I will be flying from Santiago, Chile to Miami then connecting to a London or Paris flight. I am undecieded which city I should visit first. I am sure that I will have some jet lag after the long flight. I am familiar with London and althought I've been to Paris I am not familiar with the city. I am thinking of visiting Paris because I have alot of shopping to do in London and would rather travel with heavy bags towards the end of the trip. From London/Paris I will fly back to the US.
My concern is that my jet lag may interfere with my enjoyment of Paris and that I will be an easy target for pickpoketing, etc. What advice do fodorites have. Thanks in advance.

There really wouldn't be much difference to me - both cities are easy to get around. London is larger/more hectic but you are more familiar w/ it.

Is there any difference in your fare into London/out of Paris or the reverse? If not I might go w/ London first simply because you are more used to it.

The shopping issue though -- hmmmm. Actually it probably makes no difference - just go w/ whichever strikes your fancy.

Well this is complicated. If you're not staying over in Miami and heading straight to Europe, I'd pick the cheapest option. I don't know what your home currency is, but with the poor exchange rate b/w dollars and pounds, I'd opt for heading to Paris first and probably staying there longer given that it's a lot cheaper (at least for Americans). You may also find you can get the shopping you need there.

As far as worrying about pickpockets, that can happen in any city. Don't walk around in a daze. Get some sleep!

In Paris, you can just walk a little, sit at a cafee for a while, walk some more, then stop at another cafe. It's a great town for just strolling sort of aimlessly, and you're likely to feel very safe in all the areas popular with tourists.

Thanks for the feedback.

I am based in the US and find the flight going to Paris first and flying back from London is only marginnally more than doing these cities in reverse. My concern is many people I know have had bad experiences in Paris, I understand that this can happen in any city. Also, I will have to buy many English edible goodies to bring back to the US.

At this time I am leaning towards going to Paris first.

Rjames - what kind of bad experiences have your friends had in Paris? I've been there 3 times and have crossed paths with one rude person and have found everyone else to be very kind, but not gushy, and helpful.

Madison, your successful trips are good for you! But you’ve only met ONE rude person? Wow! I’ve met rude people everywhere (I just ignore them and they go away) and, not that I ruined any of my trips, Paris certainly has it’s fair shair plus a few extra.
I too have had several successful trips to France/Paris, BUT I have three friends, two of whom were pick-pocketed on the metro and one who was mugged near the Moulin Rouge. Many fans of Paris try to sugar-coat it, but in the end it’s another big city and, yes, they do have crime. Unfortunately it is not uncommon for visitors to be the easiest targets. Paris may not be as dangerous as certain other big cities and/or it may be more so than certain other cities, but to pretend that it does not have violent crime is simply naïve.

"My concern is many people I know have had bad experiences in Paris . . . . "

I don't want to be one of those people who has a knee-jerk reaction to Paris-bashing, BUT I urge you to go to Paris (or any city) with an open mind. For as many people as I know who've been treated badly in Paris, I know just as many, if not more, who love it like no other place. No matter where you go--London, Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, simple common sense will generally keep you out of trouble. Keep your belongings secure, don't carry too much money on you, wear a money belt for added protection and mind your surroundings. I think it also helps to have the logistics--like getting from the airport--figured out before arrival. The fewer decisions the better. You won't look so lost. If it helps, I've never been pickpocketed in either city. I'm female, travel alone and look like a zombie when jet-lagged.

With that said, I'd say it's a toss up. Would you rather spend a jetlagged day in London--a city you've seen before--or Paris? On that logic, I'd start with London. However, Paris isn't hard to handle, even with jet lag. Go to a cafe, stroll along the Seine, do a little shopping, eat an early dinner and get a decent night's sleep. I find Paris to be much less frenetic than London and easier to deal with when tired.

Of course, if I had my choice I'd begin and end with Paris....Happy travels with whatever you decide!

Kate

A few of my friends have had things stolen from their hotel rooms in Paris. Two other people I know have been the vitims of pick pockets who surrounded them on the subway. this happened to the two different people on two different occasions.

I'd vote for London. When your tired and jet-lagged it's comforting to hear your own language spoken...at least some of the time.