Tips For Holiday Fun in Paris - Hello Traveler, A trip to Paris France may sometimes seem better suited for jet setters, the adventurous, and surely the wealthy. In actual fact, visiting Paris can be a reality and relatively easy on the pocketbook.
1. Book on a low-cost airline carrier
In this case, it’s not the journey but the destination! One of the major expenses of your trip will be your airfare, therefore why not travel with a little less legroom, lighter baggage, and an extra layover? You can compare competitive airfares on Kayak and also compare low-cost carriers such as Eurofly and Flyglobespan.(If you’re really set on traveling in style, consider flying Open Skies – the business class only airline between New York and Paris.)
2. Take the local commuter train, the RER
The local train, called the RER, from Charles de Gaulle Airport to the city is only 9.25 Euros. The RER connects to the Metro subway that can take you anywhere in Paris. This will save you about 40 Euros compared to taking a taxi. There is also the bus, RoissyBus, which will take you from Charles de Gaulle Airport to the Opera metro station for 10 Euros.
3. Buy a weekly Metro pass for 19.15 Euros (as of January 2012)
Weekly passes are available for unlimited travel in zones 1-2 (the most you will likely need that covers all neighborhoods of Paris) beginning on Mondays through Sundays. You will need to get a pass called Carte Orange in order to buy a weekly subway ticket. Bring an extra passport sized photo of yourself, or use one of the many photo booths available at Metro stations, and then ask for a Carte Orange at the kiosk. Also don't forget that bicycles are available for rent throughout Paris now.
4. Stay at 2-3 star hotels in residential neighborhoods
Paris is a dense, closely quartered city. Believe it or not but crossing the city from east to west is a mere 10 miles and is fairly easy if you have the right Paris street map book. Stay in a non-tourist area, and you’ll be where you want to be in no time whether it be on foot or by subway.
5. If staying 2 weeks or more, consider renting a furnished apartment
This will require a little bit more coordination since you must meet the apartment owner or rental agency, exchange keys and pay a deposit, but you will have the convenience and luxury of living like a local.
6. Eat light breakfasts, take-out lunches and enjoy a set-course meal at dinnertime
Also consider shopping at local markets to prepare your own picnic along the Seine or at one of Paris' many parks and gardens. As cliche as this might sound, this is one of the biggest pastimes of Parisians during nice weather.
7. Buy a museum pass
If you want to visit as many world-class museums as you can in 2, 4 or 6 days, get the convenience of a museum pass. Ticket are available may be bought online at the website of the Paris Tourism Office.If you prefer to visit galleries at a more leisurely pace, admission is in fact very affordable - anywhere from 9-20 Euros per ticket. (PS If you’re in Paris the first Sunday of the month, many museums have free admission.)
8. Traveling in and around France? Consider a Rail Europe rail pass
You need to buy a Rail Europe pass in advance of your trip while you are still in North America. There are many advantages to traveling by train, (but also keep in mind Europe’s own budget airlines make air travel very affordable.)
9. Save on bank fees, use traveler's checks
Instead of relying on ATMs in Europe which can charge high fees for withdrawals, consider the safety of bringing traveler’s checks on your trip.There’s an American Express center in the tourist heart of the city in the 8th arrondissement that will cash your (American Express) traveler’s checks without any fees. They speak English there, as well as at least 10 other languages.
10. Consider traveling in July or August
It won't be that much cheaper, but the city will be less busy as locals head on their vacations. One down-side though is many local businesses close during the month of August. You can also think about traveling in the off-season (October through March).
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