These are uncertain times in many ways and for most of us, travel plans are on hold. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t start looking ahead. I’m in the process of planning a trip to Paris next year and thought it might inspire you to plan your own trip.
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Planning a Trip to Paris
I dreamed of going to Paris for years and my dream came true when David surprised me with a trip to celebrate my birthday in 2014. It was absolutely wonderful and we both knew immediately that we wanted to go again someday. Since we will be celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary next year that seems the perfect time. We are keeping our fingers crossed that it will be safe to do so then!
We didn’t have a lot of time to plan and look forward to our first trip, which is half the fun. So this time I’m making the most of the planning stage.
If you, too, dream of Paris let’s plan together. Here are some tips based on what I learned the first time around. I hope you’ll find them helpful.
1. Talk to people who have been…
When David was planning my surprise trip he talked to my cousin who goes to Paris often. She gave him some helpful advice regarding accommodations and other tips. I also asked for suggestions on Facebook. If you don’t personally know anyone who has been consider joining my French Chic group on Facebook. You can get LOTS of tips, information and suggestions from seasoned travelers.
2. Start a file, folder, bulletin board or travel binder…
As I said, anticipation is half the fun. Collecting articles, photos and snippets of information about traveling to Paris is not only a practical way to plan, it also contributes to the excitement of the whole planning process.
3. Determine what sort of traveler you are…
Do you like to make an itinerary and fill your travel days with lots of activities? Or do you like to take a more laid back approach and just see where the day takes you? It’s a good idea to make sure your travel partner(s) have the same expectations or are willing to compromise.
4. Make a Must-Do list…
There’s no way you can see everything so make a list of the attractions and sites most important to you.
5. Do you have a passport?…
We didn’t have passports before our trip to Paris and we didn’t have a lot of time to get them. It’s possible to rush the process but it’s more expensive and a bit nerve-wracking. Plan ahead if at all possible.
6. Research accommodations…
Do you want a quaint hotel with lots of French charm but perhaps not the most modern amenities? A modern chain hotel that will have everything you are used to in the U.S.? What about a vacation rental home or apartment? Spend some time looking at your options before making a decision.
7. Read about French restaurant etiquette, meal times, and such…
There are some important things to understand about dining in France. It’s not uncommon for restaurants to close for a few hours between lunch and dinner so keep that in mind when planning your meal times. Set aside any notion of grabbing a quick dinner before some type of evening entertainment. Meals consist of at least 2 or 3 courses with ample time between. Your server will not hurry you through your meal, asking if you want dessert when half of your main course is still on your plate. Personally I LOVE this as I despise being rushed through my meal.
8. French manners…
It is often said that the French are rude but I didn’t find that to be the case at all. They are quite formal in their manners and expect the same politeness from others. For instance, it is expected that upon entering a shop you will greet the shopkeeper. Likewise, it is considered rude not to say goodbye (or preferably “au revoir”) as you leave.
9. Learn a bit of the language…
I encourage you to learn even a few words and common phrases in French before you go. I think part of the reason we found everyone to be courteous was that we made the effort to start each conversation with a greeting in French. Everyone we encountered spoke English and was more than happy to do so, no doubt to avoid hearing us butcher their beautiful language. But they seemed genuinely pleased that we tried.
10. Buy a travel guide or two…
It’s always a good idea to read a travel guide before visiting someplace new.
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So now you are all ready to start planning your trip. Let’s go!
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Those tips are good ones regardless of where you’re planning a trip to: make sure you know what you’re signing up for, be as prepared as you can be for everything required during both the travelling and the vacation itself, make sure you and your travel companions are on the same page as regards plans for what you’re doing while you’re away, and learn a bit about the place you’re going to before you go there. I also think the language tip is a good one, since it’s always useful to have some way of communicating at least the essential things to any non-English-speaking natives of the country.
You’re right, these things can apply to any travel destination. There have been times in the past when we didn’t do one or more of these and things didn’t go as well. This was especially true on a trip we took when our kids were small. We met up with David’s mom and siblings families for a family vacation. We were most definitely NOT on the same page regarding expectations.