Eight Great Traveling on the Cheap Tips
Jet-leg confusion can cause travelers to do some pretty silly things, but overspending shouldn't be one of them. Careful planning and some insider tips can help you save, even when traveling to the city of lights--Paris, France. For my small business, I need to adhere to a strict budget and use the same philosophy when traveling. Follow me as I share some of my favorite money-saving tips.
Rent an Apartment
With
a little due diligence, a couple can stay in Paris on the cheap and have a
kitchen to boot. Of all the tourists we interviewed, Vrbo was
the most popular sites for finding great rentals. For example, we
found a cute, newly remodeled ground floor apartment in the quiet, but famous
Montmartre neighborhood – five minutes from the Moulin Rouge – is € 500 per
week plus a € 50 cleaning fee.
Shop for Hotel Deals
For
our most recent visit, we chose a small hotel in the heart of the Saint-Germain
neighborhood, the sixth arrondissement, because we wanted to be within walking
distance of most of the sights. To save money, we researched hotels
with the help and power of the Internet. There are a number of
websites where fellow travelers share their stories, like TripAdvisor and Rick Steves' Graffiti Wall. In
fact, our visits to the Graffiti Wall resulted in finding and joining a travel
group that meets once a month.
Visit Off-Season
While
visiting Paris June
through August offers the very best weather, it is also the most expensive
regarding flights and lodging. We have visited in May and September
and received quite a discount. Those who are willing to pile on a
heavy coat can save even more by traveling during the winter months.
Eat on the Run
Street
food in Paris is amazing! Street vendors sell a multitude of
satisfying food choices, such as baguette sandwiches, paninis, crepes, and
inexpensive beverages. Boulangeries, found everywhere, sell excellent
sandwiches for a few euros.
Every
morning I ate breakfast on the cheap with a croissant or pain de chocolate and
a cup of cafe longue, which is a tall cup of coffee, for approximately three
euro
Peruse the Outdoor Markets
Most
outdoor markets in Paris don't just sell fresh fruits and
veggies. Many also sell cheese and deli items. I pair
these finds with a baguette and a bottle of wine – both inexpensive in France –
and dinner is delicious and affordable.
Sit at an Outdoor Café and Still Save Money
Sitting
at an outdoor café is a real treat when in Paris. Besides people
watching, it's just...relaxing, as Paris waiters do not rush diners.
If
hankering for a meal, I choose the meal of the day. It's typically
inexpensive and delicious. However, my favorite choice is a croque
monsieur – an open-face ham and cheese sandwich – and salad, which typically
costs around € 8. If wine is your beverage of choice, save money by
choosing a carafe or pitcher of the house wine.
Seek out Free Entertainment
Besides
the first Sunday of the month, museums are also free numerous other times
during the year. For example, cultural heritage is celebrated one
weekend in September with most museums and government buildings open and
free. Additionally, street entertainers can be found in many parts
of the city, especially the Latin Quarter and around Notre Dame.
Travel
by the Metro
The Metro,
the Paris subway system is efficient and easy
Please Read
Top Five Free
Things to Do When Visiting Paris, France
Three Top
Traditional Foods of Beaune
Tips for
Enjoying the Louvre: Louvre Etiquette
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