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Expert: Stephen Tanenbaum - 6/13/2006


Question
My wife and I want to take our 3 children,ages 2,8,13 and a newborn to Europe (I know insane)in March of 2007 during easter break. Any suggestions to make air fare to and staying in Paris affordable?.What is the deal on free companion tickets? I am an architect, we are a one income family. Thanks

Answer
Hi again:

Just talking to Patty, my better half. Hate to be negative but she reminded me of our visit to Paris during Easter week.

We vowed never to return that week. Museum lines  were so aweful that we skipped some major museums and opted for some of the scores of off the beaten track museums. And since we often visit Paris we much enjoyed  the smaller lesser known museums.

Of course airline tickets generally run higher and same for hotel rooms, often higher prices and low availability if not booked far in advance.

Do a search for lowest airfare and also check a few hotels. Chaplain Rive Gauche is available NOW at regular rates for Easter 2007 BUT has nothing more than four beds in a large room which won't suffice.

NOTE: Patty's two cents....and she's raised kids....Pull two older kids out of school for one week = NINE days trip, for such a special trip. Would work so much better all around including no crowds and possible free tickets.

NOTE: When renting an apartment you often deal directly with the owner so that baby sitting may be arrangeable.

NOTE: So far as Easter is concerned the only good thing going  for you is TIME...this far in advance you may snag that lower priced apartment NOW. Just check on cancel policy/fees.  Don't think any hotel would be as comfortable and affordable as an apartment. Then search for the lowest airfare.

Hope these additional thoughts help.
steve t.

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Stephen Tanenbaum

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FREE GLOBAL & DOMESTIC TRAVEL which always beats discount travel. In recent years we have enjoyed free travel to such destinations as Africa, Israel, Australia, Brazil, France, New Zealand, Hawaii, England, Greece, Alaska and our lower 48. Other budget travel areas include such as air brokers, rebate travel agencies, renting a Paris/Barcelona apartments for as little as $65/night (depending on length of stay and size of apt.), sightseeing and general TIPS on travel related comfort, safey/convenience and day to day SAVINGS. Since we travel Free 95% of the time I DO NOT OFFER ADVICE ON CHEAPEST, LOWEST PRICED AND/OR LAST MINUTE AIRLINE FARES. Such deals are best found by diligent Google research & reading the N.Y. and/or L.A. Sunday best in the U.S. Travel sections. FREE airline deals may NOT be available to non-U.S. residents.

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Hired by Sunnyland Tours to do a 10 minute promo film of their Crocodile Nile river cruise ship in Egypt, by VW Tours to do a ten minute promo video of their MS Vampolov cruise ship sailing on Lake Baikal in Irkutsk, Siberia and by Citadel Press to write two (Vacations & Cruising) travel guides. Partial Travel BIO: England, Scotland, Paris-Lyon-Provence, Greek Islands, Egypt, Petra, Isreal, China, Hong Kong, Thailand (Bangkok and Chiang Mai), Cruises including Rio to San Diego (32 days $2,089 each), Maui, Moorea, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Spain and Alaska, Canada et al.

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