Enjoy Trip To Paris

Planning to travel internationally requires preparation. It is crucial that you that you begin your planning twelve weeks prior to leaving the United States. Usually, a new or renewal passport takes between six to eight weeks to arrive, but expect delays. Although most European countries do not require U.S. citizens to have a travel visa for up to a three month stay, you should confirm this before traveling.

Most international travelers are prime targets for pickpockets and petty crimes. You can purchase a small document/wallet that comfortably fits underneath your clothing for added security. Traveler’s checks used to be the safest way to carry your money, but using a bank or credit card is preferable because you are guaranteed the best exchange rate of the month. Of course, you should leave photocopies of all of your account numbers and passport with a friend in case the worst happens!

If you are leaving from the West Coast, you can take a direct flight from LAX or SFO to Paris using Air France. These flights operate daily. With at least fourteen days advance booking, tickets run approximately 850 dollars. Air France allows two checked items weighing less than 150 kilograms, so pack accordingly. You will be on the plane for a minimum of ten hours. Although Air France provides meals and snacks, you will probably want to take some treats in your carry on luggage. Air France provides a pillow, thin blanket, and eye mask for your comfort.

Most likely you will arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport, which is roughly an hour outside of Paris. Generally, clearing customs is a quick process and all of the airport officials speak English. The Paris Metro RER line runs directly from the airport; this is the most cost efficient way to enter the city.

There are plenty of budget lodging options throughout Paris. Depending on your age, you may be able to stay in a hostel. Similar to a dorm room, hostels are a cheap alternative to a hotel; however, like a dorm they tend to be full of loud, young adults. Pensions are a step above hostels. You may be surprised that guests share bathroom facilities, so take shower shoes. Almost all hotels offer a cheap continental breakfast for your convenience.

While in Paris, explore the Latin Quarter on the Left Bank. Home to the Sorbonne, this area is the oldest part of Paris and is filled with cafes, bookstores, and the small shops. It is definitely the trendy area, full of young street performers and artists. Travelers will find dozens of stalls selling delicious crepes and pastries for only a few Euros. Des Pippos is an affordable cafe frequented by students and features meals for less than 20 Euros. A tour of the Latin Quarter will lead you to the Luxembourg Gardens, the Pantheon, and Notre Dame.

On the Right bank, be sure stroll down the Champs Elysees. Shopping in this district is a must, if you can afford it. Finally, a tour the Montmartre to see the infamous Sacre Coeur and legendary Parisian Flea Markets.

The culture and atmosphere in Paris are unlike any other city. You will at times feel like a bohemian, at times royalty, and at times a loud American. But at no time will you be disappointed.