Planning a Paris Vacation: Everything You Need to Know for a Fun Trip

With 2023 nearly halfway complete, many families are looking to get an exciting and engaging vacation on the calendar. As this year has also marked the official end of the Covid-19 pandemic, many travelers have also been turning their sights abroad for vacations this year.

One unique destination that all travelers, both avid and casual, should visit at some point during their lives is France. Going even more specific, choosing to visit one of the most romantic cities in the world while there can be an excellent choice. Learn everything you need to know about planning a trip to Paris, France in 2023.

How Common is a Paris Vacation?

Given just how iconic Paris is as a destination, it’s only natural to assume that it is also one of the most traveled destinations in the world. This assumption would be accurate as well, considering that visitors spend 35 million nights in Paris hotels on a yearly basis. While travel to this region of the world was heavily impacted as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been rebounding impressively throughout the end of 2022 and 2023, making it an excellent option.

The Modern Price of Vacations in 2023

While Paris may be a fantastic travel destination to consider this year, it is also a costly decision from a monetary standpoint. Currently, Paris is one of the top ten most expensive cities in the world to live in, which results in a tourist scene that is extremely expensive. In fact, the average modern vacation costs over $2,000 for a week-long trip to an international destination, which is why taking the time to learn how to budget for your trip is so crucial.

Budgeting 101: How to Plan for a Vacation

As vacation costs continue to rise amidst a recovering economy following Covid-19, learning to budget for your vacation will become increasingly important. To that end, there are five primary tips to keep in mind as you consider how to save money for your upcoming trip to France:

Start saving months in advance of your trip

First and foremost, all travelers need to have a dedicated travel savings account set up well before their trip. This savings account should be separate from your standard account, so that your funds do not get muddled. On a monthly basis, aim to deposit a certain percentage of your salary into this account so that you can build up this nest egg over time.

2. Use credit card rewards points where applicable

An excellent strategy for saving money is to use credit card rewards points for flights, hotels, and even activity purchases. For those who use credit cards, specifically rewards cards, you will have earned points over time from your everyday purchases. These points can then be redeemed for either cash back or can be redeemed directly through a credit cards rewards portal that allows you to convert your points to hotel or airline sites.

3. Consider planning your vacation during the off season

One easy strategy for budgeting and saving money on vacation is to plan to travel during the off season for the location. This simply refers to the time in which there are the fewest travelers in a particular region. By doing so, you can save hundreds of dollars, potentially more, on hotels, activities, and more.

4. Sign up for hotel and flight price drop notifications

Part of setting a travel budget is also setting price drop notifications for websites related to airlines or hotels. This will allow you to jump on price drop opportunities the minute they occur, which can help you save big on your travel plans.

5. Book activities well in advance of your departure date

Finally, to get a more accurate depiction of your vacation budget, consider booking your activities months in advance of your trip. This can help you save money through discounts while also allowing you to see the exact cost of your trip.

3 Tips for Once You Arrive in France

Getting your Paris trip on the calendar is only half the battle. Once you actually arrive, you will be in an unknown area full of potential dangers for travelers who do not have their wits about them. Therefore, utilize the following three tips to stay safe and make the most of your trip:

Consider alternative transportation to ride shares

While Uber, Lyft, and rideshare services are popular and extremely helpful nowadays, they come at an expensive cost, especially in larger cities. Consider utilizing the public transport system in Paris to save even more money while you are on vacation.

2. Think about storing your luggage on a day-to-day basis

An easy way to save money while you discover the history, culture, and heritage of Paris is to store your luggage with a service. This luggage storage service will charge you an hourly or daily fee to hold onto your luggage while you are free to explore, giving you more time and energy to enjoy the location.

3. Travel with someone who knows the area

Finally, it’s always best to travel with someone you trust when you are in a new area that you’ve never visited before. This person can help ensure you do not go into an area that is unsafe while also allowing you to see the destinations that have fewer tourists compared to certain iconic landmarks. Therefore, take the time to meet with friends or family you may have in the city or neighboring countries.

The Bottom Line

While a trip to Paris may not be the right choice for everybody, it certainly offers something for everyone. Whether you are traveling by yourself or with family members, use all of the above tips to budget for your vacation and stay safe while on your travels. Paris is a safe area of France, but like all major cities it has hotspots of crime, which is why staying vigilant is so important as a tourist.