Buying plane tickets for my parents for Christmas. Either Paris or London, this is the first time they will be in Europe. I'm just weighing out where is the better place to send them. The plane tickets are relatively the same price. I've been to both and have lived in London. I'm leaning towards London, they speak english, major museums are free. Yes the pound is worth more then the dollar. I just think they will have an easier time there. What do you think about either and the pros and cons of each. For the record, we are Canadians
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1068 posts
Paris is my favorite city - ultra-chic, fabulously beautiful, and gloriously romantic. London is tied for my second favorite (with home - NYC). I have extensive travel experience in both. So I recommend: London! For all the reasons you site - you're Canadian, the culture will be familiar, they already speak English, etc., etc. - London will be the easiest for first-time European travelers. Yes, the pound is stronger than the dollar (the 61 GBP we spent per ticket for the November 26th Chelsea match translates to NINETY-EIGHT American dollars - yikes!) but isn't the Canadian dollar stronger against the pound right now? Anyway, one vote for London. What a great present, BTW!
Posted by
Huntington Beach CA
1116 posts
I love both Paris and London but given the reasons you've given yourself, I'll vote London. It's an easier transition for first timers to Europe as they don't have to deal with the language barrier. What an awesome present for your parents. I suggest you include a copy of Rick Steves London (actually give it to them now). If they are the adventurous type and have enough time, maybe they can tackle Rick's day trip to Paris.
Posted by
Vancouver, BC, Canada
84 posts
Hi Jayne, I would recommend Paris - they will have no trouble with the language. Paris is amazing - with so much to see and do. It's very romantic - I was in London in June - with all the work for the Olympics going on - it was crazy. I would avoid it for a while. Either way - it's Europe - so really what's not to love!
What a great gift.
Posted by
OP
Guelph
20 posts
Thanks, I think I'm making the right decision with London. Its true about the eurostar to Paris for the day, I've actually gone to Brussels for the day from London.
Lonon is my favourite city. I've lived in London for 18 months, and have gone back 4 times, I'm thinking about making my own London guide book for them. They don't leave until the 7th of February.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1068 posts
Jayne - making your own guidebook for them is a superb idea! I am sure the RS book is terrific, but your own personalized recommendations, based on your much deeper knowledge of what they'll love (and what they might not enjoy) would be a great treat for them! So much more meaningful than a standard guidebook (even one by "The Master").
Posted by
Redlands, Ca, USA
358 posts
I would choose Paris over London. To me there is no real language barrier in Paris as most hotel staff,restaurants,and shops speak english. Outside of Paris you can have a problem with the language.