Issue #6
Paris mini guide, Greenland's new international airport opens, and Orient Express takes on the high seas.
Welcome to Next Vacay issue #6! This week we’re reminiscing about our trip to Paris at this time last year, plus discovering new destinations and travel routes to inspire your 2025 plans.
Mini Guide: Paris, France
Perfect for: Romantics, fashionistas, foodies, and culture seekers
The City of Light is one of Europe’s most beautiful and beloved cities — from its quintessential 19th century Parisian architecture and lush parks to charming outdoor cafés and historical landmarks.
Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, Paris is perfect for a long weekend, but there’s no shortage of things to do if you’re looking for a longer stay. We went for 4 nights after Bordeaux, and while we could’ve easily stayed longer, it was just the right amount of time to get our fix.
Best Time to Visit: April through June, or September to December
While Paris is always a good idea, we recommend going outside of peak summer season, making spring and early fall the sweet spots for your visit. The weather is mild, the foliage is either blooming or starting to turn for fall.
That said, if you don’t mind bundling up for a visit around the holidays, it can be worth it and have better rates. We went in late November over Thanksgiving, so it was cold and rainy at times but manageable — plus we got to see some festive holiday lights which was pretty magical.
Budget Meter: $$$ = Moderate to Luxurious
Paris is known for being pretty fabulous, with some of the most chic shopping, dining, and hotels, but there are plenty of moderate options for a reasonable vacation. Casual boulangeries and street-side cafés make it easy to enjoy delicious eats affordably, while splurging on a Michelin-starred meal or a trendy boutique hotel can elevate your stay.
Many museums offer reduced or free admission on the first Sunday of the month, and most attractions aren’t going to break the bank. Wandering the picturesque neighborhoods, window shopping, and strolling along the Seine with your significant other costs nothing at all for a romantic outing.
Sustainability Meter: Progressing Green
Paris has been investing in green initiatives, including Vélib’ bike-sharing programs, pedestrian-only areas, and eco-friendly hotels. Public transportation is efficient, with the Métro and buses connecting the entire city, making it easy to not need a car.
That said, the city does face challenges with air quality, particularly in summer. Opt for walking, cycling, or using public transit to reduce your environmental footprint.
Getting There:
Paris is one of the most accessible cities in the world, with Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Orly Airport (ORY) offering flights from nearly every corner of the globe. From CDG, the RER B train takes about 30–40 minutes to the city center, while taxis and Ubers can take longer, depending on traffic.
CDG Tips: Charles de Gaulle is a sprawling airport, so leave extra time for connections or departures. Also once you get past security, you still need to go through customs before you can get to your gate, so don’t get stuck in Duty Free for too long… Many terminals have local dining options; grab a baguette sandwich or a sweet éclair at Maison Pradier before your flight.
If you’re already in Europe, the Eurostar connects London to Paris in just over two hours, and the TGV high-speed trains make traveling from other cities like Amsterdam or Geneva fast and convenient.
If this sounds like your next vacay, we’ll deliver our Full Guide to Paris to your inbox next Sunday with curated recommendations from our trip and places we can’t wait to go back to.
Making Headlines:
Mexico Travel Update: The ‘Tequila Train’ From Guadalajara Is Back (Forbes): After a nine-year hiatus, this scenic train ride through Jalisco's UNESCO-protected agave fields is back, connecting Guadalajara to the promised land of Tequila.
This Is the Ultimate Tool for Finding Under-the-Radar Destinations (CN Traveler): For your 2025 travel plans, escape overtourism using the UN Tourism database to find lesser-known destinations that prioritize culture, sustainability, and natural beauty.
Traveling to Greenland is about to get easier as new international airport opens (CNN Travel): Opened this past week, Nuuk International Airport will allow Greenland to be come a more accessible destination for adventurous travelers. And starting in June 2025, United Airlines will offer nonstop seasonal flights from Newark (EWR) that take just over 4 hours.
The Orient Express reveals its luxurious first-ever yachts (Wallpaper): Debuting summer of 2026, the Orient Express Corinthian will be the world’s largest sailing yacht at 220 meters, with three 100 meter-high masts and 54 suites.
On Our Radar
Here are some places we’re filing under ‘want to go’…
Red Sea, Saudi Arabia: The recently opened Shebara Resort is giving Maldives meets sci-fi in the Red Sea, a destination that is going to see much more luxury development in the coming years.
Portland Parish, Jamaica: Diplo’s new brutalist compound in Jamaica is what island dreams are made of — complete with a recording studio, yoga shala, and spa.
Until next time, stay curious.
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