Surfergirl

"Do they sell baby food in jars like they do in the states like Gerber and so forth" -- that line takes care of the currency issue, I think.

In Paris, you can find baby food at any Monoprix, along with baby wipes, diapers, etc. 25 years ago, that wasn't necessarily the case . . . you'd generally have to go to a chemist shop. In London, all supermarkets have baby food.

Agree taking the bus in Paris as opposed to the Metro is much easier, but it can be done, with strength and practice.

The only time I had any "safety" problem carrying baby bag, purse and baby was on a bus in Rome going to Vatican City. Notorious pick-pocketing bus, and my purse got picked on the packed bus.

Agree with everyone else on budget and AirBNB - hostels - hotels. Whereas you can be super-cheap without a baby and get places with toilets down the hall, you really cannot safely do this with a baby. Also, being mindful of others who have spent money for an accommodation and interfering with their enjoyment of space due to the likelihood that your baby will from time to time cry or be fussy.

We traveled a lot with our baby, but when our son got fussy, we always took him out of the situation, be it a restaurant or church or museum.

Another thing is the weather . . . it will be cold, so you will not be able to spend much time out of doors at a park or places where parents and babies generally congregate.

In short, this trip can be done successfully, but the budget needs to be higher, and you need to be considerate of those around you, knowing your baby and his needs.

kerouac

Most of the people here are budgeting by their own standards, which are often 3 and 4-star hotels. There are extremely reputable 1 and 2-star hotels out there if you do proper research.

If you really want it, you can make it happen.

menachem

but not for 40 dollars or even euros a night, and not even at the fringes of Paris.

WoinParis

But Kerouac, she will not be in a safe area close to the main attractions !

janisj

>>Most of the people here are budgeting by their own standards, which are often 3 and 4-star hotels. There are extremely reputable 1 and 2-star hotels out there if you do proper research.<<

Sorry kerouac but that is a crock. No one has recommended high end hotels and wouldn't.

There are few if any 1 or 2 star hotels in her budget . . . with ensuite baths, which IMO/ME would be required with an infant.

Everyone understand she is a budget traveler . . . but her budget is not nearly enough for a whole month. If she cut the length down to a couple of weeks it would at least be doable.

1994

I am a budget traveler and I don't see how the OP can manage an entire month in 3 countries on 2500 of any currency. That is around 80 per day. She did say not including airfare, so I presume the transport from one country to two additional ones is not included in the 2500.

Still, with an infant there will be added concerns and unless you really know how to shop, diapers and baby food and all the other necessary baby needs do not come cheap. Heaven forbid if the baby or the mother fall ill and need medical assistance.

I've stayed in 55 euro a night studios in Paris (private kitchenette and bathroom), but even that would leave only 25 euros per day for all other needs (transport tickets, food, museum tickets, baby needs); assuming you can find a 55 euro per night accommodation - with kitchenette and private bath vital for travel with an infant. Even without a baby, the budget is next to impossible.

I'm speaking only of Paris as I am not as knowledgeable on London or Spain.

Other parts of France might be possible on that budget.

ladyhiker2001

Ok it is US dollars! I can up the budget a bit maybe 3k or 3200. I was also looking to see if I can stay with my friends aunt in France for a few days which is why a week is unaccounted for but that's why I said traveling here and there and so forth. Now as for traveling to Barcelona if it's not posible then it's not possible and that's fine but I want to know what to expect.

I'm taking diapers and formula and he eats table food. Not like I have to spend too much on that. Second, it's just me and him I'm not planing to eat at expensive places, I'm planning on eating sandwiches and stuff at local eateries. My biggest allowance has to be accommodations and I looked at air bnb and they have 50 dollar rooms and it's says a couple and a child so I'm assuming baby is ok. Now I'm not trying to toot my own horn but my baby is very pleasant always happy! Rarely is he fussy and he sleeps anywhere, in the car, at a restaurant at a basketball game u name it if he's sleepy he is out no matter the noise!

Also I'm buying international medical insurance for a Month and pay the premium in case I or baby get sick abroad. Like I said wanted to know if doable. I guess I need to up my budget a bit. I don't drink or plan on shopping at expensive stores, eat escargot or anything. I'm looking to spend some time reflecting, thinking and traveling while I do so!

marvelousmouse

Normally I'd agree, Kerouac, but the budget is just way too low for a month. If I don't count my food splurges, and shopping, I'm still well over 3000 dollars in 30 days on this trip. And I'm staying in hostels- lodging less than 50 a night. I did not find anything I liked that was private in Paris or London for that. Trains, Buses, metro, the occasional medical necessity, attraction tickets- it all adds up, and I don't have a baby to buy diapers and wipes for. And she mentioned taxis which to me indicates that she isn't necessarily an enthusiastic walker or intending to solely use public transit. I've only taken a few taxis in London, but it's still been about 10 pounds a day...which cuts her daily budget by a THIRD if you go by 1994's figures. On the days she buys diapers that would probably eliminate her food and attraction money entirely. I mean, I suppose she could do cloth diapers, but then laundry is the issue.

And that's not taking into account that you need down time if you're traveling for that long, and the kid will probably need more down time than I do- and she can't stay outside because of the weather, and she can't be around crowds because of the noise, so we're back to quiet, private lodging being a necessity.

ladyhiker2001

https://airbnb.com/rooms/5308068?s=4...e370858d9f2587
Look something like this???

1994

You can have a look at this agency. I've used them several times. They have a few studios at the 50 and 55 euros per night category.

http://centreparis.com/location-paris/search/index.html

marvelousmouse

Lady hiker- we were posting at the same time. If you can increase your budget, that's awesome. I had thought you said earlier that he didn't eat table food, but if he does, that'll help. Be sure to look at the locations of those lodgings- you want to be very, very close to a convenient transit stop

You can pack enough formula and diapers for a month? Keep in mind that it's going to be a pain to handle a large suitcase and a stroller at the same time- lots of steps when it comes to transit, except possibly in London, but then it's escalators.

thursdaysd

First, that listing is in Aulnay-sous-Bois, not Paris proper.

Second, it has Family/kid-friendly crossed out.

So, not what you need. And even if you find a listing that is KID friendly, you need to check that it is BABY friendly - two very different things.

ladyhiker2001

I said taxis because I didn't know about whether I should take the car seat or if theybrequired it in case I wanted to rent a car for a day trip or not. I plan on taking public transportation everywhere, I do hike so I am used to walking, that's not an issue. Why does everyone keep saying I have to buy diapers. I just went to Hawaii for two weeks and didn't buy one diaper i packed them in the luggage. As a matter of fact my stroller flies free on the plane in a bag and I stuff a boatload of diapers in the bag and I don't have to buy diapers at all or wipees so u can eliminate that from the budget. I also pack formula that's lasts me a while so I don't plan on buying any formula. I'd have to buy occasional baby food and water. Otherwise baby is good.

ladyhiker2001

It's says not safe for kids didn't say they were excluded! Which just means house probably isn't baby proof likebthe switches and so forth but my son doesn't walk so I'm not worried about that.

As for Paris yeah maybe Paris area doesn't have to be right next to the Eiffel Tower. I'm open to being a little ways away.

ladyhiker2001

Also I didn't see the family kid friendly crossed out

thursdaysd

Why on earth would you think that somewhere that says it is not safe for kids or not baby proof would welcome a baby? Get real. If you show up with a baby without getting agreement beforehand you risk being turned away.

"Also I didn't see the family kid friendly crossed out"

With AirBnB you need to read with obsessive care, multiple times.

In any case, it's not a good area if you want to explore central Paris.

1994

You would definitely need to increase your budget if you plan to rent a car. Also, most car rental agencies have a minimum rental period of 3 days.

Don't forget when looking for accommodations that having a washing machine in your accommodation and free to use (lave-linge) is essential when traveling with a baby and for keeping costs down. Using a laundromat in Paris runs around 6 euros per wash load - more if you use the dryers.

StCirq

That place is not only not in Paris, it's a 10-minute walk to get to public transportation into Paris. It will cost money to go back and forth to Aulnay, and with a baby you may need to do that more than once a day. You're going to be more than "open" about not being near the Tour Eiffel, because your budget simply won't allow it. But that doesn't mean you need to be in some distant suburb.

Tap water is perfectly fine in Paris. There is no reason to buy water.

There is no reason to bring diapers or formula or babyfood, either. May be hard to believe, but there are loads of babies in Paris. Paris is not Hawaii - you're going to have to lug all your stuff all over by yourself, especially if staying in super-budget accommodations. Not only that, you're heading into really, really cold weather in February and March, and will have to pack heavy clothing.

You need more money or fewer days.

1994

Also, the AirBnB link you posted shows the following statement: "Le studio avec sortie indépendante ne peut accueillir que 2 adultes."

The studio with independent entry can only accommodate 2 adults.

As Thursday said, that would imply no babies. You do have to read all the fine print on these things. Of course, you could inquire with the owner. Yet, this location is not in Paris.

marvelousmouse

Also may want to double check what floor your lodging is on and if there's an elevator, because often there hasn't been. Europe has been a lot less accessible than the US, I've noticed.

If it notes it's not safe for kids, that usually does mean they're excluded. Liability reasons or maybe just a polite lie- people are almost weirder about kids than pets. As Thursdaysd mentioned, also, kid friendly is not the same thing as baby friendly. I've actually stayed at a few indie places that set a minimum age- it's usually for the consideration of other guests, I think.