A Surprise For a Gift

Want to really surprise someone? Give a preplanned holiday as a gift! A long weekend in Paris makes for a fabulous gift. It is so easy to do. Southern European cities are great to visit during the winter months. The weather can still be nice, there are less tourists and air fares and hotels can be most reasonable. Many hotels are offering a third or fourth night free. Most of us can get one or two days added to a weekend. Mid January already has Martin Luther King weekend along with an extra day for most of us.

My first trip to Paris was twelve years ago on the MLK weekend. I never walked so much in all my life. January in Paris is in the mid 50’s and it is nice to be out and about. The city is so magnificent from the outside; one does not need to go into a museum or church to enjoy the sights. I had a couple once, who like me, did just that. The weather was cool and nice and they walked and walked. During my first trip to Paris on the last day in the morning before my flight, I finally went into the D’orsey Museum. I do love the Impressionist! I did not do The Louvre until my second trip. Each trip since, I add a museum or two. Paris has so very many museums.

Paris in January

Speaking of Impressionist, I have a book showing all the different places where artists stood to paint a particular picture. It shows the painting and Paris scène cape today. This is a great way to plan a walking tour. I have walking tour maps available as well as my own that I have designed. One of my favorite walks is along the Seine River. Walk down by the waters edge or up high along the street along with the book sellers. Weave back and forth across the river over the many bridges. Continually changing directions that changes the view. Paris has the best! Check out my webpage www.alwaysharriet.com and go to Paris for some favorite scenes.

Other suggestions for great city long weekends are London, Rome, Venice, Florence, Madrid or Barcelona. Most of the northern or eastern cities can be a bit cold. In the U.S., there is Charleston, New Orleans, San Diego, or New York City. I am taking my daughter, Lori to Phoenix for relaxation and the Heard Museum.

Four days can feel like a life time if planned properly. And a surprise gift the very best gift of all! Just give me a call!

P.S. Why use a travel consultant? I had two men in Europe traveling through London Heathrow this week. The Heathrow immigration and security workers had a slow down/strike. The men were concerned they would be stuck in Europe with many canceled and delayed flights. We spoke and emailed on several occasions. They could continue their meetings and know they were being monitored with options available.

Does your internet program call you? Does it re-accommodate you? Hmmm….yeah, I didn’t think so but I do!