chasnmydreams

OK. I am a single mom making about 30K a year. I have dreamed of seeing Paris for 20 years. Newly divorced and ready to chase my dreams again. Anyway...

I want to see the major sights of Paris. Cry for joy at the foot of the Eiffel Tower just because I was actually standing there and seeing it with my own eyes. Tell the Arc de Triomphe about my own personal victories of late. Daydream as I stroll down the Champs Elysees (maybe even buy something...MAYBE). I'd be interested in taking a bridge tour and seeing the major points of interest at the Louvre. Oh!! Notre Dame. Gotta see it too.

What kind of trip would you recommend? Just me travelling alone. The time of year is very flexible. I would start my journey in Dallas. Should I fly to New York or direct from DFW? How long should I plan to stay? How much can I anticipate the trip to cost (air, land) and how much extra money should I take along for what-nots?

Thanks in advance for your help.

LCBoniti

I, too, am a Paris fanatic with a 30-year dream of seeing it in person. A couple of years ago, my dream came true and the reality more than lived up to my expectations!

Because I was not an experienced traveler, (and at that time had not yet found this website), I purchased Rick Steves' Paris book and all of your questions (except airfare) were very well covered in it.

I did not use any of his suggestions for hotels or restaurants, so I cannot comment on them, but his museum tours and city walks were very good, especially since my goal was to see the highlights of Paris and come again to fill in the details. If I were going now, I would use his books along with the wealth of information available on this site. (That is exactly what I am doing for my upcoming Rome/Florence trip.)

Anyway, please file a trip report when you return. I'd love to re-live my experiences through your eyes!

Travelnut

You can get a nice central hotel for 90-120€ - if you want more room, book a double bed (single rooms can be like furnished closets). Do a little hotel surfing / searching on this forum for ideas. "Central" means arrondissements 1-8, with most favoring 3,4,5,6th.

I would definitely fly 'direct' from Dallas, no need to connect anywhere - that just adds the chance for complications to a flight.

The best months are April/May or Sept/October, in my view - cooler temperatures, less crowding. The cheaper flights will be Jan-March or Nov-Dec, though - with potential discounts up to $100-200... but the days will be chillier, damper, darker earlier..

You should stay at least a full week, especially if you enjoy museums and galleries, and doing some leisurely shopping. There are good walking tours where you meet up at the appointed place, pay 10-15€ and get some good information for a couple of hours.

I have found flights to run from $600-800 at the best times, and a nice hotel (not fancy but charming/dependable/characteristic) to be attainable at $100-120/night. You can eat nicely, balancing sandwiches/picnics with a few special bistro meals for $25-50/day. A basic "Carte Orange" metro/bus pass is about $17 for Mon-Sunday usage. The city-owned museums are free, and most others run from $8-12; if you plan to visit many, you can buy the Carte Musée pass. You can buy room supplies at the grocery store (ie. Monoprix) for less money (bottled water, fruit, snacks). I'd figure $20/day for incidentals, such as coffee, crepe, glass of wine, small souvenir, etc as you're walking about. You can transfer from the airport using a taxi for about $40-50, or a reserved shuttle for $20, or the RER train for about $10, or the Roissybus for about $10 or the Air France coach for about $15.

Hope that gives you an idea - I guess that would come to roughly $2000 for a nice week-long visit.

jules4je7

My husband and I can go to Paris for about $800 per ticket (without shopping around very much), and spend about $100 per day per person on hotel AND food.

Paris is very affordable, in comparison with other cities. I know of several women in your/our age group who have gone alone and had a fabulous time.

I would get Rick Steves Paris 2006 book at your local bookstore. It'll give you good travel tips (I find him the most accurate also about times/hours/costs of admission) and an outstanding list of hotels in all price ranges.

If you'd like to see my Paris itinerary for our last trip in September, e-mail me at [email protected] and I'll send it to you.

Also -- you can easily fly American from DFW to Paris non-stop. I highly recommend it if the price is right.

Happy travels, and congrats on reconnecting with your dreams and getting rid of the ones that didn't work.

Jules

mclaurie

Good advice so far. You say you're a single Mom. Do you plan on bringing any kids with you? If not, how do you feel about traveling alone? Have you done it before?

There are a number of trip reports here from women who've gone alone. If you'd rather go with a group, there are a few options besides a regular tour.

http://www.women-traveling.com/

http://www.adventureguide.com/women/main.html

Also be aware there's a separate forum here for solo travel.
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=1863

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=1863

bardo1

I agree. If you book now, you can get a nonstop from Dallas to Paris through March for $600 RT (includes all taxes/fees). Fares go up sharply starting April 1. I would plan for the last week of March to save money.

Plan on another $800-$900 for a weeks hotel in a central area.

Plan on about $500 ($75/day) or for meals/transport/museum tickets.

About $2000 all told.

Robespierre

1. Avoid changing planes if doing so doesn't cost an amount you're uncomfortable with. Non-stop is best, through flight is next, connecting without check-in and security is next.

[If money is an issue...]

2. Travel in winter to minimize airfare and lodging.

3. If you have two weeks or more to spend, you can stay in an apartment for half the cost (or less) of a hotel.

4. Learn the bus and Métro systems, and plan a strategy for using them.

There's lots of information on the Paris Superthread:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34519236

chevre

I am a fanatic for Paris and envy your chance to see it for the first time. As much as I love it, seeing it the first time is a feeling you'll never get back. Traveling alone can be exhilirating and Paris is an easy city to travel alone in especially for dining. As for meeting fellow travelers, there a many, many tours offered throughout the city on a daily basis where you can connect with other solo travelers. As for $, its been covered well here. The price of your ticket depends on the time of year you travel. Plan at least a week knowing you'll return. Hotels that are well located can be amazingly inexpensive, but you need to narrow down where in the city you want to stay and how much you want to spend. The Steves book is good and so is Fodor's and Frommer's. You could do the week including your shopping for $2000 if you stay in a really inexpensive hotel and eat cheaply. $2,500 would be more comfortable.Finally, (it is not a popular thing to say here but check out Rick Steve's Paris tours. They are an amazing value and would provide you with a comprehensive first time trip. HAVE FUN!

Scarlett

Aww, Congratulations!
I agree with the others, especially the changing planes part. The less of that - the better for you and your luggage, that you want to arrive in the same place at the same time as you do ~
We mostly go to Paris in the fall, my favorite time is Oct, but Sept-early Nov is good. Or March/April. Better prices , better chance of getting the hotel you want (less crowds).
Stay on the Left Bank.
10 days is wonderful, a week is good too.Remember jet lag, you will sort of lose that first day, or half of it.
Get Lots of guide books and study them like you will have an exam when you finish
Ask a zillion questions here, we live to answer Paris questions ~
When reading and studying, make notes of what you really really want to see, make lists, eventually you will whittle it down to what you can see and what you will skip ( this time )
Good luck, I look forward to hearing more about your plans and eventually reading the Trip Report

david_west

If you’re not a night owl you should look at hotels in La Defence region – the business district. They’re much cheaper than in the centre and it’s an easy ride on the metro (or bus) into town.

However the area itself is pretty dull and once the metro shuts down (at about 1am I think) it’s quite an expensive taxi ride.

I’m a single bloke and I usually stay around the gare du nord/gare de l’est area which is OK and again easy to get into the centre from. It has a reputation for being seedy, but apart from about 500 yards of the Rue St Denis (red light district) it’s fine.

There’s lots of cheap eateries there too

ira

Hi C,

First: Don't over-romanticise Paris.

Second: A 21" rollaboard suitcase is sufficient.

>The time of year is very flexible.

Late April to June, Mid-Sept to mid-Oct are the best months.
Check national holidays in May before you book.

>Should I fly to New York or direct from DFW?

Go direct, if you can afford it.
See www.kayak.com and www.mobissimo.com

>How long should I plan to stay?

No less than a week.

>How much can I anticipate the trip to cost (air, land)

Flying cattle class - $750 - 800
Hotel for 1 w/bkfst - $110 per nite
Food is anywhere from $35 pd up

> how much extra money should I take along for what-nots?<

That depends on how much shopping you do.

Also see Paris Superthread
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34519236

Enjoy your visit.

SuzieC

I went to Paris by myself the last week in November. I adored it. For inexpensive, you might consider an studio apartment. I took a single at the Hotel Relaise du Louvre in the 1eme, recommend it highly and it was 99E's a night with breakfast. The room is narrow but long enough and really sort of "posh". Small fridge; one could store a macarroon or two or some fruit or any of the foods you purchase from any of the take-away places for your dinner. IF your budget is tight. Save your money for better lunches. You really can't lose to much from this point of view.
From the hotel, I owned the city. I'm pretty much a walker and from there, the city radiated outwards.
I'm an early riser and as a result, an early to bed person, so nightlife isn't usually part of my agenda. I'd dine well at night a couple of times and back to the room for a bit of TV and dreams of my next day.
I plan on going by myself again someday, just to see what I want to see and when I want to see it.

Indygirl2

Good for you! Paris is, for many, truly a dream come true. I've been to Paris twice--both times alone--in the last three years and try to do it on a fairly tight budget. I prefer two-star hotels in the Odeon area of the 6th arrondissement. The first time I stayed at the Michelet Odeon for about $90 U.S. a night. More recently, I stayed at the Hotel Saint Pierre. I paid about $100/night for a clean, but very small ensuite double. It was certainly nothing fancy, but I had a great view of the Eiffel Tower from my tiny balcony, and the front desk couldn't have been more helpful. The location was great in that I could walk just about anywhere, was close to several metro and RER stops, and felt very safe day and night. Beyond that, I would suggest doing a search on Fodor's for "bargain" or "budget" hotels in Paris. There are a number from which to choose, even in the high season. I'd love to stay someplace posh, but it doesn't really fit into my budget and I can honestly say that I don't feel like my trips have suffered from it.

I too would recommend going in the shoulder seasons: April/May or September/October. You will pay more for airfare, but I think it's well worth it for a better shot at decent weather. I would avoid going in the middle of summer. It's just too hot and crowded and you will likely want, and end up paying more for, a hotel with A/C.

In my opinion, Paris is the perfect place for solo travel. You get to do and see what you want. Obviously, the museums are great, although if the weather's nice, I like to just roam the city most days--stopping at a cafe to read when my feet tire. I have enjoyed several walking tours through a company called Paris Walks and I also really liked a night time bike tour that I took through Mike's Fat Tire Bike Tours. It's a great way to see the city and to meet fellow travelers. Some other hightlights: attending Sunday Mass at Notre Dame; attending evening concerts at Saint Chappelle and Saint Julien de Pauvre; shopping in the Marais; strolling through Ile Saint Louis; sitting in the Luxembourg Gardens on a sunny day; eating a pastry from Gerald Mulot in front of Saint Sulpice. The possibilities are truly endless.....

I would also recommend getting some recommendations before you leave for decent, reasonably priced bistros and other eateries. On my first trip to Paris, I figured that the "food situation" would just sort itself out. Well, that was a bit of a mistake. The choices were endless, I was intimidated and I ended up walking in circles most evenings. For my second trip, I was more prepared. I compiled a list of places--most of which were near my hotel--that had been recommended on Fodor's or in various guidebooks. That gave me some structure once I arrived. The concierge at my hotel also helped out quite a bit by making reservations for me at places that he recommended. I feel like I generally ate very well on a limited budget by having a handful of nice lunches/dinners and then eating more casually the rest of the time.

Finally, I would recommend learning at least a little bit of French. I think interactions with the French go much better when you know how to say hello, goodbye, please and thank you and when you can, in the very least, ask for the basics. I use the opening "je voudrais" (I would like....) at least 20 times a day. From there, it's not hard to learn the words for coffee, table, ticket, water, etc., etc. You'd be suprised how far you can get buy with just a few choice phrases.

Good luck and happy travels!

Kate

SAnParis

Travel right now is probably as cheap as it will be through the end of March or so. We have always had reasonably good weather in any of the winter months that we have visited. Flights can probably be had for $500 or less. Perhaps start saving now for a trip this time next year & allow at least a week. Check the Best Western site, they have good, clean rooms w/reasonable prices while still in good locations. Afterall, you're only going to sleep there. I believe $2000-$2500 'all-in' would be fair depending on your travel habits & style.

david_west

Also, don't go in August (even though it's cheap). It's when the French take their holidays en masse and Paris is deserted, and more importantly lots of shops, cafes etc are closed.

david_west

Another thing that has occured to me - you are aware that it is opossible and easy to take a day trip to London from paris on the Eurostar? - the ticket will be about 60 pounds - whatever that is in dollars.

kswl

Ditto remark about la Defense area; Priceline hotels in that part can be had for as little as $67 per night for decent 3***. Other hotels are also available closer in at various price levels, all UNDER $100, but know that that price doesn't include breakfast. One good strategy is to find a good hotel in a great location at a price you can afford and make reservations. THEN, go to www.biddingfortravel.com and learn how to bid on Priceline for a cheap room in a good area, and try it. You'll have to prepay the room, but that also protects you against the Euro fluctuations (if it goes higher). If you are successful in securing a room through PL, you can cancel your unpaid reservations. Voila!

Have fun planning the trip--that is a good part of the vacation and will increase your enjoyment of it so much. And good for you, hanging on to your determination after an obviously difficult time! Bon voyage--

travelbunny

..just a bit of advice from a lady who has travelled to Paris alone many times..As others have said, stay in Arr 1-8(the 16th and the 15th near the 7th would be fine too). I would avoid "the defence" despite what one of the posters said. Why..you are central, you can walk anywhere, you can find a resto close by and walk home without looking over your shoulder. I would stay in a small hotel..the desk staff tends is be friendly and will often help with local resto suggestions ect. I would go end of ept throught Oct...or April to mid may as a first timer but to be quite honest, it really doesn't matter in Paris. I would make sure my trip is at least a week long. If you don't speak any French, go to the local library and rent tapes. Another money saving tip- budget for only 1 big meal a day and grab a sandwich for lunch..Don't hesitate to go to a resto alone; going out to eat is part of seeing the city and experiencing Paris. I would take a half day city tour on your first day. It will help to orient you. Don't over plan- don;t try to do more than 1 museum a day..you will just wear yourself out..even in a year, you would just start to know Paris so think of the things you will see not those that you have missed. If you have any particular questions re travelling alone, please dont hesitate to write. I share your dreams!

chasnmydreams

Thank you all so much for your help. I didn't think I could get any more excited about Paris, but you've managed to tweak that for me too. I will definitely be going alone and have no qualms about it. I will also be saving money for this trip so the cost estimates you have provided are a great deal of help. I don't plan to do a lot of shopping, but would like to pick up a little something special while I'm there.

On the issue of food...
I have a very bland taste pallet. Raised on Southern Fried you know. I certainly don't want to insult my guests. Any suggestions on particular dishes to try or warnings for those my pallet would definitely want to stay away from? I guess I really should study up in French cuisine.

DejaVu

I've travelled alone to Paris a few times myself, and you are in for a real treat!! I always stay on the Left Bank in either the 5th or 6th. (I hesitate to recommend a specific place since I haven't been myself since 2000, and things change since then.) I like being central so I can just walk to things or take a short Metro ride. It's an easy walk to Notre Dame from that area, and the Louvre as well. The Metro system is very easy to navigate, so you will have no problem with public transport.

I've never actually used Rick Steves' Paris book, but I was just looking at the 2006 one yesterday (I might be going back to paris myself in May), and it looks like a good choice. He doesn't really have a lot of hotel listings for the 5th though (aside from Luxembourg area), so I'd cross-check with some other books and tripadvisor.com if I were you. You will also need a good map: I like the Streetwise Paris map.

Bravo to you for "chasing your dreams"!!