Well, it’s official, everything will be crowded with children because school holidays are in full force in Baden-Württemberg. Not only will the city be full, but all the popular (and even the less popular) travel destinations will be crowded and prices sky high.

This summer we are headed to London for a weekend for a family wedding, which we are all excited about. Besides that, however, we had nothing planned. I decided that this was not ok and even if aren’t keen on throwing money around…well, you know what they say…travel is something that you can buy, that makes you richer.

So, I am busily planning a trip to Paris! Not sure just yet if it’ll work out, but Michael has never been (I know, right? Even the whole Kok family has been there and it’s not even that far from Stuttgart!) and my friend from Sydney will be there for a few days.

The last time I was in Paris I stayed in Disneyland by myself and met up with my friends in the city. It was a strange, new experience but I dealt with it well.

Arriving with the TGV train, I managed to buy a Metro ticket and proceeded to Disneyland. After a quick walk through the amusement park and a train ride one time around it, I headed off into the city, getting off the Metro at a random stop. I didn’t have a map and I had only a basic knowledge of Paris, so I got off at a stop that sounded like it might be near the Arc de Triomphe. Boy, was I right. Upon exiting the underground station, I stepped out into daylight and was instantly overwhelmed by the fact that I was basically standing underneath the huge and in real life, even more amazing structure.

From there, I headed in the direction of the Eiffel Tower, which can be seen from almost everywhere in Paris. Along the way I saw numerous landmarks and architecturally stunning buildings and met…wait for it…FRIENDLY locals who were willing to point me in the right direction. Yep, I think that even though they can be unfriendly if you don’t speak the language or if you butcher the language, it might help being a solo traveler.

Back then I was inexperienced and only knew about the main sights, having done little to no research before I traveled. But this time, I am prepping and intend to see as much as possible because I finally get to play the tour guide to Michael, which is difficult seeing as he grew up in Germany and spent holidays in Italy, England, Croatia, etc etc.

Of course we will do the touristy things, Lourve, Sacre Coer, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe…but I am also planning to go to markets, discover overlooked (not undiscovered) corners and eat amazing food.

All of this…after the kids have gone back to school.

Any tips would be welcome!