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7 Tips for Planning the Perfect Weekend in Paris

By U.S. News & World Report

Home to iconic sights, like the Eiffel Tower, the gilded Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre, the City of Light beckons to travelers with its inspiring landmarks and its irresistible charm. However, Paris, with its vibrant neighborhoods, tucked-away quarters, trendy boutiques and bohemian cafes, offers much more than striking art and architecture. And though it’s impossible to soak up all of the city’s classic and trendsetting spots in one weekend, to embrace the city’s authentic charms, you must explore the city’s can’t-miss tourist attractions and off-the-beaten-path corners. With this in mind, here are seven smart ways to plan the perfect weekend getaway in France’s enchanting capital.

[See: The Best Cities for a Weekend Getaway.]

Stay in an Apartment

If you want to trim down costs, consider renting an apartment rather than splurging on an expensive hotel. Not only can you shave a few hundred euros off your trip, but you’ll easily get acclimated to Parisian culture in a short time frame. Many reputable vacation rental sites, like Paris Perfect, offer great deals on short-term rentals in many of the city’s most popular arrondissements, or districts, such as Le Marais in the 3e and 4e arrondissements and St. Germaine, in the 6e arrondissement.

Shop at the Local Markets

It’s no secret that shopping in Paris can be a little pricey, especially when it comes to food and wine. To save money on food costs while visiting, buy snacks and groceries from street carts and markets. One of the most popular farmers markets is the marché raspail, which is open on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Here, you’ll find everything from locally grown produce to charcuterie to fresh fish and cheese varieties. Another favorite haunt is Rue Montorgueil in the 1e and 2e arrondissements. While perusing the market, you may even spot some of Paris’s top chefs and food writers shopping for pastries, cheeses and other ingredients.

Allow Ample Time to Explore Famous and Lesser-Known Attractions

While there certainly are certain must-see sights to explore if you’ve never been to Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Champs-Élysées, the City of Light offers many other exciting, lesser-known attractions. After visiting these iconic attractions in the morning or before closing times to dodge crowds, make sure to check out some hidden gems, such as the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (the Decorative Arts Museum) on Rue de Rivoli and the Musée Marmottan-Claude Monet on Rue Louis-Voilly, which houses the largest collection of works by Claude Monet. Locals also love the the Jardin des Serres d’Auteul, a collection of 19th-century greenhouses that surround a magnificent central tropical greenhouse. And if you’re a lit fan, make sure to visit Pere Lachaise, a cemetery near the 20e arrondissement that holds the graves of Oscar Wilde and Frédéric Chopin.

[See: 12 Great Destinations in Europe You Can Afford.]

Take the Métro, Bus or Walk

Even though taxis may be convenient, they are one of the most expensive ways to get around the city. Because of the city traffic, many rides end up costing nearly double what they should. To avoid hefty rates, see more of the city by walking or taking the quick and convenient metro. You’ll find stops in almost every neighborhood, and single ride tickets cost just 1.80 euro. If you’d prefer to stay above ground, take the bus. Bus tickets cost about 2 euros and give you easy access to the city’s most famed attractions.

Dress Like a Local

If you want to blend in effortlessly while you stroll along the city’s wide boulevards, skip the sweatshirts, baggy jeans and fanny packs. Instead, don something a little more chic, such as fitted pants and suit jackets for men or fashionable dresses and comfortable flats for women. And if you’re planning a fall, winter or spring weekend getaway, opt for a trench coat, fitted blazers and a long scarf that you can easily pack into a compact carry-on.

Explore Vintage Markets

Like Paris’s best cafés and cozy bistros, the best outfit retailers are found in the city’s quieter, lesser-visited neighborhoods. For an eclectic mix of old and new items, visit Rue de Charonne, which is situated behind the bustling Bastille. Here, you’ll find rows of fashionable boutiques tailored to a variety of budgets. The Etienne Marcel neighborhood is another crowd-pleasing area for shoppers, thanks to its laid-back vibe and quirky boutiques filled with records, unique prints and well-tailored fabrics.

[See: 10 Secret European Spots to Visit This Year.]

Practice a Few French Phrases

The French have long been regaled as being unfriendly to Americans. However, this myth is far from true. The key to winning over Parisians is to simply speak the local language. Before your trip, learn a few key phrases to better communicate with locals and easily navigate around the city, haggle for the lowest prices and ask questions. Phrases like “bonjour” (hello), “parlez-vous anglais?” (do you speak English?) and “Ou est…?” (where is …?) are simple to learn and put into practice.

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7 Tips for Planning the Perfect Weekend in Paris originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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