There's no better time to travel than during a global financial meltdown. Price wars between airlines have led to plummeting ticket prices, and posh hotels are practically giving away their beds. Promotions on all kinds of products – ranging from hot chocolate to haute couture - make it possible for even unemployed bankers to get a taste of the good life. We asked our local bloggers to uncover the best deals, and to tell us about the simple and inexpensive pleasures that can always be found in their cities. With cheap tickets and insider advice, there's no reason why a shrinking economy should stop you from expanding your horizons.
Paris
Recession sticker seen on the subway in February. Photo by Meg Zimbeck.
The economy seems to have blown up, and many of my family and friends are writing to say that their travel plans are on hold... indefinitely. It's hard to tell someone with a vanishing pension that a trip to Paris is exactly what they need. At the same time, this is positively one of the best times ever to visit. Here are just a few of the advantages to travelling during la crise:
Fewer travelers! This means smaller crowds, shorter lines, and a clear view of the Mona Lisa at the Louvre.
Getting a table! Some of the most popular Paris restaurants are tiny, seating between 16 and 30 guests. Travelers who haven't planned ahead often have a helluva time scoring a table. But during the recession, when fewer people are traveling and fewer locals are eating out, your chances are much improved for landing a table at a hotspot like Racines.
Mama Shelter Photo: Francis Amiand
Cheaper stays! Hotels and B&Bs are hurting during this recession. This translates into great deals for the few remaining travelers. Many short-term apartment rentals have advertised "recession specials," and hotels listed through the Office of Tourism are now being advertised at discounts up to 60%! In addition, some of the always popular & cheap hotels like Mama Shelter and Hotel Amour will be easier to book now that fewer people are travelling.
In addition to revealing these recession-era benefits, it's important to counter the impression that Paris is a total bank buster. It's true that for those who have it, Paris offers some of the most exciting ways to spend money in the world. And these outlets - palace hotels, three-star restaurants, exclusive shopping - get a lot of attention. The press flurry surrounding these places creates a false impression of their importance. But they are not the (only) face of Paris.
An inexpensive picnic by the Seine. Photo by Meg Zimbeck
Some of my favorite Paris pleasures - scenic walks, picnics, and lingering at an outdoor cafe - are extremely cheap or even free. But good information about these options can be hard to find. There are fewer publications willing to pay for such stories, and internet message boards are dominated by luxury animals on the prowl for "the best." Those in search of "inexpensive" are obliged to do a lot of independent research. And many people simply don't have the time.
At momondo, we're going to make it easy on you by revealing some of the best and cheapest things to do in Paris, along with smart strategies to avoid unnecessary spending. These timeless tips, coupled with the crazy recession promotions going on right now should make it hard for you to resist a visit to this, one of our favorite cities in the world.
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