Want the latest travel news, deals and more? Sign-up for my newsletter!
Please enter a valid email address in the "Enter Email" field.
Share:
3 Days in Paris
Paris, often referred to as the City of Light, has captured the hearts and imaginations of travelers for centuries. With its iconic landmarks, charming streets, rich history, and delectable cuisine, planning the perfect itinerary can seem like a daunting task. Fear not, for I have curated a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your time in this enchanting city.
Day 1: Embrace the Icons
Start your Parisian adventure with a visit to the world-famous symbol of love and romance, the Eiffel Tower. Beat the crowds by arriving early and ascend to the top for panoramic views of the city. After taking in the breathtaking sights, stroll through the adjacent Champ de Mars park for a leisurely picnic breakfast.
Next, make your way to the historic heart of Paris, the Île de la Cité. Marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture of Notre-Dame Cathedral and take a moment to appreciate its intricate details. Don't forget to explore the nearby Sainte-Chapelle, renowned for its exquisite stained glass windows.
For lunch, indulge in authentic French cuisine at one of the charming bistros lining the cobblestone streets of the Latin Quarter. Afterward, wander through the bustling neighborhood, stopping to browse the book stalls along the Seine River.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in art and culture at the Louvre Museum. Home to thousands of works spanning centuries, from the Mona Lisa to the Venus de Milo, the Louvre is a treasure trove of artistic masterpieces.
As evening falls, cross the Seine to the bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre. Climb the steps to the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica and admire the panoramic views of the city at sunset. Wind down with dinner at a cozy café and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this artistic enclave.
Day 2: Explore Hidden Gems
Begin your day with a visit to the picturesque neighborhood of Le Marais. Wander through its winding streets lined with historic buildings, trendy boutiques, and quaint cafés. Be sure to stop by the Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris, and explore its elegant arcades.
Continue your exploration with a visit to the Musée d'Orsay, housed in a beautifully renovated Beaux-Arts railway station. Home to an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, including works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir, the museum offers a captivating journey through the evolution of art.
For lunch, indulge in a gourmet picnic at the Jardin des Tuileries, a serene oasis nestled between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. Relax by the fountains and enjoy a feast of fresh baguettes, cheese, and wine.
In the afternoon, venture off the beaten path to discover the charming neighborhood of Canal Saint-Martin. Stroll along the scenic waterway lined with hip cafés, boutiques, and street art. Take a leisurely boat cruise along the canal and soak in the laid-back ambiance of this hidden gem.
As night falls, experience the magic of Paris illuminated by lights on a Seine River cruise. Glide past iconic landmarks such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower, all aglow against the night sky. Conclude your evening with a romantic dinner at a riverside restaurant, savoring the flavors of French cuisine amidst enchanting views.
Day 3: Indulge in Gastronomic Delights
Spend your final day in Paris indulging in the city's culinary delights. Start your morning with a visit to a local bakery for freshly baked croissants and pastries, a quintessential Parisian breakfast.
Embark on a gourmet food tour of the vibrant Marché d'Aligre, one of Paris's oldest and liveliest markets. Sample an array of artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and freshly baked bread, accompanied by local wines and gourmet delicacies.
In the afternoon, savor a leisurely lunch at a traditional Parisian bistro, where you can enjoy classic dishes such as coq au vin, boeuf bourguignon, or steak frites.
Afterward, satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to one of Paris's iconic pastry shops. Indulge in decadent delights such as macarons, éclairs, and tartelettes, crafted by master pastry chefs.
Conclude your gastronomic journey with a sunset champagne cruise along the Seine River. Toast to your unforgettable adventures in Paris as you sail past the city's illuminated landmarks one final time.
As you bid adieu to the City of Light, take with you memories of timeless beauty, cultural richness, and culinary delights that will linger long after your departure. Paris, with its unparalleled charm and allure, will forever hold a special place in your heart. Au revoir, Paris, until we meet again.
Get in touch with Chelsea McDonell
Chelsea McDonell
With a passion for helping travelers create unforgettable experiences, Chelsea brings expertise and firsthand knowledge to every trip planned. Specializing in European getaways, Caribbean escapes, cruises, and Disney/Universal vacations, Chelsea has built a reputation for crafting personalized itineraries that cater to all types of travelers. Whether you're dreaming of a Mediterranean adventure, a tropical retreat in the Caribbean, or a fun-filled Disney holiday, Chelsea is here to turn your travel dreams into reality.
Having traveled to 14 countries, including beloved destinations like Italy and St. Thomas, Chelsea offers clients expert advice based on real-world experience. From exploring the rich history of Rome to enjoying the sun-kissed beaches of the Virgin Islands, Chelsea understands the unique allure of each destination and is dedicated to creating seamless, unforgettable journeys.
With a deep love for travel and a commitment to delivering exceptional service, Chelsea is your go-to resource for planning the perfect vacation.
Chelsea McDonell
3 Days in Paris
Dallas Travel Agent Near Me
Share :
With a passion for helping travelers create unforgettable experiences, Chelsea brings expertise and firsthand knowledge to every trip planned. Specializing in European getaways, Caribbean escapes, cruises, and Disney/Universal vacations, Chelsea has built a reputation for crafting personalized itineraries that cater to all types of travelers. Whether you're dreaming of a Mediterranean adventure, a tropical retreat in the Caribbean, or a fun-filled Disney holiday, Chelsea is here to turn your travel dreams into reality. Having traveled to 14 countries, including beloved destinations like Italy... Read More >>>
An expert destination wedding travel agent near me with five star luxury travel packages with a luxury travel company, Vincent Vacations.
Want the latest travel news, deals and more? Sign-up for my newsletter!
Please enter a valid email address in the "Enter Email" field.
Want to stay in the loop? Follow Chelsea McDonell on all the socials!
Facebook Group
Join my group on Facebook! See latest deals and travel adventures. Join me as I travel around the world! I share great tips and tricks, videos to show my travels and to information about what it's like to be a travel agent with Vincent Vacations! Come check me out!
TikTok
Follow me on TikTok! Watch and share my videos on my personalized travel feed just for your vacation needs! See my latest videos highlighting deals and travel adventures. Join me as I travel around the world! I share new videos to show my travels and to information about what it's like to be a travel agent with Vincent Vacations!
Instagram
Follow me on IG! Visual content to connect my travel experiences to you! Join me as I travel around the world! I share new pictures and videos to show my travels and to information about what it's like to be a travel agent with Vincent Vacations! Come check me out on IG!
Chelsea helped tremendously. Always answered all my questions and woke up early to be sure I got all my bookings that I wanted. She helped ensure my family had the most magical Christmas vacation! Definitely recommend!! -Nick
Jamaica Family Christmas
I booked our first vacation for me and 9 family members with Chelsea to Jamaica for Christmas. I can truthfully say it was the best vacation ever!! Prior to selecting the resort, she sent several options for us to consider. Once we made a decision, she took it from there. She did everything for us from making sure we had all information we needed in the trip app, setting up club Mobay which made getting through customs seamless as well as keeping in contact with me on forms needed for traveling to Jamaica. Once our trip began, she checked in with me on each leg of the trip to see if there was anything that she could assist us with. I am already working with Chelsea on our first cruise in March. I not only consider Chelsea a great travel agent, but a friend! -Linda
Spain Family Vacation
“This trip was so pleasant and stress free! Chelsea was very helpful and easy to get in touch with. She responded quickly to questions we had. I would definitely recommend for anyone looking to traveling out of the country to use her to assist you. We’ll be definitely use her again for future trips!!” -Keila
“Wow, wow, WOW. I have no words for how wonderful our family-of-six trip to Italy was over the Holidays. The thing is, I could have planned a few apartments/airline tickets/etc on my own without realizing all that we were missing. Instead, I decided that I wanted to go all in on this Christmas present to my kids and hired Chelsea to take care of the foot work-- AND SHE DID. This trip was so much more than I could have ever thought it could be. My kids learned about history, participated in cooking classes, and dined at phenomenal restaurants. I didn't have to worry about tickets, reservations, transfers, baggage storage... we literally just showed up where we needed to show up. And when I did need help (I'm so sorry, Chelsea!) and messaged her at 2am her time, she responded quickly and took something that was meaningful to me (like laundry), and made it her personal mission to get a solution for us. Thank goodness I hired Chelsea for this trip. We would have never known how spectacular our trip could have been if we didn't.” -Marisa
Using a Disney Travel Agent
I recently just spent 4 days at Walt Disney World. This is my first time using a travel agent for Disney and I cannot speak more highly of Chelsea. She responded to me within minutes of wanting to book the trip and had 6 different offers for me to choose from and made sure we had the best deal! She linked the reservation for me and offered to help book my food reservations for me. This was a last minute trip and she even made sure I would still be able to get the magic bands. She did all of this for us within one day. She checked in with me leading up to the trip and almost everyday we were there! I already have three other trips she is planning for us and will never plan a trip without her ever again!! 😃😃 -Nichole Cambrige
Isla Mujeres
We can’t thank Chelsea enough for her help in planning our vacation to Isla Mujeres. We never had to think about a thing everything was taken care of for us in our itinerary. She helped arrange requests with our butlers, and helped with recommendations on places to visit while there. We had a wonderful time and we’ll definitely use Chelsea for our future trip planning! ~The Hill’s -Deanna Hill
Cancun Getaway
Chelsea McDonnell has been absolutely fabulous to work with! She is extremely knowledgeable about everything from flight coordination to hotels to things to do. She worked to find a resort that fit our exact needs and was always happy to do more research when we changed our minds! She also provided us with information on excursions and how to book. It truly made the process very stress free! Also, having all of my travel info in one central location (app) is so helpful! I don’t have to be searching for several different emails!
Thanks again, Chelsea. We will definitely be reaching out for future travel as well! -Alexa Carrasco
Easy to Work With
I work so hard throughout the year, in a very demanding job and Chelsea McDonell just makes my life 100% easier. She finds all the deals, pays attention to detail and just really gets to know me and my family's likes and wants. She communicates so well, and no one will work harder for you. She is my go to for all of my vacations! -Patricia Shipley
Questions on Travel
Chelsea was fabulous to work with! She answered all of our questions with kindness and shared so much information with us. She definitely goes above and beyond! -Mariah Hawkins
First Disney Vacation
Our experience with Chelsea has been amazing. She has helped us coordinate our first Disney vacation, answered all of our questions, offered us different packages for us to compare. She's definitely our to go person for any vacation planning. -Michelle Mathews
Mexico Honeymoon
We had an absolutely wonderful experience working with Chelsea! She was great with planning our entire honeymoon so we didn’t have to worry about anything! & it was perfect right down to the detail! I will 100% recommend Chelsea for any travel needs! -Brittanie Garcia
Disney Pro
First time I’ve ever used a travel agent to go to Disney and let me tell you what, Chelsea McDonell did not disappoint!!! She was on top of everything! From answering my stupid questions, to booking dinners, to changing dates and just her overall knowledge of Disney, she made it so easy. She even taught this Disney bad@$$ a few new things!! I will use Chelsea for all of my Disney trips from now on and I can’t wait to use her for my next “normal” vacation. She was absolutely amazing to work with! I cannot say enough good things about my experience. 5 out of 5 recommended!!
Europe’s cities are known for their cobblestone streets and efficient public transportation systems, so packing light is key. A carry-on-sized bag makes it easier to move between destinations. Comfortable shoes are just as important, as many of Europe’s best attractions are best explored on foot. Whether you're sightseeing or hopping on a train, you’ll want shoes that are stylish yet supportive for long days of walking.
Tip: Invest in a versatile carry-on bag and comfortable walking shoes. Stick to neutral colors for easy outfit combinations, and make sure your shoes are durable enough for long walks.
2. Use Public Transportation
Europe’s public transport system is among the best in the world. Trains, buses, metros, and even trams are an affordable and efficient way to get around. It’s also an eco-friendly alternative to taxis and rental cars. Many cities offer multi-day passes that provide unlimited travel within a certain area, saving you both time and money.
Tip: Download local transportation apps like CityMapper to navigate public transport with ease.
3. Learn Basic Phrases in the Local Language
While many Europeans speak English, especially in tourist-heavy areas, learning a few basic phrases in the local language can go a long way. A simple 'Hello,' 'Thank you,' or 'Please' in the native language shows respect for the culture and can help you make a positive impression.
Tip: Focus on greetings, ordering food, and asking for directions in each country you visit.
4. Embrace the Local Cuisine (But Watch Your Portions)
One of the highlights of any European vacation is the food! From pasta in Italy to tapas in Spain, European cuisine is world-famous. However, portions can be generous, especially in countries like Italy and France, so don’t overdo it. Enjoy smaller portions at local cafes or street vendors to try a variety of dishes.
Tip: Try local street food for an authentic experience—it’s often cheaper and just as delicious!
5. Be Mindful of Tourist Scams
Unfortunately, every popular tourist destination has its share of scams. Whether it’s overpriced souvenirs, fake tickets, or pickpockets, it’s essential to stay alert. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious when approached by overly friendly strangers.
Tip: Use a money belt or neck pouch for your passport, cards, and cash. Avoid carrying large amounts of money in your pockets.
6. Plan Your Itinerary in Advance (But Leave Room for Spontaneity)
Europe has so much to offer that it can be overwhelming to decide what to see. Create a rough itinerary with a list of must-see attractions and activities. But don’t overbook yourself—leave space for unplanned adventures, like wandering through hidden alleys or exploring a local market.
Tip: Book tickets for popular attractions (like the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum) in advance to skip the long lines.
7. Take Your Time and Enjoy the Journey
Finally, remember that Europe is all about savoring the journey. While it’s tempting to rush from one city to the next to tick off all the must-see sights, it’s equally important to pause and soak in the local atmosphere. Take a moment to sip coffee at a café, people-watch in a park, or chat with locals about their favorite spots.
Ready to Plan Your European Adventure?
I specialize in planning stress-free, unforgettable European vacations tailored to your interests. Whether you're headed to the romantic streets of Paris, the history-packed cities of Rome, or the scenic countryside of Spain, I am here to help you make the most of your trip.
Contact me today to get started on your European getaway!
As a travel agent, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing various types of travel, but nothing quite compares to the unique charm of river cruising. I recently embarked on an unforgettable 8-day journey on the Amadeus River Cruises' Classic Danube, which took me from the vibrant city of Budapest to the picturesque town of Passau. This trip not only showcased stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage but also provided an exceptional onboard experience that I can't wait to share.
A Journey Through History and Beauty
From the moment I stepped on board, I was captivated by the ship's elegance and cleanliness. Amadeus is a family-owned company, and this dedication to providing a personal touch is evident in every detail. The spacious cabins featured comfortable beds and generously sized showers—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
One of the highlights of this cruise was the dining experience. Each evening, I savored a delectable three-course meal, prepared with fresh, local ingredients. The fact that I had the same waiter throughout the cruise was a delightful touch; they quickly learned my preferences, making each meal feel personal. Plus, complimentary wine and beer at lunch and dinner elevated the culinary experience, allowing me to indulge in the region's finest offerings.
Longer Stays in Port: A Deeper Connection
Unlike ocean cruising, where the ship often docks for a few hours, river cruising allows for longer stays in port. This meant I could explore the charming towns along the Danube at a more leisurely pace, immersing myself in their culture, history, and local traditions. From the stunning architecture of Budapest to the fairy-tale ambiance of Regensburg, each destination offered something unique.
The excursions were thoughtfully curated, allowing us to delve into the history and culture of each city. Whether it was a guided tour through the stunning Buda Castle or a leisurely stroll along the Danube in Passau, every experience was enriching.
River Cruising vs. Ocean Cruising
While both river and ocean cruising offer unique experiences, the differences are striking. Ocean cruises often involve large ships with a myriad of onboard activities, catering to a wide range of interests. In contrast, river cruising provides an intimate atmosphere, with smaller ships that can access ports that larger vessels cannot. This leads to a more personalized experience and a greater sense of community among passengers.
Additionally, river cruises often focus more on the destinations themselves. With fewer distractions onboard, the emphasis is placed on exploring the history and culture of each port, which I found incredibly rewarding.
Book Your Own Amadeus River Cruise
If you're considering a unique travel experience that combines stunning scenery, rich culture, and exceptional service, I highly recommend exploring Amadeus River Cruising. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first river cruise, this experience is sure to leave a lasting impression.
As a travel agent, I’d love to help you plan your own adventure on the Classic Danube or another incredible itinerary. With the beauty of Europe’s rivers waiting to be explored, it’s the perfect time to embark on your journey. Let’s connect and create the perfect travel experience tailored just for you!
Happy travels, and I hope to see you on the river!
In an age where booking a vacation can be as simple as a few clicks on your smartphone, you might wonder why you should consider using a travel agent. As a travel agent myself, I’m here to shed light on the invaluable benefits of working with a professional. While technology offers convenience, the expertise and personalized service provided by travel agents can elevate your travel experience in ways you might not have anticipated.
Personalized Service Tailored to Your Needs: Travel agents offer a level of personalized service that online platforms simply can’t match. We take the time to understand your preferences and craft customized itineraries that fit your desires, whether you're seeking a luxury retreat, a family vacation, or an adventure.
Expert Knowledge and Insider Access: Our expertise means you benefit from up-to-date knowledge of destinations, accommodations, and travel trends. We often have access to exclusive deals, upgrades, and amenities not available to the public, enhancing your travel experience with added perks.
Time Savings and Stress Reduction: Planning a trip can be overwhelming. We handle all the details, from researching destinations to booking flights and accommodations, so you can relax and look forward to your journey rather than getting bogged down in logistics.
Assistance When Things Go Awry: Travel disruptions can occur, and when they do, having a travel agent in your corner makes a difference. We provide support and solutions for any issues that arise, ensuring your trip remains as smooth as possible.
Expert Recommendations and Hidden Gems With firsthand experience and insights, we can recommend local favorites and hidden gems that you might miss on your own. Our personalized recommendations help you explore destinations like a local and make the most of your trip.
Cost-Effective Solutions: Many people are surprised to learn that using a travel agent can actually save money. We often secure better rates and exclusive benefits that might not be available through online booking sites. Plus, working with us is free, so you’re supporting a small business rather than a mega corporation.
Peace of Mind: Ultimately, working with a travel agent provides peace of mind. With every detail managed by a professional, you can focus on enjoying your trip, knowing you have support if needed.
So next time you’re planning a getaway, consider the benefits of enlisting a travel agent. You’ll find that the personalized service and expertise we offer can make all the difference in turning your dream vacation into a reality.