^^swoosh35?

Wow...what a long thread!

Some thoughts (which may be superfluous):

Air tix: If you feel uncomfortable, find a friend to sit with you when you book online. It's not that difficult (though I fully understand the reluctance of someone who has never done it).

Hotel location: I like the 3rd or 4th, near the river. We've stayed at Hotel de Nice twice and loved the location, though some might not like that it is on a major street.

Hotel Booking: This is just my preference (and might not always be cheapest...but usually is), but I like to deal with the hotel through email, not a booking site...not even the hotel's website.

After the booking, every month or so, I email them with a question or two just to keep me on their radar. A week before I leave, I tell them my arrival info and ask the best way to get to them (even if I have already figured that out) to be absolutely sure they're expecting me -- overkill? Sure!.

DIY: I can tell you that if you start with air and hotel, and do your due diligence with travel books and websites, in a few weeks you'll feel much more confident about doing the "in-Paris" planning yourself...and, as been said before, don't overplan...you'll need to be flexible because of the weather.

One more Suggestion: Take a Seine cruise. I like Bateaux Vedettes du Pont Neuf (http://www.vedettesdupontneuf.com/home/) because -- as far a I know -- it's the only one that offers an online ticket discount without requiring a specific reservation date or time -- remember the weather issue.

I wish you the very best with this...you will L-O-V-E Paris.

SS

La perle hotel? I believe it's in the 6th. Anyone?

As for not doing any work. It's called a job.

Yes it's in the 6th. You can tell by the address (see postal code).

HOTEL LA PERLE 14, rue des Canettes Paris 75006

I have the day off today so I hope to be doing some research, I continue to work with the TA but so far she hasn't been much of a help.

I called another TA and she basically acted like if you don't have some huge budget that you just can't afford to go and tried to hook me up with group tours. Not interested.

I have been out of the country before, both to London once in high school and again just October 2013, but like I said flying/panic attacks I came home early and basically didn't get to do anything.

I'm not feeble lol I just have a fear of flying that can be sometimes crippling.

I was considering London again because it's a comfort zone, I know my way around but I feel like I must see Paris and try something new.

Like I said, research day. I'll post my findings and look for feedback.

For those who have been so helpful I am nothing but thankful!

hotels I'm looking at:

Hôtel De Fleurie
32 - 34 Rue Grégoire De Tours, 06. Saint-Germain - Luxembourg, 75006 Paris

Hotel Fontaines du Luxembourg
4 Rue De Vaugirard, 06. Saint-Germain - Luxembourg, 75006 Paris

the second TA recommended:

HOTEL LA REGENCE ETOILE

&

Le Relais St Jacques

not sure why you are still going to TAs for hotel recommendations. You obviously know how to use the computer.. you are talking on a forum..
You are getting many good recommendations. Its easy to google and find a hotel website and book your own hotel.. I would venture to say most of us do.. and you are saying you are capable.
So why are you still going back to a TA..?

oh one thing you could do at least.. is go on the hotel website and compare the rates for your dates with those the TA is offereing you .. she may get better rates.. or she may be getting worse.. look that up at least.

This has gotten to be such a long thread!

I'm thankful for everyone helping me out, I really am trying to plan a December 2014 getaway trip for the non believers out there lol =)

I wanted to fly again to prove to myself that I could do it.

I am afraid though and worry about a repeat of London 2013.

I know this isn't the place to discuss this, but part of mental illness is learning how to relax and maybe I just need to head to Sedona lol =) isn't that the mecca of inner peace? ha!

I'm still researching and yes I've planned trips that never went through and backed out. Not everyone thinks the skies are so friendly.

So if you see me pop up elsewhere know that I'm just a girl looking to relax and spend my hard earned money on a getaway at the end of the year.

Thank you SOOOOO much to people who have defended me against people making digs and offering such wonderful advice.

THANK YOU !

Why don't you ask your doctor for an anti-anxiety medication to take for your flight? It also comes in handy to help deal with insomnia and jet lag when you're in a new time zone. (Atavan, Xanax, anything in the -pam family works wonders)

Any of those hotels should be OK. Check reviews for each on Trip Advisor, look at the website and room prices, and a map for location.

I don't get why you are now working with two travel agents though. Seems like it's only making things more complicated than it needs to be.

Ditch the TAs. The second one is the usual, and the first one (your "friend"!) gave you TERRIBLE advice.

If flying is such a problem, why don't you think about testing the waters with a shorter air trip to a domestic destination, before the rigors/expenses of an international flight? Maybe that makes too much sense, or maybe trip planning is a hobby. As for doing the research what makes you think the generous folks here don't have jobs?

I find plannig a trip to be a major part of the fun of travel. Some people may not like Rick Steve's style of travel but his guide books are very helpful in terms of providing very specific information about the details you need. When planning my own trip. I use Fodor's, Frommer's, Rick Steves, DK guides (mostly for the pictures and floor plans of places I plan to visit). I also use their websites, as well as Lonely Planet's. For places to stay, I depend on forums (this one mostly) and Tripadvisor. About.com has some useful information. I just found vocabulary with pronunciations I can listen to there for all kinds of travel situations.
Try to relax and enjoy your travels!

sundaymorning, have you figured out your hotel yet? how's things coming along?

Nothing wrong with emotional support threads. Those have been on this forum for as long as I've been posting here (over 10 years) and they are a positive thing.

As everyone is so fond of saying lately, don't like the topic, don't read don't reply.

Suze those sort of threads are great.. but they belong in the LOUNGE not on trip reports..

Fodars is main purpose is a as a travel website. The lounge is a nice extra and the place for emotional support thread.. not on trip reports or destination threads.

( except for a brief mention.. ie hubby got sick last night so I am bummed that we didn;t visit the Louvre today " as opposed to "hubby and I had a fight last night and called me fat.. I cried for hours and didn;t wash for then next two days.. he went out and got drunk that night and came in smelling like perfume,, I phoned our lawyer back home and filed for divorce,, but hey it was a nice trip otherwise".

The irony is that The Lounge was originally created to have a forum to discuss issues other than travel. Now it is a closed society, so people who do not have access to The Lounge, discuss other matters on the travel boards.