advice on 1st time away?

Question

I've not travelled abroad before, and really scared about going on a plane because 1, im scared of hights and, 2, because i have holes in both of my ear drums, people have said their ears have popped but im wondering what it'll do to mine?? Also we are going to paris, anybody no of any hotels that are close to the tower and markets and shops? im also wondering about the money so any advice or info on any good books that will help with my journey would be very helpful

Answer 1

On the heights point, you will have no problem. People get vertigo because of perspective, i.e. they have a frame of reference to tell them how high they are. In an aeroplane, there are no perspective lines, so you can't tell how high you are! As for your ears, I'm not sure, but the reason for ears popping is that the air pressure inside your ears, behind the ear drum, becomes progressively greater than the outside air pressure as the aircraft climbs. You therefore have to yawn/ suck a boiled sweet or something to equalize the pressure. If you have holes in both eardrums you should not be affected by this. However, if in doubt, consult your doctor. As for hotels, well, if you're lashing out, the Georges Cinq (George V) is just off the Champs Elysees, which is Paris' main shopping thoroughfare. Actually, you will be just as good with any modestly priced hotel in central Paris, as the Metro is incredibly easy to use. Get yourself a street map of Paris, and a map of the Metro, and you are mobile! You can get anywhere in Paris! The tower is actually on the Rive Gauche (The Left Bank) (of the Seine) and somewhat away from the main shopping areas. However, thanks to the Metro, no problem! As for markets, many of the arrondisements (Paris Districts) have their own street markets. No doubt your hotel staff will advise you on the closest. Apart from the Tower, and the shops, do check out The Louvre (allow at least a full day) Notre Dame, Sacre Coeur, and (combined with the last) the Place du Tertres, where the artists foregather. In the top left corner of the Place, there used to be (and probably still is) a pavement cafe that is actually a slightly pricey, but excellent restaurant. Also one thing you must not miss is a dinner cruise on the Bateaux Mouches. This is an evening cruise up and down the Seine, with a five course meal and wine thrown in. Absolutely Magic! Money wise I suggest you allow at least £500 (750 euros) per week per person, especially if you intend to do much shopping, though the words "Acceptez vous des cartes de credit monsieur/madame/madamoiselle?" usually work. I envy you! Enjoy Paris!

Answer 2

To get over ear-popping, suck on something like a bolied sweet. The continuous swallowing helps you prevent your ears from blocking. Also, because you're flying to Paris, you'll only be in the air for a short time, so the plane won't go as high, so your ears won't suffer as much.
As for not liking heights, don't sit by the window! Inside a plane, you have very little sensation that you are actually in the air.
Paris uses Euros, so you can get that from the bank or post office, but there are plenty of cash machines around the city. They will even switch to English when you put your card in!
A good guide is the Lonely Planet guide to Paris, available at most bookshops with a travel section.
Most people in Paris will speak English, but will not necessarily be friendly (just like people in any other European city!).
Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Planes are no problem. Don't worry about them in the least little bit. When you look out of the window there is no sensation of height because you are so high up. If you are really nervous arrive early for check-in (or reserve your seating on-line if possible) in order to get an aisle seat. Also don't be shy in telling a stewardess. They are there to help.

You can use an ATM bank machine in Paris to withdraw money in Euros. When a foreign card in put in they ask you for your preferred language. Again, no problem.

I wouldn't be able to recommend the last hotel I used in Paris, but if you are not going in winter I would recommend a walking guide to you. Most people just use the Metro to go from place to place. A good walking guide will really enable you to see the city properly, and Paris is a city really worth seeing.

Enjoy your trip!

Answer 4

I too, am scared of heights, even standing on the first step of a ladder sends me in to a state of panic. When I made my first trip in a plane I was expecting the worst, but strangely enough I thoroughly enjoyed it, I had a window seat, the clouds were like fluffy cotton wool and scenery below so different to when you're down there.

I have heard since that fear of heights isn't such a problem when you're in a plane because you're not attached to the ground. Even in a balloon, if it still linked to the ground by the rope, you can feel the fear, but once released, it's OK.

As for the ears, have a word with your doctor. Sucking a boiled sweet helps ease the pressure.

Enjoy your trip.
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Answer 5

tripadvisor.com is great for hotel reviews and has saved me from some duff choices - citea apartments are great value and can also save you money as they have some in room cooking facilities. As a pirate I would recommend sailing, however don't worry about flying - I have perferated eardrums after flying with an inner ear infections - if your ears are not infected, have fluid stuck behind the drum etc. you will be fine. Books are OK but I think you can almost everything for free by 'googling'. Have a great voyage!!

Answer 6

flying should not be a problem make sure you get a aisle seat. Paris is a great place there is so many things to see and do i would recommend a trip to the area where the moulin rouge is situated, travel on the metro is easy and cheap, but be warned look after your wallet or purse because pickpockets work in pairs on the metro and are very sly and abundant

Answer 7

Just relax and enjoy the whole experience.Your ears do pop so you should ask your doctor if you will be ok.Have fun in Paris.I've travelled alot but I've never been to Euope.Have a good time.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

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Answer 10

i used to be scared of flying too, you will be fine. chew gum and your ears should be fine. i have not bee to paris before so sorry i can not help you with that!
GOOD LUCK!:)