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Top 10 Mistakes American Tourists Make When Visiting Paris
Let me be clear, a lot of travelers make the mistakes in the list you’re about to read, but American’s tend to make more than one or two. This is at no fault of their own, it’s just that international travel isn’t all that talked about in the US media, so citizens venturing out don’t have a whole lot of familiarity with the rest of the world before they arrive in the foreign land.
Here are 10 mistakes that are common, in no particular order:
1. Booking too Close to the Eiffel Tower
Visiting a bucket list monument holds a lot of weight in the minds of American travelers, that most figure why not stay close by? We’ll be within walking distance, won’t have to worry about transport, and we’ll get to view the Iron Lady day and night — what a Parisian dream!
Tourists in Paris – by Baptiste Lafontaine – Wikimedia Commons
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The truth is this neighborhood isn’t only saturated with tourist traps, it’s incredibly expensive and you’ll land up wishing you’d spend the money on public transport tickets instead.
2. Not Learning Any French
The French don’t expect a lot; be able to greet them, and say thank you, and they’re grateful that you made the effort. These few short phrases are easy to memorize, but very few Americans make time to do so. Trust me, your time in Paris will be improved ten fold if you learn to give basic courtesies to the locals.
The Best Apps to Use to Learn French at Home
3. Buying Water in a Restaurant
Given their limited exposure to outside cultures, a lot fo Americans are still riding that one rumor that surfaced sometime back in 2002, where it was said that water in France could, under no circumstances, be consumed.
Tourists in Paris – by Archibald Ballantine – Wikimedia Commons
On the contrary, France has one of the best water purification systems in all of Europe, and drinking their tap water is actually encouraged. Don’t pay for water in a restaurant when it’s actually free no matter where you go!
4. Tossing Their Metro Tickets
Most subway systems in America require one swipe to enter, and then you’re free to do what you will with your ticket. This is a habit and one doesn’t realize it until they’re left scrambling though their pockets at the end of a metro ride, because one is required to present the ticket they used to enter in order to exit again!
5. Tipping Waiters
Given that in the US tipping rates are around 20% minimum, since servers make all of their money through tips and usually don’t get a daily wage. In France, it’s very different. Service fees are always included in the bill and patrons are not required to tip on top of this.
Tourists in Paris – by Phillip Capper – Wikimedia Commons
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6. Dressing too Loudly
What do I mean by this? Well, Paris is a fashionable place, and it’s in the blood of the French to dress well, even when they don’t try to. Neutral tones, tasteful pieces and thoughtful garments are like everyday gym clothing out here.
You don’t need to dress like you just stepped of of a fashion week runway, but you also don’t need to wear a t-shirt made out of the American flag because it’s “breathable”.
7. Becoming Prey to Tourist Scams
From pickpockets to “friendship bracelets”, there’s many a scam wafting through Paris at the best of times. American’s like to think the best of people, so they’re a bit more trusting and thus gullible/vulnerable when venturing around town. Stay alert!
Tourists in Paris – by Gary Todd – Wikimedia Commons
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8. Heavy Luggage
I get it, the US is far from Europe and you want to bring along all of your homely comforts. But Paris is a compact city, and if you can find it in yourself to pack light you’ll find that you probably enjoy your vacation a whole lot more because of it. A carry on is far easier to maneuver through a crowded train station compared to a full sized suitcase; just a thought.
9. Renting a Car in Paris
The only time one would ever need to rent a car in Paris, would be to take a day trip outside of Paris, or to drive to a neighboring country. A rental car in the city is more useless than you think, especially given that Paris has one of the most advanced and efficient metro systems on the continent.
Tourists in Paris – by Maria Eklind – Wikimedia Commons
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10. Believing that High Season is the Best Season
In Paris, this actually isn’t true. This is a city that is worth visiting year round, but especially pleasant in the quieter seasons when there’s fewer crowds, more space at attractions and cooler temperatures.
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