Hello! This will be my first time traveling to Europe and I'm looking for any recommendations on which area to stay in Paris? Any recommendations for airbnb or hostels that you have heard good reviews about! There will be 3 females staying together so we are looking for something safe and clean! We will be staying for 3-4 days!
Posted by
Chicago
8166 posts
Ibis Budget Port Vincennes or St. Mande
Posted by
Reno, Nevada
1025 posts
Check out my post on your Rome question. You will need to do some preliminary research before these forums will be truly useful to you.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14745 posts
I didn't look at your other threads (well except for the one on Brussels) so not sure what other advice you received. First trip - you should get Rick's Europe through the Back Door and then get the country books as well.
You can check your local library to see if they are available to start your planning. I definitely suggest you get the paper copies for your planning. I usually have the books and then download e-versions for reference when I travel.
You'll need to do some research for Paris in relation to Air BnB. There are very strict criteria for this kind of accommodation to make sure they are legal rentals as Paris has cracked down on landlords.
Remember when you are planning that 3 nights = 2 full days. 4 nights = 3 full days in a location. You'll lose at least 1/2 a day for every time you change locations. If you are from the US it's likely that your flight will leave the afternoon or evening of 1 day and you'll arrive the next day to Europe. Your departure day will not be of much use for sightseeing.
You might want to start a thread giving your whole itinerary. I see threads on Rome, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. Hopefully you've got 2 full weeks. One thing first timers often do is to try and cover too much territory. For instance, I understand Brussels is on the rail line between Paris and Amsterdam but if you are stopping there overnight by sacrificing a day in Paris or Amsterdam then I'd cut that stop and spend more time the other places.
Your choice, of course.
Posted by
martinez, ca, usa
2409 posts
hey jem592
i agree with the other posters here about researching the cities you want to visit. what are your dates, where are you traveling from, and what is your price budget in euros, what kinda of sleeping arrangement as in 3 single beds, double beds, shared bathroom down the hall or ensuite bathroom? rooms in europe are smaller than the states, little space to move around and place luggage (pack very light)
with the issue of "vacation rentals" an ugly subject to some, if you are looking at airbnb, look for the 13 digit number that they are legal. if traveling summer time, it will be crowded, busy and hot, A/C what floor and if a elevator/lift, check times of flight arrivals and departures, if able to check in early or will they hold your luggage, what sites you want to see and book tickets early, if transportation is a train (eurostar or thalys) check times and costs, book early for a cheaper fare, lots to research. don't stress out, researching can be fun and prepares your later. you and your friends can decide things to see and do. you will not see everything you may want, slow down relax and enjoy your vacation, sit at a cafe, people watch.
after deciding things important come back and ask for the forums opinions and they will tell you good bad and ugly. also make sure your passports are up to date, don't wait till last minute
aloha