The Jetpacker

If there’s one thing we wish we knew before going to Paris, it’s this:  you can’t see everything.

You can’t get upset about it.  You can’t try to rush it.  You just have to accept it and enjoy the time you have.

We spent a full week in Paris and it wasn’t nearly enough time.  Sure, we caught the major highlights.  But we still missed the Musée d’Orsay, Versailles, the Catacombs, and countless other sights (and chocolate shops) that were on our checklist.

In a strange way, that’s actually a good thing.  Once you’ve seen the touristy side of this vast metropolis, you’ll want to return and delve below the skin of Paris to see what makes it live and breathe.

Now, some travel guides insist you can see everything we saw in less time.  Maybe if the day was 40 hours long.  Maybe if all the major attractions were in a row right next to each other.  Maybe if you only care about being able to say you’ve “been there” versus actually taking the time to experience each attraction.

But to truly appreciate Paris, you need to take your time.  Savor the experience.  Don’t jump from one sight to the next.  Calm down and take it in.  You won’t see everything in one trip.  And that’s okay.  Paris will be there when you return.