My Airfare Secrets                                                               Bookmark If you want to save money while traveling through Paris, despite the weakening dollar, read the following tips:   1) The best time to visit Paris to save money is during the off-season between November and April. You'll find lines shorter and more affordable accommodations. 2) Eat at French restaurant chains where you are served great food at reasonable prices. 3) Book at a two or three-star hotel which provide convenience and comfort without frills or high costs. Avoid including breakfast while you book your hotel room. Breakfast is an expensive add-on. Or, consider staying in a smaller town where lodging is certainly cheaper. 4) If you rather pay nothing for lodging, you can achieve that end with a home exchange program. 5) For transportation, consider strongly using trains. For example, The Paris Metro is one of the best mass transit system in existence. If you do decide to use it, get yourself a "Carte Orange" if you plan to stay a week or longer. 6) If you are on a tight budget, clubs in Paris are expensive on the weekend. So you may want to search the local newspaper listings for cheaper performances like church concerts. 7) Visit the public parks; in fact, Paris offers a renowned network of parks. You'll enjoy the picnics and observing people, and especially the low cost. 8) It makes sense to learn a few words of French before paying a visit. 9) Explore nature by taking a hike. It's free and quite fun. Be sure to bring your most comfortable shoes. 10) Do not make too many cuts which may ruin your trip and make it difficult to enjoy Paris. 11) In Europe do not use money exchange services. Often the rates are outrageous and the commissions quite high. The best affordable ways to get euros are through withdrawal at an ATM in France or using a credit card. 12) For breakfast, go to a local cafe instead of paying too much for a couple of pastries and coffee at the hotel. Make certain you are not automatically getting charged for breakfast when booking your hotel room. 13) To save more money, indulge in one huge French meal daily. You'll save a lot by not spending on three meals a day. If possible, have your one big French meal at lunchtime. Once are are well-fed from lunch, you will save cash by having a cheap sandwich and pastry for dinner. 14) Avoid looking like a tourist by wearing jeans, t-shirts, tennis shoes, and a baseball cap. Wear black slacks, a nice shirt, and flat shoes. 15) Make it a habit to check the 5-day forecast at your destination; you'll have a better idea what to wear.   My Airfare Secrets                                                               Bookmark