Why you must experience French travel at least once in your life
Travelling in France
Picture sunning on the beaches of Nice, peering up at the infamous Arc de Triomphe, or enjoying a brilliant glass of vino over brunch with your special someone.
It’s all within reach when you book a few days in France. The world’s most popular international tourism destination drew 86.9 million international tourist arrivals in 2017, according to UNWTO, the World Tourism Organization. While its capital city, Paris, is the third most visited in the world, there’s much to discover beyond the well-known centre, from charming French villages and the Chateaux (castles) of the Loire Valley to the stunning mountain ranges of the French Alps.
You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d need to save for half a lifetime or win the lottery to truly enjoy France’s decadence and historical beauty, but it is possible to travel here affordably. We’ve compiled our best tips based on our personal experiences visiting this country famous for its history, culture and romance.
Plan ahead, travel with friends and pack picnic lunches
Pre-planning your transport and destinations for the day is one way to save.
“Purchase your Eurorail pass and pre-book all train trips – France has limited seating for Eurorail pass holders, and you don’t want to be stuck in a city not able to move to your next destination!” cautions Whitney.
Tip: With its plethora of seaside spots, beaches and ski resorts, France is a fantastic year-round destination, but travel website Wandershare advises avoiding the summer mid-July to August rush. It also attracts hordes of skiers, so you’ll want to miss the mid-February to mid-March window.
Jaime encourages would-be visitors to go with friends. “Book an Airbnb to save a bit extra, then you get to live like a local.”
Her group would often grab lunches and drinks (including wine) at the corner store to enjoy on a leisurely outing. Unlike in Canada, in France the legal age for buying alcohol is 18, and you can legally drink in public. Just don’t forget to bring your ID.
“You can sit anywhere – parks or gardens – and enjoy whatever snacks you have, and you can drink wine anywhere!”
“You can sit anywhere – parks or gardens – and enjoy whatever snacks you have, and you can drink wine anywhere!”
Passionate about horticulture? You’re in luck – the French Ministry of Culture has classified more than 300 Jardins remarquables, or Remarkable Gardens of France, that can be found across the country. From a small, private English “secret” garden in the village of Plobsheim to a romantic landscape park with views of the ruined castle of Ottrott, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to stop and smell the roses and countless other types of flowers.
Costs to travel in France
Here’s what you should budget for major expenses while in travelling in France:
Accommodations: $100 to $300 (CDN)/night depending on location and amenities (Airbnb)
Meals: Budget $80 daily (CDN) and shop around markets and small stores for better value on food.
Attractions: Prices will start from $50 upwards as the euro is stronger than the Canadian dollar. Budget this separately for anything you think you may want to visit.
Learn tips to save money while exchanging currency in France
Social norms
- Friends and family kiss both cheeks when greeting; acquaintances shake hands
- Much like in Canada, manners are important. Avoid yawning or chewing gum in public
- The French appreciate attempts to speak even basic French
- When dining in a home, finish your plate and do not ask for seconds
- Being loud in public spaces is considered to be very rude; talk softly
- Use your pronouns correctly. Use “vous” until invited to say “tu” or until you’re addressed by your first name. It will signal your respect.
Enjoy France’s intricate transit system
Take advantage of France’s exceptional transport and travel network, which offers a number of options for different time and budget constraints. If you rent a car, be prepared for toll booths on major expressways, drive defensively, and avoid driving in major cities. Car traffic is even banned altogether in many Italian city centers, such as Rome, Naples, Florence, and more. See Rick Steves’ Europe blog for more driving tips and road rules.
As another option, trains are a fantastic way to get around. France’s state-owned rail company operates four main rail services, including High-Speed (TGV), Intercité, Regional/Local and International. The Savvy Backpacker has an excellent train guide to answer all your questions.
Discover world-renowned history and architecture
There is no shortage of stunningly beautiful museums, villages, parks and other attractions to explore throughout France. In fact, the largest country in the European Union has more than 40 sites on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
After you’ve had a chance to settle in, travel website Wandershare recommends getting back to nature and exploring the architecture France is renowned for. Hike through the forest of Fontainebleau or see how our ancestors used to communicate at the Grotte de Lascaux Cave Paintings. There’s also the world famous Arc de Triomphe in western Paris (which honours those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars), the Louvre Museum and the awe-inspiring Notre Dame Cathedral.
Hoping to indulge your senses and learn some cooking tips in a land acclaimed for its mouthwatering dishes? Sign up for a cooking class.
Another option if you’re craving a romantic meal for two or a night out with friends while travelling in France: venture out to one of the restaurants in town.
Tip: Paris’ Latin Quarter boasts an array of cafes, restaurants and bars to spend your evenings.
Shauna still raves about the beef bourguignon she had for dinner.
“The dish is a stew made of beef braised in red wine, beef broth and seasoned with garlic, pearl onions, fresh herbs and mushrooms. It was really good.”
“The dish is a stew made of beef braised in red wine, beef broth and seasoned with garlic, pearl onions, fresh herbs and mushrooms. It was really good.”
Looking to indulge in a guilty pleasure? Try a familiar favourite with a delightful twist.
“Everyone has heard about how the French love French fries and mayonnaise, but you may not have heard of French fries and samurai sauce – ridiculously delicious, but sooo bad for you,” laughs Mick.
Shop ‘til you drop and relax on the beach
Beyond the capital, the cities of Toulouse, Strasbourg, Bordeaux, Nantes and others attract curious visitors indulging their lust for culture.
If you’re hoping to go hat shopping, you’re in luck, says Mick. “France is a great country to buy a hat. They love a good chapeau, and you should be able to find a hat store on any high street.”
For entertainment and tech lovers, there are also large retail electronics stores such as FNAC.
After all that shopping, you’ll probably be ready for a day of sun and fun. The must-see French Riviera, a stretch of coastline along the France-Italy border that’s “a slice of sweet, Mediterranean heaven” (according to travel website Happy to Wander), welcomes millions of tourists to the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region every year.
France is doable on a tight budget – if you plan ahead, visit at the right time of year, and are open to creative ideas for fun and entertainment. The country’s world-renowned arts, history and culture, not to mention its breathtaking landscapes, all factor in to why it’s the world’s most popular destination for tourists.
Are you traveling to France for the first time? Returning to a favorite destination? What are your best tips when it comes to saving for vacations? Share your story in the comments!
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Learn more about traveling in France
France Travel Guide – Nomadic Matt
20 Things to Do in Paris on a Budget Infographic – This World Rocks
Hidden Paris: 10 Secret Spots in Paris You’ll Love – Solo Sophie
Incredible Destinations in France for Your Bucket List Besides Paris – Happy to Wander
Travel France by Train – Trainline
Where else does Caddle recommend?
Here's what the Caddle team says about Costa Rica vacations
Travelling to Costa Rica
If you’re into taking outdoor adventures, seeing wonders of nature and getting an up close and personal experience of a lively culture, Costa Rica should be on your shortlist for your next vacation.
With all its natural wonders, the country has become a mecca for eco-tourists, welcoming more than 1.7 million visitors per year, according to the Costa Rican Embassy in Washington, DC.
If budget is your number 1 factor for a vacation to a sunny destination, you may want to look elsewhere; For Two, Please cautions that Costa Rica is one of the most expensive countries to visit in North America. It cites tour costs of about USD $100 per person per day and gas prices at USD $1.07 per litre. There’s hope: visit during the rainy season (May to November) and you’ll see some savings. It’s also still lush and beautiful during this time of year.
If you’re looking to travel on a modest budget, read on – we’ve got some helpful tips based on our personal experiences visiting this tropical haven.
Book an Airbnb and rent a car or hop on a bus
As for where to stay, as of October 2018 you could rent an Airbnb for anywhere from $62 for an apartment in downtown San Jose to $236 per night CDN for the award winning private Pura Vida Ecolodge near the South Pacific Coast.
Want to stay at a traditional resort? Take Brian’s glowing recommendation and book a room at Riu Palace, an all-inclusive hotel in Guanacaste where he stayed with his wife and some cousins in 2017. He especially appreciated the staff’s attentiveness and kindness. http://www.riucostarica.com/
“The Riu Palace was really nice,” he says. “I found the staff to be super pleasant. The cleaning staff left the most wonderful pillow and towel decorations each time they cleaned the room. One of the most interesting was the swans.”
<blockquote"I found the staff to be super pleasant. The cleaning staff left the most wonderful pillow and towel decorations each time they cleaned the room. One of the most interesting was the swans.”
You’ll never want for anything here – on its website, Riu Palace promises four swimming pools, jacuzzi, gym, sauna and a wellness centre where you can get a relaxing massage. You can also enjoy sports and activities like windsurfing and beach volleyball, and entertainment for children and adults. At night, venture out to the discotheque an casino. Chefs dish up a variety of dishes from classic to the most exotic.
Carry enough Costa Rican currency to get by
The colón is Costa Rica’s national currency. U.S. dollars are accepted in Costa Rica, so there’s no reason to exchange money in advance, according to travel website Costa Rica Guide. You’ll just want to bring $20 American bills or smaller, since there are often problems with counterfeit bills in larger denominations.
To avoid losing your cash to exchange costs, pay for items priced in U.S. dollars with American money, and those priced in colónes with colónes. Canadian dollars and Euros are not accepted in Costa Rica.
Try the local cuisine
Popular dishes in Costa Rica include Chifrijo, fried plantains, casado, tamales, vigoron, pozol corn syrup, arroz con leche and of course, the local coffee. Luckily, it’s not customary to tip your waitstaff or your bartenders.
Tip: When you’re ready to leave a restaurant, you must ask for your official bill, which will likely include a service charge.
Rent a car or take a bus
Once you’ve arrived, you’re going to need a cheap way to get around. Travel blog Mytanfeet recommends renting a car for the freedom to go where you want, when you want. Their Important Tips for Renting a Car will tell you what you need to know.
Tip: Costa Rica doesn’t have traffic control measures like you’d see in North America, and driving in the country can be scary. Locals tend to tailgate and not signal, so reconsider driving if you’re not used to being on four wheels in a foreign land.
Source: Mytanfeet
Don’t want to deal with driving in a new country? Take a bus . Although it’s slower, Uneven Sidewalks says it’s also a cheaper option (and safe and comfortable to boot), and you can explore hidden gems away from the main tourist areas.
Take a tropical outdoor adventure
From strolling through lush tropical rainforests and watching Capuchin monkeys leap between branches to picking up a bit of Spanish during a trip to the busy, vibrant capital of San Jose, you can pack a lot into your time in Costa Rica.
The country has strived to develop sustainably and protect its unspoiled landscapes from destructive agricultural practices while reaping the benefits of ecotourism. With 26% of its 19,730 square miles dedicated to national parks, wildlife reserves and protected lands, nature & animal lovers, photographers and adventure seekers alike will love this verdant paradise.
As an adventurer, Brian found lots to entertain him.
“We went without an agenda, and with absolutely no schedule,” he remembers, adding the area he and his group visited was rural, with a large agricultural base.
“I didn’t plan to stay on the resort the whole time, and we didn’t. Being the more adventurous type – perhaps due to having been in the Army – I wanted to do extreme things,” he says, adding he appreciated the advice from the locals on which attractions to try and which to avoid.
Thanks to a guide they met on the beach outside their resort, Brian and his wife took a number of day trips. One of the most memorable was the Riu Guanacaste Canopy tour that had him zip lining over part of the jungle. He then went horseback riding along the ocean.
“This was a pretty good experience, even though the horses almost looked wild and yet, malnourished.”
Excursions
Any excursion can be transformed into an unforgettable experience you’ll remember forever, thanks to Costa Rica’s technicolour natural wonders. The couple behind travel blog Uneven Adventures recommends heading to the capital city of San Jose, swimming in the pools near La Fortuna Waterfall and hiking through Manuel Antonio National Park (where white-faced Capuchin monkeys do gymnastics in the trees).
Volcanoes dot the landscape in this part of the country, and Brian took full advantage of this as he relaxed in warm waters and a sauna, which naturally heated by a volcano, before hiking through hilly terrain, which features many cool volcanoes. It’s also worth setting your alarm to watch the Costa Rican sun rise.
“I really enjoyed waking up early and watching the sun rise, and staying up late to watch it set on the ocean,”
Famous Coffee
Costa Rica is also famous for its coffee, and you can see the harvesting and roasting process for yourself at Hacienda Espíritu Santo’s facilities in Naranjo, just outside San Jose. It’s just one of the 6 best Costa Rica Coffee Plantation Tours, according to Costa Rica Experts.
If you do your research, spend wisely and are willing to avoid peak traveling times, you can travel in Costa Rica affordably. It’s a country full of tropical delights, including rainforests, waterfalls, volcanoes, exotic wildlife, dazzling beaches, and more.
Are you travelling to Costa Rica for the first time? Returning to a favourite destination? What are your best tips when it comes to saving for vacations? We’d love to hear what you’ve planned, or any tips we missed! Share your story in the comments!
Learn more about traveling in Costa Rica
- The Adventurer’s Guide: 16 unforgettable things to do in Costa Rica – For Two, Please
- 10 mistakes to avoid traveling in Costa Rica – Mytanfeet
- Top 5 reasons why vacations in Costa Rica are great – Costa Rica Vacation Online
- The ultimate guide to Costa Rica with kids – Parenthood and Passports
- How to rent a car in Costa Rica – Costa Rica Guide
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