This is Paris: 9 ways to alleviate stress in the big city

I pressed book. It was done. I was going to Paris, one of the most talked about cities in the world, its landmarks making countless appearances on magazine covers while serving as the inspiration and backdrop for hundreds of films and critically acclaimed writings.

Upon landing, reality struck that despite having arrived in the land of love and lights, it was also an epicentre of business, international affairs and tourism. No amount of this rumoured Paris magic would dispel heavy crowds, language barriers and confusion around which mode of transit to take and where to catch it.

With a dead phone in my pocket and French about as a rusty as an old GMC pick-up, things were already off to a bad start. My eyes quickly settled upon the McDonalds as I glanced around for anything that looked remotely familiar. While seeing such a strong symbol of Americanization is somewhat off putting during travels abroad, it does serve a purpose in times like these.

I took few seconds to sit down and mentally prepare for potentially sticky situations such as hopping on a train going the wrong direction with what felt like a million pounds on my back that tended to make my arms go numb if carried too long.

My stomach twisted into a small knot as I glanced back through the glass at the raging current of suits, heels and the odd sneaker whirling by.

I took a deep breath before plunging back in, searching for a friendly face that I could ask for help. Spotting a smiling airport employee, I mustered up my best French accent and sputtered out what little vocabulary I remembered from grade 8 French class. “Bonjour, Comment ca-va? ”

If I ever had to fake a French nationality, my cover would be blown immediately as the girl, despite smiling at my honest attempt responded back in English. With an A for effort working in my favor, she happily directed me to the appropriate transit system while explaining how to purchase a ticket and where to get it. Upon finishing her explanation, she got this twinkle in her eye and in the most authentic French accent, she left me with three parting words…

“This is Paris. ”

With that, she turned on her heel and walked in the opposite direction, disappearing into the endless crowd of people.

Somewhat of a dramatic exit, it was my first insight into the cinematic qualities the atmosphere of the city was said to have. Yet, only when I had fully settled in and arrived at my room would I be able to let myself get swept up in this magical undercurrent.

Does this somewhat frantic situation sound familiar through your own travels in reaching a large and unknown place? While you dream of making it to Paris, Berlin, Rome etc., it can also be stressful as you try to orientate yourself in an entirely new city. Overtime, I have developed strategies for making the transition from the tarmac to the street as smooth as possible.

I thought I would share some of the ways that help me alleviate the stress of arriving in a new and foreign place, that may just come in handy in your own travels.

1. Know at least a few words in the local language

Language is power! You’d be surprised at how well your efforts will be received in addressing someone in the local language as it can immediately change their tone towards you. Furthermore, desperate situations can often be turned around by mixing in a few key words and phrases in and among a variety of creative hand gestures.

Before leaving for Italy, I took up Coffee Break Italian, an amazing podcast available in several languages that can be downloaded on Spotify as well as iTunes. Each episode gradually builds upon the previous one, providing you with the basics, survival vocabulary, proper pronunciation and even more advanced grammar lessons. Cultural tidbits are also included. Both the host and co-host also make for an entertaining and easy to listen to duo and with episodes spanning only 20 minutes, being too busy is no excuse as you can play it on the car ride home from work and of course, on your coffee break.

Another option is Duolingo, a free and effective phone application that acts as an interactive language learning tool. Notifications are also sent to your phone regularly making you accountable to keep practicing daily. Lessons can even be addicting as you work to gain points, earn badges and unlock the next levels.

With so many free tools available, you have no excuse but to gain some fluency before showing up at your next destination.

2. Get a map and study it before hand

While Google maps is great, it can really drain your phone battery. Without a mobile and no means of getting home, an epic night out on the town can quickly turn sour. Be sure to get a real, paper map, available at most tobacco and newspaper stands as well as tourist information offices. Practice learning how to read it, carefully marking the location of the street you will be staying on.

A paper map becomes particularly important if your accommodations is on a remote side alley as most locals will probably give you a blank if you ask them for directions. On the other hand, if you have a map with a giant star marking your location, they can most likely provide guidance towards the nearest main street.

3. Write the address of where you are staying on a piece of paper

Again, self-phones die so don’t be overly reliant on your mobile device to get you to where you need to be. While this may seem obvious, know the address of your air b n b, hostel etc. In most cases, street names are usually in the local language, making them difficult to pronounce. As such, locals may give you a confused stare as you try to ask for assistance in finding your way. Furthermore, complicated names are easy to forget so be sure to write it down on a piece of paper so in case you forget or don’t know how to properly pronounce the name.

While there are plenty of people around to ask for directions, they become quite useless if you are unable to tell them exactly where you are headed.

4. Have cash!

We’ve all been there. You finish your meal only to be told afterwards that the restaurant or bar only takes cash. You feverishly dig through your wallet, scraping up whatever coins and folded up bills you have, praying that they will somehow total the amount due.

If you don’t have friends around to bail you out, you may find yourself having to pawn off a talent in order to pay the bill. With the chances of a karaoke performance being accepted as payment being pretty slim, it’s best to make sure you are carrying some of the local currency around with you. You would be surprised how many places throughout Europe do not accept credit card or only take plastic if your purchase is over a certain amount. This goes for taxis as well. While some are more advanced and have a device plugged into their phone to take card, many only take hard cash.

5. Wear a money belt

If you want to fully enjoy the experience of walking around the Eiffel tower, Roman Coliseum etc. keep all valuable items such as large amounts of cash and passports secure in a money belt designed to fit under clothing. This way, you can spend more time appreciating a view most people only dream of reaching rather than constantly having to whorl you neck around every time someone barely touches you.

6. Allow for extra time

If you think you’ve got nothing but time, you probably don’t. I can’t tell you how many times I have been on busses, trains and planes that have arrived well beyond the predicted arrival time. From holdups at border crossings due to passengers trying to cross with fake passports to busted vehicle suspension, be prepared for almost anything that may delay your trip.

If you have a plane to catch and require taking a train to reach the airport, consider leaving the night before. Or, take the earliest time available. Trust me, you’ll be thanking yourself the moment the train grinds to a halt in the middle of nowhere and sits on the track for a few hours, yet you still manage to make that 1:30 p. m. flight.

7. Don’t be afraid to ask someone

While cell phones are useful tool for travelling, there is still something to be said for just going up to someone whether it’s at a tourism office or in a booth if you are lost or confused. This especially goes for checking departure times for trains and busses.

Google often contains outdated schedules for transit times. Just the other day, I overheard some girls speaking with the bus ticket office employee in Zagreb Croatia who intended to come and board a 7:30 am bus to Plitvice National Park. She informed that the only bus was at 8:40 a. m., delaying their trip by an hour or two. Their response; “but online it said…” The woman’s response? A simple eye roll.

8. Arrive at your destination during daylight hours

Even if it costs more, it is worth it to pay the extra money for the train, plane bus etc. that will have you at your destination while the sun is still high in the sky and people are still out and about. If you arrive early in the morning, such as 2 a. m. or late at night, you may run into several difficulties in reaching your accommodations as public transit may no longer be running at these odd hours, forcing you take what could be an expensive cab ride. Bus depots and train stations also tend to be located in the more dangerous areas of town. So save your money for the souvenirs instead and keep yourself safe by making sure you arrive in the city before the sky turns to black.

9. Get a data plan on your phone

While Wi-Fi is widely available nowadays, data can certainly come in handy during the times when you cannot locate a café to hook up and need to figure out a way to get to wherever you are staying. Phone plans in Europe are cheap and easy to set up. Simply get a SIM card upon your arrival at any major service provider such as Wind, Vodaphone, and O2, easily found in airports, major train stations as well as several places in town. Plans generally give you anywhere from 5 to 10 GIG of data along with calling and texting for around 15 to 20 EUR.

Here you have it, 9 ways to help make your experience in one of these bucket list destinations all you dreamed it would be and more.

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