Oh, how I love to travel! I can remember back in high school making list of places I wanted to visit someday. One of my girlfriends recently said, "You are doing exactly what you dreamed about in high school." My list consisted of countries in Europe. I grew up living in many different places to include Japan, Okinawa, and Hawaii (I was born in Spain), so Europe was on my mind.
I plan my trip 6 to 8 months in advance, although the next trip is in the back of my mind. The planning portion is my first part of traveling. It's a hobby collecting information and reading and researching for my vacation. My vacations normally last 2 to 3 weeks, depending on where I’m going, and always to just one country per trip, unless I’m on a cruise. Each country has so much to offer that I prefer not spread myself so thin.
I usually travel in the shoulder season, April through early June or October - November. I think this is a good time of year to travel to Europe, plus the high tourist season hasn’t started or just ended. The weather is usually lovely in the spring and fall. By traveling during the low or shoulder season, prices for hotels and airfares are less expensive.
I buy three to four travel books. The first one is entitled 'Insight Guides,' which provides a great deal of information on the country I've chosen. It discusses the history, culture, people, food, etc., and discusses each area of that country. It's not a true travel guide book like Fodor's or Frommer's, (it does have a small portion in the back providing some travel information), but it's a valuable book learn about the country I want to visit and help me choose what I want to see and where to go. The photographs are beautiful! My other book is usually a Frommer's guidebook. In addition, I go to the library to pick up the Fodor's and Rick Steve's travel books for additional information on hotels and restaurants. I also buy a Berlitz pocket sized language book to take with me, when needed. If foreign language classes are available at the local college, I'll sign up. They are usually a 10-week basic course for the traveler. I always make an effort to learn the basic phrases. It helps me to get around and get what I need and I believe my efforts are appreciated. I also like the “Top 10” books, as well as the AAA Sprial books.
After reading about each city I want to visit and what it has to offer, I can determine how many days I want to spend in each place, giving myself enough time to travel between cities. I read about opening hours of museums, monuments, exhibits, etc., so that I don't miss any important places to visit. I'll choose a city where I can stay and use as a home-base for a several days and take day trips from there. This saves me having to pack and repack to often.
I write to the foreign tourist offices located in New York City and the cities in the country that I plan to visit to request information on hotels, restaurants, transportation, city and town maps, and other information that will help me in my planning. I usually receive a country map so I can figure out my travel route. I don't want to jump all over the country, but rather plan a logical or circular route. Also, the internet is a great search tool to find any kind of information to include train schedules and additional hotel/restaurant information. I post questions to the European forum at Fodor's and Slow Talk to find about hotels, restaurants, and any other information, which will help me in planning my trip.
I always choose the smaller hotels (classified as 2-3stars), such as pensiones, to stay in rather than "American-style" or pricier hotels. I agree when Rick Steve's writes, "A tight budget forces you to travel close to the ground, meeting and communicating with the people...simply enjoy the local-style alternatives to expensive hotels and restaurants." On the other hand, I have used Priceline to book hotels in London and Puerto Rico, where hotels are expensive. My May 2005 London hotel, a 4-star hotel, cost me $125/night. Pricing at that time directly from the hotel was around $350. Although not charming and quaint like a pensione, it was the way to go with London hotels.
I send Emails or letters to several hotels for each town requesting pricing information, availability, any possible discounts for payment in cash, and their cancellation policy. Once I have decided on a hotel, I book with them.
I call several airlines and consolidators to get the best-priced tickets with the best travel schedule. I try to fly without having to change planes, but if I do, I won't change more than once. I plan my trips so that I fly during mid week as tickets are less expensive when traveling Monday through Thursday. Flying open-jaws can also result in lower airfares.
Up until my trip to France in 1999, I traveled by train or bus. I get train information from Rail Europe so I can determine whether to get point-to-point tickets or a flexi-pass. There are a variety of passes to choose from, depending on the travel plans. I also check out the train companies for each country, as their prices are less expensive than going through Rail Europe when going point-to-point. For bus information, the travel books have some information, but I'll visit the tourist office or the bus station and get a time schedule. Usually I'll take a bus for day trips and the train for longer trips.
In my recent travels, I have become comfortable driving in a foreign country. I rent a car for a portion of my trip whenever I feel it is best to travel by car, such as the hill towns of Tuscany Italy. My first experience in renting a car was in Normandy France. I wanted to visit the D-Day beaches and Mont St Michel and discovered that other than a car, I would have to catch a local bus, which didn't run too often, or go with an organized tour group, which was expensive. Having a car meant being flexible to visit each location at my own pace. I’ll check several car rental agencies to get the best price. I also rent the smallest car available since many towns have small streets…and to help save on gas expense.
While planning my trip, I create an Excel spread sheet of my estimates for transportation, gas, hotel, food, sightseeing, and shopping, all based on my research. I do keep in mind that the prices stated in guidebooks and online would be slightly higher by the time I got to Europe. I've always come home not spending as much as the estimate because either the exchange rates have been better than when I first started my plans, I may have skipped visiting a couple of sights, and meals are normally less than what I estimated.
Once I’ve made all my plans and reservations, I can relax and make my purchases for my trip (film, spare batteries, walking shoes, travelers checks, journal, notebook, etc), and wait for the day to come.
I write up my packing list (now conveniently posted on my web page – copy/paste into Word, revise based on the trip, and print out), organize my travel papers (maps, hotel confirmation letters, tourist information, etc.) to take, and I pull out my suitcase!
A brief comment on Cruises
What a way to travel! Travel to the location of ship, board, unpack once and enjoy the ride. That’s the easy part. The difficult part is to figure out where to go, what ship, what type cabin, which sights to see while in port, etc. There are many wonderful web sites that will help you plan a cruise. The best one, IMHO, is Cruise Critic. Without writing up how I pick a cruise, here’s a link http://www.cruisecritic.com/ftc/index.cfm, which will answer all your questions.
Bon voyage!
Monica
Showing posts with label budget travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label budget travel. Show all posts
Friday, February 8, 2008
The Budget Traveler
I consider myself a budget traveler. For me, it isn’t necessary to spend a lot of money because I can travel on a budget and still feel comfortable, safe, and still have a wonderful trip. There are people who like to backpack and stay in hostels, but not for me. I want a little more comfort but don't need the extra bells and whistles (such as a concierge or a luxury room). So I consider myself a moderate budget traveler.
When it comes to chosing a hotel, my priorities include safety, comfort, a room with a private bathroom (nope, I won’t schlep down a hallway in the middle of the night), and location, location, location! By being in a smaller hotel, I have the opportunity to get to know the owner and meet other travelers. Sometimes these hotels or pensiones have some history to them, so it becomes an added treat. I usually select a 2 or 3-star hotel or nice, comfortable pensione. A couple of times in the past I stayed in 1 or no-star hotels, but never again. They were much too basic for my needs or comfort.
Times have changed since the Euro was introduced. Prior to 2004, I typically spent anywhere from $50 to $95 for a room for two people. These days the average hotel price ranges from $110 - $150, depending on the city. Venice is very expensive compared to other cities in Italy.
Since I save on cost of the hotel, I use the 'extra' funds for shopping and splurging on an expensive dinner once in a while. I find it challenging and fun to get the best deal possible, and I enjoy telling people about the great bargain I found in a small town or charming hotel.
One way to help in reducing hotel costs is to ask the hotel manager to quote the price of a room without breakfast, which normally is an overpriced continental breakfast of stale rolls, pastries and coffee. The only exception I have seen has been in Germany where I have enjoyed a full breakfast of assorted meats, cheese, jams, breads, soft-boiled eggs, yogurt, coffee, tea and orange juice, always well worth the cost.
Another method in reducing costs is to ask if any discounts are available if payment is in cash rather than using a credit card, especially if you are staying for more than 4 nights. Many smaller hotels would prefer the cash and avoid the credit card transaction fees.
As for choosing my hotel, I like to be close to the major sights and attractions, as well as near transportation, such as the metro or train station. This saves time in getting to one place from another, especially when having to take the train very early in the morning. Many cities are quite small and manageable on foot. Therefore, you can skip the expensive taxis and walk to your destination, or you could take the bus or metro.
When it comes to dining out, I much prefer places filled with locals, rather than mostly/only tourists; and the only time I walk into a McDonald’s is to use their bathroom. I love the small trattorias where I can sample tasty local cuisine without breaking the bank. I also enjoy the local house wines, which can be very inexpensive.
Speaking of wine, I have found in most countries I can purchase local wines at a great price. In Italy and France, there are little wine stores where I can have an empty water bottle filled with a Merlot (or any other kind of wine) for just 4-5 Euros. In Greece, my husband and I once bought a 5 litre of white wine for $4.20 – talk about cheap!
When I travel from one city to the next, I’ll either take the train or bus or rent a car splitting the cost of expenses (car, gas, parking fees) with my travel partner. Selecting the mode of transportation depends on where I’m going and if it’s worth having a car for several days. As an example, when in Tuscany, it’s best to rent a car for the entire stay. Once I was ready to head to Florence I dropped my car off in Siena and took the bus to Florence. It’s a big “no-no” to even attempt to drive a car in Florence. Traveling by car gives me the freedom to stop along the way whenever I want to. I’ve done that many times when I’ve seen a great photo opportunity or another little hill town. When traveling alone, I won’t rent a car because it’s not cost effective. I get by with the train or bus.
Many cities have combined tickets for their museums and other sights. It’s really cost effective to puchase these, such as the Paris 3-day pass. These combination tickets allows for entry into several sights, which would be a lot more expensive if purchased separately. The nice thing about the Paris pass is that you can walk straight in without having to wait in line.
I usually don’t go on paid tours. I find if I do enough research I can create my own tour of a city or come up with an itinerary to see a few places in a day (via car). There are some exceptions: When I was in Saint Petersburg Russia on a Baltic cruise, I booked a 2-day tour for a group of 11 people that I had met via cruisecritic.com. It was less expensive than the ship’s tours, only 11 of us rather than a busload of tourists, and we couldn’t have done all we saw on our own. In most cases when on a cruise, it’s better to book your own tour with 2-5 other couples on the ship. Most tour companies will customize the tour for your needs or desires.
Budget traveling can be such an enjoyable and fun experience. It does take some time to do the research to find the right hotel, the best trattorias, and figure out transportation, but in the end, I am always happy with my travels.
When it comes to chosing a hotel, my priorities include safety, comfort, a room with a private bathroom (nope, I won’t schlep down a hallway in the middle of the night), and location, location, location! By being in a smaller hotel, I have the opportunity to get to know the owner and meet other travelers. Sometimes these hotels or pensiones have some history to them, so it becomes an added treat. I usually select a 2 or 3-star hotel or nice, comfortable pensione. A couple of times in the past I stayed in 1 or no-star hotels, but never again. They were much too basic for my needs or comfort.
Times have changed since the Euro was introduced. Prior to 2004, I typically spent anywhere from $50 to $95 for a room for two people. These days the average hotel price ranges from $110 - $150, depending on the city. Venice is very expensive compared to other cities in Italy.
Since I save on cost of the hotel, I use the 'extra' funds for shopping and splurging on an expensive dinner once in a while. I find it challenging and fun to get the best deal possible, and I enjoy telling people about the great bargain I found in a small town or charming hotel.
One way to help in reducing hotel costs is to ask the hotel manager to quote the price of a room without breakfast, which normally is an overpriced continental breakfast of stale rolls, pastries and coffee. The only exception I have seen has been in Germany where I have enjoyed a full breakfast of assorted meats, cheese, jams, breads, soft-boiled eggs, yogurt, coffee, tea and orange juice, always well worth the cost.
Another method in reducing costs is to ask if any discounts are available if payment is in cash rather than using a credit card, especially if you are staying for more than 4 nights. Many smaller hotels would prefer the cash and avoid the credit card transaction fees.
As for choosing my hotel, I like to be close to the major sights and attractions, as well as near transportation, such as the metro or train station. This saves time in getting to one place from another, especially when having to take the train very early in the morning. Many cities are quite small and manageable on foot. Therefore, you can skip the expensive taxis and walk to your destination, or you could take the bus or metro.
When it comes to dining out, I much prefer places filled with locals, rather than mostly/only tourists; and the only time I walk into a McDonald’s is to use their bathroom. I love the small trattorias where I can sample tasty local cuisine without breaking the bank. I also enjoy the local house wines, which can be very inexpensive.
Speaking of wine, I have found in most countries I can purchase local wines at a great price. In Italy and France, there are little wine stores where I can have an empty water bottle filled with a Merlot (or any other kind of wine) for just 4-5 Euros. In Greece, my husband and I once bought a 5 litre of white wine for $4.20 – talk about cheap!
When I travel from one city to the next, I’ll either take the train or bus or rent a car splitting the cost of expenses (car, gas, parking fees) with my travel partner. Selecting the mode of transportation depends on where I’m going and if it’s worth having a car for several days. As an example, when in Tuscany, it’s best to rent a car for the entire stay. Once I was ready to head to Florence I dropped my car off in Siena and took the bus to Florence. It’s a big “no-no” to even attempt to drive a car in Florence. Traveling by car gives me the freedom to stop along the way whenever I want to. I’ve done that many times when I’ve seen a great photo opportunity or another little hill town. When traveling alone, I won’t rent a car because it’s not cost effective. I get by with the train or bus.
Many cities have combined tickets for their museums and other sights. It’s really cost effective to puchase these, such as the Paris 3-day pass. These combination tickets allows for entry into several sights, which would be a lot more expensive if purchased separately. The nice thing about the Paris pass is that you can walk straight in without having to wait in line.
I usually don’t go on paid tours. I find if I do enough research I can create my own tour of a city or come up with an itinerary to see a few places in a day (via car). There are some exceptions: When I was in Saint Petersburg Russia on a Baltic cruise, I booked a 2-day tour for a group of 11 people that I had met via cruisecritic.com. It was less expensive than the ship’s tours, only 11 of us rather than a busload of tourists, and we couldn’t have done all we saw on our own. In most cases when on a cruise, it’s better to book your own tour with 2-5 other couples on the ship. Most tour companies will customize the tour for your needs or desires.
Budget traveling can be such an enjoyable and fun experience. It does take some time to do the research to find the right hotel, the best trattorias, and figure out transportation, but in the end, I am always happy with my travels.
Tips for the First Time Traveler
I prepared this list of tips for my friend Judy who traveled with me Paris October 2000. It was her first trip to Paris and I wanted her to know about some of the differences she would encounter while in Europe and to give her other advise that would have helped her to have a memorable trip. I have recently updated this with additional information for today’s travels. I hope this will help you.
1. It’s not home:
Many first time travelers have the expectation that they'll find everything "American" in the country they travel to. Not so! Remember that other countries have different cultures, different foods, different languages, different ways of living, and different cultures. Some people find the French rude and uncooperative. Based on my experiences, I disagree. Plumbing is different (squat toilets! tiny bathrooms, tiny showers, “shared” bathrooms in restaurants, etc), the French meal lasting two to three hours; the well-dressed Madame. To travel is to experience new and different things. Have an open mind and enjoy these new sights, sounds, and experiences. Without this, you may be disappointed in your trip, so adapt to your new environment.
2. Don’t be the loud, rude tourist.
I did not use the word “American” in my title, because I have encountered European tourists who have been just as, or worse than Americans. The French hold their conversations quietly and find loud tourists to be rude. Keep your conversations to a low level and no obnoxious laughing!
3. Learn some French phrases; you will be appreciated.
This is so true in any country. Although you may butcher the pronunciation of a foreign word or phrase and may not learn it completely, most foreigners appreciate your efforts trying to communicate with them in their language and not yours. Even if you only learn to say in French, “Good morning” “Please” Thank you”, The bill please” and Good evening,” you open up doors to interacting with many people: The baker, the store clerk, the waiter, the ticket man at the metro station or museum. In most cases, your efforts will be rewarded with help of that person who may even talk to you in English.
4. Study up on the places you will visit.
Planning is the biggest part of traveling! Purchase one or two guidebooks and read about the places you will be visiting. You can also pick up some books at the library. Learn some of the history and culture of France. From reading, you will have a greater knowledge of what there is to see and do and can plan a well-rounded trip. Would you want to miss that great outdoor market around the corner of your hotel? How about that special museum or town festival? Watch movies that are filmed in the country of your destination. Rent travel videos such as Rick Steves Travels in Europe or other travel videos.
5. You and your travel partner
Be responsible for you own experiences! Read guidebooks on your destination. Talk with your travel partner about the things you want to see and do. Sit down together and discuss your likes and dislikes and your expectations. Do not expect your experienced traveler partner to guide you around everywhere. Come up with some itineraries that the two of you can do together and plan for some days or half days apart. It’s great to do some things on your own and later meet for dinner and talk about your own experiences. Open communication is the key to a successful trip with your travel partner. You certainly do not want to return from a trip telling your travel partner you missed something because you did not know about it or just followed the leader all the time.
6. Pack light!
Pack as light as possible! When you are traveling around Europe and have to use various modes of transportation, such as the bus, train, metro, boat, plane, or walking, you should pack as light as possible. Imagine having to carry more than one bag (or a very large suitcase) from the airport to the metro to the hotel? Some hotels do not have elevators. It is not worth carrying large, heavy suitcases. I recommend a carry-on suitcase to avoid lost luggage and the fact that you will be forced to take less. The average size of a carry-on (with pullout handle and wheels) is 9 x 14 x 22 inches, 45 inches total. Many suggest removing half of what you have packed. This seems a little scary for some who want to have fresh clothes every day of their trip, but it is doable. Bring clothes that do not wrinkle easily and are lightweight. Coordinate your cloths so that you can mix your tops with your pants or skirts. Neutral colors work best, especially in places like Paris where black is the norm. Bring fast drying socks and underwear and wash only those items. If you really need to clean your cloths, you will have to find a laundromat. All-cotton socks take a long time to dry: a mixed blend is usually a good choice. There are also other products out that are lightweight and quick drying. Check out the various travel-clothing companies. Bring no more than 2 pairs of shoes, 3 at the most!
7. Jetlag.
I find that when traveling overseas it is best to adjust mentally to the new time zone in advance. When I board my flight in the US, I immediately change my watch to the local time. I bring an eye mask, an inflatable neck cushion, and earplugs and try to sleep on the flight. It is usually difficult for me because the seats are usually cramped. I have read that it is best to avoid alcohol and heavy meals on the flights and to drink plenty of water. On my last trip, I tried Melatonin, but it did not really help me. Once I arrive in Europe, I stay awake. I do not take any naps, but try to stay up until around 9pm the first night. Everyday after that I get up around 8:00-8:30am. However, because I am so excited to be in Europe that the jetlag does not really bother me. Don’t harp on being tired. Don’t say “Gee, it’s 2am in the States…I haven’t slept in 27 hours.”
8. Bring a day bag
During the day while out sightseeing, carry what you might need for the day: camera, guidebook, city map, money for the day, journal, pen, umbrella, etc. Make sure you can close it securely. I also use my day bag as my purse on the flights as my second carry-on bag. This holds my passport, money, tickets, camera, film, journal, tourist information, and any other important documents.
9. Bring comfortable shoes
Your shoes need to be comfortable for all day walking. Do not buy a new pair just before a trip. Make sure you have time to break them in. The best way to see and explore a town or city is by walking. Many great views are from above, so you will want to climb the many steps of towers, Cathedrals, monuments, and other buildings.
10. Walk, do not ride.
There is so much to see in Paris (and in any city, town or village) and the best way to see everything is by walking! If a particular area is far away, you can take the metro or bus to that area and then do your walking seeing the various sights, streets, shops, museums, etc. Many people choose to go on a bus tour. That is fine for some people, but they miss out on a lot of things: a lovely courtyard, a park, a great pastry shop, and a small church. Once in Barcelona, my Mother and I had some time to spare before having to take the train to Madrid. We were staying in the Gothic quarter. Our balcony faced the back of a church, so we decided to visit it to see how it looked from the front. Well, to our surprise it faced a lovely small piazza filled with a few cafés, shops and hotels. It was quaint and charming.
11. Do not rush to see everything.
Don't think you can "do it all" on your trip. There just is not enough time to see everything in one trip. Relax and enjoy what you can see and remember that there will be opportunities to return again someday. This goes back to #4 above: Learn what there is to see and do and be selective. Pick the highlights of a city or something that really stands out to you.
12. Photography/film
Take more film than you think you will need. Film is expensive in Europe and you can always use the unused rolls at home. A general rule of thumb is 1 roll a day (I average 2 rolls per day, depending on the location), so add a few extras to your count. Take extra photos. You never know how they will come out. I know I have overdone photographing Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower, but they are my memories. If buying a new camera, go through at least 2 rolls of film to make sure you know how to use the camera properly. If using a point-and-shoot, I recommend Kodak or Fuji 400 speed film. Bring a spare battery for your camera, as well as a film protection bag. Keep in your travel journal a record of what you took. It does not have to be for every photo taken, but at least a few photos along with dates to help you remember when it is time to place them in an album.
I now bring a digital camera in addition to my Nikon N80. It’s great to have immediate satisfaction or to dump the Nikon in the evenings and just have a small pocket camera in my purse. I’m almost tempted to not bring my Nikon anymore, although it’s a great camera too. And I did spend a lot of money on it! With a digital camera, you can bring a couple of memory cards and take many, many photos, depending on the resolution you choose.
13. Purchase that souvenir!
I don’t know how many times I have returned from a trip and regretted not bringing home an extra souvenir or two. You will never know when you will return to Europe and spending a little money on souvenirs is well worth it. You will have wonderful memories looking back on your trip with these souvenirs. Also, if you see something you like, buy it! Don’t say, “Oh, I’ll pick one up later or in the next town.” Trust me: This doesn’t work. I had the opportunity to pick up some beautiful ceramic magnets and decided I would buy them at the next little town. Of course that next town didn’t have any and I didn’t see them during the rest of my trip. Fortunately, I had a friend who traveled to the same town and picked up several for me.
To carry your souvenirs home safely, bring a light, yet strong duffle bag along with some bubble wrap for breakables and some packing tape. If you plan to purchase prints, posters, or a pretty paper placemat from a restaurant (I have one from a restaurant in Fontainebleau), bring a mailing tube, which can be purchased for under $1. This duffle bag will be your carry-on bag and you can check your other luggage when flying home.
14. Bring a journal.
I like having a journal with me to write down my experiences. I try to write in it on a daily basis while having lunch or taking a break from sightseeing or just before bedtime. Sometimes I will sit at a café and enjoy a glass of wine or sit at a park bench while writing in my journal. This journal will bring back great memories in the future. Since I provide travel advise to many people, I like to write in detail. I include things such as hotel information (name, address, phone, directions from the nearest metro, room number, brief description of the room, and price paid), restaurants I have enjoyed (alone with name, address, location, description of meal, price paid), museums and monuments visited; photo log, shopping and museum expenses, transportation expenses, postcard mailing list, etc.
15. Safety, street crime.
Paris is a pretty safe city. I would recommend keeping expensive jewelry at home and wear something simple if you really wanted to wear jewelry. Keep your camera in your day bag. Do not advertise that you are a tourist, although most tourists stick out anyway with their guidebooks and maps in hand. Carry only the money you would need for that day and keep in your jacket or pants pocket. I have a light jacket that has inside pockets. I normally wear a money belt underneath my clothes. Inside I keep my airline tickets, passport, credit card, and the rest of my money (unless your hotel room has a room safe). If you have a day bag with you, do not place it on the floor where someone can snatch it. I usually hook the strap under the chair leg when sitting at a café or restaurant. Do not walk down any dark streets at night and keep to the main streets. Be aware of your surroundings, but do not be paranoid either. You are in Paris to have a great time. If you are careful at home, just do the same while in Paris.
1. It’s not home:
Many first time travelers have the expectation that they'll find everything "American" in the country they travel to. Not so! Remember that other countries have different cultures, different foods, different languages, different ways of living, and different cultures. Some people find the French rude and uncooperative. Based on my experiences, I disagree. Plumbing is different (squat toilets! tiny bathrooms, tiny showers, “shared” bathrooms in restaurants, etc), the French meal lasting two to three hours; the well-dressed Madame. To travel is to experience new and different things. Have an open mind and enjoy these new sights, sounds, and experiences. Without this, you may be disappointed in your trip, so adapt to your new environment.
2. Don’t be the loud, rude tourist.
I did not use the word “American” in my title, because I have encountered European tourists who have been just as, or worse than Americans. The French hold their conversations quietly and find loud tourists to be rude. Keep your conversations to a low level and no obnoxious laughing!
3. Learn some French phrases; you will be appreciated.
This is so true in any country. Although you may butcher the pronunciation of a foreign word or phrase and may not learn it completely, most foreigners appreciate your efforts trying to communicate with them in their language and not yours. Even if you only learn to say in French, “Good morning” “Please” Thank you”, The bill please” and Good evening,” you open up doors to interacting with many people: The baker, the store clerk, the waiter, the ticket man at the metro station or museum. In most cases, your efforts will be rewarded with help of that person who may even talk to you in English.
4. Study up on the places you will visit.
Planning is the biggest part of traveling! Purchase one or two guidebooks and read about the places you will be visiting. You can also pick up some books at the library. Learn some of the history and culture of France. From reading, you will have a greater knowledge of what there is to see and do and can plan a well-rounded trip. Would you want to miss that great outdoor market around the corner of your hotel? How about that special museum or town festival? Watch movies that are filmed in the country of your destination. Rent travel videos such as Rick Steves Travels in Europe or other travel videos.
5. You and your travel partner
Be responsible for you own experiences! Read guidebooks on your destination. Talk with your travel partner about the things you want to see and do. Sit down together and discuss your likes and dislikes and your expectations. Do not expect your experienced traveler partner to guide you around everywhere. Come up with some itineraries that the two of you can do together and plan for some days or half days apart. It’s great to do some things on your own and later meet for dinner and talk about your own experiences. Open communication is the key to a successful trip with your travel partner. You certainly do not want to return from a trip telling your travel partner you missed something because you did not know about it or just followed the leader all the time.
6. Pack light!
Pack as light as possible! When you are traveling around Europe and have to use various modes of transportation, such as the bus, train, metro, boat, plane, or walking, you should pack as light as possible. Imagine having to carry more than one bag (or a very large suitcase) from the airport to the metro to the hotel? Some hotels do not have elevators. It is not worth carrying large, heavy suitcases. I recommend a carry-on suitcase to avoid lost luggage and the fact that you will be forced to take less. The average size of a carry-on (with pullout handle and wheels) is 9 x 14 x 22 inches, 45 inches total. Many suggest removing half of what you have packed. This seems a little scary for some who want to have fresh clothes every day of their trip, but it is doable. Bring clothes that do not wrinkle easily and are lightweight. Coordinate your cloths so that you can mix your tops with your pants or skirts. Neutral colors work best, especially in places like Paris where black is the norm. Bring fast drying socks and underwear and wash only those items. If you really need to clean your cloths, you will have to find a laundromat. All-cotton socks take a long time to dry: a mixed blend is usually a good choice. There are also other products out that are lightweight and quick drying. Check out the various travel-clothing companies. Bring no more than 2 pairs of shoes, 3 at the most!
7. Jetlag.
I find that when traveling overseas it is best to adjust mentally to the new time zone in advance. When I board my flight in the US, I immediately change my watch to the local time. I bring an eye mask, an inflatable neck cushion, and earplugs and try to sleep on the flight. It is usually difficult for me because the seats are usually cramped. I have read that it is best to avoid alcohol and heavy meals on the flights and to drink plenty of water. On my last trip, I tried Melatonin, but it did not really help me. Once I arrive in Europe, I stay awake. I do not take any naps, but try to stay up until around 9pm the first night. Everyday after that I get up around 8:00-8:30am. However, because I am so excited to be in Europe that the jetlag does not really bother me. Don’t harp on being tired. Don’t say “Gee, it’s 2am in the States…I haven’t slept in 27 hours.”
8. Bring a day bag
During the day while out sightseeing, carry what you might need for the day: camera, guidebook, city map, money for the day, journal, pen, umbrella, etc. Make sure you can close it securely. I also use my day bag as my purse on the flights as my second carry-on bag. This holds my passport, money, tickets, camera, film, journal, tourist information, and any other important documents.
9. Bring comfortable shoes
Your shoes need to be comfortable for all day walking. Do not buy a new pair just before a trip. Make sure you have time to break them in. The best way to see and explore a town or city is by walking. Many great views are from above, so you will want to climb the many steps of towers, Cathedrals, monuments, and other buildings.
10. Walk, do not ride.
There is so much to see in Paris (and in any city, town or village) and the best way to see everything is by walking! If a particular area is far away, you can take the metro or bus to that area and then do your walking seeing the various sights, streets, shops, museums, etc. Many people choose to go on a bus tour. That is fine for some people, but they miss out on a lot of things: a lovely courtyard, a park, a great pastry shop, and a small church. Once in Barcelona, my Mother and I had some time to spare before having to take the train to Madrid. We were staying in the Gothic quarter. Our balcony faced the back of a church, so we decided to visit it to see how it looked from the front. Well, to our surprise it faced a lovely small piazza filled with a few cafés, shops and hotels. It was quaint and charming.
11. Do not rush to see everything.
Don't think you can "do it all" on your trip. There just is not enough time to see everything in one trip. Relax and enjoy what you can see and remember that there will be opportunities to return again someday. This goes back to #4 above: Learn what there is to see and do and be selective. Pick the highlights of a city or something that really stands out to you.
12. Photography/film
Take more film than you think you will need. Film is expensive in Europe and you can always use the unused rolls at home. A general rule of thumb is 1 roll a day (I average 2 rolls per day, depending on the location), so add a few extras to your count. Take extra photos. You never know how they will come out. I know I have overdone photographing Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower, but they are my memories. If buying a new camera, go through at least 2 rolls of film to make sure you know how to use the camera properly. If using a point-and-shoot, I recommend Kodak or Fuji 400 speed film. Bring a spare battery for your camera, as well as a film protection bag. Keep in your travel journal a record of what you took. It does not have to be for every photo taken, but at least a few photos along with dates to help you remember when it is time to place them in an album.
I now bring a digital camera in addition to my Nikon N80. It’s great to have immediate satisfaction or to dump the Nikon in the evenings and just have a small pocket camera in my purse. I’m almost tempted to not bring my Nikon anymore, although it’s a great camera too. And I did spend a lot of money on it! With a digital camera, you can bring a couple of memory cards and take many, many photos, depending on the resolution you choose.
13. Purchase that souvenir!
I don’t know how many times I have returned from a trip and regretted not bringing home an extra souvenir or two. You will never know when you will return to Europe and spending a little money on souvenirs is well worth it. You will have wonderful memories looking back on your trip with these souvenirs. Also, if you see something you like, buy it! Don’t say, “Oh, I’ll pick one up later or in the next town.” Trust me: This doesn’t work. I had the opportunity to pick up some beautiful ceramic magnets and decided I would buy them at the next little town. Of course that next town didn’t have any and I didn’t see them during the rest of my trip. Fortunately, I had a friend who traveled to the same town and picked up several for me.
To carry your souvenirs home safely, bring a light, yet strong duffle bag along with some bubble wrap for breakables and some packing tape. If you plan to purchase prints, posters, or a pretty paper placemat from a restaurant (I have one from a restaurant in Fontainebleau), bring a mailing tube, which can be purchased for under $1. This duffle bag will be your carry-on bag and you can check your other luggage when flying home.
14. Bring a journal.
I like having a journal with me to write down my experiences. I try to write in it on a daily basis while having lunch or taking a break from sightseeing or just before bedtime. Sometimes I will sit at a café and enjoy a glass of wine or sit at a park bench while writing in my journal. This journal will bring back great memories in the future. Since I provide travel advise to many people, I like to write in detail. I include things such as hotel information (name, address, phone, directions from the nearest metro, room number, brief description of the room, and price paid), restaurants I have enjoyed (alone with name, address, location, description of meal, price paid), museums and monuments visited; photo log, shopping and museum expenses, transportation expenses, postcard mailing list, etc.
15. Safety, street crime.
Paris is a pretty safe city. I would recommend keeping expensive jewelry at home and wear something simple if you really wanted to wear jewelry. Keep your camera in your day bag. Do not advertise that you are a tourist, although most tourists stick out anyway with their guidebooks and maps in hand. Carry only the money you would need for that day and keep in your jacket or pants pocket. I have a light jacket that has inside pockets. I normally wear a money belt underneath my clothes. Inside I keep my airline tickets, passport, credit card, and the rest of my money (unless your hotel room has a room safe). If you have a day bag with you, do not place it on the floor where someone can snatch it. I usually hook the strap under the chair leg when sitting at a café or restaurant. Do not walk down any dark streets at night and keep to the main streets. Be aware of your surroundings, but do not be paranoid either. You are in Paris to have a great time. If you are careful at home, just do the same while in Paris.
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