Traveling on a Budget: An International Vacationer's Guide to France

Whether you go to France during summer or winter, the weather conditions throughout the year are generally ideal for you to experience great French sights, streets and structures. There are both advantages and disadvantages of going to France during the peak season or the off-season. You will save a lot taking a flight to France during the off-season because the airfare can cost about five times as much during the summer. Even the lodging rates are significantly high during the peak season.

Shopping

August is actually a great time to enjoy summer in France. But if you're a hard-core shopper, it is best that you first research on the establishments you want to check out during your visit because most of the country is on vacation for the entire month of August. This means that a number of shops and restaurants will be closed.

Since France's government-regulated sales only happen twice a year, you can consider going there during winter, preferably January, or summer -- because these are the times you can take advantage of these sales. Going there during winter means less crowds and you can avoid the long lines expected every spring and summer. Unique products and traditional delights during the winter season can also be interesting to tourists. For instance, you can spend Christmas in France to enjoy offerings in Christmas markets, whichhappen every November and December.

Accommodation

An international travel would mean staying for at least a couple of days in your destination. If you're vacationing in France, create a home base in an apartment instead of a big and popular hotel. Apart from minimizing the cost, you can get a great deal of freedom and a more "home in France" atmosphere. If you are with a large group, whether with family or friends, a vacation rental is also generally cheaper than a hotel stay. It will also be easy for you to shop around and cook your own food for better savings.

Dining

France is undoubtedly the ultimate destination for fine cuisine. However, trying out Michelin-starred restaurants would mean spending a lot of Euros.When trying out any French restaurant, choose aprix fixe menu, which offers small selections of starters, main courses and desserts. This allows you to try different French offerings without paying for expensive a la carte menus. Also, order house wine instead of other bottled wines from other countries. Interestingly, French wine will probably be cheaper than ordering Coke in France.

Typically, your accommodation would include breakfast on its rate. The breakfast usually includes coffee, breads and pastries that will cost about 20 euros in your bill. If you want to explore more French food and also get more of your money's worth, it is generally better to turn down the "inclusive of breakfast" rates in your accommodation. Actually, you can check out any local bakery, pastry shop or cafeteria and get the same kind of breakfast at a fraction of the cost. You can also enjoy going to a local produce market where you can find a variety of locally-grown items at decent prices. This allows you to explore cooking French recipes with genuine French ingredients as well.

Transportation

Take note of the most expensive transportation options in France: car rental, taxis and long-distance point-to-point tickets. If you're an adventurer and have lots of time to spare, it is best to take the trains and buses. You will save a lot using rail passes if you are traveling great distances around the country. Also, France offers a very extensive bus system, which can be the best cost-effective way to get around a city or town. Help yourself with a map and a schedule of the local buses and trains. You can also request for copies from a nearby tourism office.

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