© James Kenvin
James Kenvin checks in weekly from his study abroad semester in London; catch up with him every Wednesday on Trazee Travel.
With a couple free weekends before my internship begins, it was a good opportunity to start exploring the sights of Europe. Paris is the one travel destination I’ve dreamed of visiting since I started studying French in high school. My friend Taylor and I quickly booked our Paris travel arrangements and a hostel.
When we arrived in Paris, the beauty of the romantic city took me aback. After grabbing a quick cup of coffee at a small café, we decided to walk towards the Arc de Triomphe. I’ve come to realize walking to your destination, instead of taking public transportation, is the best way to tour a city. We got to see every street and building along the way — mesmerized by the architectural art pieces right there in front of us.
This feeling of shock and awe was intensified when we got to the Arc de Triomphe, and then even more so when we arrived at the Eiffel Tower. Seeing these places I have spent so many years learning about was extremely surreal. We decided to sit down on the lawn next to the Eiffel Tower and have lunch while we planned out the next half of our trip.
The next morning, we went to see the catacombs — another spot I’ve always wanted to experience in person. After waiting in line for two hours, we were finally admitted into the attraction. We walked down this small spiral staircase for what seemed longer than the wait in line, but it was all worth it when we finally got down there. Even though I had known the catacombs were the largest necropolis in the world, I was still shocked to see how many tunnels we were lead through that were filled almost to the top with human remains. It was an amazing sight to see firsthand, and a definite “must” when visiting Paris.
Since we were leaving that night, we only had a short amount of time to see Notre Dame and the Louvre, so after those two quick stops we rushed back to the station to catch our bus home. I definitely do not recommend taking a bus from Paris to London — especially after taking the Eurostar there. But it is cheaper, and when you’re a 20-year-old college student, you don’t have much of a choice.
As Taylor and I endured the 10-hour bus ride back to London, we talked about all of the amazing sights we had just seen. Paris is truly one of the most beautiful and inspirational cities in the world. It is definitely a spot I plan on returning in the near future.
Read This Next
Week Two
Study Abroad
Sep 17, 2014#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Oct 22, 2026Stay in This Restored 1920s School Campus
In Fayetteville, West Virginia, you can now stay in what was once the town’s high school and middle school, thanks to the opening of Hill Hall Hotel. The 40-guestroom boutique property stretches out over the 1923 high school and Mid-Century middle school buildings, retaining some of the original architecture and layout, while updating amenities to meet modern travelers’ needs.
Sponsored Content
A New Rhythm of Work in Seoul
SEOUL REDEFINES THE FUTURE OF WORKATION by seamlessly integrating business, leisure and culture across the city. From the established MICE hub of Magok to the creative energy and scenic lifestyle along the Han River, it offers a dynamic ecosystem where productivity and relaxation naturally coexist — positioning Seoul as a global destination for a new way of working and living.
6 Skincare Mistakes to Avoid Before and After a Flight This Winter
An airplane’s cabin is already dry, but add in the winter climate and your skin practically begs for help. This season, keep skin healthy and moisturized by avoiding these six common mistakes when traveling:
Destinations / Europe
Oct 21, 2026Ease Into Autumn with Anantara’s European Wellness Retreats
Anantara Hotels & Resorts welcomes travelers to an autumnal escape with a collection of wellness experiences across its European properties. From hot mindful yoga and meditation to signature treatments like a Monoi Oil Body Wrap, these immersive retreats let guests unwind and rejuvenate as the seasons fade into one another.
Sponsored Content
Taiwan: Whatever Your Pleasure
Taiwan’s wealth of offerings ensures travelers find destinations, activities and amenities to suit all interests.
Surveys
Oct 21, 2026Business Travel Bigger Than Ever, According to New Hotels.com Study
While just a few years ago, the travel industry may’ve been worried about business travel returning to its pre-pandemic numbers, according to a new Hotels.com study, that worry is no more. Business travel is back — and even more, it’s busier than ever for some travelers.
ShareThis