Top Tourist Destinations in the World, Basic Tourist Guide For Visiting France

Basic Tourist Guide For Visiting France

France is the third largest country in Europe and one of the UK's favourite destinations to visit, including many other countries around the world. And surprisingly France are one of the leading countries in terms of foreign tourists, beating USA and China.

With a mixed culture and economy focussing around fashion, food and cinema. The country has provided the entire world with wonderful new innovations, with a contrast of interesting history, architecture and philosophers. Not only this, there are 38 UNESCO sites placed throughout the country.

If you are planning on visiting France, whether it is intended as a family holiday, meeting friends or even a skiing holiday, here are a few tips to get you prepared for your travels.

Packing Tips

In France the plugs are different, they use two prongs. Therefore an adapter will be required in order to charge laptops, phones and even ensuring you can have access to a hair dryer and straighteners etc... Luckily these can be found in many shops and at the airport for a low price.

Another tips to remember before leaving is to ensure you will have access to your bank account whilst abroad. Or ensure to have your local currency exchanged in to Euro, which is the currency in France. If you do plan on using your credit card whilst abroad remember to let the bank know. So that the card is not cancelled when you need it most. Visa and Mastercard will most likely be accepted in shops and restaurants.

Transportation & Getting Around

Choosing to drive should be avoided at all costs, unless required. The public transport system is very efficient and inexpensive. There will be a choice of taxi's, The Metro and buses. Although we have bad experiences with public transport in the UK, most European countries manage to stick to their timetables, whilst remaining relatively inexpensive.

Learning Basic French

When visiting another country, not knowing the language can create many boundaries and ultimately limit the amount of activities and areas you can explore and experience. Especially if you are to become lost.

Learning simple commands and phrases in the local language is considered not only respectful but you will likely result in locals being a lot more helpful. Trying to learn a second language is on most peoples bucket list. Therefore why not make the most out of the opportunity to learn as you go, in no better location.

Here is a short list of simple phrases that anyone can learn days before arriving:

Bonjour [bohn-zhoor] = Hello
Au revoir [oh-rev-vwha] = Goodbye
S'il vous plait [seel-voo-play] =Please
Oui [we] = Yes
Non [noh] = No
Ou se trouve? Ou est... ? [oo-ce/oo eh] = Where is... ?

Keeping In Touch

If the vacation is scheduled for longer than a week, keeping in regular contact is going to become a priority. Especially If you are leaving behind your other half or children. As regular communication will be required over an extended period, being able to keep the costs down is vital.

Fortunately, France has developed infrastructure. Including a large number of hotels and cafes that will provide Wi-Fi. It is recommended to avoid using any kind of mobile data or calls from you phone. Instead consider using one of the many Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps and services, that are available for a large number of smartphones. Instead of using whatever network you are connecting to to call and text, VoIP passes all of this information over the internet connection instead. Resulting in no cost.

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