Trips To Paris

If I think of talking about my favorite city in the whole world, that would be Paris, for sure! Whether you stay there a few weeks or just a couple of days, you will have a great time because there are so many things to do and so much to see.

So if you haven’t been there or you are planning your trip, you are in for a treat.

First of all, if you are thinking that in order to have a great time in Paris you need to learn French, you are wrong. I have seen that this issue is sometimes a point of concern for travelers to Paris and an occasional complaint from those who have been.

Never forget that you are a tourist, a visitor. Things will be different to get used to the idea. This fact is true for any trip, whether you go outside the US or within if you visit other regions. So don’t expect to feel comfortable all the time. And don’t force yourself to image that you have to know everything because is not true. This is true in restaurants, shops, when taking public transportation, visiting churches, and more. Many times, the local people don’t like travelers because they expect all to be just like home. Accept change and try to work with that.

Sometimes you will feel uncomfortable but try to remember that much of the fun in foreign travel is the discovery of new places, people and customs. This is why you left home: to discover the new.

Another issue for foreign travelers to Paris is the language. If you don’t speak French you will have a little challenge but that’s shouldn’t restrain you from visiting or keep you from having a great time. Us too expect tourist to speak English when they come to our country, the Parisians are the same, although, in Paris, and in many European citiesm English is like a second conversational language.

Do your part and try to learn a few words of the new language if you can. Learn how to say: hello, good by or thank you; how to ask for the bathroom and similar easy phrases. Get a little help and buy a set of tapes and a small phrase book and practice. Don’t worry about having a perfect accent. The people will for sure appreciate the effort and they will show you courtesy. And a friendly smile and all will go smooth and you will have a great trip.

One other hand, acknowledge the fact that, when traveling, we have in many countries the reputation as “ugly Americans,” loud and rude. It is, of course, a generalization but try to remember this. Keep in mind that the recent development in Afghanistan and Iraq some foreigners may develop some sentiments about America that are not all the time positive. Don’t give the locals more reason to resent you. Be gentle, diplomatic and pleasant. Observe the local customs and try to adjust your ways. Also, people will ask for your opinion so be careful about what you say.

Don’t forget to pack a good guide book. There is a huge offer on the market and you will have where to choose from. Take a small one so that you can carry it around while walking. I have used the books from Frommer’s and Fodor’s. they were excellent because they also offer ideas for things to do, maps, suggestions for dining and hotels plus reviews. You will have a lot of useful information at hand.

I never go on a trip to a new place without one of these, regularly updated. Prices and ratings are usually included, and you can form an opinion and adjust your budget accordingly. Also they have the hours and days of operation so that you don’t miss going to a particular museum on your last day.

Another thing you must have in your purse or pocket is a good map that is easy to carry around. I bought the heavy duty, triple-fold laminated maps called Street Smart in many cities and they are amazing. They have the major tourist attractions visibly marked (museums, churches, shopping centers, parks, etc.) with symbols for the different types of buildings and attractions. Besides that, on these maps you can find the subway stations and other transportation lines and stops. It is great if you want to know how to get to a church, museum or other attractions. Fit the map in your pocket or purse and get them out when you need them. If it rains or you use it frequently, it will now break because it is laminated.

Another small advice is to take a good digital camera with plenty of batteries. Take them at home because overseas they are expensive. Take lots of pictures. They will be your memories of your tour to Paris. And look around for the rules about taking photos. Many museums, galleries and churches do not allow photography. Respect their wishes. There is a good reason to do that.

And even if you have a good map and you know it map by heart, you could get lost. Paris is a big city. Don’t be scared. Unless you are on a strict time schedule, I encourage you to enjoy the discovery of a new street you didn’t expect and try to figure out by yourself where you are and where you have to get.

And do as the locals do. Mingle and window shop, stop in a café, take a few pictures, and just wander around. Ask for directions and talk to people. You will get good advice and a smile. When you decide to visit certain areas, you could take a cab. It costs money, but you will not get lost.

So pack your bags and hop on the plane. Paris is waiting for you!

Stay tuned for more recommendations on things to do and see in Paris.