One City in Europe Every College Graduate Should See

It's not easy for a college graduate to just go off on a holiday, but if you had an opportunity to travel for a couple of days in one city in Europe, where would you go?The unanimous choice would be Paris, the dream destination for college graduates of courses like arts, history, literature, engineering, and politics, as well as those into culinary arts and fashion design. Just by being in central Paris, you'd encounter some of the greatest historical sites and the most preserved artworks in our world. The heart of Haute couture or high fashion, glamorous shopping, and excellent French cuisine also resides here.It's but natural for the French to romanticize this place as the "City of Love". Tourists feel such amore for gay Paris, too, and it would be a wonderful place to fall in love. The illustrious Eiffel Tower and impressive Arc de Triomphe are famous landmarks which when illuminated at night would make you agree that you are, indeed, in the "City of Lights".If you had only three places to see, which would they be? Most people agree that Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Notre Dame should top the list.The Musee du Louvre is where you'd see the immortalized Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, Winged Victory, and Venus de Milo. Adjacent is the controversial Glass Pyramid where Mary Magdalene is said to be entombed. For a fee, you'd escalate to heights unknown by riding elevators leading to the viewing floors of the Eiffel Tower. You'd be awe-inspired to see the stained glass of Rose Windows at Notre Dame Cathedral where Quasimodo watched over.But if you wanted to see more of Paris, how would you do it? Here's how:- Research on travel deals. Make use of travel advisories and maps to orient your self.- Do reliable bookings in advance and online. There are many hotels in the Parisian suburbs, clean hostels, or bed-and-breakfast inns you could reserve. Otherwise, stay with friends or better yet, go with a group of friends for fun.- Set aside some pocket money and a little extra. Bring more Euros with you as exchange rates are higher here.- Buy a Paris Visite Pass for unlimited access to public transport by bus, train, or Metro. You'll also get discounted rates at local museums and diners.- Buy the Carte Musees et Monument pass if you're interested in sightseeing package. You'll get to see Napoleon's tomb and the works of Monet, Rodin, D'Orsay, and Picasso if you do.- Bring your student international ID as most attractions give discounts to students.- Brush up on your French or bring a dictionary to help you communicate better.- Avail of free entrance to cathedrals and churches in Paris which are rich with breathtaking murals.- Take heavy lunches at delis which offer lunch at cheaper rates. Take out from cafes instead of dining in, and make sandwiches to eat leisurely in parks near the Louvre or Tuileries.- Walk. Paris is made for strolling. A romantic promenade along the parks and bridges of River Siene comes for free.How would you make this once-in-a-lifetime tour a reality? The months of November until April bring off-season rates for Paris, so start saving up to live the dream.



Simon Johnnson is the director of content for http://www.executivegiftshoppe.com/passportholders.html. They specialize in passport holders and travel alarm clocks.