When you think about "secrets" at the Louvre, you probably imagine some dark and mysterious tales, straight from the Da Vinci Code.  But the secrets I'm about to share are lot more family friendly - and admittedly less dramatic - than anything Dan Brown created!

The Louvre is one of my favourite places and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it's the most famous, the most spectacular art gallery in the world. But it's so much more than that! It's also a museum, a piece of royal history, and a medieval fortress. At times, it's been the most crowded place I've ever experienced and I've also been completely alone for several rooms at a time.  

If your trip to Paris includes a visit to the Louvre - and it absolutely should - here are some insider secrets to help you get the most out of your visit. 

Have you ever been so happy to see a place that you nearly cried? In truth, it wouldn't have mattered what Mother Land Inn 2 looked like, or how friendly the staff were, or how comfortable the rooms were. We rolled into Yangon after the worst travel experience of our lives, 20 hours of pure misery on the overnight train from Bagan. It was a bone jarring, flesh bruising, filth accumulating experience and MLI2 appeared to us like a mirage, then an oasis.

"You might want to lay up here", I was told by an old hand as we were on the course.
"I'm sorry, I can't do that. I didn't come to The Bear to play safe" I replied.  
Based on my results, I should have listened. 
Based on the challenge, I'm glad I didn't.

On June 7, 1985, a very special venue was opened at Grand Traverse Resort to golfers living in, or traveling to, Traverse City, Michigan. That was the day The Bear opened. And like the course architect, Mr. Jack Nicklaus himself, the course has aged very, very well.

Welcome to the latest installment of the  "Save, Splurge, Steal" interview series.  Getting great value when I travel is always such a fun challenge for me and I love to learn how other people get the best possible experience for their available time and money. I'm asking top travel bloggers to share their expertise and I hope you enjoy their responses as much as I do!

Meet Adelina from PackMeToo!

Adelina is a curious globetrotter. She been traveling for as long as she can remember and has lived abroad in the Netherlands and Hungary. She loves telling stories as she eats and explores her way around the world. She likes to wander on foot, taking in the world through her camera lens.

Every writer - and perhaps every single visitor - dreams of a cozy nest to call their own in Paris.  Even the most humble of Parisian hotels can't help but be romantic. All you need to do is look out the window and you'll find a reason to swoon!  I've been searching for a while for a "go-to" hotel in Paris and therefore, with a few romantic flutters in my writing soul, I was keen to try the Hotel Academie.