After I journey, two issues matter most to me: reliability and having as few issues as doable. Because the Burt Bacharach track says, “Make it simple on your self”—one thing I’ve realized after a number of too many hiccups on previous journeys to France. [Don’t know who Burt Bacharach is? Think timeless classic pop with a smooth vibe—kind of like the travel experience I’m aiming for now.] So, I’ve provide you with 10 journey suggestions—little reminders to my previous(er) self—to assist make future journeys smoother, easier, and extra pleasant.
Journey Ideas For Older Travellers: What I Used To Do vs. What I Do Now
For a hassle-free journey, listed below are some sensible journey suggestions as you become older—issues that I do a bit otherwise now. They cowl packing, transportation, lodging, eating places, and getting round. Over time, my journey fashion has modified. I’m now extra centered on experiences than issues.
I used to carry house pans, whisks, outfits—even knick-knacks. Some have been distinctive, nevertheless it’s the pictures and reminiscences that carry me probably the most pleasure. Perhaps all these journeys to France have taught me to decelerate and soak all of it in. Try this publish, 15 Methods The French Manner Of Life Can Enhance Your Life.
1. Pack And Journey Mild
In The Previous
I’ll admit that I used to spend days….weeks creating the right packing record. I overpacked to be “ready”. However all that further weight was actually a ache.
What I Do Now
Now I simply do carry-on and my favorite material is merino wool. Why? I can put on it for days, not stink and the material wicks away moisture—-perfect within the winter and summer season. I don’t fear as a lot about having plenty of outfits.
Packing 2 pairs of snug strolling footwear can also be important. And so they can nonetheless be modern. If you’re in Paris, specifically, you’ll stroll greater than you ever have earlier than, so switching footwear every day also can actually assist with drained ft.
2. Shortest And Most Direct Routes
In The Previous
Whereas it typically can’t be averted, layovers will be brutal. I keep in mind flying from Toronto to Marseille. We have now to cease over in Paris and after a protracted in a single day flight AND a protracted stopover, we have been whipped.
What I Do Now
Having few or no connections can actually make your journey extra bearable. Do think about paying further for that continuous, direct flight or prepare trip.
3. Comfy Journey
In The Previous
In my youthful days, I took financial system flights. Granted, the seats have been most likely roomier than they’re right this moment, however I used to be searching for the most cost effective fare. At the moment, the most cost effective fare typically has added prices, like a charge for a checked bag (and even keep it up!), a charge to choose your seat, and even a charge for meals in your lengthy journey!
What I Do Now
I notice not everybody can afford it, however for those who can, splurge slightly in your flight. I attempt to use my airline reward factors to do that and if I can do premium financial system and even enterprise class, it simply makes the journey extra snug. You board the airplane earlier (getting house in that overhead bin) and the seats are wider and have extra leg room (or help you lie down and sleep!).
4. Getting To Your Vacation spot: Practice vs. Automotive
In The Previous
I’ve rented vehicles in France for a few years. Whereas I’ve gotten used to getting out of the airport automotive rental space, getting misplaced (typically), paying tolls, filling up the tank with gasoline earlier than returning the automotive, and photographing the automotive to make sure I’m not charged for damages I didn’t trigger (take a look at this publish: How To Dispute An Unfair Automotive Rental Injury Cost). It may be a nerve-racking expertise.
What I Do Now
As a rule, I take a look at taking the prepare if I’m visiting a metropolis that has a prepare station. I simply need fewer hassles and calm down (typically in 1st class if it’s an extended journey). I can get from the centre of 1 metropolis to the centre of one other, someday in much less time than driving. It’s a lot much less nerve-racking taking the prepare.
5. Getting Round: Subway vs. Taxi
In The Previous
Paris is a metropolis the place I’ve taken the Metro regularly. It’s handy, moderately low cost, and such a simple method to get round. There are such a lot of stations and it’s been stated that stations are very shut—-usually inside a 548 metre radius of the place ever you might be. Nevertheless, there are some downsides: these quite a few stairs, lack of escalators at some stations, lengthy distances between connecting strains in tunnels. and fairly massive crowds throughout rush hour.
What I Do Now
I’m getting pickier…particularly after having walked for 8 hours all day by Paris. If I’m working late, touring at evening, or in an unfamiliar space, or just exhausted on the finish of a protracted day, grabbing a taxi or Uber can merely be sooner, simpler, and safer. Whereas costlier, it may be definitely worth the added price.
6. Sluggish Journey
In The Previous
Did you ever watch the Sixties film, “If it’s Tuesday, it have to be Belgium”? It was a few group of vacationers who visited 9 nations in 18 days. I wasn’t fairly that loopy however being youthful, I used to be decided to see numerous France in a brief time frame.
Throughout my 4th journey to France within the early 90’s, my pal and I visited Paris (4 nights), the Loire Valley (3 nights), Burgundy (1 nights), Grenoble (1 evening), and Provence/Côte d’Azur (5 nights) and returned to Paris from Good on an in a single day prepare. I nonetheless can’t consider how a lot territory we lined in 2 weeks! No marvel I known as this journey, “Journey #4: Paris, Loire Valley, Burgundy, and many others”.
What I Do Now
At the moment I might by no means advocate that sort of itinerary! My journey fashion has slowed…and never as a result of I’m getting older. I respect not travelling day-after-day and never having a fully-packed itinerary. It’s not about checking a expertise or website off my bucket record anymore.
It’s about high quality, not amount. Construct in buffer days and don’t over-schedule your self. This manner, alternatives can open up for you, too. It additionally offers you time to benefit from the view, soak within the environment and tradition, and recharge your batteries.
Considered one of my favorite, leisurely actions is visiting a neighborhood market, just like the well-known one in Aveyron in Villefranche-en-Rouergue. Simply pursuing the produce and native meals after which stress-free with a espresso and pastry afterwords in a fantastic expertise to have.
7. Lodging: Location, Location, Location
In The Previous
After I travelled with associates, we’d typically select motels within the centre of city, however not at all times. And within the early days I recall we even agreed to share a toilet! A few of our home leases have been positioned out within the nation, not close to any boulangerie or restaurant. We needed to drive to the closest city to get what we wanted.
In some motels, I didn’t flinch at having to hold my suitcase up 7 flights of stairs.
What I Do Now
At the moment, I’m fussier and I’ll spend the cash for comfort. I’ll go up 2 flights of stairs, however not 7! I a lot desire a resort (or rental) that has an elevator. Being the place all of the eating places and actions are simply makes it simpler. And if there’s a spectacular view, like this one in Tarascon-sur-Ariege, it’s even higher! [I would easily return to this town and hotel in the Arielle because it is so beautiful. Tarascon-sur-Ariège: Perfect Base To Explore The Ariège.
I tend to choose hotels that are in the centre of town or near a train station. I’d rather not have to take a taxi or subway (exception: Paris, because the city is so big and has so much to offer). Just get me to my hotel!
In Bordeaux, my hotel was near the train station and the walk into the centre of town was along the beautiful boardwalk. I loved my accommodations in Dijon as well. Around the corner was the main street with lots of shops and restaurants.
8. Restaurant Reservations
In The Past
I’ll never forget travelling with 4 other women many years ago. We had no idea where we were going for dinner and just wandered around Paris looking at menus. We could have saved a lot of time and likely would have had better meals had we done some prior research.
What I Do Now
Don’t wander the streets searching for a place to have lunch or dinner. Save your energy. Do some research, perhaps using the app, The Fork, and make a reservation. No more stress. No more waiting (in line).
9. Half or Full-day Tours
In The Past
Much of my travelling through France has been self-guided (I planned everything). I would even get the audio guides that are often included in the entrance fee. But I’ll be honest, I often found the commentary boring and too lengthy and my mind would often wander.
What I Do Now
That’s where guided tours pay off. I get tired of doing all the planning and just want someone to take care of it for me. And when transportation is included you don’t have to worry about getting to the site. Your entrance is also taken care of and made visiting Versailles for the first time so much easier. While it can be a crowded place, going for the first time with a guide got us in much more quickly. After that first visit, I was able to do it on my own with ease. Check out this post: Tips For Visiting Versailles.
On some tours, you are provided with headphones where you can hear the tour guide over the crowds. This happened during my tour of Palais Garnier (Paris Opera) and I and SO glad I took this tour with a guide.
10. Tech Is My Friend
In The Past
In the “old days”, it was all paper—maps, museum plans, French-English dictionaries, travel guides, and American Express traveller’s cheques. Remember?
What I Do Now
Today, there’s likely an app that can solve your problems. Technology helps me solve problems and makes doing things so much easier….like looking up directions, figuring out the exchange rate, or translating an item on a menu!
And nowadays (due to Covid), more and more restaurants just provide a QR code that you scan with your phone. It then links to a webpage with the menu. In the example above, the Gille Cote Bistro in Rouen provided a QR Code for their English menu. I even use Apple Pay rather than pull out the actual credit card. As I wrote in this post, using Apple Pay or Google Pay is a much more secure to pay.
Consider some of these apps and websites (25 Best Websites And Apps For Travelling In France). They are essential, especially when you need directions, want to order an Uber or taxi, contact your hotel, access a ticket (ie. in your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet) or need to be notified of train strikes!
Do you have any travel tips and hacks to share?
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