A visit to Paris can be done on a shoestring budget with prior planning.
The city of Paris is the capital of France, and it is a popular destination for tourists visiting Europe due to its picturesque architecture, bountiful history and flavorful foods. With the currency exchange rates to consider, entrance fees to major attractions, hotel and food costs, the budget for a trip to Paris can get out of hand easily. Proper preparation and exploration of all the options for your trip are the key to visiting Paris on a shoestring budget.
Instructions
1. Determine your bottom line budget before the trip begins. Calculate exactly how much you are willing to spend on this trip if all expenses are accounted for, including airfare, food, hotels, admissions to attractions, souvenirs, traveler's insurance, clothes, etc. Coming up with one definitive number will allow you to better determine allot the money between all the categories as you plan.
2. Research, plan and book as much of the trip ahead of time as possible. Arriving to Paris without reservations at hotels, restaurants and attractions can cost you. Hotels usually raise their rates if you book only days prior to your trip, and it is possible you may not be able to find any rooms available at cheaper hostels if you go during France's peak tourist season (spring months).
3. Draw up a rough itinerary showing where you will spend the bulk of your days. Research the famous attractions of Paris, and decide before your trip on which you would like to spend your time. Consult a map when doing this, and try put locations closer together on the same day. This will not only save you time as you travel between attractions, but it will also save you money, as metro fares are determined by the distance you are traveling in Paris. Some of the major attractions you may want to research include the Eiffel Tower, Invalides, the Arc de Triomphe, Musee Rodin, Sacre Coeur and the Louvre.
4. Consider booking beds in a dormitory-style room at a hostel instead of a hotel. The cost is far cheaper, and many online resources can help you find one closest to your favorite attractions. Hostelworld is a popular site used to locate rooming abroad in Europe, including France.
5. Consider all forms of transportation offered in Paris when deciding get from location to location. The metro is quick and will take you nearly anywhere you wish to go, but there are also six train stations in Paris. Buses and taxis are also available.
6. Purchase a museum pass before your trip if you plan on spending a lot of time at the famous Parisian museums. This pass grants you entrance to 60 museums and attractions all over Paris for one low price, depending on the number of days you wish to use it. The pass provides unlimited entrance to the attractions within its days of use, and you may keep it as a souvenir when it becomes inactive.
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