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Traveling to Paris tips/advice/suggestions?

Tyler23

Tyler23

macrumors 603
Original poster
Dec 2, 2010
5,664
159
Atlanta, GA
Long story short, my dad works for the airlines and I can fly over there for free and stay in his hotel.

Anyways, I'm an American college student on winter break, and don't have much else to do. I've been around Europe, but it was when I was little and chaperoned by both my parents. But yeah, I have been to about 17 different countries, including 4 in Asia. This time, though, I'd be mostly on my own while my dad is in meetings.

So..have any other Americans around my age been to /Paris? I'm kind of scared about the prospect of walking around on my own, and would definitely be too scared to take my MBP with me..

So..advice? Thanks :D
 
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You should be fine.

I've been to Paris and the language barrier was the only thing I had trouble with. Luckily, most people speak English, but complications happen. Other than that, don't lose your passport.
 
I do speak basic French, but that's really only a semester's worth of university level French. Also, yeah..we're pretty seasoned international travelers, definitely will be keeping track of my passport. :D
 
Man, I wouldn't hesitate for a second. Tons of people would kill to be in your situation.

Unless you are planning on looking like a tourist and headed to some seedy areas, I wouldn't sweat the MBP.

Go for it, have a good time. ;)
 
Tyler23 said:
Long story short, my dad works for the airlines and I can fly over there for free and stay in his hotel.

Anyways, I'm an American college student on winter break, and don't have much else to do. I've been around Europe, but it was when I was little and chaperoned by both my parents. But yeah, I have been to about 17 different countries, including 4 in Asia. This time, though, I'd be mostly on my own while my dad is in meetings.

So..have any other Americans around my age been to /Paris? I'm kind of scared about the prospect of walking around on my own, and would definitely be too scared to take my MBP with me..

So..advice? Thanks :D
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Pack light and go. Never turn down an adventure! To run around Paris on my own would be a dream come true. Post pictures when you get back.
 
I just had 2 co workers from my university go to Paris for Christmas...

It was fun for them..

Be careful going to the metro or subway... They got 3 tickets/fines for not having boarding passes...:rolleyes:
 
If you have to post on an internet forum asking whether or not you should do something, it's a pretty safe bet you should not.
 
Well, I'm pretty sure I am, but I'm mainly wanting to get people's opinions, especially those that have been there recently.
 
Yeah we've been checking it out. Been monitoring the flights and will continue to do so throughout today. I'll probably end up listing this afternoon. Fingers are crossed.
 
callmemike20 said:
Luckily, most people speak English.
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Don't bank on only speaking English though, you will end up offending a lot of people if you insist on doing so, the fact your an American won't help things :p

Just go as Paris is great but don't look like a tourist as you will get targeted for theft or worse if you go outside tourist areads
 
I already dress a bit like a Frenchman (well..I don't wear name brand hoodies, flip flops, etc. :p), and I have some knowledge of French, enough to greet, order, etc. I will at least attempt to speak as much French if I can, and only switch to English if I must.
 
If you are flying out of MD, let's go! I hear the nightlife in Amsterdam is smashing!
 
I so wish I could be in your shoes and go ;)

I've always been with family members and would love to be in Paris on my own for even a few days. I just hope you don't end up getting stranded like many travelers last month.

I've got an Icelandic and Deutschland patches on my travel backpack.
 
northy124 said:
Don't bank on only speaking English though, you will end up offending a lot of people if you insist on doing so, the fact your an American won't help things :p

Just go as Paris is great but don't look like a tourist as you will get targeted for theft or worse if you go outside tourist areads
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In Paris, it's polite to start a conversation in French. When the locals hear how bad you're mangling it, they'll usually switch to English. Most Parisians at least appreciate your making the effort. If you've had a semester's worth of French, you're way ahead of most tourists.

In Amsterdam, OTOH, pretty much everyone speaks English and is more pragmatic about using it.
 
SuperCachetes said:
Man, I wouldn't hesitate for a second. Tons of people would kill to be in your situation.

Unless you are planning on looking like a tourist and headed to some seedy areas, I wouldn't sweat the MBP.

Go for it, have a good time. ;)
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So true. :) I would not post it here and pack my stuff right away. The only problem is I do not speak a word French. :p
 
Turns out I'm just going to be going straight to Paris, so I'm not beginning my journey until tomorrow morning.

Is being an American in Paris really that bad? Should I claim to be Canadian? I don't wear anything blatantly "American," I tend to dress a little more..classy. I'm also pretty polite, not loud, (..not fat (not meaning to be offensive in any way, simply stating a fact)), etc..

And just out of curiosity. I won't be bringing a backpack as I've heard that really makes you stand out as American, and I think I can borrow a messenger bag. Will that be alright? I'm too scared to bring my MBP. I'd really like to, but it just doesn't seem to be worth the risks.

One more thing..I'm a photographer, and plan on bringing my DSLR with my case (shoulder strap, swings around back). Should that be alright as well?

Thanks everyone. Wish we could all go and have a hell of a Mac trip!
 
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Tyler23 said:
Is being an American in Paris really that bad?
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From what you have said, I'd say you will be fine. Just don't start complaining about prices, food and anything else.

Tyler23 said:
I'm a photographer, and plan on bringing my DSLR with my case (shoulder strap, swings around back). Should that be alright as well?
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Should be fine just don't go to the suburbs as there is a higher chance of being mugged or worse :(
 
I will definitely post pictures!

Still worried I might not make it. I have to connect through Cincinnati tomorrow afternoon, and they have a winter storm warning for that time. C'mon Cinci, don't let me down!
 
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