I won a trip to Paris!

Wow!!! Congratulations - that's so exciting!!!!!

How many days can you take off from work? Then that's how many extra days you stay! If you stay in hostels, it won't cost as much.

I wouldn't try to do too many other countries, though. I think you'd spend too much time traveling and not enough time seeing where you are. I'd pick some place close that won't take too long to get to and spend time around there.

Of course, you're probably going to get the "bug" and find a way to get back there...somehow...some day.

I haven't even left for my trip yet and I'm already thinking about the NEXT time we go!

HAVE FUN!!!!

I agree: don't try to do too many countries or you'll spend too much time in airports and train stations. One thought on "making the most of your time": I have found that the best way to make the most of your time is spend it in fewer places so you can actually appreciate them. I would say any of those countries you listed are accessible enough from Paris, so you need to decide what you really want to see. Belgium is nice, especially if you love chocolate. It always seems so quintessentially European to me. And London is so close to Paris with the Eurostar. Don't rule out other parts of France, either. southern France is beautiful, and only about 4 hours away by high speed train. There are some great Roman ruins there if that interests you, and the Mediterranean is really pretty. The Loire Valley is also close to Paris, maybe 2 hours by train? I'm not sure on the distance. And if you enjoy castles and chateaux, it's lovely. Good luck deciding!

Congratulations!!

I also caution to not try to go to too many places--to0 much transit time. Some years ago, I was lucky enough to have won a trip to London--this was in the days before the Chunnel but I was determined to fit in a trip to Paris. This trip was 11 days and pretty evenly split between England and France. This was enough time to not feel rushed and yet see more than one city/place.

What time of year will you be going? That will make a diff on where else you might want to go.

You might consider spending the whole time in France--nothing is more than a few hours by train. The castles of the Loire valley are lovely and are an easy day trip, maybe 60 - 90 min by train each way. The Champagne region is also an easy day trip. Normandy is full of history but you'll need an overnight to do it properly. Provence is magic.

To add another country, London, Belgium and Switzerland are close by train but Netherlands, Scotland and Ireland are pretty distant.

Bon voyage!

How Exciting! I agree with everyone else, but want to especially reinforce the fact that you don't want to squeeze in too many places. I also agree that once you're there, you'll get bit by the travel bug. When that happens, you will search and hunt for a way to return. You will discover that there are specials on air fare now and again; a travel agent could find you an irresistable package deal that you'll discover you are able to afford! The internet is a wonderful tool. Please don't look at this as your one and only trip. Savor every minute. Good luck, and enjoy making your travel plans. That's half the fun!

O, RATS !
... Lynette, I was expecting to win that! Here's what I would have done ....
.... [click and paste this link into your Internet address box]
http://www.davidlebovitz.com/archives/2007/08/10_insanely_del.html

Bon Voyage ! ... P.

Lynette, I would stay in Paris for those 5 days--especially since it is paid for. Take advantage of it. There is so much to see and do. Hotels in Paris are very expensive. By the way, where are you staying? You could take 1/2 or full day trips out of the city. Go to Versailles--short train trip to see an awesome palace. Or, go to Chartres--1 hour away that has a cute town and a beautiful cathedral with famous stained glass windows. Check out these places in Rick Steves' book. Going to Switzerland is possible; however, if you then go to London you are doubling back. I would do 5 days in Paris; train up to Brugges, Belgium and spend 2 nights (another charming town that also has a touch of the Netherlands--windmills & canals); take a short train ride to Lille, France and pick up the Eurostar to London; spend the balance of your time in London. If you want a few side trips out of London, there's Windsor Castle; Stonehedge, Bath & Cotswolds day trip; Hampton Court Castle. Have Fun!

That is wonderful, now don't ruin it by running all over the place. For your five extra days you should only really fit in one other country, two max( say Belgium on the way to Holland) .
I personally would take the Eurostar to London( take a day trip to Bath)for three days, then return and spend last three days in Paris. There are many daytrips outside of Paris you could do.
Or Paris(contest portion) then take the train to Brugges (Belgium)spend a day or two there, then to Amsterdam, two days, then return to Paris.
Scotland and Ireland are a seperate trip.
If your hubby is into renting a car you could drive to Switzerland,(takes about a day) spend three days, then return. Switzerland is very very pretty , but VERY expensive. Gas is not cheap, and train tickets are not cheap either. LOL
Cheapest option is stay in Paris.
Rome is another option, there are cheap flights,are you interested in Italy?

Reasearch lots,and have lots of fun.

ps Never assume you can't return

Lynette,
Having never been to Paris, take what I am about to say in perspective. I'd like to think that you can get what you NEED to see of Paris in 5 days. Of course there is more to see there, but that's all you should NEED. If it were me in your situation this is what I would do. Again, this is only what I would do.

3 days in Paris

2 day trips from Paris

take the Chunnel or a low-cost airline like Virgin to London

spend 3 days seeing London

2 day trips from London

fly out of London. See if they'll let you change your departure flight from Paris to London for a reasonable fee.

Thanks to everyone for all the wonderful ideas and information. It looks like we will probably end up going in April or September of 2008 - we both have to get our passports yet, and we both have jobs that are really busy at certain times of the year. I think we will be able to pull off 9 or 10 days total, but 2 of those will be spent flying, of course. I am going to see if we can fly into Paris and out of another city when we leave, which might help a bit with the traveling. And you've all given us alot of things to think about. There's so much we'd love to do, but I don't want to rush anything. Who knows, maybe I'll win another trip sometime! I'll try to let everyone know what we decide, and I'm sure I'll have lots more questions along the way! This website is wonderful - I picked up one of Rick's books today as well, and it looks like it will be a great resource.
Thanks again!!
Lynette

Lynette, You don't ask, but--I think I'd prefer September to April, on the whole.

I agree...I've been to Paris in both April and Sept. April was cold and rainy, while Sept was absolutely PERFECT!

I agree also; September is the perfect time to see Paris! It's not too hot, but it's still warm, and it's not too crowded.

hmmmm...then there's the song..."april in paris"...

the romantic part of me - if able to go with DH - would want him to sing that song to me. If we were in paris in april. :)

Congratulations, Lynette!!!! I agree w/ other posters that you shouldn't spend valuable time in rail stations/airports. See if the hotel in your prize will give you any kind of discount if you stay there before/after your official time. That would save time moving to another location. After deducting your 2 travel days, that gives you 8 full days---stay in Paris and take a couple of day trips: Versailles, Giverny, Chartres, Brugges for 2 nights if you want to go to another country. We spent a week in Paris for the first time 3 yrs ago and are now looking forward to being there 3 days next month on our way to Venice. Paris truly is a magical city.

I would stick to Paris & London...Do your time in Paris with some side trips to the Loire Valley or Normandy. Then a quick Eurostar ride away is London! Spend some time there & if you have some extra time, go to Bath, the Cotswolds or Stratford-on-Avon (if you're a Shakespeare fan like me! :). All are absolutely beautiful!!!

paris 5 days amsterdam 2 days London 3 days would be my plan (from Experience) 4 days in Paris if not paid for