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Help with Paris Trip

My father's last wishes that I go with my 15 and 18 year olds to Paris, a city he went to as a young man and dearly loved. Being new and inexperienced we thought that we should take a tour. This way we might gain some inside knowledge and not feel all alone in unfamliar territory. We have spent a great deal of time looking at various tours (Paris, France & Europe). Quite a few seem very touristy. Others seem like you sit on a bus for 10 days and then fly home. Then we found RS tours. The kids said this is exactly what they wanted! They will see the real France (looking at France Family Tour). They would give up going to Italy because of money constraints and take this much better package. Now, the problem, I walk with a cane and sometimes use a portable-fold up wheelchair. The kids say no problem, we will push, pull and carry you all the way through Europe! Does anyone have any suggestions how we might be able to have the exciting adventure that Rick Steves Tours offer without having to try it all alone? I really don't want to have to settle for a lesser tour.

Thanks in advance for any and all advice

Posted by
1589 posts

Dear Sabrina,

I am a bit confused - are you going on a RS tour? If so, your concerns are resolved. They are VERY access friendly. Have fun!

Posted by
2030 posts

I am not familiar with the RS France Family tour, but before booking I would contact the ETBD office and ask more questions about this. I have been on the Paris city tour, and don't think it would be appropriate for someone with limited mobility -- but with 2 kids to help you should be in pretty good shape. I definitely recommend doing a RS tour though, you will love it!

Posted by
3 posts

Bob, no I haven't booked a RS Tour as I am afraid that because of my disability they would not want me on their trip. So we are attempting to figure an alternate way to get a very similar experience as their package.

Posted by
470 posts

Sabrina

Before you give up on the tour, I agree with BG that you should contact ETBD and talk to them. I did this tour last year, though not the Family one. There are a few places where stairs are unavoidable but don't know if that would be a problem for you. Rick also publishes a book, Easy Access Europe. Look in the travel store on this site. Just don't give up on your dream - sounds like your kids really want to experience it with you - you won't regret it.

Posted by
11507 posts

RS tours are not assessible, and do not promote themselves to be. They make it clear you must be able to walk 5-10 miles a day, stand 2 hours , and climb stairs, many stairs. Doesn't sound mobility impaired friendly to me.

BUT, YOU and your sons CAN have a wonderful trip, and you do not NEED a tour. I have taken my 14 yr son on my own, and this year I am taking my 12 yr old daughter ,,, and I am a middle aged women, so there is no reason to fear the travel. You are a smart person( I can tell)and you can do enough research that you can easily plan a lovely stay in Paris for you and your sons that will please all of you.
Your sons for instance would likely love to take a day bike tour of Paris, or even Versailles with FAT TIRE BIKE TOURS, and on that day you could just have an easy day writing postcards at a cafe overlooking the Seine!
There are also ...

Posted by
11507 posts

cont. these grat hop on and off bus tours, you buy a one or two day pass, the bus circles three routes that cover all the major sites in Paris and you are supplied with earphones to hear a taped tour. You can get on and off at will so when you are pooped out you can just ride, and then when you are up to it get off and see a site. Your sons may need to help you up to the top deck of the bus for the best views.

Anyways you can and should certainly contact RS tours, but I have a feeling that the tour won't work for you, BUT, I have seen many posts by persons with impaired mobility , on this, and other travel boards and they do travel and enjoy themselves immensely.

PS Tell your sons to google FAT TIRE BIKE TOURS , I know they'd totally enjoy them,, really!

Posted by
681 posts

Sabrina,
My husband and I (ages 63 & 72) have been on 5 Rick Steves tours in the past 3 years. We took our 4 kids (all in their 20's) on one and we all had a great time. We think they're a fantastic way to go! Our first tour (Germany-Austria-Switzerland) was a very energetic tour, but each one seems to get less so. I felt that our last tour (Scandinavia) probably could have been done by someone on a walker. My guess is that our population is getting heavier and more out of shape and that the tours are gearing down because of that. My husband wears a pedometer on our travels and we've found that the walking done on tour outings doesn't come near covering 5-10 miles on any of the days-it's more like 2-3. With our free time, we often do get up to 7-10 miles, but that's by choice. The thing that might be an issue is climbing stairs. Can you get up several flights? That you will have to do. You'd certainly want to check with the RS office, but, with your kids enthusiasm, I'd say go for it!