France trips

It’s fun and helpful to try your hand at the local language, French! Try out some of these popular words and phrases:

• Hello: Bonjour
• Goodbye: Au revoir
• Thank you: Merci
• Yes: Oui
• No: Non
• Where is...?: Ou est..?
• Cheers!: Santé

As you prepare to spend time in new cities, countries, and cultures, here are some expert tips to help you live like a true European.

• Public transportation is very popular in Europe. In Paris you’ll take the Metro! Taking public transportation is a great way to get to know a city
• Public restrooms in Europe sometimes require a small fee – hold on to your coins!
• Unlike the U.S., everything (hotels, meals, appliances) is smaller. After all, less is more!
• Practice the local language when greeting people or ordering food - It goes a long way with the locals
• Water is an added cost at restaurants, and you have to choose between still or sparkling
• Avoid making special requests at restaurants, it’s not as common in Europe
• Feel free to seat yourself in restaurants instead of waiting to be seated, and don’t be afraid to flag your waiter or waitress over for help
• French people are often more reserved, so don’t be offended if someone doesn’t strike up conversation right away. Though, you might find more friendly faces in the pubs!
• Paris is known for its fashion. Now is the time to break out your new duds!
• Smoking is still quite popular in Europe Don’t be surprised to see large amounts of locals with lit cigarettes!

You’ll sample a variety of local dishes on your trip, but read on for tips when dining out in France, and delicacies you must try:

• Baguettes: Now is your chance to walk around the streets of Paris with a baguette in hand. YOLO.
• Fromageries and boulangeries: Specialized cheese stores, and bakeries! The combination of delicacies from these two types of stores can only be improved with French wine.
• Chocolate for breakfast: Pain au chocolat, or chocolate croissant, is the perfect breakfast treat.
• Steak frites: Grilled steak with various sauces and fries will hit the spot. Guaranteed!
• Crepes, macarons, chocolat, oh my!: Try a street stand crepe as an afternoon snack, a fun-flavored macaron, or any form of chocolate you can find. It’s all delicious!
• Champagne: It’s originated in France, after all…
• Croque-monsieur: Kind of like an extreme grilled cheese, this is a crisp grilled ham and cheese sandwich usually with bechamel sauce.
• Escargot: A.k.a., snails doused in butter and garlic. When in Paris, right?
• The 4 C's of Normandy: Cider, calvados, cream, and camembert are all staples of this region's cuisine.
• Moules frites: With an abundance of coastline at their disposal, Normandy and Brittany sure know how to cook up some mussels.
• Chambord and Cointreau: These famous fruity liquors both originated in the Loire Valley.
• Beurre blanc: Maybe you've heard of this luscious made of butter, vinegar, white wine, and shallots. Having hailed from the Loire Valley, you'll find it accompanying all types of seafood here.