Paris Tips

I travel often, but still didn't think about these things.  You may already think about this stuff on vacation, but just in case...

• Start planning to do the things that require good weather first.  For example, The Eiffel tower, Versailles and our balloon ride (that didn't happen).  If we had planned for the balloon ride from the first day, we might have made it, but we planned for it on the third day, which was rainy, and the weather never really recovered to balloon ride acceptable afterwards.  Also, if it's cloudy, your not going to see the Eiffel tower, or anything from the Eiffel tower.  We didn't experience that, but just so you know.  And I think the best part of Versailles might be the gardens, which are outside.  Basically, just pay attention to the weather.  Rainy days are best spent inside museums.  

• They say to make sure you wear comfy shoes in Paris.  What they should really tell you is that you should wear, specifically, waterproof flat boots that you can tuck your jeans into.  Or at least pants that do not touch the ground.  If it starts raining, you may be walking around all day in the rain.  One day, my shoes were soaked through and my jeans were wet up to mid calf.  At the least, if it starts raining and you have on these long jeans, roll them up before they get wet, because they don't stay rolled up when they are already wet. 

• Sleep on the plane.  there and back.  Don't ask questions.  No excuses.  Take a pill or something.

• Keep correct change with you at all times.  It wasn't really a problem for us except once, but I can see how it would get problematic fast.

• You don't HAVE to tip in Paris; the tip is built into the bill.  But for really good service from a server, taxi driver or tour guide, you can leave 5% extra on top of the bill.  With taxis, round up to the nearest euro (ie: if the bill is 5.60, pay 6 euro).

• You have to tell your server at a restaurant that you are ready to pay and leave with a hand motion or something.  Otherwise, they will not interrupt you because they think it is rude.

•  Oil paintings in Paris seem inexpensive.  You might find one for 30 euros.  But when you get home, it will cost $100 to have it stretched and $100 to have it framed.  Also, if it is not mostly dry when they wrap it up in the traveling tube, it may flatted some of the paint.  If you want to buy one, buy it on the last day so it doesn't stay in the tube very long.  Also, they framing lady at Michael's told us to wrap paintings with the paint on the outside rather than the inside, to prevent cracking.  

• drink as much cafe espresso and wine as possible.  Nothing is ever going to taste bad, even if it is bad by French standards, it is still good.

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1 comments:

Erica said...

Nice tips!

August 21, 2010 6:59 AM