Car Or Plane?

byronwells

Alright guys


I am thinking about going on my first holiday ever... We are looking at someone in Europe, lets says Paris France, we are only going for about 4 days...


But I'm not sure what would be better by car or by plane? What else do I need to worry about, such as flights, hotel, et???

pogofish

Personally, the thought of taking a car anywhere inside the Peripherique (Paris Ring Road) fills me with the utmost dread.

Every time I've been to Paris it has looked like traffic hell to me.

Public transport, particularly the Metro is excellent though and not particularly expensive, so its sorted me very well.

Where in the country are you headed from, because as well as flying, Rail is also a very viable option. Avoid cheap flights to remote airports in the sticks too.

Otherwise I've never had any great problems in Paris, take sensible precautions against thieves in the touristy bits and on the Metro - my partner had someone slit the top of her handbag open on a busy train but her cash/docs were safe in a zipped inner pocket and I've had a couple of tykes go for my back pocket, so any of my stuff goes in a zipped jacket pocket.

Away from the honeypots, things are a lot calmer and its a superb city to visit and kick-back-in.

bagand96

Driving will mean a lot of travelling time for a short break like that (of course it does depend on where you live in the UK).

Flights are available for very reasonable prices to Paris (and many other European cities/destinations for that matter).

kerri_gt

If you're going to a city I wouldn't consider driving - think central London, on the wrong side of the road when you're supposed to be relaxing. Not much holiday fun.

If you're thinking about Paris would the Eurostar be an option?

Main thing is to ensure your passport is valid! Then look at flights / Eurostar and hotels - you could book both together on a site like Expedia.

Have a look at Tripadvisor for hotel reviews and ideas of things to do. I find the lonely planet guides and rough travel guides are good too. Have a look in your local library before buying one though.

Be sensible when you're away, don't advertise valuables, only take the money out that you need for that day - keep the rest in your hotel room safe. So many people go away and switch off from basic common sense they they would employ in any city at home.

byronwells

pogofish wrote: »

Personally, the thought of taking a car anywhere inside the Peripherique (Paris Ring Road) fills me with the utmost dread.

Every time I've been to Paris it has looked like traffic hell to me.

Public transport, particularly the Metro is excellent though and not particularly expensive, so its sorted me very well.

Where in the country are you headed from, because as well as flying, Rail is also a very viable option. Avoid cheap flights to remote airports in the sticks too.

Otherwise I've never had any great problems in Paris, take sensible precautions against thieves in the touristy bits and on the Metro - my partner had someone slit the top of her handbag open on a busy train but her cash/docs were safe in a zipped inner pocket and I've had a couple of tykes go for my back pocket, so any of my stuff goes in a zipped jacket pocket.

Away from the honeypots, things are a lot calmer and its a superb city to visit and kick-back-in.

Be travelling from Birmingham

byronwells

kerri_gt wrote: »

If you're going to a city I wouldn't consider driving - think central London, on the wrong side of the road when you're supposed to be relaxing. Not much holiday fun.

If you're thinking about Paris would the Eurostar be an option?

Main thing is to ensure your passport is valid! Then look at flights / Eurostar and hotels - you could book both together on a site like Expedia.

Have a look at Tripadvisor for hotel reviews and ideas of things to do. I find the lonely planet guides and rough travel guides are good too. Have a look in your local library before buying one though.

Be sensible when you're away, don't advertise valuables, only take the money out that you need for that day - keep the rest in your hotel room safe. So many people go away and switch off from basic common sense they they would employ in any city at home.

Do we have to take Euros or can I use my Visa Debit Card?

totallybored

I've never driven to Paris but I've driven to Bruges a couple of times, Ghent and Amsterdam twice recently. All have been very easy to drive to. Amsterdam is only 3.5 hours drive from Calais and the park and ride only costs €1 a day to park (secure underground car park that you can leave your car in for up to 4 days).

MasterPoo

Looking at this Destination map for BHX, you can easily and quickly fly to Paris.....as others have said just for a weekend break, it really isn't worth all the hours of driving if you're only going for 4 days.

http://www.want2gothere.com/bhx/destinations/

zagfles

byronwells wrote: »

Do we have to take Euros or can I use my Visa Debit Card?

You can use your VISA debit card but check your bank's charges. But bear in mind the charges are on the VISA rate which is quite close to the interbank rate - if you change cash you get so called "tourist rates" which usually include a charge of around 5% hidden in the rate (even if they claim to be "commission free"!!)

If you travel a lot it's best to get a fee free card see the guide on the main site.

InsideInsurance

Living near London my first choice would be Eurostar and second Flying.

You wouldnt use your car in Paris itself so there is little point haaving all that extra travel time unless you are also wanting to do a major stockup on wine.

If you are wanting to go to other places then it may be worth considering driving.

zagfles

byronwells wrote: »

Alright guys


I am thinking about going on my first holiday ever... We are looking at someone in Europe, lets says Paris France, we are only going for about 4 days...


But I'm not sure what would be better by car or by plane? What else do I need to worry about, such as flights, hotel, et???

Like others said, going to a city it's likely to be best to fly - you can get there and get around easily enough by public transport. If you were going to the coast/countryside driving may be a better idea.

Other factor of course is how many of you there are. With 5 people going by car would almost certainly be cheaper, on your own going by public transport will almost certainly win.