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Try and avoid visiting in the one week in four when the European Parliament is sitting - it means there are hardly any hotel rooms available!
Visit the astronomical clock at the right hand side of the Cathedral at 12.30pm when there is a show of automata.
The 12 apostles parade in front of Christ at the top level of the clock and a cock spreads its wings and crows.
Cherubs turn an hour glass and hit a gong and there are automata that represent the four ages of man.
Hotels in Strasbourg can be expensive and in short supply when the EU Parliament is sitting.
Try booking a hotel in just over the border in Germany. Make contact with your EU Member of Parliament and arrange a free private tour around the parliament.
Get to know them before you travel and who knows you might get them to take you to lunch or dinner.
When staying in Strasbourg over a weekend or public holiday, a great way to explore the region by train is by purchasing a "Pass Evasion" rover ticket at the railway station.
This allows unlimited travel throughout Alsace as well as Basle in Switzerland and parts of Lorraine.
It is available at the bargain price of 13.50 Euros per day and for parties of 2-5 travelling together it is exceptional value at 26.60 Euros for the whole group.
Don't take the taxi into town when you land in Amsterdam.
It's expensive (around £35-40) and unnecessary. the train will take you into the centre in 15-20 minutes for 3.60euros.
No trip to Paris is complete without some celluloid experience. Studio 28 (10 Rue de Tholoze) is undoubtedly one of the best places to watch film in Paris.
Opened in the twenties, its history is closely entwined with the avant garde. It has been upgraded, but keeps its original atmosphere thanks to the impressive light fittings by Cocteau.
The charming garden bar is well worth a visit on it own. If your French isn’t up to it, look out for VO (version originale) which means the film will be shown in its original language with French subtitles.
When travelling with small children you are entitled to a free porter service at both eurostar stations.
Just ask. This service normally costs £10. I didn't know until someone pointed it out to me as I had so much luggage I had to ask for help.
If you want to enjoy the life and history of the Latin Quarter, but want to stay somewhere quiet and comfortable, the Hotel Parc Saint Severin (22 rue de la Parcheminerie in the 5th arrondissment: tel. + 33 (0) 1 77 15 95 08 ) is perfect.
It's also only five minutes walk from Notre Dame. Good buffet breakfast (12 Euros) and friendly staff.
Rates 150 to 165 Euros for a standard twin/double room, reasonable for ther centre of Paris.
Au Dernier Metro (70 bd de Grenelle) is a very chaotic and working class cafe.
Inside is the most delicious, and keenly priced, homemade Basque inspired menu (try the robust Saucisse Basque or the delightful Confit de Canard) that is complimented with some inconspicuous yet beautiful wines and very flavoursome draught beers.
Arm yourself with some basic French and get caught up in the friendly and down-to-earth Parisian atmosphere. As long as you can make yourself heard over the football playing on the TV behind the bar!
Just got back from a few days on Vis Island, it's very beautiful but I found the locals quite unfriendly and, at times, hostile towards tourists.
No idea why this is, as I spent time in both Split and Hvar and didn't encounter the same attitudes.
In particular- avoid Bar Lembik by the harbour in Kut, the waiter there told me they had sold out of local beer and served me a Heineken instead -more expensive than local beer. Moments later he brought out local beers for his friends, when I questioned him about this he replied 'domestic beers are for domestic customers only'!
Also the staff at Ionios Travel agency were rude and unhelpful when I took the bike back that I'd hired for a day - after the brakes failed! After much argument they reluctantly agreed to give me 1/2 the money back.
The staff at Navigator travel agency were very helpful though and helped to arrange accommodation and boat trips.
We've just come back from a very sunny holiday in Estepona. Had a difficult time on the beach with our eight month old son, as he was very hot and starting to burn where the suncream rubbed off.
We found a great Spanish-in-English site selling these baby-sized pop-up tent shade things. Great for his nap too. They sent it to us the next day and didn't charge shipping. Was only about 25 euros too.
The Paris Pass is the ultimate addition to your Paris sightseeing trip.
It offers tourists in Paris free entry to over 60 of the major tourist attractions, lots of special offers and discounts and unlimited use of Paris public transport within zones 1-3, all for one price.
Although Paris is not the most toddler-friendly city, there are a few tricks that make life a lot easier when travelling with a young child.
One tip is if you're travelling to Paris via Eurostar - if you have a small child you can jump the taxi queue at Gard du Nord. People with infants can go straight to the front of the line.
Never forget to pack a Squash ball when traveling to France ... It makes a great plug for a sink/bath.
When time is short don't join the long queues at the front of the Louvre,by the Pyramid, and loose precious minutes, even hours.
It is easier to enter by the side door towards the rear.You can then walk round more quickly to see all the prime exhibits and be out in about an hour. Perfect for a day trip!
One drink in every bar on the discrete and trendy Rue de Lappe, Bastille and take in 265 meters of world bar and pub culture, from Chez Paul up to Café Iguana.
But mind out for the endless amounts of dog poo left by little lap dogs.
Take a stroll through the Ile Saint Louis.
No matter what time of day you visit, it is always a quiet oasis, especially compared with the busy Ile de la Cite (where Notre Dame can be found).
There are some beautiful little shops, selling everything from beautiful clothes to handmade children's toys, and some lovely little cafes. Its almost village-like in its ambience and you won't find the usual tourist trappings that you find in a lot of areas of the city.
The lights on the Eiffel tower are only switched on for about 10 minutes every hour to save power.
Time it right if you want that memorable photograph of this icon sparkling in the Parisian night.
Why fiddle with your euros in a kilometre-long ticket queue? Buy your Paris Metro tickets this side of the channel at St Pancras.
The 'Heart of Paris' tour is a great way to see some of the sights including the Louvre and Notre-Dame.
The guided tour is a relaxed pace with regular stops and info in French & English(34€ for 3 hour tour).
The hardest part is making a patisserie choice.
Visit www.parisvelosympa.com
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