Paris! The trip of a lifetime

This time last year, I was preparing my family for our first international trip.
Months prior,  I found a plane ticket for the 4 of us to fly round trip for $800 plus tax. I asked  advised my husband that we would be going to Paris.  I could not resist. I had just received my sons passport and it almost seemed like a sign from above. So, we were going to Paris.. Yes!! All 4 of us.

Leading up, I asked friends and family; what did they do while they were there? Where did they stay? Do I need to learn French? Is it easy to get around?

I have now decided to write a post to all the first timers that will be going to Paris.
Here are some things to keep in mind: (these are things that I did and I am not endorsed by any site listed in this blog)

1. What do you like to do? There are a million and 1 things to do and see in Paris. Do your research, that way you won't be wandering around aimlessly. Of course you want to see Senora (hehe) Mona at the Louve but there are 130 other museums in Grand Paris and even more on the outskirts. There are museums for everything you can think of see here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_museums_in_Paris . Make a list of what you would like to see and plan accordingly.

2. Learn how the city is set up and the train. The rail system is amazing and it will be your main way of travel. Get a metro pass and ride away.
I used a map like this one: http://ontheworldmap.com/france/city/paris/paris-metro-map-with-main-tourist-attractions.html and planned our days based on what we wanted to see for the day.

3. Exchange your money before you leave your home country. We used Travelex. Basically, you choose how much you would likely spend, order your money before your travel date and when you arrive to the airport, they will have it ready.
We did have to use our credit card once while we were there and we used the credit card and not our debit card because the fees would have been astronomical.

4. Be careful when coming out of the airport in Paris. The gypsy taxi got us when we first got there. He told us he could take us to our hotel for "18" euros.. We heard 18! great lets go.. when we go there, we peeled off  2- 10 euro bills.. he stood with his hand still out.. he said 80.. 80 euros! 😒

5. Do not be afraid to take your kids. There is so much history and so much to see, if they are at an age to appreciate it take them. Also, we did choose flight times that aligned with the baby's sleep time. That makes for a much more peaceful flight for all parties.

6. Learn common French phrases, its the culturally appropriate thing to do. Tipping is not mandatory, that is a more American "thing."

7. Don't forget your outlet adapter. I won't tell you that I blew the fuses in our hotel room when we first got there because the outlet looks the same.. 😶

All in all we had a great time, the weather turned out great for us and we took a lot of pictures. The food was good and the shopping was great.

Let me know if you want me to help you plan a trip to Paris! I would be happy to help.

Brandeis

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