France Travel Planning Essentials

Articles Index

Exchange Euros
If you visit France, one thing is certain: you will be spending money. Make sure you get the most bang for your euro by following these DOs and DON'Ts to exchange euros.

France Travel Guide
Before you go to France, use this comprehensive online France travel guide to find out all the basics about customs requirements, the culture, weather, currency and more. Also, get tips on when to go and where to go in France.

Budget France
The euro seems to just keep getting stronger and stronger, especially against weakening currencies like the dollar. If you are planning a trip and don't want to take too big a hit, use these budget France tips to save a euro here and there.

France Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is an important consideration before international (or even domestic) travel. France has been hit by storms, fires and a heat wave that killed thousands. It's enough to make a traveler a little nervous. As a visitor, it is important to determine whether you need travel medical insurance, and which plan is best, before you leave home. Here is a guide to travel insurance.

France Travel Tips
Why do France the hard way? Get a little assistance with these France travel tips, which provide tips on getting around, the French language, the French people, specific destinations, important and emergency numbers, packing checklists, and more.

Vacation Packing Checklist
Consult this vacation packing checklist before your trip so you don't leave home without crucial items.

Survivalist's French Language Course
Oh no! You are heading to France, and you don't know a word of French. No need to panic. With the aid of body language and a handy pad, you can memorize these ultra-basics in the plane ride over.

The Euro Gains On Dollar
The euro continues a steep climb vs. the U.S. dollar. It is now at an all-time high of nearly $1.60 per euro as of spring 2008. The past year has seen it continue to escalate, rising from a much lower $1.33 per euro during that time. That means planning a trip to France is even more challenging, but here is some information on tracking the euro vs. dollar and coping financially.

Packing Light
Packing light, especially if you will visit more than once city or taking the train, is an art. A light bag can make the difference between a pleasant or unpleasant experience. Use these tips and tricks to pack light.

France in the Off-Season
If "Paris in the Springtime" conjures up images of smothering crowds, consider visiting France in the off-season. Bargains abound, the lines are short and you can live like a local.

Are Americans Safe Traveling to France?
With the tense relations between the U.S. and France in recent months, coupled by terrorist attacks worldwide, anyone longing to visit France may wonder if it is safe. Find out if there are any State Department warnings against visiting France.

Less Euro Bang For Your Buck
As the U.S. dollar dips in value and is worth less in euros, American travelers will have to fork over more cash for hotels, dining and shopping while in France and other European nations.

Have Laptop, Will Travel
Bringing your laptop to France? Unless you plan ahead, it might be a worthless piece of equipment you end up lugging around. Be sure you have everything you need to make it work.

France Woos Americans
After so many Americans expressed anti-France sentiment over the conflict with Iraq, the French tourism industry has launched a massive campaign to lure yankees back. "Lets Fall In Love Again" promotion features great deals on hotels and airfare, as well as a contest to live like Joe Millionaire.