Travel is back. European countries are easing restrictions, while fully vaccinated travelers are ready to relish [1] their freedom. For Ringlers planning to travel to France this summer, we’ve compiled some tips below.
Buying a Flight
Rumor has it that [2] buying a flight on a Tuesday will get you the best deal. According to our research, this is not necessarily true. When airlines first started selling their tickets online, they released tickets on a regular basis; the logic was that, if you were one of the first people to see the newly released schedule, you would be able to find a good deal. Today, however, ticket prices are more flexible and change on a continual basis, depending on the demand. But flying on a Tuesday might still be cheaper since there’s less demand among business travelers to fly on that day.
Small Vacation Cities
Tourist attractions such as Paris, Versailles, and Mont-Saint-Michel are famous for a good reason. However, these places are often chock-full of tourists, especially during peak seasons to the point where one may feel like they’re moving along a conveyor belt of people, not being able to move freely, while simultaneously having their personal space intruded upon. On the other hand, there are many small vacation cities and towns around France where local Parisians head in summer—these towns can offer an idyllic and equally if not more authentic French experience. Finding these destinations and planning your trip may require a bit of research, and often a rental car; but a simple Google search will render countless smaller-scale hidden gems in France.
Book Restaurants in Advance
France, the world’s gastronomical [3] center, is where gourmands [4] flock to enjoy fine food. If you are interested in visiting a renowned restaurant, reserve a table in advance. It is not uncommon for famous restaurants, especially Michelin-starred ones, to be fully booked for several days, weeks, or even months during summer. The good news is that you’ll be able to book online in most cases with a few clicks.
Utensils
The French, at home and in restaurants, tend to dine on multi-course meals, and use an array of utensils depending on the type and characteristic of the dish. Looking up short instructive videos on YouTube about how to use different utensils may help you navigate the dining scene, and feel confident as well.
Last but not least, the importance of safety cannot be overemphasized. In public transportation and indoor malls, even if it is not mandatory, consider wearing a mask and washing your hands frequently. After all, if you fall sick, you won’t be able to have all the fun to be had.