Paris Travel Tips You Need To Know
Paris, the city of love. One of the most well-known destinations in Europe is a hub for travelers for many reasons and is a destination atop most people’s visit travel lists.
Around 50 million people visit Paris each year, and with over 2 million residents as well as those who travel to the city for work or leisure purposes from around France, it is easy to see why this is a thriving tourist destination but one that can easily become overwhelming.
The following tips can help you prepare for your trip to the French capital so you get the most out of your visit.
Learn Some Phrases
French, a language known for its romance, is not just a pleasure to listen to but also a joy to learn. Considered one of the easiest languages to pick up, learning a few phrases can enhance your experience in Paris. It can assist you in navigating, seeking directions, and ordering food. You don’t need to be fluent, but grasping some basic phrases and words can be incredibly beneficial.
Check Passports
Your US passport needs to have at least 3 months of validity from your departure date (i.e., the day you leave France) to be valid for entry into the country. It needs to have been issued less than 10 years prior to the date of travel and be clear for 3 full months post trip. If your passport doesn’t meet these Schengen area rules, which are a set of passport and visa rules that apply to most European countries, you might be denied boarding with your chosen airline.
Call Card Companies
It would be really irritating if you needed to use your card in France and your issuing company blocked it to prevent fraud. Prior to leaving, inform your card issuer that you will be in France and during what dates so any transactions you make will be authorized.
Research Travel and Public Transport
The easiest way to get around Paris by far is via the Metro and RER. These are Paris’ two rail networks, which are linked and make it the best option for travel around the city. There are 14 connected lines on the metro underground system, and you can get to most places via this method. If you prefer to travel overground, there is a reliable bus service, or you can hire a car, but the busy roads might make it hard to get anywhere, especially if you are not familiar with the roads.
Tourist Points
Paris has a number of tourist attractions around the city, and they are among the most popular destinations, i.e., Disneyland Paris and airports. They can help you with anything you need to get around, including travel options, purchasing tickets for attractions, or general advice. They can point you in the direction of consigne bagage paris, to metro stations, or help you find something to eat and drink.
Book Ahead
Booking ahead for popular tourist attractions is a crucial step in your Paris adventure. If the iconic Eiffel Tower is on your must-see list, you can reserve your spot up to two months in advance, saving you from the long queues that often accompany this popular site. While it’s not necessary to pre-book your entire stay, it’s highly recommended for the busier attractions or the ones you absolutely don’t want to miss.
Pack Layers
The weather in Paris can be widely unpredictable, and depending on when you go, you might experience 4 seasons in one day. The weather is considered to be similar to New York, and Seattle. It’s best to pack layers like a light jacket, a sweater, and a scarf so you can add and remove the items as required as the weather changes to help accommodate the varying weather conditions you might face.
Walking Shoes
Paris is a city best explored on foot, and for this, you need reliable, comfortable walking shoes. This is especially true if you’re planning a trip to Disneyland Paris, which is around 40 minutes away on the RER A train. Investing in comfortable footwear is essential to help you tackle the thousands of steps you’re likely to take each day.
But if exploring is the name of the game, you need to invest in comfortable footwear to help you combat the thousands of steps you will likely make each day.
Paris is an amazing city to visit, and not just for the Eiffel Tower or Disneyland. There is so much to see, and it pays to be as prepared as possible so you can have the best trip.