Happy Birthday Gemini’s! We couldn’t wait for you to read through our handpicked travel destinations for this month. You’re the social, talkative type and we’ve made sure you have plenty of opportunities to do that. The Gemini sign is represented by twins, and while some may say your sign is two-faced, we’d like to think of it as double the fun! We’ve chosen trips that are perfect to bring along your friends plus make some new ones along the way. With the following plans, you’re sure to never be bored!

BONUS: Here's a gift for you!

Photo cred: Arun Kuchibhotla

New Orleans, Louisiana

Let’s kick this trip off with one of the most well-known party towns in the country, New Orleans, Louisiana! But don’t worry, our little Twins, there’s more than just Mardi Gras season to this town. Since you love excitement we think your first stop should be The French Quarter. Did you know this neighborhood is the original city of New Orleans? Yep! Which means the buildings and architecture that surround you will set the stage for stepping back in time. While you’re there we recommend you get your future read by a fortune teller or check out some local art being created by street artists.

Feeling hungry? Check out Cafe du Monde for some of the best beignets around (it’s a staple food item in this town ya’ll!). But go early or during the week day as the crowds for this authentic New Orleans treat can be mighty!

To walk off that sweet treat, take a stroll through Jackson Square. This area includes historic buildings like the St. Louis Cathedral as well as the oldest apartment buildings in the United States, the Lower and Upper Pontalba Apartments. You can also get a great view of the Mississippi River (who didn’t love spelling that out loud as a kid?). Before you leave take a picture with the Andrew Jackson statue in the heart of the square. It was placed there in honor of the Battle of New Orleans.

Time to get some rest at the super quaint Hotel Monteleone. It’s centrally located at the end of Royal Street which puts you close to many of the popular New Orleans attractions. Before retiring for the night, stop by their awesome Carousel Bar for a nightcap, it’s absolutely dazzling!

Wake up feeling refreshed? We hope so, you’re about to embark on a journey down some of New Orleans most famous streets. We’re talking Bourbon and Magazine street! Magazine Street offers a whopping 6 miles of unique shops, gallaries, and dining to enjoy. Shop for an awesome new outfit at a local boutique or set your sights on some stunning local artwork. This street is full of offerings! Bourbon Street is where you’ll find jazz clubs, iconic bars, souvenir shops, haunted ghost tours, and of course the Mardi Gras parade. Whether you decide to sing karaoke on stage or ride a mechanical bull, you’ll have a blast partying into the early morning hours on this famous street!

New Orleans offers a rush of liquid libations, historic sights, and southern charm. There’s so much to learn and soak up while in this famous little town. Check out PaperFinch’s perfectly paired New Orleans Skyline Map pillow to rest your head on when you get back home!

Photo by Marcin Nowak 

London, England

Time to go across the pond, Gemini’s! Our next stop is London, England. Let’s check out the London Tower first. It’s the world’s most famous fortress and also the only place you can set your sights on her Majesty’s Crown Jewels (we love a good sparkle!). The tower has been many things over the centuries including a fortress, prison, and royal mint.

After checking out each of the towers take a quick walk to the Tower Bridge. This 125 year old bridge offers a glass floor high above the bridge’s daily traffic to explore and of course for your daily dose of adrenaline! Learn about the rich history of London’s defining landmark in their expertly curated museum. All that walking has worked up an appetite! Time to grab some authentic fish and chips! The Golden Chippy is highly rated, and for a good reason, they keep their batter to a nice thin, crispy layer and serve their fried fish with hot and golden crispy fries (chips).

Looking to unpack and settle in? The Qbic Hotel is super quirky and unique. If you’re a lover of taking selfies, then this is the hotel for you! From their unique and comfy rooms to their delicious “Breakfast of Champions” buffet, you’ll feel ready for the next day’s adventures! Maybe a home away from home is more your style? We got you covered here too! Take a look at London vacation rentals here.

Bright and early the next morning, it’s time to venture to Buckingham Palace to watch the Changing of the Guard. You can catch it at 11am sharp on Monday’s, Wednesday’s, Friday’s, and Sunday’s. It lasts for around 45 minutes and includes music from the Regimental Band or Corps of Drums. In the mood for some afternoon tea? Great! We’ve picked out a cozy spot aptly named Afternoon Tea at Claridge’s. Their menu includes both sweet and savory pastries, scones, and sandwiches that change with each season. Plus they offer a wide range of tea sourced by the Rare Tea Company.

If you’re up for a day trip outside of London, we recommend seeing Stonehenge, Bath, and the English Countryside. Joining a tour group is a great way to avoid doing all the driving and planning and typically includes a guide that will explain the rich history behind the different sights you see.

London’s stay is wrapping up but we know you’re going to leave with some gorgeous pictures and some great stories! Snag a London City Skyline Poster from our PaperFinch shop to hang on your wall at home and remind you of those great times.

Photo cred: Billy Huynh

San Francisco, California

Let’s start our San Fran trip off with a full day of fun and sun at Pier 39. With over 100 restaurants, shops, and attractions this pier offers a ton of great things to do, with a spectacular view! There’s an alcatraz themed gift shop, a colorful dog and cat accessory shop, a magic shop, a left-handed only shop, and a crazy hat shop, just to name a few. There’s seriously a ton of unique and fun stores to pop in and out of as you walk around this huge pier.

If you’re ready for a bite to eat, check out the wide variety of restaurants, sweet treats, bars, and tasting rooms. Craving fresh seafood? We recommend Fog Harbor Fish House, where “Every meal is served with a side of the Golden Gate Bridge”. They only use 100% sustainable seafood and offer a seasonal menu so you’re sure have something new to taste each time you go!

And don’t forget to watch the sunset and catch a glimpse of the huge sea lions as well! Most nights there is a live band or musician playing as well as entertainment such as juggling, magic shows, and tight rope walking.

Ready to retire for the night? The Hotel Zeppelin is at the top of our list. This mind-altering 4-star hotel is close to cable cars (San Francisco’s super easy and affordable transportation option) and to Union Square (a local hotspot). They also offer vintage turntables in every room and California fare made with locally sourced ingredients at their Rambler restaurant.

Refreshed and ready to go on more adventures? Great! San Francisco offers many famous landmarks including Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Fisherman’s Wharf. We also recommend visiting the Japanese Tea Garden, it’s the oldest in the U.S.! Just picture beautiful tranquil gardens and japanese-style buildings. If you visit in March or April you’ll also get to enjoy the blooming cherry blossom trees. Looking for more outdoorsy action? Check out the Muir Woods National Monument. You’ll walk on miles of trails shaded by the canopies of the famous (and ginormous) redwood trees.

If you’re looking to splurge while having the most unique dining experience ever, we highly suggest getting tickets to Lazy Bear. It’s a one-of-a-kind dinner party experience. You’ll be seated around a table sharing food and stories with strangers (that hopefully turn into friends!). You’ll start the night off with snacks and mingling upstairs before heading down to long communal tables for a three hour dining experience with modern american creative cuisine. Don’t worry if you can’t get a ticket, you can still check out their nightcap event in their mezzanine where you can order small a la carte snacks and bites while enjoying their wine list and a la carte beverages.

San Francisco offers great options for outdoor spontaneity as well as unique indoor escapes. Check out PaperFinch’s collection of San Francisco-themed geometric pillows that reflect this unique and colorful city.

Well Gemini friends, we hope our top picks for travel destinations has left you feeling excited and ready to make plans with your friends! From destinations rich in history to exploding with local flavor, we’re sure you’ll have a fantastic getaway!

All of these travel destinations may be fabulous, but which one to chose Gemini Finches? Take our quiz below and explore our Pinterest board dedicate to you and these fun locales. Let us know where you plan on going below!