How to Plan a Trip to Paris: A Complete Guide for Beginners
Introduction
Paris which is the capital city of France is one of those destinations that most people would love to visit. This not only due to its eye-catching attractions such as The Tower Bridge, Tower of London and London eye; but also cosy history, delicious food and colourful culture that makes millions of people from different countries to visit this amazing city. For a first-time traveler going to Paris most time there is always that feeling of confusion especially when you are planning for a tour. In this all-encompassing article, you will learn all the basic guidelines on how to get the most of your time in Paris.
-
Along the same line identifying the perfect time for one to visit depends on various elements such as the place or country the individual intends to visit.
As with any country that has four distinct seasons, the climate in Paris is temperate but varies with the following seasons. But of course it all depends on the kind of vacation each has in mind since the above timing offers different experiences.
Spring (March to May)
The climate is quite moderate as flowers bloom throughout this period.
Offer less number of visitors compared to the summer months.
Summer (June to August)
One is more likely to experience a higher amount of daylight and better weather.
Try all kinds of fun activities outdoors related to music, arts, culinary, among others.
Fall (September to November)
Experience beautiful autumn foliage.
Visit now and expect fewer tourist rates, less bottle-necks and tourist crowds.
Winter (December to February)
Embark on the enchanting Christmas markets and lights.
Have a chance to book a hotel at a relatively cheaper price and have fewer tourists around.
Expect to experience a decrease in the average temperature and shorter periods of day light.
Subsequently, when planning to travel, it is recommended to consider the above facts so as to make the proper decision as regards time of the year best suited for the visit.
2. Create a Budget
In this regard, it is advisable to set your budget early enough to enable you to meet all your expenditure when planning a Paris trip. Consider the following:
- Lodging: Identify possible choices like hotels, hostel, or short-term rent houses for stay during the period of the study. Compare the prices and select the most affordable price range for the intended product.
- Transportation: Estimate flight fares or fare for train, taxi, bus, trice or any other means of transport to and within Paris. I recommend buying a Paris Visite travel card as it is issued for easy travel by the public means.
- Meals: Include the cost of the consumed foods and eating out. This is because there are various things that can be done in paris with regard to the budget that an individual has to spend.
- Tours; Investigate the costs of tickets in significant tourist sites such as The Eiffel Tower, The Louvre Museum or Palace of Versailles among others. Search for tickets or passes at a cheaper price and buy one that covers several places.
- Miscellaneous: It is wise to set some amount of money apart for purchases because Paris has countless interesting souvenir shops and stores.
- However once you have come up with a figure that you want to spend; try as much as possible to remain within the set figure though it is advisable to leave room for some slush fund for situations when you don’t know what to do or some impulsive factor comes through.
3. Plan Your Itinerary
It is crucial that one has an organized schedule when visiting Paris in order to make the best use of the time available.
Research and Prioritize
Determine which of the places you have listed deserve to be called attractions or landmarks. Perhaps taking a tour to some of the great tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum, Champs-Élysées, Montmartre among others.
Allocate Time
Also indicate the amount of time for each attraction so that one can be able to plan and foresee if he or she will need to make a reservation or if the place is subjected to the time of arrival. Be sure to include some time of rest and cultural immersing in this category as well.
Consider Proximity
Convenience; easy group attractions to ensure that most of the time is not spent on travelling. This enhances rest stoppage and therefore make sightseeing more enjoyable.
Discover Hidden Gems
It is woman whom I suggested to check less crowded areas which include neighborhoods, parks and local market all over the city and specifically in Paris as well.
Stay Flexible
However, do plan and prepare for your day but must make room for spontaneity so as to take advantage of new events and or changes.
4. Book Accommodation and Flights
Before moving on to the final stages of planning, it is advisable for the traveler to determine how much money they are willing to spend and the most appropriate time to embark on the trip:
Accommodation
Make your selection of accommodation depending on your priorities and the amount of money that you are willing to spend on accommodation. Some considerations that one can make include; the location of the house, the amenities a house has, and the experience that previous visitors had in that house. Free airport shuttle service is offered to all guests whom it is advisable to book early especially during the holiday season to get the best prices.
Flights
The use of flight comparison websites will enable you find cheap flights to fly to Paris. You must be willing to alter the departure date and time of your flight and even choose a different airport and an extra stopover to have a cheaper fare. Flight costs will definitely be cheaper, hence booking your tickets well ahead of your travel date will ensure higher fare bargain.
5. Learn Some Basic French Phrases
To be on the safe side it’s advisable to take time and learn at least basic French phrases when in Paris so as to be able to interact with the Australians more effectively. Here are some commonly used phrases that will be helpful to you:
English French
Hello Bonjour
Thank you Merci
Excuse me Excusez-moi
Do you speak English? Parlez-vous anglais?
Where is…? Où est…?
It is also advisable to learn these simple phrases as they signify the learner’s willingness to embrace the local culture.
Conclusion
Traveling to Paris is an exciting process when it comes to carrying out the overall planning. If you have planned in advance your trips by identifying the right time to visit, setting up your budget, developing an itinerary, arranging a place to stay and mode of transport, and even learning some basic French words you were half way towards having the vacation of lifetime in the Paris. Welcome to the City of Love: Discover the beautiful city and tackle the scrumptious food!
Table of Contents
