Fabulous Financials

If you missed it, here’s a summary of our Paris vacation.  The summary outlines the transition of my dream vacation from a simple idea to planning and living a dream come true.  Now here is the damage and after effects. LOL

When I booked our trip, I shared that I paid approximately $4,550, which included the following:

• Round trip airfare x 2
• Round trip transportation from/to airport x 2
• 4 star hotel in Paris for 7 nights
• Bus tour, river Seine cruise, tour and lunch at Eiffel Tower x 2
• 2 days hop off/hop on sightseeing bus x 2
• 2 days Paris pass to all museums and monuments x 2
• 2 days unlimited metro and bus pass x 2
• 1 day trip to London with transportation and a full day itinerary x 2

During the planning and prep stage, I spent approximately $125.  I bought an international adapter, a book on France, and a few clothes from Ross.

Prior to leaving the U.S., I withdrew $500 from the ATM and exchanged it for 380 euros at the airport.  This amount included foreign exchange fees.  In the future, I will do this at my own bank to avoid the extra fees.

The day we traveled to London (mid-way vacation), I withdrew 160 euros from the ATM with my debit card.  Shortly after, my bank (USAA) sent a text that read $200.90 US based on the exchange rate for the day.  When the transaction posted to my checking account, it read $202.51 US, including the exchange rate and my bank’s 1% foreign exchange fee.

When we arrived in London, I exchanged a few euros for pounds.  I don’t remember the exact euro-to-pound exchange rate, but let’s just say the dollar is weaker than the euro and the euro is weaker than the pound.  Basically, our dollar is worth diddly-squat around the world! LOL  Needless to say, I spent all of my pounds in one day.

Back in Paris, the euros I had on hand were more than enough for the rest of our trip.  All of our sightseeing expenses were covered, so we only had to spend money on food, drinks, tips, and shopping.  Which reminds me…I used a credit card (USAA) to pay for my shoes that were on sale for 64 euros (reg. 129 euro).  When the transaction posted to my credit card, it read $82.02 US, including the exchange rate and my bank’s 1% foreign exchange fee.  The 1% fee for this transaction will be offset by the 1% cash back I earn with this card.

At the end of our vacation, almost all of our foreign currency was gone.  I came home with approximately 8 euros (paper and coins) and 5 pounds (all coins) as souvenirs.

In total, I spent approximately $5,500 for 2 people to enjoy a 7 day vacation in Paris and London.

• Reservations and Activities: $4,550
• Trip Prep: $125
• Cash Conversion: $700
• Shopping Transaction Conversion: $81

Based on my planned budget, this total amount was as expected.  Besides, in celebration of my daughter’s 18^th birthday, high school graduation, and our first international trip as mother and daughter, it was worth every dime. :-)

I enjoyed Paris so much, I already know I’m going back…hopefully sooner rather than later.  Their culture fascinates me and there’s much to see and do! The next time I’m in Paris, I plan to:

• Stay in the Latin Quarter
• Go clubbing on Ave des Champs-Élysées
• See the show Moulin Rouge
• Visit Château de Versailles
• See a fashion show
• Spend an entire day exploring small shops and cafes in non-touristy areas
• Lace up the Asics and go for a run along the River Seine

I read that Paris is only 6 miles wide. *mind racing with ideas* All I need is a reason.  Hmm…maybe I should plan another trip when I’m ready to run my first 10+ mile race!  How’s that for a double-edged incentive? :-)

While traveling in Europe, I made a mental note of banks that I recognized.  Between Paris and London, I only saw HSBC, ING, and American Express.  I’m not really surprised because they seem to have the world on lock.  But here are a few banks that I didn’t recognize.

I know Barclays is a global financial firm, but it is not a recognizable household name (to me).  The other two are associated with specific geographic locations and made me think of Bank of America.  Wonder if they suck as bad you would find a BofA in another country? LOL

October 2007 was the first time I mentioned my desire to vacation in Europe.

January 2008 was the first time I specifically mentioned Paris, France and it became one of my goals in writing.

It didn’t happen in 2008 for various reasons.  In hindsight, this was a good thing.  But it made the goal list again in January 2009 and I continued to save until the timing was right.

July 2009 was the first time I mentioned the trip would be BabyGirl’s graduation gift in 2010.  This set it in stone and I was confident we’d go.

The following December 2009, it made the 2010 goal list.

In April 2010, I finally booked the trip and announced We’re Going to Paris!!  I charged it to my credit card for rewards, but the balance was paid in full when the statement period closed.

You all helped with my vacation preparation and to do list.  Thanks to your tips and advice, I planned and prepared for the trip with very little stress.

On June 18th, BabyGirl graduated HS, and on July 1st, we were on our way to Paris!  Not only did we celebrate BG’s HS graduation, but she became of age in this beautiful city.

Here’s a summary of the updates I shared while we were in Paris:

Paris Day 1

Bonjour! Paris Jour 2!

Bonjour, Mes Amis!

Nos Derniers Jours de Paris

Au Revoir Paris!

I enjoyed documenting the experience real time and I appreciate you all coming along for the ride. Bonjour!

View of Paris from the top of the Notre Dame Cathedral

Today is our last day in Paris and I’m sad. I mean, really sad.  For the past week, I feel like I’ve been living a fantasy.  The sites, the food, the culture…wow! And my daughter celebrated her 18th birthday in Paris, France! *faint* This vacation has been absolutely amazing!

Shortly, we will have french beignets, probably stroll the nearby residential neighborhood, and maybe even visit the Eiffel Tower…all for the last time.

As a result of this experience, BG has decided that she wants to spend a semester studying abroad and I have a sudden desire to see the rest of Europe.  Until then, we have several souvenirs, over 300 pictures, and countless memories that will last a lifetime.

Au revoir Paris!