I am going to travel to Paris/London in the summer. Any advice?

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Robin

Since you posted this under 'Air Travel' not under the countries you are going to, I'll address this first.

The first thing I must WARN you of is check your airline luggage limits!!!

Most flights that are either 'to' or 'from' the U.S. have double the luggage limit, you have flying overseas. Double check your limit between Paris & London. You don't want to get hit with overage on that short flight.

The U.K. is very expensive and London is the highest. Be ready for sticker shock.
Paris, while a bit higher than the U.S. is cheaper than the U.K.

Both have heavy taxes, however if you read up on the rules, you can get most of it back at the airport when you are leaving. Make sure you read up on the VAT.

The cool thing is both countries have great public transit systems.

Do you like to use wash cloths? If you arn't staying at a 4 star hotel or above, pack one! Wash cloths are an American item.

My one special tip about Paris... the tower twinkles for 15 minutes on the hour from 10 pm until about 1am. Make sure you see it at night.

As for culture, I was shocked to find the people in Paris to be much friendlier than the Britts. Traveling alone, and only knew one word of French, didn't affect my trip at all. Stores, shops, and tourist places all have people who speak very good english. Many locals also speak english however may be broken. The trick is to remember you are a guest, smile, and speak slowly.

To learn more about these places I would suggest visiting the Virtual Tourist website. I've used if for years. There you can get information from locals as well as other tourists.

http://forum.virtualtourist.com/

mara

I LOVE LONDON. seriously I've been all over the world and london is where its at. Check out the tower of london and take the tour. Go around back of saint paul's cathedral, there is a cool little market there, but don't bother with the church itself. Travel by subway but look out for pickpockets. Have Fun!

dukedrink

I can recommend a good resource for the London Leg of your trip. http://www.londonvacationguide.com Good Luck

songcrafter

Stay away from the subways at rush hour in both cities (the "tube" in London and the metro in Paris). Unless, of course, you enjoy being pushed and shoved a lot.

blabalbalus

Have fun!, and don't go alone.

It also helps if you speak French. It's hard to go there without knowing the language.

Kenneth W

dont forget to pack clean underwear. also make sure you have plenty of travel cheques and safe money when you leave. if your flying get to the airport at least 45 minutes in advance. go visit the sites you will enjoy them much more than you think.

greeneyes634970

when in paris and you eat a steak make sure it is beef as you maybe eating horse.when in the uk eat some fish&chips and some mushy peas.oh and have lots of fun!

searchingjohn

save to the best of your ability so when you get over there you can do what ever you want with no boundaries
being on a budget sucks

Dar J

dont hahahaha, no seriously do you homework as london will eat you alive, its always on the go and if you not sure where to go etc you will not enjoy your time here

imagine_it_now_2012

Learn French. In Paris not so many people know/wish to speak English. Also watchout pickpockets, there are plenty of them in every public place in Paris.

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