Travel can be a stressful experience, especially when you don’t have much knowledge about the destination, the culture or the language. The more isolated you feel, the more likely situations like these will make you anxious and nervous. Traveling is supposed to be an exciting, adventurous and an inclusive experience. If we are not able to welcome people into our lives due to social anxiety or any other reason, then why should they be welcomed into ours? This goes double for when traveling alone. It feels isolating and lonely—which is something that most of us might not even realize until we are actually there. But it does not mean that you have to spend your entire trip feeling like this. You just need a little help from your friends, and some new tricks up your sleeve too! Let’s explore how I booked my Paris flight with no help from friends or family and no plan in advance either.
What language do you speak in Paris?
French is the most common language in Paris, and it’s also one of the only two official languages of the European Union. And even if you don’t speak much French, you can still get by. Many businesses in Paris’s touristy areas have bilingual signs and employees who are more than happy to help you figure things out. French is also the most widely spoken language in Europe, and it’s very easy to understand. However, if you’re traveling to another country, that means you’ll have to rely on someone else’s language skills too. If you’re traveling to Paris with others, make sure you address any language barriers before you go so that you don’t create a bigger problem for everyone.
Don’t rely on Google Translate for your trip planning
Translating words and phrases from one language to another is very difficult, and Google Translate is terrible at it. So, forget trying to translate phrases while you’re in Paris. Instead, use Google Translate to get an idea of how to get around. Then, go to the city’s tourist information center (usually located near a major landmark) and ask someone there to assist you. They’ll be able to explain how to get around, give you an overview of what you should see while you’re there, and serve as a translator if you have any questions. If you can, try learning some French so you can communicate better with Parisians. You can’t communicate everything, but basic phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” and “how do you say _ in French?” can go a long way.
Stay flexible and keep your expectations low
If you’ve tried to book your trip based on a comprehensive plan, you might be feeling frustrated now. But don’t get discouraged or down on yourself. Planning a trip around a detailed itinerary is a great way to experience a country but also a great way to miss out on a lot of the best parts of traveling. The key here is to keep your expectations low and be flexible. Don’t go into this trip planning to spend every day visiting monuments and museums, or to eat at restaurants specifically rated as “award-winning.” Instead, go into this trip with an open mind, a flexible schedule, and the mindset that you’re going to make the most of your trip by exploring Paris however you can.
Get to know the local transportation network
For those traveling by public transportation, you’ll want to make sure you know a few key things. First, how to use the metro. Parisians use a system called the “métro” (short for “metro”) to get around. To ride the metro, you’ll need to buy a ticket from the ticket machine at the entrance to the metro station, find a token booth (usually near the ticket machines or inside the station), and then ride the train. If you’re traveling to Paris by train, you’ll have to know how to use the RER commuter rail network to travel between stations, and then you’ll have to know where to change from the RER to the metro. For those traveling by car, you’ll want to make sure you know how to use the highway system. You can find a map of Paris’s highways online.
The final step: booking your flight and accommodation together!
If you want to airline tickets booking and accommodation together, you’ll have to do it separately. Airlines usually allow you to book your flight and accommodation together only if you book your flight on a certain date and your accommodation on another date. If you want to book your flight and accommodation together, you’ll have to book them separately. Then, once you’ve booked your accommodation, you can book your flight together.
FAQs
Here are a few frequently asked questions that might help you plan your trip even further.
It can get very hot there in the summertime, so pack light and airy clothes for both day and night. Also, pack some comfortable shoes that you can walk around in for hours if you’re sightseeing.
French is obviously the most useful, but you can also try to learn a few words in Spanish or Italian. You can learn some key phrases and greetings in French too, such as “Bonjour” (hello) and “Merci” (thank you). If you want to make the most of your trip, you’ll want to learn some basics in Spanish, Italian, and any other languages you’re interested in too.