5 Tips To Visit Paris On A Budget
Author: Terri Tutten
When most of us think of traveling to Paris, we think about high
end French food, haute couture, and expensive hotels. It doesn't
have to be like that, nor does it have to mean hostels and
backpacking. There is a middle of the road, affordable option,
that simply takes a little planning.
Airfare
First, make sure that you're flexible. You can find some great
bargain airfares that won't be advertised by the airlines if you
simply join the popular travel forums and log on regularly. The
people who post in these forums are incredibly helpful, often
posting fares that sell out before the search engines pick them
up. Create a membership id, and post questions for the forum
members, make yourself known. You'll pick up lots of tips from
seasoned travelers who love to share their experiences. I
recently purchased a roundtrip airfare from Florida to Paris for
under $400 all inclusive, due to the helpful suggestion of a
fellow forum member!
Lodging
I would highly suggest renting an apartment in Paris. You'll
have much more room than you would in any but a five star hotel,
with the added benefit of a kitchen with a refrigerator and
stove. If you shop around carefully, you can find a beautiful one
bedroom apartment in the heart of historic Paris for under $100 a
night, all inclusive. Having a kitchen will allow you to keep
simple food on hand for snacking, and it's wonderful to get up in
the morning, prepare your own fresh coffee, and sit on your
balcony and watch the sun rise over Paris, while still in your
pajamas. Another benefit of having your own apartment is that
most include a washer and dryer, so that means you can travel
very lightly and do a quick load of laundry one evening, midway
through your trip.
Getting Around
The absolute best and easiest way to get around is the Metro.
There are metro stops everyplace; it's clean, safe, and easy to
navigate. Stop at any Metro station information window, and pick
up a free Metro map, buy a carnet of tickets (ten tickets) for
about $14, and you'll be on your way.
Sights
An endless amount of fun can be had for under $20, even in the
capitol of haute couture and high-end cuisine.
The Louvre offers reduced ($8 per ticket) prices Wednesday and
Friday nights and free admission to those under 26. It's free on
the first Sunday of the month.
The Musee d'Orsay drops its prices on Sundays and Thursday
evenings, and it's free on the first Sunday of the month.
Centre Georges Pompidou is also free on the first Sunday of the
month
Stop by a newsstand for a 55-cent copy of a weekly publication
named Pariscope. It provides lists of free cultural events,
gallery exhibits and church concerts. It's all in French, but
easy to translate
The Opera Garnier has cheap seats available on the day of a
performance, and churches hold free classical concerts, usually
on Sunday afternoons.
Walking up the Eiffel Tower is cheaper than riding the elevator
-- and a good way to work off all the croissants and baguettes I
can never get enough of when I'm in Paris.
Once you begin strolling around Paris, you'll find endless
possibilities. There is wonderful architecture to discover with a
self guided walking tour. There are many wonderfully talented
artists setting up shop along the banks of the Seine and around
Montmarte. Even just sitting on the grass at the foot of the
graceful Eiffel Tower, holding hands with the one you love is an
experience you'll cherish forever, and it's completely free!
Dining
Since you're staying in an apartment, you have the advantage of
a small kitchen. You get the wonderful experience of shopping in
the local markets, and bringing home some fresh local produce and
meat or game. It's easy to prepare a simple meal with a little
meat, a couple of potatoes and fresh vegetables and a few fresh
herbs. Add a loaf of bread and a bottle of French wine, and
you'll have a very romantic dinner in your own pied a'terre.
Pick up some prepared souffles from your local boulangerie, and
heat them up in the morning to enjoy with your fresh coffee and
some local fruit, while you watch the sun rise over the tops of
the buildings surrounding you. Or stop downstairs in the local
cafe and order a basket of fresh bread with a cup of coffee as
you lean against the counter, as the locals do.
While you're out and about, grab a sandwich made with a crusty
baguette and fresh cheese, or a delightful croque monsieur, which
is sort of an inside out grilled ham and cheese sandwich. These
can be purchased everywhere for around $3. Add a bottle of wine,
head to the park, and have a leisurely lunch while you people
watch. Another romantic option is to sit along the banks of the
Seine while you enjoy a sandwich purchased from a sidewalk
vendor. Just remember, if you sit down at an outdoor cafe, you
can't bring your own food- you'll need to order theirs. However,
lunch time options are very inexpensive.
Don't forget to try a delicious crepe while you're in Paris -
the vendors prepare them in front of you, and will fill them with
your choice of filling; be sure to try a fresh crepe dripping
with nutella... This delightful concoction will only cost about
$2 most places.
With all of the money you've saved, you'll be able to splurge
for that very special dinner you've always dreamed of, watching
the sun set from high in the Eiffel Tower, as the ever so
professional waiters cater to your every wish. The only concern
you'll have is making your dinner reservations far enough in
advance!
There are so many ways to have a fabulous trip to Paris, if you
just take a little time to plan in advance. Go join the travel
forums, and starting planning for the trip of a lifetime!
About the author:
Terri Tutten is a successful entrepeneur, who spends much of her
time traveling with her husband Jim. To read more about their
exciting travel adventures, visit travelingtuttens.blogspot.com
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