Saving Money on a Parisian Getaway

As Ernest Hemmingway once said, "If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast." nowadays, travel is much easier and you don't have to live in Paris to experience its wonders. Here are a few pointers on how to have a phenomenal trip without breaking the bank.

Start saving before you even leave by considering booking your vacation during the off season. Though there's a romantic view of being in Paris during the spring and early summer, don't think that you absolutely have to go at that time of year. Don't forget that billions of other people around the world have this same idea as you and that there will be huge throngs of other tourists setting foot in Paris for their first time in the spring and summer. Museums, shops, restaurants and parks, just to name a few get incredibly crowded. By visiting in the off season which is November through March you'll avoid huge crowds and have an easier time living like a local. Don't worry, the city usually doesn't get unbearably cold.

Just because you've chosen Paris as your destination doesn't mean that you have to stay in extremely expensive hotels. There are thousands of places to choose from. Even some non-traditional options might make it onto your list of places to stay. Check out websites that are dedicated to reviewing less pricey, yet good quality hotels. Or, you might even consider swapping apartments with someone who wants to see your part of the world. Doing so will help you to create contacts in Paris. Couch surfing is another great option that'll allow you to live like a local. And, finding a host that wants to show you around their city is easy. Though, it's for those who don't mind staying with someone they've never met. Everyone who signs up for couchsurfing is encouraged to get verified by the site. This means that their addresses and names are confirmed, adding an element of safety. And, if you're in a certain age group, don't forget to check out the thousands of hostels in Paris.

First and foremost, once you arrive, invest in a Paris Visite pass. Anyone who's visited or lived in a large city knows that public transportation is one of the best ways to get from point A to point B. It's cheap, easily accessible and efficient. Like in any other large city, almost all of Paris' inhabitants have a monthly paid, public transportation pass. And, at the end of the month, it definitely saves more money than if you had bought tickets for each ride. It's called a Navigo. Though you're a tourist and don't actually live in the Île-de-France region, don't miss out on a similar deal. As a visitor, you can purchase the Paris Visite pass which will allow you the same travel privileges. This pass can be picked up at any Metro Station -- there are hundreds throughout the city. For a flat, discounted rate, you can avoid buying new tickets each time you need to use Paris' public transportation. When you visit Paris, you'll quickly become familiar with the Metro and the RER, two of its rail systems. These two systems serve the entire city with the RER going into the suburbs. So, this is the train that you would take if you were visiting a close by area outside of Paris. For example, many travelers use the RER to go to Versailles. Buses are another great option for quick and easy travel where you can use your Paris Visite pass. Certain lines run late into the night or early in the morning.

France is well known for its amazing cuisine and gastronomical history. And, the capital city is a great place to try traditional fare. When you go out to eat, make sure that you try the menu prix fixe. This is simply a predetermined menu at a set price. Normally, you get to chose from several options in several categories. For example, there would be three options for your first course, three for your second course and three for dessert. You just need to choose which ones sound best to you!

In Paris, everywhere you turn there's a culinary surprise. if you decide that eating in a restaurant for every meal isn't in your budget make sure to give Paris' street food a try. Most of it is very tasty! Crepe stands can be found throughout the city and are great for a quick lunch or snack.Though there are always numerous toppings and it's hard to get bored, crepe stands don't just sell crepes. There's also delicious, crispy panini and an array of sandwiches to choose from.

Paris, like other major cities, really is what one would call a global community. Thousands of people from all over the world call it home and the ethnic diversity is reflected in the city's multitude of restaurants. Falafel and gyros are commonplace and always delicious. Traiteurs Chinois or small Chinese restaurants with large menus can be found on nearly any street corner as well. The prices are good and the options many, so bring a friend to dinner. just keep an eye out for the various eateries around the city and you'll be sure to find a delicious meal in your price range.

If you're a student, do not forget to get a student ID or bring your own. International travel automatically becomes cheaper if you have the right identification. The International Student Identity Card can help you slash prices almost anywhere imaginable; from the oldest museums to Euro Disney.

So remember to look for great deals while you're booking your trip and while your enjoying the sites so that you can take in every new experience possible!