My wife is flying from USA to Brussels. She would like to take the train to Paris. Any suggestions on the best way?

Also, she has never been to Europe before. Should she use a 22" carry-on suitcase vs a 26" suitcase?

Does she want to go to Paris for a day trip or stay overnight? At any rate the fastest way is to take the Thalys high speed train from Brussels to Paris. It is I believe 90 minutes. You must have a reservation but that isn't hard to get. It can be done online or in person at the train station. As for suitcase the carry on is the easiest to haul around. Clothes should all go together and easy to wash. I would also recommend soft knitwear for a small suitcase, easier to pack and easy to wear.

She wants to spend a few days in Paris. Any thoughts on what she should see and where should stay?

To get the cheapest fares, book up to 90 days in advance at www.thalys.com. To have any chance of getting a Smilys fare which is 54 EUR return (roundtrip), book as soon as the 90-day window opens. Other discount return fares are Mezzo + (85 EUR) and Mezzo (116 EUR).

Can she catch the Thalys high speed train at the Brussels airport?

So far as luggage goes, I recommend that she limit herself to the 22" suitcase plus a small daypack.

Your wife would need to take an InterRegio train from the airport to Bruxelles-Midi and then take the Thalys train from there to Paris.

Tim, thanks so much.