How should i go about doing this?

Question

my bf, the love of my life, is deploying to iraq early next year and will be gone for 12 months. he's always wanted to go to france (he took french for 4 years in high school and has always wanted to go ever since then) and i thought i would surprise him with a trip to france when he got back. i don't know much about paris and other places to go in france (my strength is german lol) but i figure i have 2-2 1/2 years (the rest of this year, the year he's gone, and a few months after he gets back) to save up and plan everything out (more saving than planning lol). i know airfare is gonna be ridiculous no matter what, but airfare aside, about how much do you think a 2 week trip to france would cost? i've heard it's never too early to start planning a major vacation, but is 2 1/2 years too early? any other suggestions/tips would be great too! thanks for your help!

Answer 1

Well it never hurts to be prepared!  This will give you more than enough time to do your research.  Be sure to find websites, travel books, etc and figure out the places that you both will enjoy.  You won't be able to purchase airfare this early - you are restricted to no more than about 360 days prior to the actual travel date.  Hotels will be a pretty big expense, so maybe think about staying at a few different places - or look into B&Bs.  If you have time, I would highly recommend a side trip to Mont Saint Michel on the NW coast.  There should be tour buses from Paris to take you there and back.  It is one of the most breathtaking views and spiritual places I have ever seen.  Be sure to take the evening self-guided tour of the monestary if you go.  Good luck!  Also, the southern Mediterranean coast/Monte Carlo is beautiful!

Answer 2

paris is beutifull place to go  i went to france for my 15th b-day with my friends for two weeks it cost me about $4,000

there lots to see, you could go in a mini boat(some have restaurants) in the seine river.  planing ahead is a verry good idea ^_^

Answer 3

That's such a nice idea! The down part, he may want a few months home before traveling again (but it does give you more time to save)

As far as airfare goes, rates are falling quickly. I suggest going through a travel agent. Also, if you're a AAA member, there is also a discount there.

Put aside the airfare, you're looking at an easy $3,000 vacation.

try getting an air and hotel package. Thats the cheapest route to go.

Try Travelocity or Expedia.

Hope this helps a little...

And have fun!

Answer 4

Start saving and planing!

Also start looking at flights. i am going to utah this summer for 2 weeks and it is over $400. so make sure you save.

I don't know much about france but start looking up places to visit when you get there, where to stay and how much. things like that.

Have fun!

Answer 5

start making money.  little extra cash is always helpful.  i'll just say it will cost a pretty penny.  Use travel points!

Answer 6

Planning this far in advance is a very good idea.

You should consider renting an apartment for your two week vacation. there are many agencies which do this. While the cost is roughly the same as a hotel room, you wind up with much more space and having your own kitchen available gives you a lot of flexibility in planning your activities. Good vacation rentals tend to be booked far in advance which is one reason early planning is such a good idea.

Costs will vary widely depending on your choice of accomodation and activities. There is also the uncertainty of exchange rates which have seen some large movements over the last decade. Right now the dollar is quite weak against the Euro but that could and probably will change. Nonetheless, its probably wise to plan for the worst and then hope for the best.

Right now a centrally located apartment rental can run 800 to 1200+ euros a week.

Food costs, assuming you eat  mainly restaurant meals (but don't hit the super expensive world famous places)  , should run around 75-100 euros a day.

Figure another 125 euros total for all local transportation costs (getting from the airport, sightseeing around town) and another 100 euros for admissions to attractions.

Finally, night time entertainment (and Paris has a fabulous nightlife) could be about 50 euros a night assuming you aren't heavy drinkers or heading to tourist traps like the Moulin Rouge.