Top 3 Travel Destinations — Paris, France

Paris has a special place in my heart not because it’s popularly known as the city of love but because it was actually the city I visited when I had my first girls’ trip. I’ve been to Paris since then, but that girls’ trip is still my favourite memory of the city. There is something so special about going away with your girlfriends and just having a bloody good time without breaking the bank - I say this because there is a perception that Paris is an expensive city (and yes, it actually is) but there are ways to get value for your money while still having an incredible time.

My favourite things about Paris

• The architecture and landmarks - There is something indescribable about seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time. And then you see it again at night, and you find yourself being blown away by this incredible monument in shimmering gold - it just takes your breath away. Also, I cannot talk about the Parisian landmarks and not mention the Louvre museum. Again, you don’t have to be an art or history buff to appreciate some of the most beautiful art pieces in the world at this museum.

• The food - OK, this is becoming a recurring theme now but honestly, this is still single handedly my topmost favourite reason for visiting Paris. French people know how to cook amazing food, couple this with excellent service and you are in for a truly memorable experience. Of all the foods I’ve tried in Paris, my favourites are the desserts. When you have had the perfect crème brulée or the most delicious chocolate soufflé in Paris, it’s incredibly hard to order it anywhere else because you don’t want that indelible memory to be ruined by anything less perfect.

• The shopping - I was just a year into my working life the first time I visited Paris, so let’s just say my budget was constrained so I had to control myself and not shop. But even at that time, I was amazed at the endless shopping options available. This was about a decade ago. Since then, I have visited Paris as a proper adult (lol!) with some cash to spare and I have been able to treat myself to some beautiful and unique purchases that add joy to my life haha!

• The cafe culture - Australia, where I currently live has a great cafe culture - like, Aussies will proudly tell you they are coffee snobs and rightfully so, because we do have amazing coffee here and a cafe culture to boot. But the Parisian cafe culture is second to none. This was one thing my girlfriends and I allowed ourselves to indulge in when we first visited Paris. I mean, there is something chic about sitting leisurely, sipping coffee, eating croissants and just people-watching with your girls on a beautiful Parisian summer day.

Random tid-bit - So, when my girlfriends and I visited Paris, we were often mistaken for Americans! I think because we spoke English. We were often asked by locals “Americano?” And we would laugh and say “No, Nigerians!” (we were technically British and Australian - but you couldn't tell by looking at us haha!). It felt refreshing to talk to locals about being Nigerian while demystifying some perceptions they had about Nigerians and Africans in general. Personally, I think this is one of the beautiful things about travel. Not only do you learn about another culture, but you also have the opportunity to educate others about your own culture in a way that is respectful and fun.

Have you considered a girls trip to Paris but feeling discouraged about how expensive it is? Trust me, I know the feeling because I have been there and I still managed to have a memorable girls trip. Why not contact the Wanderlust By Design team today to see how we can help you plan a fun trip without breaking the bank.

Be well,

JJ