Paris is the Center of the World

5 October 2005 by Karen Fawcett 1155

Paris is the center of the world. Well, not exactly. That’s a gross overstatement. But when you look and see how many planes fly in and out of Paris’s two airports, travelers have the feeling you can get from here to there no matter the destination. For those with travel lust, being based in Paris is nirvana. All you need is a valid passport (that doesn’t expire within the next six months), a small bag packed and the ability to use the Internet to take advantage of these “here this minute – gone in an hour” fares that flash over your computer screen. He who hesitates is lost. In addition to hot and furious promotions, the advent of low cost carriers in the EU has made plane travel increasingly competitive. Don’t expect to be served caviar. But come to think of it, when was the last time you were? People no longer travel because of expecting gourmet food as airlines make economic cuts to the extent that mixed nuts are considered a luxury treats if you’re traveling in steerage. Pack a snack if you feel starvation might beset you during your journey. No one thinks it’s relaxing to voluntarily be subjected to airport security. But if you assume a Zen-like attitude and concentrate on your destination, stress can be minimized. Use a carry-on suitcase that’s “formula packed” so you don’t need to waste time waiting for baggage handlers to deliver suitcases and when you arrive at the hotel, you can unpack and know where to put things as if you’re on automatic pilot. For example, yesterday I checked one of the booking Sites I regularly consult. For 320 Euros, it is offering a weekend trip to one of my favorite cities, Venice. Yes, it’s scheduled for early November but people aren’t going to be staying in a flop-house. Rather, you’ll be sleeping at the San Clemente Palace Hotel –a 5* Luxe member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Please understand this includes airfare, your room and breakfast plus airport transfers. And even though the weather may not be ideal, it just might be. If people want to go to Budapest this weekend, all it costs from Paris (round-trip) is 122 Euros. Reserve a hotel through Venere.Com and you have more than 50 hotels from which to select in different locations and in all price ranges. Travel consultant and ticket consolidator Dave Miller who specializes in business and first class itineraries for clients, many of whom are corporate travelers, assures me that the majority of his clients want to be home on weekends. Since that’s not always possible, why not take advantage of being so close to places you might not ordinarily visit if you weren’t already in geographic proximity. For people who are able to travel off-season and/or retirees, having a base and taking side trips, is in my opinion, as good as it gets. The world is getting smaller by the day and is changing at lightening speed. There are so many destinations within France and in nearby countries (Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Holland not to mention the UK) that are little more than an hour away by plane from Paris. If you can take advantage of last minute specials, especially the all-inclusive package deals you don’t need to do much planning thinking … except to choose what to pack in your luggage. The above isn’t everyone cup of tea. I know many people who are reluctant to travel, saying that nowadays it as too much of a hassle. Then there are those with country houses that provide continuity — seeing the same people each weekend or year. Many people love tending their roses and get as much as satisfaction watching them blossom as being exposed to a new culture. The recent spate of plane mishaps is definitely unnerving but they are still no reason not to travel. Many of the major airlines have perfect or near-perfect safety records (you can look that up here).he airline industry is cracking down on safety and already the EU has banned more than a dozen airlines (mostly charter airlines) from landing at its airports. Plus, compared with traveling by car, you’re still so much safer taking to the skies. Please tell us your impressions about impromptu travel. Even thought it’s not for everyone, some people love it and have experienced some of their finest travel experiences while following serendipity.

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Paris is the center of the world. Well, not exactly. That’s a gross overstatement. But when you look and see how many planes fly in and out of Paris’s two airports, travelers have the feeling you can get from here to there no matter the destination.

For those with travel lust, being based in Paris is nirvana. All you need is a valid passport (that doesn’t expire within the next six months), a small bag packed and the ability to use the Internet to take advantage of these “here this minute – gone in an hour” fares that flash over your computer screen. He who hesitates is lost.

In addition to hot and furious promotions, the advent of low cost carriers in the EU has made plane travel increasingly competitive. Don’t expect to be served caviar. But come to think of it, when was the last time you were? People no longer travel because of expecting gourmet food as airlines make economic cuts to the extent that mixed nuts are considered a luxury treats if you’re traveling in steerage. Pack a snack if you feel starvation might beset you during your journey.

No one thinks it’s relaxing to voluntarily be subjected to airport security. But if you assume a Zen-like attitude and concentrate on your destination, stress can be minimized. Use a carry-on suitcase that’s “formula packed” so you don’t need to waste time waiting for baggage handlers to deliver suitcases and when you arrive at the hotel, you can unpack and know where to put things as if you’re on automatic pilot.

For example, yesterday I checked one of the booking Sites I regularly consult. For 320 Euros, it is offering a weekend trip to one of my favorite cities, Venice. Yes, it’s scheduled for early November but people aren’t going to be staying in a flop-house. Rather, you’ll be sleeping at the San Clemente Palace Hotel –a 5* Luxe member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Please understand this includes airfare, your room and breakfast plus airport transfers. And even though the weather may not be ideal, it just might be.

If people want to go to Budapest this weekend, all it costs from Paris (round-trip) is 122 Euros. Reserve a hotel through Venere.Com and you have more than 50 hotels from which to select in different locations and in all price ranges.

Travel consultant and ticket consolidator Dave Miller who specializes in business and first class itineraries for clients, many of whom are corporate travelers, assures me that the majority of his clients want to be home on weekends. Since that’s not always possible, why not take advantage of being so close to places you might not ordinarily visit if you weren’t already in geographic proximity. For people who are able to travel off-season and/or retirees, having a base and taking side trips, is in my opinion, as good as it gets. The world is getting smaller by the day and is changing at lightening speed.

There are so many destinations within France and in nearby countries (Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Holland not to mention the UK) that are little more than an hour away by plane from Paris. If you can take advantage of last minute specials, especially the all-inclusive package deals you don’t need to do much planning thinking … except to choose what to pack in your luggage.

The above isn’t everyone cup of tea. I know many people who are reluctant to travel, saying that nowadays it as too much of a hassle. Then there are those with country houses that provide continuity — seeing the same people each weekend or year. Many people love tending their roses and get as much as satisfaction watching them blossom as being exposed to a new culture.

The recent spate of plane mishaps is definitely unnerving but they are still no reason not to travel. Many of the major airlines have perfect or near-perfect safety records (you can look that up here).he airline industry is cracking down on safety and already the EU has banned more than a dozen airlines (mostly charter airlines) from landing at its airports. Plus, compared with traveling by car, you’re still so much safer taking to the skies.

Please tell us your impressions about impromptu travel. Even thought it’s not for everyone, some people love it and have experienced some of their finest travel experiences while following serendipity.