European Honeymoon

Hi, I live in Paris. If there's anything you want to know just ask. When are you visiting? Both cities are very walkable, so bring comfy shoes. Plan on a few day trips out of Paris: Versailles, Chantilly, Monet's Garden etc.

I've visited Paris while I was studying in Hull, England. My mom and I assumed more people would speak English especially near tourist attractions but, found in our experience that it's not as common. Learn how to ask "do you speak English" in both French and Italian. This will help you find those that can help you if you get lost. Book tickets for popular attractions ahead of time i.e. Eiffel Tower, Catacombs so that you don't have to wait in super long lines. Make sure you learn all the common scams associated with those cities so you don't lose out on money. Examples include fake charity petitions, friendship bracelets, etc. Also not sure when you went but, look into the weather cause being from the Midwest I assumed October would be a bit chilly in Paris (especially since it was rainy and chilly in Hull) and it was quite warm.

If you’re planning to go to the Colosseum in Rome, buy tickets from the Forum/Palatine Hill ticket office instead. The queues are far far shorter and then you can just walk straight past the queues at the Colosseum itself. A really nice day trip out of Rome is to Tivoli - Hadrian’s Villa and the Villa d’Este are both definitely worth the trip. We took local buses but there are plenty of tour options.

Also eat all the gelato! The best gelato we had was from Fata Morgana - there are several outlets around the city.

The one thing to watch out for in Rome in particular is street vendors who will try and engage you in conversation. Then they’ll put a string bracelet on your wrist and demand you pay them for it. Easy to avoid if you’re aware of it - just don’t engage in any conversation at all and keep walking.

Hi, I live in France, Paris is less romantic than we could think, but still, a romantic place to visit ;-) If you're going soon think about the covid passport. As already said, some people in Paris surely speak English better than the rest of France, but not all of them ;-) And if you have time, come to Alsace too, less than 2h ride from Paris, and it's so beautiful ! And less noisy or filthy than Paris ;-)

I went to Rome, Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Ravello and Capri this past August. Check out my instagram @chicagofoodgirl. I saved all of my recommendations and tips. Italy is beautiful!