Rita Borges

As the #1 tourist destination in the world, Paris does have her share of petty crime and an aware visitor is the smartest kind of tourist. Paris is statistically one of the safest major metropolitan areas in Europe. Violent crime rates are fairly low in Paris.

Crime directed against tourists is the kind that can ruin a vacation: stolen wallets, stolen baggage, credit card fraud.

It's know fact that Europeans have been avid vacation apartment dwellers for decades. This craze is now hitting American eventhough it's very common to rent a summer home in the Hamptons and Cape Cod. The difference is that these homes are usually rented for the summer not for a week.

Traditionally when most Americans travel abroad especially to Paris, a hotel is the first thing that comes to mind.

Fortunately, there is not a shortage of Paris vacation apartments but where do you begin and what questions do you ask?

First decide it if you want to rough the waters on your own or book with an agency.
If you decide to deal with owners directly, the gold seal of vacation rentals is VRBO (vacation rentals by owner).You might strike gold or you might be stuck with a dud.

Pick up a copy of LGBT monthly Tetu (en francais) to catch up on all the current events around town. Where you should stay: Checkout vacation apartments as an alternative to the cramped hotel room. For Shopping, you must visit the treasure chest known as Colette. Colette, pricey, yes, so bring your sugar daddy.

For nightlife, checkout Queen, the most famous gay club in Paris is a Champs-Elysees mainstay that features some of the craziest nights out in the city.

Paris welcomes gays! With the blessing of many Paris citizens, gay culture is the fabric of trendy Le Marais.. Just spend a Sunday shopping in bustling gay Marais.

Paris has 20 Arrondissements or districts. Each Paris district has its own unique character, and it helps to understand the Paris districts. 16th, 17th, & 8th (Etoile, Arc de Triomphe, Champ-Elysees)If you want to be near the the Arc de Triomphe (at one end of the Ave.

When you to travel to a destination are you a tourist or a visitor? Do you assimilate into the culture or do you instantly brand yourself as a tourist. Unfortunately Americans have the international reputation for not blending into the local culture and sticking out in the crowd.

If you travel with a fanny back, you can rest assure that you will instantly be branded as a tourist.

Paris vacation rentals can be tricky to navigate, but the payoff is huge. Whether you are on a budget traveler who cannot afford the double-whammy cost of hotels and restaurants, or a luxury traveler who wants seclusion and over-the-top grandeur, you'll get more space and privacy for your money by booking a rental property.

Convenience is probably the biggest advantage of a Paris vacation rental, you can come and go as you please and do what you like, when you like.

The Champs Elysees the name refers to the Elysian Fields and it is the most prestigious and broadest avenue in Paris.

It runs for 2 kilometers (1.25 miles) through the 8th arrondissement in north-western Paris, from the Place de la Concorde in the east,to the Place Charles de Gaulle in the west, location of the Arc de Triomphe.

Its full name is "Avenue des Champs Elysees".

When you to travel to a destination are you a tourist or a visitor? Do you assimilate into the culture or do you instantly brand yourself as a tourist. Unfortunately Americans have the international reputation for not blending into the local culture and sticking out in the crowd.

If you travel with a fanny back, you can rest assure that you will instantly be branded as a tourist.

Paris is recognized as one of the most romantic cities in the world and yet it is appreciated for the cultural sophistication as well. It is a great city to visit if you truly love the arts.

Many people believe the ballet and opera actually began in Paris. If you enjoy ballet and opera than a visit to Paris without attending the opera or ballet is regrettable.