THE COULTER FAMILY
THE COULTER FAMILY
One-week Vacation in Paris, France Grand Hotel du Palais Royal
Q: How did you decide on the destination?
A: My husband had a business trip to Paris and asked if we( me and our three kids) wanted to tag along and make a vacation out of it. There seemed to be a million reasons why we shouldn’ t go between school and work, but the wanderlust in me took over and the answer quickly became“ YES, let’ s do it!”
Q: What did your travel advisor do for you?
A: She arranged a kid-friendly tour at the Louvre, a can’ t- miss cultural activity. We had a private tour that catered to their interests and attention span. Opting for a guided tour also meant that we got to skip the long admission line.
She also booked a babysitting service she had vetted so we could have a chance to head out on the town kid-free. A date night in France, filled with adult conversation, food and cocktails, is as enchanting as it sounds. After all, it would be a sin to leave this city without at least a few hours of romance.
Q: What did the kids like about Paris?
A: In the Garden of Tuileries, there’ s a trampoline park where kids can burn off extra energy before the next museum visit or café. There’ s also a carousel that plays French nursery rhymes, which is a charming touch. Have the kids count the stairs at the Eiffel Tower so they get plenty of exercise( which translates into a good night’ s sleep) and reward them with ice cream. Climbing the stairs versus taking the elevator
also means a less expensive entry ticket.
Q: What impression did the trip leave on your family?
A: For my husband and me, the ingredients for a successful family vacation include making the kids happy, finding some alone time to reconnect and experiencing the local culture( specifically the wine and food), in that order. On those three levels, our time in Paris was a complete success. If you’ re looking for an international experience that would fit well for a young family, then follow Audrey Hepburn’ s advice—“ Paris is always a good idea.”
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