 11 days. The schedule was planned in a way that gave us the most amount of free time. The site visits or ‘class time’ were in the mornings, usually from 9 a.m. to noon allowing the rest of the days to be yours to explore the city, go to a museum or try some new food. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of the free time. The trip is for you so go make it your own!
my experience abroad
The site visits are not lectures in a classroom. You can only learn so much from sitting in a lecture. By studying abroad with IBS I learned from top-level executives at prestigious companies. The executives shared real-life experiences of what happens at an international company. I had the opportunity to see in real-time how an insurance market operates internationally. IBS allows you to network and make connections with professionals from around the world. What more could you ask for from a study abroad program? I’m glad IBS does it all for their students!
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]]>Spending 23 days in Europe there are many helpful apps you can use for navigating, translating, and keeping in contact with people on your trip.
IBSABROAD
The IBS app was very useful to me on my trip. I used it every day to stay on top of the itinerary and to know what we were doing next. Program leaders also upload their pictures to this app.
Download: IBSABROAD for android
Download: IBSABROAD for iOS
We used WhatsApp every day to stay in contact with everyone and to find out what others were doing on our free days/nights. Your program leaders are also in the group chats and will remind you about when you will depart for business seminars. This app is a must to get for your trip.
Google Translate
Google Translate was very helpful. There is a feature on this app where you can take a picture and it will translate it for you. I would use this when eating out, and needed help reading menus, or if you are having trouble communicating with Europeans.
Venmo
Venmo was used very often in my group. When eating out in Europe, it is not the norm to get separate checks like it is in the United States, especially if you have a larger group. It was much easier for one person to put it on a card and then everyone else Venmo them.
Google Drive
On your trip, you will take a lot of pictures and videos and I recommend making a Google Drive folder, so you and your friends can upload your pictures to it.
Bird
This app is for the electric scooters, and we used them in Paris and London. It was so much fun riding around on these and super convenient. Keep in mind, riding for about 35 minutes is about 10 euros.
Read More:
Useful Apps to Download Before You Study Abroad
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]]>Tips on how to save money by living like a local
Traveling can be very expensive especially when you stray far from your normal routine. Traveling sparks indulgent tendencies that provide heightened experiences, which can make a trip more memorable. Since overspending on vacations is somewhat expected and easy to do, it is very important to know your spending limit, so the trip doesn’t leave you with a sense of “buyers’ remorse”. This blog will hopefully establish ways to save money and have a memorable trip.
Knowing the country
It is important to know certain aspects of the country; as far as, local living costs, product consumption cost, and average income. These will provide you with a basic idea of how the country you are traveling to compares to your own. Doing this basic research will help you strategically budget. It is also important to budget for all the places you are traveling to since there will be different costs. In most European countries it is fairly unison since there are many destinations within the Eurozone. During my travels with IBS, the Euro was relatively 1 to 1 so I wasn’t spending much on exchanging money. I was also able to use my debit card in most places except for smaller restaurants (they prefer cash). My debit card company has an international travel rate that is very low, so I was not spending extra for fees. I would suggest checking with your card companies on their international policies and always notify them before you travel to every country you are planning to visit.
Currency
When traveling to different countries it is important to know what currency is used and the exchange rates you will be dealing with. Since currency rates a basically always changing it is wise to start looking at them a couple of weeks before you depart so you can determine how rates are fluctuating. Also, if you have a direct flight to a destination, I suggest carrying enough cash for a taxi or train ticket in case you do not have electronic funds immediately available.
When I departed for Germany my flight arrived later than the other students due to my booking. I was therefore responsible for arranging my own transportation to the hotel so prior to arriving, I looked up the cost of a train ticket from the airport to the hotel so I knew how much cash I would need. I exchanged twenty Euros worth of cash before arriving in Germany and successfully bought my ticket and arrived at the hotel.
Food expenses
Some of my favorite ways to experience a new place is through the cuisine, especially international cuisine. While the most convenient way to discover new foods is going out to restaurants, it is not very cost-effective. And this is where most people end up spending the bulk of their money. I found the best way to get good food that won’t use up your budget is to take examples from locals. In Europe, there are many fresh markets that are favored by the locals and are popular for premade lunches and snacks that are very high quality and showcase the local cuisine. I frequented these places often and realized I was able to get the same meals for half the cost than at a restaurant. This is probably one of the best ways to save money on food expenses.
Alcohol
Similarly, alcohol is usually pricier at restaurants than at a market so buying alcohol at these establishments will also allow you to save money. Many students who travel abroad have an interest in the drinking culture especially when in a group, so limiting the amount of alcohol you buy at a bar or restaurant and instead, buying it at the market is a smart way to save.
Where to go
How much you spend also depends on the places you go, a basic rule of thumb is what touristy places will offer have an upcharge and be of less quality. Also, the experience you get at tourist populated spots often doesn’t reflect the true culture and the service might not be as good so overall you will get less value for the money spent. It is my recommendation to go to the touristy areas with no intention of spending money unless it’s on souvenirs, activities, or to site see. After you go to these areas I would suggest heading away from the masses of people and find small side streets for shopping, dining or drinking as these places will show a deeper culture and be less expensive.
All these tips have proven to help me save money every time I’ve been abroad and have allowed me to see the culture from a local’s perspective.
Hopefully, this information will help you have a great experience abroad!
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