Airfare

First, make sure that you're flexible. You can find some great bargain airfares that won't be advertised by the airlines if you simply join the popular travel forums and log on regularly. The people who post in these forums are incredibly helpful, often posting fares that sell out before the search engines pick them up. Create a membership id, and post questions for the forum members, make yourself known. You'll pick up lots of tips from seasoned travelers who love to share their experiences. I recently purchased a roundtrip airfare from Florida to Paris for under $400 all inclusive, due to the helpful suggestion of a fellow forum member!

Lodging

I would highly suggest renting an apartment in Paris. You'll have much more room than you would in any but a five star hotel, with the added benefit of a kitchen with a refrigerator and stove. If you shop around carefully, you can find a beautiful one bedroom apartment in the heart of historic Paris for under $100 a night, all inclusive. Having a kitchen will allow you to keep simple food on hand for snacking, and it's wonderful to get up in the morning, prepare your own fresh coffee, and sit on your balcony and watch the sun rise over Paris, while still in your pajamas. Another benefit of having your own apartment is that most include a washer and dryer, so that means you can travel very lightly and do a quick load of laundry one evening, midway through your trip.

Getting Around

The absolute best and easiest way to get around is the Metro. There are metro stops everyplace; it's clean, safe, and easy to navigate. Stop at any Metro station information window, and pick up a free Metro map, buy a carnet of tickets (ten tickets) for about $14, and you'll be on your way.

Sights

An endless amount of fun can be had for under $20, even in the capitol of haute couture and high-end cuisine.

The Louvre offers reduced ($8 per ticket) prices Wednesday and Friday nights and free admission to those under 26. It's free on the first Sunday of the month.

The Musee d'Orsay drops its prices on Sundays and Thursday evenings, and it's free on the first Sunday of the month.

Centre Georges Pompidou is also free on the first Sunday of the month

Stop by a newsstand for a 55-cent copy of a weekly publication named Pariscope. It provides lists of free cultural events, gallery exhibits and church concerts. It's all in French, but easy to translate

The Opera Garnier has cheap seats available on the day of a performance, and churches hold free classical concerts, usually on Sunday afternoons.

Walking up the Eiffel Tower is cheaper than riding the elevator — and a good way to work off all the croissants and baguettes I can never get enough of when I'm in Paris.

Once you begin strolling around Paris, you'll find endless possibilities. There is wonderful architecture to discover with a self guided walking tour. There are many wonderfully talented artists setting up shop along the banks of the Seine and around Montmarte. Even just sitting on the grass at the foot of the graceful Eiffel Tower, holding hands with the one you love is an experience you'll cherish forever, and it's completely free!

Dining

Since you're staying in an apartment, you have the advantage of a small kitchen. You get the wonderful experience of shopping in the local markets, and bringing home some fresh local produce and meat or game. It's easy to prepare a simple meal with a little meat, a couple of potatoes and fresh vegetables and a few fresh herbs. Add a loaf of bread and a bottle of French wine, and you'll have a very romantic dinner in your own pied a'terre.

Pick up some prepared souffles from your local boulangerie, and heat them up in the morning to enjoy with your fresh coffee and some local fruit, while you watch the sun rise over the tops of the buildings surrounding you. Or stop downstairs in the local cafe and order a basket of fresh bread with a cup of coffee as you lean against the counter, as the locals do.

While you're out and about, grab a sandwich made with a crusty baguette and fresh cheese, or a delightful croque monsieur, which is sort of an inside out grilled ham and cheese sandwich. These can be purchased everywhere for around $3. Add a bottle of wine, head to the park, and have a leisurely lunch while you people watch. Another romantic option is to sit along the banks of the Seine while you enjoy a sandwich purchased from a sidewalk vendor. Just remember, if you sit down at an outdoor cafe, you can't bring your own food- you'll need to order theirs. However, lunch time options are very inexpensive.

Don't forget to try a delicious crepe while you're in Paris - the vendors prepare them in front of you, and will fill them with your choice of filling; be sure to try a fresh crepe dripping with nutella... This delightful concoction will only cost about $2 most places.

With all of the money you've saved, you'll be able to splurge for that very special dinner you've always dreamed of, watching the sun set from high in the Eiffel Tower, as the ever so professional waiters cater to your every wish. The only concern you'll have is making your dinner reservations far enough in advance!

There are so many ways to have a fabulous affordable trip to Paris, if you just take a little time to plan in advance. Go join the travel forums, and starting planning for the trip of a lifetime!

Terri Tutten
http://travelingtuttens.blogspot.com/