As you state, this relates to any destination, and I think the most important thing is to stay flexible. This trip may not turn out the way you want it to, either, but the right frame of mind can make all the difference.

When traveling with anyone else, I follow Mr. Fly's basic theory. Everyone (or the other person) chooses a certain number of things they want to see - "must-see", would-like-to-see-but-wouldn't-kill-them-if-missed, and see-if-there-is-time. Them compare lists, and am usually surprised to find how many are actually doable. (especially if the lists are kept small)

For finances, I keep a tally of expenses throughout the day of who paid for what. (Personal expenses excluded, naturally) I don't worry about it during the trip. After the trip is over, I add it up and see if anyone owes the rest. Strangely enough, it usually comes out fairly even.

As for personality types, you just can't get around them and this is where flexibility comes in. I'm more the type that can wander off on my own now and then if something else interests me. My mother and G are the proverbial "clinging vines". I've long since learned not to let it bug me at all. I just know how they are and go with the flow. It might mean missing things on occasion, but I prefer the company more so it works for me. So, if you have some one in the group who thinks the way I do, then couple that person with the "clinging vine" and it should work out better than coupled with some who needs more alone time.

Just be prepared for things to not always go smoothly or things to not go as planned. Enjoy who you are with, as these are what memories are built on!

1. Print out copies of the FINAL itinerary for each traveler. Put on there, the date, the hotel, the hotel address, phone number, fax number, etc.

If you have advance tickets to a show, put down all the relevant information on that too.

Put down the date of flight, flight number, airline, of EVERY flight -whether it's yours or someone else's.

This way, if you are ever separated, no one is in panic. You'll all meet at the same hotel or know which flight(s) the others are on. In other words, you'll be able to link up somehow via the final itinerary sheet.

2. The cell phone idea is a great one. Keep in touch via phone. There's no reason today not to be armed with cell phones. Just make sure you have each other's phone number.

3. I have some friends with whom I travel. One, in particular, has travelled with me in Asia, Europe, and North America. We are planning a South America trip sometime, somehow. Although we both are very flexible and adjust to each other's tastes throughout the trip, we've found that some time during the middle of the trip we like to have some time off from each other, so we book separate rooms. There are times when you feel like letting out a loud burp, etc. without having to worry about someone else being in the same room! Just that little bit of privacy does wonders!

I'm sure you'll have a great trip!

Read Barb's trip report, Rome and Sorrento, you might rethink your plans LOL Just kidding, you can make it work.

I had the extreme pleasure of spending a week in Paris with my three sisters and my daughter. It was a fantastic trip that we still talk about.

One of the things I would suggest is another way to organize your days. If the possibility exists that you have more than one "planner" in the group you could let each of your sisters plan an entire day, this worked really well for us and everyone felt their wishes were met. My mother didn't raise any faint hearted daughters, it could have been a blood bath but instead was borderline perfect

Have a great trip, Paris is a perfect city to be with your sisters and mother. Deborah

whatever ira said. absolutely brilliant!

Phyliss,

I plan trips every year for 15-20 of my neighbors and would be delighted to talk with you. It is more extensive than I can take up the time here for.

Feel free to e mail at [email protected]

I'd be delighted to help you.

Been to Paris many times with groups!!

Thanks again for all the great advice -- and encouragement. You've included many issues and ideas I hadn't or wouldn't have considered.

I'm grateful too, for any caveats; I tend to look on every trip through rose-colored glasses during the planning stages. I'll go hunt up that Barb thread right now. I seem to remember one about travel companions from hell or something as well....

Don't 'over plan', build in some downtime. Particularly in Paris some of my best experiences have been having a picnic in the Tuilleries or just sitting in a cafe.