4 1/2 weeks to go before I leave for my trip
 

Hi guys,

I have 4 1/2 weeks to go before my trip to Paris and London.

I have already booked my accommodation, Eurostar trips (Paris to London, London to Paris). I have booke my Eiffel tower tickets, Madame Tussaud tickets, London Eye ticket. These were highly recommended hence I booked them in advance.

This is my first time vising Paris or London for that matter? Anything thing else I need to consider? Notre Dame is also on the list and I will be attending their Christmas service.

I will be in Paris for 5 days and London for 7 days.

Thanks for your help.

Well I guess you are going to be there sometime between Christmas and New Year. It will be cold, or cool and wet and the days will be short. Most people will be running to and from the shops.

Who on earth told you to go to Madame Tussaud's gastly place, full of more dummies than a first night at a Jude Law movie.

Do you have meals booked for Christmas day, as just turning up hoping that there is a place set for you is unlikely to work.

There were some great photos put on Fodors of London 25 Dec 2011. The place was dead but not sure how Paris will be.

In London you will find that please and thankyou are used a lot, and if you bump into someone say "sorry" don't worry if they do the same, we all do it. In Paris you need a bunch of basic words to make the trip go well. Most guide books have them so spend a bit of time getting them into your brain.

Hi Biboburgler,

Thanks for the advice re-Christmas and Paris language. Been learning a few french words.

I will definitely book my Christmas meal.

Re Madamde Tussaud I just want to see the dummies. If it's not fun then I will know.

Where will you be on Xmas day? Xmas day in London is completely dead because there is no public transport - zero - so you need to be prepared. Definitely book dinner if you plan to eat out. London walks usually does a walking tour that day and you are likely to get some great people free photos!

Www.walks.com

Did someone advise you to pre-book the London Eye? That can be a problem - and even more so in the Winter. The experience is VERY weather dependent. Hopefully your ticket time ends up being on a nice day. If it is raining or foggy you won't see anything. (Same w/ the Eiffel Tower to a degree).

Good luck - with the weather and the rest of your trip as well.

Which city are you in on the 24th and 25th of December?

Hi guys, thanks. I will be in Paris on Christmas day. And my ticket for the London Eye is flexible. Not so for the Eiffel Tower. But either way I will see the tower whether from the top or not. I'm not really that worried about anything to be honest since this is my first time visiting this countries. :)