7 Tips to Planning the Perfect Paris France Vacation

Wouldn’t life be easier if everything had a “7 Tips” list? A “7 Tips” list for a getting a raise, a “7 Tips” list for winning the lottery and a “7 Tips” list for flying the Space Shuttle? All right, so it just doesn’t work that well for some things. But for planning trips, a “7 Tips” list is great. That being said, I proudly present “7 Tips To Planning The Perfect Paris, France Vacation.”

No. 1. Book Your Paris Flight Early

Most of the time, booking the airline tickets for a trip is the action that really sets the vacation in motion. Long ago, it was mostly because the flight tickets were often the most expensive part of the trip. Nowadays, that may not be the case, seeing that a Paris hotel room for a few nights can often cost more than a cheap flight to Paris France. Nonetheless, booking the airline ticket still seems to be the thing that really gets the ball rolling. Once the seats are reserved, you experience a sort of “Okay – we’re really doing this” feeling, and start getting mentally prepared for the trip. Booking your flight to Paris early allows you not only to find the best possible fare for your journey, but kicks the rest of the planning into high gear.

No. 2. Know the History of Paris

While you’ll never be able to experience everything that Paris has to offer during your stay, do your best to try to figure out ahead of time what you would like to see. Since so many of the attractions, museums and monuments in Paris have historical significance, learning as much as you can about the city is a great idea. Researching the city’s historical significance, its famous people and its celebrated landmarks will not only lead to greater appreciation upon arrival, but will help you to fine tune what is important for you to see and what is not with regard to the Paris, France attractions.

No. 3. Get the Right Paris Lodging

Find out about all the different options as far as Paris accommodations are concerned, and then narrow down the choices so that you can make the decision that will best fit you and your party. Figure out what’s important during your stay. If you plan on loading your days with activities, perhaps a simple room is sufficient. If you have been before and are planning just to relax and eat good food, perhaps a room that is a little more sophisticated is for you. Whatever the case, know your final choice well before you book it, and make sure that the price is within your budget.

No. 4. Parlez Français, S’il Vous Plaît

Got it? Good. A list of 7 tips to planning the perfect Paris, France, vacation would not be complete without a reminder to pick up a few phrases and words in French before you leave. Just making the attempt to speak the language with a shopkeeper or a desk clerk will help to make your relations with Parisians memorable ones.

No. 5. Know How to Get Around Paris

Knowing how to get around Paris, France is important. Figuring out ahead of time how the different public forms of transportation operate will ease your initiation to Paris navigation. Know the approximate costs of the taxis, buses, boats, and Métro so that you make the best economic decisions when getting from point A to point B. Having a rough idea of the hours of operation of each mode of transportation is also a good idea.

No. 6. Investigate the Menu When in Paris


Just because there are burger joints in Paris doesn’t mean you have to stick with the comfort food and eat cheeseburgers and fries every day. French cuisine is internationally recognized for its elegance and flavors, and is definitely worth the experience. Educate yourself about some of the more common dishes and ingredients, as they may be completely unheard of to you. You might want to know and appreciate what you are eating before you put it into your mouth.

No. 7. Read About the People of Paris


Parisians have unfortunately received a bad rap in the media as being rude and inconsiderate to visitors. Parisians are much like the citizens of any large city in the world – busy, stressed, tired and occasionally distracted. New York City, last time I checked, has a few of these types as well. There are nasty Parisians and there are nasty New Yorkers. Period.

But in general, Parisians and New Yorkers are interesting, friendly and hard working people. Show respect and remember that you represent where you come from as well. Stereotypes about rude travelers from certain countries (not mentioning any names here) spread as quickly and as unnecessarily as do stereotypes about Parisians. Start each encounter with a Parisian with an open mind and a positive attitude, and it will make for a lasting impression.

So there you have it. Go through this list of 7 tips to planning the perfect Paris, France, vacation, and then start preparing. You’ll have a great time in Paris.