A student’s guide, from Paris with love.
Janet Keeler, journalism professor and former food editor for the Tampa Bay Times, hosted an abroad course on food and travel writing. During the duration of the 10 day trip, students stayed in the France and ventured throughout the European country to study the cuisine and culture.
Tickets in advance: If you want to go to the Catacombs, you need to buy tickets at least a month in advance (do this with all the popular spots) and get the “skip the line” passes. If you don’t, make sure to get there early It opens at 10 a.m., but when we got there at 9:30 a.m. we had to wait in line, for hours hours.
– Samantha Sotos
Finally! A Starbucks, but…Your Starbucks app and card will not work in Europe! And if you want to get a drink you would normally get at home (like an iced coffee or iced vanilla latte) be prepared for a drink that will probably taste nothing like what you’re used to.
– Samantha Sotos
Stay in the city: Stay in the heart of the city when you travel. Do your research and try to find a hotel near places of interest, that way you have more freedom. But if a city-centered hotel is too expensive, try to find one close to public transportation.
– Sara Katherine Ennis
Oh my God, shoes: Shopping in Paris is especially exciting in July and January when the government allows merchants to have semi-annual sales. However, weather can be a factor during both months. January can be very cold and record heats have been recorded in July. In general, Parisians don’t drink cold drinks and they don’t serve ice. Be prepared.
– Kathy Sanders
I just want a glass of ice water: I was really craving a glass of icy cold water when I got to France. But when I tried ordering one, it was certainly not the same. If you’re lucky enough, they will give you a small cup of ice cubes –for the entire table.
– Samantha Sotos
Explore: Do not plan every second of your trip. You never know when you will stumble upon a place or restaurant you didn’t even know about. It may become your favorite part of your trip!
– Sara Katherine Ennis
It’s getting hot in here: Beware of the widespread lack of central air conditioning or any air conditioning for that matter. As we all know, having air conditioning in America isn’t a privilege but a necessity. This is not the case in France.
– Samantha Putterman
Take the Metro: It’s fast. It’s definitely possible to get around well without the metro, but it really helps when you’re in a time crunch between sites.
– Caitlin Ashworth
No GPS for you!: It’s important to talk to your cell phone provider in advance about purchasing sufficient cell and data services. Phones are essential for directions, translations and communicating with other travelers in your group. Without a special global plan it’s possible your phone won’t work or that you will end up with a very high bill when you get home.
– Kathy Sanders
Mona Lisa mosh pit: If you plan to visit the Louvre to snap a picture of the famous painting, be sure to enjoy the never-ending mosh pit that surrounds it. Also it’s really tiny. May the odds be ever in your favor.
– Samantha Putterman
