To say that my first international adventure was life changing would be an understatement. And though on this trip I got sicker than I had been in years, I made the best of it. I learned a lot, not only about art history and revolutions, but about myself. I found a courage I didn’t know I had, and by the end of the Best of Paris in 7 Days tour this anxious traveler was ready to conquer Paris solo! My time on the tour showed me that I have the skills to survive on my own, if I don’t let the experience overwhelm me. Although there were things I would have done differently, I don’t regret the lessons I learned, the confidence I gained, and the exponential personal growth.
*I do, however, regret the food I didn't get to eat, and the coffee I didn't drink. Stupid stomach bug.*
People want to travel to Paris for lots of different reasons. Some come for the shopping and the food; others go for the art and the history. And I think all of that is great, I wanted to go to Paris for all the same reasons. But I also wanted to experience Paris in the moments between the moments. Seeing the red geraniums on the windowsills of buildings we passed on our way to the Metro was just as important to me as seeing Versailles and the Mona Lisa. I wanted to see pigeons eating discarded baguettes by a puddle in a park in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. And I did that! I may not have seen all there was to see of Paris on this trip, but that’s ok. Now that I know I can do it, I can always come back.
My Top Five Travel Tips and Takeaways
Never plan your wardrobe around the weather forecast.
When it comes to footwear, always go with comfort over fashion.
Use your guidebooks. The experts are experts for a reason.
Be prepared for illness and emergency. If you plan for being sick, you won't get sick.
Make sure to take the time to stop and smell the roses.