Choosing a vacation destination can be a challenging endeavor. There are many things to take into consideration such as where to go and where to stay upon your arrival. Other things to keep in mind include how you will get around and how much money you will need to prepare to bring with you. No matter where you vacation, it is a great idea to look into factual information that is helpful to know before setting foot in a new city. This article will highlight some of the things that you should know about traveling to France.
Instead of staying in a hotel, rent a villa. When traveling to France, there are so many exquisite places to stay for a fraction of what a hotel would cost. For example, if you plan to visit the gorgeous locale of St. Tropez, it is best to check out villa rentals in St. Tropez as opposed to staying in a chain hotel.
Dress accordingly. The French value fashion and appreciate a smart outfit. After all, if you are traveling to Paris, you will be visiting the fashion capital of the world, so you must pack your best threads to wear around the city.
Montmartre. If you love the arts, great cafe’s, people watching, and beautiful and historical places of worship, you must visit Montmartre. Montmartre, is a neighborhood of Paris that is famous for being a place where artists gathered. Van Gogh and Picasso frequented Montmartre and it is worth a look.
Tip the waiter. In some countries, the VAT, or tax, is included in the price that you pay. This means that when you are out dining, it may not be customary to tip the waiter. It is good etiquette when you are in France to tip the waiter so make sure that you do so.
Avoid taking cabs. Use the metro. If you are not a fan of public transportation, do what you can to walk or take the city bus system. However, if you want to immerse yourself in the life of Paris, be sure to take the metro.
Visit Normandy. If you are interested in World War II and the historical artifacts that can be found in France, you must visit Normandy. Normandy is where many died during World War II on the sandy beaches of Normandy. It is a sight to see and one that cannot be explained in words.
Try to speak the French language. It can be a challenge to travel to France when you do not speak their language but many appreciate it when you give it a try as opposed to speaking English and assuming that they can understand you.
Venture off the beaten path. While visiting the touristy locations is a good idea, it is also smart to venture off the beaten path and see what you happen to stumble upon. Old bookstores, a cafe, or a nice restaurant can be a few blocks away from the main tourist attractions and you will likely enjoy yourself so much more than being in a crowd of tourists.
Pack light. It is a good idea to pack light as you will most likely bring treasures back home with you and will need room in your suitcase for them.
Savor the moment. Vacations always go so fast and it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the crowd. It can be stressful to travel to a place you don’t know and it can often take some of the joy out of the experience. Sometimes when traveling, you don’t realize what a wonderful experience it was until it is over. When in France, do your best to savor the moment.