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There’s something exciting — and slightly terrifying — about boarding a plane to Paris. Especially when you realized you haven’t flown in about 12 years, haven’t been out of the country in about 40 years and are used to traveling on a tight budget but suddenly decide you’re ready to enjoy life a little more.
This trip taught me a lot about international travel, planning ahead, spending wisely (not cheaply), and learning that sometimes convenience is absolutely worth paying for.
If you’re planning your first trip to Europe — especially Paris — here are my honest travel lessons, mistakes, and tips from the journey.
Driving to D.C. the Night Before Was the Best Decision
I know myself well enough to know that I always think I can get more done than humanly possible before leaving for a trip.
Which usually leads to:
- rushing out the door
- racing up Interstate 95
- unnecessary stress
- panic-level coffee consumption/splashing some on my shirt
Since missing my flight to Paris was absolutely not an option, I drove to the D.C. area the night before and stayed at the Hampton Inn Chantilly near Dulles Airport.
Was it glamorous? No.
Was it peaceful waking up already near the airport? Absolutely.
Travel Tip:
If you’re flying internationally from Dulles (or any major airport), staying nearby the night before can make your trip start so much calmer.
I also learned that not every “airport hotel” includes free parking while you travel. This one charged $10 per night for parking, but honestly? Still worth it.
Next time I’ll research park-and-fly hotels a little better.
I’m Learning to Travel a Little Less “Frugal”
For years, I’ve been an extremely frugal traveler.
This trip felt different.
I paid extra:
- to choose my airplane seat
- for an aisle seat
- to sit closer to the front of the plane
And honestly? Worth every penny.
On an 8-hour flight, not having to climb over strangers every time I needed the restroom was a small luxury that made a big difference.
I’m trying to shift from a scarcity mindset to more of an abundance mindset — responsibly, of course.
I’m doing better financially than I ever have before, and I’m learning that sometimes comfort, convenience, and peace of mind are valuable too.
Things I’m SO Glad My Cousin Reminded Me About
My cousin was already in Paris when I left, and having someone there ahead of time was incredibly helpful.
She reminded me to:
- notify my bank about travel
- make sure I had international phone service
I had already done the bank notification.
The phone service? Totally forgot.
Thankfully I added international service before boarding. It costs about $12/day when used, which definitely means future sticker shock on my phone bill… but getting stranded in Paris without GPS or communication would have been much worse.
Travel Tip:
Do NOT forget international phone service or an eSIM before traveling overseas.
You’ll need:
- maps
- Uber access
- translation help
- texting
- restaurant searches
- emergency access
Your phone becomes your lifeline.
My Biggest Paris Arrival Mistake
I did NOT properly plan how to get from the airport to the hotel after landing.
Mistake.
I attempted to use the train system with:
- two suitcases
- jet lag
- confusing directions/language challengs
- multiple escalators
- an outdated Uber app
- zero understanding of where I actually was
At one point I somehow ended up about 2.5 miles from my hotel trying to drag luggage down rough sidewalks while feeling like the world’s most obvious tourist.
Eventually I spotted a taxi and happily paid almost 20 euros plus tip because at that point, exhaustion had fully won.
Ironically, we drove right past multiple train stops I’d already passed… including one directly across from my hotel.
Lesson Learned:
Research your airport-to-hotel transportation BEFORE your trip.
Especially after an overnight international flight when your brain is functioning at approximately 14%.
The Currency Exchange Mistake I’ll Never Make Again
Please learn from me:
Do not exchange money at the airport currency exchange counter.
I should have realized something was wrong when the employee kept asking if the amount was okay before processing it.
The exchange rate was terrible — around a 50% markup.
Painful.
Later that evening I used an ATM near the hotel and got a much better rate directly through my bank.
Better Options:
- Plan early enough to order euros or whatever appropriate currency from your bank-best option for your money
- Use a bank ATM abroad
- Use a travel-friendly credit card
- Avoid airport exchange counters whenever possible
Apple Wallet Was Surprisingly Amazing in Paris
One of the smartest things I did before leaving was adding my Mastercard to Apple Wallet.
I used tap-to-pay almost everywhere in Paris.
It felt:
- safer
- easier
- faster
And I preferred using my credit card instead of my debit card in case of fraud issues although I think heard my credit card crying a little while I was there ☹ I seldom use it anymore so it was probably in a little shock as I tapped for coffee, croissants, and some shopping 😊
Cash was still helpful for smaller purchases, but card payments were accepted almost everywhere we went and the shops almost seemed happier when I used my credit card.
Travel Tip:
Before traveling internationally:
- add your cards to Apple Wallet
- notify your bank
- bring one backup card
- carry some emergency cash
A Few Final Lessons From Flying to Paris
Here’s what I’d absolutely do differently next time:
I WOULD:
✔ Stay near the airport the night before
✔ Pay extra for seat selection
✔ Use Apple Wallet again
✔ Get international phone service
✔ Get euros from my credit union/take out euros from an ATM instead of currency exchange counters at the airport
I WOULD NOT:
✘ Assume airport hotels include free parking
✘ Try to navigate trains while exhausted with giant luggage
✘ Wait until arrival to figure out transportation
✘ Exchange currency at the airport
Final Thoughts
This trip reminded me that travel doesn’t have to be either:
- ultra-budget backpacking
OR - luxury influencer spending
There’s a middle ground where comfort, planning, and smart spending can make the experience so much better.
Paris already taught me a lot before I even made it to the Louvre.
And honestly? That’s part of the adventure.
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