How many planning for France 2008?
 

I am sort of sheepish about the fact that I have been 'actively planning' our 2008 trip to France for over a year already (in my defense... it was originally going to be a June 2007 trip!). I've recently seen a couple of other posts from 2008 travellers to be - how many of us are there out there right now?
This will be our first trip to France, and I have to say that one main benefit I've found from this "way in advance" (way too in advance?) research, is that I now how too many 'things to see or do' on my list to possibly fit into our 24 day trip, that it totally takes the pressure off feeling we should 'do it all'!

I plan at least a year in advance. We rent Gites, and sometimes they must be reserved 1 1/2 yrs ahead. Also, Frequent Flyer tickets first become available 330 days in advance.

Stu Dudley

There probably is no such thing as "too far in advance"....

I have had my Oct. 2007 reservations for several months, and my April, 2008 for a month..I am now working on Oct. of 2008.

Don't be sheepish - going to France September/October 2007 and actively planning Spring or Fall 2008.

Myself and a friend are starting to plan a trip to Prague in September 2008!

I figure if I have to schedule professional conferences and trainings a year or two out, why not vacations?

It's given me a chance to track what happens to airfares, so I know now approx when I'll buy, and I know exactly the day I'm going to get any TGV tickets! Anything you've been burned on settling on too early? (I already know not to look at airfares after buying... no matter what!)

I'm another that plans far in advance. I secured "my" Paris apartment rental for this July well over a year in advance when the selection was best. I was able to make my choice based on what I was looking for rather than what might be available. I do the same thing when renting a place for my kids' spring break each year.

Witness:

>>> have finally purchased my ticket to Paris for 3 weeks. I want to stay in Paris for one week in either an apartment or a hotel, anytime between May 22 and June 11. I can only spend $100 per night.<<<

Author: namaka
Date: 03/29/2007, 03:48 pm
This one has gotten some great reviews;

http://www.vrbo.com/28993


Author: amwosu
Date: 03/29/2007, 03:51 pm
That apartment would be perfectly suited to meet your needs except when checking the availability calendar it is appears to be booked solid.

Am I the only one to plan 1-2 months before? I really do not know what my schedule is going to be until then. Going to France/Czech in August/Septemeber, hope to get FF mile tickets and reservation. Have done this for past 20 years, and haven't failed yet. I don't always get my first choice though.

i have been planning for over a yera to our trip to Germany and France in 2008. My biggest irritant is not knowing the route of the 2008 tour de france until this oct. I would like to have a hotel somewhere near the route, but i will probably go ahead and make all my reservations by then and just plan on driving to the route.

Yes, planning on May 2008, Brittany/Normandy then back to Paris through Loire. However, I have a job where it's impossible to predict if/how much I will make so it depends on that. If so, it will be trip #2 for 18-20 days.

Stu, are you actually able to find mileage tickets to France? After we had 1 mileage and 1 paid and got stuck for a week in Dublin September 11, 2001, I've been leary.

I lucked out this year & got Delta FF tickets for Sept. I'm flying to Brussels, however. It's only 1 1/2 hrs to Paris by the TGV or Thalys. Trains are frequent. You could take the TGV from Brussels (30E) to CDG, rent a car there, and then head to Normandy.

There is actually a no-train-change TGV that goes directly from Brussels to Provence - via CDG.

We are landing in BRU at 8:20am, and spending about 5 hours exploring Brussels (moules/frites lunch) before getting on the TGV to Paris.

Stu Dudley

I'll look forward to hearing about the trip. My husband really wants to go back to Provence--but also see some Belgium, so that's a great combo to know about.

Well, I've had a house there for 16 years, so I tend to just look at the calendar and go "next week looks good" and hop on a plane! Works for me, but obviously not for most people.

When I use FF miles, I must call the 331 days out or they are not available. It is partly due to the shuttle that I must take from Asheville to either ATL or CVG for my International flight. I call at midnight for the departure and then call back at midnight for the return..fun, fun.

I have FF for my Oct. 2007 trip. I am taking my granddaughter in April of 2008. I will use FF for her ticket as she will be flying from Tampa, via ATL. I will do the midnight thing in May for her!

Our Sept trip includes 2 weeks in a Gite in Brittany near the Pink Rock area. Look for some additions to my Brittany itinerary this winter.

Stu Dudley

! I always plan 1 and 2 years out! It's half the fun, as you can be dreaming and taking a mini vacation in your mind at the same time. My DH and I are going to France mid May 08' till about the 4th or 5th of June. We are planning a stay in Uzes, in the provence area and then the balance of the week in a chateau in the Aubergne area, which is more the middle of France. We will tie our trip up and stay for a few days in Paris,(where I've never been) which I still have to plan, and as I can see from some of the posts on this forum, I had better get my butt in gear soon!!
What part of Canada are you from?..I'm assuming you are from Canada...

It all works out in the end. Those of us who don't plan far ahead often benefit from the cancellations of those who planned too far in advance, thus saving them their cancellation penalties.

I love planning my next trip, even if it just a short trip for a night or two.
Yes I have already planned the major part of my Jan. 2008 trip.
I am using Qantas FF points, so I had to book a year a head to ensure I would get a seat. Flying Sydney to London for a couple of nights, then Paris for a week, and an Umbrian apartment for a week. At this stage I have a few free nights because I am not really sure where I want to go.
In summary I have the flight, plus two apartments already booked. It it a great feeling knowing I have the trip in 2008.

Thanks!! I've found a home here! I got a bit of attitude on another forum for posting a question about a trip that far out (sort of a "things change - it's too early to ask for advice") Probably just one 'bad vibe'... but still.
I am with ctoner and others - the mental vacation is part of the fun! In the past I've planned detailed vacations other places that never came about, but still enjoyed the planning! And I also agree that circumstances impact planning style as well. When my husband and I travelled with just the two of us (backpacking around Europe... driving around Scotland... honeymooning in Wales) we had very few pre-plans, and just went with the flow. This time we will be going with the kids and it will be the first time we have made this kind of trip (i.e. longer and more dynamic then a week at a cottage!) as a family together, so I am more comfortable with the idea of removing some of the "framework variables" earlier (like anchoring accomodation etc), and doing more research to pick areas and timings. Ctoner - I'm from the vaguely Toronto area, and actually, one thing that is now part of my plans which probably wouldn't have been if I hadn't researched as much is that I think we will be looking for flights out of Hamilton, via Montreal, rather then out of Toronto. Where abouts are you from?

Although usually a spur of the moment traveler I will be making arrangements within the next month for an April 2008 40th anniversary celebration at the Paris hotel where we began our honeymoon. Want to be sure that those dates are locked in.

Hmmm....wasn't planning a trip until I saw your post. We're leaving May 2 for a family trip (husband, kids, my folks) to Germany & France....but I'm feeling the need for a couples-only Paris 2008 fete. Heck, who needs carpeting anyway? Book it, Danno!

New DH took new job - that'll be great in the long run, but it sort of deflates my go to Europe plans this year. We'll plan a leaf-peep in the fall ... but then? 2008? Vrrooom...
Mid-May and instead of France this time, I still have Ira's Italy trip in a file to follow....ciao bella

I'm currently planning and starting reservations for four of us (2 middle-aged couples) for Paris, Provence and Cote d'Azur for mid-May through the first week of June 2008. The planning is fun, but it's also a lot of work; and there is a bit of stress involved (e.g., right now negotiating in half-English/half-French with a homeowner in l'Ile sur la Sorgue about how to pay the deposit).

I routinely get ideas from posters here - either by searching, lurking or posting new threads - StuDudley has already helped with his Provence/Cote d'Azur itinerary and he recommended l'Ile sur la Sorgue to me.

One phenomenon I've noticed about trip planning is a bit disquieting, however. DW and I are doing an Alaska cruise and land tour this June - I planned that one last September with excursion planning being completed by last December. While I was still planning that trip, I started the France planning. We're also hoping to go on a trip with other friends in 2009 to Italy (probably Lakes district and maybe Venezia), so some very preliminary planning for that one too.

DOES it ever seem that we spend more time planning than actually traveling? Or do we do all this planning to ensure that the time we are traveling is used in the best way possible? OR is our extensive planning simply a way of living some fantasies while waiting for our next trip?

Luckily, I'm retired (the DW keeps us afloat financially) and have the time to do all this. Some of my non-traveling friends (yes we do have a few) probably think I'm nuts - maybe I am? If so, I surmise that I'm in very good company!!! :)

KC

ctoner, you have made three wonderful choices: Uzes, the Auvergne, and then Paris. There are certainly other beautiful places in France, but those three are winners.

Will you be renting a place in Uzes or staying in a hotel?

Anselm

KC,

I can't imagine travel without plans. I am always amazed with the many who have no knowledge whatsoever of the places where they will be. Michelin Green Guides should be a must..I find Michelin maps to be the best. You also have the Via Michelin and Mappy websites.

I want to know as much as possible about the places that I am going..in fact, my choice of places is because of my research. I also want to know the customs of the country, enough language to get along etc. I then will do more research for good restaurants etc.

Good planning can make so much difference. I can't imagine doing it any other way......

There's absolutely nothing wrong with planning so far in advance. I have yet to take my Switzerland trip this year (it'll be in September), but I've already suggested to my one sister, who is married and has a family, and another sister (who is not married) about going over to Paris after Christmas for about 8 days or so.

I have also begun planning for my France trip in June '08.

This is my current working itinerary - which has already evolved several times, and I expect to evolve further!
Arriving on a Friday in Paris - staying 7 nights(currently 3 apartments on my short list). Only set item would be taking a Fat Tire bike tour on the Saturday. Other then that, bringing our lists of possible things to do, and taking it from there.
Train to Reims to check out Champagne - rent a car and drive to Arras. Next day visit WWI Canadian war memorial(s) and make way to Caen. Next day visit Juno beach WWII Canadian site and make way to Saumur. Stay there for 6 nights - visit Puy du Fou on Wednesday. Drive south to Languedoc, via Millau and stopping the night somewhere en route(current short list in Languedoc has gites sort of near Beziers, near Minerve, near Bedarieux). Stay there for 6 nights. Drive to Grenoble via Pont du Gard - spend the night. TGV to Paris - spend last night, and then off home!
That's if I had to book today... maybe changed by tomorrow!

<<That's if I had to book today... maybe changed by tomorrow!>>
LOL
exactly in line with my own philosophy!

>>in Languedoc has gites sort of near Beziers, near Minerve, near Bedarieux<<

We spent 1 week in a Gite just outside of Lamalou les Bains, which is just 10K west of Bedarieux. Of the 20 or more regions in France we've stayed for 1 to 25 weeks, this Bedarieux/Minerve area was perhaps our least favorite. Not enough things to do & see, compared to the other regions. Food was just OK. We did not visit Beziers

On the same trip, we spent 2 weeks on the Lot River near Espalion. Lots (no pun) more to do there. Better restaurants also. We're considering returning for another 2 weeks in the near future.

Stu Dudley

Interesting... and an advantage of planning early!!!
The rough parameters around our southern locale are... could day trip to swim in the Med... could day trip to Carcassonne and Limoux... could day trip to a cave... could day trip to some sort of activity centre/ropes course type place... A gite with a pool or swimming near by would be best (figuring the 3rd week would be likely to be a more R&R style, though want to have the option of action packed if we are still in the mood! Prefer to stay in a village / small town as opposed to a "villa". Open to suggestions for me to research!
thansk!!!

Roussillon would be perfect. Collioure, Perpignan, Ceret, Pyrenees mountains, Carcassonne, Cathars Castles, Minerve, Spanish coast, Girona.

Stu Dudley

I always start planning 1 1/2 to 2 years out. Am currently planning a May 2008 trip to Northern Italy. I will be making flight arrangements in June to get upgrades to first class so it really is necessary to plan way in advance. I sympathize with the "found too many things to do" research. However, I have noted that this phenomenon actually evolves into a more pared down list over time. You have a chance to really think things through and get a better handle on your trip priorities.

Bon Voyage!

For Stu -
Here is the rental that is currently my "if I had to book tomorrow" itinerary for the south part.
http://www.languedocfrance.com/courdumoine/index.html
Located in Quarante - does this fall into the reccomended or the 'keep looking' region? (Thanks for your insight!!)

drbb - the great thing is that with the time the itinerary shuffles and reshuffles, and some things always seem to stick in and keep their appeal (like the idea of the current Saumur shortlist gite in a troglodyte cave!), and some seem good at first, but have lost their flair and dropped down (like Futurascope). Even if the specifics don't stay at the top, it's a case of building an inventory of options (and "test driving" the options in my mind during my commute has become one of my vacation planning hobbies!)

I'm planning for Paris in March of 2008! Or, June (if I find a flight under $800).

Tara

Not much going on in that area. The D14/D20 to where it hits the N112 is quite scenic, but around Minerve it is dry & dusty. Not many restaurants in that region. We spent most of one day wandering around there. I think you could find much more interesting areas in the Languedoc to stay in. I seem to recall a few inquiries on this forum about a gite in that same general location close to Minerve - perhaps the same place.

We stayed in a gite near Ceret & really enjoyed that area. Lots if diverse things to do & see. The coast from Banyuls to the Costa Brava in Spain is spectacular. Collioure would be the place to dip your feet in the Med, and the Pyrenees are wonderful to explore. Lots of small cute villages, remote abbeys, Cathars castles, etc. The Tet & Tech Rivers flow through pretty valleys, and it's a scenic drive to Carcassonne. We stayed in our Gite for 2 weeks & were on-the-go the entire time. We took and train to Barcelona for an overnight visit.

E-mail me at [email protected] & I'll send you my 35 page Languedoc itinerary with more specifics about this region.

Stu Dudley

Planning to take my 21 yr and 12 yr old daughters to France next summer, just me and the girls! This will be their 1st time abroad, and my 3rd. My itentary is wide open, want to get the most for my visit. Fly into Paris, then either train to Venice or Barcelona for a cruise. If no cruise, then maybe a London, Amsterdam, Paris route. I'm thinking at least 2 weeks.

I'm definitly going to rent an apt in Paris, I've already bookmarked tons of sites from various threads.

I always go to France along with other countries in May and September of every year. So...unless there is a disaster, I'll be there.