How I did it: When my history teacher at my high school anounced that he was to chaperone a tour-led trip to Paris and Barcelona, I immediately signed up, expecting an amazing opportunity to travel and broaden my horizons. What I found, was much more beautiful than anything one could describe in a short blurb. My friend and I ended up ditching the tour-led group time after time to hit up the local spots and travel up and down on the metro, actually getting to experience the real Paris (and not just the tourist-ey attractions) and utterly see myself living in France for any extended period of time. <3

Lessons & tips: If you're going to Paris, make sure to visit all of the art museums and architectural marvels, but please don't forget to ditch the sight seeing and meet the people. Travelling is nothing if you're only tasting the commercial aspects of a culture. Social network! get numbers, emails, myspace, facebook, the whole deal!
Some Tips:
*BEWARE of pick-pocketers. Lose the sentimentality and grow a backbone (they can smell weakness from a mile away!)
*Eat at the local restaurants, and unless you want to buy 5 dollar Evian bottles multiple times a day, hydrate, hydrate, hydate and buy large bottles of water from small grocery stores, or large bottles at the metro stations.
*Learn some French. Hi, Good-bye, Do you speak English etc, etc. There's nothing worse than assuming everyone speaks your language. Most people are more than happy to help you, (despite the language barrier) as long as you don't assume the role of being a total ass.
*Shop around for hotel prices and air fare. You can find some pretty amazing deals out there, even with tour guides who do multiple excursions. (which may be better for those like to travel securely with someone who knows the ropes -- pick pocket tricks, rip-off eateries/souvenir shops, all that jazz)

Resources: eftours.com

Jul 30, 02:37PM PDT | 0 comments | 1 cheer