Travel & Leisure: Europe

Why do you want to do this?

Haven't been. Want to see.

What three things will you need to make this happen?

Decide on travel dates. April to June or September to November. April or May?

Decide on sites to see and get a Frommer's book. Places to See - 1. D-Day Beaches at Normandy June 6th, 1944 - site of the largest amphibious military operation in world history. The campaign led to the loss of German position in most of France and the establishment of a new major front. *Omaha beach - beach occupied by the 1st and 29th American divisions. *Normandy American Cemetery - 9,386 American soldiers are buried here, territory now owned by the US - a gift from France. (open daily 9am to 5pm) *Waterborne tour via Les Vedeettes de Normandie - tours the coastline with English recorded commentary (mid-April to mid-October 3x's per day, 90 min. & 3 hour tours) *Pointe de Hoc - a jagged lime cliff scaled by American Rangers to get to the pillboxes (gun emplacements) *Utah beach -where the 4th US Infantry division landed & Nazi defenses were weak. By midday the infantry completely cleared the beach. 3 hours from Paris, best to visit on weekdays 2. Maginot Line In the 1930's the Maginot Line was viewed as a military marvel, an impregnable network of fortifications stretching along France's border with Germany, from Belgium to Switzerland, designed to prevent an invasion from Nazi Germany and a repeat of the bloody trench warfare of World War I. Unfortunately, it didn't work. Germany simply broke through Belgian defenses to the north and went around it, trapping the hapless French, British, & Belgian armies. Germany later attacked the line from the rear, taking over 500,000 prisoners. Visit April to October, dress warmly, the underground tunnels and casemates aren't heated and average temperatures are around 54 degrees even during the summer, tours are 2 hours. 3. The Louvre The world's largest museum that has housed priceless art since 1793, the most famous of which is the Mona Lisa by Leonardo DaVinci. 4. Eiffel Tower Built in 1889 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. 5. Arc de Triomphe Inaugurated in 1836, this monument honors those who fought and died in the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. 6. Paris Saint-Germain F.C. game Founded in 1970, they are the 2nd most popular soccer club in France - approximately 11% of the population supports the team.

Calculate the cost of the flight, accommodations, food, and other travel expenses. Flight is $1300 and $139 for taxes and fees for one passenger round trip.

What is the biggest barrier to your achieving this?

Committing to booking the flight.