Thursday, 17 September 2015

Enjoy Paris Inexpensively

Taking in the Eiffel Tower on a sunny day is completely free.


Paris is a notoriously expensive travel destination. Many travelers dream of one day visiting the French capital, but often the cost of airfare, lodging, transport and sightseeing keeps them at home. Savvy travelers can find simple ways to travel inexpensively in Europe, and with some research and flexibility, even Paris is within reach for your next getaway.


Instructions


1. Find a deal on a flight to Paris. Search a number of price-comparison websites to find the cheapest possible flight. Wherever possible, try to book well in advance to get the best value for your money. If you have to fly last-minute, check with courier companies to see if they can offer you a deal. Couriers offer cheap tickets in exchange for hold-luggage space, so if you can pack light and use only carry-on luggage, you flight can be really cheap.


2. Make an itinerary of free activities in Paris. The Musee d'Orsay, the Louvre and the Rodin Museum all offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month. In addition, see the many evocative architectural wonders in Paris, such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Champs Elysees and the Place des Vosges. Find cheap, delicious food as well as free tastings at the Marche des Producteurs de Pays, a market located in the Marais district, while in the summer, take in the free street dancing at Quai Saint-Bernard.


3. Find inexpensive accommodation. Hotels and hostels are cheaper outside the city center, and the excellent transportation links ensure that the famous sites are only a train or bus ride away even on the outskirts of the city. Chain hotels are actually a good choice, as they tend to offer cheap, clean rooms in safe neighborhoods.


4. Use public transportation. At time of publication, a single ticket on the Paris Metro (subway) costs about $2, with no return and no transfers. A weekly travel ticket with unlimited travel for seven days costs about $25 and covers the main tourist zones of Paris.

Tags: costs about, offer cheap